Month: July 2009

Current Affairs, Jude3 Comments

Attention Donald Rumsfeld: Yours Will Be Much, Much Worse Than This

Robert McNamara being interviewed today from Round 2 of the Ninth Circle, City of Dis, Hell. So, McNamara finally died. After a long, long life that saw him as the architect of incalculable misery for millions of people, he’s dead. I won’t shed any tears. And god DAMN, wasBob Herbert on fire regarding this issue. The hardest lesson for people in power to accept is that wars are unrelentingly hideous enterprises, that they butcher people without mercy and therefore should be undertaken only when absolutely necessary. Kids who are sent off to war are forced to grow up too fast. … Continue reading Attention Donald Rumsfeld: Yours Will Be Much, Much Worse Than This

So Called Liberal Media1 Comment

FroomkinWatch

Apparently AriannaHuffington is no dummy. Either that, or she readmy post from last week on the former WaPo journalist whose name is oh, so fun to say. (If so, Hi, Arianna! You should hire Mr. BuggyQ next. If Froomkin’s going to be exposing all those naked emperors I talked about, you’ll want pictures, and Mr. BuggyQ does fantastic fine art nude photos. Srsly.) To all you who were tempted to take me up on my bet as to whether Froomkin would end up at a new media outpost, your mamas didn’t raise no stupid children. Let’s hope this frees up … Continue reading FroomkinWatch

Terrorism7 Comments

Robert McNamara Dies

Obit: Finally, in 1993, after theCold War ended, he undertook to write his memoirs because some of the lessons of Vietnam were applicable to the post-Cold War period “odd as though it may seem.” “In Retrospect: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam” appeared in 1995. McNamara disclosed that by 1967 he had deep misgivings about Vietnam — by then he had lost faith in America’s capacity to prevail over a guerrilla insurgency that had driven the French from the same jungled countryside. Despite those doubts, he had continued to express public confidence that the application of enough American firepower would … Continue reading Robert McNamara Dies

So Called Liberal Media6 Comments

‘Pimp On, Madam’

Katharine Weymouth apologizes for making the price tag so big and shiny: We have canceled the planned dinner. While I do believe there is a legitimate way to hold such events, to the extent that we hold events in the future, large or small, we will review the guidelines for them with The Post’s top editors and make sure those guidelines are strictly followed. Further, any conferences or similar events The Post sponsors will be on the record. The commenters aren’t buying it: Trust is not at all like baseball; You only get one strike. — Your ombudsman referred to … Continue reading ‘Pimp On, Madam’

So Called Liberal Media5 Comments

It’s So Rude to Care

NPR: Amazingly, a caller asked Shepard about the advent of blogs and how it has diversified commentary, and in replying, Shepard put on her most condescending and self-glorifying voice to say this: I think, um, we’re now at a stage where the debate is between dialogue and diatribe, and I wish there was more dialogue. I think there’s more diatribe. That’s from the same person who refuses to “dialogue” about her views outside of NPR-affiliated confines. Well, and also, wouldn’t it all be better if we just didn’t raise our voices so much? I agree that what you call a … Continue reading It’s So Rude to Care

Economy6 Comments

Healthy, LIVING Employees are Good for Your Business!

I mean, really, unless you own a zombie bar: But our politicians have a problem. Both Democrats and Republicans have shared in the $46 million in campaign contributions from the insurance industry. Needless to say, what is in the best interest of the nation is exactly opposite to the best interest of the for-profit insurers. The 22-percent saved comes right out of their pocket. The question is how do we pay for it as a universal program? But first let’s understand who’s paying for it now. Everybody is. We pay in cost-shifting, bankruptcy costs, and lastly, when businesses add their … Continue reading Healthy, LIVING Employees are Good for Your Business!

Political Crack7 Comments

Give It Back!

We’re going to have to invade England now because they have our stuff: LONDON — British researchers have announced the discovery of a rare original copy of America’s Declaration of Independence _ just in time for the Fourth of July. Katrina McClintock, a spokeswoman at the National Archives, said Thursday that a researcher accidentally discovered the “Dunlap print,” named after a printer, several months ago. The find was announced only after it could be properly catalogued. Edward Hampshire, the National Archives’ specialist in colonial materials, said the find was “incredibly exciting.” “It is likely that only around 200 of these … Continue reading Give It Back!

So Called Liberal Media5 Comments

Even Bankrupt Newspapers: Still Profitable

Despite my best efforts: Tribune doesn’t report profit, but a Crain’s analysis of cash flow shows the company had an 8% profit margin for the first few months of the year, which is less than half the 19% margin it boasted in the first half of 2008. Tribune is “still profitable, but significantly less so than last year,” Mr. Corbett said. [snip] Instead of revenue, the company reports operating receipts, which were down 14% from the beginning of the year to $1.36 billion as of May 31. Despite the drop in operating receipts, the company took in $112 million more … Continue reading Even Bankrupt Newspapers: Still Profitable

Political Crack7 Comments

Bwa ha ha ha ha ha!

Candy for the GOP. Yeah.You suck, Republican Party. This is amusing as hell for me, though. So they’ve lost Bob Barr to a Libertarian bid. *hrmph* *snorkle* *chuff* Bah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oh, it’s just so fucking funny! My favorite part of the article, though, is this bit: Christopher Barron, a Republican political consultant, thinks it is equally plausible that Barr could hurt Obama. “I think Bob Barr’s candidacy could impact the race — but I don’t know at this point which candidate he is likely to help or hurt,” he said. “If Barr’s candidacy is … Continue reading Bwa ha ha ha ha ha!

Hurricane Katrina & Federal Flood, Scoutprime10 Comments

Strip Lieberman

scoutprime2014

Lieberman is threatening to leave the party again.Kos says this… I WISH he’d bolt, but he won’t. He has more influence doing his periodic threats. I wish Reid would simply strip him of his committee assignments and bid him adieu. I agree and especially regarding Lieberman’s chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Hillary Clinton recently introduced legislation to “restore FEMA to an independent, Cabinet-level agency, with an administrator who would report directly to the president and have authority to take whatever action is necessary during emergencies.” This is a much needed change yet Lieberman has … Continue reading Strip Lieberman

Stupid Republican Tricks6 Comments

Today on Tommy T’s Obsession With The Freeperati – Palin and Pals edition

Ok, everyone – I know you’re all expecting me to wade into the Bailin’ Palin thing, but it’s been pretty well trampled flat at many blogs. Let’s suit up, and I’ll see what’s left over. Palin to make announcement from Wasilla at 3 [will not seek re-election] Politico ^ | July 3, 2009 | Ben Smith Posted onFriday, July 03, 2009 1:40:27 PM byAl B. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will make what her office is only calling an “announcement” at 11 AM local (3 Eastern) from her home in Wasilla. Speculation is raging both in Alaska and in the Lower … Continue reading Today on Tommy T’s Obsession With The Freeperati – Palin and Pals edition

Current Affairs, Jude7 Comments

Please Don’t Take Their Midnight Sunshine Away

Can it be? Is it possible? No more Sarah Palin? Nah. Not at all. She’s like that last five pounds you’re trying to lose–annoying, stubborn, and almost impossible to get rid of. And, not to step on Tommy T’s Toes, but I just had to check out Freeperville. Naturally, they did not disappoint. I picked the thread with the most replies, and thar’scomedy gold in them thar virtual hills: This is the result of hundreds of billions of dollars of middle east political monies buying a Muslim President that will not quit until he destroys all opposition. 2 posted on … Continue reading Please Don’t Take Their Midnight Sunshine Away

Stupid Republican Tricks14 Comments

Fight! Fight! Fight!

Murkowski vs. Palin SMACKDOWN! “I am deeply disappointed that the Governor has decided to abandon the State and her constituents before her term has concluded,” Murkowski wrote. Well, and really. Four years is not that long to be in a job that, let’s face it, is quite taxing but is also not that much harder than, say, digging ditches or teaching sixth grade. Having David Letterman say mean things about your children sucks, but also … sticks and stones. Nobody was asking Sarah Palin to walk point in Fallujah, for chrissakes. A. Continue reading Fight! Fight! Fight!

Stupid Republican Tricks11 Comments

So Sarah Palin Quit Today

You may have noticed from the general sense of mourning and misery around the liberal blogosphere. You know why she quit on a Friday evening before a holiday weekend? Because she hates us. You, me, Wolf Blitzer, all political reporters, all the people who bring the political reporters coffee, the guys who fix the lights on the sets the political reporters sit on, she hates us all. I have a book I’m trying to read, another book I’m trying to write, and most of all some major relaxation to do in preparation for a day of drinking on the morrow … Continue reading So Sarah Palin Quit Today

Uncategorized3 Comments

Quitting Time Booster Shot

p>- QTBS NEWS FLASH:apparently Alaska’s gain is going to be our gain as well, as Sarah Palin announced she’ll be stepping down as governor. Implied in this decision is the idea that she’ll make a run at the presidency. Since she was using a basketball analogy in her explanation and since Obama plays a mean game of hoops, let’s just explain the 2012 election this way: If she makes the tourney, it’s going to be a 16 seed/1 seed game. – As a tribute to Michael Jackson upon hearing about his death, CFL wide receiver Arland Bruce scored on a … Continue reading Quitting Time Booster Shot

Political Crack4 Comments

Let’s Not Get Crazy Here

Herbert: It’s no secret that Americans want to turn the page on the George W. Bush era. Turnouts have been extraordinary, even record-breaking, in the Democratic contests thus far. In Florida, where no candidates actively campaigned in the Democratic primary, more than 1.7 million voters went to the polls. They knew their state’s delegates might not be seated at the party’s national convention, but they were going to vote, no matter what. At the same time, Democrats are far outpacing Republicans in fund-raising. Senator Obama raised an astonishing $32 million in the month of January alone. There is a surge … Continue reading Let’s Not Get Crazy Here

Geek Cred4 Comments

Everything I need to know, I learned from Boogie Nights

p> p>(A.K.A: W.W.D.D.D?) Sometimes the world doesn’t make a lot of sense. My last university tenured someone and gave her a distinguished chair position after only about half the time usually required for tenure because she was the last person left with half a brain. Had it given those out to the people who actually did leave, the school would have been better off and wouldn’t be stuck filling three more positions. A raving psychotic is likely to not only get his way in my current job but destroy our department as well. My best friend got a jump on … Continue reading Everything I need to know, I learned from Boogie Nights

So Called Liberal Media16 Comments

Fact-Checkers

Has anyone else noticed that all election season reporters have waited for “fact-checkers” to come out with lists of lies in political speeches?Example: “I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again,” McCain will say, according to prepared remarks. “I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not.” But when Joe Lieberman tried this line of attack on Obama, fact-checkers called the “claim false.” “In the Senate he has not reached across party lines to get anything significant done, nor has he been willing to take on powerful … Continue reading Fact-Checkers

Diary2 Comments

Friday Ferretblogging

So a ferret walks into a bar: Customers at The Railway in Rhosddu were enjoying a pleasant midweek evening drink and a chat when a furry blond visitor suddenly scuttled over the threshold. They could hardly believe their eyes, as the inquisitive animal trotted happily about the place. The pub has given him the nickname ‘Fosters’ and he is currently being cared for by ferret expert John Rogers. I’m trying to imagine Riot walking into a bar. He’d most likely scarf peanuts or whatever other human food he could steal until he was stuffed and then find a place to … Continue reading Friday Ferretblogging

Terrorism3 Comments

This Isn’t Yours

Hey, Mr. President.This doesn’t need to be your problem. The Justice Department argues that the volume of material it needs to go through in the CIA’s 2004 inspector general report is just too great to meet any pre-August 31 timetable. Not only is the IG report itself 200 pages, that’s just one of 319 documents under review as part of the case. The ACLU replies that the CIA and the Justice Department have already missed three deadlines for the agreed-upon disclosure, and lawyer Amrit Singh writes that she’s “disturbed by the clear trend emerging in the government’s repeated delays in … Continue reading This Isn’t Yours

Your President Speaks4 Comments

Your President… Wait For It… SPEAKS!

Last night, inWashington. Heckuva Job I want to thank the House leaders who are here: Roy Blunt, Adam Putnam, Darrell Issa — Issa, you did a heck of a job tonight, thank you for doing this. Demoncrat The Democrat version of protecting America is a bad bill. It Will Be The Right Decision Ever? Removing Saddam Hussein was the right decision early in my presidency, it is the right decision now, and it will be the right decision ever. The Vision Folks Have Got We’re involved in an ideological struggle between folks who murder the innocent to achieve political objectives, … Continue reading Your President… Wait For It… SPEAKS!