General Politics Thread III: Stimulate THIS

[Machu505]

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k477/machu505/clinton_laughing.jpg

Discuss all things political here. Guns, gays, immigration, killin' grandma... you know the drill.

Resources, links, etc.
CNN (http://www.cnn.com/)
CQ (http://corporate.cq.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=12)
FiveThirtyEight (http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/)
Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/)
The Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/)
Kaiser Family Foundation (http://www.kff.org/)
MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/)
Politico (http://www.politico.com/index.html?refresh=1)
Roll Call (http://www.rollcall.com/)
Think Progress (http://thinkprogress.org/)

Government sites
White House (http://www.whitehouse.gov/)
Senate (http://www.senate.gov/index.htm)
House of Representatives (http://www.house.gov/)
THOMAS (http://thomas.loc.gov/)

Any other links would be appreciated and promptly added, and to the administrators: sticky please. Also, many thanks to Lauren for the name suggestion.

Enjoy!

[lauren<3s music]

www.rollcall.com (http://www.rollcall.com)
www.cq.com (http://www.cq.com)
www.kff.org (http://www.kff.org)

oh and for the sake of argument since we know we'll be discussing it:

http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1722:hr-3200-americas-affordable-health-choices-act-of-2009-markup-day-5&catid=141:full-committee&Itemid=85

[WarpSpeedChewy]

Katie Couric: Are we really still debating health care when a man brings a handgun to a church where the President is speaking?" (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/14/katie-couric-denounces-fe_n_260190.html)

Why is she the first journalist to say this aloud.

From previous Thread:
"I've got facts on my side and you've got Glenn Beck on your side." (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/14/rick-larsen-ive-got-facts_n_259571.html)
That was awesome. I want to disect his brain a bit, he had a lot of imformative things to say.

[lauren<3s music]

Katie Couric: Are we really still debating health care when a man brings a handgun to a church where the President is speaking?" (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/14/katie-couric-denounces-fe_n_260190.html)

Why is she the first journalist to say this aloud.

From previous Thread:

That was awesome. I want to disect his brain a bit, he had a lot of imformative things to say.
i'm sure someone will somehow say his second amendment rights were violated.

[sjb2k1]

in the spirit of a new GPT:

apparently on monday the durham city council is considering a resolution in support of marriage for same-sex couples. from what's on the agenda (item #37, woo!), i'm pretty sure this would be nothing more than a symbolic vote, regardless of the outcome, but what the hell, i haven't been to any kind of government meeting since college.

[Machu505]

In New Jersey, Corzine is now only five points (http://www.gqrr.com/index.php?ID=2378) behind Cristie.

[saysmydoctor]

Subscribin' baby and I call part 4!

[Machu505]

I officially cede the rights to Pt. IV to saysmydoctorSean.

[J.C.]

woopty woop

[Machu505]

There's been a massive explosion (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/15/huge-blast-at-nato-headqu_n_260221.html) at the NATO headquarters in Kabul.

EDIT: 7 dead, 91 wounded.

[loveisdead]

I can't tell you how mad this (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8202485.stm) makes me.

[loveisdead]

Go to any of the scores of "town hall" meetings taking place up and down the country and you will find plenty of opinions, but relatively few facts
And that's from the BBC. About as neutral a source as you can find.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8202275.stm

[Praetor]

GOD DAMN IT NOBODY IS PROPOSING A GOVERNMENT RUN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. WHAT THE FUCK. WHY ARE REPUBLICANS INCAPABLE OF READING. FUUUUUUUUUUUCK

x

[Machu505]

Sen. Jim Webb wins release (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090815/ap_on_re_as/as_myanmar_us_senator) of an American prisoner in Burma.

[Praetor]

Has anyone PM'ed a staffer to pin this/unpin the other thread?

[Machu505]

Has anyone PM'ed a staffer to pin this/unpin the other thread?
You do it, lazy bum.

[Praetor]

haha okay, I'm fine with it. I just wanted to make sure that nobody else did it already.

[asmolitor]

haha did you catch any interesting conversational tidbits?

yes. apparently sen. durbin actually kind of is a dick. also, when he was talking about state stimulus funds, and alaska was brought up, all he said was "well, you know, they've had a governor who, well, you know." he seemed optimistic about health care, but the details on that front were scarce.

i also believe he had the lemon tart.

I'm a bit of a Feingold fan myself. :-d

me too. he actually does things.

[Praetor]

yes. apparently sen. durbin actually kind of is a dick. also, when he was talking about state stimulus funds, and alaska was brought up, all he said was "well, you know, they've had a governor who, well, you know." he seemed optimistic about health care, but the details on that front were scarce.

i also believe he had the lemon tart.
hahahaha if you decide to eavesdrop in the future, make sure to keep us updated.

[asmolitor]

hahahaha if you decide to eavesdrop in the future, make sure to keep us updated.

haha, anytime i get to sit 3 feet from a senator again, i will.

[Machu505]

Jim Doyle will not run for a third term as Governor of Wisconsin. (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0809/26145.html)

asmolitor, it's all up to you.

[Machu505]

Apparently Chris Conley is a moron. He sent out an email with that fake Woodrow Wilson quote we've debunked so many times on here. I made sure to send a reply telling him he's wrong though.

[The Personist]

Apparently Chris Conley is a moron. He sent out an email with that fake Woodrow Wilson quote we've debunked so many times on here. I made sure to send a reply telling him he's wrong though.

What fake quote?

/idiotic question

[Machu505]

What fake quote?

/idiotic question
"I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country. A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit. Our system of credit is concentrated. The growth of the nation, therefore, and all our activities are in the hands of a few men. We have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely controlled and dominated Governments in the civilized world no longer a Government by free opinion, no longer a Government by conviction and the vote of the majority, but a Government by the opinion and duress of a small group of dominant men." -Woodrow Wilson, after signing the Federal Reserve into existence

Completely fabricated. It's essentially a compilation of quotes unrelated to the Federal Reserve. SpacePunk and I believe the guy from Alabama in the birther thread have brought it up in the past. I may be incorrect about it being him though.

[The Personist]

"I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country. A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit. Our system of credit is concentrated. The growth of the nation, therefore, and all our activities are in the hands of a few men. We have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely controlled and dominated Governments in the civilized world no longer a Government by free opinion, no longer a Government by conviction and the vote of the majority, but a Government by the opinion and duress of a small group of dominant men." -Woodrow Wilson, after signing the Federal Reserve into existence

Completely fabricated. It's essentially a compilation of quotes unrelated to the Federal Reserve. SpacePunk and I believe the guy from Alabama in the birther thread have brought it up in the past. I may be incorrect about it being him though.

What was Chris Conley doing spreading this kinda nay nay?

[Machu505]

What was Chris Conley doing spreading this kinda nay nay?
I have no idea. He's sent out notices related to videos that sounded as if they were conspiracy theories/libertarian nonsense before.

[The Personist]

I have no idea. He's sent out notices related to videos that sounded as if they were conspiracy theories/libertarian nonsense before.

Oh, Chris Conley...

His new album better make me like him more than I currently do. But seriously, I have no idea in what context that could come up.

[lauren<3s music]

in the spirit of a new GPT:

apparently on monday the durham city council is considering a resolution in support of marriage for same-sex couples. from what's on the agenda (item #37, woo!), i'm pretty sure this would be nothing more than a symbolic vote, regardless of the outcome, but what the hell, i haven't been to any kind of government meeting since college.
you should prepare a statement for the record (if they accept public witness testimony).

[lauren<3s music]

yes. apparently sen. durbin actually kind of is a dick. also, when he was talking about state stimulus funds, and alaska was brought up, all he said was "well, you know, they've had a governor who, well, you know." he seemed optimistic about health care, but the details on that front were scarce.

i also believe he had the lemon tart.



me too. he actually does things.
bite your tongue, i love durbin. well i love his staff.

[saysmydoctor]

Volunteering for the Shahnifur campaign. He is running for city auditor, a new position replacing the City Comptroller. Really stoked.

[asmolitor]

bite your tongue, i love durbin. well i love his staff.

haha, it wasn't my tongue, it was ol' herbie's.

Jim Doyle will not run for a third term as Governor of Wisconsin. (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0809/26145.html)

asmolitor, it's all up to you.

i'm assuming it's because he's waiting for herb kohl to step aside, but even then, that's a while away. i didn't really think scott walker was going to put up much of a challenge, nor does doyle seem to have any skeletons. maybe they found space for a cabinet-esque position for him. i dunno.

quite unexpected, actually.

[Machu505]

i'm assuming it's because he's waiting for herb kohl to step aside. i didn't really think scott walker was going to put up much of a challenge, nor does doyle seem to have any skeletons. quite unexpected, actually.
It's unrelated, but I loved Madison. It seemed like the kind of place I'd like live in one day.

[asmolitor]

i agree. and it's a great place to live.

[lauren<3s music]

haha, it wasn't my tongue, it was ol' herbie's.



i'm assuming it's because he's waiting for herb kohl to step aside, but even then, that's a while away. i didn't really think scott walker was going to put up much of a challenge, nor does doyle seem to have any skeletons. maybe they found space for a cabinet-esque position for him. i dunno.

quite unexpected, actually.
okay i suppose biting his would be mildly inappropriate. though a fantastic story.

[saysmydoctor]

Bet Lauren's mad about Sestak jumping up in the polls HUGE. I know I'm not.

[Praetor]

I'm out for DC/New Holland/Baltimore/Annapolis. Later, bitches.

[Justin_stacy]

Russian Punk'n Putin.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.3d88f50b0c43ce8c 7501f32de76aa596.7c1&show_article=1

[saysmydoctor]

Oh, did I just get a low level piece of shit office job for a local campaign? I did.

[Machu505]

Uppin' da punx.

EDIT: This is meant towards both the Putin Punx and Sean's new cubicle job.

[saysmydoctor]

Hahaha, I'm stoked. He worked for then-Representative Gillibrand and pretty much orchestrated her win. Quality guy, isn't accepting any endorsements from local politicians because the job is supposed to be independent from the city. Gillibrand endorsed him though.

He just wants someone in the office at all times--and I'm doing nothing all day, so I'm perfect.

[loveisdead]

Bowing to Republican pressure, President Barack Obama's administration signaled on Sunday it is ready to abandon the idea of giving Americans the option of government-run insurance as part of a new health care system.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/32438677

Fuck you, Barack Obama.

[saysmydoctor]

Fuck pragmatism. YOU HAVE A MAJORITY, WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU FUCKING DOING?

[loveisdead]

I'm speechless. This is disgusting.

[WarpSpeedChewy]

http://www.cnbc.com/id/32438677

Fuck you, Barack Obama.
I wouldn't go that far. It's still up in there air if he would of had the votes. He stayed with it as long as he could though there is no official announcement yet so it's premature. Though if it turns out that way, then my thoughts are Barack Obama needs to grow a new spine. Change is nothing without it. Believe me, I hate to be the one who says that. Though I still think he can be a good president and to be honest, we came pretty close. I feel like if not now, then it'll happen later in our lifetime.

[loveisdead]

I wouldn't go that far. It's still up in there air if he would of had the votes. He stayed with it as long as he could though there is no official announcement yet so it's premature. Though if it turns out that way, then my thoughts are Barack Obama needs to grow a new spine. Change is nothing without it. Believe me, I hate to be the one who says that. Though I still think he can be a good president and to be honest, we came pretty close. I feel like if not now, then it'll happen later in our lifetime.
Dems aren't going to have the majority they have now for awhile. Now is the time to do it.

[WarpSpeedChewy]

Dems aren't going to have the majority they have now for awhile. Now is the time to do it.
I agree. I wish they had the balls to go through with it. Who knows, it might still happen.

[Machu505]

Lol at that statement being construed as willing to drop the public option. Seeing as, you know, that isn't what she said.

But though I would most certainly prefer a bill with a public option, I also feel that it's best to get at least some reform.

[loveisdead]

This would be reform for the sake of reform.

[xshady121]

Lol at that statement being construed as willing to drop the public option. Seeing as, you know, that isn't what she said.

But though I would most certainly prefer a bill with a public option, I also feel that it's best to get at least some reform.

No reform is sometime better than some reform. Look no further than No Child Left Behind.

[Machu505]

This would be reform for the sake of reform.
People would nonetheless be helped.

And note that I am by no means arguing for a bill without a public option. I'm just playing devil's advocate here.

[WarpSpeedChewy]

Gibbs: White House still supports Public Plan. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/16/white-houses-mixed-messag_n_260733.html)

[saysmydoctor]

Which talking head do I listen to?

[Mercy Medical]

No reform is sometime better than some reform. Look no further than No Child Left Behind.
Really? Do you honestly think we should continue with the way our health care system is right now? It's obviously broken and definitely needs to be fixed...to use No Child Left Behind as a comparison for your point is just sort of laughable.

[saysmydoctor]

I have to agree with Shady, actually. I'd rather the system not be reformed in anyway than receive some piece of shit legislation with the term reform stamped on it--much like NCLB. It was lauded as education reform. Dumb reform is still reform, it's just dumb.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

Volunteering for the Shahnifur campaign. He is running for city auditor, a new position replacing the City Comptroller. Really stoked.

http://foxshop.seenon.com/img/product/resized/00095839-965874_500.jpg
Congrats!

may i suggest "Hobo -advertising"?

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.tvsquad.com/media/2006/08/its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia-s02e08.jpg

I have to agree with Shady, actually. I'd rather the system not be reformed in anyway than receive some piece of shit legislation with the term reform stamped on it--much like NCLB. It was lauded as education reform. Dumb reform is still reform, it's just dumb.

I'm going to have to agree.

kinda also how I feel abit about the Cap and Trade Bill thats floating around

[Mercy Medical]

I have to agree with Shady, actually. I'd rather the system not be reformed in anyway than receive some piece of shit legislation with the term reform stamped on it--much like NCLB. It was lauded as education reform. Dumb reform is still reform, it's just dumb.
Well, you're speaking about "dumb reform" here...not just reform in general. I mean, obviously I would like some real reform in the health care system, however, I would not like some bullshit bill, much like you said, that's just stamped as reform and actually doesn't do anything.

The bottom line is, the health care system is fucked and is fucking people over constantly...whether there's a public option or not, something needs to happen and something real needs to happen...not just some dumb facade that's supposed to look like reform, but turns out being worthless.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

thought this article was pretty good

President Obama is the real target of health care protesters, not policy (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/08/17/2009-08-17_its_obama_theyre_after.html)

[xshady121]

Really? Do you honestly think we should continue with the way our health care system is right now? It's obviously broken and definitely needs to be fixed...to use No Child Left Behind as a comparison for your point is just sort of laughable.

I am saying reform "just for the sake of reform" can be dangerous and yield bad results. Watering down a piece of reform legislation just yields dumb policies that usually make things worse.

I'm not saying reform isn't needed, I'm saying half assed watered down reform "for the sake of reform" isn't needed.

[Mercy Medical]

I am saying reform "just for the sake of reform" can be dangerous and yield bad results. Watering down a piece of reform legislation just yields dumb policies that usually make things worse.

I'm not saying reform isn't needed, I'm saying half assed watered down reform "for the sake of reform" isn't needed.
Understood.

[Machu505]

Tom "Forced Abortions" DeLay will be a contestant (http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/17/delay-dancing-2/) on the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars.

wat

[GeeBee]

lolwut? I thought he was supposed to be in prison?

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

In 2002, Bush Neglected Actual WMD Threat In Order Not To ‘Derail’ Iraq War (http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2009/08/17/in-2002-bush-ignored-actual-wmd-threat-in-order-not-to-derail-iraq-war/)

MIND = BLOWN (KINDA)

X

[J.C.]

Tom "Forced Abortions" DeLay will be a contestant (http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/17/delay-dancing-2/) on the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars.

THE HAMMER

[saysmydoctor]

In 2002, Bush Neglected Actual WMD Threat In Order Not To ‘Derail’ Iraq War (http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2009/08/17/in-2002-bush-ignored-actual-wmd-threat-in-order-not-to-derail-iraq-war/)

MIND = BLOWN (KINDA)

X
:explode:

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

This is a pretty interesting case

Hearing on innocence claim ordered (http://www.scotusblog.com/wp/hearing-on-innocence-claim-ordered/)


The Supreme Court, over two Justices’ dissents, on Monday ordered a federal judge in Georgia to consider and rule on the claim of innocence in the murder case against Troy Anthony Davis (In re Davis, 08-1443) The Court told the District Court to “receive testimony and make findings of fact as to whether evidence that could have been obtained at the time of trial clearly establishes [Davis'] innocence.”
Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas dissented. Some of their arguments were answered in a separate opinion by Justice John Paul Stevens, joined by Justices Stephen G. Breyer and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The new member of the Court, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, took no part in the Court’s action.
The action was highly unusual, because Davis had filed what is called an original writ of habeas corpus — that is, a plea for his release, filed directly in the Supreme Court rather than in lower courts. Such claims rarely succeed. Justice Scalia noted in his dissent that the Court had not taken a similar step “in nearly 50 years.” (The documents that were before the Justices — the original writ, petition for certiorari, brief in opposition, and amici filings — can be downloaded here (http://www.scotusblog.com/wp/petitions-to-watch-conference-of-62509/#more-9981).)


Why in the hell did Scalia and Thomas Dissent?

Almost two decades ago, Troy Anthony Davis was convicted of murder and sentenced to die. Since then, seven of the witnesses against him have recanted their testimony (http://www.ajc.com/news/court-says-troy-davis-117260.html), and some have even implicated Sylvester “Redd” Coles, a witness who testified that Davis was the shooter. In light of the very real evidence that Davis could be innocent of the crime that placed him on death row, the Supreme Court today invoked a rarely used procedure giving Davis an opportunity to challenge his conviction (http://www.scotusblog.com/wp/hearing-on-innocence-claim-ordered/). Joined by Justice Clarence Thomas in dissent, however, Justice Antonin Scalia criticized his colleagues (http://supremecourtus.gov/opinions/08pdf/08-1443Scalia.pdf) for thinking that mere innocence is grounds to overturn a conviction:
This Court has never held that the Constitution forbids the execution of a convicted defendant who has had a full and fair trial but is later able to convince a habeas court that he is “actually” innocent. Quite to the contrary, we have repeatedly left that question unresolved, while expressing considerable doubt that any claim based on alleged “actual innocence” is constitutionally cognizable.
So in Justice Scalia’s world, the law has no problem with sending an innocent man to die. One wonders why we even bother to have a Constitution.
ThinkProgress (http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/17/scalia-actual-innocence/)

[Machu505]

KILL 'EM ALL. LET GOD SORT 'EM OUT.

x

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

oooof

http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/hp_indu-817.png

to quote another site "If you missed the first 10 minutes of trading, you missed the entire day!"

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

haha this needs to be photoshopped asap

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gen/99195/thumbs/s-PALIN-RESIGNATION-large.jpg

[Machu505]

This is why I love you, Sen. Jay Rockefeller. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/17/AR2009081702859.html?hpid=topnews)

[Machu505]

Robert Novak, the man who outed Valerie Plame Wilson, is dead (http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/18/robert-novak/).

[J.C.]

He's up in Heaven right now, running over pedestrians with his car.

RIP

[perceptrons]

He's up in Heaven right now, running over pedestrians with his car.

RIP
And there wont be anyone to blog about it!

[Machu505]

Who knows, maybe next he'll expose the identity of the Antichrist. :shrug:

[Machu505]

West Virginia yet again (http://www.gallup.com/poll/122369/Basic-Access-Iowa-Minn-Mass-Shine-Mississippi-Falters.aspx) fails to do something right.

[saysmydoctor]

Albany politics are crazyyyyyyyyy.

[Machu505]

New Marist poll: Obama would easily beat Sarah Palin in a presidential election and there is no clear front runner for the GOP primaries (http://maristpoll.marist.edu/818-2012-prospects-palin-a-force-in-gop-but-not-within-general-electorate/):

GOP Primaries:
Mitt Romney (MA) - 21%
Sarah Palin (AK) - 20%
Mike Huckabee (AR) - 19%
Newt Gingrich (GA) - 10%
Bobby Jindal (LA) - 5%
Tim Pawlenty (MN) - 1%

Presidential Election:
Barack Obama - 56%
Sarah Palin - 33%

[neo506]

Rep. Anthony Weiner on Morning Joe


VmlDZXCrWRE&feature=player_embedded

MIF_dWwxAHE&feature=player_embedded

[Machu505]

Anthony Weiner for Speaker of the House.

[paper halo]

New Marist poll: Obama would easily beat Sarah Palin in a presidential election and there is no clear front runner for the GOP primaries (http://maristpoll.marist.edu/818-2012-prospects-palin-a-force-in-gop-but-not-within-general-electorate/):

So the world's safe for now?

[saysmydoctor]

Weiner kicked ass this morning.

[saysmydoctor]

I have to admit, I do like Scarborough. Comparatively, he is more civil.

[Mercy Medical]

I think finally solidifies my absolute love for Barney Frank.

http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/19/frank-woman-hitler/

nYlZiWK2Iy8&feature=player_embedded

[fightinirish217]

I gotta admit, that was funny, although he would've been smarter not to stoop down to that woman's level by making jokes, oh well. I wish the total crazy right-wing nuts would just keep their mouths closed and stop embarrassing the rational republicans/conservatives (yes there are some in this country).

[Mercy Medical]

I honestly think it's good that he pointed her out to be the idiot that she was. They need more of that. Someone needs to inform these people of what idiots they are, especially a politician.

The point Barney made was totally valid and needs to be said more...they are perfectly willing to listen to these people if these people presented a legitimate, intelligent argument or in the very least didn't scream and make an idiot out of themselves. These morons realize that their tactics are doing nothing more then annoying the wholly fucking piss out of the people they're yelling at. It's totally counter productive.

[Skadrist]

I think finally solidifies my absolute love for Barney Frank.

http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/19/frank-woman-hitler/

nYlZiWK2Iy8&feature=player_embedded


PWNT

[Jason Tate]

The trending topics on twitter right now ... and reading some of the comments ... make me wanna punch a baby in the face (and not give him health care afterward). This is what I see:

A: We want some sort of change.
B: Ok, here's some options.

A: NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! NONE OF THEM! RAWWWR!

<Pause>

A: B hasn't done anything for this country.

/Simplified.

[Jason Tate]

New Marist poll: Obama would easily beat Sarah Palin in a presidential election and there is no clear front runner for the GOP primaries (http://maristpoll.marist.edu/818-2012-prospects-palin-a-force-in-gop-but-not-within-general-electorate/):

GOP Primaries:
Mitt Romney (MA) - 21%
Sarah Palin (AK) - 20%
Mike Huckabee (AR) - 19%
Newt Gingrich (GA) - 10%
Bobby Jindal (LA) - 5%
Tim Pawlenty (MN) - 1%

Presidential Election:
Barack Obama - 56%
Sarah Palin - 33%
Thank heaven.

[Jason Tate]

A Conservative’s Road to Same-Sex Marriage Advocacy

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/us/19olson.html?_r=1

[J.C.]

Ugh, they gave DeLay the hottest partner.

[GeeBee]

I honestly think it's good that he pointed her out to be the idiot that she was. They need more of that. Someone needs to inform these people of what idiots they are, especially a politician.

The point Barney made was totally valid and needs to be said more...they are perfectly willing to listen to these people if these people presented a legitimate, intelligent argument or in the very least didn't scream and make an idiot out of themselves. These morons realize that their tactics are doing nothing more then annoying the wholly fucking piss out of the people they're yelling at. It's totally counter productive.

I just love the man. What other politician could keep his cool like that without coming off as fake or patronizing? Dude abides...

[WarpSpeedChewy]

I have to admit, I do like Scarborough. Comparatively, he is more civil.
I've agreed with this for a while. Out of everyone, I feel like he's actually capable of being involved in a good discussion even if you disagree with him.

I think finally solidifies my absolute love for Barney Frank.

http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/19/frank-woman-hitler/

nYlZiWK2Iy8&feature=player_embedded
Ok Barney, you've won me over. I'm a fan. That needed to be said a few dozen times over.

Ugh, they gave DeLay the hottest partner.
I've always said he's always had terrific dancing ability.

[sjb2k1]

you should prepare a statement for the record (if they accept public witness testimony).
janine emailed a statement from both of us to all 7 council members asking them to support the resolution. and they did! unanimous vote. completely symbolic, but nice to have on the record.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

Sweet! I thought that we were 'MERCIA and dont need to outsource our killing skills. I expect better from the CIA.

C.I.A. Sought Blackwater’s Help in Plan to Kill Jihadists (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/20/us/20intel.html?hp)(NY Times)

The Central Intelligence Agency (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/c/central_intelligence_agency/index.html?inline=nyt-org) in 2004 hired outside contractors from the private security contractor Blackwater USA (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/blackwater_usa/index.html?inline=nyt-org) as part of a secret program to locate and assassinate top operatives of Al Qaeda (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/a/al_qaeda/index.html?inline=nyt-org), according to current and former government officials.
Leon E. Panetta, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency, canceled a program to locate and kill the leaders of Al Qaeda. Executives from Blackwater, which has generated controversy because of its aggressive tactics in Iraq, helped the spy agency with planning, training and surveillance. The C.I.A. spent several million dollars on the program (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/14/us/14intel.html), which did not successfully capture or kill any terrorist suspects.

[Midget Pirates]

MSNBC: White People showing up with guns at rallies.

UYKQJ4-N7LI&

[GeeBee]

...as soon as black people and latinos start showing up with guns, then I'm sure they'll report it.

[J.C.]

There's clearly a racial component to the objections of a significant segment of the health care protesters. A lot of them are the same people who were showing up at town halls a month ago pressuring members of congress to challenge Obama to release his birth certificate.

[J.C.]

...as soon as black people and latinos start showing up with guns, then I'm sure they'll report it.

There was a black guy with a gun already.

[GeeBee]

There was a black guy with a gun already.

Michael Steele doesn't count. :-d

[Midget Pirates]

...as soon as black people and latinos start showing up with guns, then I'm sure they'll report it.

no they didn't. that's the point. they didn't mention that the white racist with the gun was actually black.

There was a black guy with a gun already.

yup this is what they were talking about when they cut to the girl calling them white racists with guns.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

Jon Stewart absolutely destroyed Fox News last night : Fox News : the New Liberals (http://www.hulu.com/watch/90823/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-fox-news-the-new-liberals#x-4,vclip,1)

seriously you need to watch that.

[saysmydoctor]

It was priceless, honestly.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

I just watched for a second time today. thats how good of a segment it was.

[loveisdead]

I'm excited to watch this. His show should be good tonight too. Colbert too, he's got Mathews on his show.

[Machu505]

Yes Sen. Hatch, let's try and slow down the legislative process even more (http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/20/superfilibuster/).

I'm excited to watch this. His show should be good tonight too. Colbert too, he's got Mathews on his show.
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeees.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

not shocking but wow

Ridge admits Bush administration pushed to raise security alert for political reasons on eve of re-election.

(http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/20/ridge-politics-terror/)Ridge: Rumsfeld and Ashcroft wanted to raise terror threat level because it helped Bush’s approval rating.
(http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/20/ridge-book-ashcroft-rummy/)
(http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/20/ridge-politics-terror/)

[loveisdead]

Yes Sen. Hatch, let's try and slow down the legislative process even more (http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/20/superfilibuster/).


Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeees.
I'm so excited for Colbert and Matthews. Betsey McCaughey will more than likely get torn up by Stewart as well.

[loveisdead]

not shocking but wow

Ridge admits Bush administration pushed to raise security alert for political reasons on eve of re-election.

(http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/20/ridge-politics-terror/)Ridge: Rumsfeld and Ashcroft wanted to raise terror threat level because it helped Bush’s approval rating.
(http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/20/ridge-book-ashcroft-rummy/)
(http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/20/ridge-politics-terror/)
That isn't even funny.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

also from Ridge's book :


Mr. Ridge also describes a variety of contentious encounters with White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card. In the book's chief I-told-you-so vignette, he describes how Mr. Card stonewalled him on his plans to reorganize the Federal Emergency Management Agency along regional lines, a reform that Mr. Ridge believes would have vastly improved the government's ability to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

No plan would have completely guarded against the ravages of such a devastating storm, Mr. Ridge states.

"Even so, there is no doubt that many more people died and many more suffered than would have occurred if the government networks had been working together in the way that we had planned it."


Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09221/989665-176.stm#ixzz0Okm6yLRg (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09221/989665-176.stm#ixzz0Okm6yLRg)

[Machu505]

not shocking but wow

Ridge admits Bush administration pushed to raise security alert for political reasons on eve of re-election.

(http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/20/ridge-politics-terror/)Ridge: Rumsfeld and Ashcroft wanted to raise terror threat level because it helped Bush’s approval rating.
(http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/20/ridge-book-ashcroft-rummy/)
(http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/20/ridge-politics-terror/)
Fear, smears, and queers.

[saysmydoctor]

not shocking but wow

Ridge admits Bush administration pushed to raise security alert for political reasons on eve of re-election.

(http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/20/ridge-politics-terror/)Ridge: Rumsfeld and Ashcroft wanted to raise terror threat level because it helped Bush’s approval rating.
(http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/20/ridge-book-ashcroft-rummy/)
(http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/20/ridge-politics-terror/)
Isn't that illegal?

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

Isn't that illegal?

I guess they did not actually raise it but talked about it and were very close to raising the alert level.

[paper halo]

Jon Stewart absolutely destroyed Fox News last night : Fox News : the New Liberals (http://www.hulu.com/watch/90823/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-fox-news-the-new-liberals#x-4,vclip,1)

seriously you need to watch that.

Just saw that. We get the Daily Show a day late here on More4. Brilliant stuff.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

Just saw that. We get the Daily Show a day late here on More4. Brilliant stuff.

ha so now you know how bad the most watched cable news network in the US is. ha you are lucky

[GeeBee]

I remember watching Channel 1 news in middle school. They had Lisa Ling, Anderson Cooper, and some hot blonde chick. That 15 minutes of news wrapped in Mountain Dew commercials had more journalistic integrity than the entire history of the fox news channel.

[paper halo]

ha so now you know how bad the most watched cable news network in the US is. ha you are lucky

Yeah, it's weird, we don't really have a comparable news source over here. I mean the BBC occasionally gets accused of having a liberal bias by conservatives, but thats mainly just irrational, unfocused rage. The difference being, the irrational, unfocused rage actually has it's own network in the US.

[WarpSpeedChewy]

9rt8GFUUA-k
Don't worry, (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/20/obama-smerconish-intervie_n_264297.html) This guy has our backs (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/20/progressive-lawmakers-ple_n_264253.html)

New Poll: 77 Percent Support "Choice" Of Public Option (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/20/new-poll-77-percent-suppo_n_264375.html)

Jon Stewart absolutely destroyed Fox News last night : Fox News : the New Liberals (http://www.hulu.com/watch/90823/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-fox-news-the-new-liberals#x-4,vclip,1)

seriously you need to watch that.
Saw that last night. It's poetic how he just tears them a new one. It's magical.

I'm excited to watch this. His show should be good tonight too. Colbert too, he's got Mathews on his show.
Wow, should be good. Did anyone here see Krugman on Colbert recently. It was pretty good as well.

not shocking but wow

Ridge admits Bush administration pushed to raise security alert for political reasons on eve of re-election.

(http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/20/ridge-politics-terror/)Ridge: Rumsfeld and Ashcroft wanted to raise terror threat level because it helped Bush’s approval rating.
(http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/20/ridge-book-ashcroft-rummy/)
(http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/20/ridge-politics-terror/)
Wow. Point for him for admitting that.

also from Ridge's book :
That's pretty fascinating.

[GeeBee]

Yeah, it's weird, we don't really have a comparable news source over here. I mean the BBC occasionally gets accused of having a liberal bias by conservatives, but thats mainly just irrational, unfocused rage. The difference being, the irrational, unfocused rage actually has it's own network in the US.

:-d I love reading your posts and imagining the words being spoken by Eddie Izzard. It really helps to get the full british vibe from them!

[paper halo]

:-d I love reading your posts and imagining the words being spoken by Eddie Izzard. It really helps to get the full british vibe from them!

We don't all sound like that, dammit.

Imagine my posts being spoken in this accent instead:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLFGvuhJlUI

(I don't sound like that, but if I ever visit the US, I plan to put a similar accent on for my own amusement.)

[Machu505]

I remember watching Channel 1 news in middle school. They had Lisa Ling, Anderson Cooper, and some hot blonde chick. That 15 minutes of news wrapped in Mountain Dew commercials had more journalistic integrity than the entire history of the fox news channel.
That was some badass shit. I just wish Cooper had been there when I was in middle school.

[lauren<3s music]

Anthony Weiner for Speaker of the House.

You know I love you but never ever EVER utter these words again.

And steph that's great.

And health reform is going to explode. Be lucky to get something out by winter. They should have never done it in this timeline.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

they (the adminstration and others) should have known this was going to explode and gotten out in front of it with some positive, informative PR

[J.C.]

I had been waiting for Fox to do a segment on the Ridge book story. They just briefly mentioned it for 2 seconds and then dismissed it by saying that a spokesman for Donald Rumsfeld called it non-sense.

[GeeBee]

That was some badass shit. I just wish Cooper had been there when I was in middle school.

Haha, he and Lisa Ling were the only thing close to actual reporters on that channel. The rest of them looked like they were dropouts from Saved By The Bell...placed as anchors to appeal to the teen masses.

[saysmydoctor]

Rumsfeld's folks have the benefit of working for a well known dove and an honest, modest man so it reinforces their reporting.

[saysmydoctor]

Look at the solution to solving the overload of applications to Cash For Clunkers program:

"The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which reviews the applications, is tripling its staff for reviewing the transactions to approximately 1,100 public and private sector employees, the administration said. http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0809/26300.html#ixzz0OlZ4oGUs"

[loveisdead]

Hahahaha Colbert brought a table on the show.

[r_r_repeat]

Did anybody watch the Betsey McCaughey interview on Stewart? That lady almost scares me more than Palin because some rational people might actually fall for her shtick.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

Did anybody watch the Betsey McCaughey interview on Stewart? That lady almost scares me more than Palin because some rational people might actually fall for her shtick.

ya that interview was confusing. i dont know if i was just tired this morning but when i watched it she almost made sense in some twisted way.

didn't catch her intro. who is she and who does she work for/with?

[r_r_repeat]

ya that interview was confusing. i dont know if i was just tired this morning but when i watched it she almost made sense in some twisted way.

didn't catch her intro. who is she and who does she work for/with?

She was the lieutenant governor of New York under George Pataki. I read up on her a little bit after watching the interview and her political history is kind of similar to Sarah Palin's... Republican male chooses virtual unknown female as his running-mate to garner female votes. Said female plays the "maverick" card instead of admitting to being inexperienced.

She's not an elected official anymore, but she works with the Hudson Institute.

At points in the interview, what she says makes a tiny shred of sense... until she reads the actual bill and you realize she's just being hyperbolic and sorely misinterpreting things.

She did make me think about the aspect of the bill that takes money from Medicaid, not sure whether I agree with that entirely. But her interpretations on the "death panels" is beyond ridiculous.

EDIT: Here's (http://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/03/nyregion/an-adjutant-with-attitude-betsy-mccaughey-ross-pursues-her-own-agenda.html) a NYT article on McCaughey.

[saysmydoctor]

Her interpretation ignores definitions of words.

[r_r_repeat]

Her interpretation ignores definitions of words.

Her interpretation ignores rational thought.

[saysmydoctor]

Her interpretation ignores rational thought.
Well, of course.

[saysmydoctor]

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/08/paterson-accuses-media-of-raci.html
Paterson dropping the race card like it's hot.

[r_r_repeat]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/20/tom-ridge-i-was-pressured_n_264127.html

More lies & deceit from the Bush administration. It'll be fun to watch them scramble to call Ridge a liar.

[saysmydoctor]

Ridge is just as a liar as Bush in different ways. Honestly, I think anybody relatively at the top...to be a flagrant liar.

[r_r_repeat]

Ridge is just as a liar as Bush in different ways. Honestly, I think anybody relatively at the top...to be a flagrant liar.

Do you think he's lying about being told to raise the terror level or what?

[saysmydoctor]

Nope, that sounds completely believable. Right up Cheney and Rove's aisle.

[Machu505]

What

The

Fuck (http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/21/texas-history-gingrich/)

[Skadrist]

Embarrassing no doubt.

[Praetor]

Finally back. Great trip. St. John's in Annapolis is the most amazing thing I've ever seen and can't wait to hopefully attend in Fall 2010. Some things I want to say:

Fuck Barack Obama/Kathleen Sibelius for potentially giving up the public option, and fuck the entire concept of a filibuster making a 60-seat majority necessary. Fuck Rumsfeld and Ashcroft for pressuring Ridge to raise the terror level to give Bush a boost in the polls. (Why does this only work for Republicans? If a Democrat did this they would be perceived as a national security failure for letting the situation escalate to the degree that it is made necessary.) Matt, great avatar. I like Anthony Weiner and still chuckle every time I hear his name. haha weiner. Lauren, you're right about marriage. Marriage is a sacred religious institution and should be under the full control of the church - which is why we should remove it from the political spotlight, detach the special privileges attributed to that status, and make civil unions the only way to attain those rights (which don't discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation).

[Machu505]

Finally back. Great trip. St. John's in Annapolis is the most amazing thing I've ever seen and can't wait to hopefully attend in Fall 2010. Some things I want to say:

Fuck Barack Obama/Kathleen Sibelius for potentially giving up the public option, and fuck the entire concept of a filibuster making a 60-seat majority necessary. Fuck Rumsfeld and Ashcroft for pressuring Ridge to raise the terror level to give Bush a boost in the polls. (Why does this only work for Republicans? If a Democrat did this they would be perceived as a national security failure for letting the situation escalate to the degree that it is made necessary.) Matt, great avatar. I like Anthony Weiner and still chuckle every time I hear his name. haha weiner. Lauren, you're right about marriage. Marriage is a sacred religious institution and should be under the full control of the church - which is why we should remove it from the political spotlight, detach the special privileges attributed to that status, and make civil unions the only way to attain those rights (which don't discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation).
What did you think of American, George Mason, etc.?

[Praetor]

What did you think of American, George Mason, etc.?
Never ended up visiting George Mason due to time constraints. American was a nice campus but I didn't really fit there. Something about it. Georgetown was beautiful and I would DEFINITELY never complain about being able to attend it. But St. John's is definitely my first choice. Goddamn it was amazing.

[loveisdead]

Never ended up visiting George Mason due to time constraints. American was a nice campus but I didn't really fit there. Something about it. Georgetown was beautiful and I would DEFINITELY never complain about being able to attend it. But St. John's is definitely my first choice. Goddamn it was amazing.
Good shit. Good luck getting in.

[Praetor]

Good shit. Good luck getting in.
Thanks man, I can't wait to talk to my guidance counselor/start writing my essays. They do rolling admissions so I want to apply early. I had the most amazing tour guide; it was individualized since no one else came and she was so honest about everything. Like, she loved the program and all, but she realized that it wasn't for everybody and she was really dedicated to explaining it to me instead of selling it. She said the food sucked, she laughed at the sad state of the reflecting pool (which right now is just a concrete slab) and she praised American University at length. I really felt like I was getting it sold to me straight, you know?

Only thing I'm worried about is the $50K price tag...but apparently they give out a shitton of financial aid (especially if you apply early) so the price ends up being about that of a public school. Matt/everybody else here almost of college age: look into it.

How've you been? Take that vacation yet? haha

[tommyishere]

this has nothing to do with this but im sure some of you can help me with my econ homework haha.

Why is it important to consider marginal benefits and costs when you do a cost benefit analysis? and What are three things a PPC shows?

thanks if you help me

[loveisdead]

Thanks man, I can't wait to talk to my guidance counselor/start writing my essays. They do rolling admissions so I want to apply early. I had the most amazing tour guide; it was individualized since no one else came and she was so honest about everything. Like, she loved the program and all, but she realized that it wasn't for everybody and she was really dedicated to explaining it to me instead of selling it. She said the food sucked, she laughed at the sad state of the reflecting pool (which right now is just a concrete slab) and she praised American University at length. I really felt like I was getting it sold to me straight, you know?

Only thing I'm worried about is the $50K price tag...but apparently they give out a shitton of financial aid (especially if you apply early) so the price ends up being about that of a public school. Matt/everybody else here almost of college age: look into it.

How've you been? Take that vacation yet? haha
That's awesome that you got a good tour guide. I did some individual ones with some mutual friends and tried to do the same with Quinnipiac. I know someone who went to American and played soccer there and she absolutely loved it. You're a smart kid so I'm sure you'll get some good financial aid.

Eh, not really. Got a new car (it's a 97 so new is a stretch) but at least it's something I can get away in. Work has been crazy so it's all I've been doing. I couldn't even manage to stay up and watch the Daily Show last night.
this has nothing to do with this but im sure some of you can help me with my econ homework haha.

Why is it important to consider marginal benefits and costs when you do a cost benefit analysis? and What are three things a PPC shows?

thanks if you help me
Asmolitor would destroy this question.

[r_r_repeat]

What

The

Fuck (http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/21/texas-history-gingrich/)

I hate my state. This is not at all surprising, though.

[tommyishere]

Asmolitor would destroy this question.

hell have him help me!

[Praetor]

That's awesome that you got a good tour guide. I did some individual ones with some mutual friends and tried to do the same with Quinnipiac. I know someone who went to American and played soccer there and she absolutely loved it. You're a smart kid so I'm sure you'll get some good financial aid.
Yeah, it was awesome. I really liked St. John's in concept, before I visited, but I was definitely sold when I actually visited the campus. What did your friend to go American for?

And unfortunately, St. John's doesn't grant merit-based financial aid; only need-based. :-( But I should still be fine. Like I said though, gotta get my application + CSS Profile/FAFSA in early.

Eh, not really. Got a new car (it's a 97 so new is a stretch) but at least it's something I can get away in. Work has been crazy so it's all I've been doing. I couldn't even manage to stay up and watch the Daily Show last night.
Hey, at least it's something. Like you said, it's something to get away in.

haha usually I'm too tired to watch Jon Stewart at night anyway. Sometimes I even skip out on Rachel Maddow haha. I bet now that school's starting for me in a couple of weeks that won't change for a while lol.

[saysmydoctor]

Jon Stewart strikes again.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0809/McCaughey_loses_board_seat.html?sho wall
McCaughey has been Crossfire'd. First Tucker and his bowtie, now McCaughey and her binder. Who is next, Stewart?

[lauren<3s music]

Never ended up visiting George Mason due to time constraints. American was a nice campus but I didn't really fit there. Something about it. Georgetown was beautiful and I would DEFINITELY never complain about being able to attend it. But St. John's is definitely my first choice. Goddamn it was amazing.

If you like gtown mason wouldn't hit it off for you. They're like polar opposites. Did you look at gw?

[Praetor]

If you like gtown mason wouldn't hit it off for you. They're like polar opposites. Did you look at gw?
I was intending to but didn't have enough time. I did see the campus in passing, though. We were only spending 1 1/2 days in DC. The rest of the week was spent with relatives in Baltimore & New Holland, and visiting St. John's. Speaking of which, did I mention how much I love St. John's? lol.

[lauren<3s music]

I was intending to but didn't have enough time. I did see the campus in passing, though. We were only spending 1 1/2 days in DC. The rest of the week was spent with relatives in Baltimore & New Holland, and visiting St. John's. Speaking of which, did I mention how much I love St. John's? lol.

Ahhhh. Hey you know what's right for you. I'd suggest going back a time or two just to feel things out. Also grabbing random people and asking questions helps.

[asmolitor]

Asmolitor would destroy this question.

econ PM'd 'em in reply to his PM. always nice to randomly utilize my degree at 2:30am after the bar. haha.

[Praetor]

Ahhhh. Hey you know what's right for you. I'd suggest going back a time or two just to feel things out. Also grabbing random people and asking questions helps.
I doubt I'll be able to go back during the school year...my parents are teachers so they don't really have a flexible schedule. =/ I will try though. Thanks for the advice! :-)

[lauren<3s music]

econ PM'd 'em in reply to his PM. always nice to randomly utilize my degree at 2:30am after the bar. haha.
its when the best work is accomplished. you might be the only person who can appreciate this, but last week's issue of the economist essentially proved my college thesis correct. i was so excited there may have been jumping.

[saysmydoctor]

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/08/diane-savino-goes-there.html
Whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[asmolitor]

its when the best work is accomplished. you might be the only person who can appreciate this, but last week's issue of the economist essentially proved my college thesis correct. i was so excited there may have been jumping.

haha, which one was that?

my only sort of "thesis" (mostly just a 20 page paper) was justifying microcredit as a means to prop up non-natural resources related economic activity in southeast asia.

[lauren<3s music]

haha, which one was that?

my only sort of "thesis" (mostly just a 20 page paper) was justifying microcredit as a means to prop up non-natural resources related economic activity in southeast asia.

Where they referenced the Tigers ability to adapt to export based markets after the imf intervened. My thesis 158 pages. You couldn't pay me money to do that now.

By the way, as a present will someone send me bail $ if I throw the person who is talking about the "death panel" in the pool?

[xshady121]

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/08/diane-savino-goes-there.html
Whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Savino's comments came in the wake of Paterson's claim yesterday that he is being unfairly treated by the media because he's black.

Had he said blind rather than black I think he might have a leg to stand on.

[saysmydoctor]

I don't like Paterson, man needs to go. I think he is even losing to Lazio. He is just bad news.

[lauren<3s music]

I'm officially old and not pleased. Ugh. 41 years to medicare

[GeeBee]

Had he said blind rather than black I think he might have a leg to stand on.

If he'd only turn gay, he'd have the trifecta!

[Praetor]

I'm officially old and not pleased. Ugh. 41 years to medicare
Happy birthday! I think

[saysmydoctor]

Lauren is an old timer. Time to go to the death panel.

[loveisdead]

Lauren is an old timer. Time to go to the death panel.
I got an earful of this shit at work the other day. I'm lifeguarding one of the kiddie areas, already wanting to put a bullet in my head and this woman goes off about death panels.

[saysmydoctor]

I got an earful of this shit at work the other day. I'm lifeguarding one of the kiddie areas, already wanting to put a bullet in my head and this woman goes off about death panels.
I've gotten the same thing walking one of the poorer wards here in Albany. Lot of interested, scared, and misinformed constituents out there.

[Praetor]

Honestly, I can't really blame the Republicans for this nonsense. That's politics as usual, and especially Republican politics as usual. I think the majority of the blame falls on the Democrats for not really selling this proposal. You can put Kathleen Sibelius on a television screen all you want, have her talk statistics and and logic and shit, and people will still be bored out of their minds every time and won't give a damn what she says. But when you have Palimbaugh in the media going "HOLY FUCK THEY WANT TO KILL YOUR GRANDMA", people listen. And a very weak, timid response from the Democratic party to that misinformation surely didn't help either.

[saysmydoctor]

I think Jon Stewart made a valid point that the democrats are always the party to splinter, so I have to credit the GOP's united stance. They are at least united in irrational opposition.

[Praetor]

Yeah, Democrats are always so split between the progressives and the centrists. The Republican party has done, politically speaking, a great job at resisting an opposing agenda. Too bad Democrats aren't too good at that...

[lauren<3s music]

Yes I'm now old :( wahoo a one more year and my car insurance goes down... Or maybe not since I'm a woman...

Seriously I wish there were death panels. I would start nominating stupid people like the guy at the pool yesterday who was going on and on about it to where I could hear him over midtown. People should be beaten. Plain and simple.

[paper halo]

Yes I'm now old :( wahoo a one more year and my car insurance goes down... Or maybe not since I'm a woman...

Seriously I wish there were death panels. I would start nominating stupid people like the guy at the pool yesterday who was going on and on about it to where I could hear him over midtown. People should be beaten. Plain and simple.

Come to the UK. We apparently have death panels.

[lauren<3s music]

Come to the UK. We apparently have death panels.

Awesome, I can test drive one. See how efficient they are.

[Machu505]

Do the British Death Panels find creative ways to kill off the weaklings? Or do they just blindfold you and shoot you in the head?

[paper halo]

Do the British Death Panels find creative ways to kill off the weaklings? Or do they just blindfold you and shoot you in the head?

They use quintessentialy British methods. The weak are drowned in a huge cup of tea. The elderly are choked with crumpets and stuffed, to be used as audiences for royal family appearances, and foot stools for the Queen.

[saysmydoctor]

If all fails, they ship your ass off to Loch Ness.

[lauren<3s music]

If all fails, they ship your ass off to Loch Ness.

Hey I told you not to tell anyone what I really do.

[shit stroll]

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=111256528714&ref=nf

[saysmydoctor]

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=111256528714&ref=nf
No words.

[Machu505]

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=111256528714&ref=nf
:appl:

Those damn non-for-profit volunteers put the good private fire extinguishing companies out of business.

[saysmydoctor]

Oh, it's a joke hahahahaahahahahahah @angrytownhall lololol

[loveisdead]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8217414.stm

yes please.

[Machu505]

Oh yes. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/24/hig-obama-approves-new-el_n_266830.html)

[Machu505]

Sen. Feingold asks Obama for a timetable in Afghanistan (http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/24/feingold-asks-obama/).

<3

[saysmydoctor]

Feingold is getting feisty.

[Praetor]

I support an Afghanistan timetable.

[asmolitor]

Sen. Feingold asks Obama for a timetable in Afghanistan (http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/24/feingold-asks-obama/).

<3
Feingold is getting feisty.

'atta boy, russ. though i'm pretty sure he spearheaded the iraq one that didn't work out - i could be wrong.

[asmolitor]

even though i know alec baldwin would make a great senator (sarcasm) i'm glad someone's saying it.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/08/24/baldwin-liebermans-one-of-a-few-moderate-republicans-left/

"Part of me would hate to see Lieberman go," Baldwin said in the statement, because there are so few moderate Republicans left in the Senate today."

[saysmydoctor]

Fuck Alec Baldwin, I hate that man.

[GeeBee]

Fuck Alec Baldwin, I hate that man.

As a political commentator/potential politician...ditto.

As a character on 30 Rock...blasphemy. Dude is perfect for that show.

[Machu505]

This (http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2009/08/24/union-workers-hit-harder-by-high-state-taxes-study-finds/) is some chunky fucking bullshit right here.

[kofiadrian]

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=111256528714&ref=nf




oh good lord.

[saysmydoctor]

teI634Ugs-U&feature=player_embedded


This rant defies fact.

[saysmydoctor]

I'm not sure where I stand on this. I'd probably support a rewrite. But not in the same vein as California, nothing like that.

[neo506]

old news by now but worth posting

Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. has decided to appoint a prosecutor to examine nearly a dozen cases in which CIA interrogators and contractors may have violated anti-torture laws and other statutes when they threatened terrorism suspects, according to two sources familiar with the move. Holder is poised to name John Durham (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Durham), a career Justice Department prosecutor from Connecticut, to lead the high-stakes inquiry, added the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the process is not yet complete.By Carrie Johnson

[Machu505]

Isn't Teddy Olson taking Prop 8 to court tomorrow?

[Machu505]

Bernanke gets another term (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/24/obama-to-reappoint-bernan_n_267742.html) as Chairman of the Federal Reserve.

[lauren<3s music]

Bernanke gets another term (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/24/obama-to-reappoint-bernan_n_267742.html) as Chairman of the Federal Reserve.

Good he should. In other news gets who gets to sit in on a white house conference call tonight!!!! I'm so excited even though I know it won't be anything different then what we've already been hearing.

[asmolitor]

Bernanke gets another term (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/24/obama-to-reappoint-bernan_n_267742.html) as Chairman of the Federal Reserve.

but... HE KNOWS NOTHING!

/cramer

[loveisdead]

but... HE KNOWS NOTHING!

/cramer
I hate Cramer so much.

[saysmydoctor]

NO NO NO BEAR STEARNS IS FINE DON'T MOVE YOUR MONEY FROM BEAR DON'T BE SILLY THAT'S SILLY
x

[loveisdead]

Not good news.
The revised estimates project that the economy will contract by 2.8 percent this year, more than twice what the White House predicted earlier this year.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/32551478

[J.C.]

teI634Ugs-U&feature=player_embedded


This rant defies fact.

I'm more amazed that the rant is coming from a guy who, as a former Marine, already has government-run healthcare.

[Machu505]

I think the crowd at this McCain town hall just booed him for not taking a dump on ACORN.

X-)

[Jefferson Rank]

I think the crowd at this McCain town hall just booed him for not taking a dump on ACORN.

X-)

People are still upset over that? It's not like the made-up people could vote anyway. It's so silly.

[J.C.]

YOU HAD GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTHCARE, JOHN

Not only as a war veteran, but as a senator.

[Machu505]

YOU HAD GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTHCARE, JOHN

Not only as a war veteran, but as a senator.
Socialized medicine (UK-style) AND single-payer (Canuck-style).

He's a regular pinko!

[J.C.]

I don't see anyone under the age of 60 at McCain's town hall.

[Machu505]

This lady's statement literally made no sense.

EDIT: And the fuck? J-Mac is the most civilized, smart person in the entire room.

[Praetor]

Not good news.


http://www.cnbc.com/id/32551478
Well, to be fair, White House predictions have proved in the past to be quite unreliable when it comes to the economy.

[J.C.]

A life-long Democrat who wants any and all healthcare reform killed, eh?

[J.C.]

LOL McCain says Social Security and Medicaid need to be there for our children and only two people clap. That about tells you where the Republican party is at right now.

[Posthardcore]

:rolleyes:

[Machu505]

Haha she called him Sen. Kennedy.

[GeeBee]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32554745/ns/health-addictions/

Tobacco will kill 6 million next year, or over 16,000 per day. (Almost 3000 died in one day on 9/11)
Tobacco causes one in ten deaths globally.

[saysmydoctor]

Senator Burr is fighting the good fight, defending the tobacco industry's right to kill.

[Machu505]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32554745/ns/health-addictions/

Tobacco will kill 6 million next year, or over 16,000 per day. (Almost 3000 died in one day on 9/11)
Tobacco causes one in ten deaths globally.
Freedom hater. WHAT'S NEXT, BANNING MCDONALD'S?

/person from clove cigarettes thread.

[GeeBee]

Freedom hater. WHAT'S NEXT, BANNING MCDONALD'S?

/person from clove cigarettes thread.

:-d

It's simply sad that we're pissed-pants scared of terrorism, when 9/11 isn't a drop in the bucket in terms of deaths and cost to the general public compared to the tobacco industry.

[Machu505]

:-d

It's simply sad that we're pissed-pants scared of terrorism, when 9/11 isn't a drop in the bucket in terms of deaths and cost to the general public compared to the tobacco industry.
No no man. It's cool when companies kill people. Whether it's coal, tobacco, alcohol, insurance, food, etc. It's cool when the government kills too. War and the death penalty are tight.

But foreigners killing people? BAD.

[GeeBee]

No no man. It's cool when companies kill people. Whether it's coal, tobacco, alcohol, insurance, food, etc. It's cool when the government kills too. War and the death penalty are tight.

But foreigners killing people? BAD.

Yep. Scared to death of swine flu...but still puffin' away on the cigs, eating 3 big macs a day, driving a hummer, and chucking newspaper out with the trash.

Then they get upset when Bill Maher calls America "stupid". Sorry. Stupid is as stupid does.

[neo506]

No no man. It's cool when companies kill people. Whether it's coal, tobacco, alcohol, insurance, food, etc. It's cool when the government kills too. War and the death penalty are tight.

But foreigners killing people? BAD.
but...but...but....BROWN PEOPLE

[Machu505]

And so the party begins to split... (http://www.politico.com/blogs/glennthrush/0809/Dixie_Dem_wont_vote_for_Pelosi.html )

[GuitarR0cker1]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/25/bachmann-prayer-and-fasti_n_268397.html
Damn this lady is a fucking nutjob.

[loveisdead]

And so the party begins to split... (http://www.politico.com/blogs/glennthrush/0809/Dixie_Dem_wont_vote_for_Pelosi.html )
Nah.

Freshman Rep. Parker Griffith (D-Ala.)

[Machu505]

Nah.

Freshman Rep. Parker Griffith (D-Ala.)
Exactly.

[loveisdead]

Exactly.
Some people are gonna pull stunts to try and make sure they get re-elected. The party isn't going to split.

[Machu505]

Some people are gonna pull stunts to try and make sure they get re-elected. The party isn't going to split.
Eh you're right.

[J.C.]

And so the party begins to split... (http://www.politico.com/blogs/glennthrush/0809/Dixie_Dem_wont_vote_for_Pelosi.html )

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/wikiality/images/thumb/d/d2/ICalledIt.jpg/350px-ICalledIt.jpg

[saysmydoctor]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/25/bachmann-prayer-and-fasti_n_268397.html
Damn this lady is a fucking nutjob.
:rotfl:
And so the party begins to split... (http://www.politico.com/blogs/glennthrush/0809/Dixie_Dem_wont_vote_for_Pelosi.html )
His ass won't win reelection.

[lauren<3s music]

Nah.

Freshman Rep. Parker Griffith (D-Ala.)
he is, has been, and always will be a fucking batshit nutjob. even we won't give money to him.

[loveisdead]

he is, has been, and always will be a fucking batshit nutjob. even we won't give money to him.
And Lauren has spoken. I believe that's the end of discussion about the nutjob from alaska.

[Machu505]

You mean Alabama haha.

[Machu505]

Oh noez! Castro likes Obama (http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/08/25/cuba.castro.us.criticism/index.html).

[lauren<3s music]

And Lauren has spoken. I believe that's the end of discussion about the nutjob from alaska.

hahahaha i love it.

You mean Alabama haha.

same crazy.

i wiiiish so badly i could talk about this call. sooo good.

[Machu505]

Gotta respect the state secrets, Lauren.

[lauren<3s music]

Gotta respect the state secrets, Lauren.
hahhahaha its nothing top secret but it is all feel good.

[r_r_repeat]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/25/bachmann-prayer-and-fasti_n_268397.html
Damn this lady is a fucking nutjob.

Haha I saw that earlier. I say, let them pray and fast. And while they're busy doing that, let the Democrats push through a healthcare bill while free of Republican lies and distractions.

[GeeBee]

Biggest fucking cowtow to constituents in the face of a re-election campaign I've ever seen:

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_13201117

Bob Bennett pens book about the Book of Mormon

[J.C.]

3 weeks without Stewart and Colbert makes JC a sad boy. :-(

[Machu505]

Writing a book about a book just seems lazy.

And I had no idea that his election would be "tough".

[GeeBee]

Writing a book about a book just seems lazy.

And I had no idea that his election would be "tough".

A book by a con-man about a book by a con-man.

[saysmydoctor]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/25/joe-sestak-senate-candida_n_268608.html
If Sestak wins this primary, and I think he will (his numbers continue to improve), and when that happens, I will be throwing a massive fucking party.

[saysmydoctor]

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0809/King_on_Holder_You_wonder_which_sid e_theyre_on.html
I actually wonder what side you are on, sometimes, Congressman.

[GuitarR0cker1]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/25/joe-sestak-senate-candida_n_268608.html
If Sestak wins this primary, and I think he will (his numbers continue to improve), and when that happens, I will be throwing a massive fucking party.
Good to see another Sestak man on here. When he wins the primary, I will be as happy as I was when Obama won Iowa.

[saysmydoctor]

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=835039

And this is a HEAVY Democratic district. I mean, Albany has an 11-1 registered democrat advantage. I actually got a call from MoveOn.org to attend, but I couldn't make it to Delmar. And I don't think I would have been able to get back at a reasonable hour.

Tonko is useless anyway, he has done utterly nothing in my opinion. Then again the local democratic party is the most deplorable fucking group of corrupt people ever.

[GuitarR0cker1]

Biggest fucking cowtow to constituents in the face of a re-election campaign I've ever seen:

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_13201117

Bob Bennett pens book about the Book of Mormon
Holy fuck, what a stupid move by this guy. There aren't even that many Mormons in Colorado, does he think that people that go to Megachurches that are swing voters(quite of few of these people actually exist) will take to this kindly and vote for him?

[saysmydoctor]

Good to see another Sestak man on here. When he wins the primary, I will be as happy as I was when Obama won Iowa.
Sorry, I want an actual progressive in the Senate not some worthless Senator who is far too comfortable and trying to cover his own ass after voting with Bush for years. Fuck Arlen Specter.

[GuitarR0cker1]

Sorry, I want an actual progressive in the Senate not some worthless Senator who is far too comfortable and trying to cover his own ass after voting with Bush for years. Fuck Arlen Specter.
I couldn't agree more. I've never liked Specter. Besides everyone knows he will switch to being Republican-lite, if he wins in 2010.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

This is just sad/pathetic:

California state garage sale: Many things must go (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/08/california-garage-sale.html)

[GeeBee]

This is just sad/pathetic:

California state garage sale: Many things must go (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/08/california-garage-sale.html)

Sad and pathetic, but necessary and smart.