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Ask A Vet
Author: TriSec
Date: 09/23/2008 10:39:31
Good Morning.
Today is our 2,015th day in Iraq.
As we always do, we'll start with the latest casualties from the warron terra, courtesy of antiwar.com:
American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03): 4169
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03): 4030
Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03): 3708
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3303
Since Election (1/31/05): 2723
Other Coalition Troops - Iraq: 314
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 604
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 376
Contractor Deaths - Iraq: 444
We find this morning's cost of war passing through: $556, 468, 750, 000. 00
Coupled with a proposed Wall Street bailout of $700,000,000,000.00, that's a bitter pill for the next few generations to swallow, hmm?
We're going to do something just a little bit different today. While perusing some of the other blogs linked through IAVA, I ran across something called the "Iowa Veterans Blog". Admittedly, nearly all of us here are hardcore liberals or have a decidedly leftward lean...so more out of curiosity than anything else, I read through some of it to see what the "other side" might think, as Iowa is pretty red these days.
I found a remarkable story about a veteran that couldn't deal with what he saw at Abu Ghraib, decided he was not following Christ, and became a conscientous objector.
Lastly this morning, you may recall that a few weeks back, Meghan McCain, daughter of the presidential candidate, claimed that ""no one knows what war is like other than my family."
I was honestly surprised that Paul Riekhoff didn't make hay with that statement, but I have found some families that did. Military Families Speak Out certainly had something to say about that.
And so we go another week at war.
Today is our 2,015th day in Iraq.
As we always do, we'll start with the latest casualties from the warron terra, courtesy of antiwar.com:
American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03): 4169
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03): 4030
Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03): 3708
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3303
Since Election (1/31/05): 2723
Other Coalition Troops - Iraq: 314
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 604
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 376
Contractor Deaths - Iraq: 444
We find this morning's cost of war passing through: $556, 468, 750, 000. 00
Coupled with a proposed Wall Street bailout of $700,000,000,000.00, that's a bitter pill for the next few generations to swallow, hmm?
We're going to do something just a little bit different today. While perusing some of the other blogs linked through IAVA, I ran across something called the "Iowa Veterans Blog". Admittedly, nearly all of us here are hardcore liberals or have a decidedly leftward lean...so more out of curiosity than anything else, I read through some of it to see what the "other side" might think, as Iowa is pretty red these days.
I found a remarkable story about a veteran that couldn't deal with what he saw at Abu Ghraib, decided he was not following Christ, and became a conscientous objector.
Growing up in a military and evangelical Christian family in Cedar Rapids, little did Joshua Casteel know that two powerful forces would be battling for his soul in a notorious Iraqi prison known as Abu Ghraib.
In the wake of the Abu Ghraib prison scandal in 2004, Casteel, 24, who served with the Army’s 202nd Military Intelligence Battalion as an Arabic translator and U.S. Army interrogator inside the prison, faced an internal struggle between his sense of duty as a soldier and his moral and religious obligations.
After he had executed over 100 interrogations, Casteel’s internal battle coalesced in the case of a 22-year-old Saudi detainee, a self-proclaimed Jihadi who never fired a gun in his life, yet came to Iraq to fill his cousin’s shoes.
Ironically, Casteel, who had already been fighting a moral struggle before the interrogation, ended up being the one interrogated.
“When the Saudi told me that I wasn’t following Jesus, I told him he was right,” Casteel told the Iowa Independent during an interview. “If anything, I should be in his shoes, because the people who are the most important to me in my life were prisoners: Jesus, Saint Paul, anti-Nazi martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King. They were never the captors.”
It was this epiphany that convinced Casteel to tell his commanding officer that he couldn’t interrogate the Saudi prisoner anymore because he saw him as a 22-year-old kid and a person, not an object of exploitation.
“I couldn’t argue with him about the virtue of nonviolence, so it was at this point I decided that I needed to make a practical decision in my life,” Casteel said. “I, too, had to lead by example.”
Casteel’s conscience and morality as a human being overcame his duty as a soldier, and it was here that he initiated the process of filing for conscientious objector status, eventually ending his military career.
...
Casteel completed his tour, returned to the United States in January 2005, submitted his CO paperwork in February and was honorably discharged in May.
“This is wildly fast for a CO to get processed and discharged," he said. "I had never heard of such a quick turnaround. Under the military’s ‘Needs of the Army' clause, a CO is a lag to morale, so the military didn’t want me around killing morale.”
Lastly this morning, you may recall that a few weeks back, Meghan McCain, daughter of the presidential candidate, claimed that ""no one knows what war is like other than my family."
I was honestly surprised that Paul Riekhoff didn't make hay with that statement, but I have found some families that did. Military Families Speak Out certainly had something to say about that.
Mélida Arredondo, a member of Military Families Speak Out (MFSO) and Gold Star Families Speak Out (GSFSO) responded:
Meghan McCain was born in 1984 and has the opportunity to speak to the media. My stepson Alex also was born in 1984. He cannot speak to the media. Why? Because he was deployed to Iraq twice and killed on his second tour. He returned from his first tour of duty very much impacted by PTSD yet returned to be with his troops to be at their side.
We also have a nephew who is currently serving in Afghanistan in the army.
My family has more than an idea of what war is like. We live the war everyday. When we have a holiday, there's a place set for Alex.
What my husband and I do not have an idea of is what it would be like to hold our 24 year old son in our arms again since he was killed at the age of 20. Period.
Lcpl. Alexander Arredondo, USMC was killed in action in An Najaf, Iraq on August 25, 2004.
MFSO and GSFSO members Joyce and Kevin Lucey are the parents of Lcpl. Jeffrey Lucey, USMC, who killed himself on June 22, 2004 after being denied treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder connected with his service in Iraq. The Luceys write:
There are too many of us who know all too well what war is like - much more than the McCain family.
How many of us have buried our loves and part of our futures due to war ... have the McCains? How many of us have watched our lives forever changed so radically ... and for what? ... have the McCains? How many of us have watched our loved ones suffer so much by wounds - be they physical or hidden - until they succumbed to their wounds ... have the McCains? How many of us have had faith in the VA and the Government to care for our troops and veterans only to see them turn their backs and abandon our heroes - leaving them in the battlefields of their ravished souls and minds - have the McCains? How many of us have looked to the veterans in Congress to take the lead to treat our veterans and military families as they claim that they should be ... regretfully this is where the McCains have failed this nation. Senator McCain abandoned our troops and veterans - voting time and time again against bills which would have given help to his less fortunate brothers and sisters in arms. God Knows how many lives he might have saved - if he truly had cared.
If he has done this to his own brothers and sisters in arms - My God! ... what would he do to our nation?
The past is the best predictor for the future.
We invite Meghan to spend some time with us in our world. We pray that she will accept.
And so we go another week at war.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
m-hadley on 09/23/2008 11:11:36
m-hadley on 09/23/2008 11:11:36
TriSec,
I am left speechless this morning - the horrors of war I can barely imagine, and will likely never actually know, but they are brought home by your brave words to me this morning. Like I said - I have nothing to say, but damn "war sucks."
mfaye :rage:
:peace:
I am left speechless this morning - the horrors of war I can barely imagine, and will likely never actually know, but they are brought home by your brave words to me this morning. Like I said - I have nothing to say, but damn "war sucks."
mfaye :rage:
:peace:
Comment by 
BobR on 09/23/2008 12:36:55
BobR on 09/23/2008 12:36:55
morning folks... :coffee:
sobering post as always.
sobering post as always.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 09/23/2008 12:42:55
wickedpam on 09/23/2008 12:42:55
morning :hug:
Comment by 
Scoopster on 09/23/2008 13:10:55
Scoopster on 09/23/2008 13:10:55
Morning all. 
The war at home, the war abroad. The only difference is here people are not dying from bullets and bombs.
The war at home, the war abroad. The only difference is here people are not dying from bullets and bombs.
Comment by Scoopster on 09/23/2008 13:15:50
Scoopster on 09/23/2008 13:15:50
Don't wanna break the bloggie with this pic so I'll just link it:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/skewpster/lexuswtf.jpg
I thought hybrids were supposed to be good on gas....
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/skewpster/lexuswtf.jpg
I thought hybrids were supposed to be good on gas....
Comment by 
Raine on 09/23/2008 13:16:21
Raine on 09/23/2008 13:16:21
Good Morning everyone! 
Comment by 
Grumpymann on 09/23/2008 13:18:23
Grumpymann on 09/23/2008 13:18:23
Hey Folks!
Comment by wickedpam on 09/23/2008 13:19:55
wickedpam on 09/23/2008 13:19:55
Hey Raine, Grump, everyone :D
Comment by 
TriSec on 09/23/2008 13:26:14
TriSec on 09/23/2008 13:26:14
Say, wouldn't it be easier *and* helpful to put a re-regulation rider on any industry bailout package to read thusly:
"Pursuant to the delivery of free taxpayer handouts, any and all regulations that were in place prior to the industry downturn shall be re-established and will remain in place for a period of not less than 10 years."
"Pursuant to the delivery of free taxpayer handouts, any and all regulations that were in place prior to the industry downturn shall be re-established and will remain in place for a period of not less than 10 years."
Comment by Grumpymann on 09/23/2008 13:30:01
Hey WP
Grumpymann on 09/23/2008 13:30:01
Quote by wickedpam:
Hey Raine, Grump, everyone :D
Hey WP
Comment by Grumpymann on 09/23/2008 13:30:03
Hey WP
Grumpymann on 09/23/2008 13:30:03
Quote by wickedpam:
Hey Raine, Grump, everyone :D
Hey WP
Comment by TriSec on 09/23/2008 13:38:13
TriSec on 09/23/2008 13:38:13
Heh.
Didn't I say that somewhere before?
Papa TriSec is 2 years younger than Sen. McCain.
Sen. Obama is *a few years* older than me.
I know who I'd vote for based on that alone...the guy I have more in common with.
I'm sorry, Papa TriSec would probably make a great president, but his issues and concerns aren't mine, and we do diverge on several items that are near and dear to me. (mostly gay rights and stuff, he can be so old-school in that regard).
Anyway...
Didn't I say that somewhere before?
Papa TriSec is 2 years younger than Sen. McCain.
Sen. Obama is *a few years* older than me.
I know who I'd vote for based on that alone...the guy I have more in common with.
I'm sorry, Papa TriSec would probably make a great president, but his issues and concerns aren't mine, and we do diverge on several items that are near and dear to me. (mostly gay rights and stuff, he can be so old-school in that regard).
Anyway...
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 13:41:22
Brite Eyed and Bushy Tailed !
Raine on 09/23/2008 13:41:22
Comment by TriSec on 09/23/2008 13:42:08
TriSec on 09/23/2008 13:42:08
Hmm...seems that I have to make a correction on the blog, regarding the fine people of the great state of Iowa.
Imagine my surprise!
Imagine my surprise!
Comment by TriSec on 09/23/2008 13:46:15
TriSec on 09/23/2008 13:46:15
Baby!
<-- Aunt Bunny
<-- Aunt Bunny
Comment by 
livingonli on 09/23/2008 13:47:06
livingonli on 09/23/2008 13:47:06
Good morning everyone. 
Last night I was also listening to Mike Malloy. And he really was attacking the bailout as an example of The Shock Doctrine especially going after the clause that would give the Executive Branch a lot of power in financial matters. Hopefully, the Progressive Democrats along with some traditional Conservative Republicans may be able to unite and kill this thing especially since it will only keep the economy long enough for the election and dump the shit on the next President.
Last night I was also listening to Mike Malloy. And he really was attacking the bailout as an example of The Shock Doctrine especially going after the clause that would give the Executive Branch a lot of power in financial matters. Hopefully, the Progressive Democrats along with some traditional Conservative Republicans may be able to unite and kill this thing especially since it will only keep the economy long enough for the election and dump the shit on the next President.
Comment by Scoopster on 09/23/2008 13:53:14
Woooooo baby pic!! :party:
Scoopster on 09/23/2008 13:53:14
Quote by Raine:Brite Eyed and Bushy Tailed !
Woooooo baby pic!! :party:
Comment by 
starling310 on 09/23/2008 13:53:23
starling310 on 09/23/2008 13:53:23
"This is a hold up, folks!"
So true.
So true.
Comment by livingonli on 09/23/2008 13:54:50
Trickle-down economics: Don't piss on my back and tell me it's raining.
livingonli on 09/23/2008 13:54:50
Quote by starling310:
"This is a hold up, folks!"
So true.
Trickle-down economics: Don't piss on my back and tell me it's raining.
Comment by BobR on 09/23/2008 13:56:16
BobR on 09/23/2008 13:56:16
They should just play the club mix every time...
Comment by livingonli on 09/23/2008 13:56:57
livingonli on 09/23/2008 13:56:57
Hearing McCain say my friends and Palin say Guys and Gals over and over should be enough to dissuade people from voting for him but how many shows other than Steph would torture us like that?
Comment by 
Shane-O on 09/23/2008 13:57:21
Shane-O on 09/23/2008 13:57:21
Comment by BobR on 09/23/2008 13:57:41
I'm tired of being trickled on.
BobR on 09/23/2008 13:57:41
Quote by livingonli:
Trickle-down economics: Don't piss on my back and tell me it's raining.
I'm tired of being trickled on.
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 13:58:34
AWESOME!!!
Raine on 09/23/2008 13:58:34
Quote by Shane-O:
Comment by starling310 on 09/23/2008 14:04:19
starling310 on 09/23/2008 14:04:19
Ooh Raine!!! BABY!!! 
Well done Raine's Sis!
Well done Raine's Sis!
Comment by wickedpam on 09/23/2008 14:10:40
Bringing more of the cuteness!!!
wickedpam on 09/23/2008 14:10:40
Quote by Raine:Brite Eyed and Bushy Tailed !
Bringing more of the cuteness!!!
Comment by Shane-O on 09/23/2008 14:14:12
All ready to shake things up and ruffle some feathers? - I KEED! - Perfectly adorable. Congrats to Mom and Auntie Raine
Shane-O on 09/23/2008 14:14:12
Quote by Raine:Brite Eyed and Bushy Tailed !
All ready to shake things up and ruffle some feathers? - I KEED! - Perfectly adorable. Congrats to Mom and Auntie Raine
Comment by livingonli on 09/23/2008 14:14:34
livingonli on 09/23/2008 14:14:34
Bush is speaking at the UN. 
Comment by BobR on 09/23/2008 14:17:39
Is everybody rolling their eyes and smirking at the doofus?
BobR on 09/23/2008 14:17:39
Quote by livingonli:
Bush is speaking at the UN.
Is everybody rolling their eyes and smirking at the doofus?
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 14:19:44
Raine on 09/23/2008 14:19:44
I must admit, I am bias, but that is a cute little boy. Talked to my sister a few minutes ago, and she is even surprised at how animated the lil shit is.
Comment by livingonli on 09/23/2008 14:20:51
They haven't had close-ups. Maybe some of them are falling asleep or doodling.
livingonli on 09/23/2008 14:20:51
Quote by BobR:Quote by livingonli:
Bush is speaking at the UN.
Is everybody rolling their eyes and smirking at the doofus?
They haven't had close-ups. Maybe some of them are falling asleep or doodling.
Comment by BobR on 09/23/2008 14:20:52
BobR on 09/23/2008 14:20:52
The CEOs get a golden parachute, and the rest of us get a golden shower...
Comment by livingonli on 09/23/2008 14:26:14
livingonli on 09/23/2008 14:26:14
I like that: Prestard. 
Comment by wickedpam on 09/23/2008 14:39:18
wickedpam on 09/23/2008 14:39:18
the average person does not know who Carly is, so that point may fall on deaf ears.
Comment by TriSec on 09/23/2008 14:39:45
They're drawing little hearts and US flags on their notebooks and "President Obama" in flowing script...
TriSec on 09/23/2008 14:39:45
Quote by livingonli:
They haven't had close-ups. Maybe some of them are falling asleep or doodling.
They're drawing little hearts and US flags on their notebooks and "President Obama" in flowing script...
Comment by Scoopster on 09/23/2008 14:46:15
Scoopster on 09/23/2008 14:46:15
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 14:48:55
Raine on 09/23/2008 14:48:55
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 09/23/2008 15:08:59
velveeta jones on 09/23/2008 15:08:59
Great post. TriSec. You've made me more melancholy as I already am! :(
Question? Who is running out of gas? I live in a blue section of a red state. Atlanta? Blue section of a red state? Nashville? Blue section of a red state?
Why are we out of gas, but a short drive down the road - well into McCain Country - there is plenty? Scare tactic? Maybe we need more convincing that we need to "drill baby drill"?
<_<
Question? Who is running out of gas? I live in a blue section of a red state. Atlanta? Blue section of a red state? Nashville? Blue section of a red state?
Why are we out of gas, but a short drive down the road - well into McCain Country - there is plenty? Scare tactic? Maybe we need more convincing that we need to "drill baby drill"?
<_<
Comment by velveeta jones on 09/23/2008 15:09:43
velveeta jones on 09/23/2008 15:09:43
Oh, and Raine! Nice baby! Congrats Auntie!
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 15:14:56
:foil: You may be on to something there, VJ.
Raine on 09/23/2008 15:14:56
Quote by velveeta jones:
Great post. TriSec. You've made me more melancholy as I already am! :(
Question? Who is running out of gas? I live in a blue section of a red state. Atlanta? Blue section of a red state? Nashville? Blue section of a red state?
Why are we out of gas, but a short drive down the road - well into McCain Country - there is plenty? Scare tactic? Maybe we need more convincing that we need to "drill baby drill"?
<_<
Comment by TriSec on 09/23/2008 15:15:11
TriSec on 09/23/2008 15:15:11
I'm in the bluest of the blue (Massachusetts was the only state to have every county vote dark blue in 2004)...we've got plenty of gas; the price has even dropped 13 cents in the past 10 days or so.
Comment by livingonli on 09/23/2008 15:16:26
You are blowing my mind.
livingonli on 09/23/2008 15:16:26
Quote by velveeta jones:
Great post. TriSec. You've made me more melancholy as I already am! :(
Question? Who is running out of gas? I live in a blue section of a red state. Atlanta? Blue section of a red state? Nashville? Blue section of a red state?
Why are we out of gas, but a short drive down the road - well into McCain Country - there is plenty? Scare tactic? Maybe we need more convincing that we need to "drill baby drill"?
<_<
You are blowing my mind.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/23/2008 15:17:08
wickedpam on 09/23/2008 15:17:08
okay, how sick am I that I just downloaded the theme from Halloween for a ringtone and laughed out loud when it rang?
Comment by wickedpam on 09/23/2008 15:18:04
wickedpam on 09/23/2008 15:18:04
As for gas - haven't seen a station here say they were out, price did jump 20cents in less then a day and have been slow to go down again.
Comment by BobR on 09/23/2008 15:21:40
BobR on 09/23/2008 15:21:40
Actually, in Atlanta the gas ran out in the northern suburbs first. That area is solidly "lower my taxes" Republican. It kind of makes sense that an area that is full of selfish "me first" Republicans would make a run on all the gas stations to ensure that their gas-sucking SUVs were full.
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 15:22:05
Raine on 09/23/2008 15:22:05
Comment by TriSec on 09/23/2008 15:22:55
TriSec on 09/23/2008 15:22:55
Comment by Scoopster on 09/23/2008 15:28:25
Scoopster on 09/23/2008 15:28:25
There's a few gas stations here in Rhody that are selling gas under $3.50/gal now, and one that's down to $3.36!
I haven't asked my landlord if his usual spot (just across the border in Seekonk MA) has reached that point.
I haven't asked my landlord if his usual spot (just across the border in Seekonk MA) has reached that point.
Comment by TriSec on 09/23/2008 15:29:24
TriSec on 09/23/2008 15:29:24
Regular was listed at $3.49 in Watertown Square this morning....(Hess)
Comment by velveeta jones on 09/23/2008 15:29:24
Well, that's a really stupid ad. Isn't that the one that promises that you'll lose weight from cleansing your colon?
:blink: Dumb
velveeta jones on 09/23/2008 15:29:24
Quote by TriSec:
*sigh*
Another bad ad for Momma...
Evercleanse doesn't work; overpriced
Well, that's a really stupid ad. Isn't that the one that promises that you'll lose weight from cleansing your colon?
:blink: Dumb
Comment by wickedpam on 09/23/2008 15:33:06
aka - ExLax
wickedpam on 09/23/2008 15:33:06
Quote by velveeta jones:Quote by TriSec:
*sigh*
Another bad ad for Momma...
Evercleanse doesn't work; overpriced
Well, that's a really stupid ad. Isn't that the one that promises that you'll lose weight from cleansing your colon?
:blink: Dumb
aka - ExLax
Comment by wickedpam on 09/23/2008 15:33:34
3.59 - 3.72 here
wickedpam on 09/23/2008 15:33:34
Quote by TriSec:
Regular was listed at $3.49 in Watertown Square this morning....(Hess)
3.59 - 3.72 here
Comment by m-hadley on 09/23/2008 15:38:17
Ooooops,
I'm out on the ref desk and I just couldn't resist seeing what Shane-O came up with - so the entire ref alcove just an ear full of "I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take this anymore!" This is a law school afterall
BTB, Congrats Auntie Raine 
He is a real QT :)
Cheers,
mfaye
& :peace:
:gobama:
m-hadley on 09/23/2008 15:38:17
Quote by Shane-O:
Ooooops,
I'm out on the ref desk and I just couldn't resist seeing what Shane-O came up with - so the entire ref alcove just an ear full of "I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take this anymore!" This is a law school afterall
BTB, Congrats Auntie Raine He is a real QT :)Cheers,
mfaye
& :peace::gobama:
Comment by wickedpam on 09/23/2008 15:39:51
wickedpam on 09/23/2008 15:39:51
:rofl:
How many people laughed Faye :D
How many people laughed Faye :D
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 15:41:36
Raine on 09/23/2008 15:41:36
BobR just picked this off the TV machine(On Mute)
Hank Paulson : CEO of Goldman Sachs from 1999-2006, personal fortune: 500 Million dollars.
Hank Paulson : CEO of Goldman Sachs from 1999-2006, personal fortune: 500 Million dollars.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/23/2008 15:42:53
wickedpam on 09/23/2008 15:42:53
ugh - got into a heated discussion with a neighbor last night about that whole "dems are in charge and they have 51 seats". I mean WTF! Had to remind him that of the last 18years only 2 have seen Dems in charge plus also 51 seats does not make a veto proof majority and that right now no Repug is gonna cross the aisle.
Comment by Shane-O on 09/23/2008 15:43:40
Shane-O on 09/23/2008 15:43:40
I think this bail out deal is going the way of the Immigration bill...
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 15:44:35
Raine on 09/23/2008 15:44:35
Comment by BobR on 09/23/2008 15:45:46
It's a deceptive ad that does what it says, but implies results that it can't deliver. Yes it will clean out your colon. Yes it will make you lose weight as your colon is scraped clean.
No, it will not make you lose inches or flatten your stomach or make it look like you've lost fat.
I've been told that sort of product does work, and the process is not very pleasant, but the end result is that you've flushed out goop that probably isn't very good for you, and your intestines will work better, since there will be more surface area available to absorb nutrients.
As the link shows, there are other products already out there that do this, and they're apparently cheaper.
But to sell it as a "weight loss" product to insinuate that you'll look thinner is disengenious at best and dishonest at worst.
BobR on 09/23/2008 15:45:46
Quote by TriSec:
*sigh*
Another bad ad for Momma...
Evercleanse doesn't work; overpriced
It's a deceptive ad that does what it says, but implies results that it can't deliver. Yes it will clean out your colon. Yes it will make you lose weight as your colon is scraped clean.
No, it will not make you lose inches or flatten your stomach or make it look like you've lost fat.
I've been told that sort of product does work, and the process is not very pleasant, but the end result is that you've flushed out goop that probably isn't very good for you, and your intestines will work better, since there will be more surface area available to absorb nutrients.
As the link shows, there are other products already out there that do this, and they're apparently cheaper.
But to sell it as a "weight loss" product to insinuate that you'll look thinner is disengenious at best and dishonest at worst.
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 15:46:30
I swear to god, if they let these CEO's keep those exit bonuses I may very well lose my ever loving mind.
Raine on 09/23/2008 15:46:30
Quote by Shane-O:
I think this bail out deal is going the way of the Immigration bill...
I swear to god, if they let these CEO's keep those exit bonuses I may very well lose my ever loving mind.
Comment by BobR on 09/23/2008 15:48:54
not really. Ex-lax liquifies the contents of your bowels. These products are more like super-fiber products with acidopholous cultures added.
BobR on 09/23/2008 15:48:54
Quote by wickedpam:
aka - ExLax
not really. Ex-lax liquifies the contents of your bowels. These products are more like super-fiber products with acidopholous cultures added.
Comment by velveeta jones on 09/23/2008 15:50:13
Colon cleansing- here's the poop: cleans out the colon and you'll lose some weight, but not fat. If you want to shed fat- you'll still have to rely on the basics of diet and exercise.
These kind of commercials are so f*cking misleading. They prey on people, imo.
velveeta jones on 09/23/2008 15:50:13
Quote by BobR:Quote by TriSec:
*sigh*
Another bad ad for Momma...
Evercleanse doesn't work; overpriced
It's a deceptive ad that does what it says, but implies results that it can't deliver. Yes it will clean out your colon. Yes it will make you lose weight as your colon is scraped clean.
No, it will not make you lose inches or flatten your stomach or make it look like you've lost fat.
I've been told that sort of product does work, and the process is not very pleasant, but the end result is that you've flushed out goop that probably isn't very good for you, and your intestines will work better, since there will be more surface area available to absorb nutrients.
As the link shows, there are other products already out there that do this, and they're apparently cheaper.
But to sell it as a "weight loss" product to insinuate that you'll look thinner is disengenious at best and dishonest at worst.
Colon cleansing- here's the poop: cleans out the colon and you'll lose some weight, but not fat. If you want to shed fat- you'll still have to rely on the basics of diet and exercise.
These kind of commercials are so f*cking misleading. They prey on people, imo.
Comment by starling310 on 09/23/2008 15:52:25
starling310 on 09/23/2008 15:52:25
KLEIN! Naomi KLEIN people! 
Who needs Public Schools? We should all be home schooling while barefoot and pregnant!!!
Who needs Public Schools? We should all be home schooling while barefoot and pregnant!!!
Comment by TriSec on 09/23/2008 15:52:57
TriSec on 09/23/2008 15:52:57
Ok, OK, I'm sorry I brought up poop already!
Besides, any decent shot of hot sauce will liquefy your intestines very reliably...usually in a matter of minutes.
Besides, any decent shot of hot sauce will liquefy your intestines very reliably...usually in a matter of minutes.
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 16:01:14
Raine on 09/23/2008 16:01:14
I figured out what we CAN invest in safely, today.
Bullshit, and the waders with which one can wade thru it.
Bullshit, and the waders with which one can wade thru it.
Comment by Scoopster on 09/23/2008 16:01:36
Heh.. I had a strange conversation about hot sauce with a friend yesterday. And sex.
Er.. yeah. I'll leave it at that - figure out the rest on your own.
Scoopster on 09/23/2008 16:01:36
Quote by TriSec:
Ok, OK, I'm sorry I brought up poop already!
Besides, any decent shot of hot sauce will liquefy your intestines very reliably...usually in a matter of minutes.
Heh.. I had a strange conversation about hot sauce with a friend yesterday. And sex.
Er.. yeah. I'll leave it at that - figure out the rest on your own.
Comment by BobR on 09/23/2008 16:06:23
:rofl:
I love that Lileks site! (Just don't go to his main site, or you'll be subjected to right-wing stupidity).
BobR on 09/23/2008 16:06:23
Quote by TriSec:
Bran-Plus for Bran-Minus people!
:rofl:
I love that Lileks site! (Just don't go to his main site, or you'll be subjected to right-wing stupidity).
Comment by TriSec on 09/23/2008 16:07:13
TriSec on 09/23/2008 16:07:13
Oh, I heard on the radio yesterday a slight tidbit that should be another reason why this bailout plan is a bad idea.
Between that and the war, it's over a trillion dollars. With pretty much 100% of the treasury going to erase Bush's folly...there won't be any money left over for anything else EITHER CANDIDATE has promised...
Between that and the war, it's over a trillion dollars. With pretty much 100% of the treasury going to erase Bush's folly...there won't be any money left over for anything else EITHER CANDIDATE has promised...
Comment by BobR on 09/23/2008 16:09:14
Tip #1: If eating hot wings, wash hands AND mouth before engaging in any sexual activities...
BobR on 09/23/2008 16:09:14
Quote by Scoopster:
Heh.. I had a strange conversation about hot sauce with a friend yesterday. And sex.
Er.. yeah. I'll leave it at that - figure out the rest on your own.
Tip #1: If eating hot wings, wash hands AND mouth before engaging in any sexual activities...
Comment by Shane-O on 09/23/2008 16:15:10
Exactly.
Shane-O on 09/23/2008 16:15:10
Quote by TriSec:
Oh, I heard on the radio yesterday a slight tidbit that should be another reason why this bailout plan is a bad idea.
Between that and the war, it's over a trillion dollars. With pretty much 100% of the treasury going to erase Bush's folly...there won't be any money left over for anything else EITHER CANDIDATE has promised...
Exactly.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/23/2008 16:16:30
wickedpam on 09/23/2008 16:16:30
anyone know of a really good and free way to find an email address?
Comment by m-hadley on 09/23/2008 16:21:46
The students were stunned that a liberrian was making that kind of noise - I did hear a few chuckles after the initial stunned silence :P
Cheers,
mfaye
:gobama:
m-hadley on 09/23/2008 16:21:46
Quote by wickedpam:
:rofl:
How many people laughed Faye :D
The students were stunned that a liberrian was making that kind of noise - I did hear a few chuckles after the initial stunned silence :P
Cheers,
mfaye
:gobama:
Comment by m-hadley on 09/23/2008 16:24:57
Mala,
I use Dogpile (white pages). It works sometimes -
Cheers,
mfaye
:gobama:
m-hadley on 09/23/2008 16:24:57
Quote by wickedpam:
anyone know of a really good and free way to find an email address?
Mala,
I use Dogpile (white pages). It works sometimes -
Cheers,
mfaye
:gobama:
Comment by wickedpam on 09/23/2008 16:30:52
wickedpam on 09/23/2008 16:30:52
thank Faye I'll check that one out :)
Comment by starling310 on 09/23/2008 16:31:50
starling310 on 09/23/2008 16:31:50
Why does Thom hate Rich People?
Comment by starling310 on 09/23/2008 16:39:57
starling310 on 09/23/2008 16:39:57
OMG. Thom is playing "The Onion Story" Grampy Drop!!!
Oh. Thom. You skamp!
Oh. Thom. You skamp!
Comment by m-hadley on 09/23/2008 16:40:39
m-hadley on 09/23/2008 16:40:39
Now Thom is stealing Momma's bits :P
Cheers,
mfaye
:gobama:
Cheers,
mfaye
:gobama:
Comment by 
Random on 09/23/2008 16:42:38
Random on 09/23/2008 16:42:38
*staggers into block* No...no more...no McCain...
*falls to floor*
NOT THE BUTTONS!
*falls to floor*
NOT THE BUTTONS!
Comment by livingonli on 09/23/2008 16:45:21
I loved it.
Someone has to mention this to her.
livingonli on 09/23/2008 16:45:21
Quote by m-hadley:
Now Thom is stealing Momma's bits :P
Cheers,
mfaye
:gobama:
I loved it.
Someone has to mention this to her.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/23/2008 16:47:16
Oh that's too funny - and I missed it :(
wickedpam on 09/23/2008 16:47:16
Quote by starling310:
OMG. Thom is playing "The Onion Story" Grampy Drop!!!
Oh. Thom. You skamp!
Oh that's too funny
- and I missed it :(
Comment by livingonli on 09/23/2008 16:54:21
livingonli on 09/23/2008 16:54:21
I'm flipping channels and see Bravo is now running the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Would these be the Buckeye Bettys that I heard the Atlanta delegation and Mondo refer to?
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 16:59:24
Raine on 09/23/2008 16:59:24
Thom is scaring me again.
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 17:01:27
That would be them... and they are actually called Buckhead Betties...
I think buckeye is hilarious.
Raine on 09/23/2008 17:01:27
Quote by livingonli:
I'm flipping channels and see Bravo is now running the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Would these be the Buckeye Bettys that I heard the Atlanta delegation and Mondo refer to?
and they are actually called Buckhead Betties... I think buckeye is hilarious.
Comment by Random on 09/23/2008 17:02:18
Random on 09/23/2008 17:02:18
Well...I see everyone is very concerned.
Reason why i wish my camera in my cell phone was better...
Palin with a weird mock up to look like a terminator...can anyone read the text?
Reason why i wish my camera in my cell phone was better...
Palin with a weird mock up to look like a terminator...can anyone read the text?
Comment by velveeta jones on 09/23/2008 17:07:15
velveeta jones on 09/23/2008 17:07:15
New McCain ad contains ............. "acting" by an overly coached Grampy. *shudder*
Comment by TriSec on 09/23/2008 17:07:30
Where iss polling place?
We here for Palin!
TriSec on 09/23/2008 17:07:30
Quote by livingonli:
I'm flipping channels and see Bravo is now running the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Would these be the Buckeye Bettys that I heard the Atlanta delegation and Mondo refer to?
Where iss polling place?
We here for Palin!
Comment by livingonli on 09/23/2008 17:08:37
livingonli on 09/23/2008 17:08:37
My e-mail from Dennis Kucinich;
Dear Friend,
The U.S. government has been turned into an engine that accelerates the wealth upwards into the hands of a few. The Wall Street bailout, the Iraq War, military spending, tax cuts to the rich, and a for-profit health care system are all about the acceleration of wealth upwards. And now, the American people are about to pay the price of the collapse of the $513 trillion Ponzi scheme of derivatives. Yes, that’s half a quadrillion dollars. Our first trillion dollar compression bandage will hardly stem the hemorrhaging of an unsustainable Ponzi scheme built on debt "de-leverages."
Does anyone seriously think that our public and private debts of some $45 trillion will be paid? That the administration's growth of the federal debt from $5.6 trillion to $9.8 trillion while borrowing another trillion dollars from Social Security has nothing to do with this? Does anyone not see that when we spend nearly $16,000 for every family of four in our society for the military each year that we are heading over the cliff?
This is a debt crisis, not a credit crisis. Just as FDR had to save capitalism after Wall Street excesses, we have to re-invigorate our economy with real - not imaginary - growth. It does not address the never-ending war on the middle class.
The same corporate interests that profited from the closing of U.S. factories, the movement of millions of jobs out of America, the off-shoring of profits, the out-sourcing of workers, the crushing of pension funds, the knocking down of wages, the cancellation of health care benefits, the sub-prime lending are now rushing to Washington to get money to protect themselves.
The double standard is stunning: their profits are their profits, but their losses are our losses.
This bailout will not bring real jobs back to America. It will not bring back jobs that make things. It does not rebuild our schools, streets, neighborhoods, parks or bridges. The major product of this financial economy is now debt. Industrial capitalism has been destroyed.
In the next few days I will push for a plan that includes equity for every American in any taxpayer investment in this so-called bail-out plan. Since the bailout will cost each and every American about $2,300, I have proposed the creation of a United States Mutual Trust Fund, which will take control of $700 billion in stock assets, convert those assets to shares, and distribute $2,300 worth of shares to new individual savings accounts in the name of each and every American.
I will also insist that all of the following issues be considered in whatever Congress passes:
1. Reinstatement of the provisions of Glass-Steagall, which forbade speculation
2. Re-regulation of the finance, insurance, and real estate industries
3. Accountability on the part of those who took the companies down:
a) resignations of management
givebacks of executive compensation packages
c) limitations on executive compensation
d) admission by CEO's of what went wrong and how, prior to any government bailout
4. Demands for transparencey
a) with respect to analyzing the transactions which took the companies down
5. An equity position for the taxpayers
a) some form of ownership of assets
6. Some credible formula for evaluating the price of the assets that the government is buying.
7. A sunset clause on the legislation
8. Full public disclosure by members of Congress of assets held, with possible conflicts put in blind trust.
9. A ban on political campaign contributions from officers of corporations receiving bailouts
10. A requirement that 2008 cycle candidates return political contributions to officers and representatives of corporations receiving bailouts
And, most importantly, some mechanism for direct assistance to homeowners saddled with unreasonable or unmanageable mortgages, as well as protection for renters who have lived up to their obligation but fall victim to financial tragedy when the property they live in undergoes foreclosure.
These are just some thoughts on the run. You will hear more from me tomorrow.
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 17:08:44
Raine on 09/23/2008 17:08:44
WTF.
Seriously WTF~!!!!
Seriously WTF~!!!!
These sessions and meetings scheduled for Wednesday are part of the Republican campaign's effort to give Palin experience in foreign affairs. She has never met a foreign head of state and first traveled outside North America just last year.
At least two news organizations, including The Associated Press, objected to the exclusion of reporters and were told that the decision was not subject to discussion. Presidents and members of Congress routinely allow reporters to attend photo opportunities along with photographers and the reporters sometimes are able to ask questions during the brief photo sessions, usually held at the beginning of private meetings.
CNN, which was providing the television coverage for news organizations, decided to pull its TV crew from the first meeting, with Karzai, effectively denying Palin the high visibility she had sought. But after the campaign agreed to let CNN's producer in as well, the CNN camera crew joined the session.
According to the CNN producer who was let into Karzai's hotel suite with the photographers just before noon, Karzai was talking about his son. Palin was nodding, and asked what his name is. Karzai replied his name was Mirwais and explained that it means light of the house.
The media were escorted out after about 40 seconds.
Campaign aides subsequently announced that reporters would be allowed to accompany photographers into the later sessions with Uribe and Kissinger.
Comment by Scoopster on 09/23/2008 17:15:00
Scoopster on 09/23/2008 17:15:00
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 17:25:36
Raine on 09/23/2008 17:25:36
That is awesome Scoop!!! 
:usa: :fbump:
:usa: :fbump:
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 17:28:39
CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS PROPOSAL
Dear Mr. American,
Good day and compliments.
I am HENRI PAULSON, the Ministry of the Treasury of the Republic of America, and the personal financial adviser to GEORGE W. BUSH (the eldest son of the former dictator of America, GENERAL GEORGE HUSSEIN WALKER BUSH).
This letter will definitely come to you as a huge surprise, but I implore you to take the time to go through it carefully as the decision you make will go off a long way to determine the future and continued existence of the entire members of my country.
It is with deep sense of purpose and utmost sincerity that I have the privilege to write you this letter knowing full well how you will feel as regards to receiving a mail from somebody you have not met or seen before. There is no need to fear, I got your address from a Wall Street business directory which lends credence to my humble belief. I also assure you of my honesty and trustworthiness. I need to ask you to support an urgent secret business relationship with a transfer of funds of great magnitude.
During the last Military Regime here in America, the Government officials set up companies and awarded themselves contracts which were grossly over-invoiced in various ministries. My country has had great crisis that has caused the need for large transfer of funds of US$800,000,000,000.00 (eight hundred billion US dollars) in cash for safe-keeping. If you would assist me in this transfer, it would be of most profitable for you.
I am working with the honourable MR. PHIL GRAMM, lobbyist for UBS, who will be my replacement as Ministry of the Treasury in January. As Senator, you may know him as leader of the American banking deregulation movement in the 1990s.
This is a matter of great urgence. We need a immediate blank cheque. We need the funds as quickly as possible. We cannot directly transfer these funds in the names of our close friends because as civil servants we are constantly under surveillance by Democratic members of Congress, the media, and the American public. My family lawyer, MR. RICK DAVIS, advised me that I should look for a reliable and trustworthy person who will act as a next of kin so the funds can be transferred.
Please note that this transaction is 100% safe and we hope to commence the transfer latest seven (7) banking days from the date of the receipt of the following information: all of your bank account, IRA and college fund account numbers and those of your children and grandchildren to wallstreetbailout@treasury.gov so that we may transfer your commission for this transaction. This way we will use your country's name to apply for payment in your name. After I receive that information, I will respond with detailed information about safeguards that will be used to protect the funds. That's all. Let me know what you think about this.
We are looking forward to doing this business with you and solicit your confidentiality in this transaction.
May Allah show you mercy as you do so?
Your faithfully,
Dr. Minister of Treasury Paulson
Raine on 09/23/2008 17:28:39
CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS PROPOSAL
Dear Mr. American,
Good day and compliments.
I am HENRI PAULSON, the Ministry of the Treasury of the Republic of America, and the personal financial adviser to GEORGE W. BUSH (the eldest son of the former dictator of America, GENERAL GEORGE HUSSEIN WALKER BUSH).
This letter will definitely come to you as a huge surprise, but I implore you to take the time to go through it carefully as the decision you make will go off a long way to determine the future and continued existence of the entire members of my country.
It is with deep sense of purpose and utmost sincerity that I have the privilege to write you this letter knowing full well how you will feel as regards to receiving a mail from somebody you have not met or seen before. There is no need to fear, I got your address from a Wall Street business directory which lends credence to my humble belief. I also assure you of my honesty and trustworthiness. I need to ask you to support an urgent secret business relationship with a transfer of funds of great magnitude.
During the last Military Regime here in America, the Government officials set up companies and awarded themselves contracts which were grossly over-invoiced in various ministries. My country has had great crisis that has caused the need for large transfer of funds of US$800,000,000,000.00 (eight hundred billion US dollars) in cash for safe-keeping. If you would assist me in this transfer, it would be of most profitable for you.
I am working with the honourable MR. PHIL GRAMM, lobbyist for UBS, who will be my replacement as Ministry of the Treasury in January. As Senator, you may know him as leader of the American banking deregulation movement in the 1990s.
This is a matter of great urgence. We need a immediate blank cheque. We need the funds as quickly as possible. We cannot directly transfer these funds in the names of our close friends because as civil servants we are constantly under surveillance by Democratic members of Congress, the media, and the American public. My family lawyer, MR. RICK DAVIS, advised me that I should look for a reliable and trustworthy person who will act as a next of kin so the funds can be transferred.
Please note that this transaction is 100% safe and we hope to commence the transfer latest seven (7) banking days from the date of the receipt of the following information: all of your bank account, IRA and college fund account numbers and those of your children and grandchildren to wallstreetbailout@treasury.gov so that we may transfer your commission for this transaction. This way we will use your country's name to apply for payment in your name. After I receive that information, I will respond with detailed information about safeguards that will be used to protect the funds. That's all. Let me know what you think about this.
We are looking forward to doing this business with you and solicit your confidentiality in this transaction.
May Allah show you mercy as you do so?
Your faithfully,
Dr. Minister of Treasury Paulson
Comment by wickedpam on 09/23/2008 17:56:17
wickedpam on 09/23/2008 17:56:17
lol - I like the gnome in the corner :p
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 18:01:24
Raine on 09/23/2008 18:01:24
Don't ever let anyone tell you John McCain is nothing, if not on top of the isseus of the day.
Who knew the undocumented Irish were such a plague upon America?
Who knew the undocumented Irish were such a plague upon America?
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 18:08:27
Raine on 09/23/2008 18:08:27
:rofl: Thom just said Ass! 
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 18:09:59
It's awesome, isn't it?
I love that they are also protcting the children.
Raine on 09/23/2008 18:09:59
Quote by wickedpam:
lol - I like the gnome in the corner :p
It's awesome, isn't it?
I love that they are also protcting the children.
Comment by livingonli on 09/23/2008 18:10:10
He wants to celebrate Whacking Day like in The Simpsons episode after you learn the secret history of Whacking Day.
livingonli on 09/23/2008 18:10:10
Quote by Raine:
Don't ever let anyone tell you John McCain is nothing, if not on top of the isseus of the day.
Who knew the undocumented Irish were such a plague upon America?
He wants to celebrate Whacking Day like in The Simpsons episode after you learn the secret history of Whacking Day.
Comment by TriSec on 09/23/2008 18:21:05
Hmm, well this was a minor issue around Boston back in the 80s....I think it pretty much stopped after Whitey Bulger and his minions disappeared.
TriSec on 09/23/2008 18:21:05
Quote by Raine:
Don't ever let anyone tell you John McCain is nothing, if not on top of the isseus of the day.
Who knew the undocumented Irish were such a plague upon America?
Hmm, well this was a minor issue around Boston back in the 80s....I think it pretty much stopped after Whitey Bulger and his minions disappeared.
Comment by Scoopster on 09/23/2008 18:29:56
He must've just seen Gangs of New York!
Scoopster on 09/23/2008 18:29:56
Quote by Raine:
Don't ever let anyone tell you John McCain is nothing, if not on top of the isseus of the day.
Who knew the undocumented Irish were such a plague upon America?
He must've just seen Gangs of New York!
Comment by Scoopster on 09/23/2008 18:36:38
Scoopster on 09/23/2008 18:36:38
Comment by TriSec on 09/23/2008 18:42:37
TriSec on 09/23/2008 18:42:37
Hey everyone, look close and you'll see me visibly decline!
:thud:
coffee....must...have...coffee
: drools :
:thud:
coffee....must...have...coffee
: drools :
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 18:44:21
Raine on 09/23/2008 18:44:21
Watching Obama right now giving a press conference. I swear to god, the media is asking him the questions one would normally ask of the president... and Obama is hittign a home run. He simply LOOKS and Sounds presidential.
I feel a lot better right now.
:gobama:
I feel a lot better right now.
:gobama:
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 18:49:30
Raine on 09/23/2008 18:49:30
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
Don't ever let anyone tell you John McCain is nothing, if not on top of the isseus of the day.
Who knew the undocumented Irish were such a plague upon America?
He must've just seen Gangs of New York!
Comment by TriSec on 09/23/2008 18:56:35
TriSec on 09/23/2008 18:56:35
Obama has been the acting president since his overseas trip.
Which is another reason why this election is so important; I think the rest of the world is waiting to see what happens. President Obama they can work with, President McCain they will pass by.
Which is another reason why this election is so important; I think the rest of the world is waiting to see what happens. President Obama they can work with, President McCain they will pass by.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 09/23/2008 19:30:23
Mondobubba on 09/23/2008 19:30:23
Back from the flaven of the day. The poor woman at the UNF info / parking thing was clueless about the Richard Clarke lecture, so that was a wash. I did find the new Democratic Exec. Committee office; note to Dems more signs out be the side of the road perhaps? Oh and a bigger sign on the list of tenants in said building would be good as well. This is not the time to be stealthy since you are on the same block as the county GOP HQ. Internship discussed with school.
I got some stuff that white people like, a stainless steel water bottle. Last but not least, the iPhone seduction has started. I am lusting...
I got some stuff that white people like, a stainless steel water bottle. Last but not least, the iPhone seduction has started. I am lusting...
Comment by Scoopster on 09/23/2008 19:38:08
Scoopster on 09/23/2008 19:38:08
Argh.. now I'm trying to put McCain's angry face onto Bill the Butcher's head.
Too bad there's no internet generator for that kinda thing..
Too bad there's no internet generator for that kinda thing..
Comment by TriSec on 09/23/2008 19:54:00
TriSec on 09/23/2008 19:54:00
: channels old Dave Barry column:
Say, "Plummeting Dow" would be a great name for a band, wouldn't it?
Say, "Plummeting Dow" would be a great name for a band, wouldn't it?
Comment by m-hadley on 09/23/2008 19:54:14
Raine,
I just cleaned out my address book - not really, but I forwarded an e-mail to a butt-load of people - you are one of many to whom I sent an e-mail that basically sez that "Stop the Bailout!" should be our rallying cry 
I would be glad to post the message here as I was in a rush and couldn't look up everybody's e-mail (I was using my work account, not my gmail account) Let me know what you think about posting it here 
Cheers,
mfaye
:gobama:
m-hadley on 09/23/2008 19:54:14
Quote by Raine:
Watching Obama right now giving a press conference. I swear to god, the media is asking him the questions one would normally ask of the president... and Obama is hittign a home run. He simply LOOKS and Sounds presidential.
I feel a lot better right now.
:gobama:
Raine,
I just cleaned out my address book - not really, but I forwarded an e-mail to a butt-load of people - you are one of many to whom I sent an e-mail that basically sez that "Stop the Bailout!" should be our rallying cry
I would be glad to post the message here as I was in a rush and couldn't look up everybody's e-mail (I was using my work account, not my gmail account) Let me know what you think about posting it here Cheers,
mfaye
:gobama:
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/23/2008 19:55:45
Dhalink! DEE-lish! I am going to go nap now. I didn't get to sleep until almost 5 got up at like 9 to get over to UNF. Ahm pretty tarhed etc! :thud:
Mondobubba on 09/23/2008 19:55:45
Quote by Raine:
CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS PROPOSAL
Dear Mr. American,
Good day and compliments.
I am HENRI PAULSON, the Ministry of the Treasury of the Republic of America, and the personal financial adviser to GEORGE W. BUSH (the eldest son of the former dictator of America, GENERAL GEORGE HUSSEIN WALKER BUSH).
This letter will definitely come to you as a huge surprise, but I implore you to take the time to go through it carefully as the decision you make will go off a long way to determine the future and continued existence of the entire members of my country.
It is with deep sense of purpose and utmost sincerity that I have the privilege to write you this letter knowing full well how you will feel as regards to receiving a mail from somebody you have not met or seen before. There is no need to fear, I got your address from a Wall Street business directory which lends credence to my humble belief. I also assure you of my honesty and trustworthiness. I need to ask you to support an urgent secret business relationship with a transfer of funds of great magnitude.
During the last Military Regime here in America, the Government officials set up companies and awarded themselves contracts which were grossly over-invoiced in various ministries. My country has had great crisis that has caused the need for large transfer of funds of US$800,000,000,000.00 (eight hundred billion US dollars) in cash for safe-keeping. If you would assist me in this transfer, it would be of most profitable for you.
I am working with the honourable MR. PHIL GRAMM, lobbyist for UBS, who will be my replacement as Ministry of the Treasury in January. As Senator, you may know him as leader of the American banking deregulation movement in the 1990s.
This is a matter of great urgence. We need a immediate blank cheque. We need the funds as quickly as possible. We cannot directly transfer these funds in the names of our close friends because as civil servants we are constantly under surveillance by Democratic members of Congress, the media, and the American public. My family lawyer, MR. RICK DAVIS, advised me that I should look for a reliable and trustworthy person who will act as a next of kin so the funds can be transferred.
Please note that this transaction is 100% safe and we hope to commence the transfer latest seven (7) banking days from the date of the receipt of the following information: all of your bank account, IRA and college fund account numbers and those of your children and grandchildren to wallstreetbailout@treasury.gov so that we may transfer your commission for this transaction. This way we will use your country's name to apply for payment in your name. After I receive that information, I will respond with detailed information about safeguards that will be used to protect the funds. That's all. Let me know what you think about this.
We are looking forward to doing this business with you and solicit your confidentiality in this transaction.
May Allah show you mercy as you do so?
Your faithfully,
Dr. Minister of Treasury Paulson
Dhalink! DEE-lish!
I am going to go nap now. I didn't get to sleep until almost 5 got up at like 9 to get over to UNF. Ahm pretty tarhed etc! :thud:
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/23/2008 19:59:06
Scoop you are obsessing! Chill, dude. Anyway you don't want to put McCain's head on Bill the Butcher; unlike McCain, Bill didn't like the Irish. That's it. Off to sleep land...
Mondobubba on 09/23/2008 19:59:06
Quote by Scoopster:
Argh.. now I'm trying to put McCain's angry face onto Bill the Butcher's head.
Too bad there's no internet generator for that kinda thing..
Scoop you are obsessing! Chill, dude. Anyway you don't want to put McCain's head on Bill the Butcher; unlike McCain, Bill didn't like the Irish.
That's it. Off to sleep land...
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 20:02:56
Firing up Photoshop!!!
Scoop, iffin you have any particuluar *butcher* images, give them to me.
Raine on 09/23/2008 20:02:56
Quote by Scoopster:
Argh.. now I'm trying to put McCain's angry face onto Bill the Butcher's head.
Too bad there's no internet generator for that kinda thing..
Firing up Photoshop!!!
Scoop, iffin you have any particuluar *butcher* images, give them to me.
Comment by livingonli on 09/23/2008 20:05:22
livingonli on 09/23/2008 20:05:22
Time to go head off to the salt mine. Since I have a Ranger game, I may not have a chance to post tonight. Talk to y'all later. 
Comment by Scoopster on 09/23/2008 20:05:54
Scoopster on 09/23/2008 20:05:54
Heh.. This one looks like it might work.. The one I was using had the head tilts going the wrong way.
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 20:07:40
I don't see it in my inbox... poop.
Altho, I am sure posting it here would not be a problem Faye. ;)
Raine on 09/23/2008 20:07:40
Quote by m-hadley:Quote by Raine:
Watching Obama right now giving a press conference. I swear to god, the media is asking him the questions one would normally ask of the president... and Obama is hittign a home run. He simply LOOKS and Sounds presidential.
I feel a lot better right now.
:gobama:
Raine,
I just cleaned out my address book - not really, but I forwarded an e-mail to a butt-load of people - you are one of many to whom I sent an e-mail that basically sez that "Stop the Bailout!" should be our rallying cry
Cheers,
mfaye
:gobama:
Altho, I am sure posting it here would not be a problem Faye. ;)
Comment by TriSec on 09/23/2008 20:11:32
TriSec on 09/23/2008 20:11:32
Say now, does anyone think McCain is going to snap and beat Sen. Obama senseless with a gutta-percha cane this Friday?
(see Charles Sumner)
(see Charles Sumner)
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 20:18:55
Raine on 09/23/2008 20:18:55
OK... Randi is freaking me out a little more than Thom did.
Comment by m-hadley on 09/23/2008 20:26:20
m-hadley on 09/23/2008 20:26:20
Okay here goes...
:gobama:
PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY
September 23, 2008
Dear M. Faye,
I am taking the unique step of writing to you from the Campaign for Fresh Air and Clean Politics, the parent organization of Voters for Peace, True Vote and Climate Security. The proposed bailout being considered in Washington, DC requires people to work together to stop it and replace it with a program that is transparent, protects the interests of the American people and requires that those who profited from the high risk financial speculation pay the cost of the clean-up. The bailout needs to be part of the revitalization of the U.S. economy not a blank check for big banks.
I just got off a conference call with more than 100 organizations from the peace, environment, labor, economic, civil rights and civil liberties communities. We are all coming together around a message of "Stop the Bailout." A panic has been put in place that is causing a stampede toward a questionable solution. The bailout is being proposed without any transparency. Americans do not even know why the bailout is needed or what financial institutions deserve taxpayer support.
And, the solution put in place has no independent oversight by Congress or the Judiciary - in fact, the bill specifically says that no judicial review of decisions is allowed, stating: "Decisions by the Secretary [of the Treasury] pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency."
There is nothing in the bill that would prevent the misuse or even theft of hundreds of billions of dollars. The bill essentially requires us to put blind faith in the Bush administration, especially Treasury Secretary Paulsen, the former CEO of Goldman Sachs who made hundreds of millions profiting from the financial industry.
We need to act now to slow Congress down and stop the panic. Please take three steps:
1. Click here and send an email to Congress. The email tells Congress not to be panicked into a stampede of taxpayer giveaways to reckless financial interests; urges Congress to first determine what the underlying problem is and develop a specific solution to it; and then, it urges that those who profited from three decades of reckless finance be required to pay for the clean-up. Finally, it seeks an economic development plan that rebuilds the foundations of the U.S. economy - which in fact are not sound.
2. Call Congress now and urge your representatives to stop the bailout. Call 202-224-3121.
3. Send this email to everyone you know. This is the moment when people need to come together and demand accountability from Congress, the administration and the financial institutions seeking a bailout.
If you would like to be kept informed about activities responding to the bailout please let me know by clicking here.
We have been stampeded into war, undermining of civil liberties and now into undermining the U.S. economy. If we stand together we can stop the stampede and bring sense to the economy and make it work for the American people rather than big banks.
Sincerely,
Kevin Zeese
Executive Director
P.S. I will be on the Marc Steiner Show on WEAA, 88.9 FM in Baltimore today. You can hear the show live at 5:00 on the radio or on www.weaa.org. Or you can hear a podcast on the Center for Emerging Media, www.CenterForEmergingMedia.org.
:gobama:
Comment by m-hadley on 09/23/2008 20:56:54
m-hadley on 09/23/2008 20:56:54
And another one...
:gobama:
Now Is the Time to Resist Wall Street's Shock Doctrine
By Naomi Klein
23/09/08 "Huffington Post" -- - I wrote The Shock Doctrine in the hopes that it would make us all better prepared for the next big shock. Well, that shock has certainly arrived, along with gloves-off attempts to use it to push through radical pro-corporate policies (which of course will further enrich the very players who created the market crisis in the first place...).
The best summary of how the right plans to use the economic crisis to push through their policy wish list comes from Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich. On Sunday, Gingrich laid out 18 policy prescriptions for Congress to take in order to "return to a Reagan-Thatcher policy of economic growth through fundamental reforms." In the midst of this economic crisis, he is actually demanding the repeal of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which would lead to further deregulation of the financial industry. Gingrich is also calling for reforming the education system to allow "competition" (a.k.a. vouchers), strengthening border enforcement, cutting corporate taxes and his signature move: allowing offshore drilling.
It would be a grave mistake to underestimate the right's ability to use this crisis -- created by deregulation and privatization -- to demand more of the same. Don't forget that Newt Gingrich's 527 organization, American Solutions for Winning the Future, is still riding the wave of success from its offshore drilling campaign, "Drill Here, Drill Now!" Just four months ago, offshore drilling was not even on the political radar and now the U.S. House of Representatives has passed supportive legislation. Gingrich is holding an event this Saturday, September 27 that will be broadcast on satellite television to shore up public support for these controversial policies.
What Gingrich's wish list tells us is that the dumping of private debt into the public coffers is only stage one of the current shock. The second comes when the debt crisis currently being created by this bailout becomes the excuse to privatize social security, lower corporate taxes and cut spending on the poor. A President McCain would embrace these policies willingly. A President Obama would come under huge pressure from the think tanks and the corporate media to abandon his campaign promises and embrace austerity and "free-market stimulus."
We have seen this many times before, in this country and around the world. But here's the thing: these opportunistic tactics can only work if we let them. They work when we respond to crisis by regressing, wanting to believe in "strong leaders" -- even if they are the same strong leaders who used the September 11 attacks to push through the Patriot Act and launch the illegal war in Iraq.
So let's be absolutely clear: there are no saviors who are going to look out for us in this crisis. Certainly not Henry Paulson, former CEO of Goldman Sachs, one of the companies that will benefit most from his proposed bailout (which is actually a stick up). The only hope of preventing another dose of shock politics is loud, organized grassroots pressure on all political parties: they have to know right now that after seven years of Bush, Americans are becoming shock resistant.
Copyright © 2008 HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.
:gobama:
Comment by Raine on 09/23/2008 20:58:28
Do I need to add that mustache???
Raine on 09/23/2008 20:58:28
Do I need to add that mustache???
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 09/23/2008 22:11:17
trojanrabbit on 09/23/2008 22:11:17
My laptop is sitting on my desk - face down. 
DC input jack went up in a puff of smoke last night, though I've figured it's been on borrowed time for at least a month as it would just shut itself off for no apparent reason.
Only option is to open the laptop and try to solder the DC cable right to the board. Five years ago when I still had some close-in vision I might not have dreaded it as much as I do now. It was bad enough fixing the AC adapter when that smoked a few months ago. Yeah, I have magnifiers and all, but it's no substitute for the real thing.
Fortunately there's very little important stuff on it, easily pulled off in a couple of minutes, which I think is about how much battery it has left. But still, this thing's just plugged along for years (proudly displays a Windows Millennium Edition sticker on the back). Just don't want to say goodbye yet.
DC input jack went up in a puff of smoke last night, though I've figured it's been on borrowed time for at least a month as it would just shut itself off for no apparent reason.Only option is to open the laptop and try to solder the DC cable right to the board. Five years ago when I still had some close-in vision I might not have dreaded it as much as I do now. It was bad enough fixing the AC adapter when that smoked a few months ago. Yeah, I have magnifiers and all, but it's no substitute for the real thing.
Fortunately there's very little important stuff on it, easily pulled off in a couple of minutes, which I think is about how much battery it has left. But still, this thing's just plugged along for years (proudly displays a Windows Millennium Edition sticker on the back). Just don't want to say goodbye yet.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/23/2008 22:20:24
:rofl: No, no mustache needed! :rofl:
Mondobubba on 09/23/2008 22:20:24
Quote by Raine:
Do I need to add that mustache???
:rofl: No, no mustache needed! :rofl:
Comment by Scoopster on 09/23/2008 22:24:47
Scoopster on 09/23/2008 22:24:47
HAAHAHAHAHAHAAHAH!!
"...he (John McCain) has never taken an earmark in his career..."
- Rep. Pence (R - Toolsville)
I've got one thing to show you that describes that quote.
"...he (John McCain) has never taken an earmark in his career..."
- Rep. Pence (R - Toolsville)
I've got one thing to show you that describes that quote.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/23/2008 22:45:05
:finally I get to scanning the blog:
Awwwww Auntie Bunny he is verra cute!
Mondobubba on 09/23/2008 22:45:05
Quote by Raine:Brite Eyed and Bushy Tailed !
:finally I get to scanning the blog:
Awwwww Auntie Bunny he is verra cute!
Comment by IzzyBitz on 09/23/2008 23:03:24
IzzyBitz on 09/23/2008 23:03:24
From the No Shit Sherlock file:
Clay Aiken, "Yes, I'm gay." Closets around the world rejoice.
Clay Aiken, "Yes, I'm gay." Closets around the world rejoice.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/23/2008 23:35:40
What? He's gay? I would have never caught that!
Mondobubba on 09/23/2008 23:35:40
Quote by IzzyBitz:
From the No Shit Sherlock file:
Clay Aiken, "Yes, I'm gay." Closets around the world rejoice.
What? He's gay? I would have never caught that!
Comment by Random on 09/23/2008 23:43:04
Random on 09/23/2008 23:43:04
Random is annoyed at everything...
goodnight
goodnight
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/24/2008 00:01:13
Mondobubba on 09/24/2008 00:01:13
What? Where the hell is Keith? He is taking more time off than Johnny Carson! :rage:
Comment by Random on 09/24/2008 00:19:20
Isn't Johnny Carson dead?
Random on 09/24/2008 00:19:20
Quote by Mondobubba:
What? Where the hell is Keith? He is taking more time off than Johnny Carson! :rage:
Isn't Johnny Carson dead?
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/24/2008 01:32:01
When he was alive and still hosting the the Tonight Show, Random!
Mondobubba on 09/24/2008 01:32:01
Quote by Random:Quote by Mondobubba:
What? Where the hell is Keith? He is taking more time off than Johnny Carson! :rage:
Isn't Johnny Carson dead?
When he was alive and still hosting the the Tonight Show, Random!
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/24/2008 02:33:10
Mondobubba on 09/24/2008 02:33:10
Comment by velveeta jones on 09/24/2008 04:44:25
velveeta jones on 09/24/2008 04:44:25
What? Clay Aiken is............gay? OMG!! I'm so shocked. How could this happen? Who did this to him? Poor, poor Clay. What will his fans - the "ClayMates"- think?
<_<
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