Hey, didn't John McCain deplore this campaign tactic back in 2000? Just another fallen brick from the rapidly diminishing honor wall.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Situational Ethics -- Indeed
When does WTMJ squawk-host Jeff Wagner believe that a crime is not a crime?
According to Wagner, Darshane Morgan, the young woman who claimed to police and school authorities that she had been subjected to both verbal and physical abuse at West Bend East due to her race should be prosecuted because ... “a crime is a crime, even if it's committed by a 15-year old African-American girl.”
Wagner was notably silent when another nationally covered event occurred, and maintains his distance today with the announcement that Ashley Todd, the 20-year old white McCain supporter who falsely claimed a black Barack Obama supporter assaulted her and carved a “B” on her cheek will be released from jail and enter a probabtion prgram for first-time offenders.
According to Wagner, Darshane Morgan, the young woman who claimed to police and school authorities that she had been subjected to both verbal and physical abuse at West Bend East due to her race should be prosecuted because ... “a crime is a crime, even if it's committed by a 15-year old African-American girl.”
Wagner was notably silent when another nationally covered event occurred, and maintains his distance today with the announcement that Ashley Todd, the 20-year old white McCain supporter who falsely claimed a black Barack Obama supporter assaulted her and carved a “B” on her cheek will be released from jail and enter a probabtion prgram for first-time offenders.
Under the agreement, her criminal record will be expunged after if she stays out of trouble and gets mental treatment on probation. Most people spend a year on probation in the program, which is for first-time, nonviolent offenders.No words of concern from Wagner for Ms. Morgan, an obviously troubled teen. It's no wonder a majority of Wisconsin voters decided that Wagner would be unsuitable as Attorney General back in 1994, relegating him to a second-rate position as Charlie Sykes' caddy at WTMJ. Obviously, the citizens of Wisconsin knew a crime when they saw one. Electing Wagner would have been prosecutable.
"Our focus was really, 'This is somebody who appeared to have some mental issues,'" said prosecutor Chris Avetta. "And we wanted to make sure she doesn't hurt herself or anybody else."
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
When All Is Lost (or not)
It's getting real bad for the Palin/McCain ticket as each of their manufactured smears come crashing to the ground. I predict when the grazing is bare and the sheep are hunkering for one last leaf of grass, McCain will finally succumb to leading the herd in this last hurrah and squander his last vestiges of honor. Akin to theose moronic USA chants will be this last volley:
POW, POW, POW!
POW, POW, POW!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
ACLU Member
Thanks to dad29. Without his innuendo and invective regarding the American Civil Liberties Union, I would not have been compelled to join. Woo hoo. I got my decal in the mail today. I'm now officially a card-carrying member.
This is Sad, too
From JSOnline:
The financial crisis on Wall Street has claimed its first large Milwaukee arts group. Milwaukee Shakespeare's board of directors is closing the company because its principal funder, the Argosy Foundation, informed the troupe it was unable to provide the grant expected for the 2008-'09 season.We all suffer when the arts are shut down.
This is Really Sad
The right went all ballistic about some kids and parents singing about Obama and hoping for positive change with his election as president. Talk about uptight.
Now comes this. Is there really any other conclusion other than there are a lot of real sick people on the conservative side of the ledger.
h/t Glenn Greenwald
Now comes this. Is there really any other conclusion other than there are a lot of real sick people on the conservative side of the ledger.
h/t Glenn Greenwald
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Just Sickening
A comment left at Plaisted Writes, where Mike has been forced to moderate comments because of the writer.
"Early morning, November 4th a shot rang out in the Chicago sky, the Newspapers shouted Obamas has died!!!!!!!Free at last from the socialist democrat joke, The liberals whined, the liberals cried, the rest of the country cheered! They said he has died, who gives a fuck about his pride, let him have his pride, he has died! Now capitalism has survived, and socilalism has also died. Obamas memory will survive as liberals are afraid to lie, they hold the line, afraid to cross the line, as they fear they may be next!! So this message is clear, for all to hear this socialists time is short, hope someone is out there for me to cheer, I hope someone not me, will take him out!! So this country can stay free.Sick.
Those are some great lyrics, LMAO
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
New York Times Endorses Obama
Must read. Fairly devastating opinion about the candidates' differences.
It will be an enormous challenge just to get the nation back to where it was before Mr. Bush, to begin to mend its image in the world and to restore its self-confidence and its self-respect. Doing all of that, and leading America forward, will require strength of will, character and intellect, sober judgment and a cool, steady hand.
Mr. Obama has those qualities in abundance. Watching him being tested in the campaign has long since erased the reservations that led us to endorse Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Democratic primaries. He has drawn in legions of new voters with powerful messages of hope and possibility and calls for shared sacrifice and social responsibility.
Mr. McCain, whom we chose as the best Republican nominee in the primaries, has spent the last coins of his reputation for principle and sound judgment to placate the limitless demands and narrow vision of the far-right wing. His righteous fury at being driven out of the 2000 primaries on a racist tide aimed at his adopted daughter has been replaced by a zealous embrace of those same win-at-all-costs tactics and tacticians.
Hank Williams Jr. a Buffoon
I just heard Hank Williams Jr. on the Neil Cavuto show. He's endorsing McCain, which is fine. But after listening to him I came to the realization the man is an absolute buffoon. Should make up a sign: Buffoons for McCain. That would go over.
The Common Touch
Just to get an idea of how out of touch the Republican hierarchy is with its faithful lower-class sheep, and the rest of us, I went to the online store, Ann Taylor, to look at and get an dea of woman's apparel prices. I really don't know the cost of such stuff, so in an effort to reach the $150,000 apparently spent on Gov. Sarah Palin, I used the outfit creation menu, took the highest price in each category, multiplied that price by four and then assumed she would wear three suits a day for two weeks because of her grueling schedule inciting the bleating masses. The overall price does not include undergarments or jewelry.
Pumps: $472 each @ 48 pairs = $19,824
Scarves: $192 each @ 48 pieces = $8,064
Pleated v-necks: $176 each @ 48 pieces = $7,392
Flippy skirts: $432 each @ 48 pieces = $18,144
Jackets: $792 each @ 48 pieces = $33,264
Handbags: $912 each @ 48 pieces = $38,304
Total price = $124,992. Cool, left room for jewelry and underpants.
Wow. The RNC makes Imelda Marcos look like a spendthrift. Thanks for that common touch. I'd be surprised if my wife spends that much in ten years.
Pumps: $472 each @ 48 pairs = $19,824
Scarves: $192 each @ 48 pieces = $8,064
Pleated v-necks: $176 each @ 48 pieces = $7,392
Flippy skirts: $432 each @ 48 pieces = $18,144
Jackets: $792 each @ 48 pieces = $33,264
Handbags: $912 each @ 48 pieces = $38,304
Total price = $124,992. Cool, left room for jewelry and underpants.
Wow. The RNC makes Imelda Marcos look like a spendthrift. Thanks for that common touch. I'd be surprised if my wife spends that much in ten years.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Oops -- Again
The New York Post has admitted the room service story it posted about Michele Obama was false. I suppose doing a little checking before writing the story would have been too hard, too professional, too journalistic.
Of course that didn't stop Fred Dooley of Dooley and Pals from jumping on the story. In light of the correction, Fred has come out with his own sort of retraction.
I'll be deleting the blog post I did on that story, it would not be fair to keep it posted.
Heh. I suspect the real reason for the deletion has nothing to do with fairness and everything to do with the fear of being continuously reminded of his faux pas. A blogger with actual morals about blogging would add an update and apology to the original post.
Fred flops.
Of course that didn't stop Fred Dooley of Dooley and Pals from jumping on the story. In light of the correction, Fred has come out with his own sort of retraction.
I'll be deleting the blog post I did on that story, it would not be fair to keep it posted.
Heh. I suspect the real reason for the deletion has nothing to do with fairness and everything to do with the fear of being continuously reminded of his faux pas. A blogger with actual morals about blogging would add an update and apology to the original post.
Fred flops.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Damn Tire Slashers
From Talking Points Memo.
Four years ago some young area adults got caught slashing the tires of vehicles rented by the local GOP to aid in getting out the conservative vote. The responsible parties, including two who were related to local Democrats were eventually found guilty and sentenced to four to six months.
Just proving stupidity does cross party lines.
Attendees at a Barack Obama rally Oct. 19 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, had their tires slashed apparently by supporters of John McCain and Sarah Palin. Following the rally, early Obama voters were heckled by McCain/Palin supporters outside at least one polling place in Fayetteville.
According to the Fayetteville Observer, some person or persons unknown slashed the tires of at least 30 vehicles parked outside Fayetteville's Crown Coliseum during the Oct. 19 Obama rally, leaving attendees including a single mother and her baby stranded and upset. At least four tow trucks had to be called for stranded vehicles at a cost upwards of $100 for each vehicle. One Obama supporter quoted in this report expressed the belief that the slashed tires were an effort to intimidate her and others like her, but insisted that she wouldn't be deterred from supporting Obama.
Following the rally, Obama supporters taking advantage of early voting were met by hecklers outside at least one Fayettevile polling place. Unlike the anonymous tire-slashers of earlier in the day, the hecklers outside this polling place left no doubt as to who they were and why they were there. As shown in two videos posted to the Washington Times, many of the hecklers were holding McCain/Palin campaign signs; and all were white while most of the voters they were heckling were black. Reporter Christina Bellantoni described the McCain/Palin forces here as "a group of loud and angry protesters who shouted and mocked the voters as they walked in" to vote, their shouts including the usual claims that Obama is a "socialist" or a "terrorist," and even that the voters themselves were "cheaters."
Four years ago some young area adults got caught slashing the tires of vehicles rented by the local GOP to aid in getting out the conservative vote. The responsible parties, including two who were related to local Democrats were eventually found guilty and sentenced to four to six months.
Just proving stupidity does cross party lines.
Monday, October 20, 2008
More Dooley and Pals
Deke Rivers, at his blog Caffeinated Politics, rightly brings up the issue of Rush Limbaugh stoking the flames of racism with his intemperate comments about Colin Powell and his endorsement of Barack Obama for preisdent. A point worthy of discussion. You know, real debate.
But Fred Dooley, headmaster of Dooley and Pals and sycophant author of the hilariously misnamed blog, Real Debate Wisconsin had this to say in rebuttal:
Where’s your report on leftie Ed Shultz approving of vote theft?
I can see a pattern here – so here are some more Fred attempts at real debate.
Blogspot subject: Brett Favre's return from retirement has been a media circus.
Fred's response: When's your next story on blacks in the inner city?
Blogpost subject: It is important the United Sattes return to space and complete the space station.
Fred's response: Where's your story on the proper methods of toe jam removal?
Blogpost subject: Climate change is a serious issue and will effect millions before the end of the next decade.
Fred's response: Where's your story on conservative bloggers exposing themselves as blithering idiots every time they put fingers to keyboard?
But Fred Dooley, headmaster of Dooley and Pals and sycophant author of the hilariously misnamed blog, Real Debate Wisconsin had this to say in rebuttal:
Where’s your report on leftie Ed Shultz approving of vote theft?
I can see a pattern here – so here are some more Fred attempts at real debate.
Blogspot subject: Brett Favre's return from retirement has been a media circus.
Fred's response: When's your next story on blacks in the inner city?
Blogpost subject: It is important the United Sattes return to space and complete the space station.
Fred's response: Where's your story on the proper methods of toe jam removal?
Blogpost subject: Climate change is a serious issue and will effect millions before the end of the next decade.
Fred's response: Where's your story on conservative bloggers exposing themselves as blithering idiots every time they put fingers to keyboard?
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Dooley and Pals
Today begins a new feature on The Other Side of My Mouth: Dooley and His Pals (ages 2-7). It's dedicated to the often ironic, usually childish commentary at the hysterically misnamed Real Debate Wisconsin. All are welcome to contribute (piratebat@wi.rr.com). Here's today's first batch of playground witticisms.
What do you expect? Obama's just a street thug with a law degree. --Asian Badger
Libtardsavenothing. You are a failure. You've accomplished nothing in your life. You can bullshit till the cows come home (or in your case mom and mom) but you are a nobody. Libs are useless. --Gus/mickey
Barack Obama is a disgrace, as is anyone dumb enough to vote for our new Socialist Overlord. --Dooley
Allah-is-groovy, you are a lib troll because you are a lib troll. You know it, I know it we all know it. Your entire presence here is to piss people off with your disdain for Jesus. --Gus/mickey
Radzich, you are quite the toolbox....and an illeterate one. --Still unreal
What do you expect? Obama's just a street thug with a law degree. --Asian Badger
Libtardsavenothing. You are a failure. You've accomplished nothing in your life. You can bullshit till the cows come home (or in your case mom and mom) but you are a nobody. Libs are useless. --Gus/mickey
Barack Obama is a disgrace, as is anyone dumb enough to vote for our new Socialist Overlord. --Dooley
Allah-is-groovy, you are a lib troll because you are a lib troll. You know it, I know it we all know it. Your entire presence here is to piss people off with your disdain for Jesus. --Gus/mickey
Radzich, you are quite the toolbox....and an illeterate one. --Still unreal
What If He Is?
As I wrote earlier on this blog, I believe a desensitization of American society has occurred because of 9-11. And I blamed "...those who claim to be right-wingers, conservatives, Republican and many so-called Christians. That includes not only those who have been the most forward about spreading vicious lies and slanders about Muslims, helping to whip ignorant Americans into a fever-pitch frenzy toward anyone who looks or sounds different -- Muslim."
Yesterday (Ret.) General Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama for president. He had kind words to say for Obama's opponent, too, but he also said this:
Powell is absolutely correct. As I reiterated previously, those on the right who have contributed to the anger, mistrust and lies, should be ashamed of themselves. And the next time someone finds it convenient to belittle Muslims, remember this picture of the gravestone of a brave American who gave his life for this country.
Yesterday (Ret.) General Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama for president. He had kind words to say for Obama's opponent, too, but he also said this:
I'm also troubled by, not what Sen. McCain says, but what members of the party say, and it is permitted to be said such things as: "Well, you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim." Well, the correct answer is: he is not a Muslim. He's a Christian. He's always been a Christian.
But the really right answer is: What if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer is: No, that's not America. Is there something wrong with some 7-year-old Muslim-American kid believing he or she can be President?
Yet I have heard senior members of my own party drop the suggestion: he's a Muslim, and he might be associated with terrorists. This is not the way we should be doing it in America.
Powell is absolutely correct. As I reiterated previously, those on the right who have contributed to the anger, mistrust and lies, should be ashamed of themselves. And the next time someone finds it convenient to belittle Muslims, remember this picture of the gravestone of a brave American who gave his life for this country.
h/t Glenn Greenwald
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Brian Fraley's Excellent Imagination
h/t The most excellent Jay Bullock at folkbum's rambles and rants, and again with sincere apologies to Mr. Tom Tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Voices
I'm not ashamed to play this video, nor am I ashamed of the sentiment expressed. There is nothing frightening about people singing. Those on the right can mock us all they want, but the fact is -- they're just jealous because they can't carry a tune. Yuk yuk.
All right, mostly they're jealous because somewhere deep down inside most of them yearn for the same things – Peace, Prosperity, Respect.
All right, mostly they're jealous because somewhere deep down inside most of them yearn for the same things – Peace, Prosperity, Respect.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Maraka
My 21-month old is a Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego Go fan. As a break, because things have been getting way too serious, here is the Saturday Night Live spoof of Dora the Explorer. You may have to have been there.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
More Palin Lies
Being a maverick means never having to tell the truth. How Cheney-esque. From Glenn Greenwald:
Here’s what Sarah Palin said today on a conference call with Alaskan reporters about the Troopergate report; her lying is so brazen that it’s nothing short of despicable (first ellipses in original):
The Report explicitly found that she “abused her power” by “violating” an Alaskan ethical statute — a law — and she’s stating that the Report “cleared her of any legal wrongdoing … any hint of any kind of unethical activity.” Again, if she wants to dispute or disagree with the Report’s conclusions, that’s her right. But what she said here is just a bald-faced lie about what the Report says. There’s just no other way to describe that. She really is out-Chenying Dick Cheney.
Here’s what Sarah Palin said today on a conference call with Alaskan reporters about the Troopergate report; her lying is so brazen that it’s nothing short of despicable (first ellipses in original):
Palin: Let me talk a little bit about the Tasergate issue if you guys would let me and, Meg, you want me to just jump right on in there?
Stapleton: Sure governor, go ahead.
Palin: OK cool.
Well, I’m very very pleased to be cleared of any legal wrongdoing … any hint of any kind of unethical activity there. Very pleased to be cleared of any of that… .He did what any – I think — any rational person would do so again, nothing to apologize there with Todd’s actions and again very pleased to be cleared of any legal wrongdoing.
The Report explicitly found that she “abused her power” by “violating” an Alaskan ethical statute — a law — and she’s stating that the Report “cleared her of any legal wrongdoing … any hint of any kind of unethical activity.” Again, if she wants to dispute or disagree with the Report’s conclusions, that’s her right. But what she said here is just a bald-faced lie about what the Report says. There’s just no other way to describe that. She really is out-Chenying Dick Cheney.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Normal People Rejoice
Normal people rejoiced in the Connecticutt Supreme Court's ruling that same-sex couples have a consitutional right to marry.
Unhinged groups and those with questionable morals immediately expressed outrage by stamping their feet on the ground, by holding their breath and by threatening to run away.
“Like these once prevalent views, our conventional understanding of marriage must yield to a more contemporary appreciation of the rights entitled to constitutional protection,” Justice Richard N. Palmer wrote for the majority in a 4-to-3 decision that explored the nature of homosexual identity, the history of societal views toward homosexuality and the limits of gay political power compared with that of blacks and women.
“Interpreting our state constitutional provisions in accordance with firmly established equal protection principles leads inevitably to the conclusion that gay persons are entitled to marry the otherwise qualified same-sex partner of their choice,” Justice Palmer declared. “To decide otherwise would require us to apply one set of constitutional principles to gay persons and another to all others.”
Unhinged groups and those with questionable morals immediately expressed outrage by stamping their feet on the ground, by holding their breath and by threatening to run away.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Mr. Haroon Khan
I met Mr. Haroon Khan today, but I wish under better circumstances.
I was beginning a walk with my 21-month old, her brother andd sister and our dog this afternoon when I spotted our neighbors, the Siddikis, in their driveway. Amir and Aysha are two of the nicest neighbors one could after ask for (the entire neighborhood is great, too). Their three kids are absolutely precious.
Anyway, I went over to say hello and noticed they seemed very somber, almost distracted -- quite unlike the usual greeting which is always accompanied with smiles. I asked what was up and Amir told me they had just returned from the funeral of Haroon Khan.
Oh my. I was at a loss for words. What could I say other than I was sorry?
I knew that Mr. Khan, the son of a physician and a UWM student as I had been, had been murdered by a young man from Watertown, apparently as the end act in the theft of Khan's car. I had seen the news on TV and had been shocked. I suppose I should have known that the local Muslim community isn't that large and it was likely that the Siddickis would have know the Khan family.
It was obvious they were both still in shock and deeply affected by Mr. Khan's death. Amir asked if I knew anything about the incident. I replied only what I had seen on television. Amir told me that Khan's murder was a brutal affair. Amir said Khan begged for his life. Khan apparently said he had a family and promised not to say anything about the theft. However, the young man had already determined that this theft would end in murder it was later determined. Khan was stabbed, Amir told me, 25 times and his throat was cut. His body was then dumped into a shallow hole.
As Amir told me this he shook and nearly broke into tears. He couldn't believe this had happened for a car. Why, he asked. It made no sense.
I don't know the young man who so viciously took Khan's life, but I can tell you why I think some of the brutality went beyond simple burglary. I think that a desensitizing effect has come over much of American society as a result of 9-11. I blame those who claim to be right-wingers, conservatives, Republican and many so-called Christians. That includes not only those who have been the most forward about spreading vicious lies and slanders about Muslims, helping to whip ignorant Americans into a fever-pitch frenzy toward anyone who looks or sounds different -- Muslim. I blame those, too, on the right who have not said anything. Those who have remained quiet but could have spoken out.
Being Muslim has become the new four-letter word and anti-Muslim hysteria has been fanned throughout the nation. Even though no other candidate uses his or her middle name formally, the right thinks it somehow funny to use the given middle name of Barack Obama, not out of any sign of respect, but as a crude tie to Saddam Hussein. Muslims are routinely called ragheads and terrorists. Their religion is slandered and their people targeted with hate mail.
Even today I was told by a local small businessman that he wasn't voting for that A-rab Hussein Obama. And then he said, when I mentioned I would be voting for him that he heard A-rab News had said they'd soon have a way in to the United States through the White House.
Yes, A-rab News.
I do know this -- I feel incredibly sorry for my wonderful neighbors. They have adopted this country as their own, their home. They are the best neighbors anyone could ever ask for. And I saw them today in such pain and sorrow. It's not right.
My condolences to the Khan family. I am so sorry for your loss.
UPDATE:
Update: You can't go to McCain/Palin rallies now without hearing the hate-driven people who have been whipped to a frenzy and a blind rage. These same resentlul people are yelling that Obama is a terrorist, a Muslim, (as though that would be wrong) a socialist and that his supporters are commuists. And, of course, the racist crap is just starting to appear publicly along with threats to his life (which Palin enables).
According to Glenn Greenwald, there is a billboard (at least one) of Obama wearing a turban and even the little kids are being twisted by the lizards on the right. A neighbor kid suggested I take down our Obama sign because he wants to kill children.
There is nothing at Obama rallies that approaches the invective being delivered at McCain/Palin rallies. The right should be ashamed.
UPDATED AGAIN: Friday at a McCain rally in Minnesota a woman said, "I don't trust Obama. I have read about him. He's an Arab."
Yep, no one unhinged here.
I was beginning a walk with my 21-month old, her brother andd sister and our dog this afternoon when I spotted our neighbors, the Siddikis, in their driveway. Amir and Aysha are two of the nicest neighbors one could after ask for (the entire neighborhood is great, too). Their three kids are absolutely precious.
Anyway, I went over to say hello and noticed they seemed very somber, almost distracted -- quite unlike the usual greeting which is always accompanied with smiles. I asked what was up and Amir told me they had just returned from the funeral of Haroon Khan.
Oh my. I was at a loss for words. What could I say other than I was sorry?
I knew that Mr. Khan, the son of a physician and a UWM student as I had been, had been murdered by a young man from Watertown, apparently as the end act in the theft of Khan's car. I had seen the news on TV and had been shocked. I suppose I should have known that the local Muslim community isn't that large and it was likely that the Siddickis would have know the Khan family.
It was obvious they were both still in shock and deeply affected by Mr. Khan's death. Amir asked if I knew anything about the incident. I replied only what I had seen on television. Amir told me that Khan's murder was a brutal affair. Amir said Khan begged for his life. Khan apparently said he had a family and promised not to say anything about the theft. However, the young man had already determined that this theft would end in murder it was later determined. Khan was stabbed, Amir told me, 25 times and his throat was cut. His body was then dumped into a shallow hole.
As Amir told me this he shook and nearly broke into tears. He couldn't believe this had happened for a car. Why, he asked. It made no sense.
I don't know the young man who so viciously took Khan's life, but I can tell you why I think some of the brutality went beyond simple burglary. I think that a desensitizing effect has come over much of American society as a result of 9-11. I blame those who claim to be right-wingers, conservatives, Republican and many so-called Christians. That includes not only those who have been the most forward about spreading vicious lies and slanders about Muslims, helping to whip ignorant Americans into a fever-pitch frenzy toward anyone who looks or sounds different -- Muslim. I blame those, too, on the right who have not said anything. Those who have remained quiet but could have spoken out.
Being Muslim has become the new four-letter word and anti-Muslim hysteria has been fanned throughout the nation. Even though no other candidate uses his or her middle name formally, the right thinks it somehow funny to use the given middle name of Barack Obama, not out of any sign of respect, but as a crude tie to Saddam Hussein. Muslims are routinely called ragheads and terrorists. Their religion is slandered and their people targeted with hate mail.
Even today I was told by a local small businessman that he wasn't voting for that A-rab Hussein Obama. And then he said, when I mentioned I would be voting for him that he heard A-rab News had said they'd soon have a way in to the United States through the White House.
Yes, A-rab News.
I do know this -- I feel incredibly sorry for my wonderful neighbors. They have adopted this country as their own, their home. They are the best neighbors anyone could ever ask for. And I saw them today in such pain and sorrow. It's not right.
My condolences to the Khan family. I am so sorry for your loss.
UPDATE:
Update: You can't go to McCain/Palin rallies now without hearing the hate-driven people who have been whipped to a frenzy and a blind rage. These same resentlul people are yelling that Obama is a terrorist, a Muslim, (as though that would be wrong) a socialist and that his supporters are commuists. And, of course, the racist crap is just starting to appear publicly along with threats to his life (which Palin enables).
According to Glenn Greenwald, there is a billboard (at least one) of Obama wearing a turban and even the little kids are being twisted by the lizards on the right. A neighbor kid suggested I take down our Obama sign because he wants to kill children.
There is nothing at Obama rallies that approaches the invective being delivered at McCain/Palin rallies. The right should be ashamed.
UPDATED AGAIN: Friday at a McCain rally in Minnesota a woman said, "I don't trust Obama. I have read about him. He's an Arab."
Yep, no one unhinged here.
John McCain: Enabler of Fraud
Keating Economics is a smashing indictment of John McCain and the extent to which he doesn't care about the American people, at least those making less than $250,000 a year. From day one he has been the champion of de-regulation, the cause of the Keating massacre and today's problems. To say now that's not true is a lie.
Furthermore, all Republicans and conservatives are just as guilty of fraud as McCain. They have enabled this behavior and those who are in office deserve to be voted out, and those who have enabled them from the sidelines (like local conservative bloggers) should be forced to pay what the rest of us are going to be stuck with – the bill for Republican greed.
Furthermore, all Republicans and conservatives are just as guilty of fraud as McCain. They have enabled this behavior and those who are in office deserve to be voted out, and those who have enabled them from the sidelines (like local conservative bloggers) should be forced to pay what the rest of us are going to be stuck with – the bill for Republican greed.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Who Has Sarah Been Palling Around With?
Secessionists. h/t The Jed Report
And for those who think the press is biased. David Talbot asks this excellent question.
And for those who think the press is biased. David Talbot asks this excellent question.
Imagine the uproar if Michelle Obama was revealed to have joined a black nationalist party whose founder preached armed secession from the United States and who enlisted the government of Iran in his cause? The Obama campaign would probably not have survived such an explosive revelation. Particularly if Barack Obama himself was videotaped giving the anti-American secessionists his wholehearted support just months ago.The petty attacks on Obama's character regarding the inconsequential meetings with William Ayers don't compare to the Palins' hatred for this country and its people. A hatred not based on their support for Alaskan independence, but rather on their belief that Americans are so gullible to believe their lies.
Cannot be Good News for McCain
While the McCain campaign (and my friend James Wigderson), continue to flail about hopelessly hoping that their smear attacks will make a difference, Obama has now bolted to a commanding five point lead in the popular vote according to FiveThirtyEight.com. In the Electoral College, Obama/Biden now leads the hapless McCain/Palin ticket 343.8 – 194.2.
The larger Obama's margin in the popular vote becomes (and over the course of the past several weeks, he's been gaining a full a point on McCain roughly every three days) the less the relative positioning of the states matters. For John McCain to get back into this race, he is going to need some dramatic events to occur, and we don't know in which types of states such events might have a differential impact; something like an outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East could make a very different electoral footprint than new revelations about Barack Obama and William Ayers.What the electorate seems to be saying is that the attacks on Obama's character are failing. Voters are seeing through the McCain smokescreen and the Palin wall of incoherence. They appear to be deciding in ever greater numbers that it's time to put adults in charge of their government, leaving McCain/Palin to play dirty with the other playground brats.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
The Conservative Base IV
As the campaign gets closer to its end, you just knew the pressure on the conservative base to hide their true feelings from the rest of the public would become too great. They're beginning to pop. I can't wait to see what will spew from No Runny Eggs, a local conservative blog, who has crossed the line in the past. Anyway, witness an incident in Florida by a 7th grade teacher.
If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the classroom. Of course in Florida, referring to the candidate of a national party as a nigger just means you get transferred to teaching adult classes.
Go figure.
h/t Raw Story
The 7th grade teacher, Greg Howard, asked his students what "change" stood for in relation to the Obama campaign and proceeded to write out the acronym "come help a nigger get elected."
If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the classroom. Of course in Florida, referring to the candidate of a national party as a nigger just means you get transferred to teaching adult classes.
Go figure.
h/t Raw Story
The Conservative Base III
Another example of what constitutes the conservative base.
Chris Baker, a conservative Minneapolis radio host, recently said, “I don't think homeless people should vote.” He added that he wasn't especially thrilled by women voting either, "Because women tend to vote more for security than freedom."
Whatever. Why don't we just bring back the poll tax? Better yet, let's just roll back all voting rights and limit voting to wealthy white males only? I'll bet we could find quite a few "freedom-loving" conservatives who woud agree.
Chris Baker, a conservative Minneapolis radio host, recently said, “I don't think homeless people should vote.” He added that he wasn't especially thrilled by women voting either, "Because women tend to vote more for security than freedom."
Whatever. Why don't we just bring back the poll tax? Better yet, let's just roll back all voting rights and limit voting to wealthy white males only? I'll bet we could find quite a few "freedom-loving" conservatives who woud agree.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Oh Shit! Oh Shit!
I hope Mr. Rivers over at Caffeinated Politics won't take offense at this blatant ripoff. It's absolutely hilarious and besides, double the exposure is good for ensuring the message gets out.
I did watch the debate, and I did see the sometimes frantic shuffling she did behind the podium with all those notecards. She was so incredibly scripted. Good job, actually by her handlers.
I did watch the debate, and I did see the sometimes frantic shuffling she did behind the podium with all those notecards. She was so incredibly scripted. Good job, actually by her handlers.
How Dare They Ask Questions
Buoyed by unfounded optimism after the Vice President Debate, Governor Sarah Palin is now whining that Katie Couric didn't ask the right questions.
Despite what Palin and the goons on the right may think, she's still in over-her-head. It was irresponsible of McCain to put her on the ticket. I, for one, don't want a hockey mom as vice president.
“Honestly, the Sarah Palin in those interviews is a little bit annoyed,” Ms. Palin said, smiling broadly, “Because it’s like, man, you know, no matter what you say, you’re gonna get clobbered.”What? She thinks Sean Hannity at Faux News is a real journalist. Newsflash, it's not the job of the media to ask puffball questions. Nothing Couric asked Palin was out of the ordinary for any legitimate candidate. That Palin's answers made a full-frontal lobotomy patient sound coherent is not Couric's fault.
“In those Katie Couric interviews,” she said, “I did feel that there were a lot of things that she was missing.”
Despite what Palin and the goons on the right may think, she's still in over-her-head. It was irresponsible of McCain to put her on the ticket. I, for one, don't want a hockey mom as vice president.
Stupid as a Virtue III
From Patrick Dorwin, owner of Badger Blogger, a local meeting place for nitwits.
What you seen again last night is the future of Conservatism for many years to come… And that scares the hell out of some of you.If that's true, it should scare the hell out of all of us.
Stupid as a Virtue II
In response to a question from Gwen Ifill asking what her achilles heel might be, Governor Palin had this to say:
My experience as an executive will be put to good use as a mayor and business owner and oil and gas regulator and then as governor of a huge state, a huge energy producing state that is accounting for much progress towards getting our nation energy independence and that's extremely important.Er, what position is she running for again?
Stupid as a Virtue
My 21-month old enjoys the television show "Go Diego, Go". So after settling her into her highchair and placing the mush and milk in front of her, I turned on the TV and was confrnted with Cindy McCain being interviewed. I heard Cindy say she couldn't understand why John was so interested in her because she was so young.
I swear, do conservatives extol stupid as a virtue?
Let me answer that for you, Cindy. Younger, prettier than current crippled wife and you have money that will help finance his political career.
I swear, do conservatives extol stupid as a virtue?
Let me answer that for you, Cindy. Younger, prettier than current crippled wife and you have money that will help finance his political career.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The Blame Game
James Widgerson informs us today that the McCain campaign is pulling out of Michigan, conceding the state to conserve funds and battle elsewhere where it considers its chances are still good. James titles his post “Run to the Helicopters,” an obvious nod to the United States' final ignominious retreat from burning Saigon as it was finally overrun by the victorious armies of the North.
It has been a mantra of the Right that the United States abandoned its South Vietnamese ally too soon, that ours was a cowardly retreat, a Weimar Republic effort. Now, with defeat staring them in the eyes in this campaign, Widgerson and his allies are ready to do a “helicopter.” You know, though, they won't wait until the last second to start the blame game in earnest. Glenn Greenwald covers it well today. He says that conservatives ...
It has been a mantra of the Right that the United States abandoned its South Vietnamese ally too soon, that ours was a cowardly retreat, a Weimar Republic effort. Now, with defeat staring them in the eyes in this campaign, Widgerson and his allies are ready to do a “helicopter.” You know, though, they won't wait until the last second to start the blame game in earnest. Glenn Greenwald covers it well today. He says that conservatives ...
... have run the country for the entire decade. For the last 14 years, they've controlled the House for all but 20 months. They spent substantial parts of the last eight years in control of all branches of government simultaneously. They've won 7 out of the last 10 presidential elections. The country's largest and richest corporations -- including the ones owning the most powerful media outlets -- pour money into their party and perceive, correctly, that their interests are served by the Right's agenda. But still -- they can't get a fair shake; everything is deeply oppressive to them; it's all so unfair.Conservatives who were so quick to blame everyone else, especially liberals, for the outcome in Vietnam, will soon be returning to haunts familiar to them as they ratchet up the rewrite of history and sit back and take comfort, while sipping their scotches and waters and smoking their cigars, that it really wasn't their fault.
As they've ruled the country, it's been driven into the ground on every level. The President they revered and endlessly glorified is the most unpopular in modern American history. They've ushered in disastrous wars, virtual economic panic, state-sanctioned torture and astonishing debt. Their leaders have been exposed as bloated, corrupted criminals and hypocrites. Their current candidate chose as his Vice President someone who can barely string together a complete sentence or opine on the simplest of matters, and himself acknowledges that he's been joined at the hip with the failed Bush Presidency on virtually all key issues.
But still -- they're about to lose not because of anything they did, but because the corporate-owned Media hates them and is distorting their message; because they're being persecuted for their religion (which more than 75% of Americans share); because they are just weak, kind, good little Davids being hopelessly crushed by the Goliath forces arrayed in a confederacy against them. That they belong to virtually every majority group and wield most power makes no impact on any of that. This kind of self-centered, self-victimizing, self-pitying worldview provides great psychological comfort and a release from any responsibility for one's actions, and so they are highly motivated never to give it up. To the contrary, they'll cling to it -- are clinging to it -- even more desperately as their failures and rejection by the public become more vividly apparent.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Double Standard
Conservative columnist George Will has finally seen the light.
Appearing at a Senate Press Secretaries Association reception at the Cornerstone Government Affairs office, Will offered a harsh assessment of John McCain's running mate.A few days ago, a local misogynist blogger, dad29, smugly suggested that Kathleen Parker, a very conservative columnist who also said Sarah Palin was not qualified, should:
Palin is "obviously not qualified to be President," he remarked, describing her interview on CBS Evening News with Katie Couric as a "disaster."
Find Mr. Parker and let him have his way with you just once this year.
He also called her a "b-yotch". I wonder if daddio will be just as forthcoming about Will's comments. Of course, daddio will have to pull his head out of his ass to see the keyboard before typing.
h/t Illusory Tenant
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