Month: December 2007

Your President Speaks2 Comments

Your President Speaks!

Yesterday, in theWhite House, after meeting President Yar’Adua of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Not What You Expect When Friends Meet Separately We just had a very extensive and fruitful discussion on a variety of issues, and that’s what you would expect when friends meet together. The Global War On Articles Continues Mr. President, I am impressed by your commitment to reform, your adherence to the concept of rule of law, and your belief in transparency. And I congratulate you for being a strong leader. Committed To Seeing It Followed Through On The President is committed to seeing to it … Continue reading Your President Speaks!

Uncategorized1 Comment

Sickening

In May of 2006 theWashington Post reported that the US was “secretly supporting secular warlords who have been waging fierce battles against Islamic groups for control of the capital, Mogadishu.” And Tony Snow basicallyconfirmed it saying…”In an environment of instability, as we’ve seen in the past, Al Qaeda may take root, and we want to make sure that Al Qaeda does not in fact establish a beachhead in Somalia.” At that time the Somalian government warned the Bush policy was“shortsighted and dangerous.” And it was. YesterdayMcClatchy reported that Somalia has descended into Africa’s worst crisis… AFGOYE, Somalia — A year … Continue reading Sickening

Your President Speaks

Your President Speaks! Again!

Today, in theRose Garden. We’re Working On To Meet For The Needs We discussed the priorities that we’re working on to meet for the needs of the American people; we’re talking about the business that remains on Capitol Hill. There Is Four Other Countries We have laid out a way forward — and I say “we” — there’s four other countries that have joined us; we’ve got what’s called the six-party talks. The Kim Jong-Il And the five of us agree that there’s a way forward for the — Kim Jong-il, and an important step is a full declaration of … Continue reading Your President Speaks! Again!

So Called Liberal Media

The Paper

The kids are all right: Some people go into the newspaper game for less altruistic and more personal reasons. It can be a drug, and often the addicts are the most prized professionals of all. Jenny Vrentas seems on the road to being one of them. A biochemistry major who grew up in State College, she was supposed to follow in her professor father’s footsteps, but she went to the Collegian as a sports fan, for some fun. “I got a lot of encouragement,” she said, covering the Ultimate Frisbee Club and intramural basketball, “and I was pretty much hooked … Continue reading The Paper

Diary21 Comments

Holiday Cheer: Silly Movie Edition

Okay, while I am in the throes of holiday ecstasy, having finished my shopping and cards and gotten a head start on my baking (really, the key to enjoying Christmas is to start prep in August or September), it’s become apparent that folks could use a bit of help in the holiday cheering-up department. Unfortunately, I can’t give you a new preznit or a better economy, not that I’m not trying. Instead all I present to you, in no particular order, the list of movies making their rotation during the month of December: 1. Little Women (Winona Ryder/Gabriel Byrne edition) … Continue reading Holiday Cheer: Silly Movie Edition

Congress1 Comment

Contempt

Well, now that Congress is done affirming that Christmas is awesome, we can get back to howRepublicans suck: WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Senate Judiciary Committee voted on Thursday to hold two men who have been top aides to President George W. Bush in contempt for refusing to comply with subpoenas in its probe of the firing of federal prosecutors. On a largely party-line vote, the Democratic-led panel sent contempt of Congress citations against White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten and former Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove to the full Senate for consideration. “This is not a step I … Continue reading Contempt

Diary19 Comments

The first casualty in the Christmas video war will be…seemliness

Not to start a video war or anything but Iam feeling surly due to being snowed in again and I have little else to do so heck.  Michael has a lovely Christmas story of the woman charged with attempted murder for shooting 2 people because their dog damaged the Christmas decorations in her yard. (Tis the Season!)Oyster then follows with a link to a Christmas video. I watched in anticipation of Dick Cheney shooting Burl Ives in the face but no this thing was straight up holly jolly and merry. This can not stand… UPDATE: And the battle has been … Continue reading The first casualty in the Christmas video war will be…seemliness

Uncategorized2 Comments

FEMA to finally test trailers

Shouldthis be prefaced with– believe it when see it? NEW ORLEANS — Air-quality tests on the government-issued trailers housing thousands of Gulf Coast hurricane victims are scheduled to begin by next Wednesday, nearly two months after the Federal Emergency Management Agency postponed them. Harvey Johnson, FEMA’s deputy administrator, disclosed the agency’s latest plans for the tests during a hearing Wednesday in Washington before the Senate Homeland Security Committee. Senators pressed Johnson to explain the delays in testing 500 occupied trailers in Mississippi and Louisiana, where tens of thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. … Continue reading FEMA to finally test trailers

Hurricane Katrina & Federal Flood2 Comments

NOLA photographer case over

FromWWL… John McCusker, the news photographer arrested following Hurricane Katrina, walked out of court Thursday with tears in his eyes and the case finally behind him. McCusker pleaded guilty two misdemeanors, but the rule under which he entered the plea allows it to be expunged from his record in six months. McCusker must also pay almost $1,000 in fines and fees, including $250 to the police officer slightly injured in the incident. McCusker, a photographer who was part of The Times-Picayune’s 2006 Pulitzer Prize-winning staff, was seen driving wildly through the city August 8, 2006, almost a year after Katrina. … Continue reading NOLA photographer case over

So Called Liberal Media2 Comments

Take What You Want

Saying goodbye to the Cinncinati Post: Future plans for many of the staff are telling about the bleak journalism prospects. Shelly Whitehead, a police reporter, is going to work in internal communications at a hospital, while former Managing Editor Mark Neikirk, a 28-year Post veteran, has signed on to run a project at Northern Kentucky University. “There is life after journalism,” Neikirk says, but admits, “I liked going to battle everyday in the newsroom.” He says he has still not let himself think about the paper’s eventual end: “It is bad, there have always been two voices in Cincinnati.” Whitehead, … Continue reading Take What You Want

War in Iraq2 Comments

Justified Does Not Mean ‘Without Consequence’

Dorothy: So what can make all that horror “worth it” to you? What would it take for you to be willing to hand parents the remnants of their children and say, “It had to be done”–and mean it? What looming threat could allow you to stand inside a blown-up hospital, realize that the walls weren’t painted red, and still convince yourself that an air strike was the right thing to do? Under what circumstances could you honestly tell yourself and your family and your god that things will be worse–that there will be more death, more chaos, more brutality–if we … Continue reading Justified Does Not Mean ‘Without Consequence’

War in Iraq3 Comments

SNRRRRRQXZ!

Smell thefreedom. BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government has ordered all policewomen to hand in their guns for redistribution to men or face having their pay withheld, thwarting a U.S. initiative to bring women into the nation’s police force. The Interior Ministry, which oversees the police, issued the order late last month, according to ministry documents, U.S. officials and several of the women. It affects all officers who have earned the title “policewoman” by graduating from the police academy. It does not apply to men in the same type of jobs. Critics say the move is the latest sign of the … Continue reading SNRRRRRQXZ!

Holden's Obsession with the Gaggle6 Comments

Today On Holden’s Obsession With The Gaggle

TorturingDana Over Torture

Q Did the questioning of al Qaeda leader Abu Zubaydah conform with the interrogation program approved by President Bush?

MS. PERINO: I can’t comment on any specifics. So you might want to rephrase your question. It’s not — what you’re asking me is not something that I can confirm or respond to in that way.

Q I’m asking if it was within the guidelines — the interrogation techniques, was that within the guidelines of these programs approved by the President?

MS. PERINO: I will say that all interrogations — all interrogations have been done within the legal framework that was set out after September 11th, and they are measures that have been tough and limited. They are safe, and they have been very effective in helping prevent terrorist attacks on this country. All of the — the entire program has been legal.

Q Are you saying that whatever was done in this case was not torture?

MS. PERINO: I am saying that the United States does not torture. The President has been —

Q No, I’m asking you if what was done in this case was not torture, in your opinion.

MS. PERINO: I’m saying the United States does not torture.

[snip]

Q But when you have a former CIA officer, John Kiriakou, now saying that waterboarding was used — since you’re saying the interrogations were legal; he’s saying on the record now, waterboarding was used in at least one case. You’re saying waterboarding is legal?

MS. PERINO: Ed, I’m saying I’m not commenting on any specific technique. I’m not commenting on that gentleman’s characteristics of any possible technique. I’ve given you a very general statement about interrogations being legal, limited and —

Q You just said it was legal.

MS. PERINO: I’m sorry?

Q You said it was within the legal framework.

MS. PERINO: Yes.

Q Everything that was done.

MS. PERINO: Yes.

Q So waterboarding is legal.

MS. PERINO: I’m not commenting on any specific techniques. And you can ask me all sorts of different ways, and we can go back and forth, but I’m not going to do it, Ed.

Continue reading “Today On Holden’s Obsession With The Gaggle”

Your President Speaks2 Comments

Your President Speaks!

Today, at theWhite House, after a meeting with President Giorgio Napolitano of Italy. A Really What? Secondly, we just had a really around-the-world trip, as we discussed problem areas and our mutual desire to work together to help solve those problems. A Foreign Affair We had a very compatible relation — discussion, because by and large, we’re in agreement on how to advance the solutions to these issues. I’m Have Expressed And finally, I’m — have expressed and will continue to dialogue with the President about my deep concern about Iran. Continue reading Your President Speaks!

Your President Speaks3 Comments

Your President Speaks!

What an outrage! Chimpy is banned from the annualFoot-In-Mouth competition! Dood is the Barry Bonds of malapropisms. LONDON (Reuters) – Former England football manager Steve McClaren fought off tough competition from U.S. President George W. Bush to win a dreaded “Foot in Mouth” award on Tuesday from the Plain English campaign. He was hailed for a supreme example of gobbledegook in talking about star player Wayne Rooney: “He is inexperienced but he’s experienced in terms of what he’s been through.” George W. Bush came second for “All I can tell you is that when the governor calls, I answer his … Continue reading Your President Speaks!

Immoral Values12 Comments

Sunday Post

holdencaulfieldfd

Favorite drink. Lately I’ve been on a peppermint liqueur kick, but really mine’s a butterball. Two parts butterscotch schnapps, one part scotch. Tastes like candy and gets you hammered faster than anything else on earth. GREAT for a cold night on which you’ve just been dumped or stood up or fired. (Yes, I know it’s a shameful thing to do to scotch, and ordinarily I do not support the raping of the quality liquor in such a fashion, so if you make it, don’t use the Glenlivet. Use the cheap shit. It’s still yummy.) A. Continue reading Sunday Post

Congress

And then Unitary Executive?

The 2008 defense authorization bill now approved by conference committee and headed to Congress for passage includes a repeal of Bush’s modification to the Insurrection Act which gave him power to federalize the National Guard in emergencies. FromGovexec.com… Meanwhile, governors also applauded the defense bill for repealing language in the FY07 defense authorization bill that allowed the president to federalize the National Guard during emergencies and other domestic disasters without the consent of affected governors. Of course the Bush administrationopposes this repeal as it “could be perceived as significantly restricting the statutory authority for the President.” In other words watch … Continue reading And then Unitary Executive?

Terrorism9 Comments

So Here’s A Piece of Work

Danielle Crittenden: I scooped up a plain black canvas carry-on bag and headed over to the security line. I had no intention of flying to New York. This was an experiment. I’d become suspicious of the lack of suspicion I’d received during my week-long veiling. I’d encountered no fear, no hostility, hardly even any curiosity. If anything, my fellow Washingtonians showed unusual courtesy to a woman in a burka. And so it continued at the airport. The ticket agent had registered zero reaction when I’d approached the counter, except to offer an extra cheerful greeting: “Hi! Where are you travelling?” … Continue reading So Here’s A Piece of Work

So Called Liberal Media2 Comments

Remind Me To Never Piss Ron Kampeas Off

Ouch. Dunleavy repeatedly pressed Huckabee to free Dumond, in his columns and in personal queries to the then-governor. In the end the parole board saved Huckabee from making the decision (reportedly under pressure from Huckabee, although he now denies this.) In any case, Dunleavy made Dumond’s release a national cause. Yet he has maintained silence since Dumond’s arrest in the 2001 rape-murder. I’ve never met Dunleavy, but he has a reputation as a standup guy. So let’s hear it: Freedom of speech is at stake, Steve. We need to know your innermost thoughts: What were you thinking when you championed … Continue reading Remind Me To Never Piss Ron Kampeas Off

Of Interest15 Comments

A Kiss On The Hand May Be Quite Continental

But diamonds are a mom’s best friend? The jewelry commercials during the holidays always gross me out. Not just because the stuff’s more than I can afford and rarely to my taste; I’m not fond of diamonds, though I do love jewelry itself. No, mostly it’s the implication that clueless men can get out of doing stupid shit and continue to convince their long-suffering wives to fuck them if they just buy them sparklies. It’s insulting to everybody in the marriage and with two weeks to go until Christmas, I pretty much already want to shoot the TV. Every kiss … Continue reading A Kiss On The Hand May Be Quite Continental

Pony, Bitches!1 Comment

Still The Worst

NewCBS News/NYTimes Poll: The dour economic outlook is coupled with numbers showing a large majority of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction: 71 percent said America is on the wrong track, compared to only 21 percent who said it was headed in the right direction. These numbers have been relatively stable since 2006. Given these results, it is unsurprising that President Bush’s job approval rating remains near his record low, with 28 percent approving of his performance, down from 30 percent in October. That is only 1 percent higher than his worst rating, recorded in June. … Continue reading Still The Worst

Hurricane Katrina & Federal Flood1 Comment

Market Driven Bulldozers

Go to Squandered Heritage to see the photos. Karen says this of it… While the residents of the City have encouraged active reinvestment in the City, the City itself has encouraged, promoted and provided the means to create active dis-investment. SNIP So here we are lettingmarket forces do the job, and right now the market force is demolition. Let’s face it, it is easy..notcheap, so a fair number of folks are making anice profit off it. And it sounds likeprogress to our Mayor. But it sounds like, looks like and feels like despair to those of us who do not … Continue reading Market Driven Bulldozers

Stupid Republican Tricks8 Comments

Today on Athenae’s Obsession with the Freepi: Guns in the Temple Edition

Freepi on the church shootings. GoodLord: Kudos to the “guard” who put an end to this quickly before it got worse. Just doing the Lords work and helping another soul meet Jesus. That’s why you don’t have “gun free” zones anywhere. “Gun free” zones attract deranged folks with guns, especially those with just enough sense to not want anyone shooting back. A friend of mine is a bodyguard and is one of the ushers at his Pentecostal church. He told me several years ago that the ushers at many congregations are fully armed nowadays. Every Sunday and Holy Day I … Continue reading Today on Athenae’s Obsession with the Freepi: Guns in the Temple Edition

So Called Liberal Media3 Comments

Not Long Enough

But I’ll take it. Fallen media mogul Conrad Black was today sentenced to serve between 6.5 and 8 years years in a US jail, following his conviction earlier this year for embezzeling millions of dollars from his Hollinger media empire. The disgraced peer, who could have faced 24 years in prison, is expected to appeal the sentence. Chicago judge Amy St Eve had come under pressure to impose a longer term in the light of Black’s lack of remorse and his repeated attacks on the US judicial system. The fallen media tycoon has repeatedly denied his guilt, dismissing the US … Continue reading Not Long Enough