Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Theater of Operations + 1
So we've now provoked Syria, and they are responding, initially, the only way they can. But I'll bet dollars to pesos that the border area is now going to explode, and the Syrians start sniping at helicopters with small arms.
In case you're keeping score, that's two countries that the US has decided to "enter". Oh good. Spread it around. I hope like hell they institute a draft. From the WSJ:
The Syrian government ordered an American school and a U.S. cultural center in Damascus closed in response to a deadly U.S. attack on a village near the Iraq border, the state-run news agency said.
U.S. officials said the raid killed a top operative of al Qaeda in Iraq who, according to intelligence, was about to conduct an attack in Iraq. Syria and the Iraqi government criticized the raid, and Syria denied Tuesday the attack had targeted an al Qaeda operative.
The state news agency, SANA, didn't say when the school and the center would be closed but said the closures will continue until further notice.
There is a small American community in the Syrian capital and one American school and a cultural center.
Syria said U.S. troops in four helicopters on Sunday attacked a building inside Syria and near the border with Iraq and killed eight people.
In Washington, a State Department spokesman said he had heard about the order but declined to comment further because the U.S. hadn't been officially notified by the Syrian government.
In case you're keeping score, that's two countries that the US has decided to "enter". Oh good. Spread it around. I hope like hell they institute a draft. From the WSJ:
The Syrian government ordered an American school and a U.S. cultural center in Damascus closed in response to a deadly U.S. attack on a village near the Iraq border, the state-run news agency said.
U.S. officials said the raid killed a top operative of al Qaeda in Iraq who, according to intelligence, was about to conduct an attack in Iraq. Syria and the Iraqi government criticized the raid, and Syria denied Tuesday the attack had targeted an al Qaeda operative.
The state news agency, SANA, didn't say when the school and the center would be closed but said the closures will continue until further notice.
There is a small American community in the Syrian capital and one American school and a cultural center.
Syria said U.S. troops in four helicopters on Sunday attacked a building inside Syria and near the border with Iraq and killed eight people.
In Washington, a State Department spokesman said he had heard about the order but declined to comment further because the U.S. hadn't been officially notified by the Syrian government.
Election Holiday
Whether you've been bombarded by rumors about ACORN or GOP shenanigans at the polls, you have to see by now that there are some serious problems with the beating heart of democracy.
Depending on where you live, you may have to put up with extremely long poll lines, insufficient machines, or wrong or misleading information. To make matters worse, most of us have to find the time to either leave work or not go at all, in order to sort out the mess that almost certainly taints what should be the most patriotic thing a citizen can do.
So why not make Election Day a national holiday? Why not level the playing field, and give Joe the Plumber the day off so he can vote? Why not make it easier for the working stiffs to vote?
We have so many holidays. Some more deserving than others. So why is it so hard to commemorate the one thing that defines citizenship and patriotism, democracy and freedom, and equality and progress?
Depending on where you live, you may have to put up with extremely long poll lines, insufficient machines, or wrong or misleading information. To make matters worse, most of us have to find the time to either leave work or not go at all, in order to sort out the mess that almost certainly taints what should be the most patriotic thing a citizen can do.
So why not make Election Day a national holiday? Why not level the playing field, and give Joe the Plumber the day off so he can vote? Why not make it easier for the working stiffs to vote?
We have so many holidays. Some more deserving than others. So why is it so hard to commemorate the one thing that defines citizenship and patriotism, democracy and freedom, and equality and progress?
VOTE!
November 4th is just a short week away. I can't believe it. We've been living and breathing politics for the better part of two years, and the last few months are going to become almost mythical. At least for me.
This ride has been bumpy; I've fretted and cheered all the way. But I have one message to still deliver: VOTE!
VOTE! VOTE!
Everyone, no matter who you're rooting for. Don't be silenced. Don't go quietly. Let them hear you. Let me hear you. Push like you're behind. Don't be complacent, and don't give up when you're so close.
VOTE!
This ride has been bumpy; I've fretted and cheered all the way. But I have one message to still deliver: VOTE!
VOTE! VOTE!
Everyone, no matter who you're rooting for. Don't be silenced. Don't go quietly. Let them hear you. Let me hear you. Push like you're behind. Don't be complacent, and don't give up when you're so close.
VOTE!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Authenticity Revisited
This is by far one of the more lucid and well-written pieces that I've read in a long time. The WSJ is indeed one of the two best overall newspapers in the country, in spite of being taken over by Murdock. Thomas Frank at the WSJ presents an interesting look into the problems that plague the GOP presidential race, and the lack of authenticity of their message, and their symbols:
The conservative movement made its name battling moral relativists on campus, bellowing for a "strict construction" of our nation's founding documents, and pandering to people who believe that the Book of Genesis literally records the origins of human existence.
And yet here are the words of Ronald Reagan's pollster, Richard Wirthlin, as recorded in one of the main Reagan strategy documents from 1980: "People act on the basis of their perception of reality; there is, in fact, no political reality beyond what is perceived by the voters."
The context of Wirthlin's reality-denial, according to the historian Kim Phillips-Fein, who unearths his statement in her forthcoming book, "Invisible Hands," was the larger Republican plan to woo blue-collar voters.
The mission was a success. It worked because Republicans wholeheartedly adopted Wirthlin's dictum. Reality is a terrible impediment when you're reaching out to workers while simultaneously cracking down on unions and scheming to privatize Social Security. Leave that reality to the "reality-based community," to use the put-down coined by an aide to George W. Bush.
The "perception of reality," on the other hand, is an amazing political tonic, and with it conservatives have cemented a factproof worldview of lasting power. It is simply this: Conservatives are authentic and liberals are not. The country is divided into a land of the soulful, hard-working producers and a land of the paper-pushing parasites; a plain-spoken heartland and the sinister big cities, where they breed tricky characters like Barack Obama, all "eloquence," as John McCain sneered in last week's presidential debate, but hard to pin down.
"There are Americans and there are liberals," proclaims a bumper sticker that adorns my office. "Liberals hate real Americans that work and accomplish and achieve and believe in God," proclaimed Rep. Robin Hayes (R., N.C.) on Saturday at a rally in North Carolina. Speaking of Mr. Obama on the day before that, Rep. Michelle Bachmann (R., Minn.) expressed deep concern on MSNBC "that he may have anti-American views." And on the day before that, GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin saluted "these wonderful little pockets of what I call the real America, being here with all of you hard working, very patriotic, very pro-America areas of this great nation."
Joe the Plumber -- along with his just-discovered supporter, Tito the Builder -- has brought to the GOP what Richard Wirthlin went looking for so long ago: blue-collar affirmation. But consider the degree of reality-blindness it takes to kick out the authenticity like Joe does. The rust-belt metro area in which he lives has been in decline for decades. In 2007, the Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked it 335 out of 369 small metropolitan areas for unemployment; for home foreclosures, according to a 2007 article in the Toledo Blade, it is the 30 worst of all cities in the nation. According to Census numbers, median household income in the Toledo area, measured in constant dollars, has actually decreased since the late 1970s.
Joe's town may be circling the drain, but Joe's real concern, as the world knows, is that he might have to pay more taxes when his ship finally comes in. For good measure, Joe also declares Social Security "a joke": "I've never believed in it," he told reporters last week. Maybe that's because this realest of men knows that Social Security is just a hippie dream, despite the Census's insistence that 28% of his city's households received income from that source in 2003. Maybe all those people would be better off if we had invested Social Security's trust fund in WaMu and Wachovia -- you know, the real deal.
The conservative movement made its name battling moral relativists on campus, bellowing for a "strict construction" of our nation's founding documents, and pandering to people who believe that the Book of Genesis literally records the origins of human existence.
And yet here are the words of Ronald Reagan's pollster, Richard Wirthlin, as recorded in one of the main Reagan strategy documents from 1980: "People act on the basis of their perception of reality; there is, in fact, no political reality beyond what is perceived by the voters."
The context of Wirthlin's reality-denial, according to the historian Kim Phillips-Fein, who unearths his statement in her forthcoming book, "Invisible Hands," was the larger Republican plan to woo blue-collar voters.
The mission was a success. It worked because Republicans wholeheartedly adopted Wirthlin's dictum. Reality is a terrible impediment when you're reaching out to workers while simultaneously cracking down on unions and scheming to privatize Social Security. Leave that reality to the "reality-based community," to use the put-down coined by an aide to George W. Bush.
The "perception of reality," on the other hand, is an amazing political tonic, and with it conservatives have cemented a factproof worldview of lasting power. It is simply this: Conservatives are authentic and liberals are not. The country is divided into a land of the soulful, hard-working producers and a land of the paper-pushing parasites; a plain-spoken heartland and the sinister big cities, where they breed tricky characters like Barack Obama, all "eloquence," as John McCain sneered in last week's presidential debate, but hard to pin down.
"There are Americans and there are liberals," proclaims a bumper sticker that adorns my office. "Liberals hate real Americans that work and accomplish and achieve and believe in God," proclaimed Rep. Robin Hayes (R., N.C.) on Saturday at a rally in North Carolina. Speaking of Mr. Obama on the day before that, Rep. Michelle Bachmann (R., Minn.) expressed deep concern on MSNBC "that he may have anti-American views." And on the day before that, GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin saluted "these wonderful little pockets of what I call the real America, being here with all of you hard working, very patriotic, very pro-America areas of this great nation."
Joe the Plumber -- along with his just-discovered supporter, Tito the Builder -- has brought to the GOP what Richard Wirthlin went looking for so long ago: blue-collar affirmation. But consider the degree of reality-blindness it takes to kick out the authenticity like Joe does. The rust-belt metro area in which he lives has been in decline for decades. In 2007, the Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked it 335 out of 369 small metropolitan areas for unemployment; for home foreclosures, according to a 2007 article in the Toledo Blade, it is the 30 worst of all cities in the nation. According to Census numbers, median household income in the Toledo area, measured in constant dollars, has actually decreased since the late 1970s.
Joe's town may be circling the drain, but Joe's real concern, as the world knows, is that he might have to pay more taxes when his ship finally comes in. For good measure, Joe also declares Social Security "a joke": "I've never believed in it," he told reporters last week. Maybe that's because this realest of men knows that Social Security is just a hippie dream, despite the Census's insistence that 28% of his city's households received income from that source in 2003. Maybe all those people would be better off if we had invested Social Security's trust fund in WaMu and Wachovia -- you know, the real deal.
Fighting for Plumbers, or Prada?
This is a breaking story today, first brought to my attention by Maria Gherman. After all of the indecisiveness that marked their campaign, and their feigned support of the "real American" and its working class Joes, how does this fit on for size. From Kenneth R. Bazinet, at the NY Daily News:
Lipstick isn't the only difference between America's top hockey mom and a pit bull.
Sarah Palin also has a spectacular new wardrobe, and Republican campaign donors picked up the breathtaking tab.
The Republican National Committee spent $150,000 on clothing and accessories for the vice presidential candidate and her family since early September, according to a report by the Politico Web site.
At first, the McCain-Palin campaign and RNC refused to explain the spending.
"The RNC does not discuss expenses as it relates to strategy," said spokesman Danny Diaz.
Federal law would bar the McCain-Palin campaign from converting campaign funds to "personal use" - a definition that specifically includes clothing purchases.
But a Republican strategist said the expenditure by the party committee was legal.
Palin also faces questions over a separate report Tuesday that she charged the state of Alaska more than $20,000 since taking office to take her children with her while traveling, sometimes to events at which the kids were neither invited nor expected.
Lipstick isn't the only difference between America's top hockey mom and a pit bull.
Sarah Palin also has a spectacular new wardrobe, and Republican campaign donors picked up the breathtaking tab.
The Republican National Committee spent $150,000 on clothing and accessories for the vice presidential candidate and her family since early September, according to a report by the Politico Web site.
At first, the McCain-Palin campaign and RNC refused to explain the spending.
"The RNC does not discuss expenses as it relates to strategy," said spokesman Danny Diaz.
Federal law would bar the McCain-Palin campaign from converting campaign funds to "personal use" - a definition that specifically includes clothing purchases.
But a Republican strategist said the expenditure by the party committee was legal.
Palin also faces questions over a separate report Tuesday that she charged the state of Alaska more than $20,000 since taking office to take her children with her while traveling, sometimes to events at which the kids were neither invited nor expected.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Comedian of the Day: Michele Bachmann!
Just in case you missed this on Friday, or you have no idea what people are talking about when they say "that crazy lunatic on Hardball".
The GOP Helping The Left?
With about two weeks to go, I'm a little surprised that the GOP has switched sides and is supporting Democrats. The latest example of this new tactic was displayed by Michele Bachmann (R-MN) on Hardball with Chris Matthews. She basically called Obama anti-American, and said that the media should investigate Congress to root out anti-Americans, like McCarthy wanted to do with Communists.
You'd think that she knew what she was doing. No one could be that stupid. I just think she's trying to help the Democrat in her district win. From myFOX Twin Cities:
After the comments on MSNBC, campaign donations poured in for opponent Elwyn Tinklenberg. His campaign announced that he has raised $640,000 since Friday night.
"They're coming in from all over the country. I think we've had donations from almost every state in the union," says Tinklenberg. "No one expected we would be in a position to go dollar for dollar with an incumbent congressperson, and at this point in the race, that's what we're able to do.”
You'd think that she knew what she was doing. No one could be that stupid. I just think she's trying to help the Democrat in her district win. From myFOX Twin Cities:
After the comments on MSNBC, campaign donations poured in for opponent Elwyn Tinklenberg. His campaign announced that he has raised $640,000 since Friday night.
"They're coming in from all over the country. I think we've had donations from almost every state in the union," says Tinklenberg. "No one expected we would be in a position to go dollar for dollar with an incumbent congressperson, and at this point in the race, that's what we're able to do.”
The Post-American World, Zakaria.....Read It
This picture has been making the rounds on all of the right-leaning blogs for the better part of this week. It suggests that Obama may be anti-American (just like Michele Bachmann, the lunatic, did), because he is reading a book written by a Muslim titled The Post-American World.
Immediately, the right lost its collective lunch. "He's a terrorist, he's reading a Muslim book, he hates America, he wants to destroy us!"
Alright. For all of you who are aspiring to reach the highest levels of Klan leadership:
1. Learn to read. Then, learn to read before you sound off with an opinion.
This book is an exceptional look into our global future, and it is very optimistic about the role that America will play in that future.
2. Burn your white sheets, and do some research. Learn something about the author. Things like this:
Zakaria has won several awards for his columns and cover-essays, in particular for his October 2001 Newsweek cover story, "Why They Hate Us." In 1999, he was named "one of the 21 most important people of the 21st Century" by Esquire magazine. I
n 2007, he was named one of the 100 leading public intellectuals in the world by Foreign Policy and Prospect magazines. He has received honorary degrees from many universities. He serves on the board of Yale University, The Council on Foreign Relations, The Trilateral Commission, and Shakespeare and Company.
He received a B.A. from Yale and a Ph.D. in political science from Harvard. He lives in New York City with his wife, son and two daughters.
We should be so lucky as to have a president that actually takes the time to read and to expand his knowledge about world affairs. Those things constantly change; and that's why 30-odd years of experience mean little if your views don't adjust as well.
Everyone who dismissed this book or its author as hateful, is an unabashed racist. I rest my case.
Immediately, the right lost its collective lunch. "He's a terrorist, he's reading a Muslim book, he hates America, he wants to destroy us!"
Alright. For all of you who are aspiring to reach the highest levels of Klan leadership:
1. Learn to read. Then, learn to read before you sound off with an opinion.
This book is an exceptional look into our global future, and it is very optimistic about the role that America will play in that future.
2. Burn your white sheets, and do some research. Learn something about the author. Things like this:
Zakaria has won several awards for his columns and cover-essays, in particular for his October 2001 Newsweek cover story, "Why They Hate Us." In 1999, he was named "one of the 21 most important people of the 21st Century" by Esquire magazine. I
n 2007, he was named one of the 100 leading public intellectuals in the world by Foreign Policy and Prospect magazines. He has received honorary degrees from many universities. He serves on the board of Yale University, The Council on Foreign Relations, The Trilateral Commission, and Shakespeare and Company.
He received a B.A. from Yale and a Ph.D. in political science from Harvard. He lives in New York City with his wife, son and two daughters.
We should be so lucky as to have a president that actually takes the time to read and to expand his knowledge about world affairs. Those things constantly change; and that's why 30-odd years of experience mean little if your views don't adjust as well.
Everyone who dismissed this book or its author as hateful, is an unabashed racist. I rest my case.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
White Flag of Surrender?
For the better part of the presidential campaign, John McCain and the right has consistently claimed that Senator Obama wants to "put up the white flag of surrender" and let the enemy win in Iraq. McCain sermons on the "obvious" calamity that would befall Iraq and its citizens are pounced on by every talking head the right can muster. They say we have to stay in Iraq. For national security. For Iraqi security. For prosperity in the Middle East. The problem is, the Iraqis don't really seem to want us there. At least not in our current role. From Alissa J Rubin at the NYT:
Hopes that a security agreement between Iraq and the United States could be concluded swiftly receded Sunday as several of the leading Iraqi political parties, including some that had negotiated the agreement, appeared to back away from quick approval.
In a public statement posted on semiofficial government Web sites, the United Iraqi Alliance, which represents several powerful Shiite parties that back the government, said it could not endorse the pact as written and wanted amendments. It formed a committee on Saturday to survey alliance member opinions.
“The alliance asked the prime minister
to reopen the negotiations with the Americans and try to modify the pact until it becomes acceptable to us,” said Sami al-Askari, a leader in Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki’s Dawa Party, which is a member of the Shiite alliance.
Whether the agreement will be signed “will depend on the American side,” he said.
In Washington, a White House official declined to comment.
The Americans had pushed to persuade the Iraqis to complete the pact by midsummer, worried that the Iraqi government would be reluctant to endorse it as the provincial elections, originally scheduled for Oct. 1, approached. But the Iraqis resisted, and now, despite American concessions, seem to be backing away.
Hopes that a security agreement between Iraq and the United States could be concluded swiftly receded Sunday as several of the leading Iraqi political parties, including some that had negotiated the agreement, appeared to back away from quick approval.
In a public statement posted on semiofficial government Web sites, the United Iraqi Alliance, which represents several powerful Shiite parties that back the government, said it could not endorse the pact as written and wanted amendments. It formed a committee on Saturday to survey alliance member opinions.
“The alliance asked the prime minister
to reopen the negotiations with the Americans and try to modify the pact until it becomes acceptable to us,” said Sami al-Askari, a leader in Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki’s Dawa Party, which is a member of the Shiite alliance.
Whether the agreement will be signed “will depend on the American side,” he said.
In Washington, a White House official declined to comment.
The Americans had pushed to persuade the Iraqis to complete the pact by midsummer, worried that the Iraqi government would be reluctant to endorse it as the provincial elections, originally scheduled for Oct. 1, approached. But the Iraqis resisted, and now, despite American concessions, seem to be backing away.
Powell: We Need More
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama, while insisting that McCain's vision is not enough. How long before they start bashing Colin Powell as an elitist liberal? Or do they remember that he's a hero as well?
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Need Overcomes Hate
I love it when the right cringes and labels all of the most successful artists that support Obama as "elitists", "washed up", and "snobs". But that doesn't stop the McCain/Palin campaign from using their songs to rally their mobs. From Reuters:
Rocker and Democratic supporter Jon Bon Jovi on Wednesday became the latest musician to complain about Republican John McCain's presidential campaign using songs without the artists' approval.
Bon Jovi, who threw a $30,000-per-person, fund-raising dinner for Democrat Barack Obama at his New Jersey home in September, said he was surprised to hear that his band's song "Who Says You Can't Go Home" was used during rallies held by Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin this week.
The rock group Heart sent a cease and desist letter to the Republican campaign in September asking them not to use the song "Barracuda." The song was the early unofficial theme song for Palin, playing off the "Sarah Barracuda" nickname the Alaska governor earned on the basketball court in high school.
In August, rocker Jackson Browne sued McCain, the Republican National Committee and the Ohio Republican Party, accusing them of using his 1977 hit "Running on Empty" in a campaign ad without permission.
Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, Sheryl Crow and other musicians last month released an album of songs that have been used at Obama rallies. Called "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement," the album is being sold to raise money for Democrats before the November 4 election.
Rocker and Democratic supporter Jon Bon Jovi on Wednesday became the latest musician to complain about Republican John McCain's presidential campaign using songs without the artists' approval.
Bon Jovi, who threw a $30,000-per-person, fund-raising dinner for Democrat Barack Obama at his New Jersey home in September, said he was surprised to hear that his band's song "Who Says You Can't Go Home" was used during rallies held by Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin this week.
The rock group Heart sent a cease and desist letter to the Republican campaign in September asking them not to use the song "Barracuda." The song was the early unofficial theme song for Palin, playing off the "Sarah Barracuda" nickname the Alaska governor earned on the basketball court in high school.
In August, rocker Jackson Browne sued McCain, the Republican National Committee and the Ohio Republican Party, accusing them of using his 1977 hit "Running on Empty" in a campaign ad without permission.
Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, Sheryl Crow and other musicians last month released an album of songs that have been used at Obama rallies. Called "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement," the album is being sold to raise money for Democrats before the November 4 election.
"Health"
John McCain seems to be out to destroy his own campaign. He's succeeding wonderfully. And he's made sure that no matter what the outcome on November 4th is, he will never be able to recapture his image as a maverick, and as a person who could reach across party lines to improve this country.
As a prime example of his new identity, one that is sure to haunt him for years, McCain trivializes the "health" of a mother when talking about abortion, complete with gaudy and disgusting air quotes. Sarah Cliff at Newsweek had this to say:
Using air quotes in any serious conversation is risky. Even more so during a presidential debate when the topic is abortion. So it was perplexing to many women when John McCain inserted them into a discussion on Wednesday about whether late-term-abortion bans should include exceptions for the mother's "health." Senator McCain's point was that health exceptions, which his rival Senator Barack Obama supports, have "been stretched by the pro-abortion movement in America to mean almost anything." But then, while describing what he called his opponent's "extreme pro-abortion position," McCain made air quotes when referring to the "health" of the mother.
The chorus of disapproval over the GOP candidate's tone and gesture spread quickly. MSNBC's Chris Matthews called it "a big mistake by John McCain" and chided him for belittling "the health exception with regard to abortion." And online message boards were flooded with outraged women. "As a mother who almost died during childbirth, the mockery of a woman's 'health' actually being considered was beyond insulting," wrote one woman on DCUrbanMom.com. "McCain should send an apology letter to all the women who have gone through this."
And, not surprisingly, the big pro-choice groups immediately issued press releases decrying McCain's remarks. "His air quotes around women's health signified a total lack of regard," says Ted Miller, communications director for the National Abortions Right Action League (NARAL). "When McCain had the audacity to do that, it wasn't just about the health exception, it was attacking a woman's ability to make private decisions with her doctor."
As a prime example of his new identity, one that is sure to haunt him for years, McCain trivializes the "health" of a mother when talking about abortion, complete with gaudy and disgusting air quotes. Sarah Cliff at Newsweek had this to say:
Using air quotes in any serious conversation is risky. Even more so during a presidential debate when the topic is abortion. So it was perplexing to many women when John McCain inserted them into a discussion on Wednesday about whether late-term-abortion bans should include exceptions for the mother's "health." Senator McCain's point was that health exceptions, which his rival Senator Barack Obama supports, have "been stretched by the pro-abortion movement in America to mean almost anything." But then, while describing what he called his opponent's "extreme pro-abortion position," McCain made air quotes when referring to the "health" of the mother.
The chorus of disapproval over the GOP candidate's tone and gesture spread quickly. MSNBC's Chris Matthews called it "a big mistake by John McCain" and chided him for belittling "the health exception with regard to abortion." And online message boards were flooded with outraged women. "As a mother who almost died during childbirth, the mockery of a woman's 'health' actually being considered was beyond insulting," wrote one woman on DCUrbanMom.com. "McCain should send an apology letter to all the women who have gone through this."
And, not surprisingly, the big pro-choice groups immediately issued press releases decrying McCain's remarks. "His air quotes around women's health signified a total lack of regard," says Ted Miller, communications director for the National Abortions Right Action League (NARAL). "When McCain had the audacity to do that, it wasn't just about the health exception, it was attacking a woman's ability to make private decisions with her doctor."
Say It Ain't So, Joe the Plumber!
Was I the only one who got a bit annoyed at the constant referencing to "Joe the Plumber" by the candidates last night. It was as if Joe was the epicenter of the problem, or maybe the solution to our troubles. Either way, the guy is now firmly entrenched in his fifteen minutes of fame. And we know what that means: scrutiny by the biased press. From Carol Bengle Gilbert at Associated Content:
Joseph Wurzelbacher's full name is actually Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher. Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher is registered to vote alright, as a Republican, but guess what? Joe "the plumber" is no plumber. A check of Ohio plumbing licenses done by the Toledo Blade showed he had no plumber's license. Joe-not-a-plumber-Wurzelbacher responded to the "you're no plumber, Joe" discovery by claiming he works under his boss' plumbing license. However, Ohio law requires Joe-not-a-plumber to have his own license.
Cheater in his business, cheater in politics? Fair question under the circumstances. After Joe-not-a-plumber expressed concern over the effect Obama's tax plan would have on his prospects of opening his own business, McCain charged with accusations that Obama's tax plan stood between poor Joe the plumber and his ability to open his own business. Seems something bigger is looming in Joe-not-a-plumber's path than some future tax plan that may or may not ever be enacted into law.
ABC news staked out Joe-not-a-plumber's house and learned that Joe had hoped to buy a plumbing business with an asking price of $250-280,000. His earnings? Far less than that. Yes, you got it, Joe the plumber, who we now know isn't a legal plumber, would not face any tax increase whatsoever under Obama's tax plan.
Joseph Wurzelbacher's full name is actually Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher. Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher is registered to vote alright, as a Republican, but guess what? Joe "the plumber" is no plumber. A check of Ohio plumbing licenses done by the Toledo Blade showed he had no plumber's license. Joe-not-a-plumber-Wurzelbacher responded to the "you're no plumber, Joe" discovery by claiming he works under his boss' plumbing license. However, Ohio law requires Joe-not-a-plumber to have his own license.
Cheater in his business, cheater in politics? Fair question under the circumstances. After Joe-not-a-plumber expressed concern over the effect Obama's tax plan would have on his prospects of opening his own business, McCain charged with accusations that Obama's tax plan stood between poor Joe the plumber and his ability to open his own business. Seems something bigger is looming in Joe-not-a-plumber's path than some future tax plan that may or may not ever be enacted into law.
ABC news staked out Joe-not-a-plumber's house and learned that Joe had hoped to buy a plumbing business with an asking price of $250-280,000. His earnings? Far less than that. Yes, you got it, Joe the plumber, who we now know isn't a legal plumber, would not face any tax increase whatsoever under Obama's tax plan.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Palin Booed by Philly
At some point, you have to wonder if the McCain/Palin ticket has lost its collective mind. Philadelphia is a Blue city. No contest. So if Snyder wants the "hockey mom" to drop the first puck of the '08-'09 Flyers season, she should politely say "thank you", and quickly decline.
Why? Because Philly fans have NO shame. We booed Santa. What in Hockey Heaven did Palin think was going to happen?
PS - She jinked us. Flyers 1 - Rangers 4 in the second period. Good job Governor.
*Notice, as the author points out, that they cranked up the music to drown out the Phans.
Why? Because Philly fans have NO shame. We booed Santa. What in Hockey Heaven did Palin think was going to happen?
PS - She jinked us. Flyers 1 - Rangers 4 in the second period. Good job Governor.
*Notice, as the author points out, that they cranked up the music to drown out the Phans.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Alaskan Investigation: Palin Violated Public Trust
Anchorage prosecutor Stephen Branchflower states in his report:
For the reasons explained in Section IV of this report, I find that Governor Sarah Palin abused her power by violating Alaska Statute 39.52.110(a) of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act. Alaska Statute 39.52.110(a) provides
So, I'm sure that the right is going balistic, calling this a political ploy. Again, this was a bi-partisan vote, commission, and investigation.
For the reasons explained in Section IV of this report, I find that Governor Sarah Palin abused her power by violating Alaska Statute 39.52.110(a) of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act. Alaska Statute 39.52.110(a) provides
"The Legislature reaffirms that each public officer holds office as a public trust, and any effort to benefit a personal or financial interest through official action is a violation of that trust."
To be fair, the report also states:
I find that, although Walt Monegan's refusal to fire Trooper Michael Wooten was not the sole reason he was fired by Governor Sarah Palin, it was likely a contributing factor to his termination as Commissioner of Public Safety. In spite of that, Governor Palin's firing of Commissioner Monegan was a proper and lawful excercise of her constitutional and statutory authority to hire and fire executive branch executive heads.
So, I'm sure that the right is going balistic, calling this a political ploy. Again, this was a bi-partisan vote, commission, and investigation.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Comedian of the Day: John Cleese!
John Cleese is great. Great actor. Great comedian. Great.
He's just made the jump into my favorite people on this planet, with this poem, aimed squarely at Sean Hannity of FOX News. It conveys everything I feel about the COMMENTATOR, and as an added bonus, it rhymes. Enjoy:
He's just made the jump into my favorite people on this planet, with this poem, aimed squarely at Sean Hannity of FOX News. It conveys everything I feel about the COMMENTATOR, and as an added bonus, it rhymes. Enjoy:
Ode to Sean Hannity
by John Cleese
Aping urbanity
Oozing with vanity
Plump as a manatee
Faking humanity
Journalistic calamity
Intellectual inanity
Fox Noise insanity
You’re a profanity
Hannity
Hannity Enjoys Own Medicine
By now you've either heard, or have seen this. But it's priceless. PRICELESS. Everyone visiting his set, in the fourth circle of Hell, must remember to bring the evidence with them. Just follow this lead:
McCain Gets a D!
John McCain has served with honor. We all know his story. And for almost everyone in the media, the notion that John McCain doesn't really support our veterans is ludicrous at best.
Enter the the report card compiled by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. In it, they give Senator Johnny Mac-Attack a "D", while Senator Obama gets a "B+". The grades take into account bills and votes participated in by Congressional members.
Huh. It seems that Johnny has lost his will, or his way, in the fight for veteran rights. I'd expect more form a man that spent years yearning for America, but Johnny married into money, so he'll be OK. Besides, according to Bill O'reilly, there are no homeless veterans. The liberals are making that crap up.
Remember that in November.
Enter the the report card compiled by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. In it, they give Senator Johnny Mac-Attack a "D", while Senator Obama gets a "B+". The grades take into account bills and votes participated in by Congressional members.
Huh. It seems that Johnny has lost his will, or his way, in the fight for veteran rights. I'd expect more form a man that spent years yearning for America, but Johnny married into money, so he'll be OK. Besides, according to Bill O'reilly, there are no homeless veterans. The liberals are making that crap up.
Remember that in November.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Manners? What Manners?
Watch as Obama tries to shake hands with McCain, and gets shot down. Classy. Unless the pat on the back counts. I don't know. Maybe that's the way mavericks greet each other. Either way, Wolf and Anderson were surprised.
THAT ONE?
For anyone watching tonight's debate, one thing stood out above the rest of the political talking points. It wasn't McCain. He surprised me by being more comfortable with economic issues. It wasn't Obama, who surprised me by being firm and somewhat agressive.
It was the overall demeanor of the Senator from Arizona. He was cold. He was antagonizing. He was condecending. He was mean.
John McCain had one job to do. He had to connect with voters that are faced with a mountain of issues, and he had to show his personable side. He failed miserably.
Obama took the opportunity to delve deeper into his plans, and to also try to put us all at ease with his calm but focused demeanor. McCain, like his capaign of late, looked old and spiteful.
And if there's any doubt left as to his hate for Obama, why did Johnny decline a friendly handshake at the end of the debate? How is he going to "reach across the isle" and work with anyone? And what did he mean by "that one"?
If we've learned one thing from this debate, it is that McCain's reputation as a hot-headed and often spiteful individual is true to form. And that alone wins this debate for Senator Obama.
It was the overall demeanor of the Senator from Arizona. He was cold. He was antagonizing. He was condecending. He was mean.
John McCain had one job to do. He had to connect with voters that are faced with a mountain of issues, and he had to show his personable side. He failed miserably.
Obama took the opportunity to delve deeper into his plans, and to also try to put us all at ease with his calm but focused demeanor. McCain, like his capaign of late, looked old and spiteful.
And if there's any doubt left as to his hate for Obama, why did Johnny decline a friendly handshake at the end of the debate? How is he going to "reach across the isle" and work with anyone? And what did he mean by "that one"?
If we've learned one thing from this debate, it is that McCain's reputation as a hot-headed and often spiteful individual is true to form. And that alone wins this debate for Senator Obama.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
9447.11, -508.39, or Bill Ayers?
Which one of those topics would you like the candidates to talk about tonight?
The DOW closed below 9500, and the economy keeps tanking, even after our "rescue" and the move on commercial paper to the tune of 1 TRILLION greenbacks.
What's next? Rate cuts? More "rescue" plans? Probably.
So tonight, let see which candidate chooses to respond to the people, rather than talk about the "character" of the other guy. I want to know what they both want to do for me. For my future. So far, only one of the candidates has been up to the task. The other one has been creating an atmosphere of, frankly, hate. Who is the former, and who is the latter? Think you can guess?
You betcha.
The DOW closed below 9500, and the economy keeps tanking, even after our "rescue" and the move on commercial paper to the tune of 1 TRILLION greenbacks.
What's next? Rate cuts? More "rescue" plans? Probably.
So tonight, let see which candidate chooses to respond to the people, rather than talk about the "character" of the other guy. I want to know what they both want to do for me. For my future. So far, only one of the candidates has been up to the task. The other one has been creating an atmosphere of, frankly, hate. Who is the former, and who is the latter? Think you can guess?
You betcha.
Comedian of the Day: John McCain!
This is John McCain, commenting on the kind of tactics used by...John McCain.
So if we take the Senator at his word, then we must conclude that he has nothing worthwhile to say.
To make matters worse, his campaign has taken on an air close to racism. As reported by The Huffington Post, supporters at Palin rallies have called reporters racist slurs, and have even called for Obama to be killed.
At a time like this, when the DOW opened under 10,000, and people are losing their savings, homes, and jobs, leave it to a maverick to point out what's really important. Lets all thank the King of Drama for opening a familiar chapter in American politics. Help him out, and donate some money so that Palin can afford to wear white sheets to her husband's next meeting with the AIP.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Comedian of the Day: Tina Fey!
This is the new skit from SNL; yet another take on the VP debates. They say that Palin might consider appearing on the show before the elections. Tina, remember, Palin really does shoot wolves from helicopters. Watch your back. Or your face.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
The Biased Media
Have a look at this clip from Fox News. The one vote McCain may have gotten looks like an accident. But, then again, maybe that's why Pennsylvania is still a battleground. Or did he just imply that we're all stupid? I love how he gets laughed out of the shot.
Cartoon of the Day!
The first of many, this cartoon is really worth a thousand words. Welcome to the inaugural Cartoon of the Day, courtesy of Universal Press Syndicate, from:
Cheney, With a Skirt On
We all had a laugh at all of the jokes about Cheney's "hunting accident." In fact, some of us are still laughing. But in a weird twist of fate, the Republican nominee for VP may provide us with much the same material. The only difference between the two is that she hunts moose. So she uses bigger guns, and bigger ammo. Word of advice to anyone near her: stand clear, and duck.
What's not funny about the parallels between Cheney and Palin is their perspective on the office of the VP. If you liked Cheney, you love Palin. For the rest of us, listen to this:
What's not funny about the parallels between Cheney and Palin is their perspective on the office of the VP. If you liked Cheney, you love Palin. For the rest of us, listen to this:
Addie Polk
The bailout passed the House. Americans can hope for a renewed flow of credit, for better or for worse. We'll leave that for another post. My concern is to try to figure out who was responsible for this mess. So we'll take it piece by piece. Today, we'll discuss the American consumer.
As I've said before, all of the policy and political points that we discuss are so nuanced and so complicated, that to try to generate a simple response or solution to them can be irresponsible. That said, I believe that the American consumer has to share in the blame for this meltdown. By borrowing more than they could afford, and buying homes they had no business buying, these consumers helped create this mess. Case closed? Not really.
Here is the story of Addie Polk, from Reuters:
A 90-year-old Ohio woman, facing eviction from the home she has lived in for 38 years, shot and wounded herself this week, becoming a grim symbol of the U.S. home mortgage crisis.
Addie Polk was found lying on the floor of her home with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to her shoulder when police came to the home on Wednesday to serve an eviction notice, Akron police spokesman Lt. Rick Edwards said on Friday.
Polk survived the shooting and is being treated in a hospital.
It was the latest attempt by sheriff's deputies to evict Polk from her modest single-family home because she could not keep up with her mortgage.
"It appears they're evicting her over her mortgage. She's lived in the house, the neighbors said, something like 38 years and in the last couple of years fell prey to some predatory lending company or financial institution," Edwards said.
Local news reports said deputies had tried to serve Polk's eviction notice more than 30 times before Wednesday's shooting.
This woman was 90 years old. She had lived in her home for over three decades. And she was being evicted. I'm not certain, but I'd have to agree with Edwards on this one. This woman probably did fall prey to that kind of lending. But can you blame her?
We live in tough times; tough even for us, the younger generation. Imagine being a senior citizen, eating dog food and living on Social Security. Can you blame Addie for trusting someone to help her live out her last days in peace, with something to eat? She wasn't buying a mansion, she's was trying to save her home. In the end, she decided to take her own life.
What does that say about us? That in the greatest country in the world, the most powerful economic power of our time, Addie Polk has nowhere to turn. Forget consumer and Wallstreet blame.
Help Addie.
As I've said before, all of the policy and political points that we discuss are so nuanced and so complicated, that to try to generate a simple response or solution to them can be irresponsible. That said, I believe that the American consumer has to share in the blame for this meltdown. By borrowing more than they could afford, and buying homes they had no business buying, these consumers helped create this mess. Case closed? Not really.
Here is the story of Addie Polk, from Reuters:
A 90-year-old Ohio woman, facing eviction from the home she has lived in for 38 years, shot and wounded herself this week, becoming a grim symbol of the U.S. home mortgage crisis.
Addie Polk was found lying on the floor of her home with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to her shoulder when police came to the home on Wednesday to serve an eviction notice, Akron police spokesman Lt. Rick Edwards said on Friday.
Polk survived the shooting and is being treated in a hospital.
It was the latest attempt by sheriff's deputies to evict Polk from her modest single-family home because she could not keep up with her mortgage.
"It appears they're evicting her over her mortgage. She's lived in the house, the neighbors said, something like 38 years and in the last couple of years fell prey to some predatory lending company or financial institution," Edwards said.
Local news reports said deputies had tried to serve Polk's eviction notice more than 30 times before Wednesday's shooting.
This woman was 90 years old. She had lived in her home for over three decades. And she was being evicted. I'm not certain, but I'd have to agree with Edwards on this one. This woman probably did fall prey to that kind of lending. But can you blame her?
We live in tough times; tough even for us, the younger generation. Imagine being a senior citizen, eating dog food and living on Social Security. Can you blame Addie for trusting someone to help her live out her last days in peace, with something to eat? She wasn't buying a mansion, she's was trying to save her home. In the end, she decided to take her own life.
What does that say about us? That in the greatest country in the world, the most powerful economic power of our time, Addie Polk has nowhere to turn. Forget consumer and Wallstreet blame.
Help Addie.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Comedian of the Day, Sarah Palin!
This was forwarded by Maria Gherman. I've struggled to put Palin's strategy and presentation into words, but this is by far the best representation you can hope for. Thank you, Maria.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Best Line of the Debate
Listen to Joe as he ties Palin to one of her less "truthful" campaign stories. I actually stood up and cheered in my living room.
My Take
I admit I'm a bit biased. I don't like Palin. In my mind, she is a political decision that could cost us dearly. It is with that mindset that I began watching tonight's debate. And I must say, I've not moved my position.
Palin did alright. She did not stumble; she was clear and forceful. So the stumble everyone was on the edge of their seat for, never happened. I knew it wouldn't.
Palin was prepped and re-prepped for this. She had her notes, and she was grilled for days. Little room there for error. But it also helped that she didn't answer questions, either. For his part Biden did his job, if only a little too well. He ignored her and didn't take her bait, at the expense of not responding to her quirky attacks.
Overall however, I was more than annoyed with Palin's character. Not her personality, but her character, the politician that showed up tonight, and posed and smiled and winked at the camera. She came off as crass, and Biden showed his depth.
Again, I'm biased. But I'll have to say that the only news that I heard was Palin's position as to the power of the VP of the United States.
Actually, I think I like her less now.
Palin did alright. She did not stumble; she was clear and forceful. So the stumble everyone was on the edge of their seat for, never happened. I knew it wouldn't.
Palin was prepped and re-prepped for this. She had her notes, and she was grilled for days. Little room there for error. But it also helped that she didn't answer questions, either. For his part Biden did his job, if only a little too well. He ignored her and didn't take her bait, at the expense of not responding to her quirky attacks.
Overall however, I was more than annoyed with Palin's character. Not her personality, but her character, the politician that showed up tonight, and posed and smiled and winked at the camera. She came off as crass, and Biden showed his depth.
Again, I'm biased. But I'll have to say that the only news that I heard was Palin's position as to the power of the VP of the United States.
Actually, I think I like her less now.
FACTS
From Eugene Robinson at PostPartisan:
Exactly an hour into the debate, Joe Biden began an answer by saying, "Facts matter, Gwen."
To him, maybe. To Sarah Palin, maybe not. The pattern, so far, has been one of Biden presenting facts and Palin countering with… saying stuff. Sometimes she throws in a fact, but mostly she seems to be offering a string of approximate policy positions, encomiums to the American spirit, disputed interpretations of Barack Obama's record and anecdotes from Alaska.
She has a certain charm, but I wonder how viewers are reacting to the way she just declines to answer the question at hand and pivots to more solid ground.
Exactly an hour into the debate, Joe Biden began an answer by saying, "Facts matter, Gwen."
To him, maybe. To Sarah Palin, maybe not. The pattern, so far, has been one of Biden presenting facts and Palin countering with… saying stuff. Sometimes she throws in a fact, but mostly she seems to be offering a string of approximate policy positions, encomiums to the American spirit, disputed interpretations of Barack Obama's record and anecdotes from Alaska.
She has a certain charm, but I wonder how viewers are reacting to the way she just declines to answer the question at hand and pivots to more solid ground.
Debate Fact Checks
Fact check as appeared in USA Today:
Tax votes
The claim: Palin said Sen. Barack Obama voted 94 times to increase taxes.
The facts: Non-partisan FactCheck.org called that count, which has been cited before by Republicans, "inflated and misleading." Examining the 94 votes at issue, FactCheck.org found that 23 were for measures that would have produced no tax increase at all; they were against proposed tax cuts.
Seven were in favor of measures that would have lowered taxes for many, while raising them on a relative few, either corporations or affluent individuals, according to FactCheck.org, which is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.
The 94 tally includes two, three and even four votes on the same measure.
Tax rate changes
The claim: Palin said Obama's plan to raise the top income tax rate would affect "millions of small businesses." Biden responded that the vast majority of small businesses do not report more than $250,000 in income.
The facts: The liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, citing 2003 data from the non-partisan Tax Policy Center, said in a report that 436,000 tax filers with small-business income — 1.3% of the 32.8 million filers with small-business income — were subject to the top income tax rate. Another Tax Policy Center analysis concluded that "roughly 97% of small businesses would not be affected at all by increases in the top two tax rates."
Health care
The claim: Palin said Obama wants a "universal, government-run program" and "health care being taken over by the feds."
The facts: Obama's health-care plan does not call for a government takeover. In fact, it isn't even universal. It would only cover all children. Obama's plan would give Americans the opportunity to have government health insurance, but they also could pick a private plan.
Energy
The claim: Biden said he has "always" supported clean coal. He said "a comment made at a rope line was taken out of context" by John McCain's campaign.
The facts: In the video, recorded at the beginning of Biden's bus trip across Ohio last week, he is seen responding to a question about why the campaign is supporting clean coal. "We're not supporting clean coal," he says. "Guess what? China is building two every week, two dirty coal plants. And it's polluting the United States, it's causing people to die."
As the exchange continues, Biden says: "China's gonna burn 300 years of bad coal unless we figure out how to clean their coal up, because it's gonna ruin your lungs, and there's nothing we can do about it. No coal plants here in America. Build 'em, if they're gonna build 'em, over there and make 'em clean because they're killing you."
Mortgage crisis
The claim: Biden said McCain said he was "surprised" by the subprime mortgage crisis.
The facts: McCain's use of the word "surprised" came in response to a leading question in New Hampshire last December. At the time, he compared it to the dot-com collapse of the late 1990s, adding: "I was surprised at other times in our history. I don't know if surprised is the word." Later in the same interview, he said, "When I say 'surprised,' I'm not surprised when in capitalist systems that there's greed and excess."
Troop funding
The claim: Each vice presidential candidate said the opposing presidential candidate voted against funding U.S. troops in Iraq.
The facts: Palin's charge that Obama voted against funding the troops is true. But Obama said at the time that he wanted to fund the troops, but the bill in question didn't include a requirement that President Bush begin bringing troops home. Similarly, Biden's charge that McCain also voted against funding is true — because the bill in question included a timeline for withdrawing troops, and McCain opposes timelines.
Diplomacy
The claim: Biden said Obama did not say he would meet with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. "This is simply not true about Barack Obama," he said. "He did not say sit down with Ahmadinejad."
The facts: At a news conference in New York City in September 2007, Obama was asked, "Senator, you've said before that you'd meet with President Ahmadinejad … would you still meet with him today?" He replied: "Yeah, nothing's changed with respect to my belief that strong countries and strong presidents talk to their enemies and talk to their adversaries."
Tax votes
The claim: Palin said Sen. Barack Obama voted 94 times to increase taxes.
The facts: Non-partisan FactCheck.org called that count, which has been cited before by Republicans, "inflated and misleading." Examining the 94 votes at issue, FactCheck.org found that 23 were for measures that would have produced no tax increase at all; they were against proposed tax cuts.
Seven were in favor of measures that would have lowered taxes for many, while raising them on a relative few, either corporations or affluent individuals, according to FactCheck.org, which is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.
The 94 tally includes two, three and even four votes on the same measure.
Tax rate changes
The claim: Palin said Obama's plan to raise the top income tax rate would affect "millions of small businesses." Biden responded that the vast majority of small businesses do not report more than $250,000 in income.
The facts: The liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, citing 2003 data from the non-partisan Tax Policy Center, said in a report that 436,000 tax filers with small-business income — 1.3% of the 32.8 million filers with small-business income — were subject to the top income tax rate. Another Tax Policy Center analysis concluded that "roughly 97% of small businesses would not be affected at all by increases in the top two tax rates."
Health care
The claim: Palin said Obama wants a "universal, government-run program" and "health care being taken over by the feds."
The facts: Obama's health-care plan does not call for a government takeover. In fact, it isn't even universal. It would only cover all children. Obama's plan would give Americans the opportunity to have government health insurance, but they also could pick a private plan.
Energy
The claim: Biden said he has "always" supported clean coal. He said "a comment made at a rope line was taken out of context" by John McCain's campaign.
The facts: In the video, recorded at the beginning of Biden's bus trip across Ohio last week, he is seen responding to a question about why the campaign is supporting clean coal. "We're not supporting clean coal," he says. "Guess what? China is building two every week, two dirty coal plants. And it's polluting the United States, it's causing people to die."
As the exchange continues, Biden says: "China's gonna burn 300 years of bad coal unless we figure out how to clean their coal up, because it's gonna ruin your lungs, and there's nothing we can do about it. No coal plants here in America. Build 'em, if they're gonna build 'em, over there and make 'em clean because they're killing you."
Mortgage crisis
The claim: Biden said McCain said he was "surprised" by the subprime mortgage crisis.
The facts: McCain's use of the word "surprised" came in response to a leading question in New Hampshire last December. At the time, he compared it to the dot-com collapse of the late 1990s, adding: "I was surprised at other times in our history. I don't know if surprised is the word." Later in the same interview, he said, "When I say 'surprised,' I'm not surprised when in capitalist systems that there's greed and excess."
Troop funding
The claim: Each vice presidential candidate said the opposing presidential candidate voted against funding U.S. troops in Iraq.
The facts: Palin's charge that Obama voted against funding the troops is true. But Obama said at the time that he wanted to fund the troops, but the bill in question didn't include a requirement that President Bush begin bringing troops home. Similarly, Biden's charge that McCain also voted against funding is true — because the bill in question included a timeline for withdrawing troops, and McCain opposes timelines.
Diplomacy
The claim: Biden said Obama did not say he would meet with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. "This is simply not true about Barack Obama," he said. "He did not say sit down with Ahmadinejad."
The facts: At a news conference in New York City in September 2007, Obama was asked, "Senator, you've said before that you'd meet with President Ahmadinejad … would you still meet with him today?" He replied: "Yeah, nothing's changed with respect to my belief that strong countries and strong presidents talk to their enemies and talk to their adversaries."
Obama Rally in Abington, PA
Comically Partisan will be attending the Obama rally in Abington tomorrow. Everyone is encouraged to attend. Here is the info, from PA.BARACKOBAMA.COM:
RALLY FOR CHANGE
Friday, October 3rd
Doors Open: 9 AM
Schwarzman Stadium
Abington High School
900 Highland Ave.
Abington, PA
For Info Contact:
Ambler Office (267) 470-4782
THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Note: There is a lot of room of parking around the school campus, but some people may want to park along the Ghost Rd. area, leading up from Easton Rd.
No large bags or banners, please.
See you all there!
Announcement: New Face!
Comically Partisan has moved to a new address:
It's still being hosted by blogger, but the new URL is easier to find, and should be indexed by Google shortly.
Comically Partisan also has a new logo, which you can see at the top of the page. We will shortly be printing T-Shirts, and other merchandise, as well as expanding the database and coverage.
Thank you for reading, and please stop by again.
It's still being hosted by blogger, but the new URL is easier to find, and should be indexed by Google shortly.
Comically Partisan also has a new logo, which you can see at the top of the page. We will shortly be printing T-Shirts, and other merchandise, as well as expanding the database and coverage.
Thank you for reading, and please stop by again.
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