On a related note, anti-war protesters are gathering in DC to mark the fourth "anniversary" of the onset of hostilities. And it looks like a group of rock-throwers/mouth breathers is also there, I guess to prove that freedumb isn't free...just dumb.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Instant Amnesia's Gonna Get Them
Get ready to hear "hazy memories," or similar verbiage, for the next 20 months or so.
I wonder if Shrub would get desperate enough to blame the booze and drugs. I guess that depends on the severity of the charges, and the amount of evidence against him...
Get ready to hear "hazy memories," or similar verbiage, for the next 20 months or so.
I wonder if Shrub would get desperate enough to blame the booze and drugs. I guess that depends on the severity of the charges, and the amount of evidence against him...
GOP Generosity
After turning their country into a chaotic hell-hole, Team Bush lacks even the common decency to accept Iraqi refugees fleeing from Shrub's grand "gift."
In what may be the biggest refugee crisis since 1948, more than 2 million people have fled the violence in Iraq. But finding a safe haven can be costly and difficult...
Where do Iraqis seek sanctuary? Not in the United States, it seems. Last year, only 202 Iraqis were granted asylum in America.
But tiny Sweden took in more than 9,000 Iraqi asylum-seekers last year.
Oh, the report notes that The Grand Decider, ahem, decided to "expand the pool" to...a whopping 7,000. How generous.
Reminds me of the kind lawyer:
One afternoon, a wealthy lawyer was riding in the back of his limousine when he saw two men eating grass by the road side. He ordered his driver to stop and he got out to investigate.
"Why are you eating grass?" he asked one man.
"We don't have any money for food." the poor man replied.
"Oh, come along with me then."
"But sir, I have a wife with two children!"
"Bring them along! And you, come with us too!", he said to the other man.
"But sir, I have a wife with six children!" the second man answered.
"Bring them as well!"
They all climbed into the car, which was no easy task, even for a car as large as the limo. Once underway, one of the poor fellows says, "Sir, you are too kind. Thank you for taking all of us with you."
The lawyer replied, "No problem, the grass at my home is about two feet tall!"
After turning their country into a chaotic hell-hole, Team Bush lacks even the common decency to accept Iraqi refugees fleeing from Shrub's grand "gift."
In what may be the biggest refugee crisis since 1948, more than 2 million people have fled the violence in Iraq. But finding a safe haven can be costly and difficult...
Where do Iraqis seek sanctuary? Not in the United States, it seems. Last year, only 202 Iraqis were granted asylum in America.
But tiny Sweden took in more than 9,000 Iraqi asylum-seekers last year.
Oh, the report notes that The Grand Decider, ahem, decided to "expand the pool" to...a whopping 7,000. How generous.
Reminds me of the kind lawyer:
One afternoon, a wealthy lawyer was riding in the back of his limousine when he saw two men eating grass by the road side. He ordered his driver to stop and he got out to investigate.
"Why are you eating grass?" he asked one man.
"We don't have any money for food." the poor man replied.
"Oh, come along with me then."
"But sir, I have a wife with two children!"
"Bring them along! And you, come with us too!", he said to the other man.
"But sir, I have a wife with six children!" the second man answered.
"Bring them as well!"
They all climbed into the car, which was no easy task, even for a car as large as the limo. Once underway, one of the poor fellows says, "Sir, you are too kind. Thank you for taking all of us with you."
The lawyer replied, "No problem, the grass at my home is about two feet tall!"
Any Takers?
One thing I keep noticing about the "pumps-that-don't-actually-pump, you-see" story...and, for that matter, almost everything you can examine about this administration (and, when the records are FINALLY released, pretty much everything else, too) is just how shoddy Team Bush goes about the business of governing. I assume they're a bit more effective at campaigning, given that they've "won" twice (of course, they had more than just a bit of "help" in the process). But they're still hawking the ultimate lemon.
Call it the lineal opposite of "above even the appearance of impropriety." Indeed, more like, "well, you can't prove it and even if you can we're gonna try to run the clock out."
You know, I remember the wingnut shitstorm over the words "no controlling legal authority." Now, consider what this government's done...or, more precisely, NOT done...or even, with their particular pet projects, HOW they've done. Disaster...around every turn.
Which has got to, among other things, make you wonder about the last-ditch supporters, and just what sort of moral/ethical code they follow...or, for that matter, how THEY define "good work." Because they've sure got some bizarre ideas...
One thing I keep noticing about the "pumps-that-don't-actually-pump, you-see" story...and, for that matter, almost everything you can examine about this administration (and, when the records are FINALLY released, pretty much everything else, too) is just how shoddy Team Bush goes about the business of governing. I assume they're a bit more effective at campaigning, given that they've "won" twice (of course, they had more than just a bit of "help" in the process). But they're still hawking the ultimate lemon.
Call it the lineal opposite of "above even the appearance of impropriety." Indeed, more like, "well, you can't prove it and even if you can we're gonna try to run the clock out."
You know, I remember the wingnut shitstorm over the words "no controlling legal authority." Now, consider what this government's done...or, more precisely, NOT done...or even, with their particular pet projects, HOW they've done. Disaster...around every turn.
Which has got to, among other things, make you wonder about the last-ditch supporters, and just what sort of moral/ethical code they follow...or, for that matter, how THEY define "good work." Because they've sure got some bizarre ideas...
Just Sayin...
While Attaturk's probably right, that is, Dick Cheney IS evil as opposed to crazy, it strikes me that relying on this guy to make psychiatric assessments
Seems a lot like relying on THIS guy
for dining-out advice.
While Attaturk's probably right, that is, Dick Cheney IS evil as opposed to crazy, it strikes me that relying on this guy to make psychiatric assessments
Seems a lot like relying on THIS guy
for dining-out advice.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Shrub's a Dud
And so's his "grand plan," if you can dignify "surge"--his last gasp, grasping at straws attempt to salvage something less than humiliating defeat in Mesopotamia--as a plan, as opposed to a pitiful attempt to run out the clock before having to face the music.
Patrick Cockburn has more...much more, right here.
And so's his "grand plan," if you can dignify "surge"--his last gasp, grasping at straws attempt to salvage something less than humiliating defeat in Mesopotamia--as a plan, as opposed to a pitiful attempt to run out the clock before having to face the music.
Patrick Cockburn has more...much more, right here.
Startling "New" Evidence
Attaturk has a list that proves exactly how effective torturing Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was...he confessed to just about everything short of blowing up the Hindenburg.
But he forgot one thing...and I have the shocking, startling photographic evidence that proves it:
But wait...maybe this isn't a problem...as Karl Rove would say, "He's a Democrat."
UPDATE: My reference to Karl Rove notwithstanding, it looks like the Little Green Morons really DO think it's ok, "as long as it's a Democrat."
Attaturk has a list that proves exactly how effective torturing Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was...he confessed to just about everything short of blowing up the Hindenburg.
But he forgot one thing...and I have the shocking, startling photographic evidence that proves it:
But wait...maybe this isn't a problem...as Karl Rove would say, "He's a Democrat."
UPDATE: My reference to Karl Rove notwithstanding, it looks like the Little Green Morons really DO think it's ok, "as long as it's a Democrat."
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Note to US Army
It's not just sleepless nights that can hinder moral judgement. Sound sleepers can be moral dipshits.
Especially when they've got an amen chorus all-too-ready to play supplicant.
It's not just sleepless nights that can hinder moral judgement. Sound sleepers can be moral dipshits.
Especially when they've got an amen chorus all-too-ready to play supplicant.
Grumman Northrup: "Hey, Let's Not Even Pretend to be Fair"
William Johnson also points out a freight-train sized hole in the "but...Mississippi's doing ok" after the storm and engineering catastrophe:
Seven thousand workers at defense company Northrop Grumman's Pascagoula, Mississippi shipyard went on strike March 8, following their rejection of the company's proposed contract. The strikers, members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 733, are demanding wage increases and protesting the company's proposal to shift health care costs onto the workers.
Pascagoula was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005; many strikers note that since the hurricane, their cost of living has increased dramatically.
Striker Shane Buckhalter, a pipe welder at the shipyard for the past two and a half years, said that Katrina "wiped several towns along the coastline completely off the map." As a result, said Buckhalter, "Insurance has gone up, housing has gone up. "
Meanwhile, Northrup Grumman, only after an initial contract calling for NO raises AND increased out-of-pocket costs for healthcare was rejected, offered...raises ranging from .55 cents to $1.40 an hour over three years.
But the real punchline is:
The U.S. Navy gave Grumman $2.7 billion to repair Katrina damage, while FEMA gave the company another $356 million.
I'll bet those are "cost-plus" contracts as well, that is, if expenses climb, so does the bottom line...for management. That's three billion dollars...or more, depending.
Oh, and you know what? This is the first I've heard of the strike anywhere. Looks like the corporate media won't even acknowledge its existence. How about that?
William Johnson also points out a freight-train sized hole in the "but...Mississippi's doing ok" after the storm and engineering catastrophe:
Seven thousand workers at defense company Northrop Grumman's Pascagoula, Mississippi shipyard went on strike March 8, following their rejection of the company's proposed contract. The strikers, members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 733, are demanding wage increases and protesting the company's proposal to shift health care costs onto the workers.
Pascagoula was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005; many strikers note that since the hurricane, their cost of living has increased dramatically.
Striker Shane Buckhalter, a pipe welder at the shipyard for the past two and a half years, said that Katrina "wiped several towns along the coastline completely off the map." As a result, said Buckhalter, "Insurance has gone up, housing has gone up. "
Meanwhile, Northrup Grumman, only after an initial contract calling for NO raises AND increased out-of-pocket costs for healthcare was rejected, offered...raises ranging from .55 cents to $1.40 an hour over three years.
But the real punchline is:
The U.S. Navy gave Grumman $2.7 billion to repair Katrina damage, while FEMA gave the company another $356 million.
I'll bet those are "cost-plus" contracts as well, that is, if expenses climb, so does the bottom line...for management. That's three billion dollars...or more, depending.
Oh, and you know what? This is the first I've heard of the strike anywhere. Looks like the corporate media won't even acknowledge its existence. How about that?
It's a Family Tradition
Noblesse...fuck off
Wouldn't you know it...brother Jeb has his grubby little fingers in the latest example of this administration giving New Orleans the finger.
All we need now is for crazy Babs to come along and tell us how "good" defective pumps are for the city.
Noblesse...fuck off
Wouldn't you know it...brother Jeb has his grubby little fingers in the latest example of this administration giving New Orleans the finger.
All we need now is for crazy Babs to come along and tell us how "good" defective pumps are for the city.
More From the Rock-Throwers/Mouth Breathers
Scout Prime reports on the good, the bad, and the ugly...please read the whole thing.
To be honest, when I read the brayings of a J. Vine from Seattle, there are times I wish the lahar would come crashing down on his sorry ass before lunchtime. But Scout cooly reminds us that there's no need to slither down to their level, particularly when the vast majority of Americans reject the politics of rock-throwing, despite the rabid attempts of a generation of wingnuts to make it the norm.
As a commentor points out, how very Christian of them.
Scout Prime reports on the good, the bad, and the ugly...please read the whole thing.
To be honest, when I read the brayings of a J. Vine from Seattle, there are times I wish the lahar would come crashing down on his sorry ass before lunchtime. But Scout cooly reminds us that there's no need to slither down to their level, particularly when the vast majority of Americans reject the politics of rock-throwing, despite the rabid attempts of a generation of wingnuts to make it the norm.
As a commentor points out, how very Christian of them.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Wingnut Welfare, a Neverending Story
The infamous pollyanna Curveball, who provided much of the fictitious "intelligence" that had this administration slowly nodding their heads (when not drooling out of a combination of thickness and delight)...is STILL being protected by allied intelligence agencies.
Contrast that with Iraqis who RISKED THEIR LIVES helping us...and are being rewarded with...a door slammed in their face.
Nice going, wingnuts.
The infamous pollyanna Curveball, who provided much of the fictitious "intelligence" that had this administration slowly nodding their heads (when not drooling out of a combination of thickness and delight)...is STILL being protected by allied intelligence agencies.
Contrast that with Iraqis who RISKED THEIR LIVES helping us...and are being rewarded with...a door slammed in their face.
Nice going, wingnuts.
If You Think...
Yesterday's, ahem, photo-op at the Guatemalan carrot processing plant was bad, well...you should've seen Rove's first idea:
Yesterday's, ahem, photo-op at the Guatemalan carrot processing plant was bad, well...you should've seen Rove's first idea:
Like Buying a Car, But Not Budgeting for Fuel
...or maintenence...or repairs.
Talk about whack--sad to say, there are some on the lesser-of-evils-side-of-the-aisle who, for whatever reason, choose to play along with the loons. Case in point: watch this video of Congressman David Obey (D-WI). I found the link here.
David Swanson, who furnished the video, has his own observations that are worth a look. As for me, once again I'm not-as-astonished-as-I-should-be...but my blood pressure rose a notch or two. First, Obey's tone is awfully patronizing and condescending, particularly considering who he's speaking to: the mother of a Marine about to begin his THIRD combat tour. Second, he DEFENDS the idea of using supplementals for fighting wars...as if $400 BILLION plus--or the equivalent over the last 50 years or so, that is to say, more than the rest of the world spends on 'defense' COMBINED--somehow ISN'T enough.
Also, fighting this war of choice off-budget (and with private 'security' personnel...hmmm...in other words, more misplaced faith in private sector 'efficiency')...anyway, going off-budget is yet another example of a level of cynicism matched only by an astounding level of penury when it comes to dealing with domestic issues...like, oh, I don't know, maybe the US Gulf Coast, which also supplies a significant percentage of US energy.
Well, I see Obey has at least released a 'sorta culpa' apology. I guess that's why I consider Democrats to be the lesser-of-evils.
But that's still one hell of a grading curve.
...or maintenence...or repairs.
Talk about whack--sad to say, there are some on the lesser-of-evils-side-of-the-aisle who, for whatever reason, choose to play along with the loons. Case in point: watch this video of Congressman David Obey (D-WI). I found the link here.
David Swanson, who furnished the video, has his own observations that are worth a look. As for me, once again I'm not-as-astonished-as-I-should-be...but my blood pressure rose a notch or two. First, Obey's tone is awfully patronizing and condescending, particularly considering who he's speaking to: the mother of a Marine about to begin his THIRD combat tour. Second, he DEFENDS the idea of using supplementals for fighting wars...as if $400 BILLION plus--or the equivalent over the last 50 years or so, that is to say, more than the rest of the world spends on 'defense' COMBINED--somehow ISN'T enough.
Also, fighting this war of choice off-budget (and with private 'security' personnel...hmmm...in other words, more misplaced faith in private sector 'efficiency')...anyway, going off-budget is yet another example of a level of cynicism matched only by an astounding level of penury when it comes to dealing with domestic issues...like, oh, I don't know, maybe the US Gulf Coast, which also supplies a significant percentage of US energy.
Well, I see Obey has at least released a 'sorta culpa' apology. I guess that's why I consider Democrats to be the lesser-of-evils.
But that's still one hell of a grading curve.
The Hapsburg Dynasty and the Hapless One
Well, aside from the fact that Fredo Hapsburg, together with consiglieri Karl and fellow capo regime head Dick, still have plenty of time to fuck things up even more royally, I'm impressed, if you'll pardon the term, by the sheer crudeness and dingbattery of the whole "make-the-U.S. Attorneys-sleep-with-da-fishes, Alberto" scandal. I mean, this was really penny-ante crap compared to everything else.
But it appears that Alberto will be the one who'll be fitted with cement shoes...and, who knows, it might go even higher up than that.
Because Team Bush ain't no Hapsburg Dynasty...hell, they're crude even in comparision to the Corleones.
Well, aside from the fact that Fredo Hapsburg, together with consiglieri Karl and fellow capo regime head Dick, still have plenty of time to fuck things up even more royally, I'm impressed, if you'll pardon the term, by the sheer crudeness and dingbattery of the whole "make-the-U.S. Attorneys-sleep-with-da-fishes, Alberto" scandal. I mean, this was really penny-ante crap compared to everything else.
But it appears that Alberto will be the one who'll be fitted with cement shoes...and, who knows, it might go even higher up than that.
Because Team Bush ain't no Hapsburg Dynasty...hell, they're crude even in comparision to the Corleones.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Throwaway Soldiers
If if was just the Dick impugning the patriotism of those who oppose his Mesopotamian nightmare/disaster, that'd be one thing--oh, and it'd be nice if the media devoted more space to countering Mr. Five Deferments...but when it's freaking OBVIOUS that this administration doesn't give a hot damn about those whom they've sent off to die for their lies...geez...
Just when I thought the sheer cynicism couldn't get any greater, they've demonstrated that we don't even know the half of it.
And shame on the Democrats for backing down today. We didn't vote you in to play shrinking violets.
If if was just the Dick impugning the patriotism of those who oppose his Mesopotamian nightmare/disaster, that'd be one thing--oh, and it'd be nice if the media devoted more space to countering Mr. Five Deferments...but when it's freaking OBVIOUS that this administration doesn't give a hot damn about those whom they've sent off to die for their lies...geez...
Just when I thought the sheer cynicism couldn't get any greater, they've demonstrated that we don't even know the half of it.
And shame on the Democrats for backing down today. We didn't vote you in to play shrinking violets.
Only One Letter Separates Dubai From Dubya
Big Time's alter ego
Not that the true mouth breathers would understand, but Halliburton's decision to move it's corporate headquarters to Dubai underscores what a crock the "but...it's the great battle of the 21st Century" nonsense is.
Ah, Dubai...has it been a whole year since...?
Actually, I'm reminded of the scene in Animal Farm when the rest of the animals realize they can't tell the difference between the humans and the pigs.
Big Time's alter ego
Not that the true mouth breathers would understand, but Halliburton's decision to move it's corporate headquarters to Dubai underscores what a crock the "but...it's the great battle of the 21st Century" nonsense is.
Ah, Dubai...has it been a whole year since...?
Actually, I'm reminded of the scene in Animal Farm when the rest of the animals realize they can't tell the difference between the humans and the pigs.
Run for the Border
After they've cleansed their sacred site in Guatemala, maybe they can help us clean things up here:
Mayan Indian leaders have vowed to "spiritually cleanse" an ancient site in Guatemala after U.S. President George W. Bush visits during his seven-day, five-nation tour of Latin America...
Mayan priests say they will purify the sacred archaeological site to rid it of any "bad spirits" after Bush is there.
"That a person like (Bush) with the persecution of our migrant brothers in the United States, with the wars he has provoked is going to walk in our sacred lands is an offense for the Mayan people and their culture," Juan Tiney, director of a Mayan non-governmental organization with close ties to Mayan religious and political leaders, told The Associated Press.
The president is working to shore up U.S. allies amid the widespread perception that his administration has neglected Latin America since the September 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington.
"Perception?" More like reality. But then again, this administration has pretty much ignored everything except their own gaping, mawing pieholes.
After they've cleansed their sacred site in Guatemala, maybe they can help us clean things up here:
Mayan Indian leaders have vowed to "spiritually cleanse" an ancient site in Guatemala after U.S. President George W. Bush visits during his seven-day, five-nation tour of Latin America...
Mayan priests say they will purify the sacred archaeological site to rid it of any "bad spirits" after Bush is there.
"That a person like (Bush) with the persecution of our migrant brothers in the United States, with the wars he has provoked is going to walk in our sacred lands is an offense for the Mayan people and their culture," Juan Tiney, director of a Mayan non-governmental organization with close ties to Mayan religious and political leaders, told The Associated Press.
The president is working to shore up U.S. allies amid the widespread perception that his administration has neglected Latin America since the September 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington.
"Perception?" More like reality. But then again, this administration has pretty much ignored everything except their own gaping, mawing pieholes.
If It Bleeds...
Without a hint of irony, Dick uses the term "slow-bleeding" to describe attempts by Congress to contain the damage he and his monkey George have wrought.
No, Dick, that's NOT slow-bleeding. This is:
The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Mar 12, 2007 7:37:27 EDT
BAGHDAD — Two soldiers were killed in combat operations and another died in a non-combat incident, the military said Sunday.
So is this (Salon article):
"This is not right," said Master Sgt. Ronald Jenkins, who has been ordered to Iraq even though he has a spine problem that doctors say would be damaged further by heavy Army protective gear. "This whole thing is about taking care of soldiers," he said angrily. "If you are fit to fight you are fit to fight. If you are not fit to fight, then you are not fit to fight."
As the military scrambles to pour more soldiers into Iraq, a unit of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, Ga., is deploying troops with serious injuries and other medical problems, including GIs who doctors have said are medically unfit for battle. Some are too injured to wear their body armor, according to medical records.
Oh, and AIPEC (where Cheney grunted/spoke)--WE'LL worry about the war. Why don't YOU worry about Israeli diplomats, who are rapidly becoming as embarrassing as Tory Members of Parliament.
Without a hint of irony, Dick uses the term "slow-bleeding" to describe attempts by Congress to contain the damage he and his monkey George have wrought.
No, Dick, that's NOT slow-bleeding. This is:
The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Mar 12, 2007 7:37:27 EDT
BAGHDAD — Two soldiers were killed in combat operations and another died in a non-combat incident, the military said Sunday.
So is this (Salon article):
"This is not right," said Master Sgt. Ronald Jenkins, who has been ordered to Iraq even though he has a spine problem that doctors say would be damaged further by heavy Army protective gear. "This whole thing is about taking care of soldiers," he said angrily. "If you are fit to fight you are fit to fight. If you are not fit to fight, then you are not fit to fight."
As the military scrambles to pour more soldiers into Iraq, a unit of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, Ga., is deploying troops with serious injuries and other medical problems, including GIs who doctors have said are medically unfit for battle. Some are too injured to wear their body armor, according to medical records.
Oh, and AIPEC (where Cheney grunted/spoke)--WE'LL worry about the war. Why don't YOU worry about Israeli diplomats, who are rapidly becoming as embarrassing as Tory Members of Parliament.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Sunday Apropos of Nothing Post
I don't know why exactly I was thinking of this...maybe it's because I saw or read yet another example of wingnut "logic," which made me think something along the lines of, "shit, that's about as sensible as the NRA holding a rally/convention in Dealey Plaza."
Anyway...well, let's just cut to the chase. I definitely remember the first time I saw Dr. Cosmo's "Oswald-in-a-Jam," and how it impressed me, even more than the subsequent Honest Abe/Marilyn Monroe juxtaposition in Scientific American...anyway...
Shrub in a Jam
Well, Lee, regardless of his own meglomania/utter lunacy, had a reason for singing the blues that fateful day...I can't imagine it feels all that good when a slug is ripping through your viscera. Dubya, on the other hand, must be warbling some lame-assed 1970's pop/country/B.J. Thomas pablum.
I don't know why exactly I was thinking of this...maybe it's because I saw or read yet another example of wingnut "logic," which made me think something along the lines of, "shit, that's about as sensible as the NRA holding a rally/convention in Dealey Plaza."
Anyway...well, let's just cut to the chase. I definitely remember the first time I saw Dr. Cosmo's "Oswald-in-a-Jam," and how it impressed me, even more than the subsequent Honest Abe/Marilyn Monroe juxtaposition in Scientific American...anyway...
Shrub in a Jam
Well, Lee, regardless of his own meglomania/utter lunacy, had a reason for singing the blues that fateful day...I can't imagine it feels all that good when a slug is ripping through your viscera. Dubya, on the other hand, must be warbling some lame-assed 1970's pop/country/B.J. Thomas pablum.
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