Lawyers, Guns and Money: It's Working!: "...Remember now; if the Mahdi Army lies low, then the Surge is working. If the Mahdi Army fights back, then the Surge is working. If the Mahdi Army has already dissolved, the Surge is working. If Sadr cooperates, the Surge is working. If he runs, the Surge is working. If he orders attacks, the Surge is working.
It's magical, this Surge; no matter what happens, the evidence demonstrates that the Surge is working. It can't fail! Any behavior taken by anyone in Iraq is a positive by-product of the Surge. I mean, sure, the Surge hasn't dented American casualty rates or Iraqi casualty rates for the country as a whole, but that also is evidence that it's working; the enemy is clearly desperate, which is why he's attacking us..."
Monday, April 09, 2007
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Good Work If...
Occidental CEO got more than $400 million in 2006 - Yahoo! News: "CHICAGO (Reuters) - Occidental Petroleum Corp.'s (NYSE:OXY - news) chairman and chief executive took in more than $400 million in compensation last year, the company said in a filing, one of the biggest single-year payouts in U.S. corporate history..."
Tantrums and The Boys
Pelosi tells Bush and Cheney: Enough with the tantrums - AMERICAblog: A great nation deserves the truth: "And, then there's this gem, which we're learning is vintage Pelosi:
“...I come back thinking, all right, we will get through their tantrum,” Ms. Pelosi said, in a reference to the administration, “but the fact is, we accomplished what we set out to do. I think we improved the understanding among the different parties.”
Bush and Cheney do throw tantrums when they don't get their way. When the GOP ran Congress, it worked. Not anymore..."
“...I come back thinking, all right, we will get through their tantrum,” Ms. Pelosi said, in a reference to the administration, “but the fact is, we accomplished what we set out to do. I think we improved the understanding among the different parties.”
Bush and Cheney do throw tantrums when they don't get their way. When the GOP ran Congress, it worked. Not anymore..."
Good News
Edge: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE By Steven Pinker: "In sixteenth-century Paris, a popular form of entertainment was cat-burning, in which a cat was hoisted in a sling on a stage and slowly lowered into a fire. According to historian Norman Davies, '[T]he spectators, including kings and queens, shrieked with laughter as the animals, howling with pain, were singed, roasted, and finally carbonized.' Today, such sadism would be unthinkable in most of the world. This change in sensibilities is just one example of perhaps the most important and most underappreciated trend in the human saga: Violence has been in decline over long stretches of history, and today we are probably living in the most peaceful moment of our species' time on earth..."
A frightening, but accurate, revelation. The article is fascinating. Click here.
A frightening, but accurate, revelation. The article is fascinating. Click here.
Goodling Less Good
How Pat Robertson's law school is changing America. - By Dahlia Lithwick - Slate Magazine
"...Is there anything wrong with legal scholarship from a Christian perspective? Not that I see. Is there anything wrong with a Bush administration that disproportionately uses graduates from such Christian law schools to fill its staffing needs? Not that I see. It's a shorthand, not better or worse than cherry-picking the Federalist Society or the bar association. I can't even get exercised over the fact that Gonzales, Rove, and Miers had their baby lawyers making critical staffing decisions for them. The baby lawyers had extremely clear marching orders.
No, the real concern here is that Goodling and her ilk somehow began to conflate God's work with the president's. Probably not a lesson she learned in law school. The dream of Regent and its counterparts, like Jerry Falwell's Liberty University, is to redress perceived wrongs to Christians, to reclaim the public square, and reassert Christian political authority. And while that may have been a part of the Bush/Rove plan, it was, in the end, only a small part. Their real zeal was for earthly power. And Goodling was left holding the earthly bag..."
"...Is there anything wrong with legal scholarship from a Christian perspective? Not that I see. Is there anything wrong with a Bush administration that disproportionately uses graduates from such Christian law schools to fill its staffing needs? Not that I see. It's a shorthand, not better or worse than cherry-picking the Federalist Society or the bar association. I can't even get exercised over the fact that Gonzales, Rove, and Miers had their baby lawyers making critical staffing decisions for them. The baby lawyers had extremely clear marching orders.
No, the real concern here is that Goodling and her ilk somehow began to conflate God's work with the president's. Probably not a lesson she learned in law school. The dream of Regent and its counterparts, like Jerry Falwell's Liberty University, is to redress perceived wrongs to Christians, to reclaim the public square, and reassert Christian political authority. And while that may have been a part of the Bush/Rove plan, it was, in the end, only a small part. Their real zeal was for earthly power. And Goodling was left holding the earthly bag..."
Coulter Wows
Cliff Schecter: "This is truly one of the most disgusting columns I have ever read. I refuse to link to any website from which she can benefit, but this hate-mongerer should be exposed for what she is, so I will link to the Salon post about her here. First, Coulter's take on Darfur:
These people can't even wrap up genocide. We've been hearing about this slaughter in Darfur forever — and they still haven't finished. The aggressors are moving like termites across that country. It's like genocide by committee. Who's running this holocaust in Darfur, FEMA?
This is truly a war in which we have absolutely no interest..."
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Edwards Nayes Fox Again
Breaking: Edwards Not Participating In Fox/CBC Debate | TPMCafe: "John Edwards -- who was first out of the box to pull out of the Fox-sponsored Nevada debate, earning accolades from the netroots and Dem activists -- has done it again.
His campaign has just called the Congressional Black Caucus and informed them that Edwards will not be part of the proposed Sept. 23 debate with Fox..."
His campaign has just called the Congressional Black Caucus and informed them that Edwards will not be part of the proposed Sept. 23 debate with Fox..."
Eternal Vigilance
SPLCenter.org: Terror From the Right: "...In the 10 years since the April 19, 1995, bombing in Oklahoma City, in fact, the radical right has produced some 60 terrorist plots. These have included plans to bomb or burn government buildings, banks, refineries, utilities, clinics, synagogues, mosques, memorials and bridges; to assassinate police officers, judges, politicians, civil rights figures and others; to rob banks, armored cars and other criminals; and to amass illegal machine guns, missiles, explosives, and biological and chemical weapons. What follows is a list of key right-wing plots of the last 10 years..."
Friday, April 06, 2007
Poor Beats Rich
Money Talks: A Brain Image of a Microeconomic Theory: Scientific American: "...That hesitation is what researchers at the University of Cambridge in England were banking on when they designed a study to see if the haves catch on more slowly than the have-nots when it comes to reward-based learning. Reporting in the current issue of Neuron, the scientists reveal that when a small sum of money is on the line, poorer people learn quickly how to maximize their profits, leaving their wealthier counterparts in the dust..."
Eh? Screw my head back on please.
Eh? Screw my head back on please.
Easter Thought
The Daily Dish: "...This is what Jesus told people: to treat God as an intimate father, to pray simply, to believe against so much evidence that good does indeed prevail against evil, to know that God is not indifferent to us, and to re-enact his last meal for ever as a way to remind ourselves of his love and experience his real presence... "
Shadowy Pelosi
Think Progress » Washington Post Misleads, Contradicts Own Reporting, To Attack Pelosi: "Washington Post Misleads, Contradicts Own Reporting, To Attack Pelosi
The Washington Post editorial page today published a vicious editorial attacking Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), calling her “ludicrous” and describing her bipartisan trip to Syria as an “attempt to establish a shadow presidency.”
The editorial rests on two claims, both of which are baseless:.." that she passed and incorrect message from Israel to Syria and that she is trying to establish a "shadowy presidency." Think Pprogess has more detail on the two claims, but one comment observed: "A Pelosi 'shadow presidency' would be a major improvement over a totally incompetent, “Bush league” empty suit. Comment by LWM" to which I completely concur.
The Washington Post editorial page today published a vicious editorial attacking Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), calling her “ludicrous” and describing her bipartisan trip to Syria as an “attempt to establish a shadow presidency.”
The editorial rests on two claims, both of which are baseless:.." that she passed and incorrect message from Israel to Syria and that she is trying to establish a "shadowy presidency." Think Pprogess has more detail on the two claims, but one comment observed: "A Pelosi 'shadow presidency' would be a major improvement over a totally incompetent, “Bush league” empty suit. Comment by LWM" to which I completely concur.
Veep Handles Media Again
Dick "Last Throes" Cheney, overseer of the worst foreign policy mistake in US History, attacks the Speaker. The media lap it up. - AMERICAblog: A great nation deserves the truth: "...As Dan Froomkin noted earlier this week, 'too many reporters prefer uncritical transcription to the kind of tough but fair analysis that would be required to put what the president [or vice president] says in context.' Too many reporters never provided context to White House statements. They regurgitate them -- even when it's Dick Cheney spewing on Rush Limbaugh. That's just absurd on its face. But, the White House knows how to play them. As usual, Tim Russert fell for it this morning on the Today Show -- acting all sanctimonious as he discussed this issue with foreign policy expert Matt Lauer. The Bush team counts on just that kind of reaction from the patsies in the press. And, true to form, they got it.."
Surging The Surge
12,000 more Guard may go to Iraq - Nightly News with Brian Williams - MSNBC.com: "WASHINGTON - Coming on the heels of a controversial “surge” of 21,000 U.S. troops that has stretched the Army thin, the Defense Department is preparing to send an additional 12,000 National Guard combat forces to Iraq and Afghanistan, defense officials told NBC News on Thursday..."
Thursday, April 05, 2007
DNC Says "No" To Fox
Ben Smith's Blog - Politico.com: "DNC Shuts Out Fox
Fox News may have landed a Democratic debate, but the Democratic Party is refusing to give its formal stamp of approval to the September event, which will be co-sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Institute.
“The DNC sanctioned debates will not include Fox,' says DNC Communications Director Karen Finney in an email..."
Fox News may have landed a Democratic debate, but the Democratic Party is refusing to give its formal stamp of approval to the September event, which will be co-sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Institute.
“The DNC sanctioned debates will not include Fox,' says DNC Communications Director Karen Finney in an email..."
Once More Unto The Corruption Breach
Another senior Bush official under investigation - AMERICAblog: A great nation deserves the truth: "Check this out. She didn't even try to hide it. From ABC News:
The Office of Special Counsel confirmed to ABC News it has launched an investigation into General Services Administration chief Lurita Doan, probing concerns she may have violated a ban against conducting partisan political activity at government expense by participating in a meeting featuring a presentation by a White House political aide on GOP election strategy.
Doan's agency spends over $56 billion a year on paper clips, office space, car fleets and other necessities for federal agencies.
In January, Doan attended a meeting at which senior White House political aide W. Scott Jennings briefed Doan, a White House appointee, and other officials at a GSA facility on Republican plans to win seats in Congress..."
The Office of Special Counsel confirmed to ABC News it has launched an investigation into General Services Administration chief Lurita Doan, probing concerns she may have violated a ban against conducting partisan political activity at government expense by participating in a meeting featuring a presentation by a White House political aide on GOP election strategy.
Doan's agency spends over $56 billion a year on paper clips, office space, car fleets and other necessities for federal agencies.
In January, Doan attended a meeting at which senior White House political aide W. Scott Jennings briefed Doan, a White House appointee, and other officials at a GSA facility on Republican plans to win seats in Congress..."
Corruption At State?
whatever already!: "A lengthy post late tonight about how Paul Wolfowitz's girl friend somehow-- on loan by the World Bank to the State Department-- has now become the highest paid Department employee. I am definitely going to be writing more about this."
I know how: it's Bush Bizzaro World!
I know how: it's Bush Bizzaro World!
NH GOP Poll
McCain, Giuliani tied in poll of New Hampshire GOP - CNN.com: "WASHINGTON (CNN) -- John McCain and Rudy Giuliani are tied among Republican voters in New Hampshire, with Mitt Romney in third place and Newt Gingrich showing scant support, a poll released Wednesday said..."
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Double Down Chicken Hawkery
Bush bypasses Senate to name ambassador - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON -President Bush named Republican fundraiser Sam Fox as U.S. ambassador to Belgium on Wednesday, using a maneuver that allowed him to bypass Congress where Democrats had derailed Fox's nomination.
Democrats had denounced Fox for his 2004 donation to the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. The group's TV ads, which claimed that Sen.John Kerry exaggerated his military record in Vietnam, were viewed as a major factor in the Massachusetts Democrat losing the election..."
Democrats had denounced Fox for his 2004 donation to the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. The group's TV ads, which claimed that Sen.John Kerry exaggerated his military record in Vietnam, were viewed as a major factor in the Massachusetts Democrat losing the election..."
Chickenhawk Alighting
The Corner on National Review Online: "Brit Wimps [John Derbyshire]
Once again, it's me and Ralph Peters on the same wavelength, deploring the cowardice of the British sailors and marines kidnapped by Iran. When it happened, I said I hoped the ones who'd shamed their country would be court-martialed on return to Blighty, and given dishonorable discharges after a couple years breaking rocks in the Outer Hebrides (which, believe me—I've been there—have a LOT of rocks). Now, I confess, I wouldn't shed a tear if some worse fate befell them.
The only coherent response I get to these sentiments is: 'How do you know what they've been through? How would YOU stand up?' To which the obvious reply is the one Dr. Johnson gave in some similar case: 'I may criticize a carpenter who makes me a bad table, though I cannot make a table myself. It is not my job to make tables.' It is the job of a Royal Marine to fight, and if necessary suffer and die, for his country. They know that when they go in. It's what they are told! I nurse a quiet hope that if put to the test, I would stand up as well as any Marine. Whether or not I would, however, is irrelevant. Whether or not I could stand up well to torture, I expect Marines to..."
No one signs-up to get tortured. Everyone wants to live; given your (Derbyshire's) response, it's obvious you want to live. So, are you, Sir, willing to die, lose a limb, be blinded, get waterboarded, get starved, beaten, raped-- all to save your government some embarrassment? Didn't think so.
Maybe you should try sticking one of the Doctor's table legs somewhere.
Once again, it's me and Ralph Peters on the same wavelength, deploring the cowardice of the British sailors and marines kidnapped by Iran. When it happened, I said I hoped the ones who'd shamed their country would be court-martialed on return to Blighty, and given dishonorable discharges after a couple years breaking rocks in the Outer Hebrides (which, believe me—I've been there—have a LOT of rocks). Now, I confess, I wouldn't shed a tear if some worse fate befell them.
The only coherent response I get to these sentiments is: 'How do you know what they've been through? How would YOU stand up?' To which the obvious reply is the one Dr. Johnson gave in some similar case: 'I may criticize a carpenter who makes me a bad table, though I cannot make a table myself. It is not my job to make tables.' It is the job of a Royal Marine to fight, and if necessary suffer and die, for his country. They know that when they go in. It's what they are told! I nurse a quiet hope that if put to the test, I would stand up as well as any Marine. Whether or not I would, however, is irrelevant. Whether or not I could stand up well to torture, I expect Marines to..."
No one signs-up to get tortured. Everyone wants to live; given your (Derbyshire's) response, it's obvious you want to live. So, are you, Sir, willing to die, lose a limb, be blinded, get waterboarded, get starved, beaten, raped-- all to save your government some embarrassment? Didn't think so.
Maybe you should try sticking one of the Doctor's table legs somewhere.
Getting In The Game
Brattleboro Reformer - Time for EPA to do its job: "It has been known for some time that the Bush administration has so politicized every aspect of the federal government that it is now indistinguishable from the Republican National Committee.
So if you wondered why the Environmental Protection Agency went before the Supreme Court to argue that it had no jurisdiction over regulating air pollution, that is the reason. In President Bush's EPA, taking care of the automakers and oil companies takes precedent over dealing with air pollution and greenhouse gases..."
So if you wondered why the Environmental Protection Agency went before the Supreme Court to argue that it had no jurisdiction over regulating air pollution, that is the reason. In President Bush's EPA, taking care of the automakers and oil companies takes precedent over dealing with air pollution and greenhouse gases..."
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