Good afternoon fellow Democrats.

Yes we can!

Si se puede!

Quote of the day! Part of an email from my college roommate:

I can't believe that I once thought I was conservative. It makes me laugh. I feel like conservatives are kind of like murderers. It's just wrong -- ethically, morally. I just can't comprehend how any of their policies make sense. It baffles me.

See when people find their own views, instead of blindly following their parents, bosses, etc. they can come to some interesting conclusions. She's even started contributing to my liberal blog!

Posted by margotb822 on March 27, 2008 at 10:32 AM

I'll allow for FORMER conservatives, darlin'...just not ones who think they can push their agenda of exclusion by helping elect a progressive:

So why consider Obama? For one reason only: because this liberal Democrat has promised to end the U.S. combat role in Iraq. Contained within that promise, if fulfilled, lies some modest prospect of a conservative revival.

FACT: The race is virtually tied, the "will of the people" is split, and both candidates need super delegates to win.
Posted by jenar on March 27, 2008 at 02:24 PM

This is a myth put forward by the Clinton Camp.

Popular Vote:
Obama
13,355,239 49.5%

Clinton
12,637,963 46.9%

Delegate Count (as per RealClearPolitics.com):
Obama: 1629 Total (1414 pledged, 215 superdeleg)
Clinton: 1497 Total (1247 pledged, 250 superdeleg)

Money (as per OpenSecrets.org):

Obama: cash on hand - $38,833,08
debts: $625,058

Clinton: cash on hand - $33,174,862
debts: $8,733,609
( posted yesterday by MIKaren on March 26, 2008 at 09:23 PM)

THE MATH

There are 566 pledged delegates up for grabs in upcoming contests. Those delegates come from Pennsylvania (158), Guam (4) North Carolina (115), Indiana (72), West Virginia (28), Kentucky (51), Oregon (52), Puerto Rico (55), Montana (16) and South Dakota (15).

If Clinton won 60 percent of those delegates, she would get 340 delegates to Obama's 226. Under that scenario — and without revotes in Michigan and Florida — Obama would still lead in delegates by 1,632 to 1,589.

The only remote possibility of a win in delegates would come if revotes were held in Florida and Michigan — which, again, would take a political miracle. If Clinton won 60 percent of the delegates in both states, she would win 188 delegates and Obama would win 125. Clinton would then lead among pledged delegates, 1,777 to 1,757.

The other elephant in the room for Clinton is that Obama is almost certain to win North Carolina, with its high percentage of African-American voters, and also is seen as extremely strong in Oregon...

This is true, as a matter of math. But even the Clinton campaign’s own best-case scenario has her finishing behind Obama when all the nominating contests are over.

“She will be close to him but certainly not equal to him in pledged delegates,” a Clinton adviser said. “When you add the superdelegates on top of it, I’ll think she’ll still be behind him somewhat in total delegates — but very, very close.”

The total gap is likely to be 75 to 110, the adviser said.

5%

Let’s take a look at what she’s going to put her party through for the sake of that 5 percent chance: The Democratic Party is probably going to have to endure another three months of daily sniping. For another three months, we’ll have the Carvilles likening the Obamaites to Judas and former generals accusing Clintonites of McCarthyism. For three months, we’ll have the daily round of résumé padding and sulfurous conference calls. We’ll have campaign aides blurting “blue dress” and only-because-he’s-black references as they let slip their private contempt.

For three more months (maybe more!) the campaign will proceed along in its Verdun-like pattern. There will be a steady rifle fire of character assassination from the underlings, interrupted by the occasional firestorm of artillery when the contest touches upon race, gender or patriotism. The policy debates between the two have been long exhausted, so the only way to get the public really engaged is by poking some raw national wound.

For the sake of that 5 percent, this will be the sourest spring...

In the past few days, I have recommended against below the belt shots at the GOP nominee because I didn't want to see us stoop to the level of a Republican. However, I have cnhaged my position on that now.

Today, as I was riding along listening to the Limbaugh show, he was speaking of Operation Chaos and how it was his stated goal of thwarting the Democratic electoral process in the remaining states. Then, Phase 2 of this is to his covert people into the various state conventions in order to start Phase 3 which is to get his covert people into the national convention in Denver. OK, fine. If this is legal, and I sure hope it isn't and they give him six months for what he did in OH and TX, which is the only reason the junior senator from NY still has a viable candidacy, then all bets are off. F*ck the GOP. F*ck John McCain unless he comes out in public and disavows these tactics as he disavowed going after Sen. Obama's pastor.

Damn! A new thread came up while I was writing this, so here it is again from the previous thread.

Even apartment-dwellers with a bit of porch space can have worthwhile amounts of produce in garden pots, if they're taugt how.

Posted by TheOriginalHillWilliam on March 27, 2008 at 02:21 PM

I was thinking more on the community level rather than the individual level. I can't imagine a single rural village, community, town, or city in the country that doesn't have numerous vacant spaces on which community gardens could be grown. And as to the skills needed, county extension agents are available almost every where for just that purpose and could also likely be relied upon to indentify local persons having the necessary skills or experience to manage and coordinate the operation. But, a single person to 'run the show' might not be required in all cases. Last night I was looking at some of the old People's Park footage on file in the Berkeley Library and it was amazing how the people came together and cooperated almost spontaineously to achieve a common goal. It was quite remarkable. So, we know that people have it in themselves to work together, let's nurture that ability.

Is this true? If so why is there any reason to believe that HRC isn't a repub? My crazy-ass senator, stupider than box of rocks is on this list.

Posted by Veneita on March 27, 2008 at 12:21 PM

So we get angry because people condemn Obama based on who HE prays with, but we are offended by whom Hillary chooses to pray with? Tsk, tsk.

This is the second time in 2 weeks that it is snowing here while the temps are in the upper 30s. Weird. Fluffy white flakes. I feel like putting up the Christmas decorations.

This is what we need more of, foreign policy that doesn't make any fucking sense. They do realize that we know they're lying, don't they?

"What we're seeing here, in a sense, is the growing -- the birth pangs of a new Middle East and whatever we do we have to be certain that we're pushing forward to the new Middle East not going back to the old one," Rice said.

So, violence is good? Do they know that the Middle East is happier being old than being new? That they focus on the tradition and the past (waaaaaay past)?

Posted by GregL on March 27, 2008 at 02:38 PM

Ok, sounds good. We'll let the reformed and the enlightened in.

But, didn't you like this part:

The presidency of George W. Bush illustrates the point. In 2001, President Bush took command of a massive, inefficient federal bureaucracy. Since then, he has substantially increased the size of that apparatus, which during his tenure has displayed breathtaking ineptitude both at home and abroad. Over the course of Bush’s two terms in office, federal spending has increased 50 percent to $3 trillion per year. Disregarding any obligation to balance the budget, Bush has allowed the national debt to balloon from $5.7 to $9.4 trillion. Worse, under the guise of keeping Americans “safe,” he has arrogated to the executive branch unprecedented powers, thereby subverting the Constitution. Whatever else may be said about this record of achievement, it does not accord with conservative principles.

As with every Republican leader since Reagan, President Bush has routinely expressed his support for traditional values. He portrays himself as pro-life and pro-family. He offers testimonials to old-fashioned civic virtues. Yet apart from sporting an American flag lapel-pin, he has done little to promote these values. If anything, the reverse is true. In the defining moment of his presidency, rather than summoning Americans to rally to their country, he validated conspicuous consumption as the core function of 21st-century citizenship.

And this one?:

For conservatives to hope the election of yet another Republican will set things right is surely in vain. To believe that President John McCain will reduce the scope and intrusiveness of federal authority, cut the imperial presidency down to size, and put the government on a pay-as-you-go basis is to succumb to a great delusion. The Republican establishment may maintain the pretense of opposing Big Government, but pretense it is.

Above all, conservatives who think that a McCain presidency would restore a sense of realism and prudence to U.S. foreign policy are setting themselves up for disappointment. On this score, we should take the senator at his word: his commitment to continuing the most disastrous of President Bush’s misadventures is irrevocable. McCain is determined to remain in Iraq as long as it takes. He is the candidate of the War Party. The election of John McCain would provide a new lease on life to American militarism, while perpetuating the U.S. penchant for global interventionism marketed under the guise of liberation.

And what about this?:

Above all, there is this: the Iraq War represents the ultimate manifestation of the American expectation that the exercise of power abroad offers a corrective to whatever ailments afflict us at home. Rather than setting our own house in order, we insist on the world accommodating itself to our requirements. The problem is not that we are profligate or self-absorbed; it is that others are obstinate and bigoted. Therefore, they must change so that our own habits will remain beyond scrutiny.

You're right that he doesn't support a genuine change in direction. He just knows that a Democrat will get the real dirty work done, and that the war in Iraq needs to be ended if America is ever going to focus on anything again. In the end, conservatives still want to push their agenda, regardless of how it affects anyone else.

I think that if we can convince the fence-sitters that the Republican party has left them and doesn't care about them, we will have some converts. That's what I was hoping for with this article (consider me a vote mongerer).

(CNN) – After staying out of the Barack Obama controversy over his former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Hillary Clinton has now weighed in big time. She was asked about the flap when she met with the editorial board of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review today. “He would not have been my pastor,” she replied.

GregL, She started it.

More support for abstinence-only education:

I went into my mother's high school where she teaches 10th grade today and got to see an ultrasound from one of her male students that had gotten another 10th grader pregnant. Children raising children...such a shame. And, one of the other teachers pointed out that there are now 37 pregnant girls in a school of about 1200.

Not that these kids don't know about safer sex from tv, movies, life (I doubt parents), but I think we have an obligation to try to help future generations by giving children the tools they need to make the best possible decisions. Now we're just continuing the cycle of kids having kids, not going on to higher education and not moving up in the world.

D-B-D-B-D: Only twice in the last two weeks?
We've been having snows like that just about every day in the last 2 weeks or so. There was actually snow on the ground when I got up this morning. The East Ridge is all white. There's another snow storm blowing across the Highland Mountains as I type. But they're a bit higher in elevation, Butte's only at 5280 feet. ;-D

WASHINGTON (AP) - Behind the Pentagon's closed doors, U.S. military leaders told President Bush Wednesday they are worried about the Iraq war's mounting strain on troops and their families. But they indicated they'd go along with a brief halt in pulling out troops this summer.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff did say senior commanders in Iraq should make more frequent assessments of security conditions, an idea that appeared aimed at increasing pressure for more rapid troop reductions.

The chiefs' concern is that U.S. forces are being worn thin, compromising the Pentagon's ability to handle crises elsewhere in the world.

In the war zone itself, two more American soldiers were killed Wednesday in separate attacks in Baghdad, raising the U.S. death toll to at least 4,003, according to an Associated Press count. Volleys of rockets also slammed into Baghdad's Green Zone for the third day this week, and the U.S. Embassy said three Americans were seriously wounded. At least eight Iraqis were killed elsewhere in the capital by rounds that apparently fell short.

Wednesday's 90-minute Pentagon session, held in a secure conference room known as "the Tank," was arranged by Defense Secretary Robert Gates to provide Bush an additional set of military views as he prepares to decide how to proceed in Iraq once his troop buildup, which began in 2007, runs its course by July.

"Armed with all that, the president must now decide the way ahead in Iraq," said Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell. The discussion covered not only Iraq but Afghanistan, where violence has spiked, and broader military matters, said Morrell, who briefed reporters without giving details of the discussion. Some specifics were provided by defense officials, commenting on condition of anonymity in order to speak more freely.

The Joint Chiefs are particularly concerned about Afghanistan and an increasingly active Taliban insurgency.

The United States has about 31,000 troops in Afghanistan and 156,000 in Iraq...

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080327/D8VLG8JG1.html

I have a pretty good idea where some of those extra 156K troops in Iraq could be used. Afghanistan is our real war on terror, not Iraq. When we leave Iraq, there will be a civil war. Whether it is in 2009, 2010, 2013, or 2108 as the GOP nominee has indicated.

Mr. President, where is UBL? Why have we not captured him? Some would believe it is so you have justification to keep invading countries in the Middle East for their oil reserves and to keep funding merc organizations like Blackwater. So tell us Mr. President, why should we believe anything you have to say?

There is no reason. I wanted to believe that no POTUS would use our troops for oil. I wanted to believe that this Iraq debacle was just mere incompetence on the part of the White House, the VPOTUS' office, and the DoD under Secretary Rumsfeld. I was wrong. The Iraq War is the most sinister use of military force since Germany invaded Poland in 1939.

Anyone else been singing that new Obama Girl song? I've had it stuck in my head all day! It's actually pretty catchy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axxooGIgOKs

Don't forget the way things really went down in Florida at the start. Keep this incident in the Florida senate in mind as the spinning goes on.

The video the DNC had when FL pleaded before them.

"Geller: "...So the Democratic leader and the Democratic leader pro tem are jointly making this motion, which we will duly show them later, that we tried not to have the election on, um, before (Feb. 5).
President: "And so Sen. Geller are you urging a negative vote or would you like us to pass this vote?"
Geller: "Oh no sir. We really, really want this. Don't we senator? (sarcasm and audible laughter in chamber)."

If the video in the original link does not work, here is the You Tube link.

Video from floor of Florida senate

Posted by BobVADemHawk-Obama08 on March 27, 2008 at 03:32 PM

Did you watch Bush's War? I did and there is still no reason why we went to Iraq besides oil. Everything they used to try to persuade us was false. Many of us knew that then, we all know it now, and I'm sure they knew it then.

The thing I found interesting (hypocritical?) was that Rummy's plan all along was to get out of Iraq as soon as possible. He never had any intention of actually fighting the war, which lead to the situation we're currently in. And the Republicans call the Dems cowards for overtly wanting to leave Iraq, and it was really what they wanted all along. So hypocritical!

video

Posted by Butte on March 27, 2008 at 03:26 PM

But it's almost 40 Degrees! In the 1980's there was an episode of "thunder snows", (Blizzard and lightning) and all the weather guessers on TV were talking about how rare it is, and there has to be almost once in a lifetime conditions for that to happen.

Now it happens all the time.

A landscape crew was out at 7 this morning working on a condo building near here getting ready to plant flowers or something and they went home when this started. (Everybody knows that you NEVER plant a thing until a week after Mothers' Day.)

This winter will NEVER end!

I just finished reading two books of Rev Jeremiah Wright's sermons. So what did I find?

Those seeking more evidence of Wright's venom (as if we didn't have enough) will be disappointed. Indeed the 18 sermons collected herein don't have the kind of provocative hate in them that we've seen in some YouTube clips. There are passages where he talks, sometimes bluntly, about the black race's unique burden in America, and America's cruel treatment of black people over history. But all that of course is true. And in general, the passages like this don't dwell on the history for its own sake, or for the purpose of bringing his audience to a boil about America. The ill-treatment is usually stated as a given that the parishioners will know and agree with already. From there, he tends to move on to optimistic messages, urging his listeners to put their faith in Jesus and stay on course.

Leave it to the British.

This is ridiculous:

Since 2006, when the insurgency in Afghanistan sharply intensified, the Afghan government has been dependent on American logistics and military support in the war against Al Qaeda and the Taliban.

But to arm the Afghan forces that it hopes will lead this fight, the American military has relied since early last year on a fledgling company led by a 22-year-old man whose vice president was a licensed masseur.

With the award last January of a federal contract worth as much as nearly $300 million, the company, AEY Inc., which operates out of an unmarked office in Miami Beach, became the main supplier of munitions to Afghanistan’s army and police forces.

Since then, the company has provided ammunition that is more than 40 years old and in decomposing packaging, according to an examination of the munitions by The New York Times and interviews with American and Afghan officials. Much of the ammunition comes from the aging stockpiles of the old Communist bloc, including stockpiles that the State Department and NATO have determined to be unreliable and obsolete, and have spent millions of dollars to have destroyed.

In purchasing munitions, the contractor has also worked with middlemen and a shell company on a federal list of entities suspected of illegal arms trafficking.
------------------------------------------------

So, I wonder where the majority of that $300M went. Probably lined some deep pockets. Another reason why no-bid contracts are crap!

Link to above article:

Supplier Under Scrutiny on Aging Arms for Afghans

Posted by margotb822 on March 27, 2008 at 03:20 PM

I have problems with the beginning of that. Bush did NOT take "command of a massive, inefficient federal bureaucracy", he took charge of a well-run federal bureaucracy and a nation that had a budget surplus. Bush didn't When progressives are in charge, everyone benefits. When conservatives are in charge, everyone gets screwed. Oh hell, I am no good at saying it, so here:

Bush Is Not Incompetent

by George Lakoff, Marc Ettlinger, Sam Ferguson

Progressives have fallen into a trap. Emboldened by President Bush’s plummeting approval ratings, progressives increasingly point to Bush’s “failures” and label him and his administration as incompetent. Self-satisfying as this criticism may be, it misses the bigger point. Bush’s disasters — Katrina, the Iraq War, the budget deficit — are not so much a testament to his incompetence or a failure of execution. Rather, they are the natural, even inevitable result of his conservative governing philosophy. It is conservatism itself, carried out according to plan, that is at fault.

And The $300 Million Defense Contract Goes To...The 22-Year-Old Abusive Boyfriend Who Never Had A Job!a>

Do you ever wonder, where do the weapons our Pentagon is buying to supply the Afghan counterinsurgency actually come from? Well, duh, China, but, let's start over. Meet Efraim Diveroli. He has some sort of $300 million Pentagon contract to supply ammunition to the government. He also has: never had a real job, a drinking problem, a woman with a restraining order against him, a beautiful headquarters in the heart of Miami Beach, a 25-year-old VP whose only certification in anything is that he is a licensed masseur, and wiretaps of him talking about bribing the Albanian defense department by sending him whores. And all of this makes sense because Efraim Diveroli is 22 YEARS OLD.

GregL, She started it.

Posted by Veneita on March 27, 2008 at 03:24 PM

I'm rubber, you're glue, whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you. NYAH, NYAH

Clinton has cooties!

margot, that is a subscription site (I thought they got rid of that). Here's a link to the same story via Josh Marshall's site:

Today's Must Read

Also, a follow up:

Waxman Scheds Hearing for Twenty-Something Arms Contractor

Did you watch Bush's War? I did and there is still no reason why we went to Iraq besides oil. Everything they used to try to persuade us was false. Many of us knew that then, we all know it now, and I'm sure they knew it then

I tried to watch this, but it just made me so angry, to see again, all the lies they told, and how many people they duped! there are STILL
those easily swayed people (trolls) who believe just because Saddam was a bad man, we should invade his country and steal his oil! These small people will not admit the truth. To do so, is to admit they were stupid !~

From Yesterday, March 26, 2008: Did you all just watch CNN? Finally, they are exposing Obama for the inexperienced fraud that he is!

Posted by WestPA on March 26, 2008 at 08:57 PM

Does anybody know how CNN supposedly did this, spefically, who did the spot? What was the subject? etc.

Good afternoon, good {{Dems}}.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) are inquiring this week into the terms of the recent, taxpayer-backed sale of the failing Bear Stearns investment firm to JPMorgan Chase. In a letter to the firms’ chief executive officers, as well as to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, and Federal Reserve Bank CEO Timothy Geithner, the Senators requested exact details of the sale agreement, how and by whom it was negotiated, and all parties to it. The Finance Committee has jurisdiction over U.S. debt and the Treasury-backed securities used to guarantee the Bear Stearns deal.

“Americans are being asked to back a brand-new kind of transaction, to the tune of tens of billions of dollars. With jurisdiction over federal debt, it’s the Finance Committee’s responsibility to pin down just how the government decided to front $30 billion in taxpayer dollars for the Bear Stearns deal, and to monitor the changing terms of the sale,” said Baucus. “Economic times are tight on Main Street as well as on Wall Street, and we have a responsibility to all taxpayers to review the details of this deal.”

“Separate from the question of what was needed, or not, to avoid a market panic in the Bear Stearns case are the implications of the deal for the taxpayers,” Grassley said. “Congress has a responsibility to look at whether the taxpayers will lose money here, what kind of precedent this sets for federal involvement when other firms over-extend themselves, how this will affect the marketplace in other direct and indirect ways, and whether top executives will come out better than the rank-and-file workers who weren’t in the room negotiating the deal.”

More.

EXCLUSIVE: McCain’s Foreign Affairs Speech Plagiarizes 1996 Address By Adm. Timothy Ziemer

Yesterday, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) gave a foreign policy speech to the Los Angeles World Affairs Council. He stated:

I detest war. It might not be the worst thing to befall human beings, but it is wretched beyond all description. When nations seek to resolve their differences by force of arms, a million tragedies ensue. The lives of a nation’s finest patriots are sacrificed.

Innocent people suffer and die. Commerce is disrupted; economies are damaged; strategic interests shielded by years of patient statecraft are endangered as the exigencies of war and diplomacy conflict. Not the valor with which it is fought nor the nobility of the cause it serves, can glorify war. Whatever gains are secured, it is loss the veteran remembers most keenly.

These lines are not McCain’s own. As TP reader 5th Estate discovered, they were in fact taken largely from a 1996 speech by ret. Rear Adm. Timothy Ziemer. Below is a comparison of McCain’s address yesterday with Ziemer’s in 1996:

Ziemer
War is awful and when nations seek to resolve their differences by fighting, a million tragedies ensue. [Link]

McCain
When nations seek to resolve their differences by force of arms, a million tragedies ensue. [Link]
Ziemer
War is wretched beyond description. [Link]

McCain
It might not be the worst thing to befall human beings, but it is wretched beyond all description.[Link]

Ziemer
Nothing, not the valor with which it is fought, nor the cause with which it serves can glorify war. [Link]

McCain
Not the valor with which it is fought nor the nobility of the cause it serves, can glorify war.[Link]

Nowhere in yesterday’s speech does McCain give credit to Ziemer. Additionally, it’s not the first occasion that McCain has stolen Ziemer’s words, as 5th Estate notes. McCain also used these words on Aug. 20, 2007:

“We do share a secret, but it is not a romantic remembrance of war,” McCain said early in his speech. “ War is awful. When nations seek to resolve their differences by force of arms, a million tragedies ensue. Nothing, not the valor with which it is fought nor the nobility of the cause it serves, can glorify war.“

cubilist, I love comment #2 on that post:

2. Badmoodman Says: March 27th, 2008 at 3:24 pm

Now McCain has come down with “all Ziemer’s” disease. Geeze.

GregL, you could say.

I'm rubber, you're glue, whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you. NYAH, NYAH

Posted by GregL on March 27, 2008 at 03:59 PM

I guess you could say that Clinton took control of a massive inefficient federal bureaucracy and did the best he could with it! I think it's in the nature of conservatives to think that the government they created is what's wrong with the world. There are definitely parts of the article I took issue with, but I tried to look at it through a conservative lens. I didn't look at it as a Dem.

Posted by Doo-Bee-Doo-Bee-Doo on March 27, 2008 at 04:07 PM

Sorry, I didn't realize that. I clicked on it through HuffPo, so I figured anyone could read it.

So we get angry because people condemn Obama based on who HE prays with, but we are offended by whom Hillary chooses to pray with? Tsk, tsk.
Posted by GregL on March 27, 2008 at 02:48 PM

What's your point? When you know who she prays with you have some idea who she is, right? Or doesn't it matter in her case? Or did you simply misspeak?

The MSM aren't examining who Hillary prays with. Have you ever heard of the "The Fellowship" to which she belongs? Read this article in Mother Jones and then come back and let's discuss it point by point. Deal?

http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2007/09/hillarys-prayer.html

Here's something else you won't hear the simple minded trolls admitting. Bush has screwed up our Economy so bad, we will probably have a Depression, never mind a Recession!

Economy Nearly Stalled in Fourth Quarter

Washington - The economy nearly sputtered out at the end of the year and is probably faring even worse now amid continuing housing, credit and financial crises.

The Commerce Department reported Thursday that gross domestic product increased at a feeble 0.6 percent annual rate in the October-to-December quarter. The reading - unchanged from a previous estimate a month ago - provided stark evidence of just how much the economy has weakened. In the prior quarter, the economy clocked in at a sizzling 4.9 percent growth rate.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/032708E.shtml

I tried to look at it through a conservative lens. I didn't look at it as a Dem.

Posted by margotb822 on March 27, 2008 at 04:33 PM

:shudder: What a horrible experience that must have been for you. :)

Posted by margotb822 on March 27, 2008 at 03:41 PM

I did see the Frontline special and thought it was quite insightful. I would strongly recommend anyone that did not see it to go watch it.

http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=3031623

Posted by Cubilist on March 27, 2008 at 04:22 PM

I can just see it now: Well, of course, it's not his fault. Someone else wrote the speech, he just read it. And, it still reflects how he feels.

Ugh, the Repubs are a joke. They just put puppets into office, and McCain is easier to manipulate than originally anticipated.

When you have Ethanol added to gas and other things, how come they still charge the same, and our bread prices increase. I also noted that there used to be $.10 spread between grades, at times I see $.20 now. Is a gallon of gasoline the same in Death Valley in the heat of the midday sun as the midnight freezing chill being pumped into the car?

With buses there are large roofs where solar panels can be mounted to charge batteries, and save especially schools gasoline outlandish prices.

How many of the Oil CEO's are Bohemian members or have visited the Bohemian Grove in secrecy discussing with Cheney and maybe Bush oil diplomacy and oil pricing. They are protected there by a National Security Act of 1947. Here the power elite have immunity to discuss anything at all and cannot be investigated by law.

Posted by MARZBAR on March 27, 2008 at 04:35 PM

Umm, duh. What do you think I was talking about? People are all up in arms here because Obama is being slammed for his association with Wright. Yet those same people are slamming Hillary Clinton for HER religious affiliations. Praying with Republicans doesn't necessarily make you one. Y'all keep talking about keeping church and state separate, yet when it suits your purposes to make someone look bad, you jump right on that bandwagon.

if you don't like Clinton for her values or the way she plans to address issues, that's fine. Same for Obama. But leave their religions out of it. No matter what Clinton is doing, it's no reason for US to be hypocrites.

Posted by PamB on March 27, 2008 at 04:37 PM

And what do you want to bet that the "sizzling 4.9% growth rate" was fueled by all that practically worthless paper the investment banks, like Bear Sterns, were spreading around? These CEO's, CFO's, and other corporate officers should be fully investigated by the DOJ for this.

What a horrible experience that must have been for you. :)

Posted by GregL on March 27, 2008 at 04:38 PM

Well, it wasn't easy to suspend reality and logic (and maybe I didn't read it as closely as I thought I did...as you have pointed out to me numerous times :oP)

Also, Frontline is doing a show abot a virtual enbed with a National Guard deployed in Iraq. The press release can be read here. The name of the episode(s) is Bad Voodoo.

Good afternoon, all.

Posted by BobVADemHawk-Obama08 on March 27, 2008 at 02:45 PM

Bob,

Go ahead and let loose on the GOP. Some of them like Vitters like being spanked.

* * *

I hear that more "scandalous" Rev. Wright tapes/church bulletins have surfaced. Goody, goody. This should make Obama's numbers go up even more.

Who would have thought that someone saying the Bush administration was un-American would hit such a positive note with most perspective voters?

Perhaps we should send Wright out on the road to stage revivals across the country for Born Again Democrats? We could set up a big tent and encocurage people to come tell us why they are so angry and fed up with the Republicans...just like Wright.

I think this Democratic food fight is shaping up as a bonanza for our party. No one could possibly afford to buy this kind of funky, free press for months. The charged-up, ever-growing Democratic base is now seeing themselves as fighters, hip and cool, inspirational, smart, outrageous...and unbeatable.

Every time another silly video is leaked to the media by the Republicans one or both of our remaining candidates gets yet another chance to jab back...and tell voters we'll end the Iraqi occupation and make the Republicans pay for screwing up our economy.

It's an incredibly simple manipulation of the MSM and it all feeds off of GOP dirty tricks which never work.

Bring it on, you filthy bastards. Democrats have permanently taken the floor. While McCain just looks more like a tired old, irrelevant afterthought...which is exactly what he and the GOP are.

More than 40 Democratic House and Senate candidates have endorsed a document stating that "there is no military solution in Iraq" and calling for an end to the war and the removal of all U.S. troops from the country, though not according to any specific timeline.

The strategy document, titled "A Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq," [PDF] calls for using "diplomatic, political and economic means" to hasten an end to the conflict. As of this writing, it has been endorsed by four Democratic Senate candidates and 38 House hopefuls, a handful of whom touted the plan on a conference call with reporters today [...]

The plan was crafted without the input or endorsement of the House and Senate Democratic leadership. Burner said "this was not driven inside the Beltway" and complained that "people inside the Beltway don't seem to get how big an issue this is for voters" in the rest of the country.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/3/27/164558/115/529/485591

Posted by GregL on March 27, 2008 at 04:46 PM

I don't care what religion she is or where she attends church. I'm with you on that. I don't see a double standard though. I would however say that I wouldn't consider critisism slamming her, it is merely showing the hypocrisy in her statement. I agree that there should be a separation of church and state and we should talk about issues, but she keeps bringing non issues up. The entire campaign she has expected her rivals to remain silent as she attacks them on non issues. NOT THIS TIME.
All I'm saying is her former pastor was a child rapist, her white house pastor defended Pastor Wright, and she is currently praying with a secretive republican pastor. Based on her past associations she clearly has no room to judge.

Posted by Cubilist on March 27, 2008 at 04:22 PM

Cubilist,

McCain is clearly stuck in the Cold War Era.

Posted by BobVADemHawk-Obama08 on March 27, 2008 at 04:48 PM

Our economy has been nothing but accounting tricks since Bush took office.

Uh Oh, time for Rove to "lawyer up". The canary is out of his cage and can now start singing.

BREAKING NEWS: Siegelman to be released from prison

March 27, 2008 Categories: Barack Obama

The Muslim lie lingers

A new Pew poll out today reports that the Wright affair hasn't really hurt Obama among Democrats, but he's still having trouble with the older, white, working-class members of his party:

White Democrats who hold unfavorable views of Obama are much more likely than those who have favorable opinions of him to express less tolerant views on race. In addition, nearly a quarter of Democrats (23%) who hold a negative view of Obama believe he is a Muslim.

The survey also notes:

There is little evidence that the recent news about Obama's affiliation with the United Church of Christ has dispelled the impression that he is Muslim. While voters who heard "a lot"about Reverend Wright's controversial sermons are more likely than those who have not to correctly identify Obama as a Christian, they are not substantially less likely to still believe that he is Muslim. Nearly one-in-ten (9%) of those who heard a lot about Wright still believe that Obama is Muslim.

By Avi Zenilman 03:51 PM

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0308/The_Muslim_lie_lingers.html

How stupid can a person be? Can we please pass a constitutional amendment that does not allow stupid people to vote? Congratualtions to the junior senator from NY for locking up the knuckle-dragging crowd. Heckuva job, madame Senator, heckuva job!

Bush and McCain's idea of success for Thursday

Baghdad

12 mortars hit the Green Zone starting at 10 am until this report was prepared at 2 pm, Thursday, said Iraqi Police. The U.S. Embassy said no one was injured.

2 mortar rounds fell on Ur neighbourhood, east Baghdad near an open air marketplace killing one civilian, injuring two.

2 mortar rounds hit Karrada Kharij Street, central Baghdad injuring 1 civilian.

17 wounded Iraqi Army soldiers from Basra were taken to al-Yarmouk Hospital for treatment.

Clashes in al-Mansour district, from Iskan neighbourhood to Abu Jafar al-Mansour began this morning between Mahdi Army members and security forces. 3 Iraqi Army soldiers were injured and the clashes continued at the time of publication.

A parked car bomb exploded near the Red Crescent office, Andalus Square, in central Baghdad causing some material damages to its outer wall.

Clashes between Mahdi Army members and National Police in al-Amin neighbourhood started this morning and continue until the preparation of this report at 2 pm. Casualties have not been reported until this time.

The office of al-Da'wa Party in al-Shaab neighbourhood has been torched, causing only material damages.

3 mortars hit al-Alawi bus station, central Baghdad, killing 2 civilians, injuring 15.

Updating Sadr City news, since the fighting started on Monday until now, the toll has reached 38 killed and 47 wounded, Iraqi police said.

Gunmen kidnapped the civil spokesman of the Baghdad Security Plan, Tahseen al-Shaikhli. An armed group attacked his home, took him captive, let his family go and torched his house. They also took a government pick up truck, loaded it with 26 pieces of weaponry belonging to his security detail.

8 Iraqi soldiers were wounded in clashes between Iraqi Army and members of the Mahdi Army in Talbiyah, north Baghdad at around 3 pm Thursday.

Random fire by gunmen passing in a speeding car killed a father and his son, 13 years old in Talbiyah, north Baghdad at 5 this afternoon.

1 civilian injured when gunmen opened fire randomly across Sabah al-Khayat Square in Shaab area in north Baghdad at around 5 pm.

1 mortar round fell in Battawin neighbourhood, which is a largely commercial area in central Baghdad, injuring 2 civilians at 5 pm.

Clashes between gunmen and Iraqi Army in Zafaraniyah, southeast Baghdad at around 5.30 pm left 2 soldiers seriously injured.

2 mortar rounds hit the Ministry of Interior, al-Tasfeerat compound in central Baghdad at 6 pm killing 1 employee and injuring 4.

A mortar shell hit a residential building in Karrada Dakhil, central Baghdad at 6.15 pm, injuring 2 residents and causing material damage.

Clashes broke out between National Police and gunmen in Husseiniyah neighbourhood at around 6.30 pm and the clashes continued at the time of publication.

4 mortar rounds hit the US military base in Rustamiyah at 6.30 pm. No casualties were reported and no comment was available from the US military at the time of publication.

Gunmen target a police patrol at the entrance of al-Hurriyah neighbourhood at 8 pm injuring 1 policeman.

Thursday at 8 pm the Shoala Police Station fell in the control of an armed group.

5 unidentified bodies were found in Baghdad by Iraqi Police today. 1 in Ur, 1 in Zayuna, 1 in Husseiniyah, 1 in Mansour, 1 in Alawi al-Hilla, Sheikh Ma'roof.

Hilla

Clashes have resumed in the city centre of Hilla city causing the injury of 30 people, 22 of whom were police and army, 8 civilians amongst who was a woman and the death of 1 soldier and 2 policemen.

Clashes in Chiffel neibourhood inside Hilla city continue, and the offices of al-Da'wa Party and the Supreme Council were torched by members of al-Mahdi Army causing the death of 3 policemen and the injury of 4.

Maysan

Gunmen torch Badr Organization Bureau located in Hitteen Square, in the centre of Amara city. They launched 4 RPGs at the bureau, three of which hit the bureau and burned the building to the ground. The fourth hit an adjacent house, injuring one of its inhabitants.

Clashes between Iraqi Army and Mahdi Army members as the regular army was crossing what is commonly known as the Yugoslav Bridge, north Amara. 2 civilians were killed and 7 injured by cross fire.

Salahuddin

Gunmen attack a Sahwa, US sponsored militia, member's house in al-Khadhraa neighbourhood, downtown Samara and kill both him and his son and injured his wife and one of his daughters. Joint forces, Iraqi army and US military announce a curfew in order to search for the armed group, said First Lieutenant Muthanna Shakir. US military did not include this report in their release.

A roadside bomb exploded yesterday, Wednesday targeting a Support Force, CLC, checkpoint on the main road near Awja city injuring 7 Sahwa members and 2 civilians.

A mortar shell fell on Tel al-Jarad, Baiji city, yesterday evening killing a woman Mona Ajaj, injuring 5 civilians, amongst whom were 3 children and a woman.

IED exploded targeting a soldier as he left his home going to work, in Malha neighbourhood, north Baiji, causing his death.

Diyala

5 unidentified bodies were found in a mass grave by security forces in al-Zor area, Muqdadiyah district, 25 km to the east of Baquba.

Local police found 4 bodies in al-Asaiba village, Shahraban district, 8 km south of the town of Baladruz. They were immediately sent to the coroner's department in Baladruz General Hospital, where through procedures the bodies were identified and collected by their families and returned to al-Shamsiyah village, their home town.

A roadside bomb exploded targeting a civilian car in the town of Khanaqin injuring 2 civilians.

The District Commissioner's office in Khan Beni Saad was targeted with mortar fire by the Mahdi Army today. The security forces announced a curfew in the town in order to track the armed group.

Anbar

2 ready-to-use improvised explosive devices were found by Iraqi Police near 40 Street in a garbage container at 7 am Thursday. They were propane gas cylinders (used for cooking) with an addition of TNT explosive material. They were removed safely by the police and a curfew aided the security forces to capture the outlaws and the curfew was lifted at one pm.

5 Iraqi Army soldiers from Anbar were killed in the fighting in Basra. Their bodies were returned to their families today.

Kirkuk

A suicide car bomb targeted an Asayesh, a Kurd security intelligence agency, vehicle killing an officer, Captain Tayib Mahmoud, and injuring 2 of his security detail and 5 civilians in the proximity of the explosion. The incident took place in al-Quds Street, Tiseen neighbourhood, downtown Kirkuk city early Thursday morning.

Gunmen assassinated the Commander of Garmian Peshmerga Forces, of the KDP. The gunmen opened fire upon his motorcade in a town near Daqooq, south Kirkuk, killing him and 4 of his security detail.

Posted by SandyH on March 26, 2008 at 05:16 PM

A day later but back at you! Feminist intervention? Inasmuch as the “party elders” are mostly men without the testicular fortitude to put an end to this “fratricide” perhaps it is required. Got anyone in mind… Pelosi perhaps?

But your suggestion got me to thinking… So let’s move to the larger issue… EQUALITY between men and women. Why any woman in this party would tolerate any vestiges of partriarchy is beyond me. Why any woman would continue to practice any religion that relegates her to second class citizenship from the outset is beyond me. But cultural change rooted in religious traditions thousands of years old does not change overnight… we all know this much. So, this is not an indictment of religion as much as it is an explanation of how religion is central to our way of thinking whether we realize it or not. It is imbedded in our subconscious… taken for granted.

Patriarchy infects our legal system from top to bottom. Any woman who has had to deal with domestic relations courts will know what I’m talking about. Children are little more than property with no legal standing. “Peepee rights” are sacrosanct…

Patriarchy is also psychologically debilitating for men insofar as the socioeconomic changes wrought over the course of the past 40 years have left many of them without work or no longer the primary breadwinner. Women are then blamed for their entry into the labor force and the subsequent decline in wages… Do we even need to discuss the disparity in wages? These complaints are especially popular among Reagan Democrats … those men most victimized by the economic policies of the Reagan Administration and those in its wake, including Clinton’s – NAFTA – that their votes helped put in office. The realization that they have been played for “CHUMPS”, however painful to admit, doesn’t bode well for their self-esteem either.

Why men have not seen the Christian Right’s agenda as a virulent assault on WOMEN is partly explained by the fact that many of them haven’t seen it as an assault on themselves. The virulent ANTIUNION posture of this movement is so well known as not to need further comment. The Christian Right’s agenda is nothing more than an effort to keep women “barefoot and pregnant” to produce Christian soldiers for their never ending wars of salvation. Hence, their continual efforts to overturn Roe vs. Wade and circumscribe the reproductive rights of all women. When men and women together see this agenda for what it is WE will take a major step forward.

Make no mistake about it. Change the fundamental relationships between men and women in a more egalitarian fashion across the board and a more egalitarian society will follow by default. That is why men must understand that the expansion of womens’ rights is a further expansion of theirs toward a more egalitarian, inclusive society consistent with the principles of this Democratic Party.

Perhaps as important as the debate about race is the one that needs to take place about GENDER. It is by far broader in both its scope and its ramifications. Feminist intervention, indeed … BRING IT ON!

(I tried posting this yesterday. I'll try again.)

That is McCain beats Clinton by two.

Posted by JASt on March 26, 2008 at 06:44 PM

More "politics of hope?" These polls about future match-ups mean nothing. Do you know how ridiculous you look when you stoop this low? Do you think you are doing the Obama campaign any favors with your politics of destruction and slash and burn posts?

You and your type (people posting here since the primary) come on here and cry like a baby screaming racism, and playing the victim. It's sad. Before this campaign, I thought that "playing the race card" was a myth. Boy, was I wrong. I've heard several Obama supporters call LOYAL DEMOCRATS members of the KKK. That would be the race card royal flush. Some character and integrity. All about the hope... sure.

I suggest that people debate the issues, and not stoop to low levels like crying racism, and playing the victim AFTER starting the race talk. We see what's going on, and your accusations do not change anything. You only confirm that you do not want to play a part in "politics of hope and change." Save your Obama drama for your mama... we don't need it here. Stick to the issues, kindly.

Posted by Big_Yellow_Dog on March 27, 2008 at 05:34 PM

Puh lease....
Most of your comments left here the last few months have been nothing but complete Obama bashing. Don't come in now and try and act like you're above anyone.

Hey margot! If you're still around, just wanted you to know I've changed my mind. I've been reading some stuff over at Rockridge Nation, in particular this part of a discussion:

How do you convince Conservatives (and others) that they should share your convictions? (I'm not trying to cause trouble - this is a legitimate question.)

-----------------------------------

Progressive Values
Posted by Moriji at Tuesday, March 18, 2008 09:21 PM

By talking about progressive values, just like others have been saying on here. If you can appeal to the progressive side of conservatives and others, you win.

If you want a living and breathing example, you don't have to look any further than Obama. He is the living embodiment of progressive values. Why do so many Republicans like Obama and like what he has to say to them? Because he appeals to the part of them that is progressive.

If you want an example of what not to do, look at Clinton. She tries to appeal to conservatives and others by adopting conservative values. The problem with this approach is the real conservatives (i.e. Republicans) always benefit from this in the end. Like that red telephone ad. If given the choice, most people would want McCain to pick up that telephone, because the ad appeals to the strict father world view and McCain is the most strict father candidate running for president.

So I was thinking...maybe the conservatives who think they want to vote for Obama because then maybe conservatism can make a comeback are actually just trying to justify to themselves their attraction to his progressiveness. In which case, like I said...I'll always accept converts :)

Posted by Big_Yellow_Dog on March 27, 2008 at 05:34 PM

You're on... How best can we defeat John McCain? The economy and the war are likely to play a major roles. But how we take McCain apart is crucial. I've asked a veteran the same question. Now it's your turn. Run with it DOG...

Posted by Cubilist on March 27, 2008 at 05:23 PM

So, is the cease fire over? And, if it is, will the surge still be working?

How stupid can a person be? Can we please pass a constitutional amendment that does not allow stupid people to vote? Congratualtions to the junior senator from NY for locking up the knuckle-dragging crowd. Heckuva job, madame Senator, heckuva job!

Posted by BobVADemHawk-Obama08 on March 27, 2008 at 05:23 PM

By all means but only if we also pass a constitutional amendment that disallows stupid people that think its okay to put babies in microwave ovens from procreating.

Posted by MARZBAR on March 27, 2008 at 05:46 PM

Don't even bother. His answer will be "Elect anyone except Obama". This guy has been Obama bashing on here since BEFORE he even announced his candidacy in Springfield.

Posted by Big_Yellow_Dog on March 27, 2008 at 05:34 PM

Hey, long time no "see." I thought you had bailed on the primary discussions! The Hillary supporters can't get any respect around here...

Posted by GregL on March 27, 2008 at 05:41 PM

Hm, that is definitely an interesting perspective. I like it!

It seems that all munitions has tags and traceability, so why are U.S. military contractors buying 50 years old ammunition for Afghanistan? It seems the White House has the means to hold contractors under Bush accountable. I wonder how much AEY paid off people to get a contract. It seems the AEY are all in their low 20's.

By all means but only if we also pass a constitutional amendment that disallows stupid people that think its okay to put babies in microwave ovens from procreating.

Posted by puggles on March 27, 2008 at 05:50 PM

Huh?

Posted by GregL on March 27, 2008 at 06:00 PM

You must have missed this: Mother arraigned in baby's microwave death

Afternoon all good Dems,

Posted by BobVADemHawk-Obama08 on March 27, 2008 at 05:23 PM

If we don't allow stupid people to vote there will not be any republic votes and we will win.

Whoopee.

Posted by Doo-Bee-Doo-Bee-Doo on March 27, 2008 at 05:55 PM

Posted by margotb822 on March 27, 2008 at 05:57 PM

I'm not talking about either Hillary or Barack.

How we go about defeating John McCain is the question...how we take McCain apart is crucial. It's on the BYD or anyone else who wants to participate.

Okay, I hate to post this but since "Hunt" feels compelled to post on Real Clear Politics polls, I must:

Pew Poll/AP: Obama has 10 point National lead Hotlist
by jkennerl [Subscribe]
Thu Mar 27, 2008 at 12:48:25 PM PDT

From the AP...

Barack Obama, 49 percent

Hillary Rodham Clinton, 39 percent

==================================================

Let's be honest these national polls tell us nothing about electability. Get over it. Let's finish these primary races already. In the meantime, there's lots of work that can be done - registration for instance and my favorite BEATING ON MCCRAP ... no where are my hammer and nails!

Bear Stearns Chairman sells $61.3 million of stock

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Bear Stearns Cos Inc (BSC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) Chairman James Cayne sold $61.3 million of Bear shares on Tuesday, according to a filing on Thursday.

The share sale comes as Bear Stearns prepares to sell itself to JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) in a deal worth about $9.32 a share at current prices. That sale is expected to close by mid-June, assuming a majority of shareholders approve it.

Cayne and his wife sold 5.66 million shares at $10.84 apiece, the filing said.

The banks helped ensure the deal would be approved earlier this week when JPMorgan agreed to buy 95 million newly issued Bear Stearns shares, equal to a 39.5 percent stake in the company. Bear's board members agreed to use their shares to vote in favor of the deal.

It is not clear who bought Cayne's shares.

Link

Shades of Enron another sweetheart deal for a CEO for failing the stockbrokers. What other benefits did he receive, did they bankrupt his retirement? Or did he get a Kenneth Lay deal.

Oka, I found my hammer and nails, time to bang on McCrap!

Iraq is imploding right before our eyes Hotlist
by clammyc [Subscribe]
Thu Mar 27, 2008 at 02:00:52 PM PDT

Despite the fact that the corporate media is baffled by the fact that once they stopped reporting about Iraq, people had a "better" feeling about how things were going, the fruits of arming both sides, bribing Sunnis to not kill us but then not paying the bribe money, an end to al Sadr’s ceasefire and a lack of any positive movement on nearly every benchmark set at the beginning of "the surge" are all coming together in a perfect storm.

In short, things have gone from horrible to miserable over the past couple of days (even since I wrote about the rapidly devolving situation a few short weeks ago).

* clammyc's diary :: ::
*

Of course, to Bush, the decreased violence (despite average daily troop casualties being nearly the same for over three years) was a sign that "the surge is working". And now, Bush says that this increase in violence is a byproduct of the "success of the surge". And John W. McSame, who is just as stubbornly ignoring the reality and facts as Bush is, had another "McCain moment" when he said that the surge is working and he doesn’t care what anyone says, except for the tiny fact that his latest speech was interrupted by reports of major violence in Iraq.

But that is the least of it - although it does show just how unqualified McCain is when it comes to being Commander in Chief. The other night, I asked what happens if the Iraqi forces can’t beat back the militia in Basra, and it looks like we may soon find out, as an oil pipeline was blown up in Basra, and there is a rapid devolvement in a number of areas in Iraq as Shiite on Shiite violence is continuing (not to mention the "other" civil war that has been raging for months between Sunnis and Shiites, or Sunni insurgents against Sunni "al Qaeda in Iraq", and everyone against the US troops:

The violence in Basra -- which has spread to Shiite areas throughout the country, including Baghdad -- is a kind of fighting Americans are unaccustomed to seeing, said retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Donald Sheppard, CNN's senior military analyst.

"This is intra-Shia. This is not Sunni vs. Shia, this is not civil war, this is not sectarian violence, it's intra-Shia politics for control of the government," he said.

On top of this, a spokesman for the Baghdad security plan was kidnapped from his Baghdad home, there are tens of thousands of protesters in the streets of Baghdad and the ultra super safe Green Zone is being pelted with mortars and rockets for pretty much every day over the past week.

Down in Basra, British military officials are indicating that the Iraqi police force is almost part and parcel with some of the militias they are supposed to be fighting, and offered a very ominous message:

"During a briefing in Baghdad on Wednesday, a British military official said that of the nearly 30,000 Iraqi security forces involved in the assault, almost 16,000 were Basra police forces, which have long been suspected of being infiltrated by the same militias the assault was intended to root out. . . .

"[I]f the Mahdi Army breaks completely with the cease-fire that has helped to tamp down attacks in Iraq during the past year, there is a risk of replaying 2004, when the militia fought intense battles with American forces that destabilized the entire country and ushered in years of escalating violence."

According to Juan Cole, the Mahdi Army still controls parts of Basra, the Iraqi Army has possibly committed mass executions in Basra and Kut (where the Mahdi Army has taken control of), and there is already a shortage of food and water for residents of Basra. And McClatchy is reporting many dozens dead, hundreds injured, tortured bodies showing up in hospitals and violence in at least a half dozen cities on Wednesday alone.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/3/27/165656/685/543/485601
=================================================

McCrap ... you out there dude???

This is all your fault. Your stupid "surge" will cost the lives of thousands of Americans and Iraqi for nothing. So Mr. Big Crap Republican Warhawk Ahole (hey I really strung those together ... just getting warmed up), what are you are going to do now?

Hey, Hey John McCain ... how many Americans and Iraqi did you kill today!

From clammyc:

Iraq is imploding, and as Petraeus said, there is no military solution here. If they don’t want to make any political progress, then we can’t do it for them. If they want a central government, then so be it. If they don’t, then so be it.

But ignoring reality and using empty rhetoric that means absolutely nothing and shows the world that we don’t know or we don’t care about the very complex and rapidly declining situation in Iraq.

The surge didn’t work. It isn’t working now. And it won’t work. To quote McCain, I say that, and I really don’t care what anyone thinks.

===============================================

Damn right! The surge is a lie and a failure. This is McCrap's fault. He doesn't merit being elected as a dog catcher.

McCrap!

It's all coming home to roost.

From the TimesOnline (UK):

Areas of Baghdad fall to militias as Iraqi Army falters in Basra

Iraq’s Prime Minister was staring into the abyss today after his operation to crush militia strongholds in Basra stalled, members of his own security forces defected and district after district of his own capital fell to Shia militia gunmen.

With the threat of a civil war looming in the south, Nouri al-Maliki’s police chief in Basra narrowly escaped assassination in the crucial port city, while in Baghdad, the spokesman for the Iraqi side of the US military surge was kidnapped by gunmen and his house burnt to the ground.

Saboteurs also blew up one of Iraq's two main oil pipelines from Basra, cutting at least a third of the exports from the city which provides 80 per cent of government revenue, a clear sign that the militias — who siphon significant sums off the oil smuggling trade — would not stop at mere insurrection.

In Baghdad, thick black smoke hung over the city centre tonight and gunfire echoed across the city.

The most secure area of the capital, Karrada, was placed under curfew amid fears the Mahdi Army of Hojetoleslam Moqtada al-Sadr could launch an assault on the residence of Abdelaziz al-Hakim, the head of a powerful rival Shia governing party.

While the Mahdi Army has not officially renounced its six-month ceasefire, which has been a key component in the recent security gains, on the ground its fighters were chasing police and soldiers from their positions across Baghdad.

Rockets from Sadr City slammed into the governmental Green Zone compound in the city centre, killing one person and wounding several more.

================================================

The surge has failed.

The surge has failed.

The surge has failed.

Do the right wing hacks, shills, trolls and pundits get it yet? There is no military solution. We can not afford 12 billion a month you right wing idiots. Our economy is falling apart. There is genuine suffering in this country that needs to be tended to.

Out of Iraq Now!

Posted by rjsnj on March 27, 2008 at 06:11 PM

...the Iraqi Army has possibly committed mass executions in Basra and Kut (where the Mahdi Army has taken control of), and there is already a shortage of food and water for residents of Basra. And McClatchy is reporting many dozens dead, hundreds injured, tortured bodies showing up in hospitals and violence in at least a half dozen cities on Wednesday alone.

Is this the type of army that we stood up so that we could stand down? Why doesn't this surprise me? We need to leave now, let them have the civil war they are literally dying to have, and if the winner of said civil war wants our help once they take over, have them use the red line at 0300 to call President Obama. The junior senator from NY will probably be too busy ducking imaginary bullets.

How we go about defeating John McCain is the question...how we take McCain apart is crucial. It's on the BYD or anyone else who wants to participate.

Posted by MARZBAR on March 27, 2008 at 06:06 PM
================================================

MARZBAR, it's only so simple ... follow my lead:

McCain owns IRAQ
McCain blames the American people for the poor ECONOMY when Iraq is the reason.

McCain, you idiot, it's the war economy, stupid!

The Hillary supporters can't get any respect around here...

Posted by margotb822 on March 27, 2008 at 05:57 PM

I think that's because we had a lot of trolls disguised as Clinton supporters come in here with some very obvious slams against Obama, so there has been a lot of suspicion about the "real" supporters. A lot of comments have been made that have made people oversensitive to even the most innocent of comments. I don't find much wrong with comments questioning whether Obama has enough experience for the job...well, except for the fact that no one who hasn't been the President has the experience of being President, not even someone who sleeps with the President. But I do have problems with RACIST MOTHERFUCKERS who state "Let's face it, whites aren't going to vote for a black man." Well, got news for you, assholes...whites HAVE voted for Obama, and whites will CONTINUE to vote for him, so take you and your sheets need to get the FUCK off this blog.

Hey B_Y_D, you think people like that are LOYAL DEMOCRATS? Yeah, maybe the LOYAL DEMOCRATS who LEFT the Democratic party after the Civil Rights Act. Or maybe they're as loyal as Joe Lieberman...you know him, right? The one with his hand stuck up McCain's ass? What ACTUAL loyal Democrats have been called KKK members by Obama supporters? You? Are you one of those people trying to say Obama should drop out because America isn't "ready" for a black President? Cuz those are the only people I've seen HERE called KKK members. Or are you talking about statements in the press that I've not heard?

Hmm...got a little mad there at the end, sorry. Really would like to know if there are statements in the press about Democrats being KKK members...other than Zell, that is.

Posted by Big_Yellow_Dog on March 27, 2008 at 05:34 PM

SNIPER! DUCK!

Oh wait, that was a little girl carrying flowers. Oops, my bad.

Ol Senator Fred "pickup truck" Thompson is going back to "Hollyweird." Why is it the Republicans only complain when it's Dems in Hollywood?

Weeeell come and listen to a story about a man named Fred, a poor Washington politician that could barely keep the lobbyists fed, then one day he was talking to some peeps, when a pundit spoke up and said they are all asleep. bored that is. Snoring. Comatose.

Well first thing ya know ol Fred is outta the race. His "trophy wife" said Fred move away from there. Said Hollyweird is the place we ought to be. So they loaded up his pickup truck and moved to Beverly.

No Bills... no bills to lobby that is. Liberals. Movie stars. It's the NEW Hollyweird DC Hillbillies!

http://stephaniemiller.com/imagefull.php?ImageId=626&TabId=10&entrant=4

President Asshole is still insisting on sanctions for Belarus. Who the F**k does this bastard think he is, king of the world.

Mind your own business you piece of shit. It's none of your damn business.

USA does not intend to abandon the policy of imposing economic sanctions against Belarus, said in the U.S. ambassador to Belarus Karen Stewart.

The Hillary supporters can't get any respect around here...

Posted by margotb822 on March 27, 2008 at 05:57 PM
==================================================

Margot, not at all true. I have no problem with anyone that voted for her. I do have a problem with the deliberate distortions being told and the attempts to divide us.

I am focused on McCain. I have the hammer, I have the nails and I intend to keep pounding on that loser!

Posted by margotb822 on March 27, 2008 at 06:04 PM

Scuse me...need to go puke now.

All I can say is I hope they have the right person. I don't know how long it would take to die from injuries like that...I suppose it is possible the babysitter is responsible. I'll wait for the trial.

how we take McCain apart is crucial. It's on the BYD or anyone else who wants to participate.

Posted by MARZBAR on March 27, 2008 at 06:06 PM

Marz, I really feel it's not so much taking McCain apart as getting an actual progressive message delivered. People will vote progressive if they connect with the message. And no, I don't have any concrete examples...I'm still learning how to try and talk positively instead of in anger...you can see from my last few posts I'm REALLY not doing so good at it. :)

Posted by GregL on March 27, 2008 at 06:26 PM

I think Clinton has made it harder for her supporters, too. As she continues to shoot herself in the foot, it's hard for people to support her without tearing down Barack.

Good night fellow Democrats. Keep the Faith and keep the faith. The populist revolution has begun.

And watch out for snipers; especially Sinbad the comedian. ;-)

I'm still learning how to try and talk positively instead of in anger...you can see from my last few posts I'm REALLY not doing so good at it. :)

Posted by GregL on March 27, 2008 at 06:34 PM

Read the book "How to win a fight with a conservative" by Daniel Kurtzman. It's short, funny, and provides very good insight on how to argue and discuss effectively. You definitely need to pick it up!!

Posted by BobVADemHawk-Obama08 on March 27, 2008 at 06:24 PM
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Hi Bob,

That's the conclusion I come to a long time ago. There is just nothing we can do about it except get more Americans killed, spend ridiculous amounts of money ruining our own economy and aggravating the situation so even more Iraqi die than if they just settled it amongst themselves.