Asscroft III
A must see. (thanks mcgeggy). This article puts it in context.
Friday, April 16, 2004
Freedomship Censorship Committee
Shifting the focus back home for a second, one current story that hasn't gotten nearly enough attention is the FCC crackdown on Howard Stern. This is an amazing abuse of government power that directly contradicts the first amendment rights. Using Janet Jackson's super bowl costume malfunction as an excuse, congress passed the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act - n essence it gives the FCC freedomship to censor anyone. Their first target? Howard Stern, whose anti-Bush commentaries were somehow deemed "offensive" material. This article notes Bush's direct link to the FCC (which is now coincidentally headed by the same man who bought the Texas Rangers from Bushy).
To me, the most shocking thing of all is that no other radio personalities, regardless of political affiliation, are standing up for Stern's First Amendment rights. Take Rush Limbaugh, for example, whose show is just as offensive as Stern's to the mass public, yet is ignored by the FCC witch-hunt because he is pro-Bush. What if the tables were turned, and Limbaugh was being forced off-air by a Democratic government? The stakes for all on-air celebrities and freedom of speech is at stake here, yet none among the right wing media has the balls to speak out against something they must see as censorship. Here's an article from another victim, a banned NY Times politcal cartoonist who empathizes with Stern's plight. It's important for everyone, Republican or Democrat, to remember that for every debate, this country's first amendment provides freedom of speech, whether you agree or not. Voltaire said it perfectly: "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it." The FCC is a bigger threat to the American way of life than 50 - er, 26 tons of Mustard gas in a turkey farm.
Shifting the focus back home for a second, one current story that hasn't gotten nearly enough attention is the FCC crackdown on Howard Stern. This is an amazing abuse of government power that directly contradicts the first amendment rights. Using Janet Jackson's super bowl costume malfunction as an excuse, congress passed the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act - n essence it gives the FCC freedomship to censor anyone. Their first target? Howard Stern, whose anti-Bush commentaries were somehow deemed "offensive" material. This article notes Bush's direct link to the FCC (which is now coincidentally headed by the same man who bought the Texas Rangers from Bushy).
To me, the most shocking thing of all is that no other radio personalities, regardless of political affiliation, are standing up for Stern's First Amendment rights. Take Rush Limbaugh, for example, whose show is just as offensive as Stern's to the mass public, yet is ignored by the FCC witch-hunt because he is pro-Bush. What if the tables were turned, and Limbaugh was being forced off-air by a Democratic government? The stakes for all on-air celebrities and freedom of speech is at stake here, yet none among the right wing media has the balls to speak out against something they must see as censorship. Here's an article from another victim, a banned NY Times politcal cartoonist who empathizes with Stern's plight. It's important for everyone, Republican or Democrat, to remember that for every debate, this country's first amendment provides freedom of speech, whether you agree or not. Voltaire said it perfectly: "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it." The FCC is a bigger threat to the American way of life than 50 - er, 26 tons of Mustard gas in a turkey farm.
This guy went to Yale
link
Since when have facts been important to these assholes.
link
Bush, long known for his grammatical conundrums and confusing phraseology, told reporters twice during Tuesday's prime-time news conference that 50 tons of mustard gas were discovered at a turkey farm in Libya.
Since when have facts been important to these assholes.
Krugman
Link.
Link.
And there's one more parallel: Nixonian politics is back.
What we remember now is Watergate. But equally serious were Nixon's efforts to suppress dissent, like the "Tell It to Hanoi" rallies, where critics of the Vietnam War were accused of undermining the soldiers and encouraging the enemy. On Tuesday George Bush did a meta-Nixon: he declared that anyone who draws analogies between Iraq and Vietnam undermines the soldiers and encourages the enemy.
Dollars for Drinky
Link.
Let me say it now. If Kerry can get relatively close to Bush in the cash battle, this thing is not going to be as close as everyone thinks it's going to be.
Link.
In some ways, the candidates are switching roles. Bush, who spent months raising a record $180 million and flooded the airwaves while Kerry gained his footing as the presumptive Democratic nominee, is suddenly hoarding cash. At the same time, Kerry, who raised more than $10 million in two nights earlier this week, is setting party records almost nightly and planning to ramp up his advertising significantly.
Let me say it now. If Kerry can get relatively close to Bush in the cash battle, this thing is not going to be as close as everyone thinks it's going to be.
Thursday, April 15, 2004
Our newest and bestest buddy
We support of Uzekistan, despite killing people by submerging them in BOILING WATER!!!!
Isn't one of his "justifications" for his war against Iraq, that we are liberating the people from an oppresive dicator who gassed 'his own people,' which by the way was in 1988 when we were still supporting him in his war with Iran.
So should we plan on waging war on Uzbekistan in a few years for human rights violations that we allowed to happen? Why am I expecting logic from these guys?
(thanks Sheebur)
We support of Uzekistan, despite killing people by submerging them in BOILING WATER!!!!
Isn't one of his "justifications" for his war against Iraq, that we are liberating the people from an oppresive dicator who gassed 'his own people,' which by the way was in 1988 when we were still supporting him in his war with Iran.
So should we plan on waging war on Uzbekistan in a few years for human rights violations that we allowed to happen? Why am I expecting logic from these guys?
(thanks Sheebur)
Israel, Oil, and Daddy
Here's a quick and interesting read from Business Week that lays out an argument for Bush's real motivation for going to war with Iraq, mainly:
Here's a quick and interesting read from Business Week that lays out an argument for Bush's real motivation for going to war with Iraq, mainly:
So to boil all this down, we went to war, sacrificed thousands of human lives, racked up billions in bills, and flouted the rules of international law for three basic reasons: Israel, oil, and the vengeance of a son whose father didn't finish off Saddam.Thanks to Mcgeggy for the article.
We'll See...
If this is really true, then the Dipshit Administration dodged a very lethal bullet. But I'll believe it when I see it, after the shit that has been reported during this war.
Muqtada Agrees to Dissolve Militia, May go into temporary exile in Iran
If this is really true, then the Dipshit Administration dodged a very lethal bullet. But I'll believe it when I see it, after the shit that has been reported during this war.
The New Stasi
Right now it looks like the only real change that will come out of the 9/11 panel is the possible creation of a domestic intelligence agency. How sad is this? The lasting legacy of one of the worst tragedies in our history will be a government that spies on its own people(officially). Of course, I'm not the only one who thinks this is a bad idea, directors Mueller and Freeh as well as former AG Reno seemed to oppose the idea. But in a frenzy to shield the President from blame, the commission looks like it will unleash its wrath on the FBI and the CIA.
Maybe I shouldn't be all that scared, because we all know the govt. would only spy on the terrorists.
Right now it looks like the only real change that will come out of the 9/11 panel is the possible creation of a domestic intelligence agency. How sad is this? The lasting legacy of one of the worst tragedies in our history will be a government that spies on its own people(officially). Of course, I'm not the only one who thinks this is a bad idea, directors Mueller and Freeh as well as former AG Reno seemed to oppose the idea. But in a frenzy to shield the President from blame, the commission looks like it will unleash its wrath on the FBI and the CIA.
Maybe I shouldn't be all that scared, because we all know the govt. would only spy on the terrorists.
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
The Vietnam Question
Over the past week, one of the hottest political topics has been this comparison between The War in Iraq and Vietnam. Ted Kennedy's comment that "Iraq is Bush's Vietnam" sparked all kinds of partisan name calling on the evening news. In last night's press conference, the first question asked of the President was his reaction to the comparison, which he quickly stated as "false". This comparison actually began almost a year ago however, and it won't be going away any time soon:
After Kennedy's comments, Sen. John McCain - currently a strong supporter of Bush's war in Iraq - told the AP:
Interesting that just 5 months ago, McCain had this to say in a Newsweek article:
Fact is, there are a lot of people in Washington that "know something about Vietnam". Here's a good short piece by a Vietnam Vet who asks "If we demand no other quality from a president, let it be that he use America’s power in the world for realistic goals and not squander it in needless, destructive ideological flights of fancy." Of course there are major statistical differences; Iraq has seen just over 600 dead US troops, while Vietnam amassed over 58,000 dead. But seeing the fact that a recent poll showed that 2/3 of the American people are concerned that Iraq will become another Vietnam, W nor any of his staff have given this issue the attention it deserves. Instead, we get the insulting "False. Bad message to the troops. Bad message to the enemy." The casualty gap between Iraq and Vietnam is closing every day. It seems clear that Bush is the one who "either has forgotten or never learned the lessons" of Vietnam - since he wasn't even there the first time around.
Over the past week, one of the hottest political topics has been this comparison between The War in Iraq and Vietnam. Ted Kennedy's comment that "Iraq is Bush's Vietnam" sparked all kinds of partisan name calling on the evening news. In last night's press conference, the first question asked of the President was his reaction to the comparison, which he quickly stated as "false". This comparison actually began almost a year ago however, and it won't be going away any time soon:
After Kennedy's comments, Sen. John McCain - currently a strong supporter of Bush's war in Iraq - told the AP:
Those who call Iraq another Vietnam "either have forgotten or never learned the lessons" of that war. "It's a totally false comparison and I know something about Vietnam," said McCain, who spent more than five years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam.
Interesting that just 5 months ago, McCain had this to say in a Newsweek article:
“This is the first time that I have seen a parallel to Vietnam,” McCain declared, “in terms of information that the administration is putting out versus the actual situation on the ground. I’m not saying the situation in Iraq now is as bad as Vietnam. But we have a problem in the Sunni Triangle and we should face up to it and tell the American people about it.” Also reminiscent of Vietnam, McCain said, was the administration’s reluctance to deploy forces with the urgency required for the quickest victory. “I think we can be OK, but time is not on our side... If we don’t succeed more rapidly, the challenges grow greater.”
Fact is, there are a lot of people in Washington that "know something about Vietnam". Here's a good short piece by a Vietnam Vet who asks "If we demand no other quality from a president, let it be that he use America’s power in the world for realistic goals and not squander it in needless, destructive ideological flights of fancy." Of course there are major statistical differences; Iraq has seen just over 600 dead US troops, while Vietnam amassed over 58,000 dead. But seeing the fact that a recent poll showed that 2/3 of the American people are concerned that Iraq will become another Vietnam, W nor any of his staff have given this issue the attention it deserves. Instead, we get the insulting "False. Bad message to the troops. Bad message to the enemy." The casualty gap between Iraq and Vietnam is closing every day. It seems clear that Bush is the one who "either has forgotten or never learned the lessons" of Vietnam - since he wasn't even there the first time around.
Foreign Policy
\Im*pe"ri*al\, a.;
1. Of or pertaining to an empire, or to an emperor; as, an
imperial government; imperial authority or edict.
2. Belonging to, or suitable to, supreme authority, or one
who wields it; royal; sovereign; supreme.
\De*moc"ra*cy\, n.;
1: the political orientation of those who favor government by
the people or by their elected representatives
2: a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body
of citizens who can elect people to represent them
In last night's press conference, Bush casually referred to the US as occupiers of Iraq. While some on Faux News praised him for having empathy for the Iraqi people ("I wouldn't want to be occupied 'neither"), this admission is a direct change of philosophy from what Bushy had previously been selling to the American people - that we are Liberators. Bush's apparent idealogy of an Imperial Democracy is as much an oxymoron as his campaign slogan as compassionate conservative. This article details how Iraqi & American policy makers, the Floundering Fathers if you will, are fed up with the constant missteps and blunders by Washington & the Military.
\Im*pe"ri*al\, a.;
1. Of or pertaining to an empire, or to an emperor; as, an
imperial government; imperial authority or edict.
2. Belonging to, or suitable to, supreme authority, or one
who wields it; royal; sovereign; supreme.
\De*moc"ra*cy\, n.;
1: the political orientation of those who favor government by
the people or by their elected representatives
2: a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body
of citizens who can elect people to represent them
In last night's press conference, Bush casually referred to the US as occupiers of Iraq. While some on Faux News praised him for having empathy for the Iraqi people ("I wouldn't want to be occupied 'neither"), this admission is a direct change of philosophy from what Bushy had previously been selling to the American people - that we are Liberators. Bush's apparent idealogy of an Imperial Democracy is as much an oxymoron as his campaign slogan as compassionate conservative. This article details how Iraqi & American policy makers, the Floundering Fathers if you will, are fed up with the constant missteps and blunders by Washington & the Military.
"No Iraqi likes to see an imperial power like the United States beating up on people who are essentially their cousins," said Juan R. Cole, a University of Michigan lecturer and a prominent expert on Iraqi affairs. "There is a danger that the vindictive attitude of the Americans ... will push the whole country to hate them. A hated occupier is powerless even with all the firepower in the world," he said.
Ugh...
Last night marks the LAST time I'll play Bush: The Drinking Game, or for that matter any game from Butler Brothers. The general back-alley ambience of my room is so rotten, so incredibly foul...and why all this booze? and these crude pornographic photos, that are plastered on the broken mirror with smears of mustard that had dried to a hard yellow crust.
Last night marks the LAST time I'll play Bush: The Drinking Game, or for that matter any game from Butler Brothers. The general back-alley ambience of my room is so rotten, so incredibly foul...and why all this booze? and these crude pornographic photos, that are plastered on the broken mirror with smears of mustard that had dried to a hard yellow crust.
Our little brown brothers
Let’s get into Drinky's little "brown skin" comment from last night. "Some may say" he told us, that "if you have brown skin" you aren't capable of democracy. What really pisses me off about that comment is not simply the irrelevant allusion to skin color, but that his "some may say" line is always reserved for references to Democrats. Examples include his oft repeated, "Some may say that we should raise taxes," or "Some may say we would be better off with Saddam in power." But honestly, if you believe that "brown skins" are not capable of facilitating a democratic form of government, you probably also think that "brown skins" have less intellectual capability than "other skins." And most likely you believe that "brown skins" shouldn't be allowed in your country club. In other words, the overwhelming odds are that YOU ARE A CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN.
Let’s get into Drinky's little "brown skin" comment from last night. "Some may say" he told us, that "if you have brown skin" you aren't capable of democracy. What really pisses me off about that comment is not simply the irrelevant allusion to skin color, but that his "some may say" line is always reserved for references to Democrats. Examples include his oft repeated, "Some may say that we should raise taxes," or "Some may say we would be better off with Saddam in power." But honestly, if you believe that "brown skins" are not capable of facilitating a democratic form of government, you probably also think that "brown skins" have less intellectual capability than "other skins." And most likely you believe that "brown skins" shouldn't be allowed in your country club. In other words, the overwhelming odds are that YOU ARE A CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN.
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Happy Anniversary
We're coming up on the historic one year anniversary of the Iraq war. No, not the beginning of the war, but to the glorious final victory! As Faux news reported, "Bush Says Major Combat in Iraq Over". Yay!
Also noteworthy was the article's unprecedented coverage - not of the speech itself, but of Bush's preparation for it.
"Look, Bar...lil' dubya went over it AND practiced it! You get a gold star!"
More fun with hindsight: April 11 marked the one year anniversary of Cheney's comment that the Iraqi people will "greet us as liberators" and shower us with flowers in the streets. The article "Persistent pockets of liberal media resistance" is an entertaining read, as the author bashes anti-war naysayers of the infamous "flowers" phrase. A year later, Iraq is in absolute chaos. (when you read the article, pick out the words she uses to indicate someone is talking: sniffed, sniped, derided, etc. A very professional approach.)
We're coming up on the historic one year anniversary of the Iraq war. No, not the beginning of the war, but to the glorious final victory! As Faux news reported, "Bush Says Major Combat in Iraq Over". Yay!
Also noteworthy was the article's unprecedented coverage - not of the speech itself, but of Bush's preparation for it.
An administration source said Bush's speech was mostly written over the past weekend by three chief White House speechwriters. The president made "considerable and good edits," reading the speech aloud and making changes as he went along, in his usual style.
"He goes over this very carefully," the source said.
Once the president's changes were incorporated, Bush practiced the speech.
"Look, Bar...lil' dubya went over it AND practiced it! You get a gold star!"
More fun with hindsight: April 11 marked the one year anniversary of Cheney's comment that the Iraqi people will "greet us as liberators" and shower us with flowers in the streets. The article "Persistent pockets of liberal media resistance" is an entertaining read, as the author bashes anti-war naysayers of the infamous "flowers" phrase. A year later, Iraq is in absolute chaos. (when you read the article, pick out the words she uses to indicate someone is talking: sniffed, sniped, derided, etc. A very professional approach.)
New, from Butler Brothers
George Bush Press Conference: The Drinking Game
A great new way to enjoy the meaningless rhetoric and unspecific blather of our president, George Bush: The Drinking Game will hit shelves June 30. That's right, choose your favorite alcohol and play along at home. That's one drink for "terror", one for "freedom", and two drinks for every new word Bush creates on the fly! In Bushy's "historic" 3rd press conference, Freedom came out on top with 34 drinks, while terror was a close second with 27! If you're still conscious, the bonus double drinks go to words such as "insticated", "repudidated", "inimadate", and "suiciders". Players of the advanced version were also treated to drinks for new catch phrases, like the 6 instances of "war-footing" and 5 utterances of Daddy's ol' favorite "stay the course". Future versions may also add a category for Bush's new favorite word, which took him most of his term to pronounce correctly, "sovereignty". So, pick up this new classic game and get ready for the next press conference... if there ever is one.
George Bush Press Conference: The Drinking Game
A great new way to enjoy the meaningless rhetoric and unspecific blather of our president, George Bush: The Drinking Game will hit shelves June 30. That's right, choose your favorite alcohol and play along at home. That's one drink for "terror", one for "freedom", and two drinks for every new word Bush creates on the fly! In Bushy's "historic" 3rd press conference, Freedom came out on top with 34 drinks, while terror was a close second with 27! If you're still conscious, the bonus double drinks go to words such as "insticated", "repudidated", "inimadate", and "suiciders". Players of the advanced version were also treated to drinks for new catch phrases, like the 6 instances of "war-footing" and 5 utterances of Daddy's ol' favorite "stay the course". Future versions may also add a category for Bush's new favorite word, which took him most of his term to pronounce correctly, "sovereignty". So, pick up this new classic game and get ready for the next press conference... if there ever is one.
President McDumbass
For those of you who didn't get a chance to see his press conference tonight, allow me to provide a short summary of actual quotes.
For those of you who didn't get a chance to see his press conference tonight, allow me to provide a short summary of actual quotes.
"War on terra, freedom, uhh... freedom, terra, uhh... war on terra, I understand that a free Iraq uhh... AQ Kahn, terra, GUT WRENCHING, uh... uh... look forward to winning the war uh... look forward to cooperating with the September the ELEVENTH commission, move heaven and earth, uh.. terra terra terra, freedom, look I understand freedom, a freedom [head shake] I wish you would have submitted this question ahead of time so I could come up with an answer [smirk], terra in the soul of some people, uh.. dangerous man, look forward, look forward, war on terra [puff cheeks and sigh at hard question] yeah, yup, yeah, spread freedom, power of freedom, freedom is the Almighty's gift to the people on earth, freedom, freedom, freedom, freedom, freedom, free world, stay the course, complete the job, cause of freedom, the world more peaceful, look forward, look forward, look forward, terra, freedom, those who yell will not get called on."...and check out the picture on Atrios
Iraq Strategy
Although I completely opposed the war, we are there now and not leaving anytime soon. Kevin Drum has a good post about how we can use this war to the Democrats' advantage.
Although I completely opposed the war, we are there now and not leaving anytime soon. Kevin Drum has a good post about how we can use this war to the Democrats' advantage.
Literacy
Such a refreshing quality in a president. Remember what it was like? Well, here's an excerpt from John Kerry's article (written all by himself) in today's Washington Post (registration required but its free).
Such a refreshing quality in a president. Remember what it was like? Well, here's an excerpt from John Kerry's article (written all by himself) in today's Washington Post (registration required but its free).
Because of the way the White House has run the war, we are left with the United States bearing most of the costs and risks associated with every aspect of the Iraqi transition. We have lost lives, time, momentum and credibility. And we are seeing increasing numbers of Iraqis lashing out at the United States to express their frustration over what the Bush administration has and hasn't done.You know... not only can John Kerry transfer well-reasoned thoughts into print form, he did it without mentioning the words "freedom" or "terror."
[...]
Finally, we must level with our citizens. Increasingly, the American people are confused about our goals in Iraq, particularly why we are going it almost alone. The president must rally the country around a clear and credible goal. The challenges are significant and the costs are high. But the stakes are too great to lose the support of the American people.
Very Scary
The Dunbar asked in one of the threads if Bush would ever suspend the election. Well, Billmon had a post the other day that linked to an article on Buzz Flash, and the answer appears to be: Yes.
I don't know how much stock one should put in this article, but it is still pretty damn scary.
The Dunbar asked in one of the threads if Bush would ever suspend the election. Well, Billmon had a post the other day that linked to an article on Buzz Flash, and the answer appears to be: Yes.
Will the 2004 Election Be Called Off? Why Three Out of Four Experts Predict a Terrorist Attack by November
General Tommy Franks told Cigar Afficiando "[A] terrorist, massive, casualty-producing event somewhere in the Western world -- it may be in the United States of America -- [would cause] our population to question our own Constitution and to begin to militarize our country in order to avoid a repeat of another mass, casualty-producing event."
I don't know how much stock one should put in this article, but it is still pretty damn scary.
Yeah, he's SO intimidating
As you have probably heard by now, President McDumbass will be giving a press conference tonight... in the East Room of the White House. Why the East Room, you ask? Simple. It's a naked ploy to keep the White House press corps in line.
As you have probably heard by now, President McDumbass will be giving a press conference tonight... in the East Room of the White House. Why the East Room, you ask? Simple. It's a naked ploy to keep the White House press corps in line.
The East Room of the White House is usually reserved for formal events. Only two of Bush's 11 press conferences have been held there -- one on Oct. 11, 2001, in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, and another on March 6, 2003, on the eve of the Iraq invasion, the White House said.But don't take my word for it. Listen to what our fearless members of the press say:
Elisabeth Bumiller, The New York Times White House correspondent, on criticism that reporters were too easy on Bush on the eve of the Iraq war: "I think we were very deferential because ... it's live, it's very intense, it's frightening to stand up there. Think about it, you're standing up on prime-time live TV asking the president of the United States a question when the country's about to go to war. There was a very serious, somber tone that evening, and no one wanted to get into an argument with the president at this very serious time."Great. And I'm not even going to get into the fact that this is Drinky's whopping eleventh press conference.
Bad Idea Jeans
I don't need to tell you how bad this could end if US forces move into Najaf, so I'll let Juan Cole do it:
U.S. Deploys for Showdown With Cleric
I don't need to tell you how bad this could end if US forces move into Najaf, so I'll let Juan Cole do it:
Sistani Threatens Shiite Resistance if US Invades Najaf
More on Asscroft- part II
This has to rank up there with Cartman's well known hit, "The Body of Christ."
This has to rank up there with Cartman's well known hit, "The Body of Christ."
More on Asscroft
Link.
Anyone who has followed this guy inevitably arrives at the same, inescapable conclusion... John Asscroft is fucked in the head. Seriously. No, SERIOUSLY.
Link.
Shortly after becoming Attorney General, John Ashcroft was headed abroad. An advance team showed up at the American embassy in the Hague to check out the digs, saw cats in residence, and got nervous. They were worried there might be a calico cat. No, they were told, no calicos. Visible relief. Their boss, they explained, believes calico cats are signs of the devil. (The advance team also spied a statue of a naked woman in the courtyard and discussed the possibility of its being covered for the visit, though that request was not ultimately made.)
Anyone who has followed this guy inevitably arrives at the same, inescapable conclusion... John Asscroft is fucked in the head. Seriously. No, SERIOUSLY.
No Child Left Undrafted
Foll all the flak that Ted Kennedy's gotten recently for saying that "Iraq is Bush's Vietnam", he may be on to something. W himself, having missed out on Vietnam the first time around (DNP - Daddy's Decision), is thinking that perhaps he can recreate Vietnam-era good times here in the US. Step one? Reinstate the draft. It appears likely that US troops will get their tours extended in Iraq, and as fun as that country is right now, it isn't doing wonders for troop morale. Defense analyst Ted Carpenter writes:
Since that article was written in January, I think it's safe to say the strains have continued to worsen. Bushy has already prepared his first wave of draftees from the No Child Left Behind Program:
Hey look at it this way, if the US is headed for another Vietnam, it'll finally give Country Joe a reason to go on that comeback tour we've all been waiting for.
.
Foll all the flak that Ted Kennedy's gotten recently for saying that "Iraq is Bush's Vietnam", he may be on to something. W himself, having missed out on Vietnam the first time around (DNP - Daddy's Decision), is thinking that perhaps he can recreate Vietnam-era good times here in the US. Step one? Reinstate the draft. It appears likely that US troops will get their tours extended in Iraq, and as fun as that country is right now, it isn't doing wonders for troop morale. Defense analyst Ted Carpenter writes:
"Clearly, if large numbers of personnel have their terms extended against their will, that violates the principle of volunteerism," Carpenter said. "It also suggests just how strained the military is in trying to provide for the Iraqi occupation plus all the other U.S. obligations around the world." Carpenter said if the personnel strains continue or worsen, the Pentagon may feel compelled to return to a military draft.
Since that article was written in January, I think it's safe to say the strains have continued to worsen. Bushy has already prepared his first wave of draftees from the No Child Left Behind Program:
Many in the well-informed audience were surprised at provisions of the law, even after having heard about it for a year. In particular, several attendees were stunned to hear that high schools must produce a list of all enrolled students for the draft board.
Hey look at it this way, if the US is headed for another Vietnam, it'll finally give Country Joe a reason to go on that comeback tour we've all been waiting for.
.
Asscroft
Today from Reuters.
April 4, 2001 Asscroft speech to American Society of Newspaper Editors
Lucky for us, this guy thwarted Osama's initial plan of filling the WTC with dope smoke. Now that would have been devastating! Let's also not forget that in 2001, AFTER 9-11, this guy wasn't busy finding terrorist cells inside the U.S. He was trying to overturn Oregon's Death with Dignity act.
Today from Reuters.
The U.S. Justice Department under Attorney General John Ashcroft failed in 2001 to treat counterterrorism as a top priority, says the commission on the September 11 attacks.
April 4, 2001 Asscroft speech to American Society of Newspaper Editors
For each of these three priorities -- reducing gun crime; making sure that we, again, target illegal drug use as a real threat to the security of our culture; and to making sure that we eliminate discrimination -- we are taking action in order to achieve, I think, a real benefit to this culture.
Lucky for us, this guy thwarted Osama's initial plan of filling the WTC with dope smoke. Now that would have been devastating! Let's also not forget that in 2001, AFTER 9-11, this guy wasn't busy finding terrorist cells inside the U.S. He was trying to overturn Oregon's Death with Dignity act.
Amazing
He might be an asshole, but he is fucking incredible.
He might be an asshole, but he is fucking incredible.
Bonds Ties Mays for 3rd Place on HR List
Gropenator
Here is a guy who would go over to Kuwait before the war and bash then Gov. Davis. But now he's so busy he can't even honor those form his state who have died in this war... Oh wait, he's probably just busy continuing his movie career.
Comforter-in-chief keeps his distance
Unlike other governors, Schwarzenegger hasn't gone to soldiers' funerals
Here is a guy who would go over to Kuwait before the war and bash then Gov. Davis. But now he's so busy he can't even honor those form his state who have died in this war... Oh wait, he's probably just busy continuing his movie career.
Monday, April 12, 2004
What did they know, and when...
Why was John boy so scared?
Maybe he was afraid he'd see a R-rated movie on a commercial flight.
Why was John boy so scared?
Maybe he was afraid he'd see a R-rated movie on a commercial flight.
Asshole
Brig. Gen. Kimmitt, chief military spokesman in Iraq, had some advice for Iraqis distraught over images of their countrymen being slaughtered in Fallujah... "Change the channel."
I'm sure glad the grownups are in charge.
Brig. Gen. Kimmitt, chief military spokesman in Iraq, had some advice for Iraqis distraught over images of their countrymen being slaughtered in Fallujah... "Change the channel."
I'm sure glad the grownups are in charge.
Don't mess with Texas
Remember all that right wing bullshit about the president setting an example for others? Well it turns out they were right.
President McDumbass' constant "yer either with us or against us" blather has consequences. Now obviously Drinky doesn't dictate the rules of engagement in Iraq. And furthermore, I'm not advocating that we try to teach our troops the finer points of interpersonal relationships before they open fire. But obviously our shoot first, then call in artillery, oh and we need an Apache to strafe that hospital and if you still have any questions please write to the CPA attitude isn't working.
Remember all that right wing bullshit about the president setting an example for others? Well it turns out they were right.
A senior British officer in southern Iraq is quoted saying: "My view and the view of the British chain of command is that the Americans' use of violence is not proportionate and is over-responsive to the threat they're facing. They're not concerned about the Iraqi loss of life in the way the British are."
He went on: "The US troops view things in very simplistic terms. As far as they are concerned, Iraq is bandit country and everybody is out to kill them."
President McDumbass' constant "yer either with us or against us" blather has consequences. Now obviously Drinky doesn't dictate the rules of engagement in Iraq. And furthermore, I'm not advocating that we try to teach our troops the finer points of interpersonal relationships before they open fire. But obviously our shoot first, then call in artillery, oh and we need an Apache to strafe that hospital and if you still have any questions please write to the CPA attitude isn't working.
Shawn Kemp Rehabilitation Project: No Player Left Behind
Shawn Kemp, a long time humanitarian, has signed on to play with the Oklahoma Storm of the USBL, a team he also partly owns. Those close to Kemp report that this is just the first stage in an effort to help himself and many former Jail Blazers return to the NBA limelight. As owner, Kemp can bypass inconveniences like "drug tests" or "conduct detrimental to the team" on his comeback tour.
Using his Blazer $20 million buyout from his previous contract, The Snow Man has managed to convince other unfairly persecuted stars, including Blazer alums JR Rider, Dontonio Wingfield, and James "Hollywood" Robinson, to join the Storm. No word yet on Roy Tarpley, and Vernon Maxwell has certain...issues to deal with first.
Support Good Guy Kemp in his charitable endeavor - what other poor victims of the NBA lifestyle could he turn around??
Shawn Kemp, a long time humanitarian, has signed on to play with the Oklahoma Storm of the USBL, a team he also partly owns. Those close to Kemp report that this is just the first stage in an effort to help himself and many former Jail Blazers return to the NBA limelight. As owner, Kemp can bypass inconveniences like "drug tests" or "conduct detrimental to the team" on his comeback tour.
Using his Blazer $20 million buyout from his previous contract, The Snow Man has managed to convince other unfairly persecuted stars, including Blazer alums JR Rider, Dontonio Wingfield, and James "Hollywood" Robinson, to join the Storm. No word yet on Roy Tarpley, and Vernon Maxwell has certain...issues to deal with first.
Support Good Guy Kemp in his charitable endeavor - what other poor victims of the NBA lifestyle could he turn around??
Bush/Cheney '04
Median income only down .6% since 2000. That alone will get my vote... Factor in the great results they're getting in Iraq and the vast gains on the job front... Looks pretty unbeatable.
Median income only down .6% since 2000. That alone will get my vote... Factor in the great results they're getting in Iraq and the vast gains on the job front... Looks pretty unbeatable.
800 pound elephant
Atrios reminds us of another big issue that will soon be dogging the Bush Administration. The Plame investigation. And whenever I think about this particular Bush fuck job, known informally as "Intimigate," I always remember a quote from Deep Throat in All the President's Men.
Atrios reminds us of another big issue that will soon be dogging the Bush Administration. The Plame investigation. And whenever I think about this particular Bush fuck job, known informally as "Intimigate," I always remember a quote from Deep Throat in All the President's Men.
"Forget the myths the media's created about the White House. The truth is, these are not very bright guys, and things got out of hand."
Original Presidential Daily Brief over 11 pages
Here.
Translated from Die Zeit, a German weekly.
Did you really think it took them all week long to magic marker four lines? Ok, provided W. wasn't the one with the pen...
...compare to the shitass one and a half page version we got on Saturday.
Here.
Translated from Die Zeit, a German weekly.
Crawford, Aug. 6, 2001. U.S. president George W. Bush is on vacation. He wants to spend the whole month at his ranch in Texas. Every morning, however, he still receives his Presidential Daily Brief, or PDB, wherein the CIA informs the president about the country's security situation. On this morning, the report is straight from the CIA director. His PDB runs 11 and one-half printed pages, instead of the usual two to three, and carries the title, "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S." Therein the CIA chief explains that al Qaeda has decided to carry out attacks within the United States, and that presumably members of the terrorist organization have been in the country for some time. It is unclear whether the CIA director informed the president about the statements of arrested al Qaeda members. According to their confessions, the terrorist organization for some time has been thinking about hijacking planes and using them as missiles.
Did you really think it took them all week long to magic marker four lines? Ok, provided W. wasn't the one with the pen...
...compare to the shitass one and a half page version we got on Saturday.
Air America
Maybe Byron York doesn't know what the fuck he's talking about.
From prnewswire:
Maybe Byron York doesn't know what the fuck he's talking about.
From prnewswire:
Air America Radio Listener Demand Drives Highest Ever-Concurrent Usage of Real Broadcast Network for a Non-Breaking News Service
At least he's a hard worker
President spends 40% of time out of the office
President spends 40% of time out of the office
President George Bush has spent more than 40% of his presidency at one of his three retreats, sparking criticism from Democrats that he is not taking his job seriously at a crucial time in US history.
Your tax dollars at work
Iraqi Battalion Refuses to 'Fight Iraqis'
A big chunk of that $87 billion was to train Iraqi police and security... at least we're getting our money's worth.
Iraqi Battalion Refuses to 'Fight Iraqis'
BAGHDAD, April 10 -- A battalion of the new Iraqi army refused to go to Fallujah earlier this week to support U.S. Marines battling for control of the city, senior U.S. Army officers here said, disclosing an incident that is casting new doubt on U.S. plans to transfer security matters to Iraqi forces.
A big chunk of that $87 billion was to train Iraqi police and security... at least we're getting our money's worth.
Dear Media in Bush Country swing states
More like this.
No shit. Plus, I have to wonder how a president who so easily tired of swatting flies could be so content clearing brush.
... UPDATE: I think I have discovered the answer here.
More like this.
"It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that if you're president and get handed a document called 'Bin Laden Determined to Attack Inside the United States' it's time to leave the dude ranch and get back to Washington to protect your fellow Americans from impending doom."
No shit. Plus, I have to wonder how a president who so easily tired of swatting flies could be so content clearing brush.
... UPDATE: I think I have discovered the answer here.
"The President is chopping down lots of small scruffy looking bushes that make it hard to walk around out there. He uses a very loud chain saw and people watch him really hard and seem kind of nervous while he is doing this. Then he and Kenneth pile up the brush and set it on fire. They watch it until it goes out and always have water ready in case the fire gets out of hand. They say that children and dogs should not play with fire! Your fur will get singed!"
Negotiate with terrorists?
Juan Cole has a good take on how the Bush Administration has ceased its cowboy rhetoric and says it is willing to consider negotiated settlements to its problems in Sunni Arab Fallujah and in the Shiite south with the militia of cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.
The only problem with this change in tone, is that they are damned if they do and damned if they don't. If they continue to play hardball, then lots of civilians die, and they must deal with the political fallout. On the other hand, with a softer stance it shows the insurgents that the CPA can be rocked.
Juan Cole has a good take on how the Bush Administration has ceased its cowboy rhetoric and says it is willing to consider negotiated settlements to its problems in Sunni Arab Fallujah and in the Shiite south with the militia of cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.
The only problem with this change in tone, is that they are damned if they do and damned if they don't. If they continue to play hardball, then lots of civilians die, and they must deal with the political fallout. On the other hand, with a softer stance it shows the insurgents that the CPA can be rocked.
Sunday, April 11, 2004
Inside Fallujah
Rahul Mahajan, of Empire Notes, is in Fallujah and has a good perspective on things as an outsider inside the besieged city.
Rahul Mahajan, of Empire Notes, is in Fallujah and has a good perspective on things as an outsider inside the besieged city.
Your Tax Dollars at Work
I can't think of a better way to win hearts and minds.
Disgusting.
...Just a warning, pictures are very graphic
I can't think of a better way to win hearts and minds.
Disgusting.
...Just a warning, pictures are very graphic
Only 26,298,300 more to go
"Our troops are taking care of business. Their job is to make Iraq more secure, so that a peaceful Iraq can emerge," Bush told reporters after the service.
"Our troops are taking care of business. Their job is to make Iraq more secure, so that a peaceful Iraq can emerge," Bush told reporters after the service.
Rules of Engagement
Just to clarify, Ludis is a "community" blog. There will be several people with the ability to post with total freedom, and all are invited to comment. We here at Ludis Mgmt. take no responsibility if you are faint of heart, young or easily offended. With that said, let me formally introduce our first associate partner...Action Jack Assmann.
Just to clarify, Ludis is a "community" blog. There will be several people with the ability to post with total freedom, and all are invited to comment. We here at Ludis Mgmt. take no responsibility if you are faint of heart, young or easily offended. With that said, let me formally introduce our first associate partner...Action Jack Assmann.
The Ludis Awards
As the blogosphere continues to grow, each day it gets more and more difficult to stay on top what's new, what's hot, and what's RIGHT. In an effort to help our readers narrow the field of high quality, reactionary right wing weblogs, we here at Ludis have devised a simple, yet powerful solution. Once a week, in the spirit of democracy and fair play, the editors of Ludis will waste their time profiling the best in conservative blogs... so you don't have to.
This week's winner: Matt Margolis
Perhaps you haven't heard of Matt Margolis. He is a right wing blow hard from Massachusetts who prides himself on his loyalty to W. He also, as near as we can tell, is on a high carb, high fat diet. In short, he's a total tool. Well Matt, we here at Ludis award you with our coveted prize...
The Poopy J. [warning: it's just like it sounds]
As the blogosphere continues to grow, each day it gets more and more difficult to stay on top what's new, what's hot, and what's RIGHT. In an effort to help our readers narrow the field of high quality, reactionary right wing weblogs, we here at Ludis have devised a simple, yet powerful solution. Once a week, in the spirit of democracy and fair play, the editors of Ludis will waste their time profiling the best in conservative blogs... so you don't have to.
This week's winner: Matt Margolis
Perhaps you haven't heard of Matt Margolis. He is a right wing blow hard from Massachusetts who prides himself on his loyalty to W. He also, as near as we can tell, is on a high carb, high fat diet. In short, he's a total tool. Well Matt, we here at Ludis award you with our coveted prize...
The Poopy J. [warning: it's just like it sounds]
Blazers fucked... again
Once again the refs helped the Blazers snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Jack Nies needs to take an extended vaction... to Fallujah.
Once again the refs helped the Blazers snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Jack Nies needs to take an extended vaction... to Fallujah.
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