Friday Morning Open Thread
It's Friday morning, and here is your open thread...
Comments (127) «
Good morning Esmeralda.....dancing in your jammies again??
Even though we now know (thank you fade) that it was not Abraham Lincoln that actually said these things, I still believe that the reversal Wysocki gave us are the types of statements Democrats should be making.
If Abraham Lincoln was a Democrat
We will be celebrating Lincoln’s birthday next month and I can already anticipate the Republican rhetoric on the national level about Bush’s greatness in comparison to Lincoln. During the previous election campaign a few months ago, the local Republican Party was pushing Lincoln over any other candidate. I wondered why that was so. I have now realized that the Republicans, at least locally here in Wisconsin, had no other viable (and living) candidate. During their campaign push, the following quote by Abraham Lincoln was presented:
“You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help the small men by tearing down the big men. You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot lift up the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer. You cannot build character and courage by taking away a man’s initiative and independence. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatreds. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.”
I have read and reread this quote countless times. I was perplexed as to the meaning of why this, above any other campaign message, was used to sway voters. I was perplexed because I was looking at this quote through the eyes of a Democrat. After realizing that, I have decided that if Abraham Lincoln were a Democrat, he would have said this:
“You will not weaken the strong by strengthening the weak. You will not tear down the big men by helping the small men. You will not destroy the rich by helping the poor. You will not pull down the wage payer by lifting up the wage earner. You will not take away a man’s initiative and independence by building character and courage. You will not incite class hatreds by furthering brotherhood. You will not permanently help others what you, yourself, do not have the ability to accomplish first.”
Posted by Wysocki on January 18, 2007 at 07:11 PM
goodfoe,
I live in jammies when at home! I'd prefer Hugh Hefner's life...always in jammies! (not his lady friends type though...20 years ago, yes, but now, give me the soft comfy cotton ones)
I'm home for the day. I have to use up earned personal time before we get into the new year too far...and when it gets to be 6 weeks before any election, I get no time off.
I'm glad to read you are feeling better today.
Morning all, just finished reading morning paper, and got a chuckle over the fact that it seems the WH is going to keep a 'narrow focus' for his speech, because with his low approval numbers, they don't expect too many people to be clicking in!
Naturally he plans on defending war in Iraq, and will be throwing in his old tired 'war on terrorism' justification. He will talk about immigration and education. He will bemoan US reliance on foreign oil and beg congress to fix Social security and to Keep those massive tax cuts he gave Big Business. He will be pushing those Health Savings accounts again. (be informed on what those really are. they are merely beneficial to the High Income earners, and will dis-incent people from using health care)
Same ole, Same ole Bulls**t!
It feels so good to call Zack Congressman!
This one hits home. (they won't report it like this in the papers here in the district. it's always sugar coated)
He can live on freedom fries and repair all the TSX units that are junk while he does his time. And I still have a burr up my hiney about him being able to recieve a pension. He'll make a whole lot more in his retirement than I ever will.
Ex-Ohio congressman Ney faces sentencing
Former Rep. Bob Ney, who resigned in October after pleading guilty to corruption charges, faces more than two years in prison for his role in a congressional bribery scandal.
...
Ney's plea in the election-year scandal drew criticism from Republican congressional leaders and the White House. White House spokesman Tony Snow said Ney's criminal activity "is not a reflection of the Republican Party." (bullshit...that's not what Bob says)
"I allowed myself to get too comfortable with the way things have been done in Washington, D.C., for too long," Ney said in a written statement after his previous court appearance.
This Matt Parker has been collecting info from sources about votes in the 18th. I wonder if he'll run or has a friend who he will help try to unseat Congressman Space?
Former Congressman Ney Was a 'Functioning Alcoholic'
A staffer of former Congressman Bob Ney's says Ney was a "functioning alcoholic who could rarely make it through the day without drinking and would often begin drinking beers as early as 7:30 a.m."
The statements by Ney's former staffer Matthew Parker were made in a letter to Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle on the eve of Ney's sentencing for his role in the Jack Abramoff bribery scandal.
Lincoln spoke of "government of the people, by the people and for the people"...we don't have that....what we have is government of government, by government and for government....or more correctly....government of the crooks, by the crooks and for the crooks....but we struck a strong blow for a return to real government in the last elections...........
House Democrats beat 100-hour clock
Republicans complained the bills were hammered through after Democrats reneged on a campaign promise to let the opposition offer amendments and help shape legislation. Democrats had leveled the same criticism that Republicans, when they held the majority, denied them those opportunities.
I'm going to bail for awhile...you all have a great day!!!.....Later....John Boy....
Es, are these the same three shown in HBO's Hacking America?
Prosecutor: Ohio county rigged recount
If anyone out there believes this line of bull, they are really in la-la land. For those that live through it, they will be there a long, long time, just like the rest of our guys.
"TALLIL AIR BASE, Iraq - Gen. George Casey, the top American commander in Iraq, said Friday that some of the extra troops that President Bush ordered to Baghdad could begin leaving by late summer if conditions allow. "I think it's probably going to be the summer, late summer, before you get to the point where people in Baghdad feel safe in their neighborhoods," Casey told reporters at a news conference with visiting Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
Asked how long the 21,500 extra U.S. troops are likely to be kept in Iraq, Casey replied, "I believe the projections are, late summer."
I wonder if they howl and nash their teeth on repug sites about who will be their next chairman like it went on here when Howie was in the running? (mehlman is a short, skinny dude. I passed him in the halls of congress when we were there for the swearing in...and DPD, if you are out there, when Tweety walked by me, I called him "Putz" for you. He didn't acknowledge me though)
Departing Chief Warns G.O.P. on Outlook for 2008 Races
Ken Mehlman, the departing chairman of the Republican National Committee, warned on Thursday that his party would suffer even more devastating losses in 2008 than it did in 2006 if it did not reach out to minorities and address voter concerns about ethics.
On Friday, committee members are expected to ratify Mr. Bush’s selection of Senator Mel Martinez of Florida as the party’s new general chairman. Mr. Martinez, who emigrated from Cuba as a child, will be the public face and voice of the party as it tries to reach out to Hispanics and other minorities who have abandoned the party in large numbers in recent years.
Mr. Martinez is expected to win the job by a large margin, but a handful of dissidents plan to vote against him because of his support for liberalized immigration laws
Sticking my head out of the fog of Repuglitism...seeing a new world of reality starting to form. A smatering of truth and justice beginning to rear it's head. Wake up country! Rise and bring your hopes for tomorrow into this new light. Shake off the shackles of repression and arrogant dictatorship which was thrust upon us by these ruthless goons of PNAC. But be warned and forearmed; We must continue working to rid ourselves of the influence of those who would subdue the People and gather wealth and power unto the few. So...good morning, how goes it this morning Dems?
Morning Essie and PamB,
This health care crap pushed by bush will only help the rich and the bankers. Even the terminator's plan and romney's plan to require people to buy health insurance will not help anyone except the insurance companies. An individual will pay through the nose for health care coverage because he/she will not have the benefit of negotiating a lower price. We must have universal coverage where the government will negotiate prices. This is the same coverage the ahole president and the congress have.
bush is trying to eliminate the need for rich companies to provide health coverage and at the same time screw us. It cannot fly and must not fly.
Ya ain't gettin' it, goodfoe. I'm sayin' dis is da message we hafta get out:
“You will not weaken the strong by strengthening the weak. You will not tear down the big men by helping the small men. You will not destroy the rich by helping the poor. You will not pull down the wage payer by lifting up the wage earner. You will not take away a man’s initiative and independence by building character and courage. You will not incite class hatreds by furthering brotherhood. You will not permanently help others what you, yourself, do not have the ability to accomplish first.”
REFRAME THE DEBATE, PEOPLE. Stop talking about it in THEIR terms! The ONLY reason we won in November is cuz THEY screwed up so badly. If we want to KEEP it, we have to show what we really stand for, and get the message out loud and clear and INTELLIGIBLE to the common person on the street. Show them what COMPASSION is, and show them how CONSERVATISM has no room for COMPASSION. Show them that this is NOT a country of "every man for himself". Show them that indeed, a rising tide does lift all boats, if you don't let one boat owner run around putting holes in everyone else's boat. FAIR markets, not FREE markets.
Ok, I'm done with the capital letter thing now...starting to feel like Martha and her other half here.
Kristen,
I've never seen HBO's Hacking America, so I can't answer that. (my dish package is bare bones..not an expense I need to incur) I do know the director & dep. director are still in their positions. (making over $100,000 each, the DD is expected to become our associations President for 2007 at next weeks conference)
There were a lot of counties during that bought & paid for Green party recount that their witnesses stated the random drawing was rigged. It's that Cuyhoga Co., being heavily Democratic, could have made the difference in the outcome of the election. Kerry didn't do worth a hoot connecting with the voters there. The war was a big factor in determining who got their vote. Some voters (just a handful though) there told me that they didn't want to change leaders in the middle of a war.
I'm expecting with this news story being reported that we here in OH will be continue to be under the glass. Gee, I suggest you look into working for elections out there in Washington. I've read they have some interesting going ons as well. ;p
While I was watching CBS news last night they had clip on how our troops operate in poor neighborhoods in Baghdad.
They operate just like swat teams and DEA? operate making drug busts here in America. They rush a house, knock down the front door, handcuff people, and search their houses. I could just see the hatred on these people's faces. How would we feel if Iraqis were here knocking down our doors?
We must get out of the middle of this civil war in Iraq.
Pelosi Creates Global Warming Committee
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sought to create a special committee Thursday in an effort to jump-start long-delayed government efforts to deal with global warming and produce a bill by Independence Day.
Coalition launches campaign to overhaul immigration laws
A diverse coalition that includes the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Catholic bishops, Hispanics and labor unions Thursday launched an attempt to push a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's immigration laws "over the finish line" in the Democratic-controlled Congress.
With President Bush and Democratic congressional leaders pledging bipartisan cooperation to confront one of the nation's most volatile issues, leaders of the group said the new Congress offers the best opportunity yet to pass a comprehensive immigration plan that would legalize millions of undocumented workers who are in the country illegally.
"We strongly believe this is the year to get it done," said Frank Sharry, executive director of the National Immigration Forum. After getting immigration "on the radar screen" in the previous Republican-controlled Congress, Sharry said, "this is the year we want the plane to land."
One more article, then my self alloted blog time is complete. The house cleaning fairies have yet to arrive, even when I leave cookies, so I must do the chores myself. Be back during my lunch. Enjoy the morning, everyone.
A New Day in Washington, Same as the Old Days
Just two weeks ago Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell stood side by side, pledging a "new day in Washington" full of bipartisan cooperation. Senators, McConnell said, wanted "to tackle the big issues."
Yesterday, Reid and McConnell started tackling -- each other.
What a shame. Morning's paper also lays out the House of Reps newly passed 100 hours bills.
Unfortunetly they show that the Senate is Not likely to pass them,(unless a bunch of amendments are included) and the President has vowed to veto most of them!!!
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Hours after Gov. Rick Perry kicked off his second full term in office, Ted Nugent helped him celebrate at a black-tie gala, but not all attendees were pleased by the rocker's performance.
Using machine guns as props, Nugent, 58, appeared onstage as the final act of the inaugural ball wearing a cutoff T-shirt emblazoned with the Confederate flag and shouting offensive remarks about non-English speakers, according to people who were in attendance.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/01/18/texas.nugent.ap/index.html
Jeez, this guy used to be such a great musician, but now that he sold his soul to the devil and even sunk to reality tv, he is the poster boy for a "hasbeen".
Last Tuesday marked another grim milestone: the arrival of the 500th amputee. Army officials said the victim, a 24-year-old corporal, lost both legs in a roadside bomb explosion on January 12. He was treated at the military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, before landing at Andrews and being taken to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1580531,00.html?xid=site-cnn-partner
CNN Poll:
Do you think the House Democrats' "100 hours" agenda was a success?
(AP) - CAIRO, Egypt-An Egyptian blogger went on trial Thursday on charges of insulting Islam and inciting sectarian strife for his Internet writing criticising Muslim authorities and the Egyptian government, his lawyer and court officials said.
Abdel Kareem Nabil, who has been in detention since his arrest in early November, could face up to seven years in prison if convicted on the charges, court officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of court rules.
Nabil was charged with inciting sedition, insulting Islam, harming national unity and insulting the president, the court official said. His defense asked for time to review the indictment against him and the trial was adjourned until Jan. 25.
http://news.findlaw.com/ap/o/51/01-18-2007/665b00133bb75097.html
This is exactly what the Coulter's, O'Reilly's, Hannity's and Limbaugh's want for the United States.
Could someone please post a link to the democratic plan for Iraq?
Posted by tutati on January 19, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Can you give me a link to the Republican "plan"?
Sure, tutati...Here's a plan that most of the Democrats endorse - Iraq Study Group Report
Kinda like what was the Dem's plan after 9/11 for securing our country - 9/11 Commission Report
But your wonderful friggin Repugnicants decide that although they will spend our tax dollars on these commission and study groups, they won't LISTEN TO THEM.
gee wiz gregl its almost as if you think tutifruiti was less than authentic....
Unfortunetly they show that the Senate is Not likely to pass them,(unless a bunch of amendments are included) and the President has vowed to veto most of them!!!
Posted by PamB on January 19, 2007 at 10:40 AM
IMPEACH EVERY MF REPUBLICAN NOW!!!!
The Republican 10 point plan for Iraq in a Nutshell:
1. Do not research culture, geographic or other data intrinsic to the region.
2. Ignore data from experts that say that Iraq has no WMDs.
3. Drop Bombs.
4. Spend a day taking down statue of Hussein.
5. Give billions to Halliburton.
6. Withhold proper equipment from soldiers.
7. Ignore experts.
8. Give more money to Halliburton.
9. Meet with Fox News to paint pretty picture of Iraq.
10. Ignore military leaders.
Good Morning, ALL!
Jacq, thanks for giving my "regards" to Tweety.
The baby Pugs are whining about the 100 hour SUCCESS!
TIME BANDITS: New Dem Leaders Unveil New Method Of Counting With "First 100 Hours" Gimmick
Dems Start Their "First 100 Hours" Clock Late; Then Freeze It:
Apparently they thought the clock would run continuously while some clown from Ohio asked for the day off for a football game.
Blue, right on.
It's starting to snow here in central New Mexico. The storm is kicking ass in West Texas too.
Apparently they thought the clock would run continuously while some clown from Ohio asked for the day off for a football game.
Posted by DPD on January 19, 2007 at 12:20 PM
You are welcome. (I didn't forget your request)
I am not a clown nor did I care about the football game. snicker. They moved all council and public meetings to another time/day here in my county as well, with the exception of the village council meeting here in my tiny hamlet...then they rushed it through so they could get home to the tv. I got what I wanted there, them to take another month to review before enacting laws about yard clean up.
Russ Feingold is coming up on the Ed Shultz show in about 5 minutes. Howard Dean will be on a little later.
Posted by BlueinIdaho on January 19, 2007 at 11:31 AM
from your link:
This war will produce the first generation of veterans in bionic arms and legs, a legacy that may seem most pronounced for upper extremity amputees. It is relatively rare to see Americans missing hands or arms; they represent only 5% of civilian amputees in the U.S. But nearly a quarter of those who lost limbs in Iraq have come home in that condition.
Didn't I post a while back my wonder if w and his cronies have stock in bionics? Borg nation indeed. The "kids" now a days seem to have adapted, (did we 2 working parents who stuck them in front of the tv and gave them video game after video game do that?) what with the phones (bluetooth) and iPods stuck in their ears as well as their handhelds they never release. What would be an electronic or bionic part or two be? (does anybody else here remember Lee Majors/Lyndsey Waggnor in the Bionic Man/woman?
Anybody else besides me interested in Richard Clarke's Breakpoint? I'm needing some fiction to take me away from the real.
Just some crazy thoughts I'm throwing out. Lunch break over.
Posted by Esmeralda on January 19, 2007 at 12:39 PM
What struck me most in that article was the picture of the double amputee standing next to the man who made him that way.
Borg nation indeed.
Posted by Esmeralda on January 19, 2007 at 12:39 PM
I REFUSE TO BE ASSIMILATED!!!
Hi Es, believe me I know that Ohio isn't isolated in their election problems and your right with the news of this trial it looks like 2004 is going to stay in the spotlight a bit longer.
As for Washington Elections, Seattle's all mail vote may not happen (unless they can fast track it for March) as the Governor has told them it has to happen during this legislation session for budget approval and Seattle wasn't going to get it organized in time to make that deadline.
Posted by BlueinIdaho on January 19, 2007 at 12:42 PM
Accepting or adapting?
GregL,
HAHAHA Maybe you should be Hugh?
Hiya, K. Good to read you. You know I'm for all mail voting.
I gotta go finish my chores. BBL
* "[I]f You're A House Democrat, You Don't Start The Clock Running [January 4th], When The 110th Congress Is Sworn In And Voting Begins, Or Even Tomorrow, When A Package Of Measures Reaches The Floor To Rein In Fiscal Profligacy. You Fire The Starting Gun On Tuesday, Six Days Into The 110th Congress. Now That's A Head Start." (Jonathan Weisman, Op-Ed, "Eye On The Clock, House Democrats Put Their Focus On '100 Hours'," The Washington Post, 1/4/07)
Just amazing, DPD! After six year of no-net accomplishments the Republicans are bally-hooing about six days, which I am certain were needed for organization.
bbl
Has anybody heard what's going on with the representative race in FL-13? J? This really should not be swepted away as in 2008 it could come back to bite the general election. Mail voting is okay; paper trail and all, but for efficiency I like electronic scan. It really doesn't matter what type of process is used to vpte as long as their is a certifiable paper trail in case a recount is needed. It was the lack of a certifable paper trail (hanging chads and inconsistent ballot presentation) that handed numby the presidency in 2000. I hope this Democratic congress can address the need of certifiability of elections before 2008, and the need of consistent state wide ballots.
got to go again, bbl.
Posted by davidual on January 19, 2007 at 12:54 PM
What do you mean "no-net accomplishments"? They stole a lot of money, renamed a lot of Post Offices, stole a lot of money, chased a bunch of teenaged boys around, stole a lot of money, and stole a lot of money.
For the Pugs, it was a successful 6 years.
david,
the vvpat's that are added on to the tsx units are junk and are the major headaches for pollworkers. That paper audit trail leads to more messes.
I want optical scan paper ballots mailed.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former Rep. Bob Ney was sentenced Friday to 30 months in federal prison for his role in a congressional bribery scandal.
Ney, the first congressman ensnared in the case, pleaded guilty to trading official favors for golf trips, tickets, meals and campaign donations from disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/01/19/ney.corruption.ap/index.html
This just in, Pelosi said she WILL NOT block funding for the "surge". I guess Little Prince Crack Head offici8ally OWNS his war now. No way the Dems can be blamed for HIS failure.
dpd,
sorry my good man, I beat you to it.
Posted by Esmeralda on January 19, 2007 at 09:39 AM
Amazing debate by the Republicants:
http://www.crooksandliars.com/Media/Download/13663/1/debate_big_oil_captions.wmv
When we finally get the Fairness Doctrine reinstated, it should also cover cable "news". As usual, FOX is claiming that Obama is a Muslim, and went to a terrorism school when he was a kid.
Obama Smeared As Former ‘Madrassa’ Student, Possible Covert Muslim Extremist
Oh, and HOWARD DEAN will be on Big Eddie's show in 5 minutes.
Essie,
Blue in Idaho mentioned earlier that the 500th American amputee arrived Walter Reed Medical Center. Sad.
I remember after WWII seeing many men with the metal arm that looked like a clamp. Our cheap government is probably still using these WWII prosthetics.
Check this out.
What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common? A. All were invented by women.
I will be hard for the Dems to withhold funding for the "surge" of troops, if Bush goes ahead and send them over there, because the Dems cannot afford to be seen as not supporting the troops in the field.
Some people, such as Dennis Kucinich says that there should be enough money still in the "pipeline" to support the troops until the U.S. brings them home, which Kucinich says should be immediately. Although this sounds good, it may not be practical.
Maybe we will just have to wait for the next 6 months to pass by and see whether or not Bush's latest (and hopefully last) plan to deal with the problems of Iraq will work. If it doesn't then the Democratic Congress is just going to have to become more agressive with this President, and maybe even seriously consider withholding some of the funding in order to force Bush's hand to start re-deploying the troops.
Johnedward, don't forget my best friend in college, WHITE OUT. (It was invented by Mike Nesmith's mother, rumor has it).
And as an aside, will we Dems ever consider impeachment. What's with all the non-binding resolution stuff, which to me shows having no spine.
Posted by DianeD on January 19, 2007 at 01:21 PM
I wrote my Senator and Congressperson last week and demanded that bush and cheney be impeached immediately. bush will veto all the bills passed by the new Congress and he is going to get us all killed with his stupid "stay the course" crap.
ENOUGH!! I never heard from my repug congressperson and my Democrat Senator said he didn't think it was in the best interest of the country. What a load of crap. We won't have a country after two mores years with the two morons running the white house.
Off to town to get the mail. The snow stopped and I am holding my breath hoping that it passes to the south of us. It is damn cold though. Who ever heard of 35 degrees in the SW.
bbl
I will be hard for the Dems to withhold funding for the "surge" of troops, if Bush goes ahead and send them over there, because the Dems cannot afford to be seen as not supporting the troops in the field.
It is interesting to note, that the republicans did just this when Clinton ordered the troops to Somalia, yet no one said that they did not support the troops.
Posted by salutetheDems on January 19, 2007 at 01:50 PM
Sure they do. Except now they just sniff it instead of using it to correct typing mistakes.
Posted by Esmeralda January 19, 2007 at 9:49AM.........Thanks for your concern....
I just lit a new virtual candle for Jane Hamsher of Firedoglake, who had surgery yesterday. The candles burn out in 48 hours, so if you'd like to keep one lit, go here to light a new one.
ATHENS, Georgia (AP) -- Vice President Dick Cheney has bullied federal agencies and given absurd advice about the nation's risk and Iraq, Walter Mondale said Friday.
Mondale said behavior such as Cheney's never would have been tolerated when Mondale was vice president.
"I think that Cheney has stepped way over the line," Mondale said at the opening of a three-day conference about former President Jimmy Carter at the University of Georgia.
Mondale, who served under Carter, said Cheney and his assistants pressured federal agencies as they prepared information for President Bush.
"I think Cheney's been at the center of cooking up farcical estimates of national risks, weapons of mass destruction and the 9/11 connection to Iraq," he said.
That does not serve the president, because he needs facts, Mondale said.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/01/19/mondale.cheney.ap/index.html
This was my first time visiting this blog. I had hoped to see an intelligent thoughtfull exchange of information. I asked for a link to the democratic plan for Iraq. This was an honest request. How can I form an opinion without information. To the person who asked for a link to the republican plan I respond- you idiot if they had a plan we might not be in this mess. To the person that thinks I am not "authentic" I am a 56 year old grandmother whose only brother was killed in Vietnam. To say I am opposed to war is a grand understatement. I thought since this was an official blog I might be able to learn something. My mistake. Sorry
"D" Day..WW 2...the Germans had their machine guns zeroed in on the beach...A young Army 2nd Lt., Forest Furgerson runs forward and throws himself down across the barbed wire to hold it down so that his men can move forward and escape the withering machine gun fire.....Many years later I am driving down the street and I see "Fergie" beating his head against a wall to try to stop the pain the metel plate in his head is causing.....it's real easy for Mr. Bush and others like John McCain to say, "Oh, we'll just send another 20,500 more troops to correct the problem." They don't have to come home and live with the disabilities the rest of their lives..McCain, who was a pow and knows the horror of war first hand should be in opposition to this troop escalation. The fact that he isn't shows that he has sold out to the Republican power brokers who want this war to continue in exchange for their support in his quest for the presidency.
Dear tutati...This is an open blog...it is visited frequently by Republicans who just want to come in here and start arguments and disrupt the ebb and flow of normal conversation...some of them concoct strange names...I was going to ask you about your screen name earlier, but thought better of it...It takes awhile for the "regulars" to get to know you...when I first started posting here I was "slapped down" a time or two because someone thought I was a conservative Republican...As you get to know these folks, you will learn that they "are good people" Some have very strong opinions...but that is as it should be...
Posted by tutati on January 19, 2007 at 02:46 PM
The way most find out what they want, especially if no one is going to help, is to serve themselves. I suggest you try googling for your answer rather than bitching that you didn't get a response as soon as you had wished.
You can and will learn something, if nothing else, that we are quite the mix match of citizens who have come to participate on this blog.
Posted by BlueinIdaho on January 19, 2007 at 03:01 PM
You have taken the first step in realizing that Steve is an actual person! haha
I can't help it, I'm finding giggles in all the madness lately.
Posted by tutati on January 19, 2007 at 02:46 PM
Howdy. It doesn't matter what the Dems "plan" is since only 2 people can order troop movements, Bush, and the Sec Def.
Bush has been given several plans (from Kerry, Murtha, the ISG, his own Generals etc., but refuses to listen to anyone other than the AEI warhawks.
A Google Search will show over 5 MILLION citations, but unless they say 'stay the course' they will all be ignored.
Hi Essi....are you doing bubbles and dancing in your jammies yet...or should that be still?....you're a Methodist arent you? I are one too...back atcha...John Boy...
Posted by Esmeralda on January 19, 2007 at 03:07 PM
Well definitely Fridays are made for giggling. Must take exception to your classification of Frosty as a person. That would indicate that he was an individual with human characteristics. Jury is still out on the human part and since he takes on so many monnikers, there's an argument that he's not an individual. I will recognize that he is some sort of life form and perhaps more human than our current president. :)
Jeez, this guy used to be such a great musician, but now that he sold his soul to the devil and even sunk to reality tv, he is the poster boy for a "hasbeen".
Posted by BlueinIdaho on January 19, 2007 at 11:29 AM
Blue,
Nugent has been a hardcore Right wing moonbat for many years. There used to be some letter he had written that outlined his insane racist, greedy, thinks Dems want to take all his guns, etc wacko thoughts.
Isn't he the guy that used to bite off chicken heads, and throw puppies out into the audience?
Could someone please post a link to the democratic plan for Iraq?
Posted by tutati on January 19, 2007 at 11:50 AM
tutati, these are the exact words many trolls have used to start a distractive dialog. They did not have any intention of a meaningful debate or inquiry.
This was my first time visiting this blog. I had hoped to see an intelligent thoughtfull exchange of information
These are the exact words of their 2nd post. So you have outed yourself. If you want to innie yourself you could start with a honest post.
As four the last 4 Presidents, Clinton and Bush had MAJOR EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE, expecially Clinton. Executive Exp. is VERY IMPORTANT.
You see, real leaders are EXECUTIVES first.
Posted by Power_of_Equality on January 18, 2007 at 09:27 PM
Yea, and we see where that executive experience got us in regards to BUSH. An Iraq War, 1 trillion in debt for that war, illegal spying, the list could go on.
As I continue to state, Obama is not my candidate, I just think if you are going to be voicing opposition, then at least be honest.
And actually an FYI, the job description of Governor in Texas DOES not entail too much, it is a figurehead position much like the Queen of England...
Posted by PamB on January 19, 2007 at 03:32 PM
Not that I am aware and I went to his concert a few times. Now, Ozzy, he did bite the head off of a bat once...
goodfoe,
My home is cleaned, (I have a compulsion about cleaning and being clean) I've had one of at least two of my bubble baths for the day, and put on fresh jammies. I'm not dancing yet, but just because you asked, I'll turn on some tunes from my 'puter and shake it for you. It makes me feel better too.
I'm still on the rolls at a local Methodist church. I was raised by an atheist who sent her children to a Baptist Sunday school to get them out of her hair, and brought my children up in the Methodist church in their home town. I've not gone to a service since the pastor stood in the pulpit and preached that we should support at the voting booth those who oppose abortion. I'm opposed to abortion, but understand it is a necessary procedure in some cases, most certainly do not want women's rights taken away, but her informing the congregation to vote repug...well, that got my goat. I was once a certified lay speaker for the Methodist church, but never went back to continuing education. I read the Bible daily, or at least a verse or two. And if I'm on my knees in the garden, I send prayers up "without ceasing." The fun thing about prayer is that you can pray for someone who detests and does not believe in it. How are they to stop me? haha
The last few years, I've been in much sin and have yet to feel free from it. Most of that is due to divorce and how it has effected my daughters. (they are grown, but still miss the family unit..and sometimes, I do too.)
What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common? A. All were invented by women.
Posted by Johnedwrd on January 19, 2007 at 01:41 PM
Don't forget White-Out from those "old fashioned" typewritters:)
Posted by Robert_Burnsey_Koenig on January 19, 2007 at 03:33 PM
Burnsey, POE need not worry, the rightwing smear machine is already gearing up for Obama. I already received a slanderous email alleging that Obama was a fake Christian and a potential muslim terrorist. It is just toooooo early for this kind of propaganda.
Well,Well,Well,...just hoped over to Newsmax.com...wanted to see what the oposition was talking about...nice story about Dem's telling Bush that he does not have the authority to attack Iran...
Ted Nugent rock star, hunter $1,500 67% 33% 0%
For some reason, Nugent has donated more to Dems than Pugs, but his total donations equaled $1,500.00 (since 1978). I like his own description "rock star, hunter". What an a**.
Federal Campaign Contributions Since 1978
Ted Nugent....a wild 17 year old girls dream! I loved those tight pants, no shirt, long hair, and crazed eyes! The good old days. ;}
Posted by BlueinIdaho on January 19, 2007 at 03:42 PM
They got that from FOX "News". See my 1:31 post.
For some reason, Nugent has donated more to Dems than Pugs,
Posted by DPD on January 19, 2007 at 03:46 PM
Wow, now this surprises me. I had a guy I worked with about 7-8 years ago, email me the letter Nugent composed, trying to use it to convince me he was right (as a Republican) and I was wrong.
In fact, here it is. Unfortunetly I did not have snopes, nor breakthechain at that time:
Posted by tutati on January 19, 2007 at 02:46 PM
There is more than one plan for the Democratic Party in regards to Iraq, thus you will be unable to find just one. Being that you are Anti-War (the Nam refrence above) you must know by now that there is never just one plan. A few of the plans have been submitted as bills and resolutions in both the senate and the house and you can find those on the respective government website.
There are also plans out there by different poloticians considering running for president and you can look up those individual plans at your discretion.
The fact of the matter is that the Democratic Party has NO Constitutional ability to make any decisons in regards to the stategy and tactics of this War, with the exception of funding.
Here is one link to one plan, it is a pdf file and slow in loading. This is from the last Congress so I'm not sure how relevant it is, and there have been many proposals presented in just the last few days, so I cannot provide links. They range from complete withdrawl of troops to graduated removal of the troops within 6 months to a year, and none propose an escelation in forces in Iraq. Check the Senate website and look for Kennedy's site, Clintons site, Murthas site and Obamas site to read their latest forays on the issue.
It is far to difficult for any of the regulars on this site to give you all the answers you may request, and we, like you, are citizens and not elected officials. We as individuals do not have all the answers, so some of the work will have to be done by you.
Essi...I belong to a little Methodist church here in Spring...graduated from a Methodist school...but I don't attend very often..partially because of my condition and partially because I'm always running into a least one narrow minded hypocrit in any church I go to. Can't stand religios fanatacism of any kind. I go to the "Church IN The Trees"...no walls, no roof, pines and scrub oaks and one small park type bence..Thats my real church...as far as being in sin, I wouldn't worry about it, compared to some "religious" people I have known, you're doing just fine....John Boy...
Posted by BlueinIdaho on January 19, 2007 at 03:42 PM
The one with the assertion that it was Clintons research team that was making the accusations? Me too. It was a pox on both their houses sort of story. Shameful.
Posted by Esmeralda on January 19, 2007 at 03:49 PM
And the crazy fantasy of a 16 year old boy. I loved the pants as well....:)
wow, just logged in for first time, thought this was a South Carolina Dem site, but obviously you'all are from all over. I live down here in Repug land, surrounded by them and represented by them. Its very discouraging. My representative has voted no to every single bill that has come up in the first 100 hours. I want to out him to his constituents, but he is owned by big brother, and totally groks nothing.
John Boy,
Thank you for your kind words. I enjoy reading the personal part of bloggers lives here. It makes them more real. I've always been transparent.
Isn't that the kind of "church" that Jesus and his first followers gathered in? Homes, open markets, along the road ways? It was when religion became so organized and power structured that the real meaning was lost.
With that, I'm off to watch Pres. Carter on the Situation Room.
Enjoy the afternoon/evening, everyone.
Posted by Robert_Burnsey_Koenig on January 19, 2007 at 04:03 PM
You bad boy! I just knew you would say that.
Now, I'm gonzo!
I want to out him to his constituents, but he is owned by big brother, and totally groks nothing.
Posted by Reindeargirl on January 19, 2007 at 04:05 PM
"OUT" him? On his voting record? or some other issue?
Posted by Reindeargirl on January 19, 2007 at 04:05 PM
Welcome. Chicago 'burbs here.
From Pam's Houseblend:
Just look at what the American Ally Nigeria plans...
Nigeria is prepared to criminalize its gay and lesbian citizens. If someone expresses same-sex love in letter or email, that could land you in the clink for five years.
Passage of this law will result in terror and death for many for even appearing to be gay. Will the world turn a blind eye to this bill, entitled "The Prohibition of Relationships Between Persons of the Same Sex, Celebration of Marriage by Them, and for Other Matters Connected Therewith"? (UKGayNews):
A new bill, currently being debated in the Nigerian parliament, is the most comprehensively homophobic legislation ever proposed in any country in the world.
Its extremism is rivalled only by the death penalty that exists for homosexuality in several Islamic fundamentalist states.
The bill is primarily concerned with banning same-sex marriage, but its sub-clauses go much further. They will strip lesbian and gay Nigerians of their already limited civil rights. The bill outlaws almost every expression, affirmation and celebration of gay identity and sexuality, and prohibits the provision of sympathetic advice and welfare support to lesbians and gay men.
And violations will be punished with an automatic five year jail sentence.
...The draconian measure will outlaw membership of a gay group, attending a gay meeting or protest, advocating gay equality, donating money to a gay organisation, hosting or visiting a gay website, the publication or possession of gay safer sex advice, renting or selling a property to a gay couple, expressions of same-sex love in letters or emails, attending a same-sex marriage or blessing ceremony, screening or watching a gay movie, taking or possessing photos of a gay couple, and publishing, selling or loaning a gay book or video.
Even mere socialising by two or more gay people is likely to be interpreted as illegal.
just out him on his voting record. I don't think SC folks have any idea how bad he votes - he votes against everything except more guns. NO, the one who really needed to be "outed" is Lindsey Graham. 'round here, everyone says he is just a little light in the loafers, but who knows. He's really ambitious.
Congressman Joe Wilson , no, just out him on his voting record. I don't think SC folks have any idea how bad he votes - he votes against everything except more guns.
Reindeargirl....don't feel bad...down here in Texas, the woods are full of 'em too.....but we did manage to replace Tom DeLay with a Democrat, Nick Lampson...I'm looking forward to '08 and hope that we can send Mr. Cornyn packing then....
Ira just getting so hard to find anyone decent who can AFFORD to run for office, let alone Congess. YOu have to be a friggin millionaire, and how in touch with the little guy are they. . sigh. .
Hi Myrtle Beach, your guy, Henry Brown is almost as bad. He's the one who wants to drill for oil off the SC coast, right?
Posted by Reindeargirl on January 19, 2007 at 04:05 PM
Hi gal,
Try and organize what we here in CT did, in finding a candidate to run against Lieberman. Write Letters to Editors over and over, until they publish some. You will be surprised at how many others will come out of the cracks and join you. Start up a blog site, with it's purpose to keep track of what that rep is doing, and appealing to someone to come forward to run against him. (Yeah it takes money, but you will be surprised how quickly it can grow from grassroots, and help from DCCC and DNC)
Keep in touch here, we will try and help you out with ideas, support, etc.
Posted by Reindeargirl on January 19, 2007 at 04:21 PM
You think that you have it bad? Our new rep's first attempt at making America better was to introduce a bill to reduce obesity by abolishing gravity. I think that wherever he goes now, people should sing this John Mayer song...
Gravity is working against me
And gravity wants to bring me down
Oh I'll never know what makes this man
With all the love that his heart can stand
Dream of ways to throw it all away
Oh Gravity is working against me
And gravity wants to bring me down
Oh twice as much aint twice as good
And can't sustain like one half could
It's wanting more
That's gonna send me to my knees
(repeat)
Oh gravity, stay the hell away from me
Oh gravity has taken better men than me you see now how can that be?
Just keep me where the light is
Just keep me where the light is
Keep you me where the light is
Just keep me where the light is
Ohh… where the light is!
ywp, thats exactly what I've started doing, and started a blog on the local paper online. He's just so entrenched and well funded by big business and sc voters are kind of clueless and vote down very strict party lines. Its gonna be a fight, but he's gotta go. thanks for your kind words, and I know it can be done, it just shouldn't be this hard to have a democracy.
ywp, thats exactly what I've started doing, and started a blog on the local paper online. He's just so entrenched and well funded by big business and sc voters are kind of clueless and vote down very strict party lines. Its gonna be a fight, but he's gotta go. thanks for your kind words, and I know it can be done, it just shouldn't be this hard to have a democracy.
I pulled this article from the San Jose Mercury news and just thought I would share it.
Obama wins over tech-savvy supporters
VALLEY PAC FORMED; FUNDRAISER IN WORKS
By Mary Anne Ostrom
Mercury News
Obama-mania has hit the Bay Area.
Tech-savvy politicos have formed a Silicon Valley-based political action committee supporting Barack Obama. A major local fundraiser is being planned for next month for the Illinois senator, who posted an Internet video announcing an exploratory committee for a 2008 presidential run. Bay Area politicians say the media-genic, mixed-race Obama is a natural for California and could go far here.
The PAC, created by San Jose Democratic consultant Jude Barry, raised $30,000 in the final week of December in Silicon Valley.
Onetime TechNet adviser Wade Randlett, a San Francisco fundraiser for Obama, says the phone is ringing off the hook from potential contributors and volunteers.
San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, an Obama friend, and Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, say his story ``reflects America.''
In ways few politicians have, Obama has ``already crossed from the political culture to celebrity culture,'' says Barry, who launched obama4america.com earlier this week at the urging of former eBay executive Tom Adams. While 2004 presidential candidate Howard Dean revolutionized fundraising on the Internet, Barry, who was Dean's California director in 2004, and others predict Obama will take campaigning a step further -- to the YouTube generation.
While generating excitement among the tech-centric, progressive pockets of the Bay Area, Obama, 45, for many remains little-known beyond his résumé. And potential Democratic rival Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., remains popular here and has a strong California organization.
But the fascination with Obama is mushrooming.
``He's certainly bringing a new perspective to national politics,'' said Clayborne Carson, founding director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute. ``It's not just the fact he is biracial. I think the fact he was raised in Hawaii and Indonesia helps give him a distinctive understanding of America in the world.''
Obama's anti-war stance and youth, combined with his upbringing, has made him an instant magnet for attention. From his stirring 2004 keynote speech at the National Democratic Convention in Boston to his 2006 bestseller, ``The Audacity of Hope,'' much has gone well for him.
Whether he survives the 2008 presidential primary season or not, Bay Area political leaders say Obama already has changed the dialogue over race and politics.
The son of a Kenyan father and white Kansan mother, who was raised on the Pacific Rim before heading to Harvard University, the U.S. senator from Illinois and likely candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination transcends many traditional divisions.
``A lot of us tend to oversimplify political labels,'' said Harris, who has an Indian mother and African-American father. Obama and Harris have hosted earlier fundraisers for each other. ``He's much more interesting and complex than those normal categories.''
Added Lee, ``I think his candidacy reminds Americans that we are a diverse country. What Sen. Obama reflects is America. And I hope Americans will see that as a positive. I think they will.''
But others say it is far too early to tell whether Obama, with only two years in the U.S. Senate, has the staying power to survive what's expected to be a brutal and costly primary season.
And while a growing number of Americans say they could vote for an African-American president,'' said Steven Millner, chairman of the African-American Studies Department at San Jose State University, ``until I see clear evidence that older white voters, who are not members of the Democratic Party's left, start attaching bumper stickers with a name like `Obama' on their gas guzzlers, I'll reserve judgment.''
And while Obama may be drawing a page from Dean's Internet playbook, which helped raise money and attract young voters, there needs to be more to the message than the medium, say others.
``Along comes Obama, who obviously has great communication skills and clicks with people. But, ultimately, you're going to have to give people a more basic idea of what you're about,'' said Democratic political consultant Chris Lehane, who worked for Al Gore's 2000 campaign but is not currently affiliated with any presidential candidate.
``Is he going to be the Google of the presidential campaign and redefine the model or will he be the Webvan.com, which has a lot of promise on paper and takes off quickly, but ultimately sinks.''
Part of the promise is his ability, so far, to bridge the historically divisive racial divides. Stacy Thompson, an Oakland college educator who works on mixed-race issues, says in her experience, people of combined Caucasian and black heritage are more easily accepted by white Americans.
``They can speak comfortably as a member of both groups, of the pros and cons of both groups,'' said Thompson.
Political experts think Obama's success or failure may answer the question of whether Americans can embrace a leader who does not look like most of them.
``If he has any realistic chance to turn the tide of history in America, people will have to push back the legacy of the American past. When they go in the voting booth, will Americans in large enough numbers really say, `I can vote for this guy who is half-black and let the legacy go'?'' said Albert Camarillo, a history professor at Stanford University.
``It's a rocky, rocky road. But even if he slips and falls, he's a very ambitious guy, and he'll be a household name when this is all through.''
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good afternoon
and the mudlslinging begins. Hillary's team is questioning Obama's Muslim background and attendance of a Muslim school while residng in Indonesia.
With the country being overwhelmingly Muslim, where else would he go to school.
Hillary is more than a LITTLE scared of Obama!
I pray we do not go through the Negative smearing of other Dem candidates like we did in the 2004 election! The Republicans didn't have to do a thing----just stand back and let the Dem candidates throw mud at each other.
Yes Hillary's team has been doing some deep digging into Obama's background. Before I go into my little diatribe here with a war dance and all, let me say I haven't decided or endorsed any candidate, but I have to make a call on unfairness.
Hillary's team is proclaimng that Mr. Obama is has been much omore involved witht he Muslim religion than he has acknowledged to. First of all Obama's religion shouldn't/doesn't have any bearing on whether he would be a good leader for the country.
Let me go back further. Thanks to the conservatives, Christian Right, extremists and any other group that falls into this holy alliance, these folks over the past 10-15 years have continuously bombarded the media and anything else that will get their message out that the Muslim religion is to be discriminated upon because is not the religion of "white men" and that this is the religion of the terrorists and fanatics. Well it worked and now we have a nation that views all Muslims as terrorists in disguise and absolutely no respect for their religion and the cultural ways that accompany it.
the problem my friends is we should not start trying to select the high school prom queen while we are beginning our junior year in high school ( jumping off from newsweeks high school metaphor for the elections ). it leaves too much time for breakups, makeups, pot busts, quarterback injuries, pregnancies, cheating scandals and general study hall mayhem....get focused on the nowie, and zowie! we can get some progressive shit done!
and now from tom tomorrow:
the fickle finger of irony
The chief of the U.S. General Services Administration attempted to give a no-bid contract to a company founded and operated by a longtime friend, sidestepping federal laws and regulations, according to interviews and documents obtained by The Washington Post.
...
Doan, 49, is a rising political star in the Republican Party who hit turbulence soon after she took over the GSA. She grew up in the downtrodden Ninth Ward section of New Orleans and was one of the first African American children to attend the city's private schools. She later went to Vassar College and obtained an advanced degree in Renaissance literature from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
j, i just went to that site that you link to in your 5:07 post. i noticed a few things. for one it is a right wing site ( they link to drudge, washington times, etc.) for another they are attributing their piece to "unamed sources". frankly the piece looks like an example of the right trying to get the democrats all tied up in knots with each other by creating bullshit---remember the swift boaters---so i am going to figure this is all crap until someone actually connects the absurd suggestion that obama has some sort of terrorism link to the hillary camp or any other reputable source.
and if either hillary or obama is the candidate i will work my ass off for them.
J, that source is farther to the "right" than The Moonie Times (look at their "links" list).
Obama DID talk about his schooling in TWO different books, one written 11 years ago. As far as Clinton's camp being behind it, the first anyone heard of it was on FOX this morning, (see my 1:31 post).
Also, has an indepth look see into the allegations.
comet mcnaught shot from namibia, africa yesterday:
please mr. spaceman, won't you please take me for a ride
he will always be remembered as the dumb shithead president who didn't understand, didn't care, didn't listen, didn't educate himself and didn't succeed:
By Will Dunham
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A senior U.S. National Institutes of Health official said on Friday President George W. Bush's limits on federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research have blocked potential medical breakthroughs.
The comments by Story Landis, director of the NIH's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, came as supporters of a bill to lift Bush's restrictions make a push for Senate passage in the coming weeks.
Bush used the only veto of his presidency last July to reject an identical bill and has promised another veto.
Democrats who seized control of Congress in November elections have made its passage a high priority. It cleared the House of Representatives on January 11 by a vote of 253-174, short of the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto.
Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts asked Landis during a Senate hearing to assess the impact of Bush's restrictions, imposed in August 2001.
"We are missing out on possible breakthroughs," Landis responded.
we all pay for the little rich kid's ignorance and arrogance
gregg, i thought of YOU when I read this post at Skippy the Bush Kangaroo
question of the day -- and one personal comment...
why are we being assaulted day after day with idle speculation over who the democratic party will nominate for its presidential candidate in 2008 when it's only january 2007?
and to those of you who are among the idle speculators, please: shut up and go away. just keep your wishful thinking to yourselves for one year. come next january, you can bludgeon me with your poll figures and silly predictions all you want. but i don't want to hear any more of this stupid crap until then for the same reason i don't want to hear anything ever again about tom-kat or brangelina: the universe does not revolve around celebrity gossip.
mm-kay? can you precious political junkies deal with this? did you understand what i just said? or do you want me to say it again more slowly using smaller words?
posted by Mimus Pauly at 8:47 AM | 6 comments
Posted by gregg on January 19, 2007 at 05:35 PM
My thoughts exactly. If anyone believes that Hillary is behind this smear than they probably also believed the swiftboaters.
Posted by Reindeargirl on January 19, 2007 at 04:21 PM
Yep, it takes about 1.5 million to run and hopefully win a congressional seat. You better have a great team on your side too.
Start with your state rep, then state senate, then on to congressional. Unless you have the highest geographics of democratic voters, then you have an advantage.
OMG, if they start that they are total idiots.
Posted by Reindeargirl on January 19, 2007 at 05:10 PM
Really? I'm sure Clinton has some of the very best advisors and political animals on her side.
I sorta hate to mention it, and ruin this lovely open thread, but the WEEKEND (meaning a long one) open thread is up now. This one only has 126 posts.
There's a new weekend open thread...and it's special too. I've got chocolate cake...gregg, bring the blue bunny ice cream!
No, not that kind of idiots, I mean its like the story of the crabs in a bucket. Two guys had been out crabbing, and met each other coming back from different sides of the island. One guy had a lid on his bucket, the other guy didn't. The guy without the lid asked the other guy, how come you have a lid on your bucket? the guy answers, because if I don't, the crabs will push each other up toward the top until one by one they escape. the other guy smiles and say, gee, I don't have to worry about that, when one gets close to the top of the my bucket, the other reach up and pull him back down.
Thats what I mean when I say they're idiots.
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