Saturday, October 16, 2004
NYT Endorses Kerry
Was this endorsement written by a 5 year old?
For full context: The NYT regularly endorses Republicans, such as Pataki, though it's no surprise they've endorsed a Dem for president. But, more importantly, what's the point of making an endorsement which reads as if it were written in crayon?
For full context: The NYT regularly endorses Republicans, such as Pataki, though it's no surprise they've endorsed a Dem for president. But, more importantly, what's the point of making an endorsement which reads as if it were written in crayon?
Facts Schmacts
Errors happen. That's why God invented corrections. I, for once, being charitable, decided to contact a reporter, Fournier, this morning and point out his mistake. No response, and no correction that I can find. Fournier today.
No such ad was run.
And they pick on bloggers...
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A television ad by a Democratic interest group compares Bush to Adolf Hitler.
No such ad was run.
And they pick on bloggers...
Our Symbol of Victory
Let's hope that in the wee hours of the morning of Nov. 3, the sign goes out, oh my bitches...
"To Be Provided"
Ah, that little slide was a gift to these courageous Knight-Ridder journalists. Odd that K-R has been doing some of the best work in recent years, even as their papers, overall, decline in quality...
Making Bush both a "liar" and a "miserable failure."
But, in any case, I really am puzzled. I know that the intersection between Rumsfeld's desires and the Neocons' more generally involved, among other things, proving they could fight and win a war on the cheap. But, that's an excuse for crappy planning. It isn't an excuse for no planning. Even if they believed in rosy scenarios they should have had backup plans.
But, I'm sure Bush believes that American soldiers are greeted with rose petals everywhere they go...
Apparently the looting began early:
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Planning for after the war in Iraq non-existent
By WARREN P. STROBEL and JOHN WALCOTT
Knight Ridder Newspapers
WASHINGTON - In March 2003, days before the start of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, American war planners and intelligence officials met at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina to review the Bush administration's plans to oust Saddam Hussein and implant democracy in Iraq.
Near the end of his presentation, an Army lieutenant colonel who was giving a briefing showed a slide describing the Pentagon's plans for rebuilding Iraq after the war, known in the planners' parlance as Phase 4-C. He was uncomfortable with his material - and for good reason.
The slide said: "To Be Provided."
A Knight Ridder review of the administration's Iraq policy and decisions has found that it invaded Iraq without a comprehensive plan in place to secure and rebuild the country. The administration also failed to provide some 100,000 additional U.S. troops that American military commanders originally wanted to help restore order and reconstruct a country shattered by war, a brutal dictatorship and economic sanctions.
Making Bush both a "liar" and a "miserable failure."
But, in any case, I really am puzzled. I know that the intersection between Rumsfeld's desires and the Neocons' more generally involved, among other things, proving they could fight and win a war on the cheap. But, that's an excuse for crappy planning. It isn't an excuse for no planning. Even if they believed in rosy scenarios they should have had backup plans.
But, I'm sure Bush believes that American soldiers are greeted with rose petals everywhere they go...
Apparently the looting began early:
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Within 48 hours of their arrival in Baghdad in April, some of Chalabi's men, including members of his personal bodyguard force, began taking cars, bank accounts and real estate, said a senior military officer who received reports of the events. It became evident almost as quickly that Chalabi and other exiles had a larger political following in the Pentagon than they did in Iraq. Intelligence officials now charge that Chalabi or some of his senior aides were paid agents of Iran's intelligence service, and that Chalabi or his security chief provided classified U.S. military information to Iran. Chalabi has denied the allegation.
Optimism
Looking back over the polls from 2000 I'm a bit surprised at how optimistic I was back then of a Gore win. I certainly didn't follow any of this stuff nearly as much as I do now. Hell, I bet I didn't even know who Charles Krauthammer or Laura Ingraham were then. Naive youth. But, I was pretty convinced in 2000 that if Gore won Florida he would win. Sadly, my big prediction turned out to be false, but it nonetheless embodied a greater truth.
Still the polls back then, especially the big name polls, were all going pretty hard against Gore throughout October. I'm not sure why I was so optimistic then, but I was. But, if I had any rational reason to be optimistic then I clearly have it now.
Still the polls back then, especially the big name polls, were all going pretty hard against Gore throughout October. I'm not sure why I was so optimistic then, but I was. But, if I had any rational reason to be optimistic then I clearly have it now.
Bush Says Draft is On The Way
Today:
This is more fair than Bush distortions of things Kerry has said.
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I made it very plain. We will not have an all-volunteer army.
This is more fair than Bush distortions of things Kerry has said.
Flu
This new Kerry ad is pretty good I think. It's one of those issues which doesn't resonate at an emotional level for me, though it does for some. However, this is actually a big deal. Public health is also not something this administration can be trusted to understand. Flu pandemic is a very real worry. 650,000 people died in the 1918-19 epidemic. This bunch of clowns can't be trusted to understand the seriousness of the possibility.
Giving Season
Well, it's just about over, at least in terms of money, though there are still numerous ways you can volunteer your time. Despite the incredible amounts of money raised through this blog, which as with everything else with this site far exceeded my wildest ambitions, the truth is a relatively small percentage of daily readers have contributed through this site. There's no need to contribute through this site, and of course many people have contributed other ways.
On Nov. 3, if the news is "bad," we're all going to have figure out if we did all that we can. I'm not talking about going to heroic efforts (though those who are should be commended), just devoting a reasonable percentage of your available money and time, one way or another, to the "cause."
One way this site has far exceeded my expectations has been as an income generator. Both due to the generosity of readers and the current popularity of blogads, for the first time in my life I don't fret about every dollar (when you don't cash your first real paycheck until you're 28, there's a bit of catching up to do). And, so having just received my latest payment from blogads, I'm off to make a fairly generous donation. I hope some of you join me.
And, again, something we need start thinking about on Nov. 3, no matter what the news, is... what now?
On Nov. 3, if the news is "bad," we're all going to have figure out if we did all that we can. I'm not talking about going to heroic efforts (though those who are should be commended), just devoting a reasonable percentage of your available money and time, one way or another, to the "cause."
One way this site has far exceeded my expectations has been as an income generator. Both due to the generosity of readers and the current popularity of blogads, for the first time in my life I don't fret about every dollar (when you don't cash your first real paycheck until you're 28, there's a bit of catching up to do). And, so having just received my latest payment from blogads, I'm off to make a fairly generous donation. I hope some of you join me.
And, again, something we need start thinking about on Nov. 3, no matter what the news, is... what now?
Torture in Gitmo
It angers me a lot for all of the obvious reasons. And, trolls, spare me all the "ticking nuclear time bomb" scenarios that 101st Fighting Keyboarders dream of as they imagine that they're starring in 24.
But, the reason it angers me that much more is something I haven't yet heard mentioned - what I imagine was the major piece of "information" they were hoping to extract:
But, the reason it angers me that much more is something I haven't yet heard mentioned - what I imagine was the major piece of "information" they were hoping to extract:
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Tell us about your connections to Saddam Hussein.
The Anti-Reality President
The thing about George Bush's faith is that it isn't faith in God, it's faith in his own inerrant judgment, and his inability not just to overlook inconvenient facts, but his inability to even be confronted with them.
Everyone just read Suskind's article and consider just what four more years will mean.
Then go read this article by Hal Crowther. He writes:
That's about right. And, when George Bush is uninterested in and unable to be confronted with reality, it's fair to say that those people who do not believe George Bush are probably on to something...
Everyone just read Suskind's article and consider just what four more years will mean.
Then go read this article by Hal Crowther. He writes:
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I don't think it's accurate to describe America as polarized between Democrats and Republicans, or between liberals and conservatives. It's polarized between the people who believe George Bush and the people who do not.
That's about right. And, when George Bush is uninterested in and unable to be confronted with reality, it's fair to say that those people who do not believe George Bush are probably on to something...
New Time Poll
48B-46K likely voters. They don't give the registered voter number, which is a much more Democratic sample so presumably has Kerry ahead by a bit.
Poll was taken after the debate.
Poll was taken after the debate.
Drafty
When people squeal loudly you know you've hit a sore spot. First of all, Josh Marshall is right that the lack of media attention paid to ridiculous legal threats made by the head of the RNC which are designed to intimidate people from engaging in obviousy legal speech is outrageous. The DNC should've squealed more about this, though I imagine it's one of those sensitive areas in campaign finance law which could make doing that problematic.
But, of course a draft is a serious possibility, and not just because we're worried that Bush needs more cannon fodder for his "four more wars!" It's because the situation in Iraq has bogged down much of our army, so that if we actually had to fight a war of necessity instead of a war of neocon fantasy, we'd be in trouble.
Suppose that on September 11, 2005, a massive terrorist attack on US soil happens again. Suppose the perpetrators are from, say, the (fictional) nation of the Thilippines. And, suppose we determine that the Thilippine government has been arming and funding and supporting these terrorists, and there are thousands of them.
So, after taking the obviously neccessary step of placing all persons of Thilippine descent in internment camps, we have to invade. With what army?
With hindsight, Paul Wolfowitz's summer '01 graduation speech to the West Point was creepy as hell. But, even without adjusting your tinfoil beanie one can conlude that he was right about his basic point. In a time of peace, we shouldn't assume war can't break out. And, in a time of war - another one can break out as well.
But, of course a draft is a serious possibility, and not just because we're worried that Bush needs more cannon fodder for his "four more wars!" It's because the situation in Iraq has bogged down much of our army, so that if we actually had to fight a war of necessity instead of a war of neocon fantasy, we'd be in trouble.
Suppose that on September 11, 2005, a massive terrorist attack on US soil happens again. Suppose the perpetrators are from, say, the (fictional) nation of the Thilippines. And, suppose we determine that the Thilippine government has been arming and funding and supporting these terrorists, and there are thousands of them.
So, after taking the obviously neccessary step of placing all persons of Thilippine descent in internment camps, we have to invade. With what army?
With hindsight, Paul Wolfowitz's summer '01 graduation speech to the West Point was creepy as hell. But, even without adjusting your tinfoil beanie one can conlude that he was right about his basic point. In a time of peace, we shouldn't assume war can't break out. And, in a time of war - another one can break out as well.
"Shotgun Senator"
Jerome has all the details on Kuhl, who is running against Samara Barend in New York. It's really just weird that local media won't touch this. It's one thing if the media had some consistent standard for these types of things, but they don't. It's telling that the reason they won't run with them is, apparently, there wasn't enough sex in there.
The guy got drunk a lot, engaged in a lot of inappropriate behavior, and at one point took out a shotgun during a dinner party and threatened to kill his wife with it. That is a bit more important than Jack Ryan's "sexcapades."
The guy got drunk a lot, engaged in a lot of inappropriate behavior, and at one point took out a shotgun during a dinner party and threatened to kill his wife with it. That is a bit more important than Jack Ryan's "sexcapades."
Friday, October 15, 2004
Chaos Theory of the Presidency
It's really of no importance - my endorsement of a candidate for president has as much weight as the Washington Post's (none), but nonetheless I find the notion that the Washington Post could give a "tepid" endorsement of Kerry rather amusing.
One of the Ralph&Media memes of the '00 campaign was that there was little difference between the candidates. Granting whatever legitimacy possible to that opinion, I'd like to point out that it's pretty clear that small differences between the presidents lead to incredibly huge differences in the direction this country takes.
Some of the pereception of the lack of difference between candidates is based on the general run-to-the-center during the general election. And, some is based on general media lazyness. But, even to the extent that the gap between the two candidates isn't large -- for a variety of reasons, a tiny gap between candidates will result in a giant gap between presidencies. Once anyone makes their choice, the notion of a "tepid" endorsement is laughable. Pick your guy, and fight for him.
One of the Ralph&Media memes of the '00 campaign was that there was little difference between the candidates. Granting whatever legitimacy possible to that opinion, I'd like to point out that it's pretty clear that small differences between the presidents lead to incredibly huge differences in the direction this country takes.
Some of the pereception of the lack of difference between candidates is based on the general run-to-the-center during the general election. And, some is based on general media lazyness. But, even to the extent that the gap between the two candidates isn't large -- for a variety of reasons, a tiny gap between candidates will result in a giant gap between presidencies. Once anyone makes their choice, the notion of a "tepid" endorsement is laughable. Pick your guy, and fight for him.
Stewart Again
The other point I was going to make, which Digby just made, is that both Begala and Carlson seem under the impression that the Daily Show is a satirical take on politics and politicians. It is that, a bit, but mostly it's a parody of the news media.
Torture Wolf Blitzer
God. This is our fucking liberal media. Thank God It's Friday.
On Monday they should ask, "Are Blacks inferior to Whites?" Who knows, maybe the poll results would surprise them.
On Monday they should ask, "Are Blacks inferior to Whites?" Who knows, maybe the poll results would surprise them.
Fox and Friends Fun
This morning, F&F's E.D. Hill said:
And, that's why our media thinks this is a big deal, and why Lynne Cheney thinks it's a big deal, because they think that pointing out that someone is a "lesbian" is the same as pointing out that they're a "wino."
There are plenty of closeted people in the media, and plenty of "mostly closeted" people who just aren't going to touch the issue, but it must be nice knowing what their colleagues in the "liberal media" think of them.
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Hill: You know what? That's like if you talk to an alcoholic's family and you say, boy, that kid of yours sure is a wino, but you know, you're really dealing with it well and I'm sure that he has no choice about being a wino. I mean really that's what it is. I'm sorry. Senator Kerry, there's nothing you can say here. It is what it is.
And, that's why our media thinks this is a big deal, and why Lynne Cheney thinks it's a big deal, because they think that pointing out that someone is a "lesbian" is the same as pointing out that they're a "wino."
There are plenty of closeted people in the media, and plenty of "mostly closeted" people who just aren't going to touch the issue, but it must be nice knowing what their colleagues in the "liberal media" think of them.
Stupid Paul Begala
When Jon Stewart was on Crossfire, Begala claimed that Bush's spinners actually believe what they say, that they aren't ever lying. Even Tucker Carlson is more honest than that. Tucker flashback:
And, yes Democratic campaign operatives are full of it too sometimes. But, right there Begala proved Stewart's obviously true point that Crossfire was "theater." Begala was desperate to maintain the illusion.
What a load of crap.
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Then I heard that [on the campaign bus, Bush communications director] Karen Hughes accused me of lying. And so I called Karen and asked her why she was saying this, and she had this almost Orwellian rap that she laid on me about how things she'd heard -- that I watched her hear -- she in fact had never heard, and she'd never heard Bush use profanity ever. It was insane.
I've obviously been lied to a lot by campaign operatives, but the striking thing about the way she lied was she knew I knew she was lying, and she did it anyway. There is no word in English that captures that. It almost crosses over from bravado into mental illness.
And, yes Democratic campaign operatives are full of it too sometimes. But, right there Begala proved Stewart's obviously true point that Crossfire was "theater." Begala was desperate to maintain the illusion.
What a load of crap.
Dirty Tricks
This story really is hilarious. Kudos to all the Republicans who like to make fun of special needs kids so they can blame it on Democrats for sport.
You know who I'm talking about...
You know who I'm talking about...
Kerry/Specter
I have no doubt that there are going to be some Kerry voters who will also vote for Arlen Specter. But, I doubt that there are many Kerry voters who are actively *campaigning* for Specter. Check out this editorial in the PDN:
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THE SIGNS started popping up overnight in northeast Philadelphia and Lower Merion:
"Kerry & Specter for Working Families"
Huh? Since when did Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry and re-election seeking Republican Sen. Arlen Specter decide to join forces?
Last time we looked, Kerry was stumping hard for Specter's opponent, Joe Hoeffel. And Specter was running ads of him standing side-by-side with President Bush. So what's going on with these signs?
After the election, you might want to snag one. You'd have in your hand a genuine piece of underhanded political paraphernalia produced by one of those "shadowy" 527 groups Bush kept harping about during the Swift Boat ad controversy.
Taking credit for the sign is a group called The Philadelphia Education Project. But other than the name, the fact that the project started in Sept. 29, works reportedly out of an empty office at 1500 Market St. on the 12th floor and has two out-of-town political operatives as its manager and treasurer, nothing is known of this group.
Universal WTF?
Let me join in with the rest of the sentient universe and shout out a big "what the fuck?" on the news that we're only now cracking down on al-Zarqawi's assets.
Bean Within 2
Melissa Bean has been running a remarkable race. The latest poll shows her within 2, and she's running against a 35 year incumbent. This would be a great victory - both because it'd be tiny victory for anti-incumbency in general, and of course a great coup for the Dems.
So, help out if you can.
And, while you're reaching for your wallet, give some money to Stan Matsunaka who is running against the hate-filled horror Musgrave, who just sent out this lovely email to supporters:
And Kerry's comments upset Lynne Cheney? My god..
So, help out if you can.
And, while you're reaching for your wallet, give some money to Stan Matsunaka who is running against the hate-filled horror Musgrave, who just sent out this lovely email to supporters:
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Dear friend of the family,
Radical homosexual-agenda leaders have declared me Public Enemy #1 and are spending over a million dollars on vicious, false TV ads to defeat me.
I need your help.
You may know that I have been the U.S. House leader to protect traditional marriage from the radical agenda of the homosexual lobby by sponsoring the Marriage Protection Amendment.
What you may not know is that the last sponsor of the Amendment was defeated for re-election, and now the bull's eye is on my back.
Leaders of the homosexual lobby know if they can take me out, no one will stand against them in the future.
I have no other choice but to ask for urgent help from pro-family Americans like you.
...
I’m also worried that if I don’t raise enough money for our ad campaign, I will be powerless to respond to these vicious attacks against me.
Unlike the homosexual lobbies’ ads, my ad campaign will be based on truth and compare my solid record to that of my opponent, liberal Democrat Stan Matsunaka
Stan Matsunaka fears the truth because he knows his record in the State Senate shows he supports homosexual marriage and will promote it as a U.S. Congressman.
If we allow these vicious ads to go unanswered then Stan Matsunaka and the radical homosexual lobby could succeed by deceiving the voters, and win on Election Day.
And Kerry's comments upset Lynne Cheney? My god..
Euro
Whenever I want a quick snapshot of the "market response" to the economic news of the day (as a signal of the news itself) I check the exchange rate of the dollar against the euro. It seems to respond in a more predictable way to the economic reports of the day than does the stock market. That doesn't make it "more right," it just provides a quicker sense of whether there's net good or bad news for the day. So, I clicked over today and noticed that the Euro spiked up this morning to $1.25.
Wondering why I checked the economic calendar, and note that while retail sails are up (good news for the economy), production is flat capacity utilization is flat, and consumer sentiment is down.
Wondering why I checked the economic calendar, and note that while retail sails are up (good news for the economy), production is flat capacity utilization is flat, and consumer sentiment is down.
Falafel
Now would be a good day to try and get through Bill O'Reilly's screeners and slip the word "falafel" in.
1-877-9-NO-SPIN
12-2 ET...
1-877-9-NO-SPIN
12-2 ET...
Election Fraud
Love this "balanced" USA Today article which contains a bunch of specific concerns by Democrats about Republican voter suppression and a couple complaints by Republicans about worrying surges in registrations.
There's just one thing I want to make clear. Every election year Republicans start pointing to counties where there are more registered voters than eligible ones. Okay, very slowly people. This happens. People die, and rarely call their local election board to inform them of that fact. People move, without bothering to tell their local election board. Often when they move they fail to re-register, or if they do re-register their new election board doesn't bother to inform their old one.
Do inflated voter rolls open up the possibility of voter fraud? Sure. But inflated voter rolls are not evidence of voter registration fraud.
There's just one thing I want to make clear. Every election year Republicans start pointing to counties where there are more registered voters than eligible ones. Okay, very slowly people. This happens. People die, and rarely call their local election board to inform them of that fact. People move, without bothering to tell their local election board. Often when they move they fail to re-register, or if they do re-register their new election board doesn't bother to inform their old one.
Do inflated voter rolls open up the possibility of voter fraud? Sure. But inflated voter rolls are not evidence of voter registration fraud.
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Identity Politics
Given the recent events, and the lack of response from Mary Cheney, our TV media should ask itself a reasonable question -- how many out gay people are regular anchors/pundits/correspondents/commentators on CBS/ABC/NBC/CNN/MSNBC/FOX?
I'm not looking to out anyone with this post - I'm asking who is, roughly, "out" and likely to show up on one of these shows and comment on a subject like this?
I'm not looking to out anyone with this post - I'm asking who is, roughly, "out" and likely to show up on one of these shows and comment on a subject like this?
Suskind, NYT Magazine
Suskind's article landed in my inbox somehow. I'll respect the copyright and not post it, but it is, as they say, a must read. Concluding passage, quotes from Jim Wallis, pastor and one-time Bush friend:
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‘‘Where people often get lost is on this very point,’’ he said after a moment of thought. ‘‘Real faith, you see, leads us to deeper reflection and not — not ever — to the thing we as humans so very much want.’’
And what is that?
‘‘Easy certainty.’’
Welcome, Robert
Robert George (finally) defects. (free, r.r.)
...to be clear, the point isn't that I expect a bunch of conservatives, as George is, to see the light and become liberals. I, for one, believe a healthy democracy requires a reasonable amount of debate, some degree of partisanship, and that in our specific system of government, one party total rule is generally a bad thing, even if it's my party.
What's been sad to watch over the past few years is how many conservatives have demonstrated themselves to be "movement conservatives," with more emphasis on the movement than the conservative part. Power has trumped ideology. George, being a Gingrich conservative, was at one time a "movement conservative" and thus far hasn't really broken ranks. It's important that serious people who do care for more than power for its own sake step forward. The only "conservative" reason to support a Bush administration is lower taxes, but without accompanied lower spending all you're supporting is tax postponement.
This is a problem all partisans face -- how much do you just support "your guy" no matter what. The sad thing about the younger generation of conservatives is that they've been almost entirely uncritical of the current administration. It's nice to see one step up to the plate - presumably at great risk to reputation, career, and friendship.
Kerry's no conservative, but it's clear that for some honest conservatives, he's a "lesser evil," both from a short term policy perspective, and for the longer term viability of their ideology.
...to be clear, the point isn't that I expect a bunch of conservatives, as George is, to see the light and become liberals. I, for one, believe a healthy democracy requires a reasonable amount of debate, some degree of partisanship, and that in our specific system of government, one party total rule is generally a bad thing, even if it's my party.
What's been sad to watch over the past few years is how many conservatives have demonstrated themselves to be "movement conservatives," with more emphasis on the movement than the conservative part. Power has trumped ideology. George, being a Gingrich conservative, was at one time a "movement conservative" and thus far hasn't really broken ranks. It's important that serious people who do care for more than power for its own sake step forward. The only "conservative" reason to support a Bush administration is lower taxes, but without accompanied lower spending all you're supporting is tax postponement.
This is a problem all partisans face -- how much do you just support "your guy" no matter what. The sad thing about the younger generation of conservatives is that they've been almost entirely uncritical of the current administration. It's nice to see one step up to the plate - presumably at great risk to reputation, career, and friendship.
Kerry's no conservative, but it's clear that for some honest conservatives, he's a "lesser evil," both from a short term policy perspective, and for the longer term viability of their ideology.
CNN Just Now
"For someone who does her best to stay in the background, Mary Cheney keeps being dragged out..."
Mary Cheney is the BC'04 Director of Vice Presidential Operations. She has made a career of doing gay outreach, first for Coors and then for Republicans in various capacities.
Dick Cheney, August:
...and WTF? Anderson Cooper, who should know better, just said "Her lifestyle is getting a lot of attention..."
Mary Cheney is the BC'04 Director of Vice Presidential Operations. She has made a career of doing gay outreach, first for Coors and then for Republicans in various capacities.
Dick Cheney, August:
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Waterford, Mich. -- Vice President Dick Cheney spelled out Tuesday his differences with President Bush on the volatile issue of gay marriage, while for the first time discussing the sexual orientation of his gay daughter in a public setting.
Asked his position on the subject at a town hall meeting in Davenport, Iowa, Cheney replied: "Lynne and I have a gay daughter, so it's an issue that our family is very familiar with. ... With respect to the question of relationships, my general view is that freedom means freedom for everyone. People ought to be able to free -- ought to be free to enter into any kind of relationship they want to."
Cheney went on to repeat the position he first outlined in the 2000 campaign -- that same-sex marriage should be left to the states to decide. He noted, however, that Bush has endorsed a constitutional amendment preventing the states from recognizing such marriages.
"At this point ... my own preference is as I've stated," Cheney said. "But the president makes basic policy for the administration. And he's made it.
...and WTF? Anderson Cooper, who should know better, just said "Her lifestyle is getting a lot of attention..."
Malkin Flashback
Sheesh:
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Under the headline "A Retarded Immigrant Strives for Independence," reporter Arthur Bovino notes approvingly that 21-year-old Kareen Dupervil, a mentally retarded Haitian woman "with a first-grade reading level," has applied for a job as a baggage handler at La Guardia Airport in Queens, N.Y.
The Times writer tells us that Dupervil "took a test at the airport with two other mentally retarded adultsThough Ms. Dupervil did not pass, the trainer who gave the test called [her job counselor] to encourage her to study and try again." Thanks to help from the Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service, a government-funded charity that provides disabled and "undocumented" persons with employment assistance and is supported by the Times's Neediest Cases Fund, Dupervil will be tutored "for the test twice a week. She will take the test again in a few months."
And she will take the test again and again, presumably, until she passes-or sues under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act to get the job. Only the best and the brightest security professionals at our nation's airports.
The Times article reports that Dupervil "likes to cook spaghetti" and "likes to smile," by the way, but fails to inform us on the basic fact of whether she is even here legally or not. So much for the new and improved New York Times. But let's do as the Times editors always do, and leave Dupervil's immigration status aside.
...
Now we know. The slow and the witless can line up for airport security jobs, smile brightly, flunk until they pass their tests, and reap the rewards of the continued dumbing down of America.
Cheap
I was struck last night by this line:
Leave aside for a minute Bush pretending that Kerry was calling for a government.
My first thought was... wow! That's actually pretty cheap. In fact, I think Bush just made an extraordinary argument for some version of a mandatory single payer system.
According to the CBO, health care expenditures in 2002 were equal to $5,450 per capita. So, assuming Bush's numbers are correct (and who am I to question him?), bring it on baby! $7,700 per family is a hell of a lot less than $5,450 per person. The health care revolution is here! Bush is its fearless leader!
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BUSH: I would. Thank you.
I want to remind people listening tonight that a plan is not a litany of complaints, and a He just said he wants everybody to be able to buy in to the same plan that senators and congressmen get. That costs the government $7,700 per family. If every family in America signed up, like the senator suggested, if would cost us $5 trillion over 10 years.
Leave aside for a minute Bush pretending that Kerry was calling for a government.
My first thought was... wow! That's actually pretty cheap. In fact, I think Bush just made an extraordinary argument for some version of a mandatory single payer system.
According to the CBO, health care expenditures in 2002 were equal to $5,450 per capita. So, assuming Bush's numbers are correct (and who am I to question him?), bring it on baby! $7,700 per family is a hell of a lot less than $5,450 per person. The health care revolution is here! Bush is its fearless leader!
Bush Loots Pension Fund
Lovely:
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Oct. 14 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. government reached the $7.384 trillion legal limit on how much it can borrow, forcing the Bush administration to shuffle funds among accounts and prompting fresh Democratic criticism of the president's economic policies.
To avoid exceeding the cap, the Treasury said it would temporarily suspend contributions to a government pension program. The department's plan to announce new debt sales in early November won't be affected. Congress isn't expected to increase the amount of debt the Treasury can sell to fund approved government spending until sometime next month.
Funny
The woman who wrote this book is upset that I referred to mentally challenged chimpanzees.
Malkin will always be a b-list wingnut...
...I missed Malkin's condemnation of La Noonan's recent "quip:"
Malkin will always be a b-list wingnut...
...I missed Malkin's condemnation of La Noonan's recent "quip:"
-
Now I think people who put flowers all over the place are the only geniuses. They know flowers are an unasked-for and essentially unearned bit of beauty given to us perhaps to suggest other, greater beauty to come. They're in Einstein-land, gardeners, and thinking of eternity. And I thought they were just retards with spades.
More Lesbos
As James Wolcott points out here and here, when raging homophobes are shocked that you'd dare to point out that someone's a lesbian, they're revealing nothing but their own bigotry.
There's nothing shameful about being an out lesbian, what's shameful is that an unreconstructed bigot like Pat Buchanan gets to pontificate about it. It's aboslutely fascinating that merely mentioning that someone isn't straight makes you a bad person, while advocating for a constitutional amendment to make your running mate's daughter a second class citizen is just politics.
Shame on all of those people.
...Noted Now gives the full give and take:
Maybe someone should, you know, wonder what Mary Cheney thinks about it? Of course, that would involve dragging her out of the closet they like to pretend she's in, even though she hasn't been there for a long time. [add: or any gay person, for that matter.]
...Lynne Cheney. Some parent. Silent when Republican attacks her daughter, outraged when a Democrat speaks of her respectfully.
..and, proving even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and again, Sullivan is for once, 100% correct.
There's nothing shameful about being an out lesbian, what's shameful is that an unreconstructed bigot like Pat Buchanan gets to pontificate about it. It's aboslutely fascinating that merely mentioning that someone isn't straight makes you a bad person, while advocating for a constitutional amendment to make your running mate's daughter a second class citizen is just politics.
Shame on all of those people.
...Noted Now gives the full give and take:
-
ELIZABETH EDWARDS ON ABC RADIO: "She's overreacted to this and treated it as if it's shameful to have this discussion. I think that's a very sad state of affairs… I think that it indicates a certain degree of shame with respect to her daughter's sexual preferences… It makes me really sad that that's Lynne's response."
LYNNE CHENEY AT POST-DEBATE RALLY: "The only thing I could conclude is that this is not a good man. This is not a good man. And, of course, I'm speaking as a mom. And a pretty indignant one. This is not a good man. What a cheap and tawdry political trick."
DICK CHENEY TO NBC AFFILIATE WHO: "I would have said Sen. Kerry was out of line to bring my daughter into it. I thought it was totally inappropriate."
WHAT KERRY SAID: "And I think if you were to talk to Dick Cheney's daughter, who is a lesbian, she would tell you that she's being who she was, she's being who she was born as."
KERRY CAMPAIGN: Senior Kerry aide acknowledges "it was not his best moment," but calls charges that it was inappropriate "ridiculous… The woman is in her thirties. She's public about her sexuality. It was brought up in the last debate. So, what the hell?" ABC News' Marc Ambinder reports…
Maybe someone should, you know, wonder what Mary Cheney thinks about it? Of course, that would involve dragging her out of the closet they like to pretend she's in, even though she hasn't been there for a long time. [add: or any gay person, for that matter.]
...Lynne Cheney. Some parent. Silent when Republican attacks her daughter, outraged when a Democrat speaks of her respectfully.
..and, proving even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and again, Sullivan is for once, 100% correct.
Ohio
I'm pretty sure last night's debate just won Ohio for Kerry. Between that and John Snow's comments yesterday that job losses were a "myth," Ohio's going to go Kerry. Here's what Bush said in response to a question about what he'd say to a person who had lost his job to someone overseas:
Let's outline this. Bush said you lost your job because you're stupid. Then he said you're stupid because elementary and secondary schools failed you. Then he said he's going to help young people go to college. And, then he said we're going to send you to community college to learn some new things.
I'm all for providing funds to try to help retrain workers, but telling 50 year olds that they're supposed to go back to community college and start a new career shows what's wrong with this kind of thing. It's what's wrong with most welfare analysis of the effects of changing terms of trade on jobs.
Why Ohio? Because Ohio does have one of the higher unemployment rates in the country - 6.3%. Admittedly, that still isn't so high, but the thing is Ohio's been hit with the kind of unemployment which doesn't just hurt individuals, it demolishes communities. And, Bush's answer was just a slap in the face to all of those people.
-
BUSH: I'd say, Bob, I've got policies to continue to grow our economy and create the jobs of the 21st century. And here's some help for you to go get an education. Here's some help for you to go to a community college.
We've expanded trade adjustment assistance. We want to help pay for you to gain the skills necessary to fill the jobs of the 21st century.
You know, there's a lot of talk about how to keep the economy growing. We talk about fiscal matters. But perhaps the best way to keep jobs here in America and to keep this economy growing is to make sure our education system works.
I went to Washington to solve problems. And I saw a problem in the public education system in America. They were just shuffling too many kids through the system, year after year, grade after grade, without learning the basics.
And so we said: Let's raise the standards. We're spending more money, but let's raise the standards and measure early and solve problems now, before it's too late.
No, education is how to help the person who's lost a job. Education is how to make sure we've got a workforce that's productive and competitive.
Got four more years, I've got more to do to continue to raise standards, to continue to reward teachers and school districts that are working, to emphasize math and science in the classrooms, to continue to expand Pell Grants to make sure that people have an opportunity to start their career with a college diploma.
And so the person you talked to, I say, here's some help, here's some trade adjustment assistance money for you to go a community college in your neighborhood, a community college which is providing the skills necessary to fill the jobs of the 21st century. And that's what I would say to that person.
Let's outline this. Bush said you lost your job because you're stupid. Then he said you're stupid because elementary and secondary schools failed you. Then he said he's going to help young people go to college. And, then he said we're going to send you to community college to learn some new things.
I'm all for providing funds to try to help retrain workers, but telling 50 year olds that they're supposed to go back to community college and start a new career shows what's wrong with this kind of thing. It's what's wrong with most welfare analysis of the effects of changing terms of trade on jobs.
Why Ohio? Because Ohio does have one of the higher unemployment rates in the country - 6.3%. Admittedly, that still isn't so high, but the thing is Ohio's been hit with the kind of unemployment which doesn't just hurt individuals, it demolishes communities. And, Bush's answer was just a slap in the face to all of those people.
Kossacks with a Scoop
Looks like the Kossacks may have a scoop - after the debate Bush asked Kerry if he could talk to him later.
I was wondering what was in that exchange, it seemed rather strange and extended.
I was wondering what was in that exchange, it seemed rather strange and extended.
Morning After
Kos has a big rundown, but I wanted to highlight this quote from an AP story:
The pundits have all been talking about Bush's brilliant strategy to make this election about Kerry's record, but what they rarely point out is that this is a campaign of desperation for any incumbent. Bush has no record to run on. A not very popular federal education law, a joint project with Senator Satan Kennedy, and a moment with a bullhorn on top of a mass grave. That's it.
I've also noticed that they think they're running in, say, 1996 or 2000. They keep trotting out these catch phrases, which back then resonated with the public. I'm talking about things like "litmus test." Back in the day, they'd laid the groundwork for "litmus test" and gotten all the bobbleheads to declare over and over that an "abortion litmus test" was a bad thing. Why? Who knows.
But, this is 2004 and most of the public doesn't remember what the fuck this "litmus test" thing that they're talking about is.
-
"I've become more and more disturbed about Bush," said John Barker, 73, of Tampa, Fla., who voted for Bush in 2000, sweated over this year's election for months and finally decided Wednesday night to back Kerry.
"I just don't think with everything we're facing, we can have another four years. I'm talking about the economy. I'm talking about Iraq. Bush just didn't give me a good reason for the way things are," the former policeman said. "He gave me plenty of reasons to vote against Kerry. But why should I vote for him again?"
The pundits have all been talking about Bush's brilliant strategy to make this election about Kerry's record, but what they rarely point out is that this is a campaign of desperation for any incumbent. Bush has no record to run on. A not very popular federal education law, a joint project with Senator Satan Kennedy, and a moment with a bullhorn on top of a mass grave. That's it.
I've also noticed that they think they're running in, say, 1996 or 2000. They keep trotting out these catch phrases, which back then resonated with the public. I'm talking about things like "litmus test." Back in the day, they'd laid the groundwork for "litmus test" and gotten all the bobbleheads to declare over and over that an "abortion litmus test" was a bad thing. Why? Who knows.
But, this is 2004 and most of the public doesn't remember what the fuck this "litmus test" thing that they're talking about is.
Recycle Man
Bush, 2000, Republican convention:
Bush, last night:
(thanks to reader g)
-
My friend, the artist Tom Lea of El Paso, Texas, captured the way I feel about our great land, a land I love. He and his wife, he said, "Live on the east side of the mountain. It's the sunrise side, not the sunset side. It is the side to see the day that is coming, not to see the day that has gone."
Bush, last night:
-
BUSH: In the Oval Office, there's a painting by a friend of Laura and mine named -- by Tom Lee. And it's a West Texas painting, a painting of a mountain scene.
And he said this about it.
He said, "Sara and I live on the east side of the mountain. It's the sunrise side, not the sunset side. It's the side to see the day that is coming, not to see the day that is gone."
I love the optimism in that painting, because that's how I feel about America. And we've been through a lot together during the last 3 3/4 years. We've come through a recession, a stock market decline, an attack on our country.
(thanks to reader g)
Lesbos
What can you make of pundits who think it's shocking to mention that someone is a lesbian? And what can you make of a mother who thinks so?
If they were paying attention, they would have noticed that Mary Cheney came out on stage with her partner after the VP debate, one in which Big Time himself mentioned this fact. Dick's not ashamed of his daughter. Why is Lynne and why do they MSNBC pundits hate lesbians?
If they were paying attention, they would have noticed that Mary Cheney came out on stage with her partner after the VP debate, one in which Big Time himself mentioned this fact. Dick's not ashamed of his daughter. Why is Lynne and why do they MSNBC pundits hate lesbians?
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Analysis
Basically what Yglesias says. Kerry looked way more presidential and won where it mattered. Bush telling people that they're unemployed because they're stupid and then talking about NCLB as if it's going to help unemployed 45 year olds wasn't good.
And, yes, if the "liberal media" isn't playing this clip over and over tomorrow, then they're 100% in the tank.
And, yes, if the "liberal media" isn't playing this clip over and over tomorrow, then they're 100% in the tank.
Polls
Post-debate polls. I'll post the obvious ones and people should add their local ones in this thread (please, don't post anything else - I'll have another discussion thread.
http://www.cnn.com
http://www.foxnews.com
http://www.msnbc.com
http://www.hardball.msnbc.com
http://www.washingtonpost.com
http://www.abcnews.com
http://cbsnews.com
http://nbcnews.com
strib
Inky/PDN
Sun-Sentinel
latimes.com
Atlanta J-C
O-hi-o
toledoblade.com
wyoming
http://www.cnn.com
http://www.foxnews.com
http://www.msnbc.com
http://www.hardball.msnbc.com
http://www.washingtonpost.com
http://www.abcnews.com
http://cbsnews.com
http://nbcnews.com
strib
Inky/PDN
Sun-Sentinel
latimes.com
Atlanta J-C
O-hi-o
toledoblade.com
wyoming
Thread IV
I think someone asked in comments recently something along the lines of "Who are we going to see tonight? The angry frat boy or the retarded chimp."
I think the answer is, "angry retarded chimp."
I think the answer is, "angry retarded chimp."
Debate Thread the First
Enjoy.
...Liar.
...Liar.
-
So I don't know where he is. You know, I just don't spend that much time on him, Kelly, to be honest with you. . . . I truly am not that concerned about him.
LIBERALIBERALIBERLIBERALLIBERAL
Tonight we can expect Furious George to screech that over and over again. We can expect Kerry to pretty much do what he's be doing. And, we can expect moderator Bob Schieffer to direct a volley of "wedge issue" questions at Kerry and a bunch of softballs at Bush.
Whiners II
The RNC is now threatening Rock the Vote over an ad campaign which raises the possibillity of the draft. They're literally - no joke - arguing that since Bush has said there won't be a draft it's illegal for them to run an ad campaign saying otherwise, even though the ad campaign isn't directed at Bush.
What a bunch of losers.
Whiners
BC04 sends me an email:
Dear Bob,
As you may have noticed, the Philadelphia Inquirer editorial page has abandoned the proud tradition of a daily newspaper merely offering an endorsement of a presidential candidate and has instead decided to engage in advocacy journalism on behalf of the John Kerry campaign. In an October 10 column, editorial page editor Chris Satullo unveiled what he described as an "unprecedented" series of 21 editorials dealing with what Satullo calls "the many flaws" of President Bush's record and "the better ideas of John Kerry."
In an attempt to pre-emptively explain away the obvious criticism the Philadelphia Inquirer editorial board would receive for abandoning journalistic commentary in favor of express advocacy of a federal candidate for office, Mr. Satullo claimed the series was neither biased nor arrogant, yet offered little more than anecdotal evidence to defend his editorial page against both charges.
In an effort to achieve some semblance of equal opportunity when it comes to setting the record straight about the Philadelphia Inquirer editorial page's daily advocacy on behalf of John Kerry, we will update you each day by e-mail with a fact-checked response of each criticism leveled by the Inquirer in their effort to help elect John Kerry. You will find a daily rebuttal with the real facts about President Bush's record of accomplishment and his vision for a safer and stronger America.
Since the Philadelphia Inquirer editorial page is now openly campaigning for John Kerry's election, daily excerpts from their commentary have been renamed here as:
THE KERRY DAILY ADVOCATE
Local Advertisers
I've been getting a steady stream of reports about local advertisers pulling their stuff from Sinclair stations. I'm not going to post up which ones because I can't verify them, but nonetheless it seems our efforts are paying off.'
...one stop shopping here.
...one stop shopping here.
Hayworth
So, Howie Kurtz has been regularly tut-tutting CNN for keeping Carville and Begala on CNN even though they're informal advisors for the Kerry campaign. Will he tut-tut CNN for putting an actual sitting congressman, JD Hayworth, who is running right now for re-election, in the host's chair?
Big Man O'Reilly Hides Behind Roger Ailes' Skirts -- Threatens Franken
Oh man, from his sexual harassment suit you've all no doubt heard about. This might be from a taped conversation:
- If you cross FOX NEWS Channel, it's not just me, it's Roger Alies who will go after you. I'm the street guy make loud noises about the issues, but Alies operates behind the scenes, strategies and makes things happen so one day BAM! That person gets what's coming to them but never sees it coming. Look at Al Franken, one day he is going to get a knock on his door and life as he's known it will change forever. That day will happen trust me.
Sinclair Affiliated Company Sued for Racial Discrimination
Tomorrow will be another banner day for Sinclair stock.
-
BALTIMORE -- Baltimore Neighborhoods Inc. and three black testers filed a lawsuit in federal court in Baltimore alleging that Todd Village violated the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968.
The suit claims that the discrimination occurred on several occasions.
In April 2004, a white tester and a black tester arrived within 30 minutes of each other and made identical inquiries at Todd Village in Finksburg about the availability of trailers for sale or rent, and about slabs, upon which to place a new trailer. Another white tester arrived almost 5 hours after the black tester and made the exact same inquiry.
The suit said both white testers were told of three specific available trailers and given applications. The black tester was offered none and told nothing was available for sale, rent, nor were there any available slabs.
...
The complaint in the case alleges that the defendant, Todd Village -- a limited liability corporation affiliated with Sinclair Broadcasting, discriminated against the plaintiffs in violation of the Fair Housing Act. which prohibits discrimination in sale, rental, financing and advertising of housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status.
Falsely denying the availability of housing is specifically prohibited as is setting different terms or conditions for sale or rental.
BlogPac
BlogPac has its second ad campaign running, targetting the Oklahoma Senate race (running locally on the internet). You can check it out here. Money is being raised for a third great ad campaign. Your donations can help - thanks to all who have already donated.
Sinclair Smith
Haha. Check out what Sinclair CEO David Smith made his news anchors read after he got arrested.
Hilarious. Here's how news reports described it at the time:
Hilarious. Here's how news reports described it at the time:
-
The president of Baltimore-based Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc., which owns the local Fox television affiliate, was arrested Tuesday night and charged with committing a perverted sex act in a company-owned Mercedes, city police said.
David Deniston Smith, 45, of the 800 block of Hillstead Drive in Timonium, who also is Sinclair's chief executive, was arrested in an undercover sting at Read and St. Paul streets, a downtown corner frequented by prostitutes, Baltimore police said yesterday.
Smith and Mary DiPaulo, 31, were charged with committing unnatural and perverted sex act. Smith was held overnight at the Central Booking and Intake Center and released on personal recognizance at 2 p.m. yesterday. DiPaulo's bail status was not available.
Officials at WBFF-TV (Fox 45) and Sinclair, one of the fastest-growing broadcasting companies in the nation with 28 television and 34 radio stations, would not comment yesterday. The company had $126 million in sales in the first half of this year.
Police said undercover Officer Gary Bowman, on a prostitution detail, was talking to DiPaulo about 9: 15 p.m. in a car at St. Paul and Read streets. She left the undercover car after telling Bowman that ``she had just seen her regular date driving in the area,'' according to court documents.
Police said DiPaulo ran across the street to a 1992 Mercedes, registered to Sinclair, and got in on the passenger side. Police followed the car onto the Jones Falls Expressway, where they said they witnessed the two engage in oral sex while Smith drove north.
Police said they followed the car back to Read and St. Paul streets, where they arrested Smith and DiPaulo, who lives in the 700 block of Washington Blvd.
We Win!
This may be premature, as I've seen a couple of Bush ads today, but it appears that the Bushies are pulling out of Pennsylvania. This is unsurprising, and I kinda wish our side would divert (some) resources elsewhere. Go spend some money in Ohio.
Disgrace
We can do without this guy in our party or in government:
- Maryland Comptroller William Schaefer (D) on Tuesday defended his call for a public registry to list the names of HIV-positive people in the state and said that HIV-positive people are "a danger," the Washington Post reports.
...
When asked on Tuesday in an interview to explain his remarks, Schaefer said, "As far as I'm concerned, people who have AIDS are a danger. They're a danger to spread AIDS. People should be able to know who has AIDS. It costs an awful lot of money to treat them." Schaefer added that HIV-positive people only contract the virus through "risky behavior," according to the Post.
"They bring it on themselves," he said, adding, "They don't get it by sitting on the toilet seat. ... A person who gives AIDS, who spreads AIDS, they're bad people. Everybody wants to be on the good side of everything. Well, I'm taking a stand." Schaefer in the 1990s pushed a proposal that would have established a public HIV registry, but the measure was defeated three times by the state Legislature. Although Maryland tracks HIV cases using names, the list is not published or publicly accessible, according to the Post.
Hackery
The racist Murray in today's Times:
The voices in Murray's head "Many people" don't know what they're talking about:
(thanks to reader dbt)
-
You promise to create millions of jobs, but many people who run businesses say that nothing in your life has taught you how much effort, risk and sometimes heartbreak goes into creating one real job. Could you describe your experiences when you last had to meet a payroll, or when your boss had to meet a payroll?
-
Kilvert & Forbes was originally created in 1976 when Quincy Market first opened its doors as the famous food colonnade.
At the time, founder John Kerry was practicing law, which he found to be “quite predictable and very boring”. So this chocolate lover and his friend and business partner K. Dunn Gifford opened the bakery and named it after their mothers, featuring family recipes. In 1982, Lt. Governor Kerry bought his partner’s shares of the business and sold them to Stanley and Linda Klein. A few years later, he sold his own shares to the Kleins. Even though Senator Kerry is no longer at Kilvert & Forbes, we hear that he still loves chocolate!
(thanks to reader dbt)
A Little Follow Up?
This is a bombshell accusation, so you'd sorta kinda hope that the reporter would follow it up a bit:
So, a former governor and congressman accuses the national GOP of encouraging campaign workers to cheat. Um, liberal media? Hello?
-
The former governor and congressman says the national GOP is encouraging campaign workers to cheat. He says his ire is directed at the Republican Party's Victory operation, which helps register people and get them to the polls.
Janklow says his problem with the organization goes back to 2002 when he was a candidate for the US House.
So, a former governor and congressman accuses the national GOP of encouraging campaign workers to cheat. Um, liberal media? Hello?
Cancel It
For those of you who have a NYT subscription and have been looking for that final reason to cancel it, today they have given it to you -- they've decided it's important for the world to know what Charles Murray would like to ask John Kerry.
God I hate these people. Next week they'll anounce their new weekly column -- "David Duke is making sense!"
...for those who need a little Charles Murray reminder, see:
here
here
here
here
here
here
God I hate these people. Next week they'll anounce their new weekly column -- "David Duke is making sense!"
...for those who need a little Charles Murray reminder, see:
here
here
here
here
here
here
Divest
The few pennies I actually have in an investment fund don't appear to have anything to have significant inolvement with Sinclair (none as far as I have found, so far...). But, Media Matters has posted a list. If you have dealings with any of these companies, feel free to divest, tell them why, and then drop me an email...
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Earpiece
Salon has another story on Bush's possible earpiece, including a new picture with the alien symbiote attached to his spine.
Oddly, I've long thought Bush was wired, though I haven't found the "hump" to be convincing evidence of this. Some odd verbal gaffes, a few strange audio hiccups, and especially his "pause. speak. pause. speak." speaking style seemed to suggest it. But, thinking it isn't proof and I don't claim there is any.
But, in truth the real question is not if Bush has an earpiece but what he does with it. It seems pretty reasonable for the CiC to have an earpiece for various reasons, such as discreet access to information in case of an emergency situation. Since the technology makes this more than possible now, I wouldn't mind at all knowing that there's instant access to the presidential ear in time of crisis. But, tt isn't reasonable to use it as an audioprompter for speeches, press conferences, and debates. That would be a scandal.
Oddly, I've long thought Bush was wired, though I haven't found the "hump" to be convincing evidence of this. Some odd verbal gaffes, a few strange audio hiccups, and especially his "pause. speak. pause. speak." speaking style seemed to suggest it. But, thinking it isn't proof and I don't claim there is any.
But, in truth the real question is not if Bush has an earpiece but what he does with it. It seems pretty reasonable for the CiC to have an earpiece for various reasons, such as discreet access to information in case of an emergency situation. Since the technology makes this more than possible now, I wouldn't mind at all knowing that there's instant access to the presidential ear in time of crisis. But, tt isn't reasonable to use it as an audioprompter for speeches, press conferences, and debates. That would be a scandal.
Going Upriver
I haven't yet figured out if the producers have blessed this site or not, but you can use your own ethical guidelines in deciding whether to download 'Going Upriver' for free.
Personally, I'd suggest downloading it, watching it, and then buying the DVD when it comes out. Then I think you're covered.
Personally, I'd suggest downloading it, watching it, and then buying the DVD when it comes out. Then I think you're covered.
Underreported Scoops
Chait has a fairly interesting article about the media/politics (though he overlooks the degree to which it's the mainstream media which is the problem), but he drops the ball here:
The Bush campaign always orders its Cheesesteaks with American cheese. Not Whiz. Proving that he will lie about literally everything.
-
The story quickly spread. "For Kerry, a Boston Brahmin, [the cheesesteak incident] is something of a sore spot," reported The Washington Post the following day. "As he seeks to lose his reputation for $75 Salon Christophe haircuts, Turnbull & Asser shirts and long fingernails to play classical guitar, he has been seen riding a motorcycle and doing other regular-guy things." That same day, msnbc pundit Mike Barnicle, CNN pundit Tucker Carlson, The Boston Globe gossip column, and CNN political reporter John King all retold the tale of Kerry and the cheesesteak. Since then, it has been repeated in the media more than 100 times. Earlier this year, Bush declared in Philadelphia (using the local lingo), "I like my cheesesteak Whiz with," spurring the media to once again revisit Kerry's cheesesteak gaffe.
The Bush campaign always orders its Cheesesteaks with American cheese. Not Whiz. Proving that he will lie about literally everything.
Lock'em Up
I so look forward to hearing about the arrests in the case of the private voter registration company which was shredding new Dem voter registrations.
Open Thread II
I've been calling for MoveOnPac. People who are voting for Kerry are fired up. They have a list of reasons why Bush must go. I've never seen anything like it.
Worst. President. Ever.
Worst. President. Ever.
Blank Slate
Brad DeLong wonders why the Economist is puzzled by the fact that in their poll of economists, the economists are more supportive of Kerry despite the fact that they also tend to support entitlement reform which Bush notionally is more likely to support.
It's simple, and it's very similar to what led to the whole Iraq debacle. As Brad points out, Bush hasn't actually made any actual proposal for, say, partial privatization of Social Security. But, there are a lot of completely wrongheaded people out there, convinced that they're "in the know" on this subject and everyone else is just naive, who believe Social Security is doomed. There are also a lot of completely wrongheaded people who believe that Social Security is doomed and the only way to "fix" it is to privatize it. And, then there are bunch of mostly, but not entirely, wrongheaded people who think some sort of mandatory private savings system has merits for a variety of reasons all over the ideological map. Since there is no actual Bush plan, all of these people get to project their personal pet plan for Social Security onto Bush. They imagine Kerry will "do nothing," so there's no way their pet plan will be enacted, but since Bush will "do something," there's some chance that whatever he does will resemble what they want him to do.
Much as many smiliar people did with the Iraq debacle, all of these people assume that "doing something" must be better than "doing nothing." That line of thinking was disastrously wrong then and it'll be disastrously wrong with Republican-led Social Security reform.
Fortunately it appears the economists are a bit smarter than The Economist.
It's simple, and it's very similar to what led to the whole Iraq debacle. As Brad points out, Bush hasn't actually made any actual proposal for, say, partial privatization of Social Security. But, there are a lot of completely wrongheaded people out there, convinced that they're "in the know" on this subject and everyone else is just naive, who believe Social Security is doomed. There are also a lot of completely wrongheaded people who believe that Social Security is doomed and the only way to "fix" it is to privatize it. And, then there are bunch of mostly, but not entirely, wrongheaded people who think some sort of mandatory private savings system has merits for a variety of reasons all over the ideological map. Since there is no actual Bush plan, all of these people get to project their personal pet plan for Social Security onto Bush. They imagine Kerry will "do nothing," so there's no way their pet plan will be enacted, but since Bush will "do something," there's some chance that whatever he does will resemble what they want him to do.
Much as many smiliar people did with the Iraq debacle, all of these people assume that "doing something" must be better than "doing nothing." That line of thinking was disastrously wrong then and it'll be disastrously wrong with Republican-led Social Security reform.
Fortunately it appears the economists are a bit smarter than The Economist.
October Already?
This is a wee bit creepy.
-
WASHINGTON (AP) - A Democratic senator said Tuesday he is closing his Washington office because of a top-secret intelligence report that made him fear for his staff's safety.
Sen. Mark Dayton, D-Minn., said his office in the Russell Senate Office Building across the street from the Capitol will be closed while Congress is in recess through Election Day, with his staff working out of his Minnesota office and in Senate space off Capitol Hill.
``I take this step out of extreme, but necessary, precaution to protect the lives and safety of my Senate staff and my Minnesota constituents, who might otherwise be visiting my Senate office in the next three weeks,'' he said.
...
Nonetheless, Dayton said he would advise people from his home state to avoid Capitol Hill until after the Nov. 2 election.
``I would not bring my two sons to the Capitol between now and the election,'' he added.
Even Mo Money
Even more fortuitous relationships between Sinclair and the Bush administration.
Bush sure does likey Jadoo.
Bush sure does likey Jadoo.
Drinking Liberally
Will take place this evening and every Tuesday as long as people keep showing up. Ten Stone, 21st and South, 6-whenever.
Follow the Money
Apparently General Electric isn't the only media conglomerate that doubles as a defense contractor. A wholly owned subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group got a lovely little defense contract recently, A company with only two investors, one of which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, recently got a lovely little defense contract after its CEO personally briefed (wtf?) Bush about its products.
Advertisers
Contacting Sinclair's advertisers is a great idea, but make sure you're polite and explain clearly why this is a serious issue. And, yes, call stations and ask to talk to the ad sales manager whose livelihood directly depends on this and let them know what you've done.
This statement from Reed Hunt gets at why this is a serious issue, and not just a partisan turf battle.
You can find a list of local advertisers here. Pick an affiliate that's near you.
Apparently, peoples' efforts are paying off.
This statement from Reed Hunt gets at why this is a serious issue, and not just a partisan turf battle.
You can find a list of local advertisers here. Pick an affiliate that's near you.
Apparently, peoples' efforts are paying off.
Furious George the Bubble Boy
McCurry is absolutely right:
I imagine it's much worse now than it used to be, as well. Bush truly believes he's the preznit, and that role elevates him about all others. I imagine his aides could talk to him and control him pretty well back in 2000, but after 4 years of preznitting no one can talk to him anymore.
But, campaign issues aside it's absolutely devastating for our country that our president cannot handle hearing any criticism or facts which he doesn't like.
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This sounds good, but I wonder if McCurry has located a fatal flaw with Bush -- much like Sasso's realization that Bush is living in a fantasy world of spin. "He is tremendously insecure," McCurry says. "Any time any of his aides look like they have stature, he wants to suppress that, because it's about him. When it's not about him, he gets nervous that people will understand that he's not as good as everyone thinks he is."
"Is that his fatal weakness, then?" I ask.
"Yes, and you know who understands this better than anyone? John Kerry. The other day, Kerry said, 'I need humor,' which is why he did some of the late-night and morning shows. But the insight he had was, 'I can get under this guy's skin -- if we have the right kind of humorous barb.' " McCurry pauses. "Last night, Kerry read aloud a Bush quote" -- about how the CIA was guessing about conditions in Iraq -- "and made fun of him, which made the news this morning. So I know -- because I've been there -- that Bush was sitting in his suite in the Waldorf-Astoria getting ready for his day at the United Nations General Assembly, and I'll bet you any amount of money he watched that on TV and went nuts, because Kerry was making fun of his own words. If you saw the clip of the quote, Bush looked like his dad." McCurry takes a short pause for effect. "It was devastating."
I imagine it's much worse now than it used to be, as well. Bush truly believes he's the preznit, and that role elevates him about all others. I imagine his aides could talk to him and control him pretty well back in 2000, but after 4 years of preznitting no one can talk to him anymore.
But, campaign issues aside it's absolutely devastating for our country that our president cannot handle hearing any criticism or facts which he doesn't like.
Help
I usually don't do this, but I need some help tracking down the actual birthday of Sinclair CEO David Deniston Smith...
...thanks, I think it was found.
...thanks, I think it was found.
Sinclair Spokesman Compares Networks to Holocaust Deniers
Link:
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Sinclair spokesman Mark Hyman said the Hunt Valley, Md.-based company decided to air the film after it was rejected for airing by the major broadcast networks.
"This is a powerful story," Hyman said. "The networks are acting like Holocaust deniers and pretending these people (the POWs) don't exist. It would be irresponsible to ignore them."
What's So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding
Watching this song being done by the ensemble on the Vote for Change Finale I'm struck by how many incarnations this song has gone through. It's been played ironically, cynically, and with despair... maybe I'm wrong, but I feel like for the first time the song is being sung as a song of hope on this tour.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Calling All Baltimoreans
Or whatever you call yourselves. Sam Seder had a great idea on Majority Report tonight. Someone needs to go wherever one goes to find these things, and try to locate the mug shot of Sinclair CEO David Smith, from his 1996 arrest. It happened on or about August 13, 1996...
Mocktackular
At some point our side lost the subtle art of turning our opponents into the buffoons that most of them actually are. I'm feeling good. We're back baby!
Between rampant lesbianism and Pete Sessions' naked ass, we're having some fun...Mock them into the ground!
Between rampant lesbianism and Pete Sessions' naked ass, we're having some fun...Mock them into the ground!
Remember Her?
Of course you do. She's actually not all that popular in her district. Her opponent is Jan Schneider. Here's a message from the campaign:
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Katherine Harris is at it again. It wasn't bad enough that she helped the Republicans "steal" the 2000 presidential election, or that she purged Florida's voter files while simultaneously serving as the Bush/Cheney state co-chair. Now she is voting lock step for George Bush's failed policies and planning on running for the U.S. Senate in 2006. You can stop her right now - dead in her tracks. Thanks to your help, we are one of the closest U.S. races in the country. The DCCC just did a poll and the race is within 6 points. Most importantly, 48% of people said it was time for someone new in Congress, while only 46% said they wanted to re-elect Katherine Harris.
What you do now will be the difference in this race. You have the power to stop Katherine Harris and send a message to Republicans all across this country - we aren't going to take it anymore, and it starts right here with the woman who stole the last presidential election. Our grassroots campaign needs your support now, so we can take on Harris and her $3 million special interest war chest. I need your help and together we can defeat the most powerful symbol of 2000 and take back the U.S. House so we can make our government work for the people, not the powerful. Thank you,
Jan Schneider
Here's Schneider's website. You can donate there or here.
Good News
What the hell has happened to our country we actually have occasion to rejoice because Congress passed an anti-torture bill.
I mean, sometimes you just step back and go what the fuck has happend to this place?
I mean, sometimes you just step back and go what the fuck has happend to this place?
Get to Work
Steve Soto tells us what we can do about Sinclair.
People in the right markets in NC and SC, especially laywers who know what they're doing, get started...
...SinclairWatch makes it easy.
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But what isn't done a lot which requires the broadcaster to rack up expensive legal fees, is to challenge every one of their affiliates' FCC license renewals as they come up this year and next.
The FCC rules state that anyone who has an interest, presumably a local interest, in the renewal of a TV license may file either an informal objection or a more formal petition that must meet specific requirements. Note that Petitions to Deny are required to be filed with the FCC one month in advance of the station’s license expiration date. According to the FCC’s schedule of station expiration dates by state, any move to file Petitions to Deny or objections in advance of the station’s license expiration date are already too late to be accepted for Sinclair stations in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia, as the expiration date has passed and the file has closed. However, note that there still is time to organize and file Petitions or objections by November 1, 2004 for Sinclair stations in North Carolina and South Carolina, and for Florida by January 1, 2005.
Bloggers could link up with local media law attorneys of like mind in each of these Sinclair affiliate towns to gather informal objections and formal petitions challenging the renewal of these Sinclair licenses, which would then be forwarded to the FCC for inclusion in the station's renewal file at least one month prior to the license expiration date for consideration at the time of the upcoming license renewals this year and in 2005-2007. For example, here are the North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida stations with upcoming license expirations, for which objections and petitions must be filed by November 1, 2004 for the Carolina stations, and by January 1, 2005 for the Florida stations.
North Carolina:
Asheville
Greensboro
Raleigh
South Carolina:
Charleston
Florida:
Pensacola
Tallahassee
Tampa
I have no illusions that the FCC and Michael Powell may actually reject some Sinclair licenses over this, but the commission would have a hard time ignoring a station's application for renewal if each file had hundreds or thousands of letters of complaint or petitions on file. Plus, Sinclair would have to defend each one and incur the legal costs of doing so.
People in the right markets in NC and SC, especially laywers who know what they're doing, get started...
...SinclairWatch makes it easy.
Make Some New Friends
I believe there's too much partisanship these days. I'd like everyone to reach out to our Republican friends at Sinclair Broadcasting Group. Say hello. Try to bridge the gap a bit:
Mark Hyman: mhyman@sbgnet.com Vice President for Corporate Relations, and always to the point.
David Smith: dsmith@sbgnet.com CEO
Joe Defeo: jdefeo@sbgnet.com Corporate News Director
Be nice to your new friends.
Mark Hyman: mhyman@sbgnet.com Vice President for Corporate Relations, and always to the point.
David Smith: dsmith@sbgnet.com CEO
Joe Defeo: jdefeo@sbgnet.com Corporate News Director
Be nice to your new friends.
Liar
Wow. Bush has been blaming the military for his policy decisions. And, he's been lying about it. I'm just shocked, really I am. First we have a Vice President who lies to us and now the President too? What is this country coming to? What will we tell the children?
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Since May, Brig. Gen. Oscar B. Hilman, commander of the 81st Brigade Combat Team, a National Guard unit from Washington state that operates the base, has requested 500 to 700 more soldiers. But he said the request has been denied.
"Because the enemy is persistent, we need additional forces. We asked twice," said Hilman, who arrived here in April for a yearlong stint. But Hilman said he was told that "there are no additional forces," and that U.S. soldiers are needed elsewhere, particularly to battle insurgents and cover a large area to the north that includes the rebellious cities of Tikrit and Samarra.
The 81st Brigade's top enlisted man, Sgt. Maj. Robert Barr, said the soldiers here are frustrated, and that he often hears the same question: "Why aren't we stopping it or killing their guys who are doing it?"
Their complaints contrast sharply with statements by President Bush and top Pentagon officials, including Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, who say U.S. troop strength is sufficient but that more soldiers will be sent if senior commanders ask.
While the 81st provides security inside the fence that surrounds the base, the task of protection outside the concertina wire falls to the 2nd Brigade, part of the 1st Infantry Division, based in Tikrit. During the past week, the division has participated in the effort to take back Samarra from insurgents. Those units, too, are stretched thin.
"They have other operational concerns," said Lt. Col. Harry Gonzalez, a spokesman for the 81st. "There's a lot of real estate."
Hilman said he requested additional forces in the spring and again in the summer from 13th Corps Support Command, which is responsible for LSA Anaconda and all other multinational supply and transportation facilities in Iraq.
Maj. Richard W. Spiegel, a spokesman for the 13th Corps, confirmed that Hilman put in the request and that it was endorsed by the command's top officer, Brig. Gen. James E. Chambers.
The request was forwarded to Multi-National Corps Iraq headquarters, which assesses troop requirements and makes the final decision, Spiegel said. The request was denied, he said, declining to provide details.
Rampant Lesbianism
Listen to the Republican candidate for senator from Oklahoma say this:
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You know, Josh Burkeen is our rep down here in the southeast area. He lives in Colgate and travels out of Atoka. He was telling me lesbianism is so rampant in some of the schools in southeast Oklahoma that they’ll only let one girl go to the bathroom. Now think about it. Think about that issue. How is it that that’s happened to us?" -
Tom Coburn, 8/31/04
Why Does Dick Cheney Hate Our Military?
It's bizarre really. He cut the budget, cut the personnel, cut a lot of weapons systems.
This is actually a serious issue. Cheney has been running around for months talking about how Kerry tried to make our country less secure by voting against this and that, cutting the military budget, etc. Now, everyone *knows* that Dick Cheney presided over a massive post-cold war reduction in the size of the military, the number of military bases, etc... But, still, Dick gets on TV and talks about how Kerry hates our military. It's really quite sad that we have such a dishonest Vice President.
This is actually a serious issue. Cheney has been running around for months talking about how Kerry tried to make our country less secure by voting against this and that, cutting the military budget, etc. Now, everyone *knows* that Dick Cheney presided over a massive post-cold war reduction in the size of the military, the number of military bases, etc... But, still, Dick gets on TV and talks about how Kerry hates our military. It's really quite sad that we have such a dishonest Vice President.
And the Winners Are...
Kydland and Prescott get this year's Nobel Prize for Economics (technically, the "The Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel"), for their work on Real Business Cycle theory. Basically, RBC theory tries to explain fluctuations over the business cycle - cycles of moderate booms and busts- without resorting to nominal rigidities, or "stickyness" in wage and prices. Microeconomics 101 tells us that if there are more people looking for jobs than there are jobs at the current prevailing market, then the wage will be driven downward until supply=demand. However, during recessions that adjustment process doesn't seem to happen very fast -- wages don't fall and it appears that there is at least some "involuntary unemployment" - that is, people who are willing to work at the prevailing wage rate who are unable to obtain a job. So, the economy is operating at less then full employment, giving us reduced output.
K&P's work provide an alternative explanation, which is that much of the causes of booms and bust are actually due to people simply choosing to voluntarily opt-in or out of the labor force depending on current economic conditions. The idea being that if there's some "negative shock" to the economy, something which causes wages to fall relative to the average then people engage in "intertemporal substitution of labor." They say - well, wages suck this year so I may as well spend some time writing a novel or raising a kid or whatever, and I bet wages will go up again next year, so it makes sense to work less now and work more later when I'll get paid more for it. So, this type of unemployment is voluntary, in that people can get jobs at the prevailing market wage rate, but choose not to.
The effect of this is that relatively small shocks to the economy can be amplified - wages fall for some reason, then people leave the labor force, then people have less money to spend, demand for goods falls, wages fall some more, even more people leave the labor force, etc..etc... Tell story in reverse during boom times.
...and, if I bothered to read the press release I'd have noticed that they also got the prize for their (more interesting IMHO) work on time consistency and monetary policy. Short version: for good monetary policy to work, it's necessary for people to believe that you're going to engage in good monetary policy.
K&P's work provide an alternative explanation, which is that much of the causes of booms and bust are actually due to people simply choosing to voluntarily opt-in or out of the labor force depending on current economic conditions. The idea being that if there's some "negative shock" to the economy, something which causes wages to fall relative to the average then people engage in "intertemporal substitution of labor." They say - well, wages suck this year so I may as well spend some time writing a novel or raising a kid or whatever, and I bet wages will go up again next year, so it makes sense to work less now and work more later when I'll get paid more for it. So, this type of unemployment is voluntary, in that people can get jobs at the prevailing market wage rate, but choose not to.
The effect of this is that relatively small shocks to the economy can be amplified - wages fall for some reason, then people leave the labor force, then people have less money to spend, demand for goods falls, wages fall some more, even more people leave the labor force, etc..etc... Tell story in reverse during boom times.
...and, if I bothered to read the press release I'd have noticed that they also got the prize for their (more interesting IMHO) work on time consistency and monetary policy. Short version: for good monetary policy to work, it's necessary for people to believe that you're going to engage in good monetary policy.
Okrent
Somerby on Okrent, from September:
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Dickens invented characters like Okrent, as he strove to describe a world in which idle, privileged, insolent people felt unvarnished contempt for their social inferiors. Okrent strolls straight outta those novels. But make no mistake—powdered people like Daniel Okrent are now in control of American discourse. Lazy, pampered, self-indulgent and stupid, they’ve made a sick joke of your interests for years. At some point, the public will have to find ways to end their control of our discourse.
Custer Battles
Republican Crony Capitalism at its best, with even a Fox News commentator involved. From Body and Soul:
Steal from the taxpayers, give to well-connected Republicans, while our soldiers die and Iraq burns.
Kleiman has more.
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Custer Battles is a company with no experience whatsoever in the security industry and an owner who has contributed to Republican causes and is a former Republican congressional candidate. Can you think of anyone more deserving of a $16 million contract to provide security for the Baghdad Airport?
Steal from the taxpayers, give to well-connected Republicans, while our soldiers die and Iraq burns.
Kleiman has more.
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Dear Leader
There are plenty of reasons why John F. Kerry is a better man than George W. Bush. And, there are plenty of reasons why George W. Bush is unfit to be president and commander in chief. But, frankly, there is only one which trumps all the rest -- George W. Bush believes his re-election is more important than the lives of our soldiers and the situation in Iraq.
(via Will Bunch)
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WASHINGTON — The Bush administration will delay major assaults on rebel-held cities in Iraq until after U.S. elections in November, say administration officials, mindful that large-scale military offensives could affect the U.S. presidential race.
Although American commanders in Iraq have been buoyed by recent successes in insurgent-held towns such as Samarra and Tall Afar, administration and Pentagon officials say they will not try to retake cities such as Fallujah and Ramadi -- where insurgents' grip is strongest and U.S. military casualties could be the greatest -- until after Americans vote in what is likely to be a close election.
"When this election's over, you'll see us move very vigorously," said one senior administration official involved in strategic planning, speaking on condition of anonymity.
"Once you're past the election, it changes the political ramifications" of a large-scale offensive, the official said. "We're not on hold right now. We're just not as aggressive."
(via Will Bunch)
Speaker Pelosi
Met Leader (soon to be Speaker) Pelosi this evening at a fundraising event for Lois Murphy. There really is a lot of good news out there on the House front. Most of our incumbents are doing better than expected, which frees up resources for challengers.
We're really down to the wire now. A small amount of money in many House races can make an incredible difference. Please consider giving to the DCCC or the candidate of your choice.
...just to add -- I've gotten the sense lately that some people think I push the fundraising thing for my own self-aggrandizement. Look, I really don't care. I think it's fun to tally up the numbers so we can see how much we, as a community are giving. I think it's productive because it makes people feel that their 10 or 20 bucks is being joined up with a bunch of other peoples' 10 or 20 bucks. It's just another version of the Howard Dean bat. By now, everyone knows that well-trafficked blogs and the blogosphere more generally are potentially capable of raising a lot of money. I have no idea if that will continue into the future and don't particularly care. Right now I just want to win this goddamn election. So, give by clicking through the links above. Give by going to the websites of your favorite candidates directly. Give by sending a check through the mail. It doesn't matter. The truth is that right now about 5 more million dollars -- that'd be about $30 per daily "visit" I get, according to sitemeter -- injected into the DCCC and the right House races, could give us Speaker Pelosi. Imagine that.
We're really down to the wire now. A small amount of money in many House races can make an incredible difference. Please consider giving to the DCCC or the candidate of your choice.
...just to add -- I've gotten the sense lately that some people think I push the fundraising thing for my own self-aggrandizement. Look, I really don't care. I think it's fun to tally up the numbers so we can see how much we, as a community are giving. I think it's productive because it makes people feel that their 10 or 20 bucks is being joined up with a bunch of other peoples' 10 or 20 bucks. It's just another version of the Howard Dean bat. By now, everyone knows that well-trafficked blogs and the blogosphere more generally are potentially capable of raising a lot of money. I have no idea if that will continue into the future and don't particularly care. Right now I just want to win this goddamn election. So, give by clicking through the links above. Give by going to the websites of your favorite candidates directly. Give by sending a check through the mail. It doesn't matter. The truth is that right now about 5 more million dollars -- that'd be about $30 per daily "visit" I get, according to sitemeter -- injected into the DCCC and the right House races, could give us Speaker Pelosi. Imagine that.
Inky Is Indeed Shrill
It's no surprise that the Inquirer went for Kerry, but the degree of shrillness is surprising.
Let's hope they understand that George W. Bush is only one reason to be shrill, and the behavior of Republicans in the House and the Senate should also lead to intense shrillness. If they endorse Kerry this strongly, but then fail to endorse Joe Hoeffel, then all that shrillness will signify nothing.
Let's hope they understand that George W. Bush is only one reason to be shrill, and the behavior of Republicans in the House and the Senate should also lead to intense shrillness. If they endorse Kerry this strongly, but then fail to endorse Joe Hoeffel, then all that shrillness will signify nothing.
Focus
Do you want a president who wants terrorists to be the focus of our lives, or do you want a president who wants them to be merely a nuisance?
Simple choice, really. It's the choice between a guy who thinks we can win the war on terrorism and the guy who doesn't (as pontificator wrote in comments).
Simple choice, really. It's the choice between a guy who thinks we can win the war on terrorism and the guy who doesn't (as pontificator wrote in comments).
Who Is George Bush Unhappy With?
That's what the Kerry campaign wants to know. It's a good question. There's only one person who arguably "quit in shame," George Tenet, and he wasn't even appointed by Bush so he doesn't count. The rest, except for Christie Todd Whitman, have already been slimed on TV by Bush and their surrogates (Lindsey, O'Neill, etc...).
So, which Bush appointee isn't Bush happy with?
So, which Bush appointee isn't Bush happy with?
Cult of the Source
Kinsely has a pretty good op-ed about anonymous sources. Perhaps the NYT should spend less money hiring Ken Starr to protect the identity of powerful lawbreakers and instead think about protecting the identity of its readers.
Loser
Patsy Keever's opponent in her congressional race didn't show up for their debate.
You can always donate to Keever's campaign through this handy link.
You can always donate to Keever's campaign through this handy link.
Not For Publication
Kudos to the Nyt's Okrent for violating the privacy of a reader. That really seems like an appropriate role for the ombudsman of a newspaper -- posting up the names of people who have sent private emails to journalists. Nice job, Okrent! Looking out for your readers! 10 points team leader! We'll have to consider the new standard for privacy that you've set.
I'm an irresponsible blogger. I've received a lot of hate mail in my time. I've also been on the receiving end of serious obscenity-laden spam attacks on my comments. I've known the name/address/phone number/email of some of those attackers and I've never posted them. Why? Because it's an unfair fight. I appreciate the right of people to express their grievances without fear of retribution. With great power comes great responsibility, as a wise man once said.
My circulation is small relative to that of the paper of record. Nonetheless, they've decided it's appropriate to intimidate readers who react critically, something I've never done to people who otherwise don't have a public profile.
The reporter who has received angry email is Adam Nagourney. The reporter who feels that he, with a circulation of about a million, cannot handle criticism without attempts to damage his critic is Adam Nagourney.
The fact that the NYT's public editor, the person who is supposed to represent the *readers*, has chosen to publish the name and a clipped quote from a reader who never intended his name or comments to be published, and made that desire clear multiple times, is disgusting. It doesn't matter what the person wrote to the reporter. As I've said, I've been aware of the identities of people who have not only sent me obscene and insulting emails, but who have made an effort to disrupt the comments of this site, for a long time. I never went as far as publishing their *personal* name/address/phone number/email. Why? Because it's an unfair fight.
Yes, I've posted up people's professional names and emails. People are free to do the same to me. But, I haven't done it to my non-public figure critics.
The New York Times has disgraced itself, once again. Pathetic. More than pathetic. Disgusting.
Fuck you Adam Nagourney.
I'm an irresponsible blogger. I've received a lot of hate mail in my time. I've also been on the receiving end of serious obscenity-laden spam attacks on my comments. I've known the name/address/phone number/email of some of those attackers and I've never posted them. Why? Because it's an unfair fight. I appreciate the right of people to express their grievances without fear of retribution. With great power comes great responsibility, as a wise man once said.
My circulation is small relative to that of the paper of record. Nonetheless, they've decided it's appropriate to intimidate readers who react critically, something I've never done to people who otherwise don't have a public profile.
The reporter who has received angry email is Adam Nagourney. The reporter who feels that he, with a circulation of about a million, cannot handle criticism without attempts to damage his critic is Adam Nagourney.
The fact that the NYT's public editor, the person who is supposed to represent the *readers*, has chosen to publish the name and a clipped quote from a reader who never intended his name or comments to be published, and made that desire clear multiple times, is disgusting. It doesn't matter what the person wrote to the reporter. As I've said, I've been aware of the identities of people who have not only sent me obscene and insulting emails, but who have made an effort to disrupt the comments of this site, for a long time. I never went as far as publishing their *personal* name/address/phone number/email. Why? Because it's an unfair fight.
Yes, I've posted up people's professional names and emails. People are free to do the same to me. But, I haven't done it to my non-public figure critics.
The New York Times has disgraced itself, once again. Pathetic. More than pathetic. Disgusting.
Fuck you Adam Nagourney.
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