Zed

Hi LooHoo!

xoxo all!

Now behave and don’t break the internets while I go get my beauty sleep!

Nite, PW!!! Aloha Firepups!!!

PW, I’ll keep ‘em well behaved while you sleep.

Thank you for the Late Nite and the Late Late Nite threads.

Balrog @ 2

Hi LooHoo!

xoxo all!

Hey, Balrog! How’s The Littlest Balrog?

Thanks PW. nite

PW – love that picture!

Suzanne @ 5

PW, I’ll keep ‘em well behaved while you sleep.

Thank you for the Late Nite and the Late Late Nite threads.

No problem, Suzanne. I realized that the Late Nite thread was starting to burst at the seams.

G’night, everyone!

g’nite PW and progressive dreams

Suzanne @ 8

PW – love that picture!

Love that riding crop!!! *g*

Love that riding crop!!! *g*

Of course you do, CT. No in advance.

I have a question as a relative newbie. What’s “Zed” about?

Lately, the Late Nite thread has always burst at the seams. I love it…

Phoenix Woman @ 3

Now behave and don’t break the internets while I go get my beauty sleep!

Thanks PW. Sleep well.

I’m still multi-tasking. Blog, news ninja, listening to testimony.

RevJen, if you pull up a post and there are no comments and you post the first one, instead of it being “1″, it shows your comment number as a zero

Zed arose from that.

Aha! Mystery solved. Thanks so much!

Man, I hate writer’s block.

Any other questions? Feel free to toss ‘em out there. If I don’t know the answer, I’m sure others will know.

Perhaps if I procrastinate and hang out here for a bit, it will go away.

Nite, PW. Or should I say Mistress PW? :)

burnspbesq @ 20

Especially when it’s exhaustion and procrastination disguised as writer’s block.

whatcha trying to write about?

Zed arose from that.

Good luck explaining how a bunch of multiple degree-holding mostly 45-65 year olds can’t figure out that “zed” means “Z” and not “0″.

Sigh.

Just a drive-by to say thanks to Phoenix Woman and wave hello.

*VIGOROUSLY WAVES HELLO*

Now, turning the computer off.

You kids have fun.

burnspbesq @ 20

Perhaps if I procrastinate and hang out here for a bit, it will go away.

I’ll bite – you watching too much tee vee?

TRex @ 23

Zed arose from that.

Good luck explaining how a bunch of multiple degree-holding mostly 45-65 year olds can’t figure out that “zed” means “Z” and not “0″.

Sigh.

Just a drive-by to say thanks to Phoenix Woman and wave hello.

*VIGOROUSLY WAVES HELLO*

Now, turning the computer off.

You kids have fun.

Nice seeing you TRex.

Having just watched Leahy, I got the distinct impression, it’s high time the gloves came off!!! Leahy, certainly put DoJ on notice!!! I particularly enjoyed his remark; I’ve lost count of the ‘I cant recalls’!!! It should get quite interesting….

Ever get that Visconti Manhattan, TRex?

A TRex touch’n’go.

we just caught TRex breaking his fast only 24 hours into it. Poor therapod has another 6 days to go.

707 PW, she looks like such a lady

How about a good book:
Lady Delish

Suzanne @ 22

burnspbesq @ 20

Especially when it’s exhaustion and procrastination disguised as writer’s block.

whatcha trying to write about?

Every quarter, I have to come up with 4-6 little sound bites on recent developments in my arcane little sub-specialty of tax law, for our firm’s client newsletter. The last three months have been virtually devoid of sexy actions by the IRS or the courts. The stuff I have to write about bores me, and I’m a geek for this stuff. Ugh! Who really wants to hear about a shift in the balance of power between the headquarters of the Chinese tax authority in Beijing and the provincial authorities?

**waving quickly to Trex!**

Now go enjoy your break, damn it!

heh. love the Peter Gabriel reference.

TRex @ 23

Zed arose from that.

Good luck explaining how a bunch of multiple degree-holding mostly 45-65 year olds can’t figure out that “zed” means “Z” and not “0″.

Sigh.

Just a drive-by to say thanks to Phoenix Woman and wave hello.

*VIGOROUSLY WAVES HELLO*

Now, turning the computer off.

You kids have fun.

Aw, no fair! T’s already breaking his fast!!! :P

Every quarter, I have to come up with 4-6 little sound bites on recent developments in my arcane little sub-specialty of tax law, for our firm’s client newsletter. The last three months have been virtually devoid of sexy actions by the IRS or the courts. The stuff I have to write about bores me, and I’m a geek for this stuff. Ugh! Who really wants to hear about a shift in the balance of power between the headquarters of the Chinese tax authority in Beijing and the provincial authorities?

eyes glazing over… i am so sorry – and so glad that it is not me having to write it

burnspbesq @ 31

Who really wants to hear about a shift in the balance of power between the headquarters of the Chinese tax authority in Beijing and the provincial authorities?

*props up chin on palms*
ahem, we’re waiting….

newtonusr @ 24

burnspbesq @ 20

Perhaps if I procrastinate and hang out here for a bit, it will go away.

I’ll bite – you watching too much tee vee?

Nope – hanging out here instead of doing the writing I need to be doing. I’ll make this a drive-by in a few minutes, then head out to pick up enough caffeine to get me through the task. Hopefully I’ll finish by 1:00.

Suzanne @ 29

we just caught TRex breaking his fast only 24 hours into it. Poor therapod has another 6 days to go.

Told you he’d be back before 48 hours elapsed. ;)

Okay, okay, wait, let me just say there’s no such thing as writers block. I speak from experience.

Now, some days you may write badly, and some days beautifully, but as long as your hands haven’t been chopped off, you can write. Period.

And getting started is the fastest way to burn off the dreck and start mining the vein.

If you’re tired, go to bed and sleep, but if you’re not writing because you think you can’t, you’re just standing in your own way and talking about writing instead of writing.

Writer’s block is one of two things, a good writer being lazy or when a person who isn’t really a writer reaches the point when they should start investigating other career options. So, get to work.

There.

Sermon over.

As you were, everyone! Enjoy, enjoy. I’m off to watch the Masterpiece Theater of Dickens’s “Bleak House’. Agent Scully’s in it! I heard she was really good.

I feel your pain, burnspbesq. I write a monthly column for my work newsletter, and it takes me forever to hem and haw my way into something to write about.

burnspbesq

Ugh! Who really wants to hear about a shift in the balance of power between the headquarters of the Chinese tax authority in Beijing and the provincial authorities?

You’ve got me there. Sorry, but I’ll be no help at all on this one.

TribeScribe @ 36

burnspbesq @ 31

Who really wants to hear about a shift in the balance of power between the headquarters of the Chinese tax authority in Beijing and the provincial authorities?

*props up chin on palms*
ahem, we’re waiting….

Be careful what you wish for … I may come back here after the stuff goes through the editorial review and approval process, and dump the whole load in the lake. After all, I am a … what was it that guy called me the other night?

He didn’t even make it 24, Tex. Must be hard. I know when I lose power up here (common in the winter) what I miss most is the internets. Not the tv, not the electricity or the phone.

Moribund the Burgermeister? Vintage Peter Gabriel shout-out!?!

Sweet.

Trex

I’m off to watch the Masterpiece Theater of Dickens’s “Bleak House’. Agent Scully’s in it! I heard she was really good.

I didn’t see the entire miniseries, but from what I saw, she was quite good.

I have a question.

This struck me today. When and why did it come up for Libby to be pardoned?

It struck me today that such a pardon is a kick in the face of the law.

TribeScribe @ 36

burnspbesq @ 31

Who really wants to hear about a shift in the balance of power between the headquarters of the Chinese tax authority in Beijing and the provincial authorities?

*props up chin on palms*
ahem, we’re waiting….

Yeah, is it moving towards decentralization or… ???

Ok, I’m done feeling sorry for myself. I’m off to get a Super Big Gulp of Diet Coke. When I get back, I will turn on some Cara Dillon and just do this accursed job. Then I will sleep, and I will dream of Scooter Libby in the Florence Supermax.

TheOtherWA @ 45

Trex

I’m off to watch the Masterpiece Theater of Dickens’s “Bleak House’. Agent Scully’s in it! I heard she was really good.

I didn’t see the entire miniseries, but from what I saw, she was quite good.

Uh. Ma. Gah.
don’t get me started on some Scully –
*swoons*

Suzanne @ 43

He didn’t even make it 24, Tex. Must be hard. I know when I lose power up here (common in the winter) what I miss most is the internets. Not the tv, not the electricity or the phone.

ME TOO!

BTW, fully back. Done with news ninja-ing for about a week. Entire family begins arriving Thursday morning.

Wordsmith @ 46

I have a question.

This struck me today. When and why did it come up for Libby to be pardoned?

It struck me today that such a pardon is a kick in the face of the law.

Because the rightwing nuts on the teebee and opionion pages have been screaming for a pardon almost since Libby was indicted.

dan @ 44

Moribund the Burgermeister? Vintage Peter Gabriel shout-out!?!

Sweet.

reminds me of his very first post-Genesis tour, mid/late 1970s at San Jose Civic Auditorium. He only had that one album’s worth of solo material, so he played “Back in NYC” from the Lamb for an encore…twice.

Wordsmith @ 46

I have a question.

This struck me today. When and why did it come up for Libby to be pardoned?

It struck me today that such a pardon is a kick in the face of the law.

The rethugs have been calling for a pardon ever since the conviction. Now they know he is not getting probation, or home confinement, they are ratcheting up the call for a pardon.

A pardon is a total slap to the face of Lady Justice.

evening firepups – been busy a lot today but still caught some of the libby sentencing – hows the lake tonight – are we feeling a bit better? cuz i most certainly feel some release ;o} – now watching late-night leahy hearing and lurking here too :)

TribeScribe @ 49

Uh. Ma. Gah.
don’t get me started on some Scully –
*swoons*

DIng!

Is anyone else having trouble with the WaPo’s website? I can’t find their “Free Scooter!” editorial anywhere, and it should be up by now. Here, let me help get you started with some key points:

1. Even though it was what the whole investigation was all about, there should be absolutely no mention of the fact that two reporters testified in open court that Scooter Libby betrayed Valerie Plame’s identity to them. This information will drawn attention away from the “no underlying crime” talking point.

2. State that the sentence was unnecessarily harsh, even though it was at the low end of the suggested range. In fact, you probably shouldn’t distract readers with the whole issue of sentencing guidelines. Just say that Libby could have gotten probration, but he got 30 months of jail time instead.

3. Describe Libby as “respectful” as opposed to “remorseless”.

4. Mention that the judge is African-American but leave out the part about how he is very conservative and was appointed by George W Bush. Bonus points if you can use the phrase “legislating from the bench”.

5. Talk about all of the letters of support that Libby got. Do not mention that any of the authors have themselves “resigned in disgrace”. The phrase “fucking stupidest person on the face of the earth” should be edited down to “superlative with respect to his abilities”.

Get to it, Fred. We’re expecting a barn-burner!

juslin @ 54

evening firepups – been busy a lot today but still caught some of the libby sentencing – hows the lake tonight – are we feeling a bit better? cuz i most certainly feel some release ;o} – now watching late-night leahy hearing and lurking here too :)

Welcome. Let’s watch together.

Suzanne @ 16

RevJen, if you pull up a post and there are no comments and you post the first one, instead of it being “1″, it shows your comment number as a zero

Zed arose from that.

Finally! An explanation!

Suzanne @ 53

A pardon is a total slap to the face of Lady Justice.

Well, they did it once or twice before.

;>)

Suzanne @ 53

Wordsmith @ 46

I have a question.

This struck me today. When and why did it come up for Libby to be pardoned?

It struck me today that such a pardon is a kick in the face of the law.

The rethugs have been calling for a pardon ever since the conviction. Now they know he is not getting probation, or home confinement, they are ratcheting up the call for a pardon.

A pardon is a total slap to the face of Lady Justice.

That ought to make it a guarantee that Libby will get one, then. Habeas Corpus, Gitmo, Military tribunals, extraordinary rendition, US attorney firings, . . .

I’m sure I’ve left something out, but you get the idea. Lady Justice is a battered woman.

CTuttle @ 47

TribeScribe @ 36

*props up chin on palms*
ahem, we’re waiting….

Yeah, is it moving towards decentralization or… ???

The other way — which is good if you’re a foreign based multinational with operations in multiple provinces. Now you can one-stop shop in Beijing and get consistent treatment for all of your Chinese subsidiaries. Wal-Mart, which is extremely smart and pro-active on tax matters, got the first U.S. – China bilateral Advance Pricing Agreement earlier this year, in which the IRS and the SAT agreed on a common framework for taxing transactions between Wal-Mart’s U.S. and Chinese business units. Wal-Mart is actually a pretty good corporate citizen, tax-wise; it hasn’t tried to slip all of its most valuable assets out the back door to Ireland or Singapore like some big companies I could name. But like all multinationals, it abhors the thought of paying tax to two countries on the same dollar of income.

Suzanne @ 53

Wordsmith @ 46

I have a question.

This struck me today. When and why did it come up for Libby to be pardoned?

It struck me today that such a pardon is a kick in the face of the law.

The rethugs have been calling for a pardon ever since the conviction. Now they know he is not getting probation, or home confinement, they are ratcheting up the call for a pardon.

A pardon is a total slap to the face of Lady Justice.

Absolutely. What I mean to ask, I guess, is in light of that – WHY does Libby need to be pardoned?

I’m listening to what I missed during today’s Committee hearing with Mr. Chipmunk on Helium – and I keep wanting to hit my laptop to adjust something like my Dad did the ole’ B&W TV we had when we were kids.

You do have a point, darkblack. These fuckers have been slapping us all in the face since January, 2001 swearing in.

TRex @ 23

Zed arose from that.

Good luck explaining how a bunch of multiple degree-holding mostly 45-65 year olds can’t figure out that “zed” means “Z” and not “0″.

Sigh.

Just a drive-by to say thanks to Phoenix Woman and wave hello.

*VIGOROUSLY WAVES HELLO*

Now, turning the computer off.

You kids have fun.

A TRex reacharound.

Cute.

bsolutely. What I mean to ask, I guess, is in light of that – WHY does Libby need to be pardoned?

To keep his ass outta jail. So he is able to avoid the consequences of his actions that he took on boosh cheney’s behalf.

Wordsmith @ 46

I have a question.

This struck me today. When and why did it come up for Libby to be pardoned?

It struck me today that such a pardon is a kick in the face of the law.

Of course it is. But since Ford’s Pardon of Nixon, and Poppy Bush’s pardon of the Iran-Contra crowd, Republicans have never hesitated to pardon those seeking to undermine the Constitution. So now it has come to be expected that high officials in Republican administrations can expect pardons from the next Republican president.

Bob in HI

Interesting. Todd Graves is sitting behind Schlozman during his testimony. Not the guy with the goatee, but 2 rows back and directly behind Schlozman.

darkblack @ 59

Suzanne @ 53

A pardon is a total slap to the face of Lady Justice.

Well, they did it once or twice before.

;>)

DB: I used another of your priceless graphics over at my place, as always, with full attribution.

hey steveaudio.

newtonusr @ 67

Interesting. Todd Graves is sitting behind Schlozman during his testimony. Not the guy with the goatee, but 2 rows back and directly behind Schlozman.

I don’t think anyone picked up on that during the daytime, newtonusr.

SteveAudio @ 68

No problem, Steve.

So I’m ‘effervescent’, eh?

;>)

TexB @ 57

juslin @ 54

evening firepups – been busy a lot today but still caught some of the libby sentencing – hows the lake tonight – are we feeling a bit better? cuz i most certainly feel some release ;o} – now watching late-night leahy hearing and lurking here too :)

Welcome. Let’s watch together.

I’m watching too. Leahy’s up now, after the DiFi recess. What a piece of work this Schlozman creature is.

Bob in HI

Suzanne @ 63

You do have a point, darkblack. These fuckers have been slapping us all in the face since January, 2001 swearing in.

HmmHm – I was holding back on the use of fuck, fuckery, fucking ….. so, I guess it’s OK to practice the verbal gymnastics I learned in the military.

burnspbesq @ 61

CTuttle @ 47

Yeah, is it moving towards decentralization or… ???

The other way — which is good if you’re a foreign based multinational with operations in multiple provinces. Now you can one-stop shop in Beijing and get consistent treatment for all of your Chinese subsidiaries. Wal-Mart, which is extremely smart and pro-active on tax matters, got the first U.S. – China bilateral Advance Pricing Agreement earlier this year, in which the IRS and the SAT agreed on a common framework for taxing transactions between Wal-Mart’s U.S. and Chinese business units. Wal-Mart is actually a pretty good corporate citizen, tax-wise; it hasn’t tried to slip all of its most valuable assets out the back door to Ireland or Singapore like some big companies I could name. But like all multinationals, it abhors the thought of paying tax to two countries on the same dollar of income.

Which subsequently screws the Provinces, and further props up the Politburo’s highly centralized control! The Party’s minions are the true beneficiaries!!! Or, so it would seem!!!

Suzanne @ 70

newtonusr @ 67

Interesting. Todd Graves is sitting behind Schlozman during his testimony. Not the guy with the goatee, but 2 rows back and directly behind Schlozman.

I don’t think anyone picked up on that during the daytime, newtonusr.

I just noticed that awhile ago because I had seen a bit of video of Mr. Graves this afternoon via C&L and thot he looked familiar.

darkblack @ 71

SteveAudio @ 68

No problem, Steve.

So I’m ‘effervescent’, eh?

;>)

Always an attempt to not over use any adjectives.

Perhaps next time it will be “inscrutable”.

Oh, and in re: Schlozman today, with apologies to Aerosmith:

“Dude talks like a lady.”

Wordsmith – tis late nite and fuckery is the word – late nite is more relaxed than daytime.

imho – libby showed no remorse and acted as if HE was the wronged party!! quel horror – no pardon for him – march his ass straight to the slammer and put that orange jumpsuit on him lol – what fuckery is this?!!

Why should Libby be pardoned? According to the Bush Crime Family, he’s one of them, you know, special. Prisons are for turrists and democrats. Scooter’s part of the ruling class, the elite.

Well, that’s what they think. We know he’s no better than any other low life, scum sucking traitor.

Wordsmith – I’ve found it a general gooper trait to ‘pounce’ on emotional elements of issues that they think they are likely to lose on.

If they aren’t right – they work the victim angle.

Arguing the ’she’s not covert’ moot point is a way, for them, of emotionally pulling the rug out from under the Law. It has the effect of causing the ‘loyal bushies’ to switch-off their (very limited) reasoning abilities and get angry.

While they’re angry, they miss little items like felony convictions of former senior Administration officials.

The goopers aren’t very smart, but to their credit they know it. It’s just hard to watch the Republicans make their base bark like dogs on command.

SteveAudio @ 77

Oh, and in re: Schlozman today, with apologies to Aerosmith:

“Dude talks like a lady.”

I believe the apologies should go out to the ladies. consensus was that he sounds like Alvin the chipmunk.

SteveAudio @ 77

Oh, and in re: Schlozman today, with apologies to Aerosmith:

“Dude talks like a lady.”

Prolonged adolescence?

Bob in HI

Wordsmith @ 75

Suzanne @ 70

I don’t think anyone picked up on that during the daytime, newtonusr.

I just noticed that awhile ago because I had seen a bit of video of Mr. Graves this afternoon via C&L and thot he looked familiar.

The reason I mentioned it is that I guess a Senate hearing is not like a civil or criminal trial court…

and have they all taken the same pill?? – i dont recall pill……

Well, since you are talking about Libby, get ready to puke reading Time mag’s “victim” piece: http://www.time.com/time/natio…..nn-partner

Shit. The hearing is going to run into Daily Show time. decisions decisions. I can watch TDS again at it’s 1am repeat.

Suzanne @ 65

bsolutely. What I mean to ask, I guess, is in light of that – WHY does Libby need to be pardoned?

To keep his ass outta jail. So he is able to avoid the consequences of his actions that he took on boosh cheney’s behalf.

I know, I know. Okay – what I don’t understand is why the fuck this administration thinks that fucking Libby DESERVES to be pardoned.

To me – by pardoning Libby they are continuing to diss the Constitution, the Justice system, the letter of the law, yadda ya while unwittingly (at least in my head) that they (Cheney & Bush) are involved.

I am liking Schumer as well.

Suzanne @ 87

Shit. The hearing is going to run into Daily Show time. decisions decisions. I can watch TDS again at it’s 1am repeat.

Me, too.
C-Span inteferes with TDS – I believe Jon Stewart would be proud of us.

SteveAudio @ 77

Oh, and in re: Schlozman today, with apologies to Aerosmith:

“Dude talks like a lady.”

Ain’t that the truth!!! Two minutes into the hearing, I really wanted to stop the torture, but I persisted!!! He seems to be a perfect specimen of the Repug’s Political Apparatchik!!!

They don’t think Libby did anything wrong and that he was wrongly convicted after a partisan witchhunt. They believe he deserves a pardon because he did not do anything wrong.

Because, it is ok if you are a Republican.

punaise @ 82

SteveAudio @ 77

Oh, and in re: Schlozman today, with apologies to Aerosmith:

“Dude talks like a lady.”

I believe the apologies should go out to the ladies. consensus was that he sounds like Alvin the chipmunk.

Accordcing to Tom tbogg, he’s doing voiceovers for SpongeBob SquarePants.

juslin @ 85

and have they all taken the same pill?? – i dont recall pill……

Menono, by GlaxoSmithKline.

A worry-free way to spend the day.

Ask for it by…What was that name again?

;>)

I didn’t watch the SJC hearing this afternoon but read the live commenting through most of it. Now I have the TV on in the background and am recognizing many of the greatest hits moments that I read about earlier today. Alvin is indeed a helium-head chipmunk. Leahy is masterful. It’s fun to hear it even though–or because–I know what is coming. Now, it’s Schumer’s turn. Heh heh.

newtonusr @ 90

Suzanne @ 87

Shit. The hearing is going to run into Daily Show time. decisions decisions. I can watch TDS again at it’s 1am repeat.

Me, too.
C-Span inteferes with TDS – I believe Jon Stewart would be proud of us.

I can see him wipe the tears of joy from his eyes.

newtonusr @ 84

The reason I mentioned it is that I guess a Senate hearing is not like a civil or criminal trial court…

I’m not an attorney, but for some reason I didn’t think the witnesses to follow or ‘the opposition’ would be in the same room, in the audience, etc.

Jon Stewart will understand the spike in the 1am shows ratings and be proud of us.

darkblack @ 94

juslin @ 85

and have they all taken the same pill?? – i dont recall pill……

Menono, by GlaxoSmithKline.

A worry-free way to spend the day.

Ask for it by…What was that name again?

;>)

707

newtonusr @ 90

Suzanne @ 87

Shit. The hearing is going to run into Daily Show time. decisions decisions. I can watch TDS again at it’s 1am repeat.

Me, too.
C-Span inteferes with TDS – I believe Jon Stewart would be proud of us.

At least here, TDS rebroadcasts in the mornings like about 11:00 am.

bob in hi @83

undescended testicles lol

Wordsmith @ 97

newtonusr @ 84

The reason I mentioned it is that I guess a Senate hearing is not like a civil or criminal trial court…

I’m not an attorney, but for some reason I didn’t think the witnesses to follow or ‘the opposition’ would be in the same room, in the audience, etc.

Yep. And there he is.

Wordsmith @ 97

newtonusr @ 84

The reason I mentioned it is that I guess a Senate hearing is not like a civil or criminal trial court…

I’m not an attorney, but for some reason I didn’t think the witnesses to follow or ‘the opposition’ would be in the same room, in the audience, etc.

A congressional hearing uses some of the same tools as a court (subpoenas, oaths for witnesses), but it is truly a different creature. There is no prohibition on giving “hearsay” testimony, for example, and yes, future witnesses can check out (in person, via the media) the testimony of prior witnesses without a problem.

it appears schlozman is sinking s l o w l y into his chair – he’s being nailed now by schumer…..

I bet Alvin, Libby and the other chimp-monks are using some industrial strength tranquilizers tonight. Was looking for that austin lounge lizard’s song on utube but could not find it :(

somebody give that stiff a rag to wipe that sweat lol

Suzanne @ 87

Shit. The hearing is going to run into Daily Show time. decisions decisions. I can watch TDS again at it’s 1am repeat.

I didn’t know it was repeated at 1 AM – thanks. You have mail.

Who’s the guy directly behind Mr. Schlozman? Anyone know?

Schumer is on the tilt-o-whirl!

goatee guy, wordsmith?

Wordsmith @ 108

Who’s the guy directly behind Mr. Schlozman? Anyone know?

Schumer is on the tilt-o-whirl!

Bearded guy is Alvin’s aid, don’t know his name.

Schumer is cracking me up. I think he is enjoying this.

Peterr @ 103A congressional hearing uses some of the same tools as a court (subpoenas, oaths for witnesses), but it is truly a different creature. There is no prohibition on giving “hearsay” testimony, for example, and yes, future witnesses can check out (in person, via the media) the testimony of prior witnesses without a problem.

I’ll keep this all in mind.

“Informal policy”….. oh-oh..

Ouch. Alvin – just following orders.

and now we see the level of incompetence of bushco sycophants and rove is somewhere lurking in the background – methinks his turn is coming soon – just a hunch i have…

He has had a frown on his face that just drags lower and lower as the hearing progresses. The aid is seeing his boss going down in flames and is wondering if he is next.

Suzanne @ 115

He has had a frown on his face that just drags lower and lower as the hearing progresses. The aid is seeing his boss going down in flames and is wondering if he is next.

Yeah, I’ve been watching his face….it’s pretty telling.

Got to head to bed. G’nite, all!

another death by a 1000 cuts – never knew what hit his ass – KARMA!!

nite peterr. tnx for the legaleze

g’nite peterr, sleep well

OK. this is good (Whitehouse).

Sleep well Peterr!

ok he’s really going to sweat now – you cant fuck with whitehouse

I think, Peterr is really going to watch John Stewart.

whitehouse is going after alvin and the horse he rode in.

i’m going to lurk now and watch a master at work

Seems like he coughs before every lie. No?

juslin @ 126

i’m going to lurk now and watch a master at work

i think many of us will be doing likewise during whitehouse

That aid is cracking me up….he’s had that look before. The uparched eyebrows, the o-shaped mouth….

This dude, Schlozman, seems incredibly dismissive of this entire process and the people interviewing him.

Didn’t Kyle Sampson have the chirpy voice too? What gives with the flaccid Rovettes that have sprung up like mushrooms after a rain?

They need more time to mature in the pods.

-GSD

GSD @ 130

They need more time to mature in the pods.

-GSD

*g*

And for those who didn’t see or hear this before, the entire examination of Graves is conducted by Whitehouse.

Perhaps a high voice is a sign that they are pod people.

One aspect of The Alvin the Chipmunk Show that I don’t recall hearing anyone mention earlier is Alvin’s habit of shifting his eyes nervously when he is talking, looking at the speaking senator and then looking away, and shaking his head “no” as if to deny the truth of what he is saying. Also a lot of nervous handwringing.

More like pud people because they are all dicks.

-GSD

ooooooooo he done pissed whitehouse off in a big way

Is Whitehouse sitting in Leahy’s chair?!

TDS is repeated at 1am, 10am, 2pm and 8pm. Colbert too, right after TDS. Do not sweat missing the 11pm original if something this juicy is on the Span.

Wells stated that Libby intends to appeal on two points – denial of the use of ‘memory’ experts (oh, the irony…), and the legitimacy of Fitz’ appointment as Special Counsel.

Walton said he doesn’t see reversal coming on either of those straw dogs, and that he would have to be mightily persuaded by Wells to change his mind about sending Libby to prison pending appeal, in about 45-60 days.

Overall – a stunning victory for Justice!

NEXT!!

Graves up now on the C-Span rerun of the SJC here in HI

Bob in HI

Wordsmith @ 136

Is Whitehouse sitting in Leahy’s chair?!

If Leahy isn’t there, doesn’t someone have to fill in as Chairman?

setting the computer down. going to listen and possibly snooze a bit

if i don’t return, see y’all tomorrow.

Mr. Graves – a real US Attorney.

Nite, TexB. I’m off to bed soon too.

Don’t forget to look for Marcy standing up and putting on her jacket when Graves is done testifying.

Suzanne @ 143

Mr. Graves – a real US Attorney.

Just because he has a man’s voice?

wells is being fed info from v toensing and her hubby j degenova i think re the appeal points…..

TheOtherWA @ 141

Wordsmith @ 136

Is Whitehouse sitting in Leahy’s chair?!

If Leahy isn’t there, doesn’t someone have to fill in as Chairman?

Missour-a.

Yeah – but I didn’t think it meant literally. ;)

Guilty laughter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH0awSk7i8Q

Suzanne,
here’s that bitter pill* vid by A.L.L.

*Kool-Aid synergizes freakish side effects

TexB @ 142

setting the computer down. going to listen and possibly snooze a bit

if i don’t return, see y’all tomorrow.

selise has the mp3’s up is you miss any. nite TexB

Suzanne @ 65

bsolutely. What I mean to ask, I guess, is in light of that – WHY does Libby need to be pardoned?

To keep his ass outta jail. So he is able to avoid the consequences of his actions that he took on boosh cheney’s behalf.

And I’m betting it’s before Independence Day. What do you all think?

TexB @ 146

Suzanne @ 143

Mr. Graves – a real US Attorney.

Just because he has a man’s voice?

That, and he’s quite good looking. :D

Oh, and his memory appears to be fully functional. Always a good thing in a lawyer.

Suzanne @ 145

Don’t forget to look for Marcy standing up and putting on her jacket when Graves is done testifying.

Thanks for the reminder! I’ve been wanting to see that!

Bob in HI

Susitna Valley High School, about 60 miles up the road toward Denali, is on fire, engulfed. Apparently, the fire started a couple of hours ago. Nobody hurt – school is out. About 220 students, from Willow to Talkeetna.

newspaperbrat @ 149

Guilty laughter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH0awSk7i8Q

BWAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHHAHA

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

(woke up cats)
HAHAAAAAAAAAAAA

TribeScribe @ 150

Suzanne,
here’s that bitter pill* vid by A.L.L.

*Kool-Aid synergizes freakish side effects

Thank you TS

newspaperbrat @ 149

Guilty laughter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH0awSk7i8Q

NPB, that one looks funny – it is in line for loading up.

sen whitehouse is not the man to be trifled with and graves knows it

newspaperbrat @ 149

Guilty laughter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH0awSk7i8Q

guilty as sin, but funny as hell

juslin @ 158

sen whitehouse is not the man to be trifled with and graves knows it

I get the impression that Mr. Graves is not a man to be trifled with either. There seems to be some mutual respect here.

HAAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA
(cats leaving the room)

HAAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA
(crying)
(holding side)

newtonusr @ 151

TexB @ 142

setting the computer down. going to listen and possibly snooze a bit

if i don’t return, see y’all tomorrow.

selise has the mp3’s up is you miss any. nite TexB

I just looked at selise’s website at your URL above, and didn’t see anything more recent than May 15. Did I miss something?

Bob in HI

juslin @ 158

sen whitehouse is not the man to be trifled with and graves knows it

Graves seems arrow straight. Whitehouse is a threat to liars, and Graves has nothing to fear.

Graves has nothing he is trying to hide either. Major contrast with Alvin.

So which old white man do y’all think won today’s rethug debate? Rudy, Romney, Huckabee, Brownback, Johny, Tommy, Hunter, Gilmore, Paul or the Spawn of Satan (Tancredo)?

neurophius@160

methinks you may be right

newspaperbrat @ 149

Guilty laughter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH0awSk7i8Q

If it just had a bit of a translation….

Blub @ 165

So which old white man do y’all think won today’s rethug debate? Rudy, Romney, Huckabee, Brownback, Johny, Tommy, Hunter, Gilmore, Paul or the Spawn of Satan (Tancredo)?

By process of elimination, I would have to say Ron Paul.

Blub @ 165

So which old white man do y’all think won today’s rethug debate? Rudy, Romney, Huckabee, Brownback, Johny, Tommy, Hunter, Gilmore, Paul or the Spawn of Satan (Tancredo)?

Did anyone happen to see Ron Paul on Jon Stewart’s show last night?

as for repug debates i dont watch cuz after the 1st its all terror and more terror and who’s going to incite more fear in us…

Bob Schacht @ 162

newtonusr @ 151

selise has the mp3’s up is you miss any. nite TexB

I just looked at selise’s website at your URL above, and didn’t see anything more recent than May 15. Did I miss something?

Bob in HI

Holy dog – Sorry Bob – wrong selise link!

Here’s the one.

Blub @ 165

So which old white man do y’all think won today’s rethug debate? Rudy, Romney, Huckabee, Brownback, Johny, Tommy, Hunter, Gilmore, Paul or the Spawn of Satan (Tancredo)?

So sorry Blub – just couldn’t bear to watch – meant to but the sound and sight of those characters gives me the creeps.

juslin @ 170

who’s going to incite more fear in us…

Tancredo: we’re speaking about the very survival of the country (actual quote)! the brown people are coming! the brown are coming! (subtext)

I hope the Libby sentencing and the SJC hearing took all the air out of any press the rethuglicrooks could have gotten out of the debate tonight.

Wordsmith, saw it last nite and it even made KO’s soundbite top 3 tonight.

blub

LMAO!!!!!

newspaperbrat @ 172

Blub @ 165

So which old white man do y’all think won today’s rethug debate? Rudy, Romney, Huckabee, Brownback, Johny, Tommy, Hunter, Gilmore, Paul or the Spawn of Satan (Tancredo)?

So sorry Blub – just couldn’t bear to watch – meant to but the sound and sight of those characters gives me the creeps.

I got through the first three questions
and had to bail. I did see Coulter say
she had a thing for Hunter tho.
I always pictured her with Tancredo.
Who knew?

Graves has a steely look in his eyes.

Alvin had a look of furtive cowardice in his eyes.

The Goopers need to stop Fitz’ investigation into the IIPA Violation – if they don’t, it has the payload to get to Cheney.

Today’s sentencing of Libby to 30 months reflects the seriousness of the Obstruction of Justice conviction – think of it as spearing the first fish with a long harpoon meant for many.

The hidden gem in today’s sentencing was the message that the Law intends to spear some more fish – as many as they have to – until they Charge the Leaker under IIPA.

Still looks like a classic RICO take-down to me…and I don’t see Cheney fending it off now that his bullet-catcher is out of the way.

There is EVERY legitimate reason to suspect that Cheney IS the Leaker, and there are NO legitimate reasons to stop the investigation.

Go Fitz!

Blub @ 165

So which old white man do y’all think won today’s rethug debate? Rudy, Romney, Huckabee, Brownback, Johny, Tommy, Hunter, Gilmore, Paul or the Spawn of Satan (Tancredo)?

I can’t put my mind through that kind of trauma anymore. Three of them think creationism is science. Ten of them, apparently, think Scooter Libby should be pardoned. Most Three Stooges movies have more intellectual content.

radiofreewill @ 178

The Goopers need to stop Fitz’ investigation into the IIPA Violation – if they don’t, it has the payload to get to Cheney.

Today’s sentencing of Libby to 30 months reflects the seriousness of the Obstruction of Justice conviction – think of it as spearing the first fish with a long harpoon meant for many.

The hidden gem in today’s sentencing was the message that the Law intends to spear some more fish – as many as they have to – until they Charge the Leaker under IIPA.

Still looks like a classic RICO take-down to me…and I don’t see Cheney fending it off now that his bullet-catcher is out of the way.

There is EVERY legitimate reason to suspect that Cheney IS the Leaker, and there are NO legitimate reasons to stop the investigation.

Go Fitz!

You and egregious were terrific today. Thanks rfw!

TribeScribe @ 176

newspaperbrat @ 172

I got through the first three questions
and had to bail. I did see Coulter say
she had a thing for Hunter tho.
I always pictured her with Tancredo.
Who knew?

Believe it or not, Tancredo may actually be too much of a hate-monger for Coultergeist. I mean, she pretty much restricts herself to Arab-bashing coupled with the occasional anti-semitic or anti-black outburst… not the non-whites will destroy American schtick of Hunter’s Colorado buddy.

You and egregious were terrific today. Thanks rfw!

ditto

Forty years ago this week, my best friend and I were both on leave from the military at the same time. I was about to get out of the Army; he was about to go on a deployment on the carrier “Shangri-La” which cost him his life.

For vacation, we took a skiff to the east side of Hood Canal and camped on the beach for several days. We dove for oysters and just snorkeled around. We took the skiff and fished for early salmon off the mouths of the Dosewallips and other rivers. It was sunny. We listened to the entire Six-day War on Dave’s little transistor radio every evening.

Blub @ 165

So which old white man do y’all think won today’s rethug debate? Rudy, Romney, Huckabee, Brownback, Johny, Tommy, Hunter, Gilmore, Paul or the Spawn of Satan (Tancredo)?

I love “Spawn of Satan” …

I think Rudy and Romney did well, they looked comfortable and in charge. McCain I think is slowly self-destructing. The rest of them looked to me like also-rans.

Cujo359 @ 179

Three of them think creationism is science

yeah.. but they looked so stereotypically presidential…. :P nice suits too

Ed*ard Teller @ 183

Forty years ago this week, my best friend and I were both on leave from the military at the same time. I was about to get out of the Army; he was about to go on a deployment on the carrier “Shangri-La” which cost him his life.

For vacation, we took a skiff to the east side of Hood Canal and camped on the beach for several days. We dove for oysters and just snorkeled around. We took the skiff and fished for early salmon off the mouths of the Dosewallips and other rivers. It was sunny. We listened to the entire Six-day War on Dave’s little transistor radio every evening.

Have you written your first book? Wow.

radiofreewill @ 178

The Goopers need to stop Fitz’ investigation into the IIPA Violation – if they don’t, it has the payload to get to Cheney.

Today’s sentencing of Libby to 30 months reflects the seriousness of the Obstruction of Justice conviction – think of it as spearing the first fish with a long harpoon meant for many.

The hidden gem in today’s sentencing was the message that the Law intends to spear some more fish – as many as they have to – until they Charge the Leaker under IIPA.

Still looks like a classic RICO take-down to me…and I don’t see Cheney fending it off now that his bullet-catcher is out of the way.

There is EVERY legitimate reason to suspect that Cheney IS the Leaker, and there are NO legitimate reasons to stop the investigation.

Go Fitz!

Excellent coverage, thanks!

newtonusr @ 171

Bob Schacht @ 162

I just looked at selise’s website at your URL above, and didn’t see anything more recent than May 15. Did I miss something?

Bob in HI

Holy dog – Sorry Bob – wrong selise link!

Here’s the one.

Thanks!
Bob in HI

radiofreewill @ 178

The Goopers need to stop Fitz’ investigation into the IIPA Violation – if they don’t, it has the payload to get to Cheney.

Today’s sentencing of Libby to 30 months reflects the seriousness of the Obstruction of Justice conviction – think of it as spearing the first fish with a long harpoon meant for many.

The hidden gem in today’s sentencing was the message that the Law intends to spear some more fish – as many as they have to – until they Charge the Leaker under IIPA.

Still looks like a classic RICO take-down to me…and I don’t see Cheney fending it off now that his bullet-catcher is out of the way.

There is EVERY legitimate reason to suspect that Cheney IS the Leaker, and there are NO legitimate reasons to stop the investigation.

Go Fitz!

Yes, which is why I think they’ll pardon him before summer is out. That’s what all this nonsense from Thompson and crew about a miscarriage of justice is about. If they wanted to wait until December, 2008, they wouldn’t need to say a thing. They could even deplore Bush for doing it and look virtuous. You can bet that either Cheney or Bush, and maybe both, were involved in this and they’re not going to spend time in any federal facility that isn’t in the middle of the capitol.

ET, you mentioned earlier tonight that you play Taps at veterans’ funerals. A young man from the local high school in the little town where my father was buried came out and played taps. I really appreciated it and I’m sure the families of the people you play Taps for do also. I want to thank you for that service.

neurophius @ 177

Graves has a steely look in his eyes.

Alvin had a look of furtive cowardice in his eyes.

Alvin had the look of a freshman being interrogated by seniors.

Bob in HI

newtonusr @ 186

Have you written your first book? Wow.

ROFL. I keep changing the outline. My youngest brother snarkily wants me to call it _The Ring of Truth_.

radiofreewill @ 178

The Goopers need to stop Fitz’ investigation into the IIPA Violation – if they don’t, it has the payload to get to Cheney.

Today’s sentencing of Libby to 30 months reflects the seriousness of the Obstruction of Justice conviction – think of it as spearing the first fish with a long harpoon meant for many.

The hidden gem in today’s sentencing was the message that the Law intends to spear some more fish – as many as they have to – until they Charge the Leaker under IIPA.

Still looks like a classic RICO take-down to me…and I don’t see Cheney fending it off now that his bullet-catcher is out of the way.

There is EVERY legitimate reason to suspect that Cheney IS the Leaker, and there are NO legitimate reasons to stop the investigation.

Go Fitz!

Does this mean that you think that Fitz has re-opened his investigation regarding the CIA Leak?

Bob in HI

shorter graves : crime has no party….

I think boosh is trying to hedge his bets – hoping that scooter will be out on bail pending appeal and won’t have to do a pardon until his late last evening in office.

If scooter loses his bail pending appeal hearing next week, then he will have to surrender to the marshal’s office in 45 to 60 days from sentencing day. The closer he gets to that surrender day, I believe the likelihood of pardon gets higher.

On the other hand, boosh will have hell to pay for doing so – especially if he is connected to the obstruction (as marcy pointed out yesterday at THN).

There is something about even talking about issuing pardons by those involved in the conspiracy puts them in even more legal jeopardy. (racking my brain trying to remember the what and the where)

Graves just said “I’d rather try tough cases than sleep!”

Did I hear that right???
Gol-l-l-ly, this is one dude that I would not want to cross in any way!

Bob in HI

neurophius,

Thanks. Thanks very much.

Here’s the home page of Bugles Across America, the organization which co-ordinates playing at memorial services with the VA and miltary. If anyone needs a bugler for a Vet’s burial, BAA will get a volunteer if the military can’t find a serving musician.

Suzanne @ 195

There is something about even talking about issuing pardons by those involved in the conspiracy puts them in even more legal jeopardy. (racking my brain trying to remember the what and the where)

Conspiracy to obstruct justice? It seems like a plausible idea, but IANAL.

Suzanne @ 195

I think boosh is trying to hedge his bets – hoping that scooter will be out on bail pending appeal and won’t have to do a pardon until his late evening in office.

If scooter loses his bail pending appeal hearing next week, then he will have to surrender to the marshal’s office in 45 to 60 days from sentencing day. The closer he gets to that surrender day, I believe the likelihood of pardon gets higher.

On the other hand, boosh will have hell to pay for doing so – especially if he is connected to the obstruction (as marcy pointed out yesterday at THN).

There is something about even talking about issuing pardons by those involved in the conspiracy puts them in even more legal jeopardy. (racking my brain trying to remember the what and the where)

The John Dean piece from a couple of days ago, from FindLaw? Terrific grasp of it.

cujo, it was something they were going to nail nixon on in those impeachment papers – something about the discussion to pardon the watergate burglers further aided the conspiracy.

Thats exactly the article I was trying to remember, newtonusr. Thanks!

They cut out Marcy’s part!

I honestly believe the goopers tried to take over the Country – covertly from the inside – but their achilles heel turned out to be the very quality they prize most in their minnions:

They were too dumb to pull it off.

Scholzman? Goodling? Sampson?

Pure political flunkies – no sense of right and wrong where loyalty was concerned – they simply did what they were told.

It’s more than gross incompetence – it’s loyally serving with gross incompetence.

The government is literally falling apart, Department by Department, in the hands of these Arrogant Clowns.

Leahy is right to be mad – we should all be!

Suzanne @ 200

cujo, it was something they were going to nail nixon on in those impeachment papers – something about the discussion to pardon the watergate burglers further aided the conspiracy.

Didn’t they have those conversations on that audio tape system? Wonder if Bush or Cheney were that careless? They’re certainly arrogant enough.

Bob Schacht @ 193

radiofreewill @ 178

The Goopers need to stop Fitz’ investigation into the IIPA Violation – if they don’t, it has the payload to get to Cheney.

Today’s sentencing of Libby to 30 months reflects the seriousness of the Obstruction of Justice conviction – think of it as spearing the first fish with a long harpoon meant for many.

The hidden gem in today’s sentencing was the message that the Law intends to spear some more fish – as many as they have to – until they Charge the Leaker under IIPA.

Still looks like a classic RICO take-down to me…and I don’t see Cheney fending it off now that his bullet-catcher is out of the way.

There is EVERY legitimate reason to suspect that Cheney IS the Leaker, and there are NO legitimate reasons to stop the investigation.

Go Fitz!

Does this mean that you think that Fitz has re-opened his investigation regarding the CIA Leak?

Bob in HI

Unfortunately, not until Scooter rolls over and starts ‘remembering’! The closer it gets to his Jail time, his memory might kick in!!! Sadly, until that happens, Fitz will soldier on in Illinois!!!

From the John Dean link:

If Libby had been acting on his own behalf, a pardon would present no problem; Bush and Cheney could feel it was the humanitarian thing to do, given his long service to the government. However, no one I know believes Libby was acting simply for himself, nor does the evidence suggest it.

Let’s suppose, instead, that Libby was doing Cheney’s bidding, and that Cheney was deeply involved in both Libby’s leak of Valerie Plame’s CIA status and the lies Libby subsequently concocted to deflect attention away from the Vice President. If so, then there was a conspiracy to obstruct justice – and if Cheney should go to Bush and request that he pardon Libby, he would be furthering that conspiracy. No wonder then, that Special Counsel Fitzgerald remarked during the Libby trial that there was “a cloud” over the Vice President.

well pups sandman’s calling and i must answer – its been real…love the lake – night all

Wordsmith @ 202

They cut out Marcy’s part!

The bastards!

Cujo359 @ 204

Suzanne @ 200

cujo, it was something they were going to nail nixon on in those impeachment papers – something about the discussion to pardon the watergate burglers further aided the conspiracy.

Didn’t they have those conversations on that audio tape system? Wonder if Bush or Cheney were that careless? They’re certainly arrogant enough.

Careless – no. Not Cheney. I’m reading ‘Vice’ – Lou Dubose & Jake ….damnit, I promptly forgot his last name. Cheney learned lonngg ago, don’t write down a damned thing. Interestingly, Cheney didn’t write a letter on the behalf of Scoots, did he?

g’nite juslin

I’m

….. I have CSPAN still on….there’s discussing ‘fuck’ on the airwaves….

I’m out….the cats keep coming in, whining – comeon!! let’s snuggle!

I think boosh is not as careful as cheney. cheney is going to be hard to get without someone flipping on him and doing so with documentation to back them up. cheney learned from watergate what not to do.

Wordsmith @ 202

They cut out Marcy’s part!

She must not have been showing enough cleavage.

sure, Alvin was the cute Chipmunk, but Simon was the talented one.

Suzanne @ 212

I think boosh is not as careful as cheney. cheney is going to be hard to get without someone flipping on him and doing so with documentation to back them up. cheney learned from watergate what not to do.

Exactly, that’s what Dubose and his co-author, Jake ?….insist on. Cheney learned lessons and hasn’t forgotten one. He’s also one seriously cold-hearted prick.

Ga’nite.

Just reading some of the Scooter love letters. Gen. Pace’s was a beautiful damn with faint praise “I only know him professionally and what I saw looked ok… BTW I’m writing this coz Scooter asked”. And Kissinger’s “I would have never done what he did but be nice to him anyway.”

But the corker so far, from what I’ve read, is from Doug Feith:

I was always impressed by the number of policy papers and intelligence analyses he had read. It was more than one could keep straight in one’s mind, but Scooter demonstrated dedication and organizational skill through the papers and notes he prepared on the basis of his reading. (my emphasis)

Translation: memory defense? What memory defense?

Just beautiful. Doug, you really are the stupidest effing guy on the face of the planet.

Suzanne @ 212

I think boosh is not as careful as cheney. cheney is going to be hard to get without someone flipping on him and doing so with documentation to back them up. cheney learned from watergate what not to do.

Scoots seems to be quite the little recordkeeper, though. All the more reason to suspect he’ll be free before the fireworks shows start, unless the judge decides to let him stay out of jail pending appeal (which sounds unlikely).

But, but, but…
These bastards are so deeply in their lies that they may not see a way to back out of it, so they have to just keep lying til the end. This is a president who literally thrives on his low poll numbers. They’ve been sinking for a while, and his agenda has suffered little.
-The Gooper House members take a walk up the hill, Chimpy spends a few days looking conciliatory, and we get news that he envisions a Korea-like presence in Iraq.
-AbuG is tossed like a rag doll by Blues & Reds in both houses, and gets a startling vote of confidence.
-The war is an unmitigated catastrophe, a planetary disaster, and Chimpy goes before a group in the Czech Republic and gets a standing-o… WTF?
Their agenda is all that matters, and anything that does not serve it is either incidental flotsam or to be swept away.
Who needs a drink?

RFW @203 agreed.

nite ‘pups!
Sweet dreams of RICO & nailing Zero.

(thanks npb)

cujo, i guess it depends on who has what on who. a part of me thinks that boosh will not pardon libby only because boosh demands loyalty of others but is not loyal himself.

to boosh, loyalty is his due and once someone is no longer in service to him, that persons does not matter to boosh. i think there a possibility that since libby was cheney’s guy, and not boosh’s, boosh just wants libby to disappear and jail does do that.

newtonusr @ 218

audience in the Czech Republic and gets a standing-o…

Was this before or after he proposed in that address to restart the cold war.. I mean, presumably at least he promised Czechs that this time they could be on OUR side of the Iron Curtain.

Bob in HI – My pick-up from the Texas Toast Live-blogging series, featuring Gonzo’s SJC appearance, was that all investigations inside DoJ into the CIA Leak case are currently stalled for one reason or another.

My guess, and it’s just a Firepup w.a.g., is that Libby’s conviction for Obstruction will ‘break’ whatever illogic is being used to smother the continuing investigation, unless BushCo can successfully challenge and remove Fitz or find a way (better than Natasha and Boris’ interpretation) of making the IIPA not apply.

Since Judge Walton says he doesn’t see reversal coming on the Fitz appointment, that leaves IIPA – but that point has apparently been determined, at the very beginning of the investigation, also by Walton to be legit.

The long arm of the Law is sweeping closer and closer – it would be artificial to stop it now – and Cheney’s the next most likely guy to get grabbed.

Getting rid of Fitz is the equivalent to firing Archibald Cox, but that’s what Bush is trying to do.

Blub @ 221

newtonusr @ 218

audience in the Czech Republic and gets a standing-o…

Was this before or after he proposed in that address to restart the cold war.. I mean, presumably at least he promised Czechs that this time they could be on OUR side of the Iron Curtain.

At the end. I held my nose and watched the speech.

I believe what originally gave rise to the USA firings was an attempt to try to get rid of Fitz without it looking like a Saturday Nite Massacre. If they get rid of all the USA’s (which was originally proposed), then Fitz was just one of 93 who got tossed.

That is just my belief.

Thanks for the shout-outs!

I have a feeling the sky will be a little more blue tomorrow.

Sweet dreams…

Suzanne @ 220

cujo, i guess it depends on who has what on who. a part of me thinks that boosh will not pardon libby only because boosh demands loyalty of others but is not loyal himself.

to boosh, loyalty is his due and once someone is no longer in service to him, that persons does not matter to boosh. i think there a possibility that since libby was cheney’s guy, and not boosh’s, boosh just wants libby to disappear and jail does do that.

I think you’re right about Bush’s character, but if those guys don’t have all have something on each other by now then they’re about the most unambitious group of raving paranoid megalomaniacs to ever occupy that office.

Of course, I’m not a psychologist, either. I could be wrong. ;)

This article makes it sound like the International Whaling commission meeting in Anchorage last week was confusing itself with International Talk Like a Pirate Day:

It was amusing indeed to see the pirate whaling nations of the Caribbean endorse the Japanese condemnation of Sea Shepherd and Greenpeace as pirates. Greenpeace indignantly protested the label but Sea Shepherd embraces the Jolly Roger because only pirates motivated by compassion will be able to intervene against the pirate whalers of profit. If the governments of the world refuse to do anything it means pirates vs pirates upon the high seas and our ships and our vegetarian volunteers are committed to the fight to save whales from slaughter and extinction from the remorseless and brutally evil piracy of the harpooners and perverse whale flesh eaters.

AAarrggghhhh….

Anyone still up?

perverse whale flesh eaters

Is that the white meat or the dark?

Anyway, looks like Alaska isn’t going to run out of irony any time soon.

lolo @ 228

Anyone still up?

Am staying up awaiting Daily Show rerun before I hit the ole sack. h/t Suzanne for alerting me to the 1 AM repeat.

lolo @ 228

Anyone still up?

Yeah, watching Indecency hearing on C-Span. And drinking a fine Mexican beer. And building a betting chart for the pardon.

Hi lolo. Looks like we’re like two whaling pirates passing in the night. Have fun. I think ET and Suzanne are still here.

Goodnight, all.

Am staying up awaiting Daily Show rerun before I hit the ole sack. h/t Suzanne for alerting me to the 1 AM repeat.

I’m waiting for TDS too, lolo

waving goodnite to all those headed off to bed

newtonusr @ 231

lolo @ 228

Anyone still up?

Yeah, watching Indecency hearing on C-Span. And drinking a fine Mexican beer. And building a betting chart for the pardon.

Too bad the 4th is on a Wednesday this year. If it was on a Friday that would make it easy.

lolo – have the Las Vegas and/or London bookies weighed in on the odds of presidential pardon pro or con?

Cujo359 @ 235

Too bad the 4th is on a Wednesday this year. If it was on a Friday that would make it easy.

I was gonna reply, but I’m watching the indecency hearing, and the judges of the 2nd circuit are talking like merchamt marines!

Night night Suzanne. I am waiting for TDS too. Missed the first one I was watching the hearing.

Gotta walk the cutest dog in the world before headed heading off to bed to watch TDS. g’nite everyone.

**edit – i can tell how tired i am by how many typos – i’ve reached my limit.

nite suzanne

newspaperbrat @ 236

lolo – have the Las Vegas and/or London bookies weighed in on the odds of presidential pardon pro or con?

I don’t know. I doubt a pardon will be provided until after the civil suit. Libby has to admit guilt to get a pardon. He can then lose in the civil suit.

lolo @ 241

newspaperbrat @ 236

lolo – have the Las Vegas and/or London bookies weighed in on the odds of presidential pardon pro or con?

I don’t know. I doubt a pardon will be provided until after the civil suit. Libby has to admit guilt to get a pardon. He can then lose in the civil suit.

Just asking – I don’t remember Casper Weinberger or Elliot Abrams or Dewey Clarridge or Alan Fiers or Clair George admitting guilt when pardoned by 41. Is that what you meant?

lolo @ 241

newspaperbrat @ 236

lolo – have the Las Vegas and/or London bookies weighed in on the odds of presidential pardon pro or con?

I don’t know. I doubt a pardon will be provided until after the civil suit. Libby has to admit guilt to get a pardon. He can then lose in the civil suit.

Many thanks lolo – got it!

Sweet dreams all and thanks for another great late late nite gathering around da lake.

Drive-by after walking Token… from wiki on presidential pardons:

Pardons are sometimes offered to persons who, it is claimed, have been wrongfully convicted. However, accepting such a pardon implicitly constitutes an admission of guilt, so in some cases the offer is refused.

Suzanne @ 244

Drive-by after walking Token… from wiki on presidential pardons:

Pardons are sometimes offered to persons who, it is claimed, have been wrongfully convicted. However, accepting such a pardon implicitly constitutes an admission of guilt, so in some cases the offer is refused.

Now perfectly clear. Thanks.

newtonusr @ 242

lolo @ 241

I don’t know. I doubt a pardon will be provided until after the civil suit. Libby has to admit guilt to get a pardon. He can then lose in the civil suit.

Just asking – I don’t remember Casper Weinberger or Elliot Abrams or Dewey Clarridge or Alan Fiers or Clair George admitting guilt when pardoned by 41. Is that what you meant?

Christy wrote a post about it and I think LHP did too.

radiofreewill @ 222

Bob in HI – My pick-up from the Texas Toast Live-blogging series, featuring Gonzo’s SJC appearance, was that all investigations inside DoJ into the CIA Leak case are currently stalled for one reason or another.

My guess, and it’s just a Firepup w.a.g., is that Libby’s conviction for Obstruction will ‘break’ whatever illogic is being used to smother the continuing investigation, unless BushCo can successfully challenge and remove Fitz or find a way (better than Natasha and Boris’ interpretation) of making the IIPA not apply.

Since Judge Walton says he doesn’t see reversal coming on the Fitz appointment, that leaves IIPA – but that point has apparently been determined, at the very beginning of the investigation, also by Walton to be legit.

The long arm of the Law is sweeping closer and closer – it would be artificial to stop it now – and Cheney’s the next most likely guy to get grabbed.

Getting rid of Fitz is the equivalent to firing Archibald Cox, but that’s what Bush is trying to do.

Thanks! I hope you’re right.

Bob in HI

lolo @ 228

Anyone still up?

Yeah, but not for long.

Bob in HI

Any sentiment here for at least a one day general strike to show our clout and displeasure with the current bus drive off the grand canyin cliff. All it would require is staying home and doing nothing but puttering in our gardens or something, Is it too much to ask? Let’s pick a day, spread the word, and do it. What say you?

Per George H.W. Bush’s remarks at the Dedication Ceremony for theGeorge Bush Center for Intelligence, 26 April 1999:

“Even though I’m a tranquil guy now at this stage of my life, I have nothing but contempt and anger for those who betray the trust by exposing the name of our sources. They are, in my view, the most insidious of traitors.” [emphasis added]

And now, that spymaster’s son is writing letters of support for a most insidious traitor from his own administration.

I’m not sure I understand why Fitz hasn’t brought an IIPA case against someone. In a recent filing he demonstrated that Valerie Plame Wilson was “covert” in the sense of the IIPA. The only possible weakness in the case would be the prior knowledge requirement:

Whoever, […] intentionally discloses any information identifying such covert agent to any individual not authorized to receive classified information, knowing that the information disclosed so identifies such covert agent and that the United States is taking affirmative measures to conceal such covert agent’s intelligence relationship to the United States, shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.

It’s my understanding that in cases like this, it can be argued that a “prudent person” should have known.

1,540 DAYZ AND THE KILLIN’ GOEZ ON AND ON AND..

Firepup Patriots:

Anyone awake out there on the mornin’ after Fitz delivered the first of many (I hope).

KEEP THE FAITH BUT WORK YER ASS OFF

Early morning props for Marcy:

The judge also poured cold water over defense arguments that some of his legal decisions during the trial had been flawed and would be overturned on appeal. “I think all those opinions are correct,” Walton said, according to the invaluable liveblogging by Marcy Wheeler at firedoglake.com.

WAPO

The pond is sure quiet this time of day.

What an interesting day it’s been. It won’t be long with these kinds of days before the reeking mastodon a.k.a. republican party will begin its final breakdown. A lot of people are going to be left without a party to represent them politically and no matter how large the Democratic tent is, it will never be large enough to accomodate. It is vital to let those who find themselves “in the wilderness” that their voice is important as well and although the “liberals” may not politically agree with them, their interests can be protected until they can manufacture a political organization to represent their views that isn’t contaminated by GOP rot. Same may go for DLC democrats as well. Just a thought. All the best……

Morning, gang -

Left early Monday morning to visit relative who is giving me a four-day whirlwind sightseeing tour of a part of the state I’ve not visited before.

OK……(close your eyes)……visualize everything that’s been happening in the last 48 hours and that’s what I’ve missed.

The cous watches almost no TV & listens to no car radio; OTOH she *does* have this strange new invention I’ve heard of (uhmmmmmmmmmm, I think it’s called hi-speed internet connection). *g*

I now know what YouTube and video clips look/sound like on the small screen. Vedddddddddddddddy interesting, this hi-tech stuff; feeling like some voyeur from the 20th C.

Well, enough of this snark-lite. Missing you all madly and having serious political news withdrawal symptoms. Save some fun for me!

Good morning, pups. It’s MoDo, who says Obama is the young superhero who needs to learn to control his superpowers, and Thomas Friedman in Ramallah, the West Bank, who doesn’t feel hopeful.

http://mgpaquin.wordpress.com/

Coffee and tea are ready, along with a selection of bagels and cream cheese. (I even got cinnamon crunch because my boss loves them… Me, I’m a poppy seed girl myself.) Have a good midweek.

Marion in Savannah @ 256

… and Thomas Friedman in Ramallah, the West Bank, who doesn’t feel hopeful.

And here he used to be such and upbeat guy, what with all that globalization bringing those olive-tree types to the 21st century and Lexuses.

Good morning pups!

Arnie @ 254

The pond is sure quiet this time of day.

What an interesting day it’s been. It won’t be long with these kinds of days before the reeking mastodon a.k.a. republican party will begin its final breakdown. A lot of people are going to be left without a party to represent them politically and no matter how large the Democratic tent is, it will never be large enough to accomodate. It is vital to let those who find themselves “in the wilderness” that their voice is important as well and although the “liberals” may not politically agree with them, their interests can be protected until they can manufacture a political organization to represent their views that isn’t contaminated by GOP rot. Same may go for DLC democrats as well. Just a thought. All the best……

And, perhaps, they’ll call it “national socialism.”

Mornin’ all!

Bush says Russia won’t attack Europe

President Bush on Wednesday discounted Vladimir Putin’s threat to re-target missiles on Europe, saying “Russia is not going to attack Europe.”
…………
“Russia is not an enemy,” Bush said, sitting in a sun-drenched garden. “There needs to be no military response because we’re not at war with Russia. Russia is not a threat.”

Hillary is losing BADLY to Giuliani

I watched to see what the left online video capture would take away from the GOP debate; the clip picked by Crooks & Liars featured Guiliani;

the fear of war with or from Iran has engaged the US voters minds; the left is still debating Iraq and Guiliani is using Bush at G8 and the Putin media watchers anxiety to tag a narrative that the Dem candidates are still back in the cold war;

(it is a clever twist by Guiliani it may stick but what is already sticking is Dems are stuck in the Iraq war while the GOP is talking about Iran and their argument will prevail )it’s a MAN’S WAR afterall;

the fear transferance for a male CIC-POTUS commander in chief/ president is the most likely outcome; the GOP will win because of new war fears; GOP will capture the national election if Hillary is the nominee; 2006 was about Iraq…. 2008 is about Iran;

Hillary doesn’t stand a chance (even if she campaigns two for one they get Bill in the bargain)

so the DLC operatives who are selling her to the public are making Clinton money; they will take her money but for sure they are hedging their bets expecting a GOP administration 2008;

the DC/DLC operatives are not fools they know how to keep themselves employed whichever political party takes the election; they are working the Clinton cash machine; to hell with the Dem party or the country;

media made Clinton celebrities it makes them BIG money to work her/them; but they will stalk her and bring her down because the media wants a GOP administration; they need the most corrupt government and no chance of industry regulation to increase their position in the plutocracy that has taken over US;

and it’s still a MAN’S IRAN WAR afterall; the fear transferance alone will go for a male not a female CIC-POTUS command in chief/president;

Hillary can’t move the country forward for women; because the issue is IRAN; she is not the picture/narrative/ or gamble voters will take for a war-time president;

virtually or in reality the Dems can’t make the case for a woman president; what the voters already care most about and certainly by the time Nov. 2008 comes around as the Bush/Cheney/GOP message SETS THE STAGE will be selecting a president in the traditional male role in a time of war and that will prevail;

twolf1 @ 260

Bush says Russia won’t attack Europe

President Bush on Wednesday discounted Vladimir Putin’s threat to re-target missiles on Europe, saying “Russia is not going to attack Europe.”
…………
“Russia is not an enemy,” Bush said, sitting in a sun-drenched garden. “There needs to be no military response because we’re not at war with Russia. Russia is not a threat.”

Is he channeling Neville Chamberlain?

Good morning, all,
and Happy Day After Fitzmas.

The WaPo editrial page eerily silent on Irve’s fate,
but Dana Milbank has an amusing takedown of the letters.

OT but important in regards to the previous thread on right wing think tanks promoting dictatorship. The NSDAP in Germany critiqued the Weimar government at every opportunity to undermine the people’s confindence in democracy. They posited the proposition that fascism was the only realistic alternative for returning the German nation to power and productivity. The right wing think tanks in America are attempting the same strategy. First they undermine the people’s confidence in government per se and are now undermining the notion of “democracy.” The left needs to tackle the problems created by the Heritage Foundation, the AEI, Cato Institute et al. This is a difficult proposition given the fact that they are now seen as “legitmate” players on the political scene. They have to be exposed as the anti-democratic, anti-American threats that they truly are.

Bush is starting another cold war with Putin so that he doesn’t have to answer tough questions about Iraq and global warming. Bush really does his best diplomacy when he stays in Texas and keeps his mouth shut. How can Bush and Cheney go around promoting Democracy while at the same time alienating the populations of democratic countries so that they cannot support us? Somebody stop him! Please!

If you think Iraq is bad, remember what a nuclear war can do.

Bush is going toe to toe with the Ruskies.

wigwam @ 256

Marion in Savannah @ 256

… and Thomas Friedman in Ramallah, the West Bank, who doesn’t feel hopeful.

And here he used to be such and upbeat guy, what with all that globalization bringing those olive-tree types to the 21st century and Lexuses.

i really, really hate thomas friedman.

only read the first half… had to stop – the evil was too much. for example:

the Left’s way — land for peace — was discredited by the collapse of Oslo.

this is such a lie. after oslo israel when on a settlement building spree. has he not read halper’s “matrix of control”?. he pretends to be such an expert – without actually having a clue. he pretends to be so compassionate – while justifying supremist thinking. a dangerous, evil man.

acckkkk!!!!!!

Thousands evacuated ahead of cyclone

Oman evacuated tens of thousands of people Wednesday, suspended oil exports, and closed the major port of Sohar as a weakening Cyclone Gonu roared toward the Strait of Hormuz — the world’s major transport artery for Persian Gulf oil.

Oil prices rose amid forecasts that the strongest storm to threaten the Arabian Peninsula in 60 years was barreling toward Iran.

Good Morning!
Its most curious to compare the coverage of the Schlozman testimony here and at Talkinpointmemo and the cursory story at the Washington Post:
http://tinyurl.com/2dbpp6

It’s as if the reporter was told to soft pedal the story, which I had to search for on the Post site.
They ignored Bradley’s constant evasions and “I don’t knows..” and ended in an anonymous quote from a Justice official. The last two paragraphs are classic, and show just how far up the Administration’s butt these jokers are:
“Under Justice Department rules, prosecutors “must refrain from any conduct which has the possibility of affecting the election itself.” A department handbook also says that “most, if not all, investigation of an alleged election crime must await the end of the election to which the allegation relates.”

A department official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the policy “does not mean . . . that the department forbids the filing of any charges, ever, around the time of an election.” The Missouri case involved voter-registration efforts, rather than the election itself, the official said.”

reader @ 261

Hillary is losing BADLY to Giuliani

I watched to see what the left online video capture would take away from the GOP debate; the clip picked by Crooks & Liars featured Guiliani;

the fear of war with or from Iran has engaged the US voters minds; the left is still debating Iraq and Guiliani is using Bush at G8 and the Putin media watchers anxiety to tag a narrative that the Dem candidates are still back in the cold war;

(it is a clever twist by Guiliani it may stick but what is already sticking is Dems are stuck in the Iraq war while the GOP is talking about Iran and their argument will prevail )it’s a MAN’S WAR afterall;

the fear transferance for a male CIC-POTUS commander in chief/ president is the most likely outcome; the GOP will win because of new war fears; GOP will capture the national election if Hillary is the nominee; 2006 was about Iraq…. 2008 is about Iran;

Hillary doesn’t stand a chance (even if she campaigns two for one they get Bill in the bargain)

so the DLC operatives who are selling her to the public are making Clinton money; they will take her money but for sure they are hedging their bets expecting a GOP administration 2008;

the DC/DLC operatives are not fools they know how to keep themselves employed whichever political party takes the election; they are working the Clinton cash machine; to hell with the Dem party or the country;

media made Clinton celebrities it makes them BIG money to work her/them; but they will stalk her and bring her down because the media wants a GOP administration; they need the most corrupt government and no chance of industry regulation to increase their position in the plutocracy that has taken over US;

and it’s still a MAN’S IRAN WAR afterall; the fear transferance alone will go for a male not a female CIC-POTUS command in chief/president;

Hillary can’t move the country forward for women; because the issue is IRAN; she is not the picture/narrative/ or gamble voters will take for a war-time president;

virtually or in reality the Dems can’t make the case for a woman president; what the voters already care most about and certainly by the time Nov. 2008 comes around as the Bush/Cheney/GOP message SETS THE STAGE will be selecting a president in the traditional male role in a time of war and that will prevail;

Good insight. And I agree with your judgement about the inevitability of that outcome, if the democrats follow their usual thinking and usual advisors.

There are very strong factors pushing for an attack on Iran, most notably the lobby whose name invokes moderation, and they are going to hedge their bets but they’ll back the candidate most likely to attack Iran. Right now, Haaretz gives Guliani the highest rating of all candidate 8.6 on its Israel-factor index, with McCain second at 7.5 Gingrich third at 7.4, and Hilliary fourth at 7.1 on its Israel-factor index — see http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/p…..Page.jhtml

Hiliary’s candidacy is doomed if she avoids Iran. And, it’s also doomed if she panders to The Lobby, competing with Giuliani in who can talk toughest about Iran.

She has to find a third way, and she has one close at hand. Recall that the objective Bush’s invasion of Iraq was to rid Iraq of Weapons of Mass Destruction, an objective that had already been accomplished by Hiliary’s husband, without the spilling of American blood and without the expenditure of hundreds of billions of dollars. And he did so in the wisest of military traditions:

What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins,
but excels in winning with ease. But his victories bring him neither
reputation for wisdom nor credit for courage. For inasmuch as they
are gained over circumstnces that have not come to light, the world at
large knows nothing of them, and he therfore wins no reputation for
wisdom; and inasmuch as the hostile state submits before there has
been any bloodshed, he receives no credit for courage. [Sun Tzu, The
Art of War, 400BC]

Meanwhile, the neoconservatives have led us via what is well known to be the worst of military strategies:

When you engage in actual fighting, if victory is long in coming,
[…] you will exhaust your strength, and if the campaign is
protracted, the resources of the state will not be equal to the
strain. […] In all history, there is no instance of a country
having benefited from prolonged warfare. Only one who knows the
distasterous effects of a long war can realize the supreme
importance of rapidity in bringing it to a close.
[Sun Tzu, The Art of War, 400BC]

IMHO, clever campaign advisors could, with the help of wise military folks, exploit this comparision.

Oh, behave!

No. :o)

How many people on here think that, as Hillary said in the most recent debate, that we’re safer now than before 9-11?

New thread…

reader, that the media and the Democrats having been able to make the Administration’s total bungling of the War in Iraq an issue is beyond me..
Sun Tzu had some great lines about the costs of a distant war and it’s effect on the homeland..

Tanbark @ 270

Oh, behave!

No. :o)

How many people on here think that, as Hillary said in the most recent debate, that we’re safer now than before 9-11?

I hate that she said that.

Marion in Savannah; have you seen the lists of all the “Friedman’s”? That is, his seemingly unending columns and statements to the effect that “it’s about to start to commence to begin to get better in Iraq…and even if it isn’t, let’s give bushCo another 6 months and THEN it will…(I promise… :o) ) “

Bluetoe @ 264

OT but important in regards to the previous thread on right wing think tanks promoting dictatorship. The NSDAP in Germany critiqued the Weimar government at every opportunity to undermine the people’s confindence in democracy. They posited the proposition that fascism was the only realistic alternative for returning the German nation to power and productivity. The right wing think tanks in America are attempting the same strategy. First they undermine the people’s confidence in government per se and are now undermining the notion of “democracy.” The left needs to tackle the problems created by the Heritage Foundation, the AEI, Cato Institute et al. This is a difficult proposition given the fact that they are now seen as “legitmate” players on the political scene. They have to be exposed as the anti-democratic, anti-American threats that they truly are.

Ultimately, the American voters have to be sold on the notion that “quality of life” is the standard by which to judge a government — not GDP, aggregate wealth, the Dow Jones indes, or anything else that simply reflects how the wealthy are doing.

The AEI will grant that freedom and democracy are good things. But they mean “freedom to commit economic piracy” and “the most democratic government money can buy.”

George, Sorry, but I was DELIGHTED that she said it. :o)

The biggest shock about Hillary (and BTW, I was overjoyed when she won her N.Y. senate seat. We came very near to seeing Trent Lott get down on all fours to eat his hairpiece, under the capitol rotunda) aside from her support for the shitmire, is that she just isn’t very politically sharp. And evidently, neither is her staff.

For us, politically, she’s a train-wreck waiting to happen. I’m not endorsing Edwards, but I hope he beats her by 15 points in Iowa.

:o)

oops forgot:
http://www.StopIranWar.com

reply to comment @269

“The solution to terrorism is not going to be found in bullets,” Clark said. “It’s not going to be found in precision ordnance or targeted strikes. It’s really going to be found in changing the conditions. It’s going to be found in establishing a global safety net that starts with security and goes to economic development and political development and the kinds of modernization which let others enjoy the fruits of modernization that we as Americans enjoy.”

~ Gen. Wesley Clark, October 17, 2001, Annual Lecture sponsored by the Center for the Study of Force and Diplomacy at Temple University.

wigwam @ 269

reader @ 261
Good insight. And I agree with your judgement about the inevitability of that outcome, if the democrats follow their usual thinking and usual advisors.

There are very strong factors pushing for an attack on Iran, most notably the lobby whose name invokes moderation, and they are going to hedge their bets but they’ll back the candidate most likely to attack Iran. …

…to rid Iraq of Weapons of Mass Destruction, an objective that had already been accomplished by Hilary’s husband, without the spilling of American blood and without the expenditure of hundreds of billions of dollars. And he did so in the wisest of military traditions:

What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins,
but excels in winning with ease. But his victories bring him neither
reputation for wisdom nor credit for courage. For inasmuch as they
are gained over circumstnces that have not come to light, the world at
large knows nothing of them, and he therfore wins no reputation for
wisdom; and inasmuch as the hostile state submits before there has
been any bloodshed, he receives no credit for courage. [Sun Tzu, The
Art of War, 400BC]

…
IMHO, clever campaign advisors could, with the help of wise military folks, exploit this comparision.

How knowledgeable of you to notice the Sun Tzu point.

There’s an old line about magic tricks and circus tricks. If they’re done too well and don’t appear risky, then the audience will tire of your show. But, the truly skilled artist is the one who entertains the audience by adding an element of risk to thrill the audience as well as amaze them.

To achieve a political victory without it being noticed is surely something of which we’ve never heard.

So, what are we likely to see in the coming months which will be ‘normal’ politics? Speeches, investigations, committee hearings, a few indictments, perhaps even one or two more resignations from the Bush administratin (if we’re lucky).

But, what is going to amaze us? Gore thrills us, but at this point I don’t see him taking the leap. Bush amazes us in a spectacularly destructive way, so we can always look for him to say something goofy. Rove…yeah, Rove knows how to manipulate, but it’s not ever uplifting. Besides, his guy is toast, so who is he working for? No, we have to look to world events and how the political candidates for prez respond. A lot has already happened, so we might notice some trends shaping up — even if the general public isn’t quite clued in yet.

Who will amaze AND make it look spectacular or exciting? Maybe Obama could. Come primary time Edwards might. Bill Clinton could speak up and make something interesting happen; though I don’t know what it would be. I suppose there are some individuals who could endorse a candidate in the Fall, but who would have more impact than the candidates themselves? Nope, it looks like world events Bush and then candidates responses to it. A winner will naturally emerge.