The Other Side of My Mouth

It Was the Monkey's Fault

2012-01-27T16:00:00.003-06:00

I'll bet Tennessee State Senator Stacy Campbell and Dad29 would agree on just about everything the other conjures. Both are a couple of homo-hating slugs.

I bet the man-love that would pour out from an imaginary meeting of these two protozoans would overwhelm the sewer system.

Maybe There is a God

2012-01-27T15:53:00.002-06:00

Rick Santorum comes closer to calling it quits. One can hope, though as Republican nominee he would almost certainly have handed the election to President Obama.

Conservatives and the Politics of Racism

2012-01-27T10:36:00.005-06:00

I was reading Leonard Pitts' column about Newt Gingrich and his embracing what Pitts' called "practicing the politics of racism." Gingrich is especially good at this as are local conservatives, especially bloggers (remember Fred Dooley and his stimulus package). It was this final paragraph that really caught my attention. Pitts' recounts a parable that was shared with him by a student of his.

A rich white man sits with a poor white man and poor black man at a table laden with cookies. The rich white man snatches all the cookies but one, then turns to the poor white man and says, 'Watch out for that darky. I think he wants to take your cookie."

Channeling Fred Dooley and Charlie Sykes?

Damn Poor People

2012-01-16T17:18:00.002-06:00

This paragraph is too good. From Sadly No! finally comes the real reason why the Democratic Party and the poor are so at odds. It's because libs support public transportation and you know what that will lead to ....

Whoomp, there it is: the mac and cheese argument. Air-conditioned public buses will make the poor want to stay poor forever because they can get on an air-conditioned bus anytime they want and luxuriate their lives away rather than working hard to buy their own air-conditioned car. If you made all poor people walk to work, every single fucking one of them would be richer than the Koch Brothers in just a few months.

If only I had known. It all makes sense now.

More Voter Fraud Exposed

2012-01-16T17:02:00.001-06:00

Maybe they had a point all along.

Voter Fraud Exposed

2012-01-16T16:46:00.001-06:00

Finally.

Dooley Jumps in it Again

2011-11-22T13:53:00.007-06:00

Everybody's big, fat clown, Fred Dooley, leaped into the fray over the video of alleged minors signing recall petitions. He titled his post "Recall petition fraud? Everywhere. Democrats don't give a damn about doing this legally." Of course, as usual it wasn't true. Now that it's been discovered that the girls were actually of age, do you think Fred will recant and admit his mea culpa?

Hah!

Sounds like the time he claimed the Obama campaign was violating Wisconsin election law. Where did that post go? Zap!, down the electronic circular file.

To be fair, Fred is not the only conservative blogger to jump on this. However, he's my favorite.

Signed Petitions

2011-11-22T13:48:00.002-06:00

Signed recall petitions for Scott Walker and Rebecca Kleefisch today. Can't wait for this tyranny to be overthrown.

Fred Dooley for President

2011-11-17T13:10:00.001-06:00

Could he be any worse than the group of nitwits now competing for the ~~Republican~~ Teabagger nomination?

"Got my stimulus package in the mail today. It contained watermelon seeds, cornbread mix, and ten coupons to KFC."

Okay. Maybe.

Veteran's Day Redux

2011-11-12T14:11:00.002-06:00

Here is a post, reproduced, I wrote some time ago for Veteran's Day (edited somewhat).

I remember staying with Nana at her home in Appleton shortly after Grandpa's death at the age of 82. It was September 1978 or so. Nana and I were foraging through some items when I found an old uniform. I asked Nana if this was Grandpa's. She said it was his WWI uniform and beckoned to me to try it on. It was a little tight, but it fit! I was 22 at the time and pretty skinny. It was cool to know that my Grandpa and I were about the same size back in our youth. (The picture on the left is of Grandpa in his uniform around 1930.)

I spent a lot of time at my grandparents as a child. My Dad was working hard to feed a growing family (it would become five eventually). We (usually Kelly and I) would often stay with Nana and Grandpa for a week or so at a time during the summer.

I didn't mind. I loved visiting. I enjoyed puttering in the backyard with Nana, picking raspberries, blueberries, apples, pears, dodging the bees, etc. The gathered fruits would later become the filling for pies; the aroma of these just-baked pies filling the house and wafting out the backdoor to the yard where I could be found building miniature cities with hand-smoothed expressways in the gravel driveway.

I remember evenings sitting on the floor in front of Grandpa's lap. He'd peel apples. It was a wondrous experience for the grandkids, watching Grandpa maintain one - long - continuous - peel. Then he'd present slices to each of us kids from the flat side of the paring blade.

I especially liked going with Grandpa to the driving range to practice hitting golfballs. He was an excellent golfer. He had seven hole-in-ones (I've had one, using an old iron of his) and he shot a 79 at Reid Municipal Park in Appleton at the age of 79. Pretty remarkable.

I'd also go out with Grandpa on the course. I was his caddy until my teen years. I had a blast with Grandpa's old buddies and on occasion was even allowed to hit a golfball.

Even when I was finally allowed to golf, Grandpa insisted I never keep score. Nonetheless, in my adult years it's been a goal of mine to break 80. I've hit 80 six times, but have never made it past. I once needed only to bogey the last hole do break 80. It's been a source of frustration. Grandpa must have known something.

Grandpa's service for our nation consisted of being drafted in September 1918. He trained in Alabama and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in December 1918. He never made it to Europe to actually fight in the war-to-end-all-wars and was discharged in in early 1919.

His only child, my Dad, enlisted in the Marines in January 1945 at the age of 17. He trained in the Carolinas and then transferred to California. In October 1945 he sailed from Washington; visiting Japan and the Philippines. He was discharged in 1947.

He later decided to joined the priesthood. Fortunately he changed his mind before his final vows; I'm thankful for obvious reasons.

Over the years I've tried in my own way to fill my Dad's shoes, though I've insisted I wasn't. We've clashed as Son and Dad often do. I'm sad to say that our relationship has not always been the best.

Recently, I sent an email to him asking he stop sending me any more of those thoroughly debunked anti-Obama emails that were cruising the Internet. After explaining how this latest email was false, I asked whether he had any sense and would he please stop or I would have to block his emails. I wish I had not done that.

Earlier this summer while tossing a ball around with my Son, I noticed how difficult it was to throw with any sort of pace. The distance I could throw a ball had also diminished. But I kept at it even though I knew I would be sore the next day. I thought of my Dad then. He used to set up as catcher and let me throw fastball after fastball. They were not very fast. I tried out for Little League and the first pitch I threw was hit over the centerfield fence. But Dad kept catching and encouraging.

So I keep catching and running after my Son's errant throws. I help him with his homework and I try not to take it personally when he argues with me or gets sullen, as teenagers are wont to do regardless of the generation.

I've been a fortunate person. I had the chance to know my Grandpa and had a Dad who worked and stuck around to care for his family. There are too many children missing that. Because of their efforts, I've turned out fairly all right. I have three kids now. In addition to my teenage boy, I have two beautiful daughters.

I wonder if my Dad has an old uniform lying around? Despite our differences, I bet we were about the same size once, too, in our youth.

Saturday Thoughts

2011-11-12T13:37:00.003-06:00

On rare occasions I purchase the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel just to see what's going on. Three items from the Nov. 11 edition made enough of an impression for me to comment (And no, I'm not providing links. It was the print version. Look them up yourself.)

The Petulant David Clarke
The first was a story about a federal lawsuit filed against the sheriff of Milwaukee County, ~~Republican~~ Democrat David Clarke. Sgt. Rich Graber has alleged his constitutional rights were violated in the suit.

What bothers me is Graber claims Clarke went on an expletive-filled rant during a meeting with Graber. Clarke admits using profanity. Really, how long should Milwaukee put up with this clownish buffoon? Clarke is like a toddler that throws a tantrum if it doesn't get it's way, often flying to Charlie Sykes to tell his side of the story, which usually is filled with lies. And, in the business world, how long do you think a supervisor would last if the Human Resources Department discovered this sort of behavior?

Idiot Savant Krysta Sutterfield
This woman appears to have no other talents than to wear her toy holster around in public. She walked into a Brookfield church in 2010 (a very liberal church) openly wearing her toy, was arrested, and in a settlement after the incident, received $7,500. Now she's been arrested for loitering, prowling and resisting arrest -- armed again, of course. She must be short of money.

New Berlin Resident is Dumb
And finally, from the Letters section comes Maggie Brieske of Brookfield. She suggests new strict voting rules for recall elections. Well, only one actually, but let's not let her grammar get in the way. She suggests that only legitimate voters of both parties be allowed to vote.

I'm not sure what that means, but it apparently has something to do with the fact, she claims, the people spoke when Scott Walker was elected governor. How she is so sure of this amazes me. I voted and I certainly did not speak for Walker (another popular conservative talking point is the taxpayers voted for the boy king, but I pay taxes too).

Anyway, she is so refreshed, she claims. She writes, "It is refreshing to see someone in a public office actually walk the walk of what he promised in his campaign." Really. So that comment Walker made about "dropping the bomb" (referring to his union-busting scheme) was just a funny.

Sorry, Maggie. If Walker is recalled will you move to Illinois? Please.

Another Idiot Christian Conservative Running for Office

2011-11-05T15:11:00.004-05:00

When, if ever, will conservatives get it. Apparently not yet in Kentucky (and the case can be made for "never" in Wisconsin). Anyway, Kentucky GOP governor hopeful, David Williams, had this to say about his opponent, Govenor Steve BeShear, sitting down and joining a Hindu religious cermony at a groundbreaking ceremony.

“I just brought to people’s attention that it’s rather odd that a governor that wouldn’t stand up for Bell County’s schools ability to say a prayer before a football game and didn’t want to call a Christmas tree a Christmas tree, he wanted to call it a holiday tree, and when he was attorney general didn’t want to post the Ten Commandments, climbed down in a pit and to do a Hindu prayer,” Williams said.

Let me repeat this again (it's been said countless times): The groundbreaking ceremony was private. It had no relation to government interference by religious groups. Saying a prayer at a public school football game, or not posting the Ten Commandments in a public building are entirely different from accepting a request to sit in on a religious celebration put on by a private firm which happens to be based in India (a largely Hindu nation).

Oh by the way, according to TPM, the plant represents a $180 million investment, and is expected to create 250 jobs in Kentucky.

Williams also suggested he was just doing his part in supporting Christianity, because you know, everyone is down on Christians these days. Except for the 2.1 billion who "claim" they are Christians, more than any other faith in the world. Those poor, downtrodden Christians.

Local Conservative Bloggers Lose Their "Black Friend"

2011-09-30T12:28:00.002-05:00

I know this is a bit late, but the ramifications of the departure of James T. Harris on our local conservative bloggers has been overlooked.

No longer will they be able to look you in the face (or type in your face) that they are not racists because they have a black friend. I know Fred "Deep South" Dooley will be especially at a loss. But I can't help but worry about the state of others like Bruce "I'll run you over with my Lexus" Redenz, and Patrick "I eat a lot of feral cats" Dorwin. That racist statement they are all bound to make will no longer be softened by their admission of black friendliness.

Sorry, you have to meet a black person to consider him/her a friend. Just assuming Herman Cain likes you because he says he's a conservative, is not enough.

I've been thinking about this and without looking at the Badger Blogger site, I would bet their "groundbreaking coverage" of the Nazi get-together in West Allis not too long ago would consist of this, "Black thugs disrupt peaceful gathering." Just imagining.

God Does Have a Sense of Humor

2011-06-12T11:19:00.004-05:00

From New York Magazine comes word that God has endorsed the presidential aspirations of Herman Cain, Rick Santorum and Michelle Bachman ... all at the same time. I wonder if they know?

Meanwhile, God's punishment continues to rain down on Wisconsin in the form of that pillar of salt, Scott Walker, and his little sodomites.

AFP Members are Dicks

2011-06-08T13:41:00.002-05:00

From Crooks and Liars: Americans for Prosperity has been plastering homes in a section of Detroit with fake eviction notices. Meant to startle a spokesman for the Koch-funded group said.

Talk up low.

What Condiment to Use

2011-06-07T07:22:00.002-05:00

Well, I guess the only question remaining for Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) is what to put on that wiener. Will it be ketchup, mustard, relish, a combination of all three or only two ....?

[offstage whisper]

What? Not that kind of wiener? Really?

Never mind.

FleeBibler

2011-06-05T11:31:00.003-05:00

I'm not a believer (though born Catholic, ugh) but I thought Paul Ryan fleeing the scene from a young man trying to give him a Bible and gently reminding him of the Christian ideal of caring for the poor hilarious.

h/t Crooks and Liars

If Elected ...

2011-05-30T09:43:00.001-05:00

... would she make it through one term?

Chewbacca and the Space Needle

2011-05-29T17:11:00.001-05:00

Yes, really ... the Media Reserach Center, run by Chewbacca's brother, L. Brent Bozell, held its inaugural Dishonors Award Ceremony highlighting, so they say, liberal bias in the media. Ann Coulter, the human Space Needle, was on hand to give the Ode to Keith Olbermann Award. Video included below. I made it through two minutes. This is what passes for humor on the conservative side. Think of a REALLY REALLY REALLY slimmed down Fred Dooley (doesn't have to be a girl) and you have a fair description of Coulter.

Leni Riefenstahl is Rolling in her Grave

2011-05-25T09:49:00.000-05:00

As noted by fellow blogger, Perfect Impertinence, it appears that Sarah Palin may really be considering a run for the presidency. Apparently, she has had a documentary produced that will show her in a new, shining light. Her Triumph of the Will copycat, The Undefeated, is produced by "[Stephen K. Bannon], a former naval officer and ex-Goldman Sachs banker, [who] sees his documentary as the first step in Palin's effort to rebuild her image in the eyes of voters who may have soured on her, yet might reconsider if old caricatures begin to fade. The film will also appeal to staunch Palin supporters who have long celebrated her biting rhetoric and conservative populism yet know little about her record in Alaska and have perhaps written her off as presidential material."

It's going to take a lot for any documentary to obsure her regular, unscripted mishaps and weird visions of Russia.

Mother Jones has more.

Here's an earlier, adoring video of our heroine for my reader's amusement.

h/t TPM

He's a Loser

2011-05-23T21:49:00.000-05:00

For my anonymous troll. Such a sad life you must have. Here's your song -- just for you.

Paddy Mac Blog Post Title Confusing

2011-05-21T07:56:00.000-05:00

Well, that's not unusual.

The Only Cloud Involved Exists Is In The Mind Of JoAnne Kloppenburg

Huh?

Paddy's prose has been likened to a syrupy goo, too thick for human consumption, unless you're a conservative and you don't need to listen or be able to read anyway.

Newt Gingrich Press Release

2011-05-20T11:05:00.000-05:00

John Lithgow adds gravitas to the stumbling, bumbling, fumbling, dumbling (?) Newt Gingrich press release. Gingrich is serious. Gingrich is what America needs!

Oh my.

Rapture Day Around the Corner

2011-05-20T07:05:00.000-05:00

Jim Stingl lampoons another Christian looney who thinks that 200 million righteous Christians are going to heaven this Saturday. It's funny.

Hope Pat McIlheran and Dad29 get to go ... Saturday.

Batshit Stupid

2011-05-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

"I don't know where they're going to get all this money because we're running out of rich people in this country."

Rep. Michele Bachmann

Dad29 Won't Like This

2011-05-19T17:46:00.000-05:00

Civilized society is leaving him behind.

The Difference Between Liberals and Conservatives

2011-05-19T15:49:00.000-05:00

Conservatives cherry-pick isolated instances of bad behavior by whackos to paint a broad picture of alleged liberal malfeasance.

Liberals have to search real hard for any sign of a reasonable conservative and bemoan conservative malfeasance.

The More Things Change ...

2011-05-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

... the more the better to reuse old tactics.

David A. Love has a great article at HuffPost Politics regarding the joint effort by conservatives to affect the vote. You think there isn't just a little racism behind this effort? Regarding James Wigderson bff Newt Gingrich, Love has this to say.

When Newt Gingrich suggested that America impose a poll test in U.S. history as a requirement for native-born citizens to vote, it was too much even for black Tea Party Congressman Allen West (R-FL). "That's going back to some times that my parents had to contend with," West said of the notion of a Jim Crow-style literacy test. "I think that we need to do a better job educating our young men and women in school, but we don't need to have a litmus test, no."

For Gingrich, who recently called Obama a "food stamp president," this is part of a pattern of racially offensive remarks, policy positions and affiliations -- against African-Americans, Latinos, Muslims and others. But Gingrich is merely a spoke in the wheel. There is nationwide effort by the Republican Party to suppress voter turnout in next year's presidential election. Devoid of any ideas to beat Obama and win over the electorate, and crippled by a roster of candidates consisting of empty suits, wingnuts and the otherwise unelectable, this is their election strategy for 2012.

As Love points out, these tactics are not dissimilar to those used by Dixiecrats in the 1960s. Read the rest of the article here.

New Paranoid To Join Badger Blogger

2011-05-18T21:47:00.000-05:00

Orly Taitz, master of the non sequiter, is rumored to have agreed to join Badger Blogger. Taitz is known for her rather bizarre birther conspiracy theories and other weird facts regarding our president like saying he was having former gay lovers killed and that Obama's defenders should be tried in Nurenberg-like trials.

She'll fit right in with that crowd.

Who's The Sane One

2011-05-17T20:40:00.000-05:00

I wouldn't feel safe in the company of any of these individuals.

Oh, Please Please Run

2011-05-17T18:22:00.001-05:00

Michele Bachman is considering a bid for the presidency and has said she will make her decision sooner than later.

Please run. It would be soooo funny. Though, personally, I hope Roland Melnick runs. His conspiracy theory funnies would be so entertaining.

Conservatives: The Ironic Ideology

2011-05-17T14:33:00.000-05:00

From Clarence Thomas, via Maureen Dowd:

When he switched from a Democrat to a conservative as a young man, he knew that he would be a hotter commodity in politics. But he also knew that it would bring him the scorn of blacks who deemed him a pawn of the white establishment -- people like Justice Thurgood Marshall, who ridiculed Clarence Thomas and others as ''goddamn black sellouts'' for benefiting from affirmative action and then denigrating it.

As Jill Abramson and Jane Mayer write in ''Strange Justice,'' Mr. Thomas himself complained in a 1987 speech that, to win acceptance in conservative ranks, ''a black was required to become a caricature of sorts, providing sideshows of anti-black quips and attacks.'' (Just as blonde conservative pundettes flash long legs and sneer at feminism.)

I can think of someone locally who epitomizes Thomas' statement. Hip Musings anyone, he of the McCain moment.

Hell Yeah, Let's Have a Poll Test

2011-05-15T11:06:00.000-05:00

Newt Gingrich via Lawyers, Guns and Money

You know, folks often talk about immigration. I always say that to become an American citizen, immigrants ought to have to learn American history. [applause] But maybe we should also have a voting standard that says to vote, as a native born American, you should have to learn American history. [applause] You realize how many of our high school graduates because of the decay of the educational system, couldn’t pass a citizenship test.

Man, liberals would win every election for the next 200 years. No more cretins who think Christianity is our state religion. No more fools who think Jim Crow laws are legal license to discriminate ... still. No more Newt Gingrich.

Oh joy, oh bliss.

Oh, just kidding.

I Have a Fourth-Grader

2011-05-15T07:55:00.000-05:00

When will the madness end?

Breaking News from Fred Dooley

2011-05-14T20:37:00.000-05:00

Blogger Problems
Sorry all, there have been some problems with Blogger, the host of this blog. Hopefully things will be back to normal soon.

No shit, Sherlock.

Voter Fraud Nearly Non-Existent Nationally

2011-05-14T20:22:00.000-05:00

Would someone please explain to me how 38 cases of alleged voter fraud (only 13 convictions) nationally between October 2002 and Septemeber 2005 (during the Bush administration) equates to a massive problem that requires extreme measures to ensure our elections are fair?

Fair for whom?

Certainly not fair for the Republican-appointed attorneys who failed to ratchet up more fraud cases.

Celebrating Six Years of Fred Dooley

2011-05-13T12:46:00.000-05:00

It's. Been. Six. Long. Years.

“Deep South Fred,” as we on the left fondly call him, has been an unquenchable source of material. So, thirsting for more, I thought it might be fun to pay tribute, sort of. Since life and other stuff tends to get in the way, I have highlighted only those that made an impression upon me during my own five plus years of blogging. Without further ado, I give you … Fred, at his finest.

No tribute to Fred would be fitting without saying something about his blog, and what he claimed it would stand for … Real Debate, hence the name. Unfortunately for Fred, he kept getting in the way of real debate. Way back then, Fred advertised his blog this way:

Too often in today’s political landscape discourse is kept among those who agree. This is not a blog to promote that. We discuss ideas here, we ask that you keep your tone in check and respect those who are willing to share.

This didn’t last long. Fred has never been one to take criticism gently or gracefully. Fred's skin is so thin you can see his organs (missing two, the heart and that gray thing). Nor were his fellow travelers on the right much better. Veiled threats and racist comments the norm. Comments from leftys in opposition to something Fred had posted were often labeled “hate left” or they simply disappeared, especially if the facts portrayed did not fit Fred’s template for what was real. But, that’s not really that unusual for bloggers. Many feel ownership of their blog more strongly than others. It’s just that Fred tends to be more extreme than others.

For example, not too long ago Fred “broke the news” that the Obama campaign was violating Wisconsin election law with a campaign flyer that stated the following:

“No proof of residence? You can still register to vote if you bring an eligible voter from your municipality who shows proof of residence and affirms that you live at your address.”

Fred jumped on that (I know, hard to imagine him lifting himself) and wrote: “Sorry folks, they made that up. Here is a link to the State of Wisconsin Elections Board rules, nowhere does showing up to register with someone to vouch for you come into play. This flyer was paid or (sic) by the Democratic Party so they are obviously complicit in encouraging people to break election law. Why do Democrats keep trying to cheat? Why won’t any of the major media call them on it?

“Can you imagine the outroar if Republicans were passing fraudulent information about Wisconsin election law? Hell, they are after AG Van Hollen for daring to ask the accountability board to follow the freaking law.

The unethical Democratic Party is at it again, and they’ll continue to get away with it until enough people raise hell about this problem.”

Oh man, the horror! Fred had the Dems by the balls and even the nationally known blog, Redstate, leaped into the fray linking to Fred’s post. He was so proud.

Problem was (unfortunately for Fred, and Redstate) none of what he reported was true. In fact, Wisconsin election law stated exactly what was stated on the campaign flyer. Fred just hadn’t looked closely enough.

Most people would have admitted their mea culpa and proffered an apology. Not Fred. Instead, he zapped the post, in the process leaving Redstate with a broken link in their story. Fred has written numerous times about the inability of lefty bloggers to fail to see the hypocrisy. His view tends to be a bit myopic.

More recently, Fred discovered the joys of Twitter. Twitting away mercilessly one day he got caught by Dan Bice of the Milwauykee Journal Sentinel:

“Got my stimulus package in the mail today. It contained watermelon seeds, cornbread mix, and ten coupons to KFC.”

In Fred’s defense, this was not an original tweet. It was from an e-mail that was circulating the Intertubes. However, when called on it by Bice, Fred’s response was legendary.

Bice wrote: In an e-mail today, Dooley said he took the tweet from somebody else and re-posted it on his page. In addition, he said he did all this shortly after having gall bladder the surgery and while he was still under the influence of painkillers and anesthesia.

“In that state I didn’t notice any racial connotations. I’m from the deep south and to me that’s not a racial thing, it is a southern thing. If I had not been under the effects of anesthesia I would have likely noticed that could have been taken the wrong way and would have passed on it.”

Really? I've heard Fred speak. There's not a hint of South in his delivery. He also does the South a disservice by assuming his racial shortcomings are universal down there. Fred did state he would avoid tweeting under the influence in the future. He may be more careful tweeting, but otherwise, he's not kept his word.

There is so much more material available for anyone with the time, or the history in dealing with Fred. By the way, any personal anecdotes are welcome on the comment section.

One last thing from me and then a final sally forth by Mr. Humor, John Foust.

I wrote a post during the presidential election about Bill Ayers. At the same time, Fred was creating a list of lefty bloggers who had failed to write quickly enough about the travails of then Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. In jest, I suggested I was upset that I had not been included in the list. Fred corrected that ommission by singling me out for instead writing a “defense” of Ayers.

I pointed out to Fred in an e-mail that the post was in no way a defense of Ayers (I had previously been banned from his site). I wrote that I had been commenting on Ayer’s op-ed in the New York Times. And, I admitted that I agreed with Ayer’s assessment that the guilt-by-association tactics of the right regarding some closer connection with Obama was dishonest. That’s not a defense, its agreement with a point he made. In fact, I further wrote that I was troubled by some of Ayer’s explanations for illegal actions he took.

For Fred, though, this wasn’t enough. His reply was classic Fred.

Yes Tim when you attack those who would dare to bring him up you are defending.

Yes, but Fred, that’s not … never mind.

Anyway, in conclusion, here is that quote from John Foust that captures the darkness that is Fred Dooley.

“Too often in today’s political landscape discourse is kept among those who agree. This is not a blog to promote that. We discuss ideas here, we ask that you keep your tone in check and respect those who are willing to share. Entire posts and their comments will be tossed down the memory hole when we really screw up. Hatred and character assassination are heartily approved when they’re directed at anyone who disagrees with me, but I’ll zap anything that points out I’m easily fooled”

cross-posted at Whallah

Bristol Palin Lands Reality TV Show

2011-05-10T17:19:00.000-05:00

While her mother continues to lose grip on reality.

Good grief. It is pathetic this woman gets so much attention. It reinforces my decision never to watch television ... it's all mind-numbingly stupid.

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T11:10:00.001-05:00

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I/we miss you.

Taps for Final WWI Veteran

2011-05-05T13:24:00.000-05:00

News of the last WWI veteran's passing at the astounding age of 110 brought back memories of my grandfather and a post I wrote for Veterans' Day in 2008. Additionally, my father was a WWII vet. He's now 84, and was recently flown to Washington D.C. to see the WWII Memorial and to be honored for his service. They're getting up in years, too. Here is that post reproduced.

I sent off an email to family members asking if they could make it Saturday for Abby's 8th birthday and was reminded that today was November 11th, Veteran's Day. It was cause for memories.

I remember staying with Nana at her home in Appleton shortly after Grandpa's death at the age of 82. It was September 1978 or so. Nana and I were foraging through some items when I found an old uniform. I asked Nana if this was Grandpa's. She said it was his WWI uniform and beckoned to me to try it on. It was a little tight, but it fit! I was 22 at the time and pretty skinny. It was cool to know that my Grandpa and I were about the same size back in our youth. (The picture on the left is of Grandpa in his uniform around 1930.)

I spent a lot of time at my grandparents as a child. My Dad was working hard to feed a growing family (it would become five eventually). We (usually Kelly and I) would often stay with Nana and Grandpa for a week or so at a time during the summer.

I didn't mind. I loved visiting. I enjoyed puttering in the backyard with Nana, picking raspberries, blueberries, apples, pears, dodging the bees, etc. The gathered fruits would later become the filling for pies; the aroma of these just-baked pies filling the house and wafting out the backdoor to the yard where I could be found building miniature cities with hand-smoothed expressways in the gravel driveway.

I remember evenings sitting on the floor in front of Grandpa's lap. He'd peel apples. It was a wondrous experience for the grandkids, watching Grandpa maintain one - long - continuous - peel. Then he'd present slices to each of us kids from the flat side of the paring blade.

I especially liked going with Grandpa to the driving range to practice hitting golfballs. He was an excellent golfer. He had seven hole-in-ones (I've had one, using an old iron of his) and he shot a 79 at Reid Municipal Park in Appleton at the age of 79. Pretty remarkable.

I'd also go out with Grandpa on the course. I was his caddy until my teen years. I had a blast with Grandpa's old buddies and on occasion was even allowed to hit a golfball.

Even when I was finally allowed to golf, Grandpa insisted I never keep score. Nonetheless, in my adult years it's been a goal of mine to break 80. I've hit 80 six times, but have never made it past. I once needed only to bogey the last hole do break 80. It's been a source of frustration. Grandpa must have known something.

Grandpa's service for our nation consisted of being drafted in September 1918. He trained in Alabama and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in December 1918. He never made it to Europe to actually fight in the war-to-end-all-wars and was discharged in in early 1919.

His only child, my Dad, enlisted in the Marines in January 1945 at the age of 17. He trained in the Carolinas and then transferred to California. In October 1945 he sailed from Washington; visiting Japan and the Philippines. He was discharged in 1947.

He later decided to joined the priesthood. Fortunately he changed his mind before his final vows; I'm thankful for obvious reasons.

Over the years I've tried in my own way to fill my Dad's shoes, though I've insisted I wasn't. We've clashed as Son and Dad often do. I'm sad to say that our relationship has not always been the best.

Recently, I sent an email to him asking he stop sending me any more of those thoroughly debunked anti-Obama emails that were cruising the Internet. After explaining how this latest email was false, I asked whether he had any sense and would he please stop or I would have to block his emails. I wish I had not done that.

Earlier this summer while tossing a ball around with my Son, I noticed how difficult it was to throw with any sort of pace. The distance I could throw a ball had also diminished. But I kept at it even though I knew I would be sore the next day. I thought of my Dad then. He used to set up as catcher and let me throw fastball after fastball. They were not very fast. I tried out for Little League and the first pitch I threw was hit over the centerfield fence. But Dad kept catching and encouraging.

So I keep catching and running after my Son's errant throws. I help him with his homework and I try not to take it personally when he argues with me or gets sullen, as teenagers are wont to do regardless of the generation.

I've been a fortunate person. I had the chance to know my Grandpa and had a Dad who worked and stuck around to care for his family. There are too many children missing that. Because of their efforts, I've turned out fairly all right. I have three kids now. In addition to my teenage boy, I have two beautiful daughters, a wonderful wife, a home -- a great family.

I wonder if my Dad has an old uniform lying around? Despite our differences, I bet we were about the same size once, too, in our youth.

Man of Action

2011-05-05T13:08:00.000-05:00

David Koch, billionaire misanthrope, says that President Obama really didn't do anything regarding the death of Osama bin Laden. "All that Obama did was say 'yea' or 'nay,' Koch said.

Later, Koch was heard to say he would have wrestled Osama to the ground and bit his ears off. I'm a man of action. That's why I pour millions into groups like Americans for Penury and (local laughing stock) MacGyver Institute to undermine democracy and make this country fit for decent people like me and my brother.

Unfortunately, It's the Law

2011-05-05T08:41:00.001-05:00

It's reported in the Journal Sentinel that 18 nuns' votes have been disallowed because their absentee ballots did not have witness signatures. Okay. This does dound a bit extreme; they're nuns for jeebus sake.

Still, the law is the law. I have read of at least one Teabagger blog (Real Debate) who disagrees with this decision. I thought Teabaggers were for the law and for order.

A Way To Cure Teabagger Anger

2011-05-05T08:27:00.000-05:00

Fred Dooley and Peter DiGaudio might want to check into this.

Little Difference

2011-05-04T22:32:00.000-05:00

Glad bin Laden is dead. He was evil. However, the visceral reactions from some remind me that differences are often only skin deep. Take this from Chris of the third incarnation of Spotted Horse.

And yes it would have been cool if they cut off his head and stuck it on a pole in the middle of the White House lawn or in front of the Freedom Tower in NYC.

Change Chris' life history and have him raised in jihadi atmosphere and who do you think would be severing heads and celebrating mass murder? It's really sad. Someday we must find a way to overcome our deathly urges.

More Badger Blogger Funnies

2011-05-03T23:39:00.000-05:00

It's late in the evening ... at that time I sometimes cannot help myself. Flew back to Badger Blogger to see if the nutcases had anything more to say and was rewarded with these two gems coming in a post about the death of bin Laden. First, Patrick Dorwin, feral cat lover and occasional Folkbum commenter (nothing ever to say, though):

I sleep peacefully at night, because our brave military stand ready to defend us all. I thank God for them, as I lay my head down to sleep.

You've got to be kidding me. I can picture Patrick at the side of his bed, kneeling and saying this prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the military my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the military someone's soul to take." Then milk and cookies.

Meanwhile, erstwhile human, PCD, had this to say about Judge Russell Stamper's concerns about the way bin Laden was taken out.

Hey, if he loves OBL so much, throw him in after the terrorist. A bullet to the head is optional.

Classy.

Badger Blogger Commenter Forgot One Thing

2011-05-03T18:19:00.000-05:00

This is a comment from someone regarding President Obama's release of his long-form birth certificate. (unedited)

It seemed right to question BHO's place of birth because at his core he just seems, well, so foreign, so removed, so non-patriotic. Nothing he's done since inauguration lessens the gut feeling that there's just something not right about him as Commander in Chief. It's not really the lack of experience that has me uneasy (although its a serious flaw in him) it's just that nagging feeling I have that he just doesn't love America and doesn't at all mind our descent into third world status. Does he look in awe at a Grand Canyon sunset and thank the stars above he was born an American? Isn't that what was missing in today's press conference. "I was born in Hawaii and thank God I'm an American." "I'm so proud to be an American." It's my not ever hearing this from him that makes me uneasy and suspicious...

My gosh, what a load of tripe. Let me make it easier for anonymous and answer its questions, from its darkest corner of its mind.

It seemed so right to question the President's place of birth. (cause he's black).

Does he look in awe at sunsets? (cause you know, he's black)

He doesn't love America. (he's black)

He doesn't mind our descent to third world status. (because he's black)

He seems so non-patriotic. (black thing)

Conservatives have gotten so good at not admitting the truth that they can't even be honest with themselves.

Banned Again

2011-05-02T20:47:00.000-05:00

Well, Fred Dooley of Real Debate (THAT is debatable) has blocked me again. I suppose asking how his watermelons were growing was a little mean. But hey, I was responding to another of his gems labeled under the "hate left" moniker and couldn't help myself.

Seriously, anyone who comes up with the excuse he was under the influence of doctor-provided drugs when he released a tweet regarding the stimulus package containing watermelon seeds, fried chicken, etc., really needs to look closely at himself.

By the way, one of Fred's favorite tactics is to call someone a hypocrite if that person does not spend equal time on something that is dear to Fred's heart, like misbehaving lefties. In that light, I don't recall his acting too upset over the picture of President Obama's head superimposed over a baby chimp. Hmmm. Must have been on drugs again, Fred.

Come on, Fred. Admit it. You're a closet racist. Why not come out of the closet?

If you do respond, I won't ban you. I'm not afraid of reading your nonsense.

Birther Nonsense Addressed by Priebus

2011-04-29T12:42:00.000-05:00

You have got to be kidding me. President Obama decides to finally tackle these morons who continue to claim his illegitmacy for being president. It's true that many Republicans have distanced themselves from this, but Reince Priebus' comment the other day in response to Obama's speech was priceless. He called the issue a distraction, but then had this to say:

"The president ought to spend his time getting serious about repairing our economy," he said.

Really?

Obama has been trying to engage the right and everyone on the serious issues, but Republican refusal to shut down the numbskulls in their party has been the cause of the real distraction and why we find our economy floundering yet.

What a fucking moron.

Boycott Letters Missing the Point

2011-04-29T12:38:00.001-05:00

I have read where unions are asking businesses in southeast Wisconsin to support workers' rights by displaying signs in their windows. The problem is if a business decides not to post the sign, the letter says, the business might be boycotted.

This is not the way to win hearts and minds. It is wrong.

Walker and his cohorts will be out soon enough. However, the momentum they build with every stupid comment and/or act will be marginally negated with actions such as these by union members. Don't do it!

Lee A. (Taz) Rich

2011-04-20T13:19:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine was buried Tuesday in West Bend. Lee Rich was killed when the motorcycle he was riding was hit by an inattentive driver who ran a stop sign while talking on her cell phone.

I met Lee back when I was in 7th grade, 42 years ago. I was friends with his younger brother, Russ, and so I would go to their home and listen to albums, especially the Beatles, which was Lee's favorite group.

Lee had a temper. Most of Russ' friends would walk softly around Lee to ensure they did not become targets of his wrath. Consequently I didn't get to know Lee very well during my youth.

I would see him at family get-togethers and camping trips, but not much else. But there was one thing that was apparent to me as the years went by ... Lee was changing.

Lee became sober 19 years ago. He joined A.R.M (Association Recovering Motorcyclists) thirteen years ago and was active in that group until the end of life.

How did I know this?

Well, first, I have to admit that I was stunned when I saw the huge turnout at the funeral home. Like I said, I did not know what Lee had been up to, but there were a lot of people, much more that I thought would appear, who obviously thought highly of Lee. Highly enough to come and honor his life on a sad, dreary day.

After speaking with members of Lee's family and other mutual friends of mine, I spoke to a number of members of his other family. I did not know that Lee was active in sponsoring those who were tring to get clean. One woman, in tears, said Lee was responsble for her son's five years of sobriety. That without Lee, her son might have died too young. This refrain was repeated over and over. I'm sad to say I did not know Lee at all.

Afterword, I was off by myself thinking of what I had heard and I realized that I hoped that someday when I pass on it might be said I had done much good, just like it was said of Lee.

My condolences to all Lee's family members. The world is a lesser place without Lee.

More Teabagger Racism

2011-04-20T13:12:00.000-05:00

The Motley Cow is my favorite place to go for examples of teabagger racism. This guy on the Youtube is classic. Kind of reminds me of local homophobe, dad29.

???

Oh, well ... the YouTube stayed up for a while. Here's the link.

Teabagger Racists

2011-04-17T16:35:00.000-05:00

via Motley Cow and Crooks and Liars ...

Those wacky Republican Teabaggers. Marilyn Davenport, a Southern California Tea Party activist thought it funny to pass on a picture of a family of chimps with President Obama's face superimposed over the baby chimp.

Davenport had this to say when contacted by phone, "Oh, come on! Everybody who knows me knows that I am not a racist. It was a joke. I have friends who are black. Besides, I only sent it to a few people--mostly people I didn't think would be upset with it."

Revealing. I like the line about sending it only to a few friends who wouldn't probably be upset. Presumably the racist friends.

A GOP official contacted by Crooks and Liars said it was unbelievable the email was passed along. "It's much more racist than the watermelon email," the official said.

Watermelon email?

Oh yeah, I remember that. It occurred not too long ago in our little SE Wisconsin backyard. Remember this?

"Got my stimulus package in the mail today. It contained watermelon seeds, cornbread mix, and ten coupons to KFC."

You're right. It was good old Fred Dooley, author of the humorously named blog Real Debate who was the guilty party. He passed that on and fortunately for us, Dan Bice of the Journal Sentinel caught his faux pas.

Dooley had this to say when contacted by Bice for comment. He explained he had recently had gall bladder surgery. "In that state I didn't notice any racial connotations. I'm from the deep South and to me that's not a racial thing, it is a Southern thing. If I had not been under the effects of anesthesia I would have likely noticed that could have been taken the wrong way and would have passed on it."

Really?

Dooley's explanation sounds suspiciously like Davenport's. Must be in the Teabagger Manual for dealing with the media when their racist underpinnings are exposed.

The Daily Double

2011-04-14T11:07:00.000-05:00

Two things today. First, I heard Charlie Sykes speaking with Bob Spindel (hope I spelled your name correctly, Bob) about ... you guessed it ... voter fraud. Bob was huffing and puffing that he would not be silenced, and of course this was a "breathtaking" story in the mind of Sykes. There is more to the story, but the central, real fact is there is no f*cking voter fraud. In fact, if one were to take all the innocent voter mistakes made the last twenty years, along with the miscast votes of a couple of idiots, the total would not be enough to turn the election in Justice Prosser's favor (if the weird Brookfield vote thingy had not occurred).

***

I've been meaning to get to this for a while, but life got in the way. Anyway, just before the elction I received two voter guides from Americans for ~~Piggishness~~ Prosperity. I'm not sure how I got them ... it was probably just a mass mailer, but you never know, they might have been sent as a little jab. So, the Prosser mailer had these statements:

Justice Prosser has stood up for the Second Amendment, guaranteeing that Wisconsin citizens have the right to defend themselves against criminals.

Justice Prosser stood up against criminal defense lawyers.

Justice Prosser has time and time again protected our law enforcement against defense attorneys and criminals who make unreasonable demands that weaken the fight against crime.

What a load of crap. First of all, last I looked everyone had the right to defend themselves against criminals. The Second Amendment simply states that the right to own arms shall not be abridged. Secondly, unless the Constitution has been changed and I missed it, defense lawyers are pretty important seeing how every citizen has the right to council. Unlike Peter DiGaudio and most conservatives I know, I believe in the constitutional right of innocence before guilt.

I suspect Justice Prosser does too.

The Elderly Taste So Good

2011-04-13T16:54:00.001-05:00

I just couldn't resist, especially since our very own wingnut, Paul Ryan, is featured. The latest Tom Tomorrow cartoon. Caution: For serious folks only. Click on toon to enlarge (I think).

Commenter at Illusory Tenant is ...

2011-04-12T20:33:00.000-05:00

... frigging hilarious. And so true. Read on Jim Bouman's comment regarding Kathy Nickolaus and repugs in general.

Nickolaus is just a small cog in the Republican machine in Waukesha County. The County Executive, the DA, The Sheriff, the County Clerk, Clerk of Courts, Register of Deeds, and the County Treasurer control hundreds and hundreds of patronage jobs in the Courthouse.

They're Republicans, they're dull normal, devoid of imagination, cautious, clubby, (country clubby, to be sure) moss-backed, "You scratch my mossback, I'll scratch yours"; they're bad tippers; they're devoid of imagination; they have backyard shrines to the Gipper.

The boldest thing any of 'em do is to abandon their mainline congregations when they start having to listen to liberal female ministers preach about social justice, forcing them to find solace and affirmation at mega-churches that reinforce their small-mindedness.

They are not so schemingly evil that they would actually cook up a plan to steal an election.

They're dullards. Their greatest collective achievement is that they cover for each other. This time they slipped up. They'll ease Nickolaus out of the picture and replace her with a someone who will be a virtual clone, lacking only Kathy's "flub".

I'm still laughing.

Jeff Wagner Confuses Talking Points

2011-04-11T13:38:00.001-05:00

Listening briefly to J-J-Jeff Wagner this afternoon, was struck by his inability to get his talking points right. He was speaking about the listening session and noted that working people were complaining they couldn't make it during the day (referring to unionists). Shortly afterword these same people were referred to as whiners.

I'm stunned that his opinion their being thugs didn't make it into the monoloque (though it might have, I turned off the radio).

Remember this talking point that never enters into anything Jeff says, "I lost to Jim Doyle!" It must be hard to take.

Peter DiGaudio ... Nutcase

2011-04-07T12:22:00.000-05:00

I tried posting this at his website, but apparently I'm blocked (after over a year of not blogging). Anyway, he accuses my friend Chris Liebenthal of being the troll leaving nasty messages on his site. He says that if it is true that someone is posing as Chris, he will exonerate him.

So, in the wingnut world, one is guilty until proven innocent.

According to Charlie Sykes ...

2011-04-07T12:16:00.000-05:00

... it's only a flagrant act of democracy when the result is favorable to ~~bellicose troglodytes~~ conservatives. Today he is claiming that the union thugs in Madison are responsible for Supreme Court Justice (nice ring to it) Kloppenburg's victory because they voted overwhelmingly for her.

Humph. I wonder what the result would be if his math was applied to conservative strongholds in the city of Waukesha and Washington county?

Getting Pregnant Helps

2011-04-06T12:18:00.000-05:00

It's been reported that Bristol Palin, daughter of whiner-extraordinaire Sarah Palin, received $262,500 for her work promoting teen ~~pregnancy~~ abstinence for The Candies Foundation. A Foundation spokesperson said, "We know Ms. Palin's work has had a positive effect on creating awareness about teen pregnancy."

Of course they would say that. To disavow her would mean $262,500 was spent in vain.

Still, of the 1,000 teens surveyed independently (so the Foundation claims) I wonder how many were minorities. Truly, what sort of impression do you think Palin makes on Inner-City girls? My guess would be zero.

I've Fallen and I Need Some Cash

2011-04-06T12:07:00.000-05:00

James O'Keefe, infamous video yarn spinner, is sounding more and more like a Christian televangelist these days ... claiming hardship and begging for money. I'm surprised the Koch brothers haven't waded in.

Greed or Just Stupid?

2011-03-27T14:08:00.000-05:00

Today just 400 Americans have the same wealth as half of all Americans combined.

And somehow, teabaggers think this is alright.

Send Me the Money. Amen!

2011-03-19T13:53:00.000-05:00

I finished reading the piece in Forbes about Tim Phillips, head of Americans for Prosperity (thx Motley Cow), was disgusted, but thinking there was really nothing I could do, turned off the computer and started looking at the mail I had received. Got to love Christians like Phillips and the clowns who sent me this latest attempt at screwing me for money. This isn't even clever ....

Dear Jesus,

We pray that you will bless someone in this home spiritually, physically & financially. And please dear Lord, bless the one whose hands open this letter. Make good changes in this one's life and give them the desires of their heart. We pray over and bless this letter in your holy name. Amen.

Inside, I'm impressed to find a paper Bible Faith Prayer Rug. They say it is being placed in my care to be used immediately and then passed on to someone else who needs a blessing. Good grief.

Best of all, if I return the rug in the postage-paid envelope provided (how generous) I also have the opportunity to ask that St. Matthews pray to God to bless me with money (any amount). Of course, it's suggested that I provide a seed gift (any amount).

Christians that are most vociferous about the Christain faith, those who wear in on their sleeves so all can see their piousness (and those silly fish decals on cars) are the people I disdain most. Tim Phillips is one of these types of people as well as most SE Wisconsin conservative bloggers.

At least Islam promises something a little more fun.

Which reminds me before I post this about something Cal Thomas, one of my favorite fire-breathers, wrote a bit ago. He was writing about the increasing level of hate speech permeating politics. Specifically, he thought comparing conservatives to Nazis was uncalled for ... after all, he said (paraphrasing), when JFK was shot by Oswald, a Communist, we didn't blame liberals.

Really? Apparently, it's only hate speech if it's true.

Backtracking Again

2011-03-10T13:21:00.000-06:00

The Journal Sentinel's backtracking is complete. In today's editorial they heap shame on Republican efforts to "save the house by burning it down". The editorial board finally admits these efforts are extreme. And yet, they have the audacity to say Senate Democrats should not have fled the state; that their move set a precedent for similar actions by future Republicans.

Two things: If the Democrats had not left, the JS would not have needed to backtrack, looking foolish while doing so.

Oh darn.

And, I somehow doubt there will ever be an issue appoaching the severity and extremism of the calculated moves by the current herd of right-wingers which would cause future conservatives to scatter. What? They're going to get huffy if the wealthy are asked to pay a bit more to help the state? Let's see those hordes of wealthy people come crashing down on the Capital. Both the Repugs and their rich constituency would be laughing stocks.

You Know You're a Conservative ...

2011-02-28T16:16:00.000-06:00

... if you think driving 20 mph over the posted speed limit in the far right late on Capital Drive is acceptable. And then, you cut right in front of the car in the center lane, causing that person to brake to avoid a collision. And then, you do the same thing again while moving to the left lane. The best part is, you do all this without signaling and when you finally settle into the left turn only lane and must stop because there is a red light, at that moment only do you decide to alert your fellow citizens to your intentions and turn your blinker on.

It's just another of the many freedoms conservatives want back in their lives ... the freedom to be an ass and the hell with everyone else.

Lying Liars

2011-02-22T13:26:00.000-06:00

Goebbels would have been proud of Charlie last week. No, I am not comparing Charlie to Nazis, I am simply stating a well-known fact that the techniques that Goebbels used have been studied and found effective by right-wing talk radio.

Lie enough and it will become believable. Unless contradicted, of course by your own flagship radio station.

All morning (I think it was Friday) Charlie went on ad nauseum about the "threatening" manner of the hard-working citizen protesters. He even brought on one of his junior sidekicks, Brian Fraley (himself well-versed in the techniques of lying) to offer an "eye-witness" account of the terrible anxiety being caused to state capital workers.

Funny. About 5:00 pm I turned back to WTMJ in time to hear John Nichols answer a question asked by the drive-time host. "Was the atmosphere agly?" he was asked. (Nothing like a leading question.) "No," he relied. In fact the gathering was very peaceful and so very like Wisconsin, he added. They were even polite, saying excuse and pardon me.

Liar, liar, pants on fire.

You Know You're a Conservative ...

2011-02-22T13:20:00.000-06:00

... if you think it's perfectly all right to drive down the road at 45 mph while shoveling food into your mouth.

I saw this the other day. How this woman made it safely to her destination is beyond me.

Teabaggers Converge on Madison

2011-02-22T13:07:00.000-06:00

... no procreation ensues.

Last Saturday a small group of fleshy teabaggers traveled into enemy territory to confront hard-working Wisconsin citizens exercising their democratic right to be heard outside the state capital. Dismayed that their lows of protest could not be heard, they resorted to another tactic, one that really freaked out those assembled in prtest of Scott Walker's draconian measures.

As one, teabaggers began shedding clothing. Naked to the elements, they slipped to the ground and, well, slurping ensued. "It was kind of weird," one protestor said. Another wished that teabaggers would confine their activities to bedrooms, but then they have always been hypocritical about their rights as opposed to others.

Anyway, it was reported that at the conclusion of this weird teabag ritual, and after grunts of satisfaction, teabag males motioned to their compliant women to get to their feet, clothe and together they walked off the capital grounds.

They had succeeded, temporarily, in getting the crowd to silence. One protester said as the teabbgers left, "I'm almost ready to give into Walker. I'm not sure I could stand that again."

Just Don't Cry

2010-03-23T19:51:00.001-05:00

What Roland Melnick, Patrick Dorwin, Peter DiGaudio, Owen Robinson, Charlie Sykes, Patrick McIlheran and everyone's favorite sychophant, Bruce Redenz, would have you believe ... well, only because they were told to do so. Just don't cry because, you know, the sky is falling.

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Palin Appearances to be Simulcast in English

2010-01-13T20:20:00.000-06:00

This from my new favorite funny guy, Andy Borowitz:

One day after announcing that she would be a commentator on the Fox News Channel, the network revealed that former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's appearances would be simulcast in English.

"We are delighted that Gov. Palin will, for the first time, be understandable to the English-speaking audience," said Fox News chief Roger Ailes. "This should create a whole new fan base for her."

Gov. Palin praised the decision, adding, "I know many Americans will be interested in understanding what I have to say and I will also too."

Also, saw this on comment thread at Media Matters:

I know it's already been taken, but the most descriptive title I can come up with for a conversation between Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin is "Dumb and Dumber".

Oh you haters. (snark)

Finnish Interpretation of McBride/Flynn Affair

2009-12-16T21:11:00.000-06:00

Don't watch this while using drugs. You will die. You will die from terminal giggles.

Marjorie Rock: Sept. 18, 1936 - Sept. 22, 2009

2009-09-24T21:18:00.000-05:00

My dear mother, Marjorie Rock, passed away Tuesday morning. With the help of my sister, Kelly, here is the obituary I wrote for publication. She was loved by many.

Marjorie Janet (Kiefer) Rock, age 73, rose to heaven light as a feather early Tuesday morning, September 22, 2009. At the time of her departure Marjorie was a resident of Franklin, WI. However, her final act occurred in Mountain Home, AR -- coincidentally her home for the previous nine years -- where she had traveled to speak at an Alcoholics Anonymous conference.

Marjorie debuted September 18, 1936 in Menasha, WI, the first of eight children born to Rodney and Janet Kiefer. A graduate of St. Mary’s in Menasha, “Mush” was active in the marching band, played the sax, won many prizes for her artwork and danced her way into the hearts of many.

She was married to John W. “Bill” Rock in 1955. Five beautiful children emerged from that union.

The defining date of Marjorie’s adult life occurred February 9, 1970. It was the day she began nearly 40 years of sobriety. Marjorie was a fixture at many AA clubs and was often asked to speak, several times on national stages, about alcoholism and addiction.

On July 9, 1983 she was married to Donald Howard. Marjorie and “The Donald” were inseparable (and irreverent) until the time of her final curtain call. There was so much love. Marjorie was an inspiration to many people, but their bond was something that was rare and beautiful.

Marjorie was a devotee of the theatre and the arts. She was a writer, actor, dancer, choreographer and director. During her West Bend, WI years she was involved in children's theatre as well as Musical Masquers.

After retiring to Mountain Home in 2001, she joined the Twin Lakes Playhouse where she acted in and directed several shows, including their first ever musical. She was also a painter, knitter and master crepe paper flower maker. Marjorie seemingly had time for everything and everyone.

Marjorie had a special creative friend in Diane Bloom with whom she co-wrote the psycho musical comedy drama, Pop Out of the Drama, a two-woman show blending therapy and theatre. They sang and danced in over 25 performances around the Midwest.

Unstinting with her time, Marjorie obtained an AODA certification and began a long association with the former Dewey Center in Milwaukee as an alcoholism and drug abuse counselor. After the Dewey Center, she worked another 16 years with Mary Karegeannes.

Marjorie was also an enthusiastic supporter of LGBT rights; gave generously of her time and was outspoken about intolerance.

Marjorie is survived by her husband Don Howard; her children, Timothy Joseph (Kelly), Kelly Ann (Bruce) Atwell, Thomas Michael (Tammy), Kevin Patrick, Kathryn Mary (Blaine Schultz) and Janet Howard; her siblings, Anne (Richard) Gollnick, Michael (Irene) Kiefer, Douglas, Daniel and Stanley Kiefer, Susan (Ted) Blohm, Bill (Jodee) Kiefer and Diane Bloom; thirteen grandchildren, Benjamin, Samantha, Andrew, Patrick, Brandon, Taylor, Haley, Emily, Kiefer, Keaton, Ian, Abigail and the Mighty Quin; plus a plethora of nieces and nephews.

Nothing left unsaid, all has been done to the best of my ability. So much attachment remains … but it all floats in an openness that feels incarnations old. Through all of the searching I have finally taken birth … and I see that love is the only rational act of a lifetime.

-- Noah Levine

When I die ... you can cremate me
but not right away bury me as I'll be
beneath a Live Oak Tree ...
and the roots they will suck from my decaying body
the tree will grow strong
and lovers will carve a heart in my chest
and children will swing on my arms
and the birds will drop ... down
a nest in my head
then you can chop me down
cremate me in your fireplace
and bury the ashes over the Phoenix International Airport
where they'll rise again
for the sake of HEAVEN
you can say "Marge Rock"
and Marge rocks again!

-- Biff Rose

Ain't This the Truth

2009-09-23T13:59:00.000-05:00

From comment section at Sadly, No!.

You know who I would go to as the authority on racism? Conservative white people. I’m sure they know all there is to know on the subject.

It's true. Ask Fred Dooley. He's from the deep South.

They're Liberals Now

2009-08-21T13:52:00.000-05:00

Geiger-Hemmer Blames Gall Bladder Surgery

2009-08-18T10:48:00.000-05:00

Amy Geiger-Hemmer, who wrote a disparaging blogpost the other day regarding the vicious attack on Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, had this to say today ... an apology of sorts.

"I took the piece from somebody else and reposted it on my blog. Additionally, I did this shortly after having gall bladder surgery and while under the influence of painkillers and anesthesia. In that state I didn't notice anything wrong with the post. I'm from the Town of Merton (where Jessica McBride resides as well) and to me what was posted was not stupid, it was a Merton thing. If I had not been under the effects of anesthesia I would have likely noticed that it could have been taken the wrong way and would have passed on it."

Well, not really. Especially since today she compounds the error with this.

Right-Wing Murder Again

2009-05-31T15:57:00.000-05:00

AP via JSOnline: Prominent late-term abortion provider George Tiller was shot and killed Sunday in a Wichita church where he was serving as an usher, his attorney said. The gunman fled but a city official said a suspect is in custody.

No doubt at all in my mind that this was done by a right-wing so-called “Christian”. Probably an NRA member or supporter, too. You know, those who think it funny to threaten to meet peaceful Obama workers at the door packing heat, or those who advertise open carry get-togethers even after its discovered white supremacists are making noises about attending, too. By their actions or inactions, these people enable and encourage the nut-right into committing murder.

It Does Boggle the Mind

2009-05-29T12:57:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Tom Tomorrow.

Thoughts on Yard, Part Two

2009-05-28T21:07:00.001-05:00

Spring has sprung and our gardens are bursting forth in color and life. Previously, I wrote of the tasks before us at the beginning of spring. The pictures below will demonstrate how far we've come with the limited resources at our disposal this year.

The fifty or so tulip bulbs that Kelly planted late last fall are reaching the end of their blooming cycle. They kept the yard colorful as we waited for the perennials to start arriving. As you can see the hostas are coming into their own. They'll get much larger.

Kelly spliced a number of the hostas and replanted them in the new garden in the front of the house where the ugly bushes once resided. Additionally, she added ground cover, day lilies and a couple others whose names I've forgotten. We did purchase a bird bath, a bird feeder (the finches love this one) and a hummingbird feeder. No tiny hoverers yet.

We haven't done much to the patio garden in the back other than weed and fertilize. Most of the work was done last year with the laying of the brick boundaries.

We were finally able to get the big garden plot moving after too many weeks of frustrating rain. The ground finally dried enough for me to take the tiller and enlarge the plot by two feet all around. We then took out two of the raised beds and added two larger ones.

We have planted two cherry tomato plants and two husky tomato plants; two jalapena plants; two strawberry plants; half a bed of potatoes and half a bed of onions; beans; zuchini; peas;and an entire 8 x 12 foot bed of flowers that Kelly and the girls picked out.

We're looking forwrd to the next nice weekend. We are adding a stand to the middle of the garden for hanging upside down tomato plants and I want to finish moving the stones from the other garden on the side of the house to this one for covering the paths between the beds.

Neumann Guilty

2009-05-22T17:17:00.000-05:00

Likely conservative, Leilani Neumann, was found guilty of killing her 11-year old daughter today. The saddest part of this is the daughter died knowing her mother did nothing to save her.

Pro-life indeed.

A Dissembling Fool

2009-05-20T15:10:00.001-05:00

Patrick McIlheran resorts to lying to make a point about the marriage amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution.

" ... the amendment wasn’t about gay people but about forestalling any project to redefine marriage."

Sure. If you believe after 150+ years the citizens of Wisconsin, just for the heck of it, decided to upgrade the definition of marriage. Really?

Weak Defense

2009-05-19T07:28:00.000-05:00

From today's article in the JS Online on Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland:

"We all considered sexual abuse of minors as a moral evil, but had no understanding of its criminal nature."

This is a fairly amazing statement. How can a person not believe there might be legal sanctions against something morally evil?

I've been willing to give Weakland the benefit of the doubt because I have always thought of him as a thoughtful and compassionate man. But then he writes this explanation for wanting a private funeral for Father Lawrence Murphy, who is thought to have abused up to 200 deaf children.

"So far, we have succeeded in preserving his reputation, and I hope we are able to do so in the future."

So, most important was this priest's reputation! How about the children molested by this priest?

It is not for me to condemn Weakland.

I'll let others make crude jokes at his expense, they have no decency anyway -- plus they have a political agenda since Weakland was a liberal voice in a conservative church. But Weakland's writings seem very self-serving to me.

Peaches and Cream

2009-05-18T17:44:00.000-05:00

Eat your hearts out, everyone -- my daughters Quin (2-years old) and Abby (8-years old).

Doyle Signs Smoking Ban

2009-05-18T11:47:00.000-05:00

Yes!

Dharma Baseball Bums

2009-05-18T11:32:00.000-05:00

Fun piece in the NY Times today. Apparently Jack Kerouac was a big fantasy baseball fan. So big and so mysterious about it that even his closest friends like Allen Ginsberg and William Burroughs had no clue.

Kerouac created his own game with imaginary teams and players, collected their stats, analyzed their performance and even had contract disputes.

... Kerouac played an early version of the baseball game in his backyard in Lowell, Mass., hitting a marble with a nail, or possibly a toothpick, and noting where it landed. By 1946, when Kerouac was 24, he had devised a set of cards with precise verbal descriptions of various outcomes (“slow roller to ss,” for example), depending on the skill levels of the pitcher and batter. The game could be played using cards alone, but Mr. Gewirtz thinks that more often Kerouac determined the result of a pitch by tossing some sort of projectile at a diagramed chart on the wall. In 1956 he switched to a new set of cards, which used hieroglyphic symbols instead of descriptions. Carefully preserved inside plastic folders at the library, they now look as mysterious as runes.

Very cool. I made up my own game when I was a kid using simple die throws, too. For example, two 3s thrown in succession would result in a home run. I don't remember many of the other combos, but I do recall keeping copious stats. Interestingly enough, home run hitters like Hank Aaron tended to hit more in my game. Other player performances would be similar to real life.

To this day, since I was absent a calculator, I can add and subtract numbers in my head rapidly -- all because of the dice game.

I'll bet Kerouac would have been a hell of a Strat-o-Matic player.

Good, Clean, White Fun

2009-05-13T11:09:00.000-05:00

That influential blog, Badger Blogger, and Mythy, would like to alert us all to an open carry picnic that will be held May 17 at the Marvin Gardens Park, Town of Onanlaska, La Crosse County (you might have to pass Go to get there). Below is the header from the pdf announcing the get together.

Did I mention that Mythy is a friend of Stormfront. Stormfront is the premier White Nationalist Community Internet forum. Its mission is described as providing a discussion board for pro-White activists and anyone else interested in White survival.

So all you Badger Blogger readers (does that include Mythy?), get on your horses, holster those sidearms and head out to Onlaska on Sunday.

Do you think the African-American family above will be welcomed with open arms, so to speak?

Sample Not of Local Blogger

2009-05-12T07:25:00.001-05:00

Saw this title to an artcle in JS Online this morning: "Rare Sample from Dinosaur Age Found in Wisconsin". Alas, my first instincts were wrong and it was not a story about Dad29, our local blogger fossil. Coulda sworn though.

Waterboarding New Olympic Sport

2009-05-12T07:16:00.000-05:00

As always, thanks to the talents of Tom Tommorow.

From the Influential Blog

2009-05-11T13:31:00.001-05:00

This is what passes as commentary at Badger Blogger, supposedly an influential blog.

I hope Wanda Sykes gets gangraped and murdered.

Other conservative blogs aren't much better.

Flowers Blooming

2009-05-07T20:45:00.001-05:00

Especially the human variety.

Can't Touch This

2009-05-06T09:05:00.000-05:00

My children are well-versed on what websites are age appropriate for them. However, one never knows where the accidental keystroke might lead so we installed Net Nanny a few years ago and have found it a very efficient program for blocking the viewing of sexually explicit and pornographic websites.

For a few months, a group in West Bend has been yammering for censorship in West Bend. Mark Peterson at the Motley Cow has been doing a yeoman's job following the faux controversy. The group is led by a local woman, Ginny Maziarka, who in an effort to excise her prurient desires has insisted on the removal of certain books because their contents offend her religious sensibilities.

I'm sorry that's not right anymore. She's upset because the books are pornographic in nature.

That's changed, too? I see, now her mission is to keep libraries safe.

Well, regardless of the continually changing mission of the confused petitioners, I tried to surf to the WISSUP site that Maziarka runs and was amused to discover I was being blocked by Net Nanny because of pornographic content.

This reminded me of something I read many years ago in one of my philosophy courses with Professor Dan Putnam. It seems apropos considering the twisted motives and ever-changing rationale of the censorship group in West Bend.

When the mind's eye rests on objects illuminated by truth and reality, it understands and comprehends them, and functions intelligently; but when it turns to the twilight world of change and decay, it can only form opinions, its vision is confused and its beliefs shifting, and it seems to lack intelligence. (Plato, Republic)

Robert Freeman

2009-05-04T09:14:00.000-05:00

I was checking one of my fantasy baseball league boards this morning and saw a message from Craig Freeman, a friend of mine for over 40 years. Craig noted with sadness that his father, Robert Freeman, passed away Sunday morning, May 3rd.

I remember meeting Craig the summer of 1968. His family had just returned to Wisconsin from a year in England. We were both 12-years old and our birthdays were 12 days apart. We became instant friends. When not involved in adolescent highjinks, listening to music or playing baseball and football, we spent many evenings at each others homes. At the Freeman home our antics were warmly tolerated by Craig's mother, Ethel, and with bemusement by his father.

Craig's mother has always seemed to me a proper English woman. In fact for years I believed she was from England. She has always inquired how I was and listened with genuine interest. My impression of Craig's father was similar; but he was more continental than Ethel I thought. I guess it was appropriate since Robert taught French in the West Bend high schools.

Robert was also, to this adolescent, slightly odd. There were many ways that he appeared so, but most famous was his love for gardening. How many fathers garden? But Robert not only loved it he was very good at it and the Freeman yard was always in full bloom, regardless of the season. He also liked to cook. From childhood on whenever I stayed at the Freeman home a tasty breakfast was invariably waiting in the morning with fun conversation and inquiries about the family and life in general. I always felt like family.

It's been quite a while and I've lost count of how many years, but Robert had been long afflicted by that most terrible of diseases, Alzheimers. I have seen firsthand how hard for Craig it's been not to have more than a one-way conversation with his father. I can only imagine the pain Craig must have felt to not even be recognized by his father.

The last time I saw Robert was at the funeral of his oldest son, Scott (another painful story). That was five years ago. Though he turned to me when I said his name, his gaze was fastened somewhere else. Still, the smile was the same.

To Ethel, Craig and Julie (and all other family members) my condolences.

Oh, one of the loves of my life is my yard and its gardens. I learned from Robert it was alright to depart from the stereotypical. Thank you, Robert, for that gift.

Let's Go a Noodling

2009-04-29T16:26:00.000-05:00

In a previous post about atheism, and Pastafarianism, one of the commenters wrote a tongue -in-cheek reply that caused me to inquire whether the author was "noodling" me. Having written that, I wondered whether there wasn't some sort of other meaning to the word noodling, in the same manner as the sexually explicit word -- teabagging -- which right-wingers latched onto cluelessly to describe the actions they took for their failed protestations on Tax Day this year.

Ah ha. There is, though fortunately not embarrassingly (I still shudder to think of Fred Dooley teabagging anyone). From Wikipedia:

Noodling is a southern US practice of fishing for catfish using only bare hands. Many other names, such as catfisting, grabbling, graveling, hogging, dogging, gurgling, tickling and stumping, are used in different regions for the same activity. Noodling is currently legal in eleven states. The term "noodling", although today used primarily towards the capture of flathead catfish, can and has been applied to all hand fishing methods, regardless of the method or species of fish sought. Noodling as a term has also been applied to various unconventional methods of fishing, such as any which do not use bait, rod & reel, speargun, etc., but this usage is much less common.

I'll just purchase them at a store, thank you.

Swine Flu: No Worries

2009-04-28T11:52:00.000-05:00

Comment seen at Media Matters.

I think Rush has more to fear from swine flu than from anything else. It doesn't have to jump species to infect him.

Coming Out of the Closet

2009-04-27T12:19:00.001-05:00

Atheists and Pastafarians are less likely to remain in seclusion according to a recent article in the New York Times. His Noodly Appendage will be pleased.

You are not alone!

Invasion of the Odd Parents

2009-04-27T10:09:00.001-05:00

Our daughter, Quin, was visited by an odd couple on Sunday who claimed to be her parents. She grabbed the phone, but not knowing how to dial 911, acquiesced in the end to having her picture taken with them.

That's it for today, though I will be trying to write 30 minutes a day regularly from this point forward. It won't be anything specific and it will probably be link-free mostly because these will be my thoughts and I won't be trying to convince anyone with *proof* or such. I'll leave that to all the serious people. In fact, I may come back and edit things periodically. That's what aspiring writers do. It will sort of be my on-line journal -- saving me paper costs.

One thought does come to mind about the torture discussion. We as a nation have always been good at condemning other countries for their [let's say] lapses in judgment. And yet, when we slip up similarly the sanctimony comes oozing from our national pores. I just think we should be more invested in doing what we say -- perhaps the rest of the world would be more respectful.

Who Are Them

2009-04-01T12:08:00.000-05:00

Stephen Colbert mocks Glenn Beck -- pretty easy to do.

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

The 10/31 Project

comedycentral.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

NASA Name Contest

Death to America

2009-03-31T10:26:00.000-05:00

First time I saw this. It's funny.

Delusional

2009-03-29T11:47:00.000-05:00

This from today's Milwaukee JSOnline in which Judge Randy Koschnick expresses encouragement from the results of a survey.

The late-February poll, conducted by a professional pollster for the MacIver Institute, had Abrahamson leading - by a 41% to 13% margin. But the remaining 46% of those who responded were either undecided or didn't know either candidate. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.

"I think the poll was actually good news," Koschnick said. "She has the advantage of incumbency. I'm the challenger. Heading into the election, I have an excellent chance of winning this race."

A number of things come to mind. Koschnick is being a bit delusional if he thinks trailing by 28 percentage points is an encouraging sign, regardless of the origin of the survey. Plus with no money and no help from outside sources, how does Koschnick expect those 46 percent undecideds to get to know him?

And regarding the origin of the survey, one would have thought the author of the article, Steve Walters, would have identified the pollster and noted that the MacIver Insitute is a far right-wing conservative group.

Just another example of the demise of objective and accurate reporting and how Faux News-like the JournalSentinel has become.

Pork Loin and Sauerkraut

2009-03-26T11:52:00.000-05:00

My wife's side of the family is mostly Irish. The Rock side is classic American mutt ... a dash here and there from almost everywhere in Europe according to research my Dad has done.

However, when cooking it's my German side that most often makes an appearance -- in this recent instance a craving for sauerkraut and pork occurring while visiting the local Pick 'n Save. I saw the sale price for the boneless pork loin (with packages of sauerkraut conspicuously placed nearby -- ah the power of suggestion) and I was hooked.

I had to hurry. It was nearly 10:30 am. I knew I was going to use the slow cooker to cook the pork and wanted at least seven to eight hours. So, I quickly gathered the following ingredients.

3-4 pound boneless pork loin
1/2 cup of flour
2 tbls of vegetable oil
1 medium onion, sliced
2 tbls of minced garlic
5-6 red potatoes, cutup
package of sauerkraut
1/2 to 1 cup apple juice
pepper and salt

1. Add oil to a frying pan. Roll the pork loin in the flour and brown all sides of the pork, about ten minutes.

2. Slice the onion and cover the bottom of the slow cooker. Add garlic on top of onion.

3. Place the pork loin on top.

4. Cut up 5-6 red potatoes and place strategically around the pork. (I've always wanted to use the word strategically in a recipe.)

5. Salt and pepper to taste.

6. Add sauerkraut on top and pour apple juice all around.

7. Let it slow cook about seven to eight hours.

Mmmm good. Unfortunately, I discovered at dinner that no one in my immediate family (wife, 13, 8 and two-year old) likes sauerkraut -- the dog did. Everyone agreed the pork and taters were tasty, however.

Strip-search Case before Supreme Court

2009-03-24T08:01:00.000-05:00

I remember this case about a [then] 13-year old girl who was strip-searched for, get this, ibuprofen.

I can say with certainty that school officials better not ever touch my children – especially if searching for ibuprofen.

Still, the case is interesting as it will likely set a precedent on the limits of school searches and what rights do adolescents have.

Thoughts on the Yard

2009-03-23T10:52:00.001-05:00

I thought it would be fun to provide before and after pictures of the yard as the season progresses. This first picture is of the north side of the house. Arrayed alternately through the garden are two different varieties of hostas – I'll have to ask Kelly if she knows the names of the varieties. We have been trying to induce vines to grow on the trellis but without much luck. It possible because of a lack of sunlight.

There used to be some huge ugly bushes here in front of the living room windows. I chopped them down late last season and managed to dig out two root systems before winter struck. A bit of work. Once the ground has thawed sufficiently I will remove the others. With finances not as robust as previous years, we are thinking of splicing some of the hostas and replanting in the front; intermingled with flowers for color. Haven't given it much thought yet.

We are in the planning stage for this year's backyard garden. Last year we tried onions and carrots without much success. However, every year is a learning cycle and we now know that we need to add more sand to the soil. This year we plan on trying potatoes and onions, abandoning the carrots. Additionally, we will be planting cherry tomato plants again. Last year's crop was especially tasty. Also, we are going to try the latest fad – upside down tomato plants.

As always the purpose of the backyard garden is to be functional as well as decorative. Consequently, Kelly will be given the options of which flower types to grow. I do know that we will be surrounding the outside of the garden with marigolds again.

I had hoped to built a more permanent enclosure around the garden this year. I was going to plant posts at approximately six foot intervals and insert frames of two x fours with chicken wire stretched over the frames between the posts. I was also going to lay out some flat bricks along the edge for decoration and to provide a buffer for the encroaching grass. Don't know if that will happen.

Anyway, more later as the plans become more fleshed out.