I came across this clip today by one of my friends on Facebook. My friend stated that New Jersey governor, Chris Christie, should run for president and that this clip proves that Christie is a genius. I watched the video, and I'm absolutely dumbstruck.
Christie is co-host of "Christie: On the Line", a televised program where he takes questions from viewers on the air. One such caller named Gail recently asked Christie why he wants to cut funding for public education, while sending his children to a private school. Not an unreasonable question, right?
Not if you're Chris Christie. Watch Christie's reaction below:
Did you notice that Christie did everything except answer the question?
Gail didn't ask you why you send your kids to private school, asshole. She simply asked why you want to cut spending for public education while you send your kids to a private school. That's it. There was absolutely nothing offensive or inappropriate about her question. You're just angry that somebody actually called you out on your bullshit. You're right -- where you choose to send your kids to school is none of her business. But it is her business that you chose to cut spending for public school, and that concern was at the heart of her question.
Is this how you always treat the people in your state, governor? Just blow off a reasonable question while slamming the person asking the question? Then again, should I be surprised that this is the way a Christian Republican treats people?
If I were the Governor of Pennsylvania and I treated any Pennsylvanian this way, I'd likely be tossed out of Harrisburg at the end of my first term.
Please, governor, display your genius to your constituency and the rest of America by explaining how cutting funding for public education is going to improve the quality of education in New Jersey, or any state for that matter. That is, of course, after you're done explaining why you used a NJ State Police helicopter to get to your son's baseball game.
Chris Christie -- one more reason I'm glad I don't live in New Jersey.
Not even two weeks after a Democratic leader was shot at point-blank range in the head, a video turned up that featured right-wing troglodyte Glenn Beck, exclaiming that "radicals" in the Democratic party need to be shot in the head. This is the same Glenn Beck that was forced to pull this image of him brandishing a handgun at his website that also states "We must stand together against all violence." Beck's level of hypocrisy is astonishing as always. Who he thinks he's trying to fool, other than his listeners, is a mystery. Watch this clip below in which he incites yet more fear and loathing among his braindead fans.
And you clowns on the right wing cry foul on the left and moderates? How can you sleep at
night?
By the way, Glenn, Hitler wasn't a communist. Socialist perhaps, but not a communist. You would figure that someone with your superior intellect would understand such things instead of relying on the need to lie to your listeners.
In related news, rightwing bloggers are calling for Gabrielle Giffords' resignation just as she leaves the hospital. Great timing, guys!Instead of celebrating the fact that she's already on her feet, you'd rather see her resignation? Let's give her a couple months to further recuperate and let her decide whether or not it's time for her to retire. Besides, how many conservatives were beating down the doors of the White House calling for Reagan's resignation when Hinckley tried to take him out?
Until yesterday, I had no idea what "blood libel" meant, and apparently neither did Sarah Palin.
Sarah has been all over the news in the past few days, trying to defend herself against her critics while condemning the attacks in Tuscon last Saturday. She should do both of these, but something Sarah doesn't do is check her facts and sources before she sits in front of a camera to deliver yet another failed speech.
When I sit here to make an entry in my blog I try to verify every single thing I say and fact before I post it. If I am unsure of the meaning of a particular phrase, term or word, I look it up. If I am uncertain of a date on which an event occurred, I verify it. If I don't know the aspects of a certain theory, I make sure that I find out the principles of that theory. That's not to say that I don't make mistakes. But at least I care enough about truth and facts to verify them; Sarah Palin, however, couldn't care less because, well...she's Sarah Palin.
For example, at a speech she delivered in October 2008 in Pittsburgh, Sarah blasted French scientists for studying fruit flies instead of doing something productive for the betterment of humanity like autism research. However, what Sarah didn't know was that scientists were studying certain proteins that could be an indicator for autism -- those proteins are found in fruit flies. Of course, this example should stand as yet one more reason among many why most Republicans should never be allowed anywhere near a microphone and talk about science.
Sarah's most recent faux pas, of course, was her use of the term blood libel, although there are probably hundreds that one could choose as an example. But before that, Sarah showed how little regard she has for common sense when she allowed this image at her PAC site. It displays a map of the US, complete with cross-hairs in congressional districts in which their respective congressional representative voted for the passing of universal health care legislation. One of those, of course, was that of Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head at point blank range by a complete psychopath.
Needless to say, the image has since been removed from the site. One would think that as a former public servant, she would have had the mental acuity to prevent the image from being posted in the first place.
Earlier this week, Glenn Beck stated on his radio show that he had an e-mail exchange with Palin. In her response to Glenn, she stated "I hate violence. I hate war." Really, Sarah? If that's so, then you might want to tone down the rhetoric and distasteful imagery you choose to display at your site.
You could understand why pictures and videos of you firing an M-16 might cause one to doubt your sincerity, especially when you use say irresponsible trash like "don't retreat -- reload!" The same thing can be said of fellow right-wing nutjob, Michelle Bachman, who reportedly wants and AR-15, and telling her constituents in Minnesota that she wants them "armed and dangerous."
Am I saying that Palin, Bachmann, and Beck are responsible for what happened in Tuscon last week? No. Not at all. But I am saying that they do infuse a certain element of fear and loathing into this discussion, and must tone down the "lock and load" bullshit before somebody else is killed or injured. And I am absolutely saying that neither of these three have the sense of a ball of lint, and even worse judgment.
In related news, a gun manufacturer in South Carolina is now releasing rifle components with the term "YOU LIE" engraved into them, a reference to Joe Wilson's outburst during President Obama's speech regarding universal health care in September 2009. I wonder if the company is aware just how much of a hypocrite Joe Wilson really is.
With all this speech about guns, locking and loading, re-loading, being armed and dangerous, and the current talking point about duels coming from the right-wing over the past few years, it's bordering on terrifying to know that these two are actually considering a run for the White House in 2012.
You may have heard recently that right-wing cretin, Newt Gingrich, released a book in which he claims he has moral high ground over the rest of us because he has God on his side. Keep in mind, this is the same man (using the term very loosely) who cheated on his first wife and summarily left her when she was bed-ridden with cancer. He went on to marry that woman, only to cheat on her as well with his current wife, Calista Bisek.
Fast forward to August 10 - Esquire magazine published a scorching tell-all about Newt from his second wife.
In an interview with Christianity Today in April of last year, Newt said "The Democratic Party has been the active instrument of breaking down traditional marriage..." Two failed marriages filled with infidelity. Moral high ground? Oh, I don't think so.
If you're a Christian or even a Republican, can you vote for this man next November with a clean conscience? Luckily for Newt, most conservative Christians are quick to sweep dirty little secrets under the rug.
You right-wingers with your religion and your guns. Silly rabbits!
Yep, even moreviolence from right-wing, religious nuts was being planned across Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. These guys were planning on killing law enforcement agents by the dozens. That is, until the FBI caught wind of what they were up to and put the kibosh on their plans.
Wait, let me guess. These would-be assassins weren't really Christians, right?
Let me ask you something. If a Muslim attempts to blow up a marketplace at the busiest time of day but was captured just before the event took place, and another Muslim says to you, "He/she was never really a Muslim,"would you believe them? Of course you wouldn't. Besides, their justification for their actions can be found in the Qur'an, right?
Why then, whenever a Christian murders a child for suspected witchcraft you simply shrug it off by saying the braindead mantra, "They were never Christians"? Chew on that for a while.
What I find amusing about these terrorist scumbags is that they were supposedly fighting against tyranny, only to tuck their tails between their legs and surrender at the first sign of an FBI badge. Courageous. Riiiiiiight.
Again, you clowns on the right have the audacity to be offended by the fact that the DHS revealed you for the terrorist thugs you are? Please. You know no shame or honor.
Are you listening, Mr. Beck? Are you paying attention to the news? How does it make you feel that your clones are taking up arms with the intention of killing law enforcement agents by the dozens? At least be honest with yourself, Glenn. You couldn't give a shit about the average American who's struggling to make ends meet. You're swimming in so much money that the term "health care" is absolutely meaningless to you. You couldn't care less about freedom, nor the safety of Americans, let alone health care. Eh, fuck them. Right, Glenn? Sink or swim. Right, Glenn? It's all about ratings, after all.
Keep beating that hornet's nest, Glenn. The more innocent people die at the hands of far right-wing lunatics, the more bloody your hands become.
As for you losers who think you're heroes by running around in the woods with an AR-15 in your hands, you're nothing but pondscum hiding behind the mask of religion. Have fun in jail, losers.
Just as I predicted last Sunday, not only did the right-wing nutjobs at Fox News not condemn the racist attacks by some teabaggers toward some members of the Congressional Black Caucus on March 20th, they simply denied these events ever happened.
Before I go on I have to make a disclaimer. I don't have the time nor the ability to listen to the right-wing pundits like Beck, Limbaugh, and Hannity on a daily basis, so there is a possibility that they could have condemned them but I missed it. And to be honest, the only reason I ever do give them a listen is to keep my anger for right-wing jackassery burning bright. Besides, unlike the aforementioned, I actually work for a living.
Anyway, I've searched for the better part of an hour today for any evidence that right-wing talking heads actually condemned the hate-fest that took part last week. I haven't been able to find anything. The best they can do is brush aside events from the 20th while reminding us that members of the far left often take part in violent activities. Meanwhile, during last night's "O'Reilly Factor" Laura Ingraham said that there was no evidence that anyone spit on Emanuel Cleaver on March 20th.
Fair and balanced, huh?
And what does Limbaugh have to say? "Let me ask you a question. When is the last time you can recall a bunch of conservatives having a riot?" They don't have to have a riot, Rush. They just blow off cops' heads off with an AK-47.
Republicans are crying foul against progressives and Democrats after a bullet went through a window in Eric Cantor's office in Richmond, VA. Cantor said that he was "directly threatened". As it turns out, the bullet was errant, and not intentionally fired into Cantor's office. Time will tell if he does the right thing and apologizes. Meanwhile, House Democrats continue to be the target of violence and hatred. Applause to John Boehner for condemning such violence.
In related news, hoards of the gun-toting fearful will arrive in D.C. on April 19th, of all days. Nice timing, guys. What possible outcome you clowns are hoping to achieve is way beyond me.
It's not about patriotism. It's not about standing up for what's right. It's not about compassion. It's not about a sense of duty. It's not even about health care anymore. It's simply about hate and fear of a black president. At least for some.
I'm angry today. I'm angry because I'd like to think that for all we have contributed to as a country and for as far as we've come, the hatred that some have for others just because of the color of their skin would have ended by now.
For all the talk we hear from right-wing troglodytes like Hannity and Beck about right vs. wrong, you would think that they and their braindead listeners would begin to distance themselves from the "grassroots" Tea Party clowns that spit on black members of Congress. You know, the same..."ahem"...grassroots organizations that are being well-funded like Dick Armey's FreedomWorks? Yeah - real grassroots, guys.
It's only Sunday, March 21st, but I can almost guarantee you that by Sunday, March 28th, no right-wing talking head will condemn, nor distance themselves, from the hate-fest that took place yesterday in DC.
What are you going to talk about this week, Sean? Are you going to tell your listeners that there's a socialist in the White House who's trying to destroy the country? What about you, Glenn? Are you going to stir up a hornets nest by claiming health care should be for only those who can afford it and screw everyone else? Or are you going to claim that the health care bill is going to kill grandma and grandpa? Meanwhile, the cost of health care premiums in California are sky-rocketing, ensuring that some will lose their benefits because they can't afford them. Did you mention this to your listeners, Rush? I didn't think so. After all, it's all about the money, right?
While Mike Pence and Michele Bachman were out in full force addressing and supporting the teabaggers, much credit needs to be given to Michael Steele, who condemned racially charged actions and statements at the rally. Time will tell if the rest of the Republican party will follow suit.
The latest gathering of the minds of the Tea Party movement took place in Nashville last Thursday. Attendees showed up dressed in silly garb from the mid-1700's, as if somehow that makes them patriotic. Some of the conservative big guns were there in full force, including Sarah Palin, Joseph Farrah, the known racist Roy Moore, and most interestingly, Tom Tancredo.
Tancredo kicked things off with a speech that was another crystal clear example of what is wrong with conservatives these days. He was greeted by a shower of applause, but it wasn't long until his mouth got him in trouble. He found himself placed squarely in the hot seat by progressives and freethinkers on Friday morning.
According to Tancredo, there should be a mandatory "civics literacy test" for voters. He went on to say the reason Barack Obama was elected is "people who could not even spell the word 'vote' or say it in English put a committed socialist ideologue in the White House. His name is Barack Hussein Obama," trying to draw a comparison between the president and the deceased Iraqi dictator.
Racist much, Tom?
The last time there was a civics literacy test for voting purposes in the United States was in the 50's in Alabama as they tried to ban black people from voting. They couldn't just come out and say, "You're black, so you're not allowed to vote." Instead, racist legislators in the Alabama state government made up a test that even a law professor couldn't pass. Rachel Maddow explains it best:
Tom's comments drew a roar of applause by the attendees, some of which paid up to $500 a ticket. But all Tancredo did was make himself, his party, and the the teabaggers in attendance the laughing stock of political ideology one more time. I'm still in awe, though hardly surprised, by the sheer foolishness, hypocrisy, and stupidity of conservatives like Tancredo.
Take a few moments to browse through some of the images in the numbered links below, have a good laugh at the expense of conservatives, then keep in mind that Tancredo has the nerve to infer that anyone who voted for Obama can't spell.
The spelling in this image is correct, but...well...you know...Medicare is socialized medicine.
I know that there is the chance that some of these pics have been photoshopped, but I seriously doubt it.
Anyway, I'm not too concerned about conservatives who can't squeeze two brain cells together to form a complete sentence with correct spelling and punctuation. What I'm really concerned about is Tancredo's interpretation of history and the First Amendment, not to mention recent American history:
"Somethings we can deal with just in a political way and just, you know, by the votes we cast. Other things will require a commitment to passing on our culture--and we do have one you know! It is based on Judeo Christian principles whether people like it or they don't! That's who we are! And if you don't like it, don't come here! And if you're here and don't like it go home! Go someplace else!"
I couldn't respond to Tancredo's commentary any better than Cenk Uygur did. Watch the clip at the bottom of this post as Cenk slams Tancredo and hands his posterior to him on a silver platter.
A few interesting things to note.
1. If you're a Teabagger and love Tancredo but hate the RealID Act, you should be aware that Tancredo co-sponsored the bill in Congress.
2. Tancredo's concerned that "the president and his left-wing allies in Congress are going to look for every opportunity to destroy the Constitution before we have a chance to save it." Now Tancredo is concerned about the Constitution?! This is the same man who attacked Obama as anti-Constitutional but voted for passage of the Patriot Act in 2001, which practically eviscerated the Constitution.
3. If you're one of the Teabaggers who try to draw the same stupid parallel between Obama and Islam because of his middle name, please stop. Some of you are the same people who worship neocon henchmen like Donald Rumsfeld, who shook hands with Saddam Hussein in 1980 then gave him all the chemical and biological weapons he wanted. 28 years later Hussein was hung for crimes against humanity, including using those weapons against his own people. And this makes sense how?
The Fox News goon squad was out in full force this week after Glenn Beck's 9/12 demonstrations held in DC. In an interview on Fox and Friends with hosts Steve Doocy and Gretchen Carlson, Beck stated that 1.7 million protesters showed up. The stupidity of these people has been elevated to dizzying heights. If you want a good sample of the kinds of people that were at the rally, hit the play button.
Anyway, there's been a small spark of controversy that arose after comments made by Beck during an interview on Fox and Friends, in which he stated there were 1.7 million protesters at the demonstration. He stated that a university, which somehow mysteriously eluded his memory, confirmed these numbers. Along with hosts Steve Doocy and Gretchen Carlson, Beck verbally groped each other in a feel good celebration of complete lunacy.
But what caught my attention during the interview wasn't whether or not Beck had a brain fart. It was Doocy who stole the show when he asked, "Since when is it okay in this country, you only can agree with the president, and you can't dissent?" Beck responded, "Since January 20th? I mean I've never seen anything like this."
Now Doocy and Beck are concerned about the First Amendment? They supported the lie of WMDs in Iraq by the Bush administration that lead to the deaths of over 4,000 soldiers and over 100,000 dead Iraqis, and added $900 billion to the national debt, all the while trashing people who dissented from the war. Not to mention the fact that they compare Obama to Hitler, coloring the president as a Nazi and a racist. Sad. So sad.
Nice try, guys. I suggest you go grab a coloring book and some crayons and have fun.
By now everyone who pays any attention at all to politics has heard about the uproar regarding the commentary that Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC...shock) made during the speech that President Obama was giving last week over health care reform. "You lie!" he yelled at the president, in response to the president's claim that his health care reform did not cover illegal immigrants. He apologized the very next day. But as is typical of Repubs these days, Wilson's attack has no credibility.
Meanwhile, Limbaugh is upset with Wilson because of his apology, and also believes that the president is lying. Hit the play button:
Limbaugh again opens his mouth when he should do Americans a huge favor and nail it shut. But I have to thank Rush because he just keeps on making his own party look ridiculously inept. Here's why.
In 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 was introduced on the House floor. The bill authorized federally funded health care for illegal immigrants. It was unanimously passed by both the House and the Senate, and President Bush signed it into law on December 8, 2003. The interesting part is, Joe Wilson voted for it.
So, open up wide, Rush and Mr. Wilson. Your crow is ready.
First it was Wiley Drake. Then it was Gordon Klingenschmitt. Now it's this guy. Meet Steven L. Anderson. He's the pastor and founder of the Faithful Word Baptist Church in Tempe, AZ. He's also a first-rate ass clown.
Anderson is just one more in a growing trend of hate-filled zombies of the far religious right that wishes death upon anyone who doesn't subscribe to their point of view. He also says that homosexuals should get the death penalty. As typical of the far right, his target of choice is President Obama.
Last month Anderson told his congregation that he wishes the president would get "brain cancer so he can die like Ted Kennedy," then go to hell. Big words coming from a man who hides behind God while fomenting his brand of hatred.
In an interview with KSAZ Fox News 10 in Phoenix, AZ, he said "I will not take the law into my own hands. I will not take up any arms. It's a spiritual battle. It's a spiritual warfare."
He may not take up any arms, but members of his congregation sure will. His parishioners show up at his church frequently with sidearms on their hips. Take this guy for example. His name is Chris Broughton. Yep, he's the same guy that brought a loaded AR-15 to a convention center in Phoenix where the president was holding a town hall meeting last month. In a recent interview on the Alex Jones Show, Broughton said of Anderson's church, "It's the best church in the world."
These people are scary, folks. They perform a very delicate balancing act between the Constitution and terrorism. They're not afraid of death. They're not afraid of jail. They have only one agenda - stop President Obama and anyone who disagrees with them, and Jesus will reward them in heaven. That's what makes them so dangerous. They're one brain lapse away from a killing spree sparked by insanity brought on by their own version of Christianity.
Anderson is allowed to say that he hates Barack Obama. He can say every wicked thing in the world that he wants to about the man. But when he mentions that he prays for Barack Obama to die in one of his sermons, and the very next day one of his brainwashed minions shows up within firing range of the president with an AR-15, something needs to be done.
Stripping his church of 503c status is just the start, if indeed his church enjoys such status. This psychopath needs to be investigated and haunted by the Feds 24-7. I'm no fan of George Bush by any stretch of the imagination, but I have never wished death upon him.
I'm tired of neo-conservative, religious zealots like Anderson wielding the Bible as justification for their own fiery brand of hatred. Dirtbags like Anderson, Drake, and Klingenschmitt love to cherry pick verses from the Bible to support their very specific point of view. But you'll never hear them mention verses like 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Matthew 5:44, or Ephesians 6:12, that says our fight isn't against the flesh of men, but spiritual powers. Nor will you hear them mention any of the verses that say God alone puts men in positions of authority.
For all you so-called "conservatives" out there, I just came across this little tidbit from the...ermm...*ahem*...Great Orator himself.
Speaking on behalf of members of the mujahideen, who later became Al Qaeda, on the White House lawn in 1985, he said:
"These gentleman are the moral equivalents of America's founding fathers."
Um, hey Sean? Since you love Reagan so much, who left us $2 trillion in debt by the way, would you like to explain why he was praising the very people who would later become our enemies and murder 3,000 innocent people? Hmm?
I love the First Amendment. But I don't love when it's stretched out of context.
During the July 7th edition of Fox and Friends, anchor Gretchen Carlson and guest Patrick Mahoney took exception to the Pentagon's denial of a flyover request at the "God and Country Festival" at Nampa, Idaho. They're in a tizzy because this is the first time in 42 years that a flyover request has been denied, and apparently it's all Obama's fault.
Carlson read part of the Pentagon's response on air:
"Air Force and DoD policy prohibit support for events which appear to endorse, selectively benefit, or favor any special interest group, religious or ideological movement."
Carlson continued, "But Reverend Patrick Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition says the rally was not designed to promote any one religious faith, but rather to celebrate the troops."
A quick visit to the event's website proves otherwise:
The God and Country Festival in Nampa, Idaho is organized by a volunteer-driven organization called the God and Country Association, Inc. The organization is made up of Christians who are committed to strengthening the fabric of the Treasure Valley community through the Good News of Jesus Christ. We are also interested in helping believers around the nation get an independent God and Country event started. We believe that Christians in America should have a natural affection for their country because it was founded on the godly ideal that liberty is derived, n ot as a gift of governments and politicians, but as a gift of our Creator.
So much for that theory, Mr. Mahoney.
Carlson then asks, Maloney, "So, when I first read this story, I found it hard to believe. Because for 42 years at this rally in Idaho the Pentagon has authorized a flyover. Suddenly, this year, a new president in office, and a new policy. What do you make of it?"
There is no new policy, Ms. Carlson. It's just an old policy that is simply, finally, being enforced.
Mahoney responded, "Well, we're stunned actually. And it's a reminder that the Constitution promises freedom of religion, not freedom from religion."
The Constitution protects everyone, reverend. It is there to provide Americans with the freedom to worship however they choose - even if they choose not to. It protects, theists and non-theists alike. It protects Christians, Jews, Wiccans, Muslims, Buddhists, atheists, agnostics, deists, and even Satanists. If you don't like this, perhaps you should leave the country.
By the way, Mahoney is the same clown that paid a visit to Obama's office in July 2008 when he was still a senator. Mahoney showed up with this sign.
Nice.
So, I have a question for Carlson, Mahoney, and other fundamentalists like them - how would you like for tax payer money to be spent on the Thunderbirds having a flyover at an Islamic rally, or even a Satanic rally? It makes all of you very nervous, doesn't it?
Here is the rest of the response letter from the Pentagon that Carlson didn't want you to read:
Thank you for your request for Air Force aviation support during God and Country Festival on 01 Jul 2009 in Nampa, ID.
We have carefully reviewed this particular event. As you may recall from the request form's instructions, the Department of Defense (DoD) authorizes the Air Force to participate in flyovers for those recognition events held in direct support of the five patriotic holidays (Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, POW-MIA Day and Veterans Day) and for aviation-related events, such as airshows and airport dedications. Sporting events that fall on one of the five patriotic holidays mentioned above are not considered to be events held in direct support of a holiday commemoration and will require a waiver.
Your Air Force aviation support request doesn't fall into either approved category, as such, we are unable to approve it. Air Force and DoD policy prohibit support for events which appear to endorse, selectively benefit, or favor any special interest group, religious or ideological movement.
With an increasingly high operations tempo and limited resources to meet our training and operational commitments, we are required to take a hard look at all of our requests and carefully follow our policies and guidelines. In denying your request, we are not questioning the worthiness of the event, but rather enforcing DoD and Air Force policy to preserve the operational and training requirements of our aviation units and to practice the prudent stewardship of taxpayer-financed resources.
We hope that you can appreciate and understand our position. We believe that your event will, nevertheless, be a success. Any further questions can be referred to me at 703-695-9664.
Tech. Sgt. Roy Utley
Aviation Support 703-695-9664 Phone 703-693-9601 Fax www.airshows.pa.hq.af.mil
Even after Sarah Palin shrugged her duties as the elected governor of Alaska only 18 months after she was sworn in, many Republicans still believe she's the GOP front-runner for the 2012 presidential election. A recent Gallup/USAToday poll revealed that approximately 72% of Republicans would vote for Palin. Keep in mind this is a woman who left Wasilla $20 million in debt, thinks that mankind walked side-by-side with dinosaurs, and ignorantly slammed the use of fruit flies for autism research. If she can't handle the position of governor, what makes you Repubs believe she's a quality candidate for Commander-in-Chief? Just think - this woman was one heart attack away from receiving the title of president.
When will you Repubs ever learn?
Even more (or less) surprising is her overall ignorance of the White House judicial system. In a recent interview with ABC News, she was asked if she could avoid the "political bloodsport" in Washington like she's tried to in Alaska, to which she responded:
“I don’t think it will be the day after day after day of ethics violation charges that are frivolous, that are ridiculous. I think on a national level your department of law there in the White House would look at this, the things we have been charged with, and automatically throw them out, not make somebody hire their own personal attorney to get out there and fight.”
By now you've probably heard this statement, and that there is no "department of law" in the White House. Even if there was a "department of law", it would have nothing to do with protecting the president.
Realizing that Sarah Palin isn't the most articulate woman in the world, I'm giving her the benefit of a doubt. But given her questionable decision making, that's a pretty tall order.
Watch this clip. If only Terry Tate were a science book.
Since the far-right lunies were trounced last November they have tried desperately to find anything they can against Barack Obama. Hannity attacks him for choice of mustard on his burgers, while Limbaugh slams him for holding Americans accountable for their health. The fun never ends with these clowns.
Meanwhile, over at the Wing Nut Daily the two most repeated words from Joseph Farah are "birth certificate". Ever since Barack Obama set his sights on the White House, Farah has been like a pit bull trying to clamp its jaws onto a hapless kitten's windpipe. Day after day, Farah and his goons go on the offensive asserting that Barack Obama was not born in the United States, and therefore according to the Constitution, is not legally president.
Last week all the hubbub was over a copy of Obama's birth certificate, as if that isn't legitimate. This week, it's over the absence of Obama's birth certificate from the National Archive. Why this matters I have no clue. Interestingly, at no point in history has the topic of authenticity of presidential birth certificates become so volatile. Clinton, Bush 41, Bush 43, Reagan, Nixon, Carter - not one of them had their nationality scrutinized.
Note: I have a copy of my birth certificate, and it's just as valid as the original.
Since Farah seems so utterly incapable of reading his own news site, I'm going to use it to thoroughly discredit and embarrass him. In the August 23rd, 2008 edition of the WND, an independent study over this whole pooch screw was released. The article thoroughly discredited the right-wing pawn, JeromeCorsi's blathering that Obama is supposedly Kenyan. From the article we read:
"A separate WND investigation into Obama's birth certificate utilizing forgery experts also found the document to be authentic. The investigation also revealed methods used by some of the bloggers to determine the document was fake involved forgeries, in that a few bloggers added text and images to the certificate scan that weren't originally there."
This is from your own news site, Joe. Now, before this whole birth certificate "scandal" goes on much longer and you suffer further embarrassment, stop beating a horse that has long been dead.
If President Obama truly wasn't born on American soil, then he should be removed from office per the Constitution. But even if it was confirmed that he is in fact Kenyan, I would vote for Obama before a war-mongering, right-wing, lapdog like John McCain.
Paul Wolfowitz recently wrote an article for the Salt Lake Tribune on June 19th simply titled, "Obama needs to change stance on Iran". The basic premise of the article is the same rhetoric that's been coming from the neo-con lunatic fringe like Lindsey Graham and Mike Pence - that the president is weak, passive, timid, etc.
The United States has a history of intervening in the politics and affairs of other nations. Each time it was because of national interest and preservation. It also has a history of non-intervention as well. Founders such as Thomas Paine, George Washington, John Adams, James Monroe, and Thomas Jefferson had strong warnings against meddling in the internal affairs of other nations. But it wasn't until the 20th century during the Teddy Roosevelt administration that American intervention became prominent. His administration prided itself in the fact that they didn't drag the country into World War I. In fact, the administration's slogan eventually became, "He kept us out of war." But it wasn't before long that the United States did become involved in WWI.
After the entrance of the United States into World War II, intervention became one of the crown jewels in American foreign policy. Every administration since Harry Truman has at least one account of intervention. Perhaps the most famous and alluded to account of American intervention took place during the Reagan administration when he called Mikhail Gorbachev onto the carpet and demanded, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" So-called "conservatives" love bringing up the specter of Ronald Reagan, even though he left the country $2 trillion in debt when his presidency ran its course.
But we're talking about Iran, not the Eastern Bloc. Much different scenario.
American intervention in Iranian politics began with Operation Ajax, which was the blueprint for the overthrow of Mohammed Mosaddeq in 1953, the democratically elected Prime Minister of Iran. The British government accused Mosaddeq with violating rights to the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, which made Britain increasingly wealthy. Britain subsequently approached the Truman administration with a plan to dethrone Mosaddeq, but Truman washed his hands clean of the plan. However, the plan resurfaced during the Eisenhower administration who accepted it with open arms. Eisenhower allowed the CIA to engage in its first covert operation, and Mosaddeq was ousted from power in 1953. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was placed in power. Pahlavi himself was overthrown in 1979 by the Islamic Revolution, and a brutal theocracy was born.
Less than 1 year later, conflict erupted between Iran and Iraq over border disputes and fear of Shi'a insurgency. The conflict claimed the lives of over 188,000 Iranians, over 100,000 of which were killed by chemical weapons and nerve gas. The sad reality is through American intervention these weapons were sold by the United States to Iraq under Saddam Hussein. Hussein would later use these weapons against Kurds in the northern region of his country. Even after it was learned that Hussein was using nerve gas on his own people, the Reagan administration continued to sell weapons of mass destruction to his administration. To date, Iranians are still angry over the fact that the United States gave its weapons and resources to Iraq. It should be of little surprise that the phrase, "Death to America!" practically cakes the ceilings of the mosques in Tehran.
It was later learned that the Carter administration supported Iraq's invasion of Iran because he felt it would hasten the release of US political prisoners being held in Tehran, in spite of the fact that Iraq was placed on a terrorist state watch list on December 29, 1979.
Ten years after the end of the Iran-Iraq war, the United States entered Kuwait to evict the Iraqis who had invaded the country. After ongoing talks with US ambassador April Glaspie, who informed Hussein that "We have no opinion on the Arab-Arab conflicts, like your border disagreement with Kuwait." Apparently, this meant a green light for Saddam to invade Kuwait, who began amassing troops along the Iraq-Kuwait border in July 1990. In January 1991, bombs started to fall in Baghdad, and less than 10 hours later all communications and power were lost in the city. Immediately after the aerial assault the ground war began, and 100 hours later President George H. W. Bush declared victory.
The irony of the Gulf War is that in 1994, then Defense Secretary Cheney stated that if troops "finished the job" in Baghdad and took out Saddam it would have been a quagmire. But lo' and behold, 19 years later, Bush 43 decided to invade Iraq after scaring the bejeezus out of the American public with reports of WMDs. $900 billion, 100,000 dead Iraqis, and 4,315 dead American troops later, Cheney admitted what the rest of us knew all along - that Gulf War II was a war of choice. No WMDs were ever found in Iraq, not to mention no proof of Iraq's involvement in 9/11.
I think the video below pretty much sums up American foreign policy in Iraq. Yep, that's Donald Rumsfeld shaking hands with a dictator in 1983.
Funny how neocons like Sean Hannity love to slam President Obama for saying that he would be willing to meet with Ahmadinejad, but give Rumsfeld a pass for shaking hands with a known murderer.
So, if this is Mr. Wolfowitz's idea of President Obama being tougher with Iranian dictators, I want no part of it. Ahmadinejad has already stated that the blood of Iranian civilians is on the hands of Western countries, primarily the UK and the US. If that's the case, how much more blood are you willing to be spilled, Paul?
A couple of weeks ago I told you about former Southern Baptist Convention vice president, Wiley Drake, and his admission that he was praying for the death of President Obama. His commentary was so volatile that even fellow pastors in the SBC gave Drake a very wide berth. It seems that this idea of imprecatory prayer has been spreading like wildfire as of late. It turns out that former Navy chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt is now wishing death upon those who dare to think for themselves. I seem to remember Jesus as saying to pray for your enemies, not wishing them dead.
In April, Klingenschmitt released a podcast called "The One-Minute Prayer," in which he called for the death of freethinkers Barry Lynn and Mikey Wienstein. Hit the play button to hear the clip. Here is the transcript of the prayer:
"One-Minute Prayer: Let us pray. Almighty God, today we pray imprecatory prayers from Psalm 109 against the enemies of religious liberty, including Barry Lynn and Mikey Weinstein, who issued press releases this week attacking me personally. God, do not remain silent, for wicked men surround us and tell lies about us. We bless them, but they curse us. Therefore find them guilty, not me. Let their days be few, and replace them with Godly people. Plunder their fields, and seize their assets. Cut off their descendants, and remember their sins, in Jesus' name. Amen."
For those of you who may not know, Barry Lynn is the host of "Culture Shocks", a daily web broadcast, and an outspoken advocate of separation of church and state. Mikey Wienstein is an Air Force Academy graduate who spent 3 years in the White House during the Reagan administration has his own website, and is also an outspoken advocate for separation of church and state. Interestingly, Lynn is an ordained minister.
Klingenschmitt believes that he was wrongfully court-martialed from the Navy in 2007 because he was praying in Jesus' name in public. In reality, he was canned for disobeying a Navy rule that prohibits taking part in a political rally in front of the White House in uniform alongside known racist and former Alabama Supreme Court justice Roy Moore. Being a veteran, I can assure you that showing up in uniform at a political rally is illegal.
Klingenschmitt put out the divine hit on the lives of Lynn and Wienstein after they sent a joint letter to the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Gary Roughead, informing him that he [Klingenschmitt] was violating federal law by misusing a military uniform. Because of this letter, Klingenschmitt was forced to offer a disclaimer informing visitors to his website that he is no longer a Navy chaplain. Not surprising, however, he still refers to himself as such.
The glaring irony of Klingenschmitt's stance is that he claims to support religious freedom. I'm not sure if he knew, but religious freedom does not mean indoctrinating or proselytizing military members with a very specific religious worldview. Rather, it means letting an individual have the liberty to choose which religion is right for him or her, or even if they want to worship at all. The First Amendment is there to protect Americans from religious tyranny, and separation of church and state is possibly the most important aspect of our form of government. Leave it up to right-wing thugs like Klingenschmitt and Drake to take this vital part of our culture and twist it into a demonstrable lie.
In related news, the military is now denying that its members are trying to convert Muslims in Afganistan. According to Klingenschmitt, "It's not proselytizing. It's evangelism." What the difference is I have no idea. It was learned that Christians in the military were carrying Bibles in Pashtu and Dari to give to Afghans, a blatant violation of General Order 1. The Bibles were subsequently confiscated and burned.
In somewhat related news, scientists have determined (again) that intercessory prayer for the sick and injured does little if anything to help them recover. Why universities keep wasting their money on the link between prayer and health I have no idea.
I just love when Rush Limbaugh opens his mouth and blathers on about things he doesn't understand. If only his listeners could think for themselves.
In the June 11th edition Limbaugh's radio program, he stated that people who exercise regularly put undue strain on national health care. Apparently, Rush took exception to comments from President Obama when he said, "If we can get somebody first of all who is overweight to lose weight so they don't become diabetic, we save money."
Diabetes costs Americans over $27 billion a year. What's worse is that it's preventable. But true to form, Limbaugh tossed logic and reason aside for the sake of political identity. I'm starting to think that Limbaugh would hack off his own arm with a rusty butter knife than find common ground with his political opponents.
Hit the play button to hear Rush's response:
Let's take a look at the facts, Rush.
According to the CDC, $475 billion will be spent on heart disease in 2009. Things that contribute to the increase in heart disease in America are use of tobacco products, a crappy diet, and little or no activity.
The use of tobacco products alone contributes to ~$200 billion in unnecessary health costs. Chugging on tobacco products the way you do is not a good idea if you want to fight heart disease, Rush.
About $93 billion is spent every year on complications due to obesity.
In 2008, the overall cost of diabetes was ~$27 billion.
The cost of physical inactivity also takes a toll on the workplace. In 2007, over $58 billion in revenue was lost due to illnesses and other complications due to physical inactivity and poor health.
However, injuries sustained during sports or recreation are about $117 billion. Which is more costly?
It's truly astonishing how out of touch this man really is. Leave it up to Limbaugh to slam those who are passionate about life enough to get out of their house and go do something with their lives. Maybe if you got off your ass once in a while instead of eating painkillers like candy and chomping on cigars every 10 minutes, you might start to feel better, Rush.
It was only a matter of time before the Obama administration was the target of racism by high-ranking Republican officials. But I didn't think the first target would be the president's wife.
Rusty DePass (R-SC) is deservedly under heavy fire for recent comments he made toward Michelle Obama. After a gorilla escaped from the Riverbank Zoo in Columbia, SC, the former campaign manager for Rudy Giuliani wrote on his Facebook page, "I'm sure it's just one of Michelle's ancestors - probably harmless." Suddenly, conservatives accept evolution. How lovely. Of course, DePass offered a less than contrite apology.
Too late, douchebag.
Update:
Sherri Goforth, a staffer for state Senator Diane Black (R-TN) is under fire herself for submitting this picture by e-mail to some of her associates. Too bad for her that she sent it to the wrong people. When pressured if she understood the racial tone of the image, Goforth simply responded, “I went on the wrong email and I inadvertently hit the wrong button. I’m very sick about it, and it’s one of those things I can’t change or take back.”
Like most right-wing troglodytes who consider themselves the apex of the American ideal, you reveal your utter ignorance of patriotism and what it truly means to be an American. Running around in a 4x4 donned in a Native American head dress and war paint while blowing a squirrel away with a .50 cal doesn't make you an American, let alone a man. Hate speech has nothing to do with the 1st Amendment, and the 2nd Amendment doesn't mean owning an entire arsenal of weapons.
While perusing the net tonight I came across this picture. I knew you were a bottom feeder of the Republican party who panders to the drones of the far right wing, but this is sad.
Unlike yourself, Ted, I didn't dodge service to my country. I served in the United States Air Force from 1995 to 2003, therefore I reserve the right to tell you to stop wiping your ass with the flag I helped defend. United States Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8d states:
The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
Thanks for kicking all of us veterans, POWs, MIAs, and KIAs in the stomach, Ted.
