Zed?

Woo hoo!

zed?

no zed. good for you shadowstalker.

Now go tell the others we’re up here, boys.

When the wheel of fortune takes forever to spin, time to look upstairs.

I’ve informed the lower gallery, o therapod.

Kathy Griffin? ohmystars

TRex!!!

are you saying TRex, you might be in DC sitting in the hallowed halls blogging the hearings? C-A-N-T W-A-I-T

Judge Walton speaks about Libby legal limbo

Bush eliminated Libby’s 2 1/2-year prison term and left in place his two years of supervised release. But supervised release — a form of probation — is only available to people who have served prison time. Without prison, it’s unclear what happens next.

U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton posed the question to Libby’s attorneys and to Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald: Does this mean Libby won’t actually be required to serve supervised release? Should he just have to report to probation officials as if he spent time in prison?

The law, Walton said in court documents, “does not appear to contemplate a situation in which a defendant may be placed under supervised release without first completing a term of incarceration.”

For now, it appears Libby is in legal limbo. Walton gave both sides until Monday to respond.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/200….._confusion

Perhaps this will also turn out to be a trademark strategic blunder?
-

TRex @ 5

Now go tell the others we’re up here, boys.

IANAB – i am not a boy

IANAB – i am not a boy

Oops. Aheh. I guess that really is a sword on your belt and you’re not just glad to see me.

well it figures that bush would even screw up the “commutation”
can’t get anything right…an effing disaster, the story of this admin

QuentinCompson @ 10

Judge Walton speaks about Libby legal limbo

Bush eliminated Libby’s 2 1/2-year prison term and left in place his two years of supervised release. But supervised release — a form of probation — is only available to people who have served prison time. Without prison, it’s unclear what happens next.

U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton posed the question to Libby’s attorneys and to Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald: Does this mean Libby won’t actually be required to serve supervised release? Should he just have to report to probation officials as if he spent time in prison?

The law, Walton said in court documents, “does not appear to contemplate a situation in which a defendant may be placed under supervised release without first completing a term of incarceration.”

For now, it appears Libby is in legal limbo. Walton gave both sides until Monday to respond.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/200….._confusion

Perhaps this will also turn out to be a trademark strategic blunder?
-

Perhaps Walton might request the President to come to court to explain it himself. Since Bush didn’t bother to discuss it with the DOJ, it’s not likely they are in a position to explain what Bush is doing.

Even if Fred Fielding shows up instead of Bush, it would still be great theater.

TRex @ 5

Now go tell the others we’re up here, boys.

I’m a grandma, darlin’….but thanks for the compliment, as I know how you feel about da boyz.

TRex,

Always glad to see you big guy…despite any appearances. *g*

Okay, who wants to come over and fix me some dinner? I’m beat.

G’nite, all!

TRex @ 12

IANAB – i am not a boy

Oops. Aheh. I guess that really is a sword on your belt and you’re not just glad to see me.

I’m always glad to see you TRex, but the equipment I have doesn’t go in that direction. Been a woman for 64 years now.

And…I loves being reminded of Mae West, anytime, anywhere.

Ahh well… now I know about upstairs( no I’m still in the dark but I have a flashlight and a map, and no I won’t pull over and ask directions).

argosfalcon @ 20

Ahh well… now I know about upstairs( no I’m still in the dark but I have a flashlight and a map, and no I won’t pull over and ask directions).

LOL

TRex @ 17

Okay, who wants to come over and fix me some dinner? I’m beat.

Have some leftover chicken and rice in the fridge. help yourself.

Peterr, to answer your comment from the last thread, I think a more important question than who will be the next John Dean is who will be the next Barry Goldwater – the guy who realizes that things have gone beyond the point of no return and who has the courage to tell that to the President. Any candidates? I don’t see anyone who could fill those shoes.

Too late. Well, goodnight Peterr.

Peterr @ 19

G’nite, all!

sleep well Peterr

(stuffing left over homemake fried chicken drumstick into modem for TRex)

want some leftover potato salad with that?

Suzanne @ 25

(stuffing left over homemake fried chicken drumstick into modem for TRex)

want some leftover potato salad with that?

I still have about three pounds of the stuff. You’re welcome to it.

TRex, all I’ve got is Diet Pepsi, a bag of Doritos, and the junk in the junk machine in the break room. You should wait for Tex to cook up somethin’ nice.

Shadowstalker @ 27

TRex, all I’ve got is Diet Pepsi, a bag of Doritos, and the junk in the junk machine in the break room. You should wait for Tex to cook up somethin’ nice.

can i have some doritos?

All those that skipped supper, pull up a chair. Dessert to follow.

G’nite Peterr
And TRex, thanks for the Kathy. She is so Fabulous.
It was good to smile after my KO tears….yeah, did it again the second time watching his comment. He just nailed it so completely. And it all makes me so sad.

just sherbet with a bit of chocolate on the side here( damn did I say that out loud the doctor will kill me).

argosfalcon @ 31

just sherbet with a bit of chocolate on the side here( damn did I say that out loud the doctor will kill me).

But does your doctor know your screen name?

It took an entire day of a crazy work shift and spending time reading last night to finally calm down to the point where i wasn’t overly mad at this whole event.

I really, really want to see what Congress does with this. And i intend to do my part which is being one of the death by a 1001 cuts by email AND by phone in the next day or so.

Otherwise, i’m just thrashed after working the last 2 days. Roughly 600 perscriptions filled and dispensed between monday and tuesday. *collapses into her chair*

argosfalcon @ 20

Ahh well… now I know about upstairs( no I’m still in the dark but I have a flashlight and a map, and no I won’t pull over and ask directions).

I’m guessing you’re a guy. :0)

Cyber chocolate has no calories. Just like food more than 100 miles from home – zero calories and completely guilt free.

As for KO man I have never heard a more passionate speech, (well some close) in recent years.

greenwarrior@28

Absolutely, if it can get through the filters! Good thing I don’t have a spam sandwich, eh?

Alias,
Hey, did you know there’s gonna be an Astro Boy movie in 2009? My younger son told me that.

Glad to see you followed the trail up here, argosfalcon.

TexB: I think the ark we’ve been building might be under water. There’s been so much rain I’ve been afraid to venture out to the boatyard to look. And now it’s dark. I was at Barton Springs this morning when the water came rolling in over the upper dam.

aliasofwestgate @ 33

It took an entire day of a crazy work shift and spending time reading last night to finally calm down to the point where i wasn’t overly mad at this whole event.

I really, really want to see what Congress does with this. And i intend to do my part which is being one of the death by a 1001 cuts by email AND by phone in the next day or so.

Otherwise, i’m just thrashed after working the last 2 days. Roughly 600 perscriptions filled and dispensed between monday and tuesday. *collapses into her chair*

Welcome. Just served a late supper at #29. And here’s some dessert. A slice for everyone.

Margot @ 38

Alias,
Hey, did you know there’s gonna be an Astro Boy movie in 2009? My younger son told me that.

Live action or anime? If it’s anime i’m there in a heartbeat. :D I always like seeing what they do with the original concepts over there. Mostly becuase they HOLD to what was there and not kill it.

Shadowstalker @ 37

greenwarrior@28

Absolutely, if it can get through the filters! Good thing I don’t have a spam sandwich, eh?

eeww! i prefer doritos.

Now that is my kinda pie Tex. Dayam, something for everyone. Grabbing whipped cream.

greenwarrior @ 40

TexB: I think the ark we’ve been building might be under water. There’s been so much rain I’ve been afraid to venture out to the boatyard to look. And now it’s dark. I was at Barton Springs this morning when the water came rolling in over the upper dam.

That would be about the time they closed it, eh? All the lakes closed now.

Well yes I’m a guy, no my doctor does not (I think he might be on facebook, or googled my blogs)and it’s nice to know that cyber chocolate is calorie free.

TRex @ 17

Okay, who wants to come over and fix me some dinner? I’m beat.

(Well, perhaps the ladies you called boys will volunteer? That was funny.) So was Kathy Griffin.

What’s really funny is that our incompetent-beyond-measure Preznit cannot even obstruct justice without fucking it up.

We’re gonna need a double-team in DeeCee on the Ninth — one team for the Conyers’ HJC hearing on Capitol Hill and one team for the Walton hearing at Prettyman!

Woo-hoo, dueling hearings!

Just finishing up my third Fourth of July in the antipodes. Seems fitting not to be there in the States, but just kick some ….. tomorrow for all of us out of the US, okay? (Wierd winter weather here with tornados in New Plymouth and Auckland this afternoon. Here at Lake Taupo, the weather is just dank and dark. Could use some fireworks to lighten the mood or give sparks to the anger.)

tex, thank you! worked late so this is a nice supper & treat.

(Rummages in fridge) Hey everyone, you can have some of the blackcaps (a wild black raspberry) i helped my brother pick on Sunday. Gotta eat them up before they get mushy.

Suzanne @ 35

Cyber chocolate has no calories. Just like food more than 100 miles from home – zero calories and completely guilt free.

And all broken cookies.

TexB @ 45

greenwarrior @ 40

TexB: I think the ark we’ve been building might be under water. There’s been so much rain I’ve been afraid to venture out to the boatyard to look. And now it’s dark. I was at Barton Springs this morning when the water came rolling in over the upper dam.

That would be about the time they closed it, eh? All the lakes closed now.

A friend of mine took these a few minutes later. It says July 2, but they’re from this morning. I was just arriving to go for a swim.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bartonsprings/spnew?

Alias,
IMBD says Imagi Animation Studios is making it, so I’m guessing anime. I don’t think my son would have even mentioned it if it were live action, come to think of it.

So whats for dinner, hmm ancestor of tyrannosaurus (ie chicken) with brown rice and fresh green bean.

TeddySanFran @ 47

TRex @ 17

Okay, who wants to come over and fix me some dinner? I’m beat.

(Well, perhaps the ladies you called boys will volunteer? That was funny.) So was Kathy Griffin.

What’s really funny is that our incompetent-beyond-measure Preznit cannot even obstruct justice without fucking it up.

We’re gonna need a double-team in DeeCee on the Ninth — one team for the Conyers’ HJC hearing on Capitol Hill and one team for the Walton hearing at Prettyman!

Woo-hoo, dueling hearings!

Teddy! Perfect timing for a reminder for those that haven’t donated yet. Buttons for online contributins and snail mail for those that perfer the old fashioned way on the upper right hand corner of this page.

FDL will be there if we help.

I’m offering up a BLTA, TRex. On lightly toasted garlic parmesan bread. Suzanne’s potato salad would be really good with it.

What’s really funny is that our incompetent-beyond-measure Preznit cannot even obstruct justice without fucking it up.

Teddy, you’re cracking me up.

I have heated up the pesto linguine with chicken and roasted pine nuts I made on Sunday night. It’s actually even better this time.

hi suz

(hangs head, having gone overboard about Novakula’s due)

greenwarrior @ 51

TexB @ 45

That would be about the time they closed it, eh? All the lakes closed now.

A friend of mine took these a few minutes later. It says July 2, but they’re from this morning. I was just arriving to go for a swim.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bartonsprings/spnew?

WOW! I have never seen it like that. I am downloading them now.

oooooh – argo used the ch*ck*n word in referring to the therapod’s ancestry. man likes to live dangerously

Sorry, TRex you’re cracking me up.

So there is a hundred mile limit to calories (does that include the three second rule on mis-handled items?, now I’ll really have to be creative on building research projects.

Anyone have any “jacqrat” catnip? I saw someone giving gato a bit, earlier. I’d like the other kind, please.

greenwarrior @ 28

Shadowstalker @ 27

TRex, all I’ve got is Diet Pepsi, a bag of Doritos, and the junk in the junk machine in the break room. You should wait for Tex to cook up somethin’ nice.

can i have some doritos?

You want chips? I got yer chips right here: Tom’s wasabi potato chips. Man, oh man …

TeddySanFran @ 58

hi suz

(hangs head, having gone overboard about Novakula’s due)

you clarified so all is good teddy

metaphor is my friend

TeddySanFran @ 66

metaphor is my friend

liberal use will prevent confusion :)

TeddySanFran @ 58

hi suz

(hangs head, having gone overboard about Novakula’s due)

Did you go overboard, Teddy? I don’t think that’s possible. I saw your love note to Lurch. Better check the end of the last thread!

Thanks for the pie, TexB!

Whew, what a day. More on the Town Hall with Greg Walden later (though honestly it was anticlimactic). Just finished a letter to the editor, anyone of you late-nighters want to chime in with thoughts before I hit send?

Whatever happened to the rule of law? A covert CIA agent trying to determine if Iran has WMD is outed (as is her “front” company Brewster-Jennings) because her husband called out the Bush Administration on it’s lies regarding Saddam’s attempts to acquire uranium from Niger. The facts from the case indicate that Dick Cheney directed Scooter Libby to leak this information to the NY Times. The prosecutor in the case, while prosecuting Libby for lying, perjury and obstruction of justice noted that it was like throwing sand in the umpires eyes. In other words, he couldn’t prosecute the leak because Libby lied to cover his bosses, Cheney and Bush.

The Republicans who claim to value the Constitution and the rule of law are downright giddy that Bush commuted Libby’s sentence and claim it was a partisan witch hunt. I don’t follow that argument. The CIA asked the Dept. of Justice to investigate this crime. The head of the DOJ was Republican John Ashcroft who recused himself. Ashcroft’s recusal put James Comey, another Republican, in charge of the investigation. Comey then selected Pat Fitzgerald, another Republican, as the prosecutor. He tried the case before Judge Reggie Walton, another Republican, who was appointed to his position by Bush because he handed out tough sentences, which he did after a jury found Libby guilty. Finally, just yesterday, the Appeals Court ruled 3-0 that Libby must report to prison during his appeal. 2 of those judges are also Republicans.

What’s wrong with this picture? Either Republicans are horrendous at picking judge and prosecutors or Bush is paying off Libby for lying to cover their crimes. I’m 100% convinced it’s the latter. All those career law-and-order officials did their jobs well. Too well. Bush couldn’t let Libby serve a day in jail because he knew Libby would start talking the day he arrived. This is Bush’s Nixonian Saturday Night Massacre. Noone should be above the law, and in fact, even the President is not. The Constitution does not allow for executive interference when he is connected in a suspicious manner to the person being granted clemency. What Bush did is Obstruction of Justice, the punishment is impeachment.

It’s probably too long, what to cut…?

One LtE to the WaPo tomorrow:

EXCERPT:

I am not surprised that some conservatives are not mollified. Mr. Libby’s commutation will place him in the pantheon of conservative stalwarts. Like G. Gordon Liddy and Oliver North before him, Mr. Libby will be cast as a loyal soldier who fell on his sword for king and country.

The only problem is that this country doesn’t have a king. In truth, Mr. Libby is just the latest in a string of political operatives let off the hook for short-sheeting the Constitution and the American people in exchange for covering up their bosses’ sins.

Filling in for David Duke in the 2 minutes of hate tonight will be “Christian” conservative columnist, Cal Thomas.

Gentlemen start your gas chambers.

-GSD

therapods are genetically related but would African grey smooth ruffled feathers?

anyone have some “nuance” for “sorry fucking asses?”

not to eat though

GSD, was those metaphorical gas chambers?

rat bastahd @ 69

Whew, what a day. More on the Town Hall with Greg Walden later (though honestly it was anticlimactic). Just finished a letter to the editor, anyone of you late-nighters want to chime in with thoughts before I hit send?

…

Comey then selected Pat Fitzgerald, another Republican, as the prosecutor.

It’s probably too long, what to cut…?

I thought Fitzgerald declared himself a political independent??

bg @ 73

anyone have some “nuance” for “sorry fucking asses?”

great gas bags of lies?

I just posted those pictures of the flooded swim area (Barton Springs) to my Facebook album.

Perhaps you just need to take out part of the last paragraph.

Whatever happened to the rule of law? A covert CIA agent trying to determine if Iran has WMD is outed (as is her “front” company Brewster-Jennings) because her husband called out the Bush Administration on it’s lies regarding Saddam’s attempts to acquire uranium from Niger. The facts from the case indicate that Dick Cheney directed Scooter Libby to leak this information to the NY Times. The prosecutor in the case, while prosecuting Libby for lying, perjury and obstruction of justice noted that it was like throwing sand in the umpires eyes. In other words, he couldn’t prosecute the leak because Libby lied to cover his bosses, Cheney and Bush.

The Republicans who claim to value the Constitution and the rule of law are downright giddy that Bush commuted Libby’s sentence and claim it was a partisan witch hunt. I don’t follow that argument. The CIA asked the Dept. of Justice to investigate this crime. The head of the DOJ was Republican John Ashcroft who recused himself. Ashcroft’s recusal put James Comey, another Republican, in charge of the investigation. Comey then selected Pat Fitzgerald, another Republican, as the prosecutor. He tried the case before Judge Reggie Walton, another Republican, who was appointed to his position by Bush because he handed out tough sentences, which he did after a jury found Libby guilty. Finally, just yesterday, the Appeals Court ruled 3-0 that Libby must report to prison during his appeal. 2 of those judges are also Republicans.

The Constitution does not allow for executive interference when the president is connected in a suspicious manner to the person being granted clemency. What Bush did is Obstruction of Justice, the punishment is impeachment.

Thanks tex.

cujo, I think you are right, independent or declined to state.

Please save or cancel previous edits? I just got that message when I clicked on “edit this comment”.

Maybe it is not polite to talk about Tony Snow in the context of “sorry fucking asses.” Maybe there is no nuance.

The very rare Milbank that’s worth reading.

He starts the column quoting from Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwocky to illustrate the White House’s detachment from reality:

Twas brillig, and the slithy toves

Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:

All mimsy were the borogoves,

And the mome raths outgrabe.

– Jabberwocky, 1871.

I’m sure that the vice president may have expressed an opinion, but the fact is, the president understands the — and he may have recused himself; I honestly don’t know.

– White House press briefing, yesterday.

Lewis Carroll had nothing on the Bush White House of 2007.

The president and his aides have been trending toward the margins of reality for some time now, but with this week’s commutation of Scooter Libby’s prison term, the administration’s statements dissolved into nonsense.

Cujo, dang, ok, clear your cache and do a hard refresh. I think that if you edit more than once on a thread, it gets stuck. Try a hard refresh and it should reset that edit thingie.

looser butts

Fitz=unaffiliated

Teddy,

That’s a nice, succinct letter. Good for you!

Suzanne @ 75

GSD, was those metaphorical gas chambers?

No, they are the gas-chambers that “good Christian” Cal Thomas wants to start marching the Muslims into.

Fascism with a bad comb-over.

-GSD

P.S. I saw Bill Richardson tonight at the “Pots and Pans Parade” in Greenville NH. I shook his hand, and as I was chatting him up a car full of drunks drove by and yelled: “Hillary Clinton for President”. We all got a good laugh.

Gee rule of law, well there seems to be two sets of books. Kind of like Enron but with out the charming characters.

This has been a grim day, and I wouldn’t have thought it possible, but Kathy Griffin made me laugh. Hard. I needed it.

Therapods always come through.

bg @ 82

Maybe it is not polite to talk about Tony Snow in the context of “sorry fucking asses.” Maybe there is no nuance.

Thinking along the same lines myself. He looks terrible and I worry about his prognosis….but he took ass to a new level today.

Perfect. Nuance for “sorry fucking asses:”

All mimsy were the borogoves,

And the mome raths outgrabe.

Indeed they do.

Thanks, GSD. I wasn’t sure what you were referring to in your original comment.

bg @ 73

anyone have some “nuance” for “sorry fucking asses?”

Should not wear Levis.

Myopic, mendacious mouth-breathers.

-GSD

Morning all (at least it is here),

Say, has anyone thought of contacting Paris Hilton and asking her if she’d kick some money in for an ad campaign saying “I served at least some time; Scooter Libby didn’t have to serve any”? (Except I doubt Paris would recognise a semi-colon.)

I’ve only just woken up so can’t come up with a snappy line for the ad right now. But I know it will occur to me sometime in the next day or so.

Ed*ard Teller @ 86

Teddy,

That’s a nice, succinct letter. Good for you!

Not mine; I just thought it was worth bringing over here as an example.

burnspbesq @ 64

greenwarrior @ 28

can i have some doritos?

You want chips? I got yer chips right here: Tom’s wasabi potato chips. Man, oh man …

wasabi’s out of my league.

Eureka Springs @ 94

bg @ 73

anyone have some “nuance” for “sorry fucking asses?”

Should not wear Levis.

Well maybe not the form-fitting kind, dude.

I’m for “waiting for my commutation.” Signed, Benedict Arnold

For those of us in the midwest, what exactly is wasabi?

Rat, I don’t think he was told to leak just to the NYTimes (Judy Miller). Novak works for the Chicago Sun and is syndicated. There was also Matt Cooper of Time magazine. Who knows, maybe there were others we don’t know about too.

Some how there has to be something better lets see well lets not, I’m sure in some circles seeing sorry is fine but now I have to wash my mind out with bleach.

Eclair time!

Best time of the day.

Wasabi? Temporary cure for mouth breathing.

Will not solve knuckle dragging.

I also got into a shouting match with a wingnut too…….I didn’t relent until he finally admitted that he “hated” George W. Bush too.

No underlying crime my ass.

Submission accomplished.

-GSD

I can’t find my gloves. I took them off and put them on the table, but everything is off the table now….

-GSD

Did someone say that Matt Cooper from “Time” has joined the Firedoglake Facebook group or did I hallucinate that?

thats fucking asses, as for wasabi as horseradish delight.

Heard about Libby on my way back from fishing, listening to a Christofascist AM talk show on a Christofascist radio station, driving throught the Christofascist town of Glennallen, Alaska. Even Ms. ET, who is very nice, said “Fucking Shit!” when she heard.

Way OT I’m sure, but has anyone mentioned this in the last couple of weeks? 3 miles from my hometown, and I am enraged..

http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1283919.html

Shadowstalker @ 101

For those of us in the midwest, what exactly is wasabi?

Something that looks waaaayyyy too much like avocado.

Oh my, what I would do for an eclair about now, sir….

eclair time is much better than beer thirty.

TRex @ 108

Did someone say that Matt Cooper from “Time” has joined the Firedoglake Facebook group or did I hallucinate that?

I recall Jane saying that he was her first FB friend.

Finally, something to cheer me up.

Dona Leticia de San Antonio.

Be still, my heart.

Oh, lookie here.

Col. Klink wants to improve the conditions at Stalag 13.

Says perhaps it is not so good to have detainees sitting and stewing in anger and isolation.

It did wonders for Ayman al Zawahiri.

-GSD

Shadowstalker @ 101

For those of us in the midwest, what exactly is wasabi?

this midwesterner’s willing to tell you it’s Japanese for horseradish. Same great sinus-clearing kick. Pass the wasabi peas!

TeddySanFran @ 113

Oh my, what I would do for an eclair about now, sir….

I have one hidden on my person. If you can find it, you can eat it.

Well now we know how he will fact check his next story.

wini @ 111

Way OT I’m sure, but has anyone mentioned this in the last couple of weeks? 3 miles from my hometown, and I am enraged..

http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1283919.html

If the float “scared the children” we better toughen’ ‘em up a bit. I mean if they are ‘ascared’ of a float, how are they gonna deal with Al Qaeda?

Warmongers kids are a little soft these days.

-GSD

TexB @ 78

I just posted those pictures of the flooded swim area (Barton Springs) to my Facebook album.

Here’s a link to what the pool looks like when it’s not flooded. Scroll down til you get to the two pics of Barton Springs Pool. I live close enough that I usually walk to the pool.

http://www.savebartoncreek.org/onlinestore.htm

TRex @ 104

Eclair time!

Best time of the day.

and all eclairs are chocolate.

TRex @ 119

TeddySanFran @ 113

Oh my, what I would do for an eclair about now, sir….

I have one hidden on my person. If you can find it, you can eat it.

Oh, behaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaave.

TexB @ 78

I just posted those pictures of the flooded swim area (Barton Springs) to my Facebook album.

link didn’t work…

I choose to view life as a procession of eclairs. Sometimes the gaps between are long and difficult, but somewhere out there, somewhere in your future, an eclair is waiting.

greenwarrior @ 125

TexB @ 78

I just posted those pictures of the flooded swim area (Barton Springs) to my Facebook album.

link didn’t work…

Are you on my facebook friends??

And a fine thing, damn that doctor put cones around them. I hate this.

wini @ 111

Way OT I’m sure, but has anyone mentioned this in the last couple of weeks? 3 miles from my hometown, and I am enraged..

http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1283919.html

I am excited to hear this news, that people everywhere across America are debating this war. That people go silent when this float passes by speaks volumes.

Thanks for passing this story along. Good luck to these veterans who fought for our, and their, freedom of speech. And shame on those who would silence them.

(I love it that people say the float “scares children!” Well, children should be scared! If BushCo has its way, those scared children will be fighting this war in fifteen years.)

Thanks again.

TRex @ 126

I choose to view life as a procession of eclairs. Sometimes the gaps between are long and difficult, but somewhere out there, somewhere in your future, an eclair is waiting.

Aww, man, you’re killing us diabetics with all this talk of eclairs. Can we talk about anchovy pizzas instead?

TexB content not found. but I cant access you though facebook?

Reminds me of The Kiss Float from last election. Good for them for building it.

Suzanne @ 132

Reminds me of The Kiss Float from last election. Good for them for building it.

More floats, please, patriotic Americans!

argosfalcon @ 131

TexB content not found. but I cant access you though facebook?

My facebook name is Betsy G M . Go to suzanne’s or someone else from FDL and look for me among their friends.

TeddySanFran @ 129

wini @ 111

Way OT I’m sure, but has anyone mentioned this in the last couple of weeks? 3 miles from my hometown, and I am enraged..

http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1283919.html

I am excited to hear this news, that people everywhere across America are debating this war. That people go silent when this float passes by speaks volumes.

Thanks for passing this story along. Good luck to these veterans who fought for our, and their, freedom of speech. And shame on those who would silence them.

(I love it that people say the float “scares children!” Well, children should be scared! If BushCo has its way, those scared children will be fighting this war in fifteen years.)

Thanks again.

You’re welcome. I first knew of this a couple of weeks ago due to my family still living in the area.. I came home tonight to an article and link on the front page of the Startribune.com, and felt I had to pass it on. I’m embarrassed, but I really think there are more in my camp (and ours)than others from this region.

Shadowstalker @ 101

For those of us in the midwest, what exactly is wasabi?

Wasabi is a hot horseradishy tasting paste served with sushi. Mix it up with soy sauce and dip in the sushi! Yum. You can buy it dry and just add water.

TRex @ 119

TeddySanFran @ 113

Oh my, what I would do for an eclair about now, sir….

I have one hidden on my person. If you can find it, you can eat it.

Cracks me up, especially since I know you mean it.

You have to belong to facebook to see pictures posted there.

Here is my facebook page. Join. Send me an invite to be your friend. Add lots of friends.

((waives to Persiflage – Is Mr P coming this way?))
RB @ 69 use “its” not “it’s” in first paragraph. “Its” is possessive, “it’s” is a contraction for it is. /grammar rant

Was Fitz always an Independent or did he recently declare that? When he was appointed AUSA was he a Republican?

burnspbesq @ 130

TRex @ 126

I choose to view life as a procession of eclairs. Sometimes the gaps between are long and difficult, but somewhere out there, somewhere in your future, an eclair is waiting.

Aww, man, you’re killing us diabetics with all this talk of eclairs. Can we talk about anchovy pizzas instead?

Anchovy pizza. Not for me to judge.

TexB @ 127

greenwarrior @ 125

link didn’t work…

Are you on my facebook friends??

No, but I’d like to be. How do I do that?

rat bastahd @ 140

Was Fitz always an Independent or did he recently declare that? When he was appointed AUSA was he a Republican?

I believe the confusion is that he was appointed by a Republican. He has always been unaffiliated iirc.

LooHoo@136

Ehh, think I’ll pass on the sushi, thanks. Maybe plain doritos, though…just never could get into raw fish.

rat bastahd @ 140

Was Fitz always an Independent or did he recently declare that? When he was appointed AUSA was he a Republican?

He stated it @ his indictment presser.

Loo Hoo. @ 136

Shadowstalker @ 101

For those of us in the midwest, what exactly is wasabi?

Wasabi is a hot horseradishy tasting paste served with sushi. Mix it up with soy sauce and dip in the sushi! Yum. You can buy it dry and just add water.

It can clear your sinuses faster than just about any substance known to man, but the sneezing accompanying the sinus clearing can ruin your delectable dinner if you aren’t careful. My shiso crop is about ready to test with a bunch of wasabi, fresh-caught salmon and halibut, and some nori a friend harvested and dried.

argosfalcon @ 128

And a fine thing, damn that doctor put cones around them. I hate this.

argos, could you quote or refer to the comment you’re talking about? i’m not following what you refer to when there’s no reference back.
thanks, man.

greenwarrior @ 142

TexB @ 127

Are you on my facebook friends??

No, but I’d like to be. How do I do that?

Click here.

TRex @ 108

Did someone say that Matt Cooper from “Time” has joined the Firedoglake Facebook group or did I hallucinate that?

There’s a list of “important” people on the last thread at 211.

Ahh éclairs, and now I’m Homer Simmson jelly donuts, the next thing you know I’ll be smoking cigarettes and chasing fast women (well the slow ones my legs don’t work so well).

Conventional wisdom in Weenie World is that Irve Libby is a nice felon.

-GSD

petedownunder @ 139

((waives to Persiflage – Is Mr P coming this way?))
RB @ 69 use “its” not “it’s” in first paragraph. “Its” is possessive, “it’s” is a contraction for it is. /grammar rant

Hi Pete, I was wondering where you were! Mr P is here in Perth for the rest of the week. Beyond that, I don’t know. When do you head back to the US?

bg @ 91

Perfect. Nuance for “sorry fucking asses:”

All mimsy were the borogoves,

And the mome raths outgrabe.

And suddenly The Walrus and the Carpenter jumps into my mind.

‘O Oysters, come and walk with us!
The Walrus did beseech.
‘A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk,
Along the briny beach:
We cannot do with more than four,
To give a hand to each.’

The eldest Oyster looked at him,
But never a word he said:
The eldest Oyster winked his eye,
And shook his heavy head –
Meaning to say he did not choose
To leave the oyster-bed.

Out four young Oysters hurried up.
All eager for the treat:
Their coats were brushed, their faces washed,
Their shoes were clean and neat –
And this was odd, because, you know,
They hadn’t any feet.

Four other Oysters followed them,
And yet another four;
And thick and fast they came at last,
And more, and more, and more –
All hopping through the frothy waves,
And scrambling to the shore.

The Walrus and the Carpenter
Walked on a mile or so,
And then they rested on a rock
Conveniently low:
And all the little Oysters stood
And waited in a row.

‘The time has come,’ the Walrus said,
‘To talk of many things:
Of shoes — and ships — and sealing wax –
Of cabbages — and kings –
And why the sea is boiling hot –
And whether pigs have wings.’

‘But wait a bit,’ the Oysters cried,
‘Before we have our chat;
For some of us are out of breath,
And all of us are fat!’
‘No hurry!’ said the Carpenter.
They thanked him much for that.

‘A loaf of bread,’ the Walrus said,
‘Is what we chiefly need:
Pepper and vinegar besides
Are very good indeed –
Now, if you’re ready, Oysters dear,
We can begin to feed.’

‘But not on us!’ the Oysters cried,
Turning a little blue.
‘After such kindness, that would be
A dismal thing to do!’
‘The night is fine,’ the Walrus said,
‘Do you admire the view?’

‘It was so kind of you to come!
And you are very nice!’
The Carpenter said nothing but
‘Cut us another slice-
I wish you were not quite so deaf-
I’ve had to ask you twice!’

‘It seems a shame,’ the Walrus said,
‘To play them such a trick.
After we’ve brought them out so far,
And made them trot so quick!’
The Carpenter said nothing but
‘The butter’s spread too thick!’

‘I weep for you,’the Walrus said:
‘I deeply sympathize.’
With sobs and tears he sorted out
Those of the largest size,
Holding his pocket-handkerchief
Before his streaming eyes.

‘O Oysters,’ said the Carpenter,
‘You’ve had a pleasant run!
Shall we be trotting home again?’
But answer came there none –
And this was scarcely odd, because
They’d eaten every one.

I see Cheney as the Walrus.

We haven’t had any pen porn for a while. This should make our favorite lizard swoon.

Waterman Patrician, “Moss Agate”

Shadowstalker @ 144

LooHoo@136

Ehh, think I’ll pass on the sushi, thanks. Maybe plain doritos, though…just never could get into raw fish.

There’s all kinds of sushi, including cooked fish and vegetarian options, all of which are quite tasty. Sashimi is specifically sushi with raw fish.

My personal favorite kind of sushi involves fried soft shell crab. I’m not so crazy about the raw stuff either. I don’t get all ecstatic over it like some of my friends.

wini, I bet the Veterans for Peace would be delighted to read your supportive Letter to the Editor if you’re so inclined. I think editors might welcome your perspective. Your story of coming home for the Fourth of July, only to see this front-page article about Veterans being silenced — Veterans who fought for our, and their, rights — well, it’s very moving. It’s worth sharing with your community.

Just a thought.

sorry it was all about the éclairs

burnspbesq @ 154

We haven’t had any pen porn for a while. This should make our favorite lizard swoon.

Waterman Patrician, “Moss Agate”

oh sure, tempt the big guy with pen p*rn on a holiday eve when he is hungry.

Loo Hoo. @ 136

Shadowstalker @ 101

For those of us in the midwest, what exactly is wasabi?

Wasabi is a hot horseradishy tasting paste served with sushi. Mix it up with soy sauce and dip in the sushi! Yum. You can buy it dry and just add water.

And it’s green. A nice, bright green. So, if you’re ever eating at a Japanese restaurant, do not eat a huge spoonful of what looks like nice, creamy avocado, unless you like steam coming out of your ears.

Nooooooo. Do not show me lovely pens.
I just ordered one.

That was my pen money for the month.

yes if you would share it I would love to see it.

Teddy, how bout I fax you some grand marnier souffle w/creme anglais?

burnspbesq @ 154

We haven’t had any pen porn for a while. This should make our favorite lizard swoon.

Waterman Patrician, “Moss Agate”

Zat link, monsieur, she stinks.

damn my hide missed quoting the post again.

persiflage @ 152

When do you head back to the US?

I’m downunder through 30 July.

I just had an email from Alfred. Says his dad is doing a lot better and may be home from hospital shortly.

argosfalcon @ 164

damn my hide missed quoting the post again.

argo, just keep practicing.

TexB @ 166

I just had an email from Alfred. Says his dad is doing a lot better and may be home from hospital shortly.

woohoo! good news

persiflage @ 159

And it’s green. A nice, bright green. So, if you’re ever eating at a Japanese restaurant, do not eat a huge spoonful of what looks like nice, creamy avocado, unless you like steam coming out of your ears.

When ET, Jr. was about three, we were eating at a local Japanese-Korean restaurant. He saw a big wad of wasabi in the middle of the table. He really liked minty green thingies at the time. When he thought nobody was looking, he grabbed it and popped it into his mouth. Thirty seconds later…..

that made my night! thanks!

dang it, ET, I had just taken a sip of hot coffee and there was NOT a spew warning… poor et jr…

SunnyNobility @ 162

Teddy, how bout I fax you some grand marnier souffle w/creme anglais?

omg

ET, Is there a limit when salmon fishing with a dip net? Is that how long you fish, til you all have your limit?

If Scooter is guilty of obstructing Justice then what about Rove he runs the White House’s political operation. Somehow all the talking heads on the Main Stream Media all managed to say the exact same talkng points. I bet the RNC emails were how they coordinated about what message to push on any given day. Given all the lies about Valerie Palme not being covert well if Rove was the source of these lies. Isn’t that illegal and wouldn’t lying to orchestrate a fake public movement to pardon Libby be obstructing justice. Yes Bush can pardon and grant clemency at will but he can’t order people to lie to (cough) try and justify his action to the public. Thats my opinion if anyone has any ideas on this please feel free to educate don’t worry about criticizing either. I like a debate.

Ahh I’m the tin man if I only had a brain.

TeddySanFran @ 156

wini, I bet the Veterans for Peace would be delighted to read your supportive Letter to the Editor if you’re so inclined. I think editors might welcome your perspective. Your story of coming home for the Fourth of July, only to see this front-page article about Veterans being silenced — Veterans who fought for our, and their, rights — well, it’s very moving. It’s worth sharing with your community.

Just a thought.

Sorry, I’m just getting caught up here. “Children were scared”? Is there a part of this float we can’t see in that picture? That thing looks about as scary as a pile of rocks.

Suzanne @ 171

dang it, ET, I had just taken a sip of hot coffee and there was NOT a spew warning… poor et jr…

Nor did he get a spew warning. As you can see, he recovered. He loves sushi, sashimi, raw oysters. And wasabi.

Hey, Suzanne! If you click on my name, there’s a sound treat – I hope! – for you and other doggies who’ve been asking about my music on the web. Jane’s facebook challenge got me off my butt to finally find a way to deal with this. Thanks, Jane.

SunnyNobility @ 162

Teddy, how bout I fax you some grand marnier souffle w/creme anglais?

while you’re at the fax machine….

clickin on it now et

Eureka Springs @ 173

ET, Is there a limit when salmon fishing with a dip net? Is that how long you fish, til you all have your limit?

At Chitina, Alaska residents are allowed 30 salmon, one of which can be a King like the one ET, Jr’s holding in the pic. If I go down to Kenai and fish one of the rivers nearby, I’m allowed 55 more. I prefer the Copper River salmon to almost any other, though.

I’m downunder through 30 July.
———————————-
Nice that you don’t have to settle into 15G for a while. Got any thoughts about the Libby commutation?

now that soundgreenwarrior @ 178

SunnyNobility @ 162

Teddy, how bout I fax you some grand marnier souffle w/creme anglais?

while you’re at the fax machine….

now that sounds like a fine treat.

Ed*ard Teller @ 169

persiflage @ 159

And it’s green. A nice, bright green. So, if you’re ever eating at a Japanese restaurant, do not eat a huge spoonful of what looks like nice, creamy avocado, unless you like steam coming out of your ears.

When ET, Jr. was about three, we were eating at a local Japanese-Korean restaurant. He saw a big wad of wasabi in the middle of the table. He really liked minty green thingies at the time. When he thought nobody was looking, he grabbed it and popped it into his mouth. Thirty seconds later…..

Poor ET Jr! At least nobody looks at you funny when you’re 3 years of age and you spit food out. I was 33, they looked.

Cujo,
This is what gets me:

In Virginia last month, the issue was more political.

“Our bylaws clearly state we do not have any political solicitation in our parade,” said Barb Fivecoate, a Land of the Loon spokeswoman. “Our festival is a family festival and we want to keep it upbeat and a happy day and a happy weekend for everybody.”

In other words, the float’s a bummer, and their kids must be happy happy all the time. God forbid they know anything real that’s going on.

man can I mangle a quote or what.

Greenwarrior, you have Facebook mail.

argo, you are learning just fine :) one secret is to double check to make sure you are at the very end of the quoted comment by looking for the < carrot thingie followed by / and then the work blockquote and another carrot thingie….</p>

For those of you who joined Facebook tonight, don’t forget to tell us with a link to your facebook page in the comments.

I thought that I read somewhere Bush was not going to govern by polls like Clinton supposedly did. But considering how he gots the MSM pushing his talking points and manufacturing lies about Weapon of Mass Destruction and Valerie Palme well isn’t that worst? When the viewers of a comedy show like the Daily Show are better informed about whats going on than Fox News Viewers then it should be in the public interest to break up the big media conglomerates. I thought that the FCC regulated the media because Democracy can’t work unless you can trust the news. Ignoring government manufactured lies put out in favor of government and big corporations has had led to this war for big oil at the expense of the people.

warrier & argos,

No problem, I’ll just broadcast it.

argosfalcon @ 182

now that soundgreenwarrior @ 178

while you’re at the fax machine….

now that sounds like a fine treat.

looks like yer startin’ to git the hang if it argos. good on ya.

argosfalcon @ 185

man can I mangle a quote or what.

it’s the software; it puts the cursor at the top of the quoted comment. we’ve all learned to “arrow down” to the bottom of the quoted comment, as have you!

no worries, Late Late Nite is for learning….

… and with that, I am informed that I have spent entirely too much time with my “online friends” *(that’s you guys!)* and need to come to bed.

So, g’nite all, and a Happy Independence Eve, or Day.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=528726003
Well heres my page I hope.

If only the folks in New Orleans had convicted Irve Libby of multiple felonies.

Bush would have jumped into action much more quickly.

-GSD

TeddySanFran @ 192

argosfalcon @ 185

man can I mangle a quote or what.

it’s the software; it puts the cursor at the top of the quoted comment. we’ve all learned to “arrow down” to the bottom of the quoted comment, as have you!
g’night

no worries, Late Late Nite is for learning….

… and with that, I am informed that I have spent entirely too much time with my “online friends” *(that’s you guys!)* and need to come to bed.

So, g’nite all, and a Happy Independence Eve, or Day.

TeddySanFran @ 192

argosfalcon @ 185

man can I mangle a quote or what.

it’s the software; it puts the cursor at the top of the quoted comment. we’ve all learned to “arrow down” to the bottom of the quoted comment, as have you!

no worries, Late Late Nite is for learning….

… and with that, I am informed that I have spent entirely too much time with my “online friends” *(that’s you guys!)* and need to come to bed.

So, g’nite all, and a Happy Independence Eve, or Day.

Sleep well Teddy.

Or whatever it is you’re planning. :)

Don’t forget to join the FireDogLake group at facebook.

sweet dreams, teddy.

Alright, mes amis. Time for bed.

Sleep tight and visualize impeachment.

TRex @ 198

Alright, mes amis. Time for bed.

Sleep tight and visualize impeachment.

You too TRex. Sleep well.

I’m bummed I missed the phoney blow thread…

TexB @ 166

I just had an email from Alfred. Says his dad is doing a lot better and may be home from hospital shortly.

Excellent!

g’nite trex

Night.

-GSD

Ed*ard Teller @ 169

persiflage @ 159

And it’s green. A nice, bright green. So, if you’re ever eating at a Japanese restaurant, do not eat a huge spoonful of what looks like nice, creamy avocado, unless you like steam coming out of your ears.

When ET, Jr. was about three, we were eating at a local Japanese-Korean restaurant. He saw a big wad of wasabi in the middle of the table. He really liked minty green thingies at the time. When he thought nobody was looking, he grabbed it and popped it into his mouth. Thirty seconds later…..

I saw your fishing pictures earlier, ET. What a handsome son you have! He caught a big ‘un.

g’nite GDS (and any other tired firepups I may have missed)

There is more to this editorial:

Libby gets a pass – to keep quiet
Listen to this article or download audio file.Click-2-Listen
EDITORIAL BOARD
Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Now we know what President Bush really meant when he said in 2003, as an investigation into the disclosure of a CIA operative began, that if anyone in his administration “has violated (the) law, the person will be taken care of.”

The president used his constitutional power to excuse Lewis “Scooter” Libby from serving 30 months in a federal prison as punishment for lying to a federal grand jury and a federal prosecutor about his role in that disclosure. As the president noted, Libby, 56, remains convicted of felony crimes, which he is appealing. He still must pay a $250,000 fine — wealthy friends likely will take care of that, as well as his sizable legal bills — and spend two years on probation.

There’s no question that Libby got preferential treatment. U.S. Justice Department guidelines say that “requests for commutation of prison sentences generally are not accepted unless and until a person has begun serving that sentence. In addition, commutation requests are generally not accepted from a person who is currently challenging his or her conviction or sentence through appeal or other court proceeding.”

Libby had not begun serving his sentence and is appealing his conviction. Bush’s decision to commute his sentence would not be so bothersome if the president had previously shown any inclination toward moderation in punishment of the guilty. Instead, he has drawn a very hard line, both as Texas governor and as president — except now, for someone with friends in the highest place in the government.

Remarkably untouched is Vice President Dick Cheney, the second-ranking leader of the world’s largest democracy, a man who takes pride in not caring what the people of that democracy think. Libby was Cheney’s chief of staff when he participated in a campaign to discredit former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, a critic of the intelligence Cheney cited to justify invading Iraq.

Is Petro still around?

things come undone @ 174

If Scooter is guilty of obstructing Justice then what about Rove he runs the White House’s political operation. Somehow all the talking heads on the Main Stream Media all managed to say the exact same talkng points. I bet the RNC emails were how they coordinated about what message to push on any given day. Given all the lies about Valerie Palme not being covert well if Rove was the source of these lies. Isn’t that illegal and wouldn’t lying to orchestrate a fake public movement to pardon Libby be obstructing justice. Yes Bush can pardon and grant clemency at will but he can’t order people to lie to (cough) try and justify his action to the public. Thats my opinion if anyone has any ideas on this please feel free to educate don’t worry about criticizing either. I like a debate.

Well, Novak tells us that they celebrated over champagne last night. Perhaps each toast was a talking point.

No underlying crime. Cheers! President’s perogative. Cheers! Poor wife and kids. Salud!

Yes, Margot, and it’s not as though the childrens’ own interests aren’t tied up in this. I get into rather heated discussions about John Kerry with some folks who disparage what he did back in the ’70s. One of the reasons is, if he and others hadn’t protested when they did, I could have ended up in Vietnam, or some of my classmates could have. I graduated from high school in 1974. How many more years would it have dragged out if everyone had “supported the troops” back then?

Well its back to the shadows for me as the higher functions fail good night and good fellowship to you all (who would have thought you could stutter with your hands). thank you for making me welcome. (note to self never let Bush get you so upset you drink in the afternoon).

That a Texas editorial, Tex?

Suzanne @ 211

That a Texas editorial, Tex?

yes ma’am. austin-american statesman

Night sleepers.

::I’ve posted a few more videos::

David Shuster on last night’s Countdown debunking every one of the GOP talking points about Scooter Libby:

Plus::
I’m calling this video the
“No need to let twenty years go by before we can officially declare Keith Olbermann to be the most important journalist and true patriot on television right now in this country “

JT, are you also letting Crooks & Liars know you got the videos?

Starting to get tired. Good night y’all.

Let’s save our country please. I miss the country we used to be. Let’s get it back.

OMG how did it get to be 2:15 am? Waaay past my bedtime. G’night all.

pain free sleep wishes, tex, (and keep working on that dive)

greenwarrior @ 217

OMG how did it get to be 2:15 am? Waaay past my bedtime. G’night all.

night GW.

Here is an interesting article about an expose of DC lobbying firms by Ken Silverstein at Harpers, an ad hominem counterattack against Silverstein by Howard Kurtz at WaPo, and a follow-up op-ed in the LA Times by Silverstein. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how opinions are manipulated and how the manipulators attempt to blunt an expose via a counterattack. http://www.harpers.org/archive…..c-90000427

Loo Hoo. @ 208

things come undone @ 174

If Scooter is guilty of obstructing Justice then what about Rove he runs the White House’s political operation. Somehow all the talking heads on the Main Stream Media all managed to say the exact same talkng points. I bet the RNC emails were how they coordinated about what message to push on any given day. Given all the lies about Valerie Palme not being covert well if Rove was the source of these lies. Isn’t that illegal and wouldn’t lying to orchestrate a fake public movement to pardon Libby be obstructing justice. Yes Bush can pardon and grant clemency at will but he can’t order people to lie to (cough) try and justify his action to the public. Thats my opinion if anyone has any ideas on this please feel free to educate don’t worry about criticizing either. I like a debate.

Well, Novak tells us that they celebrated over champagne last night. Perhaps each toast was a talking point.

No underlying crime. Cheers! President’s perogative. Cheers! Poor wife and kids. Salud!

Ha! I wonder what Novak will say AFTER we get the RNC emails. Real reporters report news only stenographers write what they are told without checking the facts and blameing your (cough) source when your wrong didn’t save Judy Miller and it won’t save Novak. Judy Arrgh! I’m still angry about her keeping her Pulitzer Prize after her story turned out to be a bunch of lies. Does the Pulitzer Committe have no shame? I wish Keith O or Jon from the Daily show would pick up this story. The Snark would write itself.

greenwarrior @ 217

OMG how did it get to be 2:15 am? Waaay past my bedtime. G’night all.

commonly heard around these parts :) g’nite greenwarrior

Me must go too….time for me to stalk home to the grandbaby. Night Suz, all.

Night sleepyheads!

g’nite shadowstalker.

wigwam @ 220

Here is an interesting article about an expose of DC lobbying firms by Ken Silverstein at Harpers, an ad hominem counterattack against Silverstein by Howard Kurtz at WaPo, and a follow-up op-ed in the LA Times by Silverstein. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how opinions are manipulated and how the manipulators attempt to blunt an expose via a counterattack. http://www.harpers.org/archive…..c-90000427

wigwam, did you see the reporter’s op-ed in the LA Times a couple of days ago. He is a former LATimes reporter and dude was pissed. As he so angrily pointed out, what he was doing was investigative reporting – old fashioned journalism.

classic case of rethuglicrooks attacking the messenger instead of the message.

wigwam @ 220

Here is an interesting article about an expose of DC lobbying firms by Ken Silverstein at Harpers, an ad hominem counterattack against Silverstein by Howard Kurtz at WaPo, and a follow-up op-ed in the LA Times by Silverstein. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how opinions are manipulated and how the manipulators attempt to blunt an expose via a counterattack. http://www.harpers.org/archive…..c-90000427

We need this guy to come to the Lake and be interviewed!

About time for me to head off also. I’ll see ya tomorrow night, same bat time, same bat channel. And I’ll be wearing my special 4th of July diving suit.

A $250,000 fine for Scooter which his legal defense fund will proably pay does not seem like a puishment at all. I think the size of all legal fines should be indexed to your tax returns. After all what is the prohibiting effect of a $100 speeding ticket to Bill Gates? What is the punishment if someone else pays Scooter’s fine?
I remeber going to traffic court after 9/11 in a well off subarb and the Judge contiuned more than a few cases because they were unemployed and couldn’t pay. If poor people have to cough up dough or face jail. Then shouldn’t Scooter be forced to pay with his own money? I don’t think it is fair or it deters crime if Rich people have to pay the same amount as poor people.
As the Scooter case shows the fine he got is not enough to make him talk its a joke even if he was going to pay it. I know Newt will scream class warfare but the truth is class warfare is already going on and the rich are laughing at all the poor and middle class Republicans who have fallen for the spin.

Night, Suz. Happy 4th!

Suzanne @ 226

wigwam @ 220

Here is an interesting article about an expose of DC lobbying firms by Ken Silverstein at Harpers, an ad hominem counterattack against Silverstein by Howard Kurtz at WaPo, and a follow-up op-ed in the LA Times by Silverstein. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how opinions are manipulated and how the manipulators attempt to blunt an expose via a counterattack. http://www.harpers.org/archive…..c-90000427

wigwam, did you see the reporter’s op-ed in the LA Times a couple of days ago. He is a former LATimes reporter and dude was pissed. As he so angrily pointed out, what he was doing was investigative reporting – old fashioned journalism.

classic case of rethuglicrooks attacking the messenger instead of the message.

The sequence seems to be:
— Silverstein’s expose in Harpers
— Kurtz’s counterattack
— Silverstein’s LAT op-ed
— Silverstein’s posting at Harpers’s website.
It’s amazing how effective even the most inane counterattack can be in terms of shifting the topic of discussion away for the matters discussed in the original expose.

I’d like to see someone at FDL cover this. In particular, Phoenix Woman has a lot of excellent insights into the intersection of journalism, lobbying, politics, and PR.

Wigwam I agree!

Wigwam, whenever I read the name Howard Kurtz, my mind changes it to Howard Klutz. Just happens. Don’t know why.

Who is really in Charge at the White House Bush says there will be an investigation for example and if the leaker is found he will be punished. Tell me how does that work if you grant clemency to the guy who knows who the leaker is? Does Bush just say stuff and then everyone in the White House feels free to ignore him? I know that his loyal Bushies all think its to preserve plausible deniablity from criminal, civil, and war crimes. But I’m starting to wonder just what hasn’t he delagated to Cheney and Rove? We (cough) elected Bush as President the Buck stops with him. This Republican theory of plausible deniablity is just an attempt to shield the President from guilt. But the problem with this theory is that by doing this he is as guilty of Neglegence and therefore liable for all the acts of his underlings. As any building inspector who lets a building contractor build a house that is not up to code. Plus we (cough) elected him to be in charge not Cheney or Rove passing the buck does not absolve him of guilt.

TexB @ 29

All those that skipped supper, pull up a chair. Dessert to follow.

Jeez, I get busy with getting ready for an impeachment action down at one of the biggest beachfront parks in Honolulu tomorrow morning on the 4th, and I miss dinner! Oh, well, if someone would just slip the leftovers into the modem, I’ll warm them up in the microwave, just in time for a bedtime snack.

Aloha!
Bob in HI

Loo Hoo. @ 233

Wigwam, whenever I read the name Howard Kurtz, my mind changes it to Howard Klutz. Just happens. Don’t know why.

I’m coming to the conclusion that the columnists at WaPo are simply hired guns. When I read people saying that a WaPo columnist is angry about this or confused about that, I have serious doubts. IMHO, they are not confused or misinformed about anything. Nor do they really give a shit. There was that stupid piece by Richard Cohen a couple weeks ago that got everybody upset. There was one passage in which he crammed four RNC talking points into 35 words.

The Special Prosecutor] was appointed to look into a
run-of-the-mill leak … the underlying crime is absent, the
sentence is excessive and the investigation should not have been
conducted in the first place. [Richard Cohen, WaPo, 6/19/07]

WaPo pundits are probably paid by the talking point, just like websites get paid per click.

bg @ 82

Maybe it is not polite to talk about Tony Snow in the context of “sorry fucking asses.” Maybe there is no nuance.

I know it’s not polite to observe that Tony Snow must have a very large stick up, which perhaps sends his voice into that castrati register of his, while he spins like a carnival top.

things come undone @ 235

Who is really in Charge at the White House Bush says there will be an investigation for example and if the leaker is found he will be punished. Tell me how does that work if you grant clemency to the guy who knows who the leaker is? Does Bush just say stuff and then everyone in the White House feels free to ignore him? . . .

He just says stuff. He knew damm well who the leaker was when he said that, but at the time he thought they had all the firewalls in place.

Bob in HI

things come undone @ 234

Who is really in Charge at the White House Bush says there will be an investigation for example and if the leaker is found he will be punished. Tell me how does that work if you grant clemency to the guy who knows who the leaker is? Does Bush just say stuff and then everyone in the White House feels free to ignore him? I know that his loyal Bushies all think its to preserve plausible deniablity from criminal, civil, and war crimes. But I’m starting to wonder just what hasn’t he delagated to Cheney and Rove? We (cough) elected Bush as President the Buck stops with him. This Republican theory of plausible deniablity is just an attempt to shield the President from guilt. But the problem with this theory is that by doing this he is as guilty of Neglegence and therefore liable for all the acts of his underlings. As any building inspector who lets a building contractor build a house that is not up to code. Plus we (cough) elected him to be in charge not Cheney or Rove passing the buck does not absolve him of guilt.

Correction: he didn’t say that the leaker would be punished. This is from CNN.com:

“If there’s a leak out of my administration, I want to know who it is,” Bush told reporters at an impromptu news conference during a fund-raising stop in Chicago, Illinois. “If the person has violated law, that person will be taken care of.

Emphasis is mine.

So far, Bush has been a man of his word on this matter.

wigwam @ 236

Loo Hoo. @ 233

Wigwam, whenever I read the name Howard Kurtz, my mind changes it to Howard Klutz. Just happens. Don’t know why.

I’m coming to the conclusion that the columnists at WaPo are simply hired guns. When I read people saying that a WaPo columnist is angry about this or confused about that, I have serious doubts. IMHO, they are not confused or misinformed about anything. Nor do they really give a shit. There was that stupid piece by Richard Cohen a couple weeks ago that got everybody upset. There was one passage in which he crammed four RNC talking points into 35 words.

The Special Prosecutor] was appointed to look into a
run-of-the-mill leak … the underlying crime is absent, the
sentence is excessive and the investigation should not have been
conducted in the first place. [Richard Cohen, WaPo, 6/19/07]

WaPo pundits are probably paid by the talking point, just like websites get paid per click.

It’s always a corporate interest making money in Bushworld. I think that the reporters and opinion writers that do the bidding of the corporation can make a nice salary.

I’m not sure how the Froomkin types keep their jobs, but I expect it is so that the editorial page can beat up on his ideas.

Cohen doesn’t think Treason is an underlying crime? Just wait until one of the countries that Valerie Palme and her CIA front company which was exposed thanks to Libby gets the Atom Bomb!
All because Valerie Palme was exposed by Scooter and all her sources were killed by Al Quieda and the secret police of the countries she was investigating. I wonder just how well the CIA is doing at finding new sources now that everyone in the Arab world knows that talking to the CIA means a death sentence.
I wonder how Holy Joe will feel after the Israelis blame him for stopping Valerie from finding out who wanted to build a bomb. Joe with his shortsighted defense of Bush has put Israel in more danger than 10 Al Quiedas. After all only nations have the money to build the rockets to launch a bomb that can hit Israel. Hezbollah got their rockets from Iran after all they didn’t build them themselves.

Loo Hoo. @ 240

wigwam @ 236

I’m coming to the conclusion that the columnists at WaPo are simply hired guns. When I read people saying that a WaPo columnist is angry about this or confused about that, I have serious doubts. IMHO, they are not confused or misinformed about anything. Nor do they really give a shit. There was that stupid piece by Richard Cohen a couple weeks ago that got everybody upset. There was one passage in which he crammed four RNC talking points into 35 words.
WaPo pundits are probably paid by the talking point, just like websites get paid per click.

It’s always a corporate interest making money in Bushworld. I think that the reporters and opinion writers that do the bidding of the corporation can make a nice salary.

I’m not sure how the Froomkin types keep their jobs, but I expect it is so that the editorial page can beat up on his ideas.

I agree about Froomkin and also wonder how real reporters survive in a place that would have an pundit staff with Hiatt, Novak, Krauthammer, Cohen, etc.

wigwam @ 242

I agree about Froomkin and also wonder how real reporters survive in a place that would have an pundit staff with Hiatt, Novak, Krauthammer, Cohen, etc.

It depends, I suspect. The Wall Street Journal’s always been an excellent newspaper, even though its editorials were laughable. They seem to have kept a strict division between those two departments. At the WaPo, there seems to be a similar division, but there are also other influences there that can affect stories, like important politicians and lobbyists with lots of money.

wigwam @ 239

things come undone @ 234

Who is really in Charge at the White House Bush says there will be an investigation for example and if the leaker is found he will be punished. Tell me how does that work if you grant clemency to the guy who knows who the leaker is? Does Bush just say stuff and then everyone in the White House feels free to ignore him? I know that his loyal Bushies all think its to preserve plausible deniablity from criminal, civil, and war crimes. But I’m starting to wonder just what hasn’t he delagated to Cheney and Rove? We (cough) elected Bush as President the Buck stops with him. This Republican theory of plausible deniablity is just an attempt to shield the President from guilt. But the problem with this theory is that by doing this he is as guilty of Neglegence and therefore liable for all the acts of his underlings. As any building inspector who lets a building contractor build a house that is not up to code. Plus we (cough) elected him to be in charge not Cheney or Rove passing the buck does not absolve him of guilt.

Correction: he didn’t say that the leaker would be punished. This is from CNN.com:

“If there’s a leak out of my administration, I want to know who it is,” Bush told reporters at an impromptu news conference during a fund-raising stop in Chicago, Illinois. “If the person has violated law, that person will be taken care of.

Emphasis is mine.

So far, Bush has been a man of his word on this matter.

Your right silly me I assumed he meant taken care of in the Chicago sense of the word.

Well, I just finished writing an essay for tomorrow, and now it’s time to go to sleep. See you all later.

http://cujo359.blogspot.com/20…..eedom.html

things come undone @ 241

Cohen doesn’t think Treason is an underlying crime? Just wait until one of the countries that Valerie Palme and her CIA front company which was exposed thanks to Libby gets the Atom Bomb!
All because Valerie Palme was exposed by Scooter and all her sources were killed by Al Quieda and the secret police of the countries she was investigating. I wonder just how well the CIA is doing at finding new sources now that everyone in the Arab world knows that talking to the CIA means a death sentence.
I wonder how Holy Joe will feel after the Israelis blame him for stopping Valerie from finding out who wanted to build a bomb. Joe with his shortsighted defense of Bush has put Israel in more danger than 10 Al Quiedas. After all only nations have the money to build the rockets to launch a bomb that can hit Israel. Hezbollah got their rockets from Iran after all they didn’t build them themselves.

The Palestinians and Al Quaeda seem more inclined to deliver their warheads in person.

But, in fact, the Palestinians are developing some rockets of their own. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qassam_rocket

Bob Schacht @ 238

things come undone @ 235

Who is really in Charge at the White House Bush says there will be an investigation for example and if the leaker is found he will be punished. Tell me how does that work if you grant clemency to the guy who knows who the leaker is? Does Bush just say stuff and then everyone in the White House feels free to ignore him? . . .

He just says stuff. He knew damm well who the leaker was when he said that, but at the time he thought they had all the firewalls in place.

Bob in HI

He did know its so obvious I think we should add this to the long list of crimes for impeachment. I think we need a post just to review EVERYTHING Bush could be impeached on I read the Lake everyday and I still can’t keep track of it all.

wigwam @ 246

things come undone @ 241

Cohen doesn’t think Treason is an underlying crime? Just wait until one of the countries that Valerie Palme and her CIA front company which was exposed thanks to Libby gets the Atom Bomb!
All because Valerie Palme was exposed by Scooter and all her sources were killed by Al Quieda and the secret police of the countries she was investigating. I wonder just how well the CIA is doing at finding new sources now that everyone in the Arab world knows that talking to the CIA means a death sentence.
I wonder how Holy Joe will feel after the Israelis blame him for stopping Valerie from finding out who wanted to build a bomb. Joe with his shortsighted defense of Bush has put Israel in more danger than 10 Al Quiedas. After all only nations have the money to build the rockets to launch a bomb that can hit Israel. Hezbollah got their rockets from Iran after all they didn’t build them themselves.

The Palestinians and Al Quaeda seem more inclined to deliver their warheads in person.

But, in fact, the Palestinians are developing some rockets of their own. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qassam_rocket

I’m betting they had outside help still though Joe is so going to get the blame!

things come undone @ 244

wigwam @ 239

Correction: he didn’t say that the leaker would be punished. This is from CNN.com:
Emphasis is mine.

So far, Bush has been a man of his word on this matter.

Your right silly me I assumed he meant taken care of in the Ch
icago sense of the word.

Me too, until I read about the Libby Defense Fund and saw how much leverage they have the the Beltway press, etc. The commuted sentence pretty well proves that Bush ain’t no Al Capone when he speaks of taking care of someone.

BTW, I spent some time working through the logic of comutation vs pardon:

1) Libby’s sentence was commuted so that he’ll have nothing to gain
(e.g., his freedom) by testifying in future proceedings.

2) A full pardon has been withheld so that he can “take the fifth” and
thus will have nothing to lose by not testifying in future
proceedings.

3 Also, a full pardon has been withheld so far so that he’ll have
something to gain by continuing not to testify.

4) It may be possible to overcome #2 by giving him selective immunity,
but that gets trickey (and backfired in Ollie North’s case).

Wigwam point 3 is the Key! Libby’s potential Pardon is contingent on his contiuned Silence in a sense he is threatening Libby to keep his mouth shut by holding the potential pardon over his head. Bush is now guilty of obstructing justice. The appearnance of impropriety for granting Scooter clemency should cancel his clemency after all until we do know who leaked the American people have no way of knowing if Bush is protecting a White House leaker or protecting himself after all only a few people Bush included could find out if Valerie was a spy. An until we do know we can’t discount the possiblity! Bush having motive makes Scooter’s clemency null because the President can’t grant clemency in regards to his own impeachment. If we impeach we take away the clemency and Scooter talks or goes to jail. Talk about being hoisted by your own petard!

things come undone @ 248

wigwam @ 246

The Palestinians and Al Quaeda seem more inclined to deliver their warheads in person.

But, in fact, the Palestinians are developing some rockets of their own. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qassam_rocket

I’m betting they had outside help still though Joe is so going to get the blame!

He and his A*P*C friends certainly deserve blame for promoting the continued U.S. support for and participation in that Mid-east nightmare: http://www.truthdig.com/report…..om_israel/

things come undone @ 250

Bush having motive makes Scooter’s clemency null because the President can’t grant clemency in regards to his own impeachment. If we impeach we take away the clemency and Scooter talks or goes to jail.

I wish that were so, and it may well be. I’m not a lawyer, but the stuff that I’ve read seems takes a much more restrictive view of the cases-of-impeachment exclusion in Article II Section 2. BTW, the best I’ve been able to find is this.

Oops! It gettig late. g’night.

good night wigwam

Happy America’s birthday.

Morning Raven.

Good morning, pups. The NYT has MoDo at her bitchiest, about Hillary, of course. Thomas Friedman is in London where jihad was just across town, and he ponders the causes.

http://mgpaquin.wordpress.com/

Coffee and tea are all ready, and there are blueberry muffins fresh out of the oven. Happy Independence Day, and 565 days until another, different independence day.

Happy b’day America!!

“night all!!

Reclaim the prize of liberty today!

Good morning!

Good Morning, Pups

Take today to remember what your great country is supposed to be about, but currently isn’t.

Alan Johnston’s free!!!! So I shall not have to bore you again.

Go to Guardian Unlimited, where Steve Bell’s cartoon gets to the heart of it as usual.

Good Morning All. Happy 4′th.
Listening to ATC they read the Declaration of Independence in it’s entirety. Still pertinent on many points I would say.

Happy Birthday, America

A free press. Not bought and paid for by the corporate elite but FREE.

Americans have to stand up to the corporations and demand that they unwrap their long cold fingers from the throats of managing editors.

And those who manage newrooms and studios MUST understand that we need, we demand news of quality and depth. Get the facts, get the context and make sure that your reporters and spokespeople are held accountable to the facts, evidence and context.

Those who are allowed to publish or go on the air time and time again without knowledge of established facts must be chastised, taught, given a few chances to get the facts straight and then, dismissed.

Either she was covert or she wasn’t.

Find out what obstruction of justice means.

And to the woman in the front row calling Tony Snow on his dismissive manipulations: a big, sloppy July 4th thank you. I want to see you in that same seat every time.

To the guy in the blue shirt shouting “obstruction of justice, obstruction of justice,” I was the one screaming back to you from a little place near Boston. We need you – do not stop.

While me must be busy fighting to regain our democracy, we must also fight the big money that has threatened journalists with the loss of their jobs if they don’t tow the line.

Get your long cold fingers off of our treasure: true journalism.

Morning all. What’s with MoDo’s obsession with Hillary?

Libby Gets What He Deserves — Freedom
National Review Online: A Full Pardon Is Ideal, But Bush’s Commutation Is Praiseworthy
CBS opinion

Good Morning!
Happy Birthday USA!

from the The LA Times

Private contractors outnumber U.S. troops in Iraq

The number of U.S.-paid private contractors in Iraq now exceeds that of American combat troops, newly released figures show, raising fresh questions about the privatization of the war effort and the government’s capacity to carry out military and rebuilding campaigns.

More than 180,000 civilians — including Americans, foreigners and Iraqis — are working in Iraq under U.S. contracts, according to State and Defense department figures obtained by the Los Angeles Times.

Including the recent troop buildup, 160,000 soldiers and a few thousand civilian government employees are stationed in Iraq.

The total number of private contractors, far higher than previously reported, shows how heavily the Bush administration has relied on corporations to carry out the occupation of Iraq — a mission criticized as being undermanned.
there’s a lot more…

Mornin’ all! Happy 4th!

CSN&Y

Daylight again, following me to bed
I think about a hundred years ago, how my fathers bled
I think I see a valley, covered with bones in blue
All the brave soldiers that cannot get older been askin’ after
you
Hear the past a callin’, from Ar- -megeddon’s side
When everyone’s talkin’ and no one is listenin’, how can we
decide?

(Do we) find the cost of freedom, buried in the ground

Mother earth will swallow you, lay your body down
Find the cost of freedom, buried in the ground
Mother earth will swallow you, lay your body down
(Find the cost of freedom buried in the ground)

Libby’s sentence not unusually long

In commuting the sentence of I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, President Bush said that the former vice presidential aide had suffered enough and that the 30-month prison term ordered up by a federal judge was “excessive.”

But records show that the Justice Department under the Bush administration frequently has sought sentences that are as long, or longer, in cases similar to Libby’s. Three-fourths of the 198 defendants sentenced in federal court last year for obstruction of justice — one of four crimes Libby was found guilty of in March — got some prison time. According to federal data, the average sentence defendants received for that charge alone was 70 months.

twolf1 @ 266

Mornin’ all! Happy 4th!

i’m in mourning today. if i had a black flag, i’d hang it.

From NYT Letters

To the Editor:

When George W. Bush was governor of Texas, he presided over more than 150 executions. In more than one-third of the cases — 57 in all — lawyers representing condemned inmates asked then-Governor Bush for a commutation of sentence, so that the inmates would serve life in prison rather than face execution.

Some of these inmates had been represented by lawyers who slept during trials. Some were mentally retarded. Some were juveniles at the time they committed the crime for which they were sentenced to death.

In all these cases, Governor Bush refused to commute their sentences, saying that the inmates had had full access to the judicial system.

I. Lewis Libby Jr. had the best lawyers money can buy. His crime cannot be attributed to youth or retardation. He has expressed no remorse whatsoever for lying to a grand jury or participating in the administration’s effort to mislead the American people about the war in Iraq. President Bush’s commutation of Mr. Libby’s sentence is certainly legal, but it just as surely offends the fundamental constitutional value of equality.

Because President Bush signed a commutation, a rich and powerful man will spend not a day in prison, while 57 poor and poorly connected human beings died because Governor Bush refused to lift a pen for them.

David R. Dow

Houston, July 3, 2007

The writer is a professor at the University of Houston Law Center who represents death row inmates, including several who sought commutation from then-Governor Bush.

During the night, Cheney was spotted scurrying out of the National archives, seems he was scribbling in the margin of the Declaration of Independence…

I didn’t read all 272 comments but I read the first several few and I was surprised to note that no one commented on how laugh out loud funny Kathy’s stand up was. I’ve watched it about a dozen times and laughed myself to tears every time.

Thank you, TRex, for posting it!

things come undone @ 234

Who is really in Charge at the White House Bush says there will be an investigation for example and if the leaker is found he will be punished. Tell me how does that work if you grant clemency to the guy who knows who the leaker is? Does Bush just say stuff and then everyone in the White House feels free to ignore him? I know that his loyal Bushies all think its to preserve plausible deniablity from criminal, civil, and war crimes. But I’m starting to wonder just what hasn’t he delagated to Cheney and Rove? We (cough) elected Bush as President the Buck stops with him. This Republican theory of plausible deniablity is just an attempt to shield the President from guilt. But the problem with this theory is that by doing this he is as guilty of Neglegence and therefore liable for all the acts of his underlings. As any building inspector who lets a building contractor build a house that is not up to code. Plus we (cough) elected him to be in charge not Cheney or Rove passing the buck does not absolve him of guilt.

wigwam @ 239

things come undone @ 234

Who is really in Charge at the White House Bush says there will be an investigation for example and if the leaker is found he will be punished. Tell me how does that work if you grant clemency to the guy who knows who the leaker is? Does Bush just say stuff and then everyone in the White House feels free to ignore him? I know that his loyal Bushies all think its to preserve plausible deniablity from criminal, civil, and war crimes. But I’m starting to wonder just what hasn’t he delagated to Cheney and Rove? We (cough) elected Bush as President the Buck stops with him. This Republican theory of plausible deniablity is just an attempt to shield the President from guilt. But the problem with this theory is that by doing this he is as guilty of Neglegence and therefore liable for all the acts of his underlings. As any building inspector who lets a building contractor build a house that is not up to code. Plus we (cough) elected him to be in charge not Cheney or Rove passing the buck does not absolve him of guilt.

Correction: he didn’t say that the leaker would be punished. This is from CNN.com:

“If there’s a leak out of my administration, I want to know who it is,” Bush told reporters at an impromptu news conference during a fund-raising stop in Chicago, Illinois. “If the person has violated law, that person will be taken care of.

Emphasis is mine.

So far, Bush has been a man of his word on this matter.

Thanks for that important clarification, “wigwam”….and ”take care as in care for” he did – I’m sure there’s a Swiss bank account for Scottie in the range of a mil.

“things come undone” – an even shorter way (sorry for the English professor in me but..;-)) to denote the stolen elections of ‘00 and ‘04 is to put it in quotes: “elected”.