I had thought that the Vitter/Craig/Ensign Repelican senator stories were unrelated but now that the good governor of South Carolina has disappeared and been discovered to have been walking the Appalachian Trail alone to find peace of mind....or oops, that is went to Argentina for Father's Day not informing his office or wife....I realized that this is some sort of contest and I am wondering if anyone knows where the contest entry forms and rules can be located?

The winner gets a trip to Alaska to keep a watch over the Russians?

Maybe Sandy or perhaps to buff Cheney's head with some Turtle Wax and one of W's old hernia trusses.

Good morning, all.

June 24, 2009

Sanford was in Argentina

If you didn't believe the Appalachian Trail story, you were right, as the Sanford story turns even stranger: The State reports South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford now says he was in Buenos Aires, reason unclear:

Gov. Mark Sanford arrived in the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport this morning, having wrapped up a seven-day visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina, he said. Sanford said he had not been hiking along the Appalachian Trail, as his staff said in a Tuesday statement to the media.

Sanford's whereabouts had been unknown since Thursday, and the mystery surrounding his absence fueled speculation about where he had been and who's in charge in his absence. His emergence Wednesday ended the mystery.

Sanford, in an exclusive interview with The State Media Company, said he decided at the last minute to go to the South American country to recharge after a difficult legislative session in which he battled with lawmakers over how to spend federal stimulus money...

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0609/Sanford_was_in_Argentina.html

Where was Limbaugh? The Boys Will Be Boys Republicans have some more explaining to do.

Report: SC gov was in Argentina, not hiking trail

By JIM DAVENPORT, Associated Press Writer Jim Davenport, Associated Press Writer

...The Republican told the South Carolina newspaper he decided at the last minute to go to the South American country. The governor says he had considered hiking on the Appalachian Trail but wanted to do something "exotic."

Sanford said he was alone on the trip. He declined to give any additional details about what he did other than to say he drove along the coastline...

Sanford, a trim, 49-year-old former real estate investor and Air Force reservist, is typically drained at the end of a legislative session, former aides said. State Sen. Tom Davis, a Beaufort Republican and Sanford's former chief of staff, said he visited with Sanford last Wednesday and could tell the governor was ready for a break.

"It's not unusual to take off and kind of be by himself," Davis said. "It's part of what makes him him."

The governor has long been known as a loner — bucking GOP leadership during three U.S. House terms and casting the only dissenting vote on Medicaid coverage for some breast and cervical cancer treatment. He clashes often with the Republicans who control both chambers of his state Legislature, once famously carrying two piglets to the door of the House in opposition to what he said was pork-barrel spending.

But past vacations never left Sanford completely out of touch, said Chris Drummond, Sanford's former spokesman. At worst, Sanford would call in daily or would respond to voice mails.

Who was in charge became the political and practical question.

Essentially, Sanford's staffers said they'd decide who to call if an emergency popped up and the governor couldn't be reached. The state's constitution says a temporary absence would give the lieutenant governor full authority in the state. But the temporary absence has never been defined.

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, a Charleston Republican, said the state's law needs to be clarified. He said state residents want important decisions to be made by elected leaders.

"In an emergency," he said, "it should be those people who consult with staff to make a decision and not the other way around."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_sc_governor_where

He was "out-of-pocket" and had to "recharge" in some "exotic" way.

I suppose a man who cast the only dissenting vote on Medicaid coverage for some breast and cervical cancer treatment while in the U.S. House of Representatives might have "exotic" habits.

Someone in South Carolina better hang this guy quick before he becomes a symbol of all Republican family values candidates for next year's Midterms. Better yet...just let him continue to swing in the wind till then.

I don't care if we ever find out what he really did in Argentina. I will always have my suspicions that he was doing some sort of "medical" research for Cheney's torture program.

The real question is what in the hell is wrong with the voters of South Carolina?

Gotta run. later.

I just figured out a "purpose" for the George W. Bush Library and Museum.

They could have a Family Values Wing highlighting the exploits of Newt, Foley, Craig, Vitter, Ensign, and Sanford...among others...right next to the Iraqi Victory and Torture Pavilion and Second Great Depression/TARP theme park.

bbl

Good morning Dems!

This Sanford story is getting more holes in it than Chimpy's head.

Last night they found a State Police SUV in the Charlotte airport parking lot. OK, a flight from Charlotte to Atlanta, Atlanta has an International terminal.

But now, Nate Silver has more goofiness and inconsistency in this saga.

A Federal Agent saw him in the ATL airport boarding a plane to the Minneapolis/St.Paul International terminal.

Why would he do that? Was he flying to Japan or Korea or the Philippines? Nate Silver mentioned that the first thing he thought of was "Mayo Clinic", but I don't get taking an international flight from GA to MN, if he in fact did that.

Mpls/St.Paul is also the home base of the Hazelden Clinic. Was he in some kind of intense mental health or substance rehab program? Who knows, but this Argentina thing can be easily verified by the State Department. He had to have his passport stamped.

Was he meeting with Norm Coleman or Pawlenty?

Oh well. I guess nobody will ever know.

Sanford to Minneapolis? (Nope -- Argentina?)

Doo-Bee-Doo-Bee-Doo on June 24, 2009 at 12:10 PM

DPD,

He flew to the Minnesota Airport? Isn't that where Craig was operating? Worse yet, that's where one of our Republican trolls operates.

I'd rather Sanford was having mental or medical problems and sought out help at a clinic or medical center. Whatever his problem is, he needs to come clean asap. The longer this goes on, the more it hurts his family.

Sandy: I hope that you are still here. I want to be sure to explain about the post that I sent yesterday. Even though I put your name on it, it wasn't actually meant for you! I rarely directly address the most stupid among us, i.e. the trolls, so instead, I send posts to you, Pam, Doobie, etc. about them. That is my way of coping with them.
If I said anything that offended you, please accept my apology and know that it was not meant for you!

Sandy, that was just 1 report from a Federal Agent. The Int'l terminal at MSP is an entirely different building from the Tap Dance Club.

NOw the US Embassy in Argentina is saying that they have NO report of Sanford ever being in that country.

Josh Marshall has a slew of readers chiming in that his Argentina story doesn't add up, saying that Buenos Aries only has 2 miles of "coastal" road, and that it is the dead of winter there with temperatures in the 30s.

There are too many comments about discrepancies to separate. Just read most of the posts on the left side of the page.

It gets weirder by the minute.

The plot thickens! I love it!

U.S. embassy had ‘absolutely no idea’ that Sanford was in Argentina.
Not only did Gov. Mark Sanford’s (R) family and staff seemingly not know that he had taken off to Argentina for the past week, but ABC News reports that the U.S. embassy in Argentina didn’t know either. According to a U.S. embassy official in Buenos Aires, they had “absolutely no idea” that Sanford was in the country and added that the news comes “from out of left field — it would be extremely odd that a US governor would not check in with the embassy.”

UpdateA source tells TPM Muckraker that “there is some evidence” that Sanford “was not alone” on his trip to Argentina. "The other shoe's gonna drop,” the source said. “I believe there's a reason he wanted to drop his SLED detail."
UpdateThe Plum Line casts some doubt on how "odd" it was that Sanford didn't notify the U.S. embassy after speaking to a State Department spokesman who said that "a governor would not notify state department or embassies if he were going abroad."
UpdateAccording to The State, Sanford "declined to give any additional details about what he did other than to say he drove along the coastline." However, the paper notes that driving "along the coast could frustrate a weekend visitor to Argentina. In Buenos Aires, the Avenida Costanera is the only coastal road, and it's less than two miles long. Reaching coastal resorts to the south requires a drive of nearly four hours on an inland highway with views of endless cattle ranches. To the north is a river delta of islands reached only by boat." (HT: The Hill)
UpdateJonathan Martin reports, "State. Rep Nikki Haley, a South Carolina Republican gubernatorial hopeful and ally of Gov. Mark Sanford, removed a picture of and quote from the governor from her campaign website last night."

Doobie! What is it they say about "great minds?" LOL
This whole Sanford thing is just too much fun! Was it you who commented yesterday about this whole thing being "written by John Grisham?"
I have to agree, it's much like a great 'beach read!'

9 minutes until Sanford's presser "explaining" everything. Let's all remember 1 thing, though; Pugs are LIARS and will LIE to St. Peter if they had the chance.

marymac_memphis on June 24, 2009 at 01:40 PM

mary,

All is well. Don't be upset. I'm always reminding people to not feed them, too. Sometimes our posts come across sort of flat when they aren't meant to be taken that way. I'm okay. Think nothing of it.

Maybe he meant Australia instead of Argentina. McSame always gets those Asian countries mixed up, too. Bush still thinks he invaded Grenada.

I love this. I found it over on Huffpo:

Joe Repya Quits Minnesota GOP Says Party In "Death Spiral"
digg stumble reddit del.ico.us
The Huffington Post | Rachel Weiner
First Posted: 06-24-09 11:12 AM | Updated: 06-24-09 11:24 AM

I Like ItI Don’t Like It

Read More: Joe Repya, Joe Repya Quits Gop, Minnesota Gop, Minnesota Republican Quits, Minnesota Republican Quits Party, Minnesota Republicans, Politics News

Joe Repya, a Minnesota Republican who ran for party chair in 2007, is now quitting the GOP. The Iraq and Vietnam war veteran, who was Co-Chair of Minnesota Veterans for Bush-Cheney in 2004, wrote in the Pioneer Press:

After years of ineffective party leadership resulting in a record number of defeats, lack of transparency in party dealings, alleged financial impropriety by former party employees, and numerous Federal Election Commission problems, can you really blame the electorate for abandoning the Minnesota GOP?

On June 13, the party continued its death spiral by electing the same failed leadership that has lost the last two elections. The "old guard" network of the GOP State Central Delegates continued to imitate lemmings gleefully following each other over the cliff to the political abyss below. [...]

In my opinion, the new party leaders are rabid, power-hungry ideologues and the former attack dogs of the previous party chairman. They will not provide a message of inclusiveness or willingness to discuss contrary opinions. Honest, open and transparent party operations will not exist.

LIVE FEED -- SANFORD PRESSER

marymac_memphis on June 24, 2009 at 01:52 PM

mary,

It's more like his story was written by Mary Shelley. The entire last 30 years of Republican ideology comes across like a horror story for this country.

I like this from the Daily Kos:

BREAKING -- DID SANFORD GO HIKING ON HIS WAY TO PRESS CONFERENCE? HE'S LAAAATE!

The TV guys just said durng a sound check that it will probably be another 15 minutes or so before it begins.

marymac_memphis on June 24, 2009 at 02:07 PM

mary,

That could have been written by a Young Republican in most states. They're all going Libertarian. Most of them don't even want to resurrect the GOP. Can't blame them.

afternoon,, Dems......

So Sandford was in Buenas Aires? Do they have young boys and girls for sale there, like they do where Limbaugh travels?

I guess he was supposed to give some kind of press conference this afternoon? How do you know he was lying????-----His mouth was open!

and THIS was one of the top runners for Republican Presidential Candidate? hmmmm, we shall certainly remember this little story if he does, and a nice big ad to remind everyone, 'if elected President, will Sandford decide to take off for 7 days to go and pout, if things don't go his way????? '

The Republican Party-----the Party of laughs !

Too bad the old Repugs will not still be around in 2100, so we can see what they say about the 4-11 degree higher heat from global Warming we will have.

Stop Global Warming Virtual March
06/24/09

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS IN USA
A new government report on global warming, released by the Global Climate Research Program, reinforces the need for urgent action and strong legislation. The report is the most comprehensive effort to detail the effects of global warming in this country.

In addition to higher temperatures, heavy downpours, rising sea levels, rapidly retreating glaciers, thawing permafrost, longer growing seasons and earlier snowmelts are expected to increase.

Public health effects include increased heat stress, waterborne diseases, poor air quality, extreme weather events, and diseases transmitted by insects and rodents.

As quoted in the New York Times, Thomas R. Karl, director of the National Climatic Data Center at the NOAA, explained, "What we would want to have people take away is that climate change is happening now, and it's actually beginning to affect our lives. It's not just happening in the Arctic regions, but it's beginning to show up in our own backyards."

Click here for the full report

FACT: U.S. temperatures have increased by almost 2 degrees over the past 50 years, and are expected to increase by as much as 4 to 11 degrees by 2100.

Well, Well, L@@KY HERE! How come bushie did not invade Saudi Arabia, instead of impotent little Iraq? Could it be the oil he and his buddies was getting, not counting all those great jewels sent to Laura and Babs !!!

Saudi Royal Family Extensively Involved in Financing Al-Qaeda, Newly Revealed Government Documents Apparently Confirm
Submitted by mark karlin on Wed, 06/24/2009 - 7:28am. EditorBlog
A BUZZFLASH EDITOR'S BLOG

BY Mark Karlin

Since shortly after 9/11, BuzzFlash.com and other progressive sites -- as well as many a book -- offered extensive information that appeared to closely link some members of the Saudi Royal family to financing and supporting Al-Qaeda. This was something that the Bush Administration went to great lengths to deny, but their deference to the Saudis (including George W. walking pinky-entwined-with-pinky with Saudi princes, for real) was really all as usual about oil.
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102620742715&s=5274&e=001aKIns9-eZ2JdN80cKNwMj74LXK74FAUHQcAx5mz74mhjeFcwAEtUsxEcOZm6aZr_gjwrWR5_07KDAkq69h2uJPK9uIuZjYzM6KZyYig0qk0LMMDbVotmij-d1yQYsMdz

You think the 9/11 victims, and us Americans will get an apology from the Bush/cheney administration?????

Live Feed

"...a relationship with a dear friend in Argentina".

Bingo! Right on the heels of that Ensign blackmail thing he goes missing.

He's resigning as head of the Pug Governors Association. Well DUH! Their home page featured a prominent picture of him and McFailin being touted as the NEW face of the Pugs! (Until about an hour ago, now it's just an old McFailin video talking about stimulus money and cutting government spending or some other BS.)

HAHAHAHAAAAAAA
(gasp for air)
HAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

He was unfaithful to his wife...with a woman, man, animal, or child?

We have to ask these days with Republicans.

Good afternoon to all (except right wing nutters of course)

Sanford In Argentina, Not On Appalachian Trail, He Says On Return

UPDATE: Sanford apologized at a press conference to his family, and his staff at a press conference for "the way that I let them down." He said he had a conversation with his father-in-law a few weeks ago about where "my heart was ... laying my cards on the table."

"There are moral absolutes, God's law is indeed there to protect you from yourself. There are consequences if you breach that. This press conference is a consequence."

At first it was not clear what Sanford was referencing.

"I've been unfaithful to my wife and I've developed a relationship with what stared as a dear, dear friend from Argentina," he finally said. The affair has been going on for a year, he later explained.

Sanford announced that he is resigning as head of the Republican Governors Association.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/23/sanfords-story-questioned_n_219809.html

OMG!!!

LMAO!!!

So ends the political career of the latest "rising star" in the GOP-STER party - the party of limbaugh, the party of NO, the party of ZERO!

Sanford joins the GOP bone yard with the rest of the them - McCain, Jindal and Palin.

He was unfaithful to his wife...with a woman, man, animal, or child?
==================================================

Sandy, inquiring minds want to know ... then again, not really! Just another corrupt GOP-STER who went off the deep end. This guy is whacko to boot.

Nico Pitney continues to do an excellent job live blogging the disaster in Iran:

Iran Election Live-Blogging (Wednesday June 24)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/24/iran-election-live-bloggi_n_220128.html

2:45 PM ET -- If you'd like to support this post on Digg... click here.

2:23 PM ET -- Mousavi legal adviser reportedly arrested. An Iranian journalist on Twitter reports, "Ardeshir Amir Arjman, who is in charge of Mousavi campain's [sic] legal matters is arrested."

2:20 PM ET -- State Department: No Iranians have accepted July 4 invitation. From the AP:

The State Department says no Iranian diplomat has accepted an invitation from U.S. diplomatic posts abroad to attend embassy Fourth of July parties.

Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters that Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton had authorized U.S. envoys abroad some weeks ago to invite Iranian diplomats to attend the annual celebration. Her authorization was required because Washington has no formal diplomatic relations with Iran.

Kelly said no Iranians have accepted, and he indicated that the U.S. saw little reason for them to, given the political crisis over their disputed presidential election.

2:08 PM ET -- Firing at crowds. This video, uploaded three days ago but apparently not widely viewed, seems to show the Basij paramilitaries firing shots at a crowd of people. Near the end, as the camera shifts right, you can make out uniformed police beating some members of the crowd.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/24/iran-election-live-bloggi_n_220128.html

The Iranian government has lost legitimacy with the people. They are as thuggish as the Shah ever was.

Is this Islam at work?

2:05 PM ET -- Neda's family forced out. Via my colleague Stuart Whatley, the Guardian reports:

The Iranian authorities have ordered the family of Neda Agha Soltan out of their Tehran home after shocking images of her death were circulated around the world.
Story continues below

Neighbours said that her family no longer lives in the four-floor apartment building on Meshkini Street, in eastern Tehran, having been forced to move since she was killed. The police did not hand the body back to her family, her funeral was cancelled, she was buried without letting her family know and the government banned mourning ceremonies at mosques, the neighbours said.

"We just know that they [the family] were forced to leave their flat," a neighbour said. The Guardian was unable to contact the family directly to confirm if they had been forced to leave.

================================================
The Mullahs have lost their legitimacy. They are acting as bad as any other thug. What a disgrace!

I love how the GOP pundits are saying Sanford's being as candid as possible. He and his staff offered how many excuses before he finally told the truth? Has he told the whole truth?

rjsnj on June 24, 2009 at 03:04 PM

rj,

The Iranian Theology has been completely discredited with their own people and the world. I bet the Russians and Chinese are re-thinking how they interact with this regime in the future so as the rest of the world doesn't look too closely at their internal human rights problems.

One thing's for certain. Young Iranians now know that this theocracy which ruled their country since they were children is not about anything religious...and never has been.

Good afternoon fellow Americans.

One thing's for certain. Young Iranians now know that this theocracy which ruled their country since they were children is not about anything religious...and never has been.
===================================================
Sandy, it's clear the Theocracy in Iran is all about power. We'll see how this works out. At the very least, the credibility of the powers that be are shot.

Joe Repya Quits Minnesota GOP Says Party In "Death Spiral"

Joe Repya, a Minnesota Republican who ran for party chair in 2007, is now quitting the GOP. The Iraq and Vietnam war veteran, who was Co-Chair of Minnesota Veterans for Bush-Cheney in 2004, wrote in the Pioneer Press:

After years of ineffective party leadership resulting in a record number of defeats, lack of transparency in party dealings, alleged financial impropriety by former party employees, and numerous Federal Election Commission problems, can you really blame the electorate for abandoning the Minnesota GOP?

On June 13, the party continued its death spiral by electing the same failed leadership that has lost the last two elections. The "old guard" network of the GOP State Central Delegates continued to imitate lemmings gleefully following each other over the cliff to the political abyss below. [...]

In my opinion, the new party leaders are rabid, power-hungry ideologues and the former attack dogs of the previous party chairman. They will not provide a message of inclusiveness or willingness to discuss contrary opinions. Honest, open and transparent party operations will not exist.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/24/joe-repya-quits-minnesota_n_220127.html

The Dems have their issues too with DINOS like Baucus but the GOP is totally irrelevant. The GOP-STERS are out in the deep weeds (probably smoking them too).

BobVADemocratHawk on June 24, 2009 at 03:25 PM
=================================================
Good afternoon Bob.

SandyH on June 24, 2009 at 03:19 PM

Sandy, while I agree in principle with what you're saying it does have one flaw to your logic. The Chinese and the Russians don't care what other countries think since none are powerful enough to do anything about it except us and we're still up to our necks in problems generated by the Republicans of the previous administration. The Iranians know this as well which is why they're using these heavy-handed tactics in response to the protests of the rigged election.

Curse of the 2012 GOP candidate?
Posted: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 12:30 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Republicans

From NBC’s Domenico Montanaro
With the disappearance of South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, it prompted us to take a look at the other potential Republican 2012 candidates. Just how have they fared in these first five months of Obama’s presidency? It’s been a tough stretch for many in the group.

Who’s up? Who’s down? And who comes out ahead?

We took a brief stab at this in First Thoughts, but here's a more detailed look.

DOWN.
MARK SANFORD: The words “I’m hiking the Appalachian Trail” will forever be engrained in the American lexicon to be colloquially akin to “AWOL” or “MIA.” But, in a stranger twist, Sanford, himself, revealed he didn’t go hiking at all. He thought about it, but, in fact, he took off for Buenos Aires, Argentina. When it first came to light that Sanford had been missing for days, his staff said, in part, the governor was “taking some time away from the office this week to recharge after the stimulus battle and the legislative session.” Sanford stepped into the 2012 spotlight, taking on President Obama on the stimulus and taking the bold move of rejecting funds for his state. Critics -- Democrat and Republican -- hammered away, particularly because the stimulus money would have gone to help crumbling schools. He was then rebuffed by his state’s Supreme Court and forced to take the money. Then, he bolted.

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/06/24/1976019.aspx

GOP-STERS who claim to be 2012 candidates are self-destructing.

How does one have an affair with someone in South America for over a year without thinking they'd get caught? Is this some sort of James Bond complex?

And just how cruel can you be to do this to your family during Father's Day in such a public, senseless, and sensational way? I guess John Edwards shares some of the same warped South Carolina genes as Sanford.

I don't get these guys. Why bother to stay married if you aren't going to take your vows seriously. Get a separation if you are thinking about fooling around. Don't have children.

The sanctity of marriage needs to be protected alright...for gays who really want it.

bwhahahahahahahahahaha......

Sandford= just another one of those wonderful FAMILY VALUES Repugs ! You know, the holier-than-thou art ones that find maybe ONE Democrat to every 20 rotten perverted adultrous Republicans ! oh ho, ho,.

Jingles trying to keep his pretty little self out of the lime light, so he is pretty much all they have left!
Every day , another Nail in the Republican Coffin! Lordy, Lordy who will be left by 2012?????? You can't make this stuff up----it just gets better and better!

No Iranian diplomats accepted July 4 invites: US Jun 24 01:11 PM US/Eastern US State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said Wednesday he does not believe that one single Iranian diplomat has accepted invitations to July 4 events at US embassies worldwide.

Copyright AFP

While my reaction is to say they won't be missed, it does signal a possibility. [TINFOIL HAT MODE: On] Could Iran, Hamas, and\or Hezbollah be plotting a terrorist attack on 4JUL09? Also, keep an eye on the stock market. If we start seeing a lot of "put orders", watch out. Someone knew about 11SEP01 before it happened and cashed out. Of course, the Bush 43 Adminstration did nothing about it as I believe they were complicit after the fact and perhaps before. [TINFOIL HAT MODE: Off]

Sandford= just another one of those wonderful FAMILY VALUES Repugs !
=================================================
Hi PamB, so starts the whines "that he has sinned", etc..., etc... Jerk! I figured him for another jerk just like Bobby Jingles and Moose Brains Palin.

Looks like the Mitt Flipper is headed for top GOP DOG status. now that is a ba-wa-ba-wawa.

While my reaction is to say they won't be missed, it does signal a possibility
==================================================
Bob, it just sounds like petty stuff. The Iranian Mullah goons are trying to make the USA and Britain into the issue. It's just distraction from the fact that they are brutally suppressing their people. They could have at the very least had a fair vote recount supervised by the UN. Looks like they have something to hide ...

rjsnj on June 24, 2009 at 03:36 PM

rj,

Either they are self-destructing or shooting each other in the back.

There doesn't seem to be anybody they all could rally around...not that they won't do it when the time comes...but what kind of lukewarm support is that?

And then there is the ideology/message problem. It's been discredited so badly with the Bush/Cheney administration that much of the Reagan Democratic base has been irrevocably alienated.

And with the continuing National Enquirer atmosphere, they can't come back with renewed promises of tax cuts, deficit reduction, and family values that everyone knows they won't keep. They can't even keep their marriage and abstinence vows.

The sham GOP party continues to bungle along standing for nothing but fraud. I'm personally disgusted all over again with the way their leadership has been operating in the past five months, and I quit respecting any of them back in 2000.

I can only image what the Moral Majority thinks about all of this. And the GOP wants to kill universal health care and alternative energy? Why don't the Republicans just shoot us all like the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is doing in Iran? It would be kinder.

BobVADemocratHawk on June 24, 2009 at 03:47 PM

Bob,

Did you see the article posted above about the Saudi royal family's support of al Queada? I don't trust any of the political forces in the Middle East. They are all playing us.

Pentagon approves creation of cyber command

23 Jun 2009 22:31:21 GMT

Source: Reuters

* Command to bring together Pentagon's cyber efforts

* HQ will not oversee other government, private networks

* Command chief would also run National Security Agency

By Andrew Gray

WASHINGTON, June 23 (Reuters) - The Pentagon will create a Cyber Command to oversee the U.S. military's efforts to protect its computer networks and operate in cyberspace, under an order signed by Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Tuesday.

The new headquarters, likely to be based at Fort Meade, Maryland, outside Washington, D.C., will be responsible for defending U.S. military systems but not other U.S. government or private networks, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.

Asked if the command would be capable of offensive operations as well as protecting the Department of Defense, Whitman declined to answer directly.

"This command is going to focus on the protection and operation of DoD's networks," he said. "This command is going to do what is necessary to be able to do that."

U.S. officials have voiced growing concern in recent years about being vulnerable to attacks on the country's civilian or military networks as technology takes on an ever-increasing role, including in military operations.

President Barack Obama said last month he would name a White House-level czar to coordinate government efforts to fight cybercrime.

The United States has said many attempts to penetrate its networks appear to come from China but it has stopped short of accusing Chinese authorities of being responsible...

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N2388687.htm

Let me help you out, Mr. President. The Chinese government is responsible for the cyber attacks orignating out of China and, quite frankly, it should be considered as an act of war. We need to stop pussyfooting around with the Chinese. Tell them to tighten up or we'll cut them off. It really is that simple, Mr. President.

rjsnj on June 24, 2009 at 03:47 PM

rj,

But there is that small problem that he is a Mormon and a former liberal-leaning Governor of Massachusetts who conspired with those Papal-loving Catholics.

He's tarnish beyond redemption with the Fundies and the bigots. I guess the super rich could still identify with him since he's one of them. Yeah, Romney's the front runner and the Great Rich Hope.

Keep waggin that Doggie (Spitzer), Thomassss, maybe somebody might forget all those filthy perverted, adultrous Republicans numbering 20 to one Dem!!!!!

How ya gonna splain this one to the kiddies, huh???

bwhahahahahahahahahahahaha.....

You guys are too much! a laugh a minute! You picked a good party to be a member of----you fit right in!

rjsnj on June 24, 2009 at 03:50 PM

We'll know for certain on 5JUL09.

SandyH on June 24, 2009 at 04:01 PM

Of course they are which is just another reason why I've become such an isolationist. Until the U.S. returns to a position of self-sufficiency, we'll be beholden, in one form or another, to all the foreign powers we do business with.

i see sally's mom let little baby harpie out of the cage again. baby harpie doesn't think that sanford was a "real conservative"? wow i guess the troll is advocating for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to take sanford's governorship.

Fannie, Freddie asked to relax condo loan rules: report

(Reuters) - Two U.S. Democratic lawmakers want Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to relax recently tightened standards for mortgages on new condominiums, saying they could threaten the viability of some developments and slow the housing-market recovery, the Wall Street Journal said.

In March, Fannie Mae (FNM.N)(FNM.P) said it would no longer guarantee mortgages on condos in buildings where fewer than 70 percent of the units have been sold, up from 51 percent, the paper said. Freddie Mac (FRE.P)(FRE.N) is due to implement similar policies next month, the paper said.

In a letter to the CEO's of both companies, Representatives Barney Frank, the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, and Anthony Weiner warned that a 70 percent sales threshold "may be too onerous" and could lead condo buyers to shun new developments, according to the paper.

The legislators asked the companies to "make appropriate adjustments" to their underwriting standards for condos, the paper added.

In an interview with the paper, Weiner said the rules have "had a real chill on the ability to get these condos sold," at a time when prices of condos have fallen enough to attract potential buyers...

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE55L39120090622

Someone needs to remind Rep. Frank (D-MA) that part of this financial mess was lending to poor people who had no chance of repaying the loan and thus defaulting. Why would you loan someone, making $25K or $50K a year, $250K for a house or condo with $1.5K or $2K per month payments? That's just plain stupid.

BobVADemocratHawk on June 24, 2009 at 03:35 PM

Bob,

The Russians just two weeks ago hosted a meeting of emerging nations offering themselves up as the new model for the future. Everyone of those third world nations like Brazil are now looking a lot closer at what was said at that meeting...and by who.

The Russians gave Ahmadinejad's a prominent role at that meeting. The Chinese was touting their oil contracts with the Iranians.

I have a lot of faith in the emerging nations. They found democracy all on their own after years of Republican interference. I can't help but think that President Obama doesn't seem like a much better alternative than those super powers that support an Iranian theocracy for purely economic and political purposes.

We were in the same position with Bush/Cheney in charge just five months ago. But now that is changing. If only President Obama would be a little more assertive in furthering our Democratic agenda over hopes of bi-partisan support, they would be more convinced that we can be trusted again.

BobVADemocratHawk on June 24, 2009 at 04:07 PM

If only they didn't hold so many of our worthless IOUs.

Thomasss. so shrill, so jealous! So much hate inside one large soft plump body!!!

Someone needs to remind Rep. Frank (D-MA) that part of this financial mess was lending to poor people who had no chance of repaying the loan and thus defaulting. Why would you loan someone, making $25K or $50K a year, $250K for a house or condo with $1.5K or $2K per month payments? That's just plain stupid.

55BobVADemocratHawk on June 24, 2009 at 04:22

Bob, I watched a segment a couple months back on this subject of selling to those whose salaries did not warrant the houses, or those no money down ones.

Not only did the Real Estate agents convince these low income people that they could do it, they had mortgage companies who went along with them, and wrote those mortgages ----KNOWING they were going to sell them to bigger outfits. These mortgages ended up somewhere other than where they originated, and when the market fell out, and more was owed than the house was worth, that is when the trouble began.

Hi Guys. Can't wait to see TDS tonight or tomorrow. This "Family Values" wing of the GOP is a riot! Hey Bravo TV, instead of those crazy Housewives of every state in the union, maybe we can see a show on Real Republicans of the United States. Now that would be some spicy television!

BobVADemocratHawk on June 24, 2009 at 04:22 PM

I believe the real problem is that a lot of banks still aren't lending and it's keeping the construction/real estate industries from recouping. We got to get people working again and commerce moving. Secretary Geithner needs to re-focus his priorities?

A reminder to old man McCain----I won, You lost, so sit down and shut your yapper up!!!

Obama to McCain on Iran: "I'm the President"

President Barack Obama at a June 22 press conference. (Photo: Getty)

In a wide-ranging midday press conference, President Obama took on Republican critics of his stance on Iran, directly targeting former rival Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and saying, "I am the president of the United States."

Obama, who has been accused by McCain and other Republicans of being too timid throughout the unrest following Iran's presidential elections, has gradually taken a firmer stance in the days following the election.

http://messenger.truthout.org/ss/link.php?M=181559&N=43&C=e5cedf15aa0be2c656f9aa698a4a3404&L=189

(sheesh, remember how for 8 years we had to listen to those hypocrits say, "you may not like Bush, but he IS the President and the CIC"!
Now they want to second guess and criticize our's!

BlueinIdaho on June 24, 2009 at 04:38 PM

Hi, Blue.

I don't think the public is ready for that sort of strange programing.

A thunderstorm just passed to the south of us and lowered the temp by 15 degrees. I need to mow the backyard before it goes back up to 95.

later.

We need to stop pussyfooting around with the Chinese. Tell them to tighten up or we'll cut them off. It really is that simple, Mr. President.
50
BobVADemocratHawk on June 24, 2009 at 04:07 PM
====================================================
Bob, it's really hard to tell anything when they are our banker AND guess what they won't be giving us bailouts!

But there is that small problem that he is a Mormon and a former liberal-leaning Governor of Massachusetts who conspired with those Papal-loving Catholics.
=================================================
Sandy, that's right. The X-tian right wing nuts think Mormons are "devil worshippers". The GOP is screwed. Even with a weak economy, Obama is still going to win in 2012 because they have no alternatives.

Palin reimburses Alaska for 9 family trips

Complaint alleged Palin charged state when her children traveled with her

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP)- Gov. Sarah Palin has paid more than $8,100 to reimburse Alaska for the costs associated with nine trips taken with her children.

Palin's attorney, Thomas Van Flein, says the governor paid $8,143.62 to the state on June 19 for the nine trips, some with more than one of her five children, taken between January 2007 and February of this year. The payment was due Tuesday.

An ethics complaint had alleged Palin abused her power by charging the state when her children traveled with her. The Alaska Personnel Board found no wrongdoing, but Palin agreed to reimburse the state for trips found to be of questionable state interest.

Van Flein and state administrative director Linda Perez sent The Associated Press copies of the check and other documents of the transaction.

The board's investigator, Timothy Petumenos, said in his report that state rules give little guidance to determine ethical standards for travel by the governor's family. But he interpreted the law to require that the state pay only if the first family serves an important state interest...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31522257/ns/politics-more_politics/

Well, I guess it was a good thing she managed to keep that slutty flight attendant look. She had to pay off these bills one way or another.

Leave the kids at home, Governor. That's what Gov. Sanford (R-SC) did when he was off galavanting.

Until the U.S. returns to a position of self-sufficiency, we'll be beholden, in one form or another, to all the foreign powers we do business with.
53
BobVADemocratHawk on June 24, 2009 at 04:11 PM
==================================================
I know Bob. Isn't globalism wonderful? Not! Funny that real progressives tend to be isolationists but for very different reasons than the nutty right wing extremists. I am NOT looking for my nation to be the policeman of the world - I think that's become part of our problem. And I certainly don't want our troops to be protecting the overseas interests of corporations - let them hire XE (formerly Blackwater) mercs.

Real Republicans of the United States. Now that would be some spicy television!
===============================================
Hi Blue, that would be too spicy for network TV. Probably need to be on "pay for view" - Lifestyles of The Degenerate GOP-STERS.

A reminder to old man McCain----I won, You lost, so sit down and shut your yapper up!!!
===================================================
I second that. All of the GOP-STERS should STFU.

Leave the kids at home, Governor. That's what Gov. Sanford (R-SC) did when he was off galavanting.
66
BobVADemocratHawk on June 24, 2009 at 04:58 PM
====================================================
Good one Bob! There must be a reason why the Guv needs a legal defense fund - namely, she's corrupt.

rjsnj on June 24, 2009 at 04:54 PM

We don't need them, or anyone else, RJ. For 150 years, this nation got along fine by itself. We need to get back to that mentality, IMHO.

rjsnj on June 24, 2009 at 04:59 PM

Agreed. Maybe Xe won't mind getting paid in Yuans.

gregg on June 24, 2009 at 04:12 PM

What's the difference between the Ayatollah and Pat Robertson? One is an alleged Muslim. The other is an alleged Christian.

FAUX news is once again lying and purposely putting a D next to Sanford's name!

Fox News - "Mark Sanford Is A Republican??" Hotlist
by AlyoshaKaramazov [Subscribe]
Digg this! Share this on Twitter - Fox News - "Mark Sanford Is A Republican??"Tweet this submit to reddit Share This
Wed Jun 24, 2009 at 01:29:56 PM PDT

************************

UPDATE: TexMex Junkie provides us with a link to Fox "getting it wrong" on party affiliation.
************************

As Kos, and others, have pointed out, Fox News once again put a (D) next to the name of a prominent Republican politician who was going down in flames.

I don't know how often they've done this. Someone else can research that. I know from personal experience that I've seen it at least four times.

What I wanted to do was prove that Fox knew damn well he was a (R), and they don't seem to have ever made this "mistake" before.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/6/24/746384/-Fox-NewsMark-Sanford-Is-A-Republican

Write Olbermann and Maddow and ask them to call out this lie!

We need to get back to that mentality, IMHO.
71
BobVADemocratHawk on June 24, 2009 at 05:06 PM
==================================================
Bob, I perfectly fine with that approach. Get the factories running again. I'll pay more for products. Hell, they'll be made better and will be safe. I am definitely a progressive isolationist.

rjsnj on June 24, 2009 at 05:18 PM

I forget who it was who posted this link some time back however, considering our conversation today, it deserves to be reposted. It'll take you to sites that sell American made and American union made products.

http://shopunionmade.org/

Let's all do the U.S. a favor, buy American. Click the link. Buy what you can. Tell your friends. Post this link everywhere you can. Real Americans buy American.

Of course Gov. Sanford (R-SC) didn't. All he did was to abandon his post as Governor of SC, his wife, his four children, on Father's Day no less, and fly off to his sexy young squeeze on another continent. Yeah, that pales by comparison with what former Sen. Edwards (D-NC) did, huh? And you wonder why your party is in the minority? It with dumb-arse reasoning like this. Stick to the comparisons of former Gov. Spitzer (D-NY). At least the same level of hypocrisy is at play there. This is what happens when you limit your worldview to FNC and the Washington Times.

Bob, Pam, RJ: Have you all noticed that the trolls can't win any argument on the merits of the argument so they resort to personal attacks. It's kind of funny and it speaks volumes about Republicans and the stupidity of the trolls.

I forget who it was who posted this link some time back however, considering our conversation today, it deserves to be reposted. It'll take you to sites that sell American made and American union made products.
===============================================
Bob, I know I posted it awhile back. They make real nice shirts.

trolls can't win any argument on the merits of the argument so they resort to personal attacks. It's kind of funny and it speaks volumes about Republicans and the stupidity of the trolls.
84
marymac_memphis on June 24, 2009 at 05:43 PM
================================================
Mary, I am ignoring them. No sense wasting my valuable time conversing with trash.

Of course Gov. Sanford (R-SC) didn't. All he did was to abandon his post as Governor of SC, his wife, his four children, on Father's Day no less
=================================================
Bob, what a guy! A model "family values" Republican.

Adultery is a crime in South Carolina! Hotlist
by chrississippi [Subscribe]
Digg this! Share this on Twitter - Adultery is a crime in South Carolina!Tweet this submit to reddit Share This
Wed Jun 24, 2009 at 12:54:26 PM PDT

Oh my Juicy Fruit, this is just too good to be true!

As in most of the fundigelical-ist of the Southern states, there are many laws still on the books against all kinds of moral offenses and depravities. Most of which are now considered by society as private choices of consenting adults.

But not adultery in South Carolina!

* chrississippi's diary :: ::
*

Read it and weep, Governor Sanford. It's in South Carolina's Code of Laws, Title 16--Crimes and Offenses, Chapter 15 "Offenses Against Morality and Decency"

SECTION 16-15-60. Adultery or fornication.

Any man or woman who shall be guilty of the crime of adultery or fornication shall be liable to indictment and, on conviction, shall be severally punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisonment for not less than six months nor more than one year or by both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.

SECTION 16-15-70. "Adultery" defined.

"Adultery" is the living together and carnal intercourse with each other or habitual carnal intercourse with each other without living together of a man and woman when either is lawfully married to some other person.

Well, well, well. Governor Mark Sanford, a publicly admitted adulterer. Six months to a year in prison? Might be plenty of that "alone time" you seem to need to refresh yourself.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/6/24/746372/-Adultery-is-a-crime-in-South-Carolina!

Mark Sanford legal defense fund web site is no doubt on the way ... hey, go ask "sister sarah" for some dough.

BobVADemocratHawk on June 24, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Also, keep in mind that Gov. Spitzer did not run on a "holier than thou" platform and did not make repeated demands for President Clinton's resignation the way Sen. Ensign and Gov. Sanford have done.
I long for the days when people's personal lives were just that, PERSONAL, but all that changed when the Grinch wasted 60 million tax payer dollars going after the Clintons for a failed land deal when the statute of limitations for any crimes that anyone may have committed had long since expired. All of this, from Larry Craig, to David Vitter, to John Edwards, to Ensign and now Sanford, falls at the feet of the Grinch! One of the many, many things that I loathe him and the current incarnation of the Republican party for!

It would appear that the GOP nomination has been dwindled down to Huckabee, Romney, and the slutty flight attendant looking chick. I'd have to bet on Huckabee right now. The Bible-thumping wing of the GOP will never go for a Mormon. Gov. "I can't take a joke" (R-AK) will split the white trash vote, which represents at least 60% of the GOP rank and file, with Huckabee. The money worshippers will go for Romney but, after the second Bush 43 recession, there aren't nearly as many of them left as there used to be. Y'all have fun with that.

We'll re-elect President Barack Hussein Obama with 55% of the electorate, or more, and in his second term, the liberal agenda will be enacted since it isn't politically feasible to do such in the first term. The only catch is we'll have to allocate more funding for mental health because the GOP will go nuttier than they are now.

TPM: The Sanford/Ensign Connection is the Bible Group "C Street"
by TomP
TPM: The Sanford/Ensign Connection is the Bible Group "C Street"

It just keeps getting better watching the Rs self destruct, although I wish it made a difference for progressive legislation, but we would need conservadems to self destruct for that to happen.

TPM is reporting a connection between Ensign and Sanford:

Sanford said that in dealing with his affair, he'd been working with a group called "C Street," which he described as a "Christian bible study." He said he'd been part of the group when he lived in Washington as a congressman earlier this decade.

Revealed: The Sanford/Ensign Connection

Ensign also had a connection with "C Street."

In a book about a secretive Christian group called the Family, published last year, the journalist Jeff Sharlet wrote that Ensign and Sen. Tom Coburn each at times lived in a group home for members of Congress, described as a "four-story red-brick Washington townhouse, a former convent at 133 C St SE, run by a Family affiliate called the C Street Foundation."
It seems very likely that the C Street group Sanford referred to is affiliated with the C Street Foundation and the red-brick townhouse that Ensign, Coburn and others have lived at, and where the confrontation that Hampton referred to appears to have taken place.

Revealed: The Sanford/Ensign Connection

It just keeps getting better. More Christian fundamentalists caught in their hypocrisy.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/6/24/741302/-TPM:-The-Sanford-Ensign-Connection-is-the-Bible-Group-C-Street

The GOP-STERS are imploding. So who's next?

rjsnj on June 24, 2009 at 05:49 PM
OMG! That is too funny! I'll bet Sanford's wife wishes he would be prosecuted! I feel for her. I wonder if she is one of those Republican women who advocates abstinence only. If she is, I can't say that I blame her for wanting to 'abstain!'

It would appear that the GOP nomination has been dwindled down to Huckabee, Romney, and the slutty flight attendant looking chick. I'd have to bet on Huckabee right now.
================================================
HaHaHa ... you mean Guv Moose Brains ... she can see Russia from her house, didn't know Africa was a continent, specializes in corruption and thinks Alaska should secede from the USA.

I can't say that I blame her for wanting to 'abstain!'
94
marymac_memphis on June 24, 2009 at 05:54 PM
===============================================
Mary, that's a good one. I had no idea states still had that sort of laws on their books. Maybe Mark will flee the country for good. He can join Chimpenfuhrer Bush on his compound in Paraguay and hand out with the war criminals.

marymac_memphis on June 24, 2009 at 05:50 PM

Gov. Spitzer (D-NY), was the height of hypocrisy because as the NY AG he concentrated on bringing down prostitution. At least he had the diginty to resign unlike his GOP counterparts.

Gov. Sanford (R-SC) is yet another example of this level of hypocrisy as is Sen. Vitter (R-LA), Sen. Ensign (R-NV), former Sen. Craig (R-ID), former Rep. Foley (R-FL). All of them touted the GOP party line of family values. All of them failed miserably. If there is any voter left that believes the GOP is still the party of family values, they should be committed to a psychiatric institution because they have lost touch with all reality.

Wow. That's the fastest I've ever mowed the grass. It's hot out there again. I thought when I had children they would do it, but they're both working and going to school. I guess there is always hope of grandchildren someday who want to make a little cash other than with a lemonade stand?

BobVADemocratHawk on June 24, 2009 at 04:58 PM

Bob,

Palin's paying everything back before she's yanked into court to fight over the matter...costing her even more attorney fees. Why did she try to milk the system in the first place if she was such a family values Republican who doesn't believe in wasteful government spending?

Todd can afford to pay for his own kids going to his snowmobile racing competitions. Who did she think she was fooling charging these personal expenses to the state?

Bob: I'm willing to bet that the next 'serious' (if there is such a thing) Republican Presidential Candidate will be Mississippi Governor H. Barbour.

rjsnj on June 24, 2009 at 05:49 PM

Now let's see the SC AG get up of his Republican arse and prosecute this. The Republican Party: the party of hypocrisy.

Todd can afford to pay for his own kids going to his snowmobile racing competitions. Who did she think she was fooling charging these personal expenses to the state?
98
SandyH on June 24, 2009 at 06:01 PM
===============================================
Sandy, Guv Moose Brains can't help herself. She is just a corrupt moocher by nature. That's why she kept the goodies the Reptiles gave her for the convention (that she was suppose to give back).

Rj/Sandy: Did Palin ever pay those back taxes to the IRS from that 'S" Corp that she and Todd had? I think it was from 2000, 01, and 02. I can't remember all of the details off the top of my head.

Republican Presidential Candidate will be Mississippi Governor H. Barbour.
99
marymac_memphis on June 24, 2009 at 06:01 PM
===================================================
Mary, that should be a good one. He'll self-destruct as well. It's in the GOP-STER's DNA. They are arrogant and think they can get away with anything.

marymac_memphis on June 24, 2009 at 06:01 PM

I think the nation has had enough of southern Republican governors. Good ol' Haley "Firehose that Negro" Barbour (R-MS) wouldn't stand a chance in a general election. Dollars to navy beans says he has numerous racial incidents in his past that will disqualify him. He's from MS. They're only second in racism to AL.

marymac_memphis on June 24, 2009 at 06:01 PM

mary,

You can't be serious.

He looks and sounds just like Limbaugh. Now I'm not saying he wouldn't have some appeal in both of our border states, but even the crackers know a corrupt, lying Republican politician when they see one.

He was national chairman for Newt, as well as a top K Street lobbyist and lawyer for the impeachment. What a resume. He made Bush/Cheney, Iraq, outsourcing, and the economic meltdown possible.

Perhaps they would think no woman would have an affair with such an arrogant, loud-mouthed bigot? No Argentinian bimbos coming back to haunt the party?

Let's face it, even prostitutes have their standards and he pretty much falls into the Cheney category...water boarding as foreign policy and sex play? Those working girls and the country can do a lot better.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHH!

Are all neotards either pedophiles, perverts or homosexuals? sanford is one of those pseudo-religious, evangelical, hypocrites who seem to dominate the neotard party.

At least the governor of New York had the courtesy to resign after his liaison with a prostitute. sanford was making excuses. Excuaes are unacceptable. RESIGN NOW STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!

Is it that they have tiny dicks and have to chase every skirt they lay eyes on to prove their "manhood"? In any case it is a disgusting thing to do to a loved one.

Is someone keeping track of all the neotard deviates? I certainly hope so. I suspect God will have something to say to them for being hypocrites and adulterers. There is no defense.

hannity was apologizing for sanford. It sounded like he was saying that boys will be boys.

Is sanford one of those who chastised Bill Clinton for his affair? He says he has been in office eight years.

Typical neotard loser.

Isn't it strange that limpballs is missing this week too. Could sanford have met up with limpballs in Argentina? Maybe they are a matching pair of toe-tapping perverts.

Johne on June 24, 2009 at 06:15 PM

Hi, Johne,

You went to work worrying that the guy might have checked into a Minnesota clinic for either medical or mental purposes and come home to find out that he's just another member of the Republican Adultery Club of the Month.

Newt, Ensign, Craig, Vitter, and Limbaugh have probably been protecting him for years.

I personally can't stand Barbour. That is why I am starting to do 'research' on him now. I swear, he is just like Trent Lott!

marymac_memphis on June 24, 2009 at 06:08 PM

mary,

I think they could use you at the IRS or DOJ. Just trying to keep up with all her illegal and ethical shenanigans in her first term is mind-boggling.

Sandy: You are absolutely right - he and Limbaugh are just alike! I don't know why I didn't think of it but you got it! Right on the money!

George F. Will Admits Public Option Will Cut Costs

by Nate Silver @ 4:23 PM

George Will's latest:

The puzzle is: Why does the president, who says that were America "starting from scratch" he would favor a "single-payer" -- government-run -- system, insist that health care reform include a government insurance plan that competes with private insurers? [...]

Assurances that the government plan would play by the rules that private insurers play by are implausible. Government is incapable of behaving like market-disciplined private insurers. Competition from the public option must be unfair because government does not need to make a profit and has enormous pricing and negotiating powers. Besides, unless the point of a government plan is to be cheaper, it is pointless: If the public option conforms to the imperatives that regulations and competition impose on private insurers, there is no reason for it.
Emphasis in original. Will's argument is apparently this: The government does not need to make a profit and will have greater leverage with providers; therefore it will deliver the same service for less money. That's unfair!

Is this really the best argument that one of the most prominent intellectual conservatives can mount against the public option?

I'm a big believer in the profit motive in 99 percent of all cases. If the government decided to open a non-profit hamburger stand, I doubt that it would compete successfully against Five Guys. If it tried to open a non-profit airline, I doubt that it could offer the same value as JetBlue. Insert joke about General Motors and/or the Post Office here. The point is, I think the profit motive is generally well worth it in terms of the incentives it creates to cut costs, develop new products, improve customer service, and so forth.

But health insurance is not like those things.

Insurance exists because of the decreasing marginal utility of income: most people would rather have a 100% chance of paying $300 a month than a 1% chance of paying $30,000 a month. In fact, our hypothetical customer -- let's call him Frederick, after George F. Will's middle name -- might very well accept a 100% chance of paying $400 a month rather than take 1% chance of having to pay $30,000, which he might not be able to afford. This is true even though Frederick will lose $100 on this deal in an average month.

There's nothing wrong with this arrangement -- the customer has improved his marginal utility and the insurance company has made $100. It's a win-win...

http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/06/george-f-will-admits-public-option-will.html

Single payer is the way to go. End the medical profession's for profit business model with legislation. An American's health isn't something that should be bought, sold, bartered, or negotiated for or with.

rjsnj on June 24, 2009 at 06:07 PM

rj,

I think it may have something to do with her past beauty queen experience. They all get to keep the clothes and charge expenses to the pageant.

The GOP is sort of the same thing. These Republicans are always confusing the government with their own personal checking accounts. Just ask Duke Cunningham and Tom DeLay.

BobVADemocratHawk on June 24, 2009 at 06:29 PM

Bob,

You make all of us in the middle class and working poor sound like slaves to the medical industrial complex and their Republican enablers. I guess we are.

Jenny Sanford['s] statement released earlier:

I would like to start by saying I love my husband and I believe I have put forth every effort possible to be the best wife I can be during our almost twenty years of marriage. As well, for the last fifteen years my husband has been fully engaged in public service to the citizens and taxpayers of this state and I have faithfully supported him in those efforts to the best of my ability. I have been and remain proud of his accomplishments and his service to this state.

I personally believe that the greatest legacy I will leave behind in this world is not the job I held on Wall Street, or the campaigns I managed for Mark, or the work I have done as First Lady or even the philanthropic activities in which I have been routinely engaged. Instead, the greatest legacy I will leave in this world is the character of the children I, or we, leave behind. It is for that reason that I deeply regret the recent actions of my husband Mark, and their potential damage to our children.

I believe wholeheartedly in the sanctity, dignity and importance of the institution of marriage. I believe that has been consistently reflected in my actions. When I found out about my husband's infidelity I worked immediately to first seek reconciliation through forgiveness, and then to work diligently to repair our marriage. We reached a point where I felt it was important to look my sons in the eyes and maintain my dignity, self-respect, and my basic sense of right and wrong. I therefore asked my husband to leave two weeks ago.

This trial separation was agreed to with the goal of ultimately strengthening our marriage. During this short separation it was agreed that Mark would not contact us. I kept this separation quiet out of respect of his public office and reputation, and in hopes of keeping our children from just this type of public exposure. Because of this separation, I did not know where he was in the past week.

I believe enduring love is primarily a commitment and an act of will, and for a marriage to be successful, that commitment must be reciprocal. I believe Mark has earned a chance to resurrect our marriage.

Psalm 127 states that sons are a gift from the Lord and children a reward from Him. I will continue to pour my energy into raising our sons to be honorable young men. I remain willing to forgive Mark completely for his indiscretions and to welcome him back, in time, if he continues to work toward reconciliation with a true spirit of humility and repentance.

This is a very painful time for us and I would humbly request now that members of the media respect the privacy of my boys and me as we struggle together to continue on with our lives and as I seek the wisdom of Solomon, the strength and patience of Job and the grace of God in helping to heal my family.

http://realclearpolitics.blogs.time.com/2009/06/24/jenny-sanfords-statement/

Ms. Sanford, the Holy Bible also says thou shalt not lie. Therefore, when you told the press Gov. Sanford (R-SC) was out "writing something", you lied. This does nothing to repair the Republican's reputation of stark hypocrisy nor your own.

While we can appreciate what your family is going through right now, and it's a darn shame it has to be public, this is the lot you drew when you supported your husband's life in politics. We Democrats wish you the best of the luck in your attempts at reconcilliation. We would respectfully recommend you keep it private. Let me give you a piece of advice from the majority and the loyal opposition. Tell your husband and your children to learn this phrase when dealing with the press, "No comment". We'll all be better off for it, ma'am.

SandyH on June 24, 2009 at 06:31 PM

We are, my friend. We most certainly are.

Good night fellow Americans. Keep the Faith and keep the faith. Yes we can, yes we will, and yes we did!

At least he had the diginty to resign unlike his GOP counterparts....

Well said, Bob. Spitzer was worse than hypocritical. He was enjoying the fruits of the very system he was prosecuting. That takes a lot of arrogance.

However, he was onto the illegal Wall Street insider trading, riskyt derivatives trading, and unethical leveraging/swaps before anyone else would even discuss it as corrupt. I'm still convinced the Republicans set him up, but he didn't have to take the bait.

I'm far more included to forgive him his prostitutes than some of the stuff Geithner participated in before the bottom feel out of my 401k.

In a book about a secretive Christian group called the Family, published last year, the journalist Jeff Sharlet wrote that Ensign and Sen. Tom Coburn each at times lived in a group home for members of Congress, described as a "four-story red-brick Washington townhouse, a former convent at 133 C St SE, run by a Family affiliate called the C Street Foundation."

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/6/24/741302/-TPM:-The-Sanford-Ensign-Connection-is-the-Bible-Group-C-Street

rjsnj on June 24, 2009 at 05:53 PM

rj,

They all lived together in a former convent?

This just gets better and better. I wonder if this was part of the appeal for the Argentinian woman? She thought he was religious and affiliated with the Catholic Church in some way?

She was having sex with a priest? Oh, sure. A high priest of the family values Republican Party.

Also, did everyone see the the former Congressperson from Georgia (a Republican) was indicted for corruption today. Pat Swindall was charged with conspiracy in a bribery case! More "wonderful" news for the Republican Party!

BobVADemocratHawk on June 24, 2009 at 06:40 PM

Bob,

These people have been living a lie so long that they can't tell the truth.

She supported a man who voted against providing poor women on Medicaid coverage for some breast and cervical cancer treatments. I think she learned a lot working on Wall Street and within the Republican Party...none of which I'd want to pass along to my children.

However, I still wish her luck. It sounds like he can't give up the other woman, so she'll be the one primarily raising those children without him. At least Limbaugh and Newt never had children.

At least Limbaugh and Newt never had children.

121
SandyH on June 24, 2009 at 07:06 PM

That we know about. LOL

Sandy/Bob: I wonder what the stupid Republican Troll would have the United States do about Iran. The military is already over-extended in Afghanistan and Iraq due to the Bush administration incompetence, so an invasion is out of the question. So I guess that leaves the McLame solution of "bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" but I can't help but wonder how many innocent people would loose their lives in a bombing campaign? So that leaves what? What would they have the U.S. Government do? If we come out in support of one side or the other, that will be the 'kiss of death' to whichever side we support. How stupid are these trolls? Wait - scratch that question - they are the stupidest people on earth!

Bomb strikes Shiite market in Baghdad, killing 69

By KIM GAMEL, Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD – A bomb ripped through a crowded market in Baghdad's main Shiite district on Wednesday, killing at least 69 people and wounding more than 100 less than a week before a deadline for U.S. combat troops to leave Iraq's urban areas.

A series of blasts this week have killed more than 160 people, as U.S. and Iraqi officials warned they expected more violence before the U.S. withdrawal from cities.

American troops already have begun pulling back from the joint bases that they occupied with Iraqi security forces as part of a counterinsurgency strategy aimed at clearing volatile areas and holding them.

The recent spike in violence has raised new concern about the ability of Iraqi forces to protect the people, but a U.S. military spokesman insisted that American combat troops would be out of the cities by Tuesday as required by a security pact.

Brig. Gen. Steve Lanza said the recent high-profile attacks, which are usually blamed on Sunni insurgents, were part of an effort to rekindle sectarian violence that pushed the country to the brink of civil war...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090624/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq

The Surge failed. We should never have sent out troops into what was sooner or later going to be a civil war when Saddam either died or was killed by his own supporters. We can't make this better. We need to get out troops out before more of them are killed.

It's over. It was over before it started. It's Bush's fault.

sanford's wife knew about her husbands infidelity and where he disappeared to. Then she lied to the MSM. She should have told her husband that she will not lie for him and furthermore I want a divorce. Hmph, family values. Was it ever thus.

A reserve group from Belen, New Mexico left for Iraq on Monday. When is the war going to end?

Why don't we call up bush and cheney to fight in Iraq or Afghanistan? Awhile back a 60 plus year old went over to fight.

Oh, I forgot, bush wouldn't show up and cheney would apply for another deferment.

NKorea threatens US as world anticipates missile

By HYUNG-JIN KIM, Associated Press Writer

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea accused Washington of seeking to "provoke a second Korean War" as the regime prepared to hold maritime military exercises off the eastern coast. U.S. and regional authorities were watching closely for signs that North Korea might fire short- or mid-range missiles during the June 25 to July 10 timeframe cited in a no-sail ban for military drills sent to Japan's Coast Guard.

North Korea had warned previously it would fire a long-range missile as a response to U.N. Security Council condemnation of an April rocket launch seen as a cover for its ballistic missile technology...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090624/ap_on_re_as/as_koreas_nuclear

Secretary Clinton needs to sit down with Bill Richardson and Madeleine Albright and figure out a way to defuse this situation. This man is crazy and the Chinese and his own military don't seem to know what to do about him.

He seemed to be able to relate to Albright nine years ago. Perhaps that's where Clinton begins.

He's not going to be ignored and that's what our country has been doing since Bush snubbed him and then insulted his country and culture by calling them part of an Axis of Evil. We have to bring him back into the world politic somehow.

He's pointing those missiles at us not China. We need to end the stalemate Bush started. There is no advantage to ratcheting up the stakes any longer militarily.

Clinton needs to move on this soon and Obama needs to realize that the North Koreans feels as alienated and abused by us as the Iranians have. We can't change Kim but there maybe other around him who can be.

marymac_memphis on June 24, 2009 at 07:21 PM

mary,

We can't get directly involved. It would put us in the same fix as we are in Iraq.

We can only watch and condemn the oppression. However this plays out, we have to work with whomever has the power over those nukes.

I am certain that the religious leaders have made a fatal mistake and with time they will be dethroned. But it might take years.

We need to deal with the here and now.

marymac_memphis on June 24, 2009 at 07:17 PM

LOL. You're probably right. Who would admit out loud that they let either of them father their children?

If they exist, they are probably being paid well not to say so.

What's this about Limbaugh saying Sanford could have been their JFK?

Someone needs to have this guy committed to a rehab center. He's acting more delusional than ever.

bbl.

Evening Johne: I saw a Bumper Sticker the other day:
"The Moral Majority is Neither!"

Sandy, I often wonder if Limbaugh actually believes what he says. I wonder if he is just seeing how much 'insanity' he can get away with. How can anyone be stupid enough to believe anything this guy says?

Let me get this straight.

Sanford met this woman on-line? He's had an e-mail relationship with her ever since then? He's only been with her three times until that "sparking thing" put us into "serious overdrive".

This is the Libertarian way of doing things? Thank the Lord we found out about this before Ron Paul comes clean, too.

Geeze. These conservative/libertarian folks are so...so, so French? lol.

Ex-detainees allege abuse at US Afghan base: BBC

Wed Jun 24, 1:04 pm ET

KABUL (AFP) – Former detainees of the Bagram air base in Afghanistan have alleged a catalogue of abuse at the US military facility, the BBC reported Wednesday, after a two-month investigation...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090624/ts_afp/afghanistanbritainusprisonersabuse

I don't see how Rumsfeld, Cheney, or Bush can run the rest of their lives away from these allegations without being held accountable at some point by somebody. The number or victims and places where they were held continue to multiply. More will come forward.

Now hold the phone here, Mable (as Andy Taylor used to say).

How did the WIFE kick the GOVERNOR out of the GOVERNOR'S MANSION??

HE was elected, not her. If she wanted to have a temporary time out, she should have packed up the kids and gone back to whatever holler they come from.

She said she knew about this for months and yet still put up a false front because she liked the digs and amenities? No wonder she didn't seem all that concerned.

Maid service, security, a few butlers, a personal chef, limos everywhere...

She was the ultimate Stepford wife.

Doobie: That same thought struck me earlier - I wondered who actually left the mansion. He deserves to leave, permanently, but not at her insistence. Hopefully the people of SC will come to their senses and recall him!

Wouldn't it be cool if they arrested Hannity as well?!?

FBI Arrests White Supremacist Blogger Hal Turner For Threatening To Kill Federal Judges

Today, FBI agents went to the New Jersey home of white supremacist blogger/radio host Hal Turner and arrested him “on a federal complaint filed in Chicago alleging that he made internet postings threatening to assault and murder three federal appeals court judges in Chicago in retaliation for their recent ruling upholding handgun bans in Chicago and a suburb,” according to a statement released by the Justice Department. A summary of Turner’s dangerous tirade against the judges:

Internet postings on June 2 and 3 proclaimed “outrage” over the June 2, 2009, handgun decision by Chief Judge Frank Easterbrook and Judges Richard Posner and William Bauer, of the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, further stating, among other things: “Let me be the first to say this plainly: These Judges deserve to be killed.” The postings included photographs, phone numbers, work address and room numbers of these judges, along with a photo of the building in which they work and a map of its location.

Turner’s posts also “referred to the murder of the mother and husband of Chicago-based federal Judge Joan Humphrey Lefkow in February 2005,” saying, “Apparently, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court didn’t get the hint after those killings. It appears another lesson is needed.” In the Justice Department statement, U.S. attorney Patrick Fitzgerald — who announced the charges — said, “We take threats to federal judges very seriously. Period.”

Turner is already in trouble with the law. Earlier this month, he turned himself in to the Connecticut State Police on charges of “inciting violence” against three state officials. He urged his audience to “take up arms” because he was reportedly “angry over legislation that would have given lay members of Roman Catholic churches in Connecticut more control over their parish’s finances.” Turner’s next court appearance in this case is on July 14.

As the Nation has pointed out, Turner has ties to Fox News’ Sean Hannity. In fact, Hannity has “offered his top-rated radio show as a regular forum for Turner’s occasionally racist, always over-the-top rants.” Hannity would also reportedly offer Turner “encouragement” to overcome his cocaine habit and “homosexual leanings.”

Turner’s arrest comes after two major tragedies put the spotlight on the dangers of right-wing extremism: the Holocaust Museum shooting by white supremacist James von Brunn and the assassination of Dr. George Tiller.

good evening, everyone. I hope all are well.

I've been busy the last week.

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
— Psalm 73:23-26

enjoy the evening.

DPD/mary,

Why are either of them in the Governor's mansion? Or maybe I need to ask the voters of South Carolina that one?

Hi, Essie.

You sound tired. Get a good night's sleep. Ask the carpenter to give your feet a good rub. That soothes the stress right out. Guaranteed.

marymac_memphis on June 24, 2009 at 08:47 PM

mary,

Why is someone like this allowed to host a radio show? The station should lose their license. I hope the locals are sending complaints to the FCC.

Hannity is a domestic terrorist sympathizer.

President Obama is holding a health forum in the East Room of the White House. It is on ABC right now.

Citi boosting salaries to offset lower bonuses

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER and STEPHEN BERNARD, AP Business Writers
Wed Jun 24

WASHINGTON – Citigroup Inc. is increasing the base salaries of many employees — reportedly by as much as 50 percent for some workers — as it restructures their compensation amid government restrictions on bonuses.

The Obama administration reacted by pledging to aggressively implement a new law governing compensation at companies like Citigroup that have received billions of dollars in taxpayer-funded bailout support.

Administration officials, however, refused to say whether Citigroup had informed the government in advance of its decision to restructure salary levels...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090624/ap_on_bi_ge/us_citigroup_compensation

I swear they are like cockroaches...or Republicans. You stop them one way and they and Abramoff find another way to regroup.

Evening Essie,

We miss you. Get some rest.

President Obama is kicking ass and taking names in the forum. I love it. The creeps from the MSM seem to be following the neotard talking points.

"There won't be enough doctors."
"Health care will be rationed."
"We can't afford it."
"The US has the best health care in the world."
"It is not a basic human right."
"The public option will drive private insurance companies out of business."
"It will ruin the health care for us rich people."
"yatayatayatayata ala hannity."

"Utter lies and inuendos." ala hannity.

Iranian votes must be counted in Concrete Truth Accountability,
Never surrendering to intimidated despot autocracy, or theocracy.
Declaring the Will of the people’s choice, with individual ability
To serve all the needs of the Iranian people in dynamic Democracy.

Part off

Neda Angel of Iran’s Accountability

Young slain Lady Liberty Iranian of Freedom
Wanting the Democracy of Truth N.E.D.A. vote
With the National Election Democracy Association.
First started by a Iranian violent demonstration.
Basic human right humanity of one vote accountability
Against political tyranny with dictated intimidation.

N.E.D.A. global dedication for the Concrete vote Truth,
Where United Nation monitors certify election results.
Mandating neutral elements upon pledges of honesty
That never take sides, but guarantees voter registration.
The Inquisition of the vote by despot rule of autocracy
Theocracy, where politicians go back to the Dark Ages.

Gee. President Obama isn't using a teleprompter. hannity will have a cow.

Where is limpballs? Maybe he is having a sex change operation. Or maybe he is having an ass transplant. Or maybe he is in Thailand making dates with little boys if you know what I mean. Perhaps he met with craig in Argentina and they had a threesome with sanford.

There are all kinds of possiblities. I imagine we will never know the truth. I wonder when hannity is going to be outed.

"illegals will get free health care and smother they system (bates)."

"I am happy with my health care, why should I help someone else (evangelical assholes)."

"Hussein will raise your taxes."

"No one will want to become a doctor (hannity)."

"I have the best health care in the world and I think by going with socialized medicine, it will be ruined (limpballs)."

President Obama hit a home run with his health forum. Give him a big hand.

What a president.

Goodnight Chet, Goodnight David.

That asshole sanford voted yes to impeach Bill Clinton and at the time said we just have to have good moral character.

Meanwhile this republican asshole was literally f**king around with a woman in Argentina. Will republican hypocrites ever grow up?

I heard on the news this morning that armadinnerjacket is blaming the President Obama for the riots in Iran. This just proves that President Obama did the right thing. If mcasshole had been appointed president by scabia, we would have nuked Iran killing millions of innocent people when our real target should have been the mullahs and scum like armadinnerjacket.

I wonder when we are going to out anal hatch for having five wives hidden away in utah?

He seems to be one of the hypocrite republican pervert types.

Every vote he makes is anti-American so I can only conclude that he hates America and is an anti-semite.

Morning Johne and other fine Dems....

Poor Barack Obama, faced with this Party of No, who are determined that the way to gain back the majority, is to keep doing what they have been doing for 15 years, i.e. obstructing, destroying, and hoping they will fool enough Americans to take back power!

Ain't gonna happen! Too many smart people finally woke up.

I am writing letters to editors, and to TV networks, REMINDING them of this very important fact!

The GOP has dug deep into Sotomayor, and found, 'gasp" that she voted in a gun rights case, that :

"The unsigned decision, which Judge Sotomayor joined, noted that while the Supreme Court decided last year that the Second Amendment gave citizens the right to keep and bear arms, “it is settled law, however, that the Second Amendment applies only to limitations the federal government seeks to impose on this right,” not to limitations imposed by states."

Now what so many of these media sources are failing to bring up, is that just recently the VERY Conservative Seventh Circuit Court in Chicago, made the very same decision, saying "Sotomayor had it right"!!!!

The three-judge panel of the Seventh Circuit court upheld the city's ban on handguns and also declined to apply the Second Amendment to the States.

This concurring judgment from a Conservative group should take off the table once and for all, any question that Sotomayor has an opinion hostile to gun rights!

But these Obstructionists will keep digging, keep grasping at straws, keep coming out in packs of 3 to try and scare the American people that she will vote to take their guns away!

Don't these idiots get it???? THIS is what lost them the last 2 elections! This kind of tomfoolery negativism is going to take more seats away from them next year! Anybody stupid enough to buy this line of crapola, already voted Reich Wing anyways.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

sanford is a real asswipe republican pervert.

The governor of New York at least haqd some moral character left and he resigned immediately. He only visited prostitutes. sanford wrote love letters and transferred his affections to this Argentinian. The same with Bill Clinton. He was just "dallying". sanford has the morals of an alley cat and worse, he has been berating them when he was doing a much worse thing to his fasmily.

RESIGN YOU IMMORAL PIECE OF EVANGELICAL SHIT.

Johne, I saw what Orrin Hatch was made of, when Anita Hill courageously came in front of them, exposing what a slimeball Clarence Thomas was! His degrading attitude towards her was sickening to watch. Trying to find a way to destroy her credibility, less an Uncle tom Conservative judge was thwarted from sitting on the highest court in the land!

I have never like his simpering manner, nor superior attitude.

back later.......

Morning Pam,

Off to work.

hatch is probably of the belief that women don't count. They belong in the kitchen and pregnant.

Why do the people of Utah put up with people like this? The Mormon's are good people but some of them have gone over the edge, especially the old farts like hatch. The mayor of Salt Lake City was a good man. He spoke out against bush's illegal war in Iraq. hatch bowed at the ankles and kissed cheney's ugly butt for eight straight years. This is unconscionable.