fitz

Thanks for posting this. I was searching the internet for a similar listing :) And good morning too!

I’ve used the expression “catbird seat” forever, but never realized it referred to a real bird – I always thought it was more a Tweety & Sylvester kind of thing…thanks for the education!

Oh, boy. Should be an interesting morning on the talking head shows. How will they try to spin Predatorgate I wonder? I don’t suppose the Foley scandal is the October surprise that Rove has been promising??

I don’t suppose the Foley scandal is the October surprise that Rove has been promising??

more like the october migraine!

John Murtha: http://blueherald.com/2006/10/…..n-elusion/

Funniest comment yesterday on Hastert et al’s Keystone Kops damage control –

“I don’t think anybody could have anticipated a breach of the Levi’s”

Here is my analysis of the CYA clause of the Torture Bill. It’s a bit tedious, but it’s intended as a starting point for others. I have neither the time nor the training to follow it up. Suffice it to say, I found and have laid out three possible lines of attack, and I suspect that there are others. Also, I have to say that working on establishing that what these jerks have done is in fact a federal crime makes me feel good.

Mornin’ Christy,

Haven’t read it yet, but the NYT has a story tracking the campaign contributions to Ohio Supreme Court justices and their decisions. One Repug that’s running for reelection is featured because his numbers are much higher than the rest. His opponent is a scrappy Dem running on the platform that he won’t take contributions (featured prominently at the end of the article) Another turd-in-the-punchbowl October Surprise for a guy who really deserves it. (skipping the link to avoid moderation – it’s at the top of the Politics page) Reposted to highlight to you that there is a related story on the WVa Supreme Court.

For some fun, and to get amped for Sherrod versus Mikey on Press the Meat – check out this video featuring DeWine and Junya (whoever came up with that, you have my gratitude) Kudos to windje for finding the YouTube link so people can vote it up there. It’s very catchy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v…..&eurl=

The guest lists today show clearly that the media is going along with the GOP effort to make “National Security” an election theme.

Amazing how, if the GOP says it’s an issue, it becomes an issue.

George is going after Bartlet. He’s doing rather well for a change.

How come Ken Melman’s not booked top do damage control on the Page Abuse front?

Just asking.

BQ @
9

Mornin’ Christy,

Haven’t read it yet, but the NYT has a story tracking the campaign contributions to Ohio Supreme Court justices and their decisions. One Repug that’s running for reelection is featured because his numbers are much higher than the rest. His opponent is a scrappy Dem running on the platform that he won’t take contributions (featured prominently at the end of the article) Another turd-in-the-punchbowl October Surprise for a guy who really deserves it. (skipping the link to avoid moderation – it’s at the top of the Politics page) Reposted to highlight to you that there is a related story on the WVa Supreme Court.

For some fun, and to get amped for Sherrod versus Mikey on Press the Meat – check out this video featuring DeWine and Junya (whoever came up with that, you have my gratitude) Kudos to windje for finding the YouTube link so people can vote it up there. It’s very catchy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v…..&eurl=

BQ – See my response to your post on the earlier thread on how to find them.

BroD @ 12

How come Ken Melman’s not booked top do damage control on the Page Abuse front?

Just asking.

An excellent and properly catty question!

hey, that looks like the bird that stole my grapes, only my bird was much rattier, it is Queens after all. Speaking locally of Queens Black incomes rose above White in NYTimes yesterday.

And of the NYTimes…“G.O.P. Aides Knew in Late ’05 of E-Mail” has Kerry pic. up top this morning web edition for those who don’t read. Plus a lot more G.O.Peepers than aids were aware, and so goes our Times.

Lots of Democrat bashing here on FDL this week and well deserved, if it were not for Christy’s positive persuasion for Democratic support I could cast out the whole lot. My support will not come with out strings and will cost her dearly as one day I will be sending a check to the Fine, Upstanding Moral Leader and Senator from West Virginia Christy Hardin Smith, hell through in a muffin and make it president.

BQ at 9 — interesting. Having argued before the WV Supremes several times, that should be quite a read. *g*

Wigwam @
8

Here is my analysis of the CYA clause of the Torture Bill. It’s a bit tedious, but it’s intended as a starting point for others. I have neither the time nor the training to follow it up. Suffice it to say, I found and have laid out three possible lines of attack, and I suspect that there are others. Also, I have to say that working on establishing that what these jerks have done is in fact a federal crime makes me feel good.

Wigwam, last thread I told people to head over to Kos and recommend your piece — nice work. It would be great to have a point from which to build.

So, everyone with a Kos account, please go help our friend, Wigwam!

ppp at 15 — well, thanks, but can I just have the muffin and skip the presidency altogether?

Good morning, everyone. With everything that’s going on in the world, that is a very sorry Sunday talking head lineup. You’re right, I think Zbig’s had enough, too. All it would take is some Kissinger mumbling and we could very well see the lid come off. But Biden, Bartlett, Gingrich, Tori Clarke? Geeze Louise. It’s sums it all up, doesn’t it?

Wigwam 8 – thanks, I needed that!

Everything DeWine is saying right now about what could happen in Iraq has already come to pass.

Interesting profile of Ruth Bader Ginsberg by Mike Wallace on CBS Sunday Morning this morning. She’s out to defend the Supreme Court from the wingnuts.

I was afraid you might say that.

mlk @ 22

Interesting profile of Ruth Bader Ginsberg by Mike Wallace on CBS Sunday Morning this morning. She’s out to defend the Supreme Court from the wingnuts.

Hmmm, she already has a full-time job!

She will be spreaking at my school this winter — can’t wait!

Sorry Christy, no presidency, no muffin. I don’t have the citation handy.

Immanentize @ 24

She seems like very thoughtful person. I’m sure she’ll be a great speaker.

good mornin’ firepups -

how many times has Bartlett referred to Woodward’s book as “gossipy” or “the third time was not the charm”

laughin my butt off last night as I was reading his and Snow’s dismissal – knowing there’s a bazillion quotes out there of them praising Woody’s ‘journalistic integrity’ after Plan of Attack and Bush at War

and What About Bob ? difficult to believe he isn’t all over the tube this am

Good morning all,

Just a drive-by to say that I’ll be essentially incommunicado for several days, if not a week. More reading than posting.

Siun, Christy, et al, I will still be checking email.

xo

DeWine is stalling BIG TIME – big “OMG! I can’t believe you said that…buh…buh…but…”

Timmeh: Uh…

Mikey: Let me finish! (finish what, exactly?)
Repeat…

Didn’t hear Sherrod capitalize on Mikey’s admission he didn’t read the NIE he’s had since April til just t’other day. And he stammered around quite a bit.

tommy yum @ 28

Good morning all,

Just a drive-by to say that I’ll be essentially incommunicado for several days, if not a week. More reading than posting.

Siun, Christy, et al, I will still be checking email.

xo

Thanks for letting us know. We don’t want to fear that you have been disappeared. These days, one never knows.

Fly-by from the tall timber. Watching blue jays outside the window at the feeder this morning. Loud, squawky sentinels sounding alerts. Kinda like the eruption of political news these days.

Quite a chronicle–Tenet, Powell, Woodward, Karen Hughes. She’s finally spoken a truther–it will take decades to repair America’s image. Ya think?

Then there’s the scoundrels–Foley, Abramoff, Allen, the entire Republican leadership, the koolaid kidz at the WH….

Here’s my take: Republicans cut and run from truth, honor, and accountability. Sound the chorus, pups. State by state the refrains can be customized, but in my mind at least, that sums it up.

[sidebar: thanks to the poster of the Emily Dickinson quote…Real Life’s taken a turn, and that’ll help us through.]

cbl at 27 — my guess is that Bob had some sort of exclusivity thing with 60 Minutes, and won’t be doing interviews about the book until after tonight’s airs there.

Wigwam, kudos to you. That was quite the much needed tonic. I admire you for jumping in. I’ve barely been able to read about this travesty.

tommy!! Hope all is well.

The Woodwardpalooza starts tonight on 60Minutes and continues unabated all next week (Larry King, Lauer, etc) all week long …

why are the comments “off” on the book salon yesterday?

lina at 36 — that’s just an announcement for the upcoming salon today. It’s a reminder notice. :)

Morning all, what’s shakin’?

Christy,
ah, the war stories we could share. My ‘favorite’ justice is quoted. They did manage to make him sound reasonable, but they’re used to the WH, after all.

I don’t know if it’s my bias or what, but the more I hear/see Mike DeWine the more he gets on my nerves. The whiny git. And he annoyed me when I first met him probably 15 years ago, so you can imagine how exponentially my irritation has grown.

and lest anyone think we’re going to coast to victory, this from today’s L.A. Times:

Pastors Guiding Voters to GOP:

The Christian right seeks out members who might not go to the polls. The focus is issues, but some leaders don’t oppose endorsement.
By Stephanie Simon, Times Staff Writer
October 1, 2006

With a pivotal election five weeks away, leaders on the religious right have launched an all-out drive to get Christians from pew to voting booth. Their target: the nearly 30 million Americans who attend church at least once a week but did not vote in 2004.

Their efforts at times push legal limits on church involvement in partisan campaigns. That is by design. With control of Congress at stake Nov. 7, those guiding the movement say they owe it to God and to their own moral principles to do everything they can to keep social conservatives in power…..

http://www.latimes.com/news/na…..-headlines

Raw Story Link

“For months, Tenet had been pressing Rice to set a clear counterterrorism policy, including specific presidential orders, called “findings,” that would give the CIA stronger authority to conduct covert action against bin Laden,” the uncredited Post article reports. “Perhaps a dramatic appearance — Black called it an ‘out of cycle’ session, beyond Tenet’s regular weekly meeting with Rice — would get her attention.”

“On July 10, 2001, the book says, Mr. Tenet and his counterterrorism chief, J. Cofer Black, met with Ms. Rice at the White House to impress upon her the seriousness of the intelligence the agency was collecting about an impending attack,” David E. Sanger reported on Friday. “But both men came away from the meeting feeling that Ms. Rice had not taken the warnings seriously.”

J. Cofer Black later said that “[t]he only thing we didn’t do was pull the trigger to the gun we were holding to her head.“

That is the quote of the week – kinda blows the doors off of ‘no one could have anticipated . .’ .

Update: Former Counsel to the 9/11 Commission suggests that “[v]ery possibly, someone committed a crime” by engaging in a “cover-up” of the warning

Christy Hardin Smith @ 37

lina at 36 — that’s just an announcement for the upcoming salon today. It’s a reminder notice. :)

thanks, i was confused about what day it was. (nothing new)

BQ — you know, “whiny git” does describe him pretty well. He does have that “entitlement” feel to what he’s saying, as though his family history should trump the fact that he isn’t doing the work properly or that he makes oddly phrased inane little comments with no relationship to the topic at hand.

windje,
meant to say thanks for the youtube tip – I had tried that before, but somehow got the top 10 page.

Shorter Sunday Talking Heads: What sex predator scandal? Look! Two shiny failed wars!

Anyone who thinks brown has a chance of winning in Ohio should certainly re-evaluate based on his MTP performance today. His answers were weak, ineffectual, off point, and unpersuasive. He allowed himself to be bullied and talked over by dewine. He’s in WAAAAAAAAY over his head and has no chance of winning if this is the best he can do. I just can’t see Hackett getting rolled like that. Thanks, Schumer.

Of course, this is the same sherrod brown who voted in favor of torture and against haveus corpus so I’ll shed no tears if he loses. In the long run, the party will be better off without the likes of him holding office.

I wish the Condi story was getting more play. That is a total revelation and it couldn’t happen to a better enabler. To watch her trot around the world saying what she says and knowing that she could very well be the one who could have activated a defense, just steams me no end. But Rumsfeld seems to be stealing the spotlight. As if.

here is some good news from my home town…

http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/f…..amp;coll=1

itradedsosa @ 46

Anyone who thinks brown has a chance of winning in Ohio should certainly re-evaluate based on his MTP performance today. His answers were weak, ineffectual, off point, and unpersuasive…

so I’ll shed no tears if he loses. In the long run, the party will be better off without the likes of him holding office.

I agree you regarding his performance on MtP today, but I can’t disagree more strongly about saying we’re better off without him in the Senate. We need every Democrat we can get in both houses of Congress to begin hearings into all the crap that has been allowed to pass unchecked for the past six years.

The panel on Georgie’s show is all over the Foley story. None of them think this is good. All horrified as should be. It is at the very least incompetence by the leadership if not scandalous re cover-up.

Christy,
I still remember him strutting into a procrastinator’s CLE session just before he was first elected. He was preening and playing to the (unimpressed) room, displaying his ridiculous plaid flannel suitcoat lining. (it was his ‘trademark’ that he was a ‘regular flannel-wearing kinda guy’ and he swore he would still wear flannel every day via the lining — errggh!)

He even managed to work in the Reagan line “There you go again.” Must be the default for when the brain freezes.

thanks *ilson!

apparently our friends in The Kingdom have HAD ENOUGH -

building a 550 mile fence along their Iraq
border

http://www.dailykos.com/storyo…..73820/9720

and have any of these bloviators been asked about the Army Chief of Staff’s very public refusal to sign Rumsfeld’s budget ? I know it’s been a busy news week, but this is unprecedented

BQ,
From last thread regarding Tom Delay’s culpability and your referencing TPM or Muckraker. Thanks!
Prairie Sunshine @31,
“Republicans run from Truth, Honor, and Accountability”. Great idea!
How about adding Ethics? Just a thought, your idea of the first three is probably best.

itradedsosa @ 46

Anyone who thinks brown has a chance of winning in Ohio should certainly re-evaluate based on his MTP performance today. His answers were weak, ineffectual, off point, and unpersuasive. He allowed himself to be bullied and talked over by dewine. He’s in WAAAAAAAAY over his head and has no chance of winning if this is the best he can do. I just can’t see Hackett getting rolled like that. Thanks, Schumer.

Of course, this is the same sherrod brown who voted in favor of torture and against haveus corpus so I’ll shed no tears if he loses. In the long run, the party will be better off without the likes of him holding office.

I just checked this persons past postings, they all seem to piss in the pool about Democrats…only the username could be construed as anti-Bush

About Foley, I wish MSM would stop calling it a scandal and start calling it a CRIME.

Raw Story has an update on the Condi story:

(Update: Former Counsel to the 9/11 Commission suggests that “[v]ery possibly, someone committed a crime” by engaging in a “cover-up” of the warning)

Does anyone know who that “Former Counsel” is?

I think that the entire US government is rearing up and throwing everything and the kitchen sink in the way of Bush and his cronies….

The floodgates are opening and there aint enough sandbags left.

The latest report has it that Bush fired Colin Powell….that won’t endear Bush to anyone…beloved Colin Powell and Bush cans him!

Now the jackals are eating each other…Hastert is done…Reynolds is done…..

-GSD

From a dailykos diary:

It is being reported right now by MSNBC’s LIVE at 8:45AM, this morning Sunday, October 1st.

Colin Powell has stated in his new book that he was FIRED by President Bush. The call came from Andy Card the former chief of staff to Powell right after Bush’s re-election.

Powell states that even though there was a rocky relationship between him and the cabinet he expected because of Bush’s loyalty to remain in the White House for the second term.

Powell didn’t resign folks, he was canned.

meta @ 55

About Foley, I wish MSM would stop calling it a scandal and start calling it a CRIME.

Raw Story has an update on the Condi story:

(Update: Former Counsel to the 9/11 Commission suggests that “[v]ery possibly, someone committed a crime” by engaging in a “cover-up” of the warning)

Does anyone know who that “Former Counsel” is?

Could be Ben Veniste.

-GSD

meta,
the Think Progress story is written by that former counsel, the way I read it.

http://thinkprogress.org/2006/09/30/911-meeting/

Does anyone know who that “Former Counsel” is?

Jamie Gorelick

via Raw Story

Jamie S. Gorelick, a member of the Sept. 11 commission, said she checked with commission staff members who told her investigators were never told about a July 10 meeting. “We didn’t know about the meeting itself,” she said. “I can assure you it would have been in our report if we had known to ask about it.”

sorry, check that -

[Our guest blogger, Peter Rundlet, was a Counsel to the 9/11 Commission.]

Can you imagine what it’s like now backstage in Wingnuttia, when the subject of appearing on these shows comes up, what with so much to defend:

“After you!”

“No, no, I insist, after you!”

Thanks, guys. Love asking questions here!

GSD, isn’t Republican cannibalism grand?

Powell should have been fired but not for the reason he was. I wanted him to be honorable and resign after the UN fiasco. He should have done that and kept his “good guy” facade for the people who can’t see through the Powells, McCains and such. Powell might easily have become president and things look promising for McCain in 2008. A word to the wise….

Pach at 62 — pass the popcorn, I feel a GOP leadership catfight coming on…

I don’t think Frank Rich is buying into Woody’s book hype.

http://wealthyfrenchman.blogsp…..-news.html

Speaking of talking heads…John Aravosis of ABlog on CNN:
http://americablog.blogspot.co…..about.html

I bet Boehner is going to the tanning salon twice a day now to tan over the yellow streak on his back.

And Dennis Hastert looks like one of THE most miserable persons in the world…His head is growing bigger by the day and it is forcing his eyebrows down over his eyes….

-GSD

Christy Hardin Smith @ 65

Pach at 62 — pass the popcorn, I feel a GOP leadership catfight coming on…

Yep. Last time around, they nuked their own post Newt guy Livingston with their own oppo because he was not enough of a crook and fire breather, not a clear enough shill for the company. But Hastert was made to order, in Delay’s control.

Now it’s the company in utter disarray and disrepute, so will there be any faction strong enough to push through someone who’s not going to be implicated by the coming investigations over the next year or two? Who’s left? Can their machine try to rebound, without all the cloakroom assassins gutting each other?

This reminds me of the British series “House of Cards.” Pass the popcorn, indeed. Though none of them can speak like Ian Richardson.

Aravosis has the vid up of him on CNN re Foleygate – I am really, really glad to see his likes out there hammering this – underscoring/upholding the honor of non-scumbag gay men.

GSD @ 68

I bet Boehner is going to the tanning salon twice a day now to tan over the yellow streak on his back.

And Dennis Hastert looks like one of THE most miserable persons in the world…His head is growing bigger by the day and it is forcing his eyebrows down over his eyes….

-GSD

ROTFL! Good morning all. Now click on the linky and have a roaring laugh courtesy of watertiger.

http://derenegade.blogspot.com…..stmas.html

Noonan @ 49

itradedsosa @ 46

Anyone who thinks brown has a chance of winning in Ohio should certainly re-evaluate based on his MTP performance today. His answers were weak, ineffectual, off point, and unpersuasive…

so I’ll shed no tears if he loses. In the long run, the party will be better off without the likes of him holding office.

I agree you regarding his performance on MtP today, but I can’t disagree more strongly about saying we’re better off without him in the Senate. We need every Democrat we can get in both houses of Congress to begin hearings into all the crap that has been allowed to pass unchecked for the past six years.

You’re correct in theory that it’s always better to have more democrats than republicans.

Here’s the problem. Too many democrats take our votes for granted. They know we’ll vote for them because the have a D after their name, so they vote any damn way they please, depending on the political exigencies of the moments. They are far too ofter craven opportunists. Do the names Lieberman and Biden ring a bell? Cantwell? Landrieu? Salazar? Lincoln? Carper? The Nelson twins? Schumer? Clinton, H? Kerry?

Far too often, these people have sold us out based on their own weakness and cowardice. As a party, we will be better off without their likes in office.

I am tired of being taken for granted. I’m tired of being a member of a party where people like those mentioned above can vote wrong time after time and expect us to keep supporting them.

Christy –

GOP Leadership Catfight – yeah buddy !

was thinking last night Hastert has all kinds of long knives out for his ass already – would Boehner try to install his guy or himself as Speaker – bet your ass – but he pissed off a disappointed Roy Blunt in replacing DeLay – and now no Hammer around to keep them all in line and silent – sweeet!

GSD @ 68

I bet Boehner is going to the tanning salon twice a day now to tan over the yellow streak on his back.
-GSD

he also looks like he consumes at least a quart of scotch daily.

*ilson46201 @
54

itradedsosa @ 46

Anyone who thinks brown has a chance of winning in Ohio should certainly re-evaluate based on his MTP performance today. His answers were weak, ineffectual, off point, and unpersuasive. He allowed himself to be bullied and talked over by dewine. He’s in WAAAAAAAAY over his head and has no chance of winning if this is the best he can do. I just can’t see Hackett getting rolled like that. Thanks, Schumer.

Of course, this is the same sherrod brown who voted in favor of torture and against haveus corpus so I’ll shed no tears if he loses. In the long run, the party will be better off without the likes of him holding office.

I just checked this persons past postings, they all seem to piss in the pool about Democrats…only the username could be construed as anti-Bush

Interesting, indeed. Movement sabateur. Here’s a clue, hon: this is not your bridge.

Pach,
and who will get taken out by Larry Flynt (goddess love him) after the pugs have done their own purge? Will it end up being like King Ralph? The one left standing gets to be leader…

Lovely picture of a Grey Catbird. They are indeed fascinating birds — direct cousins to Mockingbirds, Brown Thrashers are other “Mimic Thrushes”.

You can tell Catbirds vs. Mockingbirds very simply; Mockingbirds repeat each imitated phrase three or more times, Catbirds only once or (rarely) twice. Catbirds are also alot more secretive, liking thick brushy tangles.

And, from what I hear from rehabbers, they actually can be very sweet-natured, social little birds.

And that is Uncle ArchTeryx’s birding lesson for today. :)

catfight -

recall about a month after Boehner got DeLay’s job there was plenty of info out here about how he was as Mobbed Up on K St as DeLay ever was – but wait there’s more . . .

there are several, self styled moderates who’ve had enough (even if they vote party 90% of the time!) and will be able to use Foley as cover to bash the leadership and advance their once dormant ambition – Chris Shays

cbl @ 51

…and have any of these bloviators been asked about the Army Chief of Staff’s very public refusal to sign Rumsfeld’s budget ? I know it’s been a busy news week, but this is unprecedented

THX for pointing this out: http://www.nysun.com/article/40306

Chris Wallace, interviewing Jane Harmon and Newt G: Half way through, Chris asking tough questions of Newt, and Jane is hitting triples and then a homer.

Was Dem opposition to detainee bill wrong? Jane — “bring it on” — claiming Pres has ignored Congress role on need for detainee legislation for 5 years.

Jane: Detainee bill gave too much power to the Pres; it’s a blank check, irresponsible, unconstitutional and political.

Gingrich folds: the differences on the bill were honest disagreement on best way to proceed. There goes Mehlman’s talking points.

Blogs — pat yourselves on the back, because Jane Harmon is now echoing you.

One more thing: Clinton kicking Wallace butt => Wallace now trying to ask better/tougher question on both sides. Do it again.

Nevermind, now he has a panel to ask whether Clinton was honest. Invited Clarke, who declined.

Liveblog and more on the Dewine/Brown MTP debate at DebateScoop.

Your comments and diaries will influence the post debate media coverage and spin (Ohio and national political reporters are informed about the site).

Site is scoop based, like DailyKos, registration is quick, free, and no spam ever.

Pachacutec @ 75

*ilson46201 @
54

itradedsosa @ 46

Anyone who thinks brown has a chance of winning in Ohio should certainly re-evaluate based on his MTP performance today. His answers were weak, ineffectual, off point, and unpersuasive. He allowed himself to be bullied and talked over by dewine. He’s in WAAAAAAAAY over his head and has no chance of winning if this is the best he can do. I just can’t see Hackett getting rolled like that. Thanks, Schumer.

Of course, this is the same sherrod brown who voted in favor of torture and against haveus corpus so I’ll shed no tears if he loses. In the long run, the party will be better off without the likes of him holding office.

I just checked this persons past postings, they all seem to piss in the pool about Democrats…only the username could be construed as anti-Bush

Interesting, indeed. Movement sabateur. Here’s a clue, hon: this is not your bridge.

If you want to discuss issues, fine. If you want to try to silence me by accusing me of being a troll, I think you’re in the wrong party. Those are GOP tactics.

You’re darn right I go after democrats. Maybe if more of us did, we’d have a better party. We would have officeholders who didn’t cave in and vote for the bush tax cuts. We’d have representatives and senators who didn’t vote for the bankruptcy bill, or for torture. We might have Senators who didn’t bend over and drop their drawers in the “Gang of 14″ agreement.

We might even have a party whose members didn’t vote for the patriot act, or to authorize Bush to go to war based on evidence that just about everyone who reads this site knew AT THE TIME was bogus.

Go ahead and keep fluffing democrats no matter how they vote, or no matter how mealy mouthed they are on the most vital issues facing America. You’ll have the party you deserve.

BTW, anyone who goes back to the grand days of MWO knows I’m not a troll. But nice try.

Wallance inteviews part II: On whether Clinton did enough to get OBL: Scheuer says CIA didn’t have authorization to kill OBL — because of concerns about killing innocents. Benjamin denies that Clinton had opportunities to kill OBL, because they never got the confirming intelligence; says Michael Scheuer is wrong.

Keep in mind, what Clinton challenged Wallace to do was ask the hard questions of the Bush officials; instead, he’s asking leading questions to intelligence officials about Clinton. Same ole, same ole.

Scheuer calls Clinton, Berger and Clarke “liars.”

THIS WEEK with George S doesn’t start for another 30 minutes. Is it worth watching?

You’re right. I can’t imagine why I never criticize Dems.

Strike two, from the talking out of the wrong hole meter.

scheuer just said Clinton and Clarke are lying about opportunities to get bin laden.

Hey! Subtle is good.
Besides, if you look at a live boid, or a picture taken from just the right angle, Mr. Catbird should have pretty chestnut-colored panties(!)
Besides, version 2, when you can sing like that, who needs flashy colours, eh?

Up till this week’s vote, Sherrod Brown has an unbroken, sterling voting record as a true progressive.

We in this household will proudly vote for him!

scheuer now says that booosh had no opportunity in those first 8 mos.

so there you have it. the former head of the now defunct alec station speaks.

Scheuer’s been saying that all week. I am a tiny bit surprised because that’s not how the info is rolling out, but he’s got his own axe.

This is a real simple equation right now. There is no opportunity to change those running and yes we need all the pickups we can get. That means that on the day after the election we continue to work on better choices next time otherwise if we have two more years of rubber stamps it may be too late. It is foolish to argue with each other now. Let’s get this job done and continue improvements. The longest journey starts with a single step – we have to do the best we can with where we are and continue to move forward.

I just did something for my mockingbirds that I never did before. I threw a banana out there and they are enjoying it. I just had about 20 of them drop in. I needed the banana peel for my staghorns.

JL @ 84

THIS WEEK with George S doesn’t start for another 30 minutes. Is it worth watching?

sort of. George does go after Dan Bartlet pretty well. I think we came out ahead on that one. The panel was obviously stacked and attacking Boobie’s book but they had to concur that the Foley thing is big and bad.

That’s about it.

So why are you cPachacutec @ 85

You’re right. I can’t imagine why I never criticize Dems.

Strike two, from the talking out of the wrong hole meter.

What on earth does that mean? I didn’t get the whole “not your bridge” thing either, “hon”.

Try to make some sense, with well founded, well reasoned arguments and get back to me.

One predictable outcome of Foleygate: the 150-year old page program will not survive in its present form. Most likely it will be replaced by a professional corps of adult pages. If they get hit on by congressfolks, at least they will be adults.

Lest you think that sex predators are always men, I read an account recently of one young male page who said a female congressperson (Dem) came on to him in a pretty suggestive way. OK, maybe she was not being predatory, just flirting, but it’s out there.

Why are politicians so wired up sexually? I will tell you why: politics is an aphrodisiac, that’s why. Kissenger said it best: “Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.”

JL @ 84

THIS WEEK with George S doesn’t start for another 30 minutes. Is it worth watching?

Compared to what? It is a week for the right side to sound humble and play defense; for the left to sound morally outraged but fair. Are any of these guests worth listening to?

George Will
Donna Brazille
Tori Clarke
Mark Halperin

This is a balanced panel only in the limited sense that it consists of uninspiring centrists, an administration apologist, and a disgusted old-fashioned conservative who has no party left to defend.

The most fun thing about them is their ability to mimic other bird calls or even other sounds around them.

Sorta like some reporters in the traditional media and GOP talking points.

itradedsosa,

Whether you’re a paid troll is irrelevant. You have no positive plan for helping Democrats win in November.

This is you:

“They are far too ofter craven opportunists. Do the names Lieberman and Biden ring a bell? Cantwell? Landrieu? Salazar? Lincoln? Carper? The Nelson twins? Schumer? Clinton, H? Kerry?”

Of this group, Lieberman is the biggest problem, because he comes from the blueest state. Ben Nelson is from NE. It’s not fair to group him with Lieberman. I agree Schumer has been far too weak, but he did great work in Bush’s first term blocking bad Federal Judge appointments. Hillary has at least started to rip Rumsfeld and she is suppporting Ned. What positions has Kerry taken that are not far enough to the left for you?

We’re quite aware that the political discourse has drifted far too much to the “right.” What are you doing about that? Did you contribute to Ned Lamont? Are you Spotlighting articles to the Traditional Media?

Face the Nation — good grief — Biden given a golden opportunity to answer the question “should Cheney resign?” and he says, “NO.” The ovewhelmingly popular answer, the one that would have captured the headlines, would have been “YES.” That should have been the quote of the day.

Morning All,

We had an incredibly inspiring rally and march yesterday in Bangor Maine. It was organized by our Veterans for Peace chapter, along with the Peace and Justice Center. It was balm for a very heavy heart. After a disastrous week, I felt renewed to continue the hard slog. And hopeful – dear hope. And what can I say about my 10 year old daughters shouting, along with 1500 other patriots, “WHAT. DOES. DEMOCRACY LOOK LIKE? THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE!” It was a wonderful day.

I came across this quote from the blessed William Sloane Coffin this morning and wanted to share -

“The war against Iraq is as disastrous as it is unnecessary; perhaps in terms of its wisdom, purpose and motives, the worst war in American history…. Our military men and women…were not called to defend America but rather to attack Iraq. They were not called to die for, but rather to kill for, their country. What more unpatriotic thing could we have asked of our sons and daughters…?”

And this from Thomas Paine:

“THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.”

So, I offer profound gratitude for all of you here this morning, because I know that you are neither summer soldiers nor sunshine patriots.

Good day all!

scarecrow@99..Biden’s answer is probably correct. A new VP would really make ‘08 much more of a challenge. IMHO

Tommy Franks now under the bus on Face the Nation…

Adie @
87

Hey! Subtle is good.
Besides, if you look at a live boid, or a picture taken from just the right angle, Mr. Catbird should have pretty chestnut-colored panties(!)
Besides, version 2, when you can sing like that, who needs flashy colours, eh?

Ohyeah, forgot about that. The rusty undertail coverts are a very distinctive Catbird field mark. Though I don’t know if I’d call them panties; both sexes possess it. Catbirds are one of the most sexually monomorphic songbirds out there!

thank you susan and all of the Mainers who rallied for peace. I totally agree with William Sloane Coffin. History will judge us harshly for this. His words should be spread far and wide, imho. This is a lesson we should never, ever forget.

I hope the soul of the nation can be restored.

itradedsosa

I gather you know nothing about Brown except that vote this week and his performance today. Before you go off on Sherrod Brown, you might want to check his record in the House — which was EXCELLENT and progressive.

For some, the vote on torture was a deal breaker — and I understand that. But Sherrod Brown is not in any way our enemy. Quite the opposite. Keeping DeWine in simply helping the real torturers consolidate power.

I am glad you have such a noble past as “not-a-troll.” But today you are not helping cement that image much.

ArchTeryx @ 103

Adie @
87

Hey! Subtle is good.
Besides, if you look at a live boid, or a picture taken from just the right angle, Mr. Catbird should have pretty chestnut-colored panties(!)
Besides, version 2, when you can sing like that, who needs flashy colours, eh?

Ohyeah, forgot about that. The rusty undertail coverts are a very distinctive Catbird field mark. Though I don’t know if I’d call them panties; both sexes possess it. Catbirds are one of the most sexually monomorphic songbirds out there!

Please enlighten us. What is the meaning of the phrase, “being in the catbird seat?”

Steve @ 101

scarecrow@99..Biden’s answer is probably correct. A new VP would really make ‘08 much more of a challenge. IMHO

Luckily for teh Dems, this is the least likely thing to happen. Rumsfeld will be tossed long before Cheney, and I do not see him packing bags.

As for VP replacement? No current Republican front-runner would dare take the position. And anyone that is chosen may have serious ties to a ‘08 candidate (funding wise etc.) which would be just as bad for most of them. I think that Republicans are really just praying for status quo because every change (and every news cycle) has huge downside risks.

imm, thanks a lot for your 7:53, I had not known that about Brown’s past.

Steve @ 101

scarecrow@99..Biden’s answer is probably correct. A new VP would really make ‘08 much more of a challenge. IMHO

This misses the point. There are two questions:

1. should Dems be calling for Cheney’s resignation? Yes. I would make Cheney an issue. Claim he is an unprincipled, out-of-control rogue VP, the author of many of the most disastorous policies that have us bogged down in one war and smearing the honor/reputation of the United States. And he has foisted these policies on a president that is two intellectually weak to understand how reckless and foolhardy the policies are, and too morally deficient to challenge their premise.

2. Would Cheney actually resign? Of course not.

Result: this becomes a very potent campaign issue and keeps the Repubs on the defensive. Force them to defend Cheney, and the public will equate all the failure they’re seeing with Cheney and the Republican’s supporting him.

Having said that, the only “October surprise” I fear is the announcement that Cheney is stepping down for health reasons, and will be replaced by McCain. A Rumsfeld announcement would be next.

Good morning

speaking of character, you can read Jim Webb’s Navy Cross Citation here:

http://turcopolier.typepad.com….._tyrannis/

OFG — hello! we are well on our way to afternoon over here

:~)

Gotta go get some good shoes for my poor flat-footed child….

and btw, we need Sherrod Brown in the Senate in order to put Jim Webb in the majority. We can whip him into shape (Brown) after he’s in the majority.

There really is an American bird called the catbird, a member of a group called the mimic thrushes that also includes the mockingbirds and thrashers, all of them—as their group name suggests—skilled at imitating other birds, animals, and even telephones and other noises. The American species is strictly speaking the grey catbird, which lays the most beautiful turquoise eggs. It’s called a catbird because one of its most impressive imitations is the mew of a cat.

Catbird seat (as it is usually written) usually appears in the fuller form in the catbird seat, meaning to be in an advantageous or prominent position, one of ease and favour.

more at the link: http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-cat2.htm

ArchTeryx @
77

Lovely picture of a Grey Catbird. They are indeed fascinating birds — direct cousins to Mockingbirds, Brown Thrashers are other “Mimic Thrushes”.

You can tell Catbirds vs. Mockingbirds very simply; Mockingbirds repeat each imitated phrase three or more times, Catbirds only once or (rarely) twice. Catbirds are also alot more secretive, liking thick brushy tangles.

And, from what I hear from rehabbers, they actually can be very sweet-natured, social little birds.

And that is Uncle ArchTeryx’s birding lesson for today. :)

Uncle, you left out the ‘Double-Breasted Mattress Thrasher’.

OT, everyone is beating up the Dems about NOT having a plan wrt Iraq.

Most politically expedient response imo is for Dems to demand hearings about whether ME deployments meet the test of the Powell Doctrine for the use of military force.

Our ground troops are trained to integrate their actions with artillery and air power. The only “artillery” we hear about in Iraq are “IED’s.” An “occupation” is not a “military” delployment. Building democratic institutions is not a “military” objective. A military objective is “securing a beachhead”, or “taking a hill.”

lb0313 @ 48

here is some good news from my home town…

http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/f…..amp;coll=1

Yes, that is good news. But be careful of anything you read under Frank Donze’s byline, he’s been the “access journalist” at the Orleans Levee Board for years. Some of what he’s written has looked like PR press releases for the Orleans Levee Board, he spins it exactly the way they want it.

As for the “non-flood assets” of the Orleans Levee District, they own a lot of valuable lakefront property, so I’m sure there are schemes afoot to piece it off to well-connected developers (Joe Canizaro?). Of the two marinas, the Orleans Marina is not in too bad shape, probably breaking even, but South Shore Harbor still has 40-50 boats on the bottom, the harbor itself is not navigable because of the wrecks, and the piers are all torn up still. In short, that place needs Millions of dollars in repairs. Still, the land is valuable, and so is the harbor. What boggles the mind is the near-total lack of progress in fixing anything over there.

IMO, itradedsosa’s assessment of the “debate” is way off base. DeWine tried to “win” by talking over Brown who allowed him to finish answers. He looked like a little bully. As far as actual answers to questions, nothing new there. DeWine is only parroting the usual repug. talking points.

immanentize @ 106

Steve @ 101

scarecrow@99..Biden’s answer is probably correct. A new VP would really make ‘08 much more of a challenge. IMHO

Luckily for teh Dems, this is the least likely thing to happen. Rumsfeld will be tossed long before Cheney, and I do not see him packing bags.

As for VP replacement? No current Republican front-runner would dare take the position. And anyone that is chosen may have serious ties to a ‘08 candidate (funding wise etc.) which would be just as bad for most of them. I think that Republicans are really just praying for status quo because every change (and every news cycle) has huge downside risks.

Election? You think there will be elections?

We don’t need no stinkin elections. The decider is going to declare martial law on account of the global war on terra.

KBR got all them camps built for what – the internal dissidents. Why does he need the ability to detain enemy (of the state) combatants including citizens without recourse to habeus corpus?

Welcome to the 4th reich.

OldCoastie @ 102

Tommy Franks now under the bus on Face the Nation…

Yep. The WaPo article does a side-by-side of what the military reportedly told the Prez about how many troops we need, while Cheney/Rummy et al said we don’t need that many, while Bush says, “I give the generals all they ask for.” Bob Scheifer Q. Didn’t the generals ask for more and the President didn’t listen?

that’s when Dan’s answer says, “we did what Tommy Franks asked for.” — which is throwing Franks under the Bus. Now Franks has to explain why he didn’t follow his own general staff. The buck never stops in the Oval Office. It just get’s laundered through the rest of government.

scarecrow@109 The last two sentences express my fear of a Cheney resignation very well.

I wrote a diary over at KOS about the OK-05 race and the Republican sleaze protection racket we have. I could use some recommends to help get the word out. For a hoot, hit the links I provide to get the true picture.

lina @ 111

and btw, we need Sherrod Brown in the Senate in order to put Jim Webb in the majority. We can whip him into shape (Brown) after he’s in the majority.

Brown is completely with us –
I have said before that torture is one issue on which you cannot calculate–

But if anyone should be allowed to, it would be someone like Brown — he is in the House and the vote was never in question there (Dem’s lose). As a matter of outcome, his vote was meaningless. He is leaving the House, never to return Because, he is in a must-win tight race in Ohio which is pretty much a red state turning purple. This was an issue he wanted to take off the table….

And, does anyone know how Brown voted on Friday when the bill came back to the House?

I DO NOT AGREE with his calculation, but I do see how it could be made….

Good Gilliardism:

The right has been screaming about how scary it would be to have Nancy Pelosi as speaker. Well, I can say one thing about that: she’s a grandmother. She won’t let your children be stalked by a child sex predator. Much less protect him.

Yippee,

Murray Waas has a book out on the Libster.

Jack

Oilfieldguy @ 122

I wrote a diary over at KOS about the OK-05 race and the Republican sleaze protection racket we have. I could use some recommends to help get the word out. For a hoot, hit the links I provide to get the true picture.

Done. Good job, OFG.

Noonan @
49

itradedsosa @ 46

Anyone who thinks brown has a chance of winning in Ohio should certainly re-evaluate based on his MTP performance today. His answers were weak, ineffectual, off point, and unpersuasive…

so I’ll shed no tears if he loses. In the long run, the party will be better off without the likes of him holding office.

I agree you regarding his performance on MtP today, but I can’t disagree more strongly about saying we’re better off without him in the Senate. We need every Democrat we can get in both houses of Congress to begin hearings into all the crap that has been allowed to pass unchecked for the past six years.

Sherrod (does that rhyme with cattle prod?) Brown is off my list, but the FL-16 race just opened up and I’m looking at giving Tim Mahoney some help now that Foley has self-destructed. And Coleen Rowley, of course. Lots of good progressive candidates out there. We get 10 in the house and we have a majority and insurance for the DINOs.

Bonus: we show that netrootz support or lack of it is meaningful.

Jane Harmon – articulate and intelligent this morning.

Here is the link I forgot, Re: Waas

http://www.amazon.com/What-Che…..eminute-20

Here’s the link to the WaPo article about Iraq statement inconsistencies that are the backdrop for the Face the Nation exchange.

Secret Reports Dispute White House Optimism

OT, maybe? Flyby again. Sex scandal…We’ve been handed a window of opportunity on a silver platter. How’s that for mixing metaphors. Media are reporting an aggressive GOTV effort among evangelical and conservative ministers, social conservatives. Why would the social conservative ministry ally themselves with Republicans who beguile with words while doing the opposite? Why was the male prostitute Guckert given daily press passes at the WH? And why was he sleeping over all those times? With whom? Why did the Republican leadership coverup and enable the predatory Foley’s stalking [and worse?] of chlidren in the House’s care? The Republicans’ manipulation of morality issues has got to be taken down. We should aggressively work to demoralize their base, because they have proven themselves such hypocrites totally lacking in morals. And every time they project and fingerpoint, those other fingers are pointing back at their own worse sins/crimes/corruption.

The Bay State Librul @
129

Here is the link I forgot, Re: Waas

http://www.amazon.com/What-Che…..eminute-20

this Waas book appears to be a compilation of his best articles already published.

Immanatize is right about Brown. Maybe we don’t agree with the vote, but that’s one baby you don’t toss with the bathwater. He’s a dyed-in-the-wool progressive.

fwiw, I didn’t like the way it went down, but as an Ohioan, I can tell you that Hackett’s lack of experience would have been a problem with winning cross-over voters here. (Although his refusal to hedge won him plenty of Buckeye fans.) Granted, I would have liked to have seen a candidate with Brown’s positions & experience and Hackett’s fire & rhetorical strength, but alas that was not to be.

Right now we simply need all the people we can get into Congress with ‘D’ after their names in order to stop the bleeding.

Apple Canyon 2 @ 53

BQ,
From last thread regarding Tom Delay’s culpability and your referencing TPM or Muckraker. Thanks!
Prairie Sunshine @31,
“Republicans run from Truth, Honor, and Accountability”. Great idea!
How about adding Ethics? Just a thought, your idea of the first three is probably best.

Hey, thanks. Ethics is a dollar word…Joe six pack doesn’t necessarily grasp it. Truth and honor, though, and accountability. People know those words.

Tim Russert announces that next week, MTP will have Bob Woodward. A WH nightmare. He may be a useful idiot, but at the moment, he’s our useful idiot.

scarecrow @
120

OldCoastie @ 102

Tommy Franks now under the bus on Face the Nation…

Yep. The WaPo article does a side-by-side of what the military reportedly told the Prez about how many troops we need, while Cheney/Rummy et al said we don’t need that many, while Bush says, “I give the generals all they ask for.” Bob Scheifer Q. Didn’t the generals ask for more and the President didn’t listen?

that’s when Dan’s answer says, “we did what Tommy Franks asked for.” — which is throwing Franks under the Bus. Now Franks has to explain why he didn’t follow his own general staff. The buck never stops in the Oval Office. It just get’s laundered through the rest of government.

It is fairly well-known that Franks had no role or interest in post-Baghdad planning. His goal was to get to Baghdad as quickly as possible and retire after that. He retired in July 2003, shortly after Baghdad fell. At the end of the day, the onus falls on Rumsfeld, not Franks, who did what the WH wanted…topple Saddam.

On Meet the Press, Brown vs. DeWine, I had not seen Brown before so
I am a bit objective. DeWine is smooth, without answering the questions
and Brown should not let him interrupt repeatedly. DeWine about Oil-Gas
and Phamaceutical money,”Sherrod would have you believe
who gives you contributions, influences you.” Also “I’ve gotten things done”
while Brown “is to the left of the Democratic Party”. It was noted that
Brown voted with Bush 7 percent of the time-which is too much, while
DeWine is a total Bushbot. Brown is not quite as glib and he does
seem to think about the question, so he is not quite as telegenic.
And he needs to fight like a junk-yard dog.

Also a quote from John Murtha “The reputation of Congress is lower
than used-car salesman.” DeWine would do very well selling used cars.

itradedsosa, you seem quite Trollish-think about defecting from you child-abusing, warmongering, corporate swine Republican Party.
Itradedsosa, I do have Neocon radar and you have not proved you
really believe what you post.

Oilfieldguy @ 110

Good morning

Morning, OFG. Where are you today, and what’s shaking there?

Kissinger is waffling just like a war criminal does… he advises cheney, boosh, rice and (powell).
Zbig hits very hard this morning.

Kissinger – wrong on Vietnam, wrong now…

windje @ 8:04 am

Election? You think there will be elections?

Yes, I do; there is neither precedent nor any justification for suspending elections. Please refer to Article I, Section 4, Clause 1 of the Constitution.

The decider is going to declare martial law on account of the global war on terra.

Please refer to Ex parte Milligan. How are you defining martial law? As stretched thin as our country’s armed forces are now, how could military rule be enforced nationwide? So long as our courts remains open, what justification could possibly be given for imposing martial law (for lack of a better term) in contravention of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Ex parte Milligan? Was this country ever under nationwide military rule in either World War One or World War Two?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N…..encies_Act

The National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601-1651) is a United States federal law passed in 1976 to stop open-ended states of national emergency and formalize Congressional checks and balances on Presidential emergency powers. The act sets a limit of two years on states of national emergency. It also imposes certain “procedural formalities” on the President when invoking such powers, and provides a means for Congress to countermand a Presidential declaration of emergency and associated use of emergency powers.

(snip)

Another recommend for Wigwam’s Diary

In general, Wig, you have to be willing to waive privilege in order to be able to rely on advice of counsel – so I see that as another in the myriad of issues. ;) And the counsel for the independent branches, as opposed to William Haynes, Pentagon Counsel, was recommending against and even saying that the OLC opinion had sections that would likely not hold up. That’s pretty darn significant in addition to the Gonzales recognition in his memo to Bush that the ability to dodge a criminal sentence would depend on the corruption of DOJ and a “less favorable” DOJ might not be so corrupt.

I’d love to see that discussion of who is the client for OLC and what happens vis a vis waiver of privilege. But that’s just one issue.

No secret where I am re: Brown and I won’t belabor bc I am making sure Hostettler gets no chance to run from torture rightnow. The whole Democratic strategy of taking torture off the table is a horrible idea IMO. Apart from the morality, I think there is a lot of miscalculation regarding states like KY, IN and OH.

In these states, when you have a moral issue and grab it and hammer with it – you win. It’s why abortion as an issue has tanked the Dem party in big chunks of those states; but for a huge group of people it is not the only moral issue.

Good for Harman (and I try to always thank Marcy Winograd too when Harman comes through ) and when she is on the right side, she’s a top flight player. Far better than most of the Dem leadership and they should use her more.

I noticed only Will focused on the impact that the western states are going to have in the next couple of elections – I think he’s right on that point. And Howard Dean is right to not give up on any state, any election.

Prairie Sunshine @ 131

OT, maybe? Flyby again.

Sex scandal…We’ve been handed a window of opportunity on a silver platter. How’s that for mixing metaphors.

Media are reporting an aggressive GOTV effort among evangelical and conservative ministers, social conservatives.

Why would the social conservative ministry ally themselves with Republicans who beguile with words while doing the opposite?

Why was the male prostitute Guckert given daily press passes at the WH? And why was he sleeping over all those times? With whom?

Why did the Republican leadership coverup and enable the predatory Tom Foley’s stalking [and worse?] of chlidren in the House’s care?

The Republicans’ manipulation of morality issues has got to be taken down. We should aggressively work to demoralize their base, because they have proven themselves such hypocrites totally lacking in morals.

And every time they project and fingerpoint, those other fingers are pointing back at their own worse sins/crimes/corruption.

Didn’t you mean to say Mark Foley?

This country is in the midst of what we hope will be a major transition. After last week’s horror show, I had to step way back to try to work through all the issues away from the heat of anger – well despair, really.
I appreciate all the arguments that have been posted here on every side of this. And I’m afraid the fact is- the reality is – we must transition into an imperfect world until we can work for the best. I can’t believe that I’ve come to this after last week’s vote, but I know we have to elect those who for the most part can represent a change away from this horrible nightmare that is our present. And I want that transition to be about Democrats. I am still furious about the torture vote. Furious. But what makes the most sense when all is said and done, is to continue to fight the Republican Criminal Machine with what we have. And right now, what we have is a slate of candidates that have some chance of winning. I want to see some of the last week’s events undone. If we can work with a new House, that may be possible with constant, focused, and loud-and-clear effort.

The noose is looking better and better. So many rats are scurrying by telling their brave tales about how they tried to stop Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice. Paul O’Neill, via Susskind, and then Richard Clarke told us all we needed to know. Those were the truly brave men in this tragedy and they are now out of government and we’re left with the cowards.

Pade at 91

Don’t panic – I’m not claiming you agree with me in my support of Sherrod Brown.

I simply want to commend you on your calm, well-reasoned comment posted on this thread.

I’ve seen a lot of overblown, borderline hysterical comments this week, & it’s been disheartening, especially given the usual level of discourse at FDL.

Before anyone slings another arrow my direction, they might consider why they feel the need to do so. I personally detest the very thought of torture as much as anyone else here. I am sure Sherrod Brown does also. I won’t try to explain his vote of this week. I WILL stand by my opinion that his whole record before this week has made me proud to vote for him as an even-handed, honest, talented, hard working progressive whom I can trust to work hard and effectively for the greater good of this country.

Adie (146), a time to remember Clinton’s “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”

HotFlash @ 138

Oilfieldguy @ 110

Good morning

Morning, OFG. Where are you today, and what’s shaking there?

I’m home and only thirteen days left before voting registration closes for the mid-terms. I’m focused on OK-05, my congressional district that is an open seat.

The Democrat is Dr. David Hunter, a neophyte with apparently no skeletons in his closet.

He is running against Mary Fallin, an alledged adulteress who has received over a million dollars in taxpayer funded wages, and has not cast a legislative vote since ‘94.

I wish I could throw myself into this full-time.

And Mary, I just have to say that I have the highest respect for you and thank you for the constant vigilance and reams of information and insight you bring here every day. I feel so angry about what’s going on right now, I could scream. I hate all these people and their crimes, and their lies to cover up their crimes. I just don’t know what else to do.

Can’t watch the talking heads today. I’m in overload on their pointless blather right now.

But I note that it looks like they’re trying to change the subject, given the pointed absence of anyone who might be involved in the Foley situation.

Who do we blame? House Republicans? Or did the MSM avoid contacting House Republicans?

Jeepers, they pulled Windbag Biden out, either to provide dead air or make Dems look bad; they obviously were less worried about ratings than something else…

Morning firepups –

Thanks to Christy and all here for your learned discourse on the catbird family.

All those years listening to Red Barber – now I know what a catbird is!

Thanks to the rabid lambs and bird lovers of the lake (and cat lovers. and dog lovers…)

Mary 142

Thanks for toning down the rhetoric. I’m trying to also. We need to work together. FDL is at the leading edge of something wonderful. If we all can get along, ‘lively’ discourse & all *g, we can do much.

Shake on it? *hand offered in peace & respect, but not surrender*

Sally 147

Thanks for that. Amen!

Dodd v. Lugar on Wolfie. Could be fun.

but first we have to listen to Damn Bartlett again.

Oh, and you think that Murdoch was asked to get out the new old photo of Atta to try to bring the subject back to terra?

God, this is getting tiresome.

Question: Does anyone know if Foley is going to be on the ballot? Or will the repubs try to replace him (Gov. appointing someone temporarily?) immediately and then do a writein?

This is a great opportunity. Who was running against Foley? Can we send him/her a bunch of money?

I wish I had fewer questions and more answers but that is the summary of my days now — looking for answers.

Smoochies meta. *g* Everyone does what there soul tells them is right.

For example, I just found this quote:

Senate Republican Whip Mitch McConnell of Kentucky countered: “A lot of Americans have forgotten what Democrats do when they are in the majority. We are going to remind them.”

My conscience tells me it is right to contact my Senator and thank him for sharing his prescience. He is INDEED about to remind America what is it like when Dems are in the majority and its nice of him to admit it. ;)

Adie, don’t be patronizing Mary.

Mary @ 156

Smoochies meta. *g* Everyone does what there soul tells them is right.

For example, I just found this quote:

Senate Republican Whip Mitch McConnell of Kentucky countered: “A lot of Americans have forgotten what Democrats do when they are in the majority. We are going to remind them.”

My conscience tells me it is right to contact my Senator and thank him for sharing his prescience. He is INDEED about to remind America what is it like when Dems are in the majority and its nice of him to admit it. ;)

HA! Back atcha, Mary.

Allowing progressives to make such calculated votes such as the one for the Torture Bill withought holding them accountable because, after all, their voting record on everything else is ok, is precisely the reason the discourse, not to mention the policy priorities, has drifted so far to the right in this country.

Do you really think making calls and writing letters is enough leftward pressure? Holding them accountable at the ballot box and letting them know the reasons should have been, for many years, the way to keep the balance here in the Former United States of America. It is far too late now. Innocent people can now be tortured and held indefinately without any legal recourse. If that is not a dictatorship, then wtf is?

There are many votes that come along in which triangulation and calculation would have been somewhat understandable on the part of the Dems. TORTURING and DETAINING innocent people is not one of them. Turning this country into a DICTATORSHIP is not one of them.

People who want to excuse and justify the actions of these despicable cowards are complicit- it is as simple as that. Sleep well.

GrandmaJ @ 155

Question: Does anyone know if Foley is going to be on the ballot? Or will the repubs try to replace him (Gov. appointing someone temporarily?) immediately and then do a writein?

This is a great opportunity. Who was running against Foley? Can we send him/her a bunch of money?

I wish I had fewer questions and more answers but that is the summary of my days now — looking for answers.

Foley’s name will rtemain on the ballot (already printed), R’s have about a week to name a replacement, any votes for Foley will be counted toward’s the R-replacement candidate. I understand there’s a good D running against Foley/replacement.

scarecrow @
120

OldCoastie @ 102

Tommy Franks now under the bus on Face the Nation…

Yep. The WaPo article does a side-by-side of what the military reportedly told the Prez about how many troops we need, while Cheney/Rummy et al said we don’t need that many, while Bush says, “I give the generals all they ask for.” Bob Scheifer Q. Didn’t the generals ask for more and the President didn’t listen?

that’s when Dan’s answer says, “we did what Tommy Franks asked for.” — which is throwing Franks under the Bus. Now Franks has to explain why he didn’t follow his own general staff. The buck never stops in the Oval Office. It just get’s laundered through the rest of government.

Thanks scarecrow. I just want to add, when will the Traditional Media hammer the White House, bc there is NO draft. Bush keeps reminding us, we are a “nation at war.” Why is there no draft? That’s the elephant sitting in the living room behind the blame game about more “boots on the ground” in Iraq.

Fern 157

I’m not!

Adie, you say:

I’ve seen a lot of overblown, borderline hysterical comments this week, & it’s been disheartening, especially given the usual level of discourse at FDL.

I stayed pretty close to the comments thread this week during the Senate debate and did watch it live. All of it. I guess I perceive the comments differently from you. I found them heartfelt and reasoned. It was gut wrenching to watch and listen to this “debate” in our Senate and I believe, deeply repugnant to the people in America and all of at FDL who dearly love our Constitution. I also found the discourse quite distinguished and representative of FDL. Did we witness something unprecendented? I think yes. Were we able to go after the issue instead of one another? Again, I think yes. I thought some were so emotionally hurt and drained (I know I was) that sensitivities were more in evidence than usual.

I was very glad to have this passionate and caring community around me during that most difficult time– more than ever.

OFG,

I have a dumb question. Oilfieldguy @ 148

HotFlash @ 138

Oilfieldguy @ 110

Good morning

Morning, OFG. Where are you today, and what’s shaking there?

I’m home and only thirteen days left before voting registration closes for the mid-terms. I’m focused on OK-05, my congressional district that is an open seat.

The Democrat is Dr. David Hunter, a neophyte with apparently no skeletons in his closet.

He is running against Mary Fallin, an alledged adulteress who has received over a million dollars in taxpayer funded wages, and has not cast a legislative vote since ‘94.

I wish I could throw myself into this full-time.

Just gave you a recommend at DKos (my first!), I will send a few $ to Dr. Hunter later today. He sounds like a good guy, and I’ll bet he will appeal to R voters who feel that their party has been hijacked. By a Desparate Housewife, no less!

I will search my address book to see if I have any friends/relatives/contacts in OK and send them a link to your diary or Dr. Hunters site as well. BTW, is pro-life/pro-choice an issue in OK? Can’t find any stmt re that on Dr Hunter’s site.

Good diary, OFG.

Airport Cat – thanks for the answers.

A stammering Kissinger could almost be a pleasant sight, if only the subject matter weren’t so serious. He looked and sounded utterly exhausted and defeated today.
Shame on him, doddering, toothless old man routine or not!?! A dark prince of enablers.

GrandmaJ @ 154

Question: Does anyone know if Foley is going to be on the ballot? Or will the repubs try to replace him (Gov. appointing someone temporarily?) immediately and then do a writein?

This is a great opportunity. Who was running against Foley? Can we send him/her a bunch of money?

I wish I had fewer questions and more answers but that is the summary of my days now — looking for answers.

So far it seems that Foley’s name has to stay on the ballot. A guy named Tim Mahoney is on the ballot for the dems. He is a former repug. Don’t know much about him, but he will most likely be the next elected representative from that district.

I just watched Meet the Press. Russert gave the bulk of the time to DeWine. He set 25 and 30 second time limits on Brown, set no time limits on DeWine, and permitted DeWine to interrupt Brown on almost every Brown response. Failure to provide balanced news coverage one more time.

What angie said.

Mary @
142

Another recommend for Wigwam’s Diary

In general, Wig, you have to be willing to waive privilege in order to be able to rely on advice of counsel – so I see that as another in the myriad of issues. ;) And the counsel for the independent branches, as opposed to William Haynes, Pentagon Counsel, was recommending against and even saying that the OLC opinion had sections that would likely not hold up. That’s pretty darn significant in addition to the Gonzales recognition in his memo to Bush that the ability to dodge a criminal sentence would depend on the corruption of DOJ and a “less favorable” DOJ might not be so corrupt.

I’d love to see that discussion of who is the client for OLC and what happens vis a vis waiver of privilege. But that’s just one issue.

[…]

Thanks for that insight. I hope we can get some discussion going on how to dismantle this beast in court. The more I read the document itself and some of the related documents, like Gonzales’s advice to Bush, the more I’m reminded of Lord of the Flies, sophomoric testosterone run amuck. It’s time to send in the adults.

Stephen Parrish, CPA @
141

windje @ 8:04 am

Election? You think there will be elections?

Yes, I do; there is neither precedent nor any justification for suspending elections. Please refer to Article I, Section 4, Clause 1 of the Constitution.

The decider is going to declare martial law on account of the global war on terra.

Please refer to Ex parte Milligan. How are you defining martial law? As stretched thin as our country’s armed forces are now, how could military rule be enforced nationwide? So long as our courts remains open, what justification could possibly be given for imposing martial law (for lack of a better term) in contravention of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Ex parte Milligan? Was this country ever under nationwide military rule in either World War One or World War Two?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N…..encies_Act

The National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601-1651) is a United States federal law passed in 1976 to stop open-ended states of national emergency and formalize Congressional checks and balances on Presidential emergency powers. The act sets a limit of two years on states of national emergency. It also imposes certain “procedural formalities” on the President when invoking such powers, and provides a means for Congress to countermand a Presidential declaration of emergency and associated use of emergency powers.

(snip)

I believe in the rule of law.

You believe in the rule of law.

The Bush administration . . . believes that signing statements trump acts of the legislature and court decisions had better be consistent with the decider in wartime. They will demagogue any law under the bus in a desperate search for power, and, increasingly, to avoid prosecution for what can only be described as criminal behavior.

You may think me a bit paranoid, and maybe I am, but I’m Dutch and my parents lived under the Nazis for five years. These guys are going down a very similar slippery and frightening slope. Read the first few chapters of The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. Needless to say I hope it never comes to that.

Adie – please quit trolling around after me, trying to accuse me of engaging in “rhetoric” and being “ignorant” then palming it off as making peace.

Thanking you in advance

New thread, kids. And please, play nice. We’ve all got differing opinions on where and how to go forward from here, but I think it is safe to say that our firm common grounding is that the way the Bush Administration and the Republican party is leading us is NOT it. *g*

On the Foley coverage this morning I noticed no one challenging Bartlett or any of the repug heads in terms of follow up on the answers.

The question should have been,

“If they say they saw the e-mails and then did an investigation why did they NOT find out about the instant messages?

And if they did truly investigate and find out about them, why did they not ask for Foley’s resignation then and proceed with a criminal referral?”

That’s what I would have asked.

AirportCat @ 160

GrandmaJ @ 155

Question: Does anyone know if Foley is going to be on the ballot? Or will the repubs try to replace him (Gov. appointing someone temporarily?) immediately and then do a writein?

This is a great opportunity. Who was running against Foley? Can we send him/her a bunch of money?

I wish I had fewer questions and more answers but that is the summary of my days now — looking for answers.

Foley’s name will rtemain on the ballot (already printed), R’s have about a week to name a replacement, any votes for Foley will be counted toward’s the R-replacement candidate. I understand there’s a good D running against Foley/replacement.

Tim Mahoney is Mark Foley’s challenger. Great opportunity, let’s jump in and give him some help now that Foley has self-destructed. MyDD has some interesting info re who money to and from Foley from/to other Repubs. Perhaps we have a daisy chain?

FWIW, my understanding from Mary and many others is that Bush now can declare anyone he wishes an “enemy non-combatant,” this includes U.S. citizens. Once that happens, under the law Congress just passed, we lose habeus corpus. Congress just gave Bush the power to imprison anyone he wants, anytime he wants, for however, long he wants, for any reason he wants, without grounds for appeal. Think of this as the 2006 version of THE MAN PERSON IN THE IRON MASK.

In addition there was a section of this new law that retroactively pardoned U.S. citizens who tortued other human beings in contradiction of the Geneva Convention.

I support Brown against DeWine for example, but it wasn’t clear to me from some comments above that everyone understood this.

angie 163

Would you be surprised if I agreed with virtually everything you said? I hope you can understand that I do, with no intent to patronize or gloss over the importance of the subject matter involved.

My one regret in this past week’s dialog was the tendency among a very few to tar with a broader brush than I could stand. Yes, everyone’s been upset all week for good reason. Me included.

Virtually everyone maintained a controlled, rational level of discourse. The high emotional level is understandable and totally appropriate when dealing with such deeply disturbing topics.

Thanks for your comments. ;->

susan @100, great comment, and thanks for the Common Sense.

I also really loved this:

I felt renewed to continue the hard slog. And hopeful – dear hope. And what can I say about my 10 year old daughters shouting, along with 1500 other patriots, “WHAT. DOES. DEMOCRACY LOOK LIKE? THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE!” It was a wonderful day.

Mary 172

I’m not.

If you check back through a year’s worth of threads, you’ll find me right there commenting, just like you, and not trolling for anything other than advice and community spirit.

Two people are getting a free pass today on the talk head shows: Cheney and Rove.

Last week, we had articles citing actual e-mails between Rove’s office (and his non-lazy Susan) and Abramoff, showing a consistent pattern of influence peddling that affected Government appointments and contracting. The whole culture of corruption is traced directly into the WH, with memos that in other times would be seen as “smoking guns.”

Today, and the last few days, we’ve had articles about the battles within the Administration about how to handle detainees. What comes out clearly is that a couple of people at State and DoD tried to reign in the worst abuses of the President’s policies and the Gonzalez/Addington/Haynes’ “legal” opinions to shield the Administration from war crimes. But these people were repeatedly shot down by the Vice President’s men and/or Rummy.

The underlying story is that Cheney is an out-of-control rogue Vice President (with a strong ally in Rumsfeld), who controls the most important and most disastrous policies of the US government. And this rogue VP and his cabal are repeatedly manupulating the President and reenforcing his worst instincts, his bullying nature, his intellectual and moral weakness, and his faith-based messianic complex.

Here’s a link to a NYT story that suggests this theme, without stating it explicitly:

Detainee memo created divide in White House

HotFlash,

Anti-choice is the flavor-du-jour in OK for now. We remain a very conservative state. Dr. Hunter sounds more of a pragmatist to me than a progressive, but he is infinitely more desireable than another rubber stamp, which is exactly what Fallin is. She is obviously very beholden to her protectors who shielded her from he scrutiny of her “alleged” adulteress behavior in the midst of the Clenis investigation.

Just another blatant example of the Republican double standard of ethical behavior. IOKIYAR.

Thanks for the recommend. To everyone.

“KBR got all them camps built for what – the internal dissidents. Why does he need the ability to detain enemy (of the state) combatants including citizens without recourse to habeus corpus?

Welcome to the 4th reich.”

I don’t know about all the fraidy-cats on the east coast, but out here in the western badlands, no one, and I mean Repugs as well as everyone else, is going to allow that to happen. Same with cancelling the elections. Wanna see a revolution? Let these neocon nutjobs try either one, and it will be all over for them. Remember these warmongers are, in reality, Chickenhawks, they don’t want a real fight, they’ll get their fearful little asses kicked, period!

Wig @ 169- the recent study on too much testosterone makes you kind of wonder doesn’t it?

I think that there are a lot of holes, but the disheartening aspect for the individuals is the delay. After so long, their habeas cases were going to go forward after Hamdan. Then objections were filed with just enough fairy dust to delay things long enough for this new legislation. Now how long?

I think that the “following orders” issue is interesting too – because to date, who has confessed to issuing such orders? That’s going to be an interesting point as well. Can you grant amnesty constitutionally – yes. Can you grant it for such a vague -maybe even void for vague – set of undescribed activities? I wonder.

Lots of stuff – I am trying to figure out now who the main fronts are going to be in launching the challenges. Does anyone have standing on the crimnal amnesty front right now? I’m having a hard time seeing how that gets framed to send up. With the habeas and other detention issues, I’m sure the JAG defense officers will be addressing them, but I would love to see action taken for injunction against the legislation going forward and that is slim pickings. The only thing I could think of that might generate injunctive relief is a a 13th amendment taxpayer suit.

There is a right to detain battlefield captures. There is also a right to to detain combatants until the end of hostilities. But when the studies show that less than 10% where captured in or accused of any kind of hostilities, you wonder how you get to “combatant” under the laws of war that allow for such detention, much less “illegal enemy combatant” under those laws. So how do they interplay with the legislation just passed?

Can Congress and the President, under the guise of defining wartime detentions, create a class (those who “materially support” – with no definition of what that means and no way to seek judicial review of that political dissent status) of people who have never engaged in hostilities against the United States and allow for them to be bought and sold, chained and manacled, kidnapped from their homes and families, and sent to be held at the whim of the Executive, subject to abuse and torture, for so long as the Executive chooses? Or is buying someone in Pakistan and sending them to be held in GITMO until the President chooses otherwise using tax dollars to support government slave trade? It’s reachy, but I what I like about it is that it truly frames what they don’t want to talk about.

Reams of non-battlefield detention of non-hostiles who were bought and have no recourse to their kidnap, detention and abuse. Even if you lose it, you change the nature of the public argument IMO.

rat bastahd @ 182

“KBR got all them camps built for what – the internal dissidents. Why does he need the ability to detain enemy (of the state) combatants including citizens without recourse to habeus corpus?

Welcome to the 4th reich.”

I don’t know about all the fraidy-cats on the east coast, but out here in the western badlands, no one, and I mean Repugs as well as everyone else, is going to allow that to happen. Same with cancelling the elections. Wanna see a revolution? Let these neocon nutjobs try either one, and it will be all over for them. Remember these warmongers are, in reality, Chickenhawks, they don’t want a real fight, they’ll get their fearful little asses kicked, period!

Those are my quotes. Note that I’m with ya, rat, and I’ve got a few weapons the state, which requires registration, don’t necessarily know about. I hope it don’t come to that.

Meet the Press (NBC): Senator Mike DeWine (R) will debate Rep. Sherrod Brown (D) live and in studio.

Well, there’s your original Clash of the Titans.

ArchTeryx at 103

Okay, okay, busted! (this is JUST NOT my week)

Would “crissum” or “undertail coverts” suffice? – heh

We had 2 pairs of those sweeties nesting in our hedgerows near the house this year. I had no idea they’d nest so close together. And they became very tame and tolerant of our presence.

Delightful! Albeit a bit of a damper on the blueberry crop *g

Hi windje. Just to be clear that my comments were not in any way denigrating yours. Just adding a few thoughts about the bind the Party of Torture and Pedophilia finds itself in.

rat bastahd @ 187

Hi windje. Just to be clear that my comments were not in any way denigrating yours. Just adding a few thoughts about the bind the Party of Torture and Pedophilia finds itself in.

If it comes to a shootin war, I’ll look forward to seeing you on the firing line.

immanentize @ 105

I gather you know nothing about Brown except that vote this week and his performance today. Before you go off on Sherrod Brown, you might want to check his record in the House — which was EXCELLENT and progressive.

Thanks for pointing that out. I’ve felt pretty lonely out here this week.

Mary @
156

Smoochies meta. *g* Everyone does what their soul tells them is right.

For example, I just found this quote:

Senate Republican Whip Mitch McConnell of Kentucky countered: “A lot of Americans have forgotten what Democrats do when they are in the majority. We are going to remind them.”

My conscience tells me it is right to contact my Senator and thank him for sharing his prescience. He is INDEED about to remind America what is it like when Dems are in the majority and its nice of him to admit it. ;)

Mary, last May I wrote this post about the Republican freak-out over the IDEA Democrats might take over the congress.

The only problem I can see with Democrats taking over the congress now is that the Democratic Party today is not the Democratic Party of my youth. It’s become a lot more like the Republican Party.

I hate the fact that this is so much work! but ousting the Republicans is one thing; ensuring that the Democrats act like Democrats is going to be a whole ‘nother action item. gah.

Adie @ 189

immanentize @ 105

I gather you know nothing about Brown except that vote this week and his performance today. Before you go off on Sherrod Brown, you might want to check his record in the House — which was EXCELLENT and progressive.

Thanks for pointing that out. I’ve felt pretty lonely out here this week.

Please refer to my comment @ 159.

It just wouldn’t be Sunday without gasbag Biden showing up on at least one of these shows.

sunny 159

Excellent point, of course. No quibble from me.

In a pure and perfect world . . . oh don’t I wish.

I think we’re aiming for the same ends.
Probably my tactics are not satisfactory to you, but we all have to try to do what we feel is best.

Thanks for point me to your post. I had missed it.

immanentize @ 105

itradedsosa

I gather you know nothing about Brown except that vote this week and his performance today. Before you go off on Sherrod Brown, you might want to check his record in the House — which was EXCELLENT and progressive.

For some, the vote on torture was a deal breaker — and I understand that. But Sherrod Brown is not in any way our enemy. Quite the opposite. Keeping DeWine in simply helping the real torturers consolidate power.

I am glad you have such a noble past as “not-a-troll.” But today you are not helping cement that image much.

Thank you for your reasonable response (except perhaps for the last graf, but why quibble). No, I don’t know much about Brown. I’m glad he’s been a reliable progressive.

I came on strong in earlier posts, I’ll admit that. I don’t like votes in favor of torture, no matter what political calculations may have come into play. I think there are lines that our elected representatives should never cross.

Besides SB, the other democrats I identified previously have cast very bad votes on very important pieces of legislation, which I also identified.

Would I rather have those dems in office than republicans? Of course. But, if our dems are going to vote wrong on so many bills, it’s sometimes difficult to see how we’re anything but less bad off with them in office. I would hope we’re all aiming higher than less bad off.

As for all this troll stuff: I don’t post comments often enough for that accusation to make much sense. But I do have a question:
Is that what this little community is all about? Strongly held opinions are not acceptable on a comments board? When did that happen?

Hey, give me a smackdown (like Immanuentize did here) if you think I’m wrong. That’s cool. But the thought police smear stuff, the stasi-like investigations of my previous posts, that all seems a bit silly and definitely unworthy of the ideals we all believe in.

Stephen Parrish @141 – thanks for your response to windje on the comment about elections. The country may be close to going over the cliff with this week’s suspension of habeas corpus and Geneva, but we’re not as far gone as the scenario windje describes (fears?).

DeWine wouldn’t shut up, even when Brown was trying to speak. It’s not like he had anything to say either!

OT – definately OT. But I checked out Drudge, nothing up at all on the Foley mess. Then (holding my nose) I checked out Jeff Gannon. Zip too on Foley, even though he has a piece up from Sept 26 entitled “Attempted Gay Rape, Murder get little notice.” The Sept 28 piece is “Desperate Dems turn to Woodward.” Now back to your regularly scheduled blog programing.

Adie @
186

ArchTeryx at 103

Okay, okay, busted! (this is JUST NOT my week)

Would “crissum” or “undertail coverts” suffice? – heh

We had 2 pairs of those sweeties nesting in our hedgerows near the house this year. I had no idea they’d nest so close together. And they became very tame and tolerant of our presence.

Delightful! Albeit a bit of a damper on the blueberry crop *g

I envy you, having two pairs of Catbirds nesting close by. No doubt depleting the local population of the nastier bugs and generally making life more pleasant.

And don’t mind me TOO much with my picky-picky, I’m just an ornithologist at heart, even if I haven’t done fieldwork for too many years. :>

Oilfieldguy @ 181

HotFlash,

Anti-choice is the flavor-du-jour in OK for now. We remain a very conservative state. Dr. Hunter sounds more of a pragmatist to me than a progressive, but he is infinitely more desireable than another rubber stamp, which is exactly what Fallin is. She is obviously very beholden to her protectors who shielded her from he scrutiny of her “alleged” adulteress behavior in the midst of the Clenis investigation.

Just another blatant example of the Republican double standard of ethical behavior. IOKIYAR.

Thanks for the recommend. To everyone.

Hi OFG, thanks for the info. I am replying on this thread for clarity’s sake, although trez EPU.

I suppose that being against the war and for better health care is an improvement. Instantaneous movement is impossible in physics and with humans, too. I can be content with truth by successive approximation.

Re Ms Fallin, I am not really upset about the ‘adultress’ part, as SFAICT Ms Fallin and the trooper are both consenting adults. It is the hypocrisy that is distasteful.

ArchTeryx at 198

LOVE your picky picky.

I’m married to an ornithologist who just retired from 30 yrs teaching. Same training here, but less of it – had to go ask him to confirm my spelling before pulling the “5-min. expert” routine with you. *g

We’ll move on to a smaller, less demanding scene probably in a few years. But I’ll really miss this place. We started with a played-out, mowed farm field, and old sugarbush with a few huge but unhealthy maples mixed in with newer beech hickory etc. mix, starting about 300′ back from the road & extending to the property line well back into the woods. That was over 30 yrs ago.

Now, after all that time introducing native goodies and shaping things the way we hoped would be enticing, we enjoy a wealth of species, both resident and migrating through. It’s a vacation in itself just to take time to go poke around our own woods, or sit on the back porch eating lunch and watching all the critters go about their business. Every time I go out to tend the vegetables in the summer, our bluebirds, which nest every year right next to the garden, “help”.

Every May, I can count on “our” 1st Hummingbird male to greet me upon his arrival from migration by hovering directly in front of the kitchen window, seemingly indignant because his breakfast isn’t hanging right there in the customary feeder.

The catbirds only moved in to nest the last few years, so they’re an especial treat.

Helps keep the world at bay, especially in weeks like this.

I know everyone’s upset lately. Me too. But I keep wishing some of the smartest and most eloquent around here would learn the meaning and import of “redirection” (a term from ethology, the field my hubby & I were trained in), and somehow realize that kicking the poor hapless dog won’t solve their frustration with whatever real problem they had at work et al. Oh sigh.

Now you watch. There’ll probably be another barrage of arrows directed at me. I don’t really care. I do believe I’m as entitled to my opinion as anyone else here.

Thanks for the wonderful conversation. We love sharing the joy of birding with you.