Caw, caw!!

caw?

These people disgust me. I fear we will see much more of this before November 2008. Maalox anyone?

1) Withdraw all war funding

2) Impeach Cheney, Bush and Gonzales

Did you see that NYT poll about Hillary? Like 83% of Repugs disapprove. Her and her husband have been the victims of 15 years of a sickening campaign to ruin their name. Repugs may be sick of Bush, and they might entertain a vote for Obama or Edwards, but they will NEVER vote for Hillary because of this. And it doesn’t let up. Listen to the press around these new “biographies” about her. It’s just one slur after another. I just don’t know how she could overcome this serial hate campaign in a general election.

Caw, scarecrow. Thank you for this. Kerry has just come to Hilary’s defense, saying that the administration will say anything, do anything, twist anything to avoid responsibility.

Different standards apply to Senator Clinton. Especially by Chris Matthews whose disdain for Clinton is so apparent. Instead of focusing on where she stands on issues, Matthews obsesses on her husbands past behaviour and how she looks and whether she is warm and cozy.

Hey Matthews can you please get off it and focus on the issues.

Here’s my Q about withdrawal. The road routes to Kuwait could easily be cut off–by Iran, by Shias, who are fighting each other around Basra. So is the airlift capacity large enough to evacuate U.S. troops?

Impeach.Now.

Just watched KO again.
Where does he broadcast from, New Jersey?

I’d like to go there and thank him, personally.

The fact is the military plans for EVERYTHING, for every contingency. For the Pentagon to attack Hillary for insisting they do they jobs is totally insane, the terminal gasp of the total politicization of everything under this regime.

From Wikipedia about D-Day and Eisenhower’s sense of responsibility.

It was never certain that Operation Overlord would succeed. The seriousness surrounding the entire decision, including the timing and the location of the Normandy invasion, might be summarized by a second shorter speech that Eisenhower wrote in advance, in case he needed it. In it, he states he would take full responsibility for catastrophic failure, should that be the final result. Long after the successful landings on D-Day and the BBC broadcast of Eisenhower’s brief speech concerning them, the never-used second speech was found in a shirt pocket by an aide. It read:

“Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based on the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt, it is mine alone.”

Does the fact that Eisenhower thought about and even planned for failure and was ready to take responsibility make him a surrender monkey, bent on demoralizing his own troops?

Interesting discussion at EW’s place, in the comments,(linked above) re whether or not the Wilsons are now time-barred from pursuing any further actions (other than appeal of this specific ruling, of course).

i thought that from the get-go most of the suit was past the statute of limitations, in that it complained of specific actions, which culminated in the publication of Novak’s piece. Wilson’s lawyers, however, didn’t file the suit until the anniversary of *the column*, missing the limitations period for the actual actions complained of.

IIRC, there was a conspiracy count (Count VII?), which would have had to stand in order to keep all of the prior counts legally viable.

And the Federal Torts Claim Act is now time-barred too, I believe.

eCAHNomics @ 8

Here’s my Q about withdrawal. The road routes to Kuwait could easily becut off–by Iran, by Shias, who are fighting each other around Basra. So is the airliftcapacity large enough to evacuate U.S. troops?

No, not by a long shot. Yet another reason why the neocons’ antagonizing of Iran is so insane.

eCAHNomics @ 8

Here’s my Q about withdrawal. The road routes to Kuwait could easily becut off–by Iran, by Shias, who are fighting each other around Basra. So is the airliftcapacity large enough to evacuate U.S. troops?

We would need to pay off the Shias and Iran to grant us safe passage out of the country. One of the things they will insist on, no doubt, is that we leave our military hardware in their hands.

Scarecrow, another really relevant post. Thank-you….

Good morning everyone. :)
I just wanted to say that what I am seeing are more and more people talking about what/who is going wrong in this country and less and less people are supportive of this particular White House.
This is great, we’ve spent years just trying to be heard and now the words are spreading everywhere…
OT already ;)

I know this has already been pegged… (Folks here are blindingly fast with new info :)), but I’m a little curious, how it common to get ‘food poisoning’ when you are a vegan? and doesn’t ‘food poisoning’ usually last only about 48 hrs?

There is a lot of political ’stuff’ going on right now, we need all the good guys up on ‘The Hill’, they all need to stay healthy….;)

(CNN) — Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich remains hospitalized Wednesday in Ohio after aides say he suffered a severe case of food poisoning.

Kucinich spokesman Andy Juniewicz said the Ohio congressman started feeling ill Sunday before flying to Florida for a campaign appearance. He became sicker in Florida, and was forced to cut the trip short to return to Cleveland.

http://rawstory.com/showarticl…..pitalized/

We just got in from a fast trip to Dallas, actually it was Fort Worth. We had a little meeting last night with some family (and friends) Demo organizers. We are determined to make Texas and Oklahoma blue.

As to Senator Clinton. Republicans, you all just keep on doing what you’re doing with your ugly tactics. Because it’s driving certain of us into the Hillary camp. We are warming to the idea of President Hillary Clinton.

I’m going for a swim out back. Then I am going to fix pan-fried potatoes, bacon, fried cornbread and virgin mary’s for me and my gal.

jackie @ 15

I’m a little curious, how it common to get ‘food poisoning’ when you are a vegan? and doesn’t ‘food poisoning’ usually last only about 48 hrs?

There is a lot of political ’stuff’ going on right now, we need all the good guys up on ‘The Hill’, they all need to stay healthy….;)

Kucinich spokesman Andy Juniewicz said the Ohio congressman started feeling ill Sunday before flying to Florida for a campaign appearance. He became sicker in Florida, and was forced to cut the trip short to return to Cleveland.

Well they used to use small airplanes but…….

Perhaps the cherry on top of Edelman’s sundae of hypocrisy is that Sen. Clinton asked for a briefing on withdrawal plans, not a “public discussion” — he’s the one who chose to discuss it publicly, two months after her request.

That beyond anything else proves that this is solely intended as a dishonest smear, not as an honest (though insane) criticism.

Government by the Republicans, of the Republicans, and for the Republicans needs to vanish from the Earth sooner rather than later.

Kathleen @ 7

Different standards apply to Senator Clinton. Especially by Chris Matthews whose disdain for Clinton is so apparent. Instead of focusing on where she stands on issues, Matthews obsesses on her husbands past behaviour and how she looks and whether she is warm and cozy.

Hey Matthews can you please get off it and focus on the issues.

I thought it was really interesting that Mrs. Edwards thought it was a good idea to attack Hillary, but then Hillary says, “Okay, if it’s spouse warfare you want, I’ll just send mine out to respond.” Only her spouse may be the most popular and effective counterpuncher in the country. I think the other candidates better rethink that strategy.

Good morning Oklahoma Kiddo.

jackie @ 15

Scarecrow, another really relevant post. Thank-you….

Good morning everyone. :)
I just wanted to say that what I am seeing are more and more people talking about what/who is going wrong in this country and less and less people are supportive of this particular White House.
This is great, we’ve spent years just trying to be heard and now the words are spreading everywhere…
OT already ;)

I know this has already been pegged… (Folks here are blindingly fast with new info :)), but I’m a little curious, how it common to get ‘food poisoning’ when you are a vegan? and doesn’t ‘food poisoning’ usually last only about 48 hrs?

There is a lot of political ’stuff’ going on right now, we need all the good guys up on ‘The Hill’, they all need to stay healthy….;)

(CNN) — Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich remains hospitalized Wednesday in Ohio after aides say he suffered a severe case of food poisoning.

Kucinich spokesman Andy Juniewicz said the Ohio congressman started feeling ill Sunday before flying to Florida for a campaign appearance. He became sicker in Florida, and was forced to cut the trip short to return to Cleveland.

http://rawstory.com/showarticl…..pitalized/

Food poisoning: organisms can be found in fecal-contaminated soil. Remember the earlier spinach contamination? Chicago has just had a food poisoning issue, too at a food festival – it was also traced to a vegetarian dish. Not unusual any more with FDA agency failures to inspect and test produce.

jackie @ 15

but I’m a little curious, how it common to get ‘food poisoning’ when you are a vegan? and doesn’t ‘food poisoning’ usually last only about 48 hrs?

1) don’t think being vegan affects probability of getting food poisoning at all (either making it more or less likely) – same risk as everyone else.

2) depends on the cause of the ‘food poisoning’. e. coli O157:H7, staph, salmonella,… can be anything from mild to deadly.

disclaimer – i am not a md

My congressman and senators rarely reply to email questions is this normal for other people?

For example, I asked why after billions of dollars don’t people in Bagdad have electricity?

Kiddo at 16, O’siyo!

“We are warming to the idea of President Hillary Clinton.”

Um, are you feeling all right? In fact I agree that this over the top bashing of her carrying out her Senate duties might very well provoke a backlash and grow support for her campaign.

Altho if I go farther out on the limb, I might wonder if the fix is in, she is the designated President-elect, and they have already concluded a deal about how far the Dems can go up against real power, so that this is part of their propaganda to sway the election. Nah. Probably not.

Let’s remember that Condi Rice wanted to be Secretary of Defense instead of Secretary of State at the beginning of BushCo’s second term. This is from the link in one of Christy’s posts yesterday:

From Maria Bartiromo’s interview of Condi Rice in the current issue of BusinessWeek:

MB: Would you consider a position in business or on Wall Street?
CR: I don’t know what I’ll do long-term. I’m a terrible long-term planner.

My bold. Imagine that.

jayt @ 12

Interesting discussion at EW’s place, in the comments,(linked above) re whether or not the Wilsons are now time-barred from pursuing any further actions (other than appeal of this specific ruling, of course).

i thought that from the get-go most of the suit was past the statute of limitations, in that it complained of specific actions, which culminated in the publication of Novak’s piece. Wilson’s lawyers, however, didn’t file the suit until the anniversary of *the column*, missing the limitations period for the actual actions complained of.

IIRC, there was a conspiracy count (Count VII?), which would have had to stand in order to keep all of the prior counts legally viable.

And the Federal Torts Claim Act is now time-barred too, I believe.

The broader message is that in the last two weeks, the Bush Administration has moved to seal off every avenue of accountability — access to the courts, subpoena/exec privilege, open defiance — there is only one remedy left, and it’s now staring Congress right in the face.

I hate to break to you guys, but our side is winning, Bush is on defense and losing ground everyday. He can’t declare martial law in a country of 300 million people, with the majority of the military half-way around the world. A military, by the way, who doesn’t support him. This thing is over for him, all he’s trying to do now is make it to the end of his term. All we have to do is keep up the pressure.

Good Morning Scarecrow.

I have become thoroughly addicted to your regular analyses of subject matter the administration keeps trying to hide under their frightfully lumpy carpet.

So… you think folks at the Pentagon have been trying to influence the upcoming elections? ya-think?? Hm-m-m. Wonder who put them up to that? Just can’t leave that bunch alone for 2 seconds. *sigh*

Thank you for all your fine work untangling the mess that is Washington these days.
Your writing is clear and concise, and right to the point.

Isn’t it a little scary that the integrity of our federal government now depends on popular support for — and Democrats’ ability to communicate to the public — the importance of checks and balances, equal branches of government, and congressional oversight?

I’m worried that in our current depraved media environment, it’s just going to come off as petty partisan politics on both sides. Give me reason to hope for something better!

Boston1775 @ 10

Just watched KO again.
Where does he broadcast from, New Jersey?

I’d like to go there and thank him, personally.

He was in Los Angeles last night. He normally broadcasts from Secaucus, NJ, but lives in Manhattan.

On NPR a couple of days ago, I heard a piece about how the US can’t reasonably be pulled out of Iraq for two years. The reason? Removing the tanks, Humvees, construction equipment would take that long. See they have dust and microbes and other icky stuff that could pose a threat and ruin the ecological balance of our country. And it would take two years to clean them all up to a safe level. See Cheney is really really concerned about the environment after all!!!

“That? Oh, that’s just the Goopers. They’re always tying things down on their bus and driving it real fast. Don’t pay any attention to them…”

Oklahoma kiddo @ 16

We just got in from a fast trip to Dallas, actually it was Fort Worth. We had a little meeting last night with some family (and friends) Demo organizers. We are determined to make Texas and Oklahoma blue.

As to Senator Clinton. Republicans, you all just keep on doing what you’re doing with your ugly tactics. Because it’s driving certain of us into the Hillary camp. We are warming to the idea of President Hillary Clinton.

I’m going for a swim out back. Then I am going to fix pan-fried potatoes, bacon, fried cornbread and virgin mary’s for me and my gal.

Go O.K. Oklahoma is more purple that people think. Push hard and tip it. Just watch out for caging, and the reduction of voting machines in your poor districts before the next election.

Think about ordering this documentary about Ohio’s 2004 selection
http://howohiopulleditoff.com/

and ordering Bob Fitkaris book “What happened in Ohio”

You will learn a great deal and possibly cut the election thiefs off at the pass.

This nation has gone fucking nuts. Nuts. The Nazis have reconfigured and have taken over the highest levels of power in the US.

-GSD

Scarecrow @ 25

jayt @ 12

Interesting discussion at EW’s place, in the comments,(linked above) re whether or not the Wilsons are now time-barred from pursuing any further actions (other than appeal of this specific ruling, of course).

i thought that from the get-go most of the suit was past the statute of limitations, in that it complained of specific actions, which culminated in the publication of Novak’s piece. Wilson’s lawyers, however, didn’t file the suit until the anniversary of *the column*, missing the limitations period for the actual actions complained of.

IIRC, there was a conspiracy count (Count VII?), which would have had to stand in order to keep all of the prior counts legally viable.

And the Federal Torts Claim Act is now time-barred too, I believe.

The broader message is that in the last two weeks, the Bush Administration has moved to seal off every avenue of accountability — access to the courts, subpoena/exec privilege, open defiance — there is only one remedy left, and it’s now staring Congress right in the face.

“Give Impeachment a chance”

Cheney’s Iraq (PNAC) plan…the only one that matters…is to “FAIL FORWARD”

IRAN here we come!

They should not shut down the Congress for an August recess. Bush can do too much mischief.

Japandrew @ 11

Does the fact that Eisenhower thought about and even planned for failure and was ready to take responsibility make him a surrender monkey, bent on demoralizing his own troops?

But that was by someone who actually “thought” about what he was doing…

snowbird42 @ 36

They should not shut down the Congress for an August recess. Bush can do too much mischief.

How do we get August declared “Put it on the table” month?

Scarecrow @ 19

Kathleen @ 7

Different standards apply to Senator Clinton. Especially by Chris Matthews whose disdain for Clinton is so apparent. Instead of focusing on where she stands on issues, Matthews obsesses on her husbands past behaviour and how she looks and whether she is warm and cozy.

Hey Matthews can you please get off it and focus on the issues.

I thought it was really interesting that Mrs. Edwards thought it was a good idea to attack Hillary, but then Hillary says, “Okay, if it’s spouse warfare you want, I’ll just send mine out to respond.” Only her spouse may be the most popular and effective counterpuncher in the country. I think the other candidates better rethink that strategy.

Good morning Oklahoma Kiddo.

I thought Elizabeth Edwards attacking Hillary as not being as strong as John on women’s issues was questionable.

I like John and Elizabeth Edwards a lot. I appreciate the stands they take on poverty. But to say that John has a better record on women is, well, huh?

Then, in the campaign ad, he’s looking, hard, into the air with a flag behind him while Elizabeth says that he’s optimistic but can look at the tough issues (don’t have the exact words).

All I can tell you is at that moment it seemed a little ridiculous to be implying that Hillary can’t deal with the tough issues. In my humble opinion, the Edwards campaign needs some work.

Nothing will “humanize” Hillary Clinton more than for her to be attacked unfairly (ie, not for her policies) and for her to be seen as singled out. It worked FOR her in her first NY campaign, when Lazio pulled some slimy stuff in the debate — pushed many people who were wavering right into her camp — and where is he now?

boxer @ 26

I hate to break to you guys, but our side is winning, Bush is on defense and losing ground everyday. He can’t declare martial law in a country of 300 million people, with the majority of the military half-way around the world. A military, by the way, who doesn’t support him. This thing is over for him, all he’s trying to do now is make it to the end of his term. All we have to do is keep up the pressure.

Boxer is dead on. However there is a variable that can stanch the blood flowing from the Bush body politic and that is a military escalation in the region…..Namely Iran.

That is the ace in the hole for Bush/Cheney, but it is also the final straw. They know that they are up against the wall and need a miracle……And we know these clowns believe in miracles.

-GSD

P.S. If you want to know where the military stands, notice that 70% of the donations from US military have been to anti-war candidates with Ron Paul and Barack Obama leading the pack.

Arianna Huffington on the Diane Rehm show on the News Round Up. Now

1800-433-8850…drshow@wamu.org

http://wamu.org/programs/dr/

OT – Hastert to resign?

Former House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert has indicated to a close former aide that it is likely he will not run for a 12th term from his northern Illinois district and may even resign from Congress before his present term concludes. That runs counter to widespread speculation on Capitol Hill that Hastert will continue in the House for another two years as a private member with no leadership responsibilities.

GSD @ 33

This nation has gone fucking nuts. Nuts. The Nazis have reconfigured and have taken over the highest levels of power in the US.

-GSD

I think the correct term is national socialist. And the way it worked is to use the corporate structure to provide the ’socialist’ discipline.

In otherwords, Nazis found a way to harness corporate interests to funnel wealth and power to the issues of political expediency. This is exactly what Bush and Cheney are doing.

And the Bush family has always been involved in such a philosophy. Just google harriman nazi prescott.

Oklahoma kiddo @ 16

We just got in from a fast trip to Dallas, actually it was Fort Worth. We had a little meeting last night with some family (and friends) Demo organizers. We are determined to make Texas and Oklahoma blue.

As to Senator Clinton. Republicans, you all just keep on doing what you’re doing with your ugly tactics. Because it’s driving certain of us into the Hillary camp. We are warming to the idea of President Hillary Clinton.

I’m going for a swim out back. Then I am going to fix pan-fried potatoes, bacon, fried cornbread and virgin mary’s for me and my gal.

M-m-m-m! Blue OkeyTex with a side of pan-fried taters! *drool*
Darn you OKK, I’m tryin’ ta lose a few lbs.

BTW, Surely do appreciate your toughlove approach to politicians. Sounds as if you & I are right about even on Hill. In fact, I remain of the opinion that NONE of the repub. candidates rises to the quality of the least attractive of the Dems. Not even close!

Scarecrow @ 38

snowbird42 @ 36

They should not shut down the Congress for an August recess. Bush can do too much mischief.

How do we get August declared “Put it on the table” month?

time for a call-in the keep the Senate in session from now until 2009 to prevent any recess appointments.

Also, no approvals for any Federalist Society members for anything ever.

Boston1775 @ 10

Just watched KO again.
Where does he broadcast from, New Jersey?

I’d like to go there and thank him, personally.

I think usually NJ (though they’re moving msnbc studios to the city and consolidating with nbc) but last night I believe he was in LA area where he had been at critics meetings of some sort for interviews. tweety has also been out there as well this week

Perhaps we should plan on helping the Democratic congress stay in session all through August so that Bush can’t pull any shit?

Maybe a month long sit in around the clock to let Bush know that he’s being watched too?

-GSD

The main MSM front page web sites do not even mention Bush’s latest power grab from the WaPo (CNN, MSNBC, etc.) MSNBC is even a partner w/ WaPo, usually posting the lead stories, so as to get wider distribution. Nobody is paying attention to what this means.

twolf1 @ 43

OT – Hastert to resign?

Former House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert has indicated to a close former aide that it is likely he will not run for a 12th term from his northern Illinois district and may even resign from Congress before his present term concludes. That runs counter to widespread speculation on Capitol Hill that Hastert will continue in the House for another two years as a private member with no leadership responsibilities.

I wonder if Larry Flint has the goods on Denny’s Grand Slam….

snowbird42 @ 37

They should not shut down the Congress for an August recess. Bush can do too much mischief.

Personally, I’d like to see protesters on the Capitol steps when they return saying “Welcome Back – While you were gone, xxx# number of American troops Died, xxxx# were Injured”…

Or something like that.

Maybe drop the “Welcome” bit.

Hastert might leave??

John Laesch for Congress!

Neo-con quotes you don’t wanna hear: “You move on to the next war with the nukes that you have…not the nukes you wish you had.”

GSD @ 47

Perhaps we should plan on helping the Democratic congress stay in session all through August so that Bush can’t pull any shit?

Maybe a month long sit in around the clock to let Bush know that he’s being watched too?

-GSD

The Tillman hearing is on August 1st.

Digby in Salon last night:

The Pentagon is not supposed to involve itself in electoral politics and it is supposed to be respectful of Congress, especially the committee that oversees it. To call her out specifically is outrageous. People all over the country are loudly and publicly saying the same thing, including many Republicans and all of the other Democratic candidates. I think the enemy has already sized up the domestic political situation here in the U.S., and if it hasn’t, then we really don’t have to worry about any enemies because they really are living in caves. Hillary Clinton’s rather restrained call to make some contingency plans is hardly going to change the situation on the ground.

Jackie @ 15. The worst case of food poisoning (salmonella?) I ever got was from a salad bar in a hotel in Ft. Lauderdale. I thought I was going to die. Unwashed fruits and vegetables are a common source of food-borne illness.

Scarecrow @ 38

snowbird42 @ 36

They should not shut down the Congress for an August recess. Bush can do too much mischief.

How do we get August declared “Put it on the table” month?

We could petition the Lord with prayer,
or we could petition Congress. and with paper petitions, not virtual ones.

GSD @ 47

Perhaps we should plan on helping the Democratic congress stay in session all through August so that Bush can’t pull any shit?

Maybe a month long sit in around the clock to let Bush know that he’s being watched too?

-GSD

Greetings Scarecrow and all pups, Yeah, I got some shoe leather that’s just itching to taste some D.C. pavement. The sit-in part will be tough on my back, so I’ll just lean. As long as it takes. Anyone with me.

dead last @ 49

twolf1 @ 43

OT – Hastert to resign?

I wonder if Larry Flint has the goods on Denny’s Grand Slam….

omg, puleeze! haven’t even finished my cuppa. *blergh*

dead last @ 49

twolf1 @ 43

OT – Hastert to resign?

I wonder if Larry Flint has the goods on Denny’s Grand Slam….

That would be hilarious.

jayt @ 50

snowbird42 @ 37

They should not shut down the Congress for an August recess. Bush can do too much mischief.

Personally, I’d like to see protesters on the Capitol steps when they return saying “Welcome Back – While you were gone, xxx# number of American troops Died, xxxx# were Injured”…

Or something like that.

Maybe drop the “Welcome” bit.

In the Senate’s all-nighter, did anyone mention that for every month the Iraq decision is postponed, 100 U.S. troops die, and are those who favor postponing the decision happy to take the responsibility for those lives? I thought that was the most powerful argument, but saw no coverage that anyone mentioned it.

GSD @ 47

Perhaps we should plan on helping the Democratic congress stay in session all through August so that Bush can’t pull any shit?

Maybe a month long sit in around the clock to let Bush know that he’s being watched too?

-GSD

Of course you don’t mean Bush literally, because we know what he’ll be busy doing all August- there’s much brush to clear, you know!

i can’t picture denny in my mind without recalling “that” scene in the 1st Harry Potter.
You know the one – floating up up & away….

Redshift @ 18

Perhaps the cherry on top of Edelman’s sundae of hypocrisy is that Sen. Clinton asked for a briefing on withdrawal plans, not a “public discussion” — he’s the one who chose to discuss it publicly, two months after her request.

That beyond anything else proves that this is solely intended as a dishonest smear, not as an honest (though insane) criticism.

Government by the Republicans, of the Republicans, and for the Republicans needs to vanish from the Earth sooner rather than later.

sounds like contemptible behavior to me.

This is OT, but here’s something from today’s Post I have a feeling emptywheel will be digging into soon enough. Three as yet unnamed companies that won Heimatsicherheit bids for non-working radiation detectors:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/…..id=topnews

eCAHNomics @ 61

jayt @ 50

snowbird42 @ 37

Personally, I’d like to see protesters on the Capitol steps when they return saying “Welcome Back – While you were gone, xxx# number of American troops Died, xxxx# were Injured”…

Or something like that.

Maybe drop the “Welcome” bit.

In the Senate’s all-nighter, did anyone mention that for every month the Iraq decision is postponed, 100 U.S. troops die, and are those who favor postponing the decision happy to take the responsibility for those lives? I thought that was the most powerful argument, but saw no coverage that anyone mentioned it.

That is such an important point. Delays cost lives.

Biodun @ 55

Digby in Salon last night:

The Pentagon is not supposed to involve itself in electoral politics and it is supposed to be respectful of Congress, especially the committee that oversees it. To call her out specifically is outrageous. People all over the country are loudly and publicly saying the same thing, including many Republicans and all of the other Democratic candidates. I think the enemy has already sized up the domestic political situation here in the U.S., and if it hasn’t, then we really don’t have to worry about any enemies because they really are living in caves. Hillary Clinton’s rather restrained call to make some contingency plans is hardly going to change the situation on the ground.

Ah, thanks for the Digby link; I’ve added it to the post.

Lou Costello @ 52

Neo-con quotes you don’t wanna hear: “You move on to the next war with the nukes that you have…not the nukes you wish you had.”

Remember how unhappy the Chimpenfuhrer looked after meeting with Putin? I still think that Putin told him to look deep into his (Putin’s) eyes down into his soul once again and realize that if he invades or bombs Iran that it will unleash a sh*tstorm so bad that it will make Iraq look like the cake walk the neo-con artists thought it was gonna be.

Putin/Russia AND China would both probably launch against us if we pull something there.

Sandman @ 21

My congressman and senators rarely reply to email questions is this normal for other people?

For example, I asked why after billions of dollars don’t people in Bagdad have electricity?

by any chance are they Republicans? it is decidedly not normal to receive no response to a formal inquiry (email or writen) to a Congressman. After all, they work for you. Perhaps a visit is in order the next time they are in town.

I know attacking Clinton on national security issues is big news, but I think we really just want to know about her relationship with Bill. Do they still sleep together, or do they have separate beds? And how much do her haircuts cost? You know, really important stuff like that.

I’m not much of a Hillary supporter myself, but for me the best reason for a President Hillary Clinton is it would drive the wingnnuts batshit crazy for eight years.

Thanks to all who responded to my question re; food poisoning etc :)

OT, isn’t Fitz on NPR tomorrow?
think it’ll be baseball-related?

Excellent post and thread
I must load my van for a craft show. Hopefully Ill be selling to the top 1% this weekend who wont notice anything but the rise in the market.

eCAHNomics at 61 “In the Senate’s all-nighter, did anyone mention that for every month the Iraq decision is postponed, 100 U.S. troops die…”

Durbin did in the early hours of the morning iirc. Surely there were others.

Zalmay Khalilzad in an Op-Ed piece in the NYTimes today:

In coming weeks, the United Nations will appoint a new envoy for Iraq and renew the Security Council mandate for its mission in Baghdad. As special envoy and ambassador to Afghanistan from 2003 to 2005, I saw how the United Nations could play an enormously helpful role when represented by talented envoys who are given the right mandate, and when supported by the major powers. In Iraq, the United States supports a larger United Nations role because we believe that with the right envoy and mandate it is the best vehicle to address the two fundamental issues driving the crisis in Iraq.

Here he contradicts Bush, who said earlier this week that “international organizations” (pace: the UN) are incapable of resolving the situation in Iraq.

TiredFed @ 68

Sandman @ 21

My congressman and senators rarely reply to email questions is this normal for other people?

For example, I asked why after billions of dollars don’t people in Bagdad have electricity?

by any chance are they Republicans? it is decidedly not normal to receive no response to a formal inquiry (email or writen) to a Congressman. After all, they work for you. Perhaps a visit is in order the next time they are in town.

Mine (Rs all) usually give me some reply but it is one to two months after the original sending. I don’t cut ‘em any slack on that as they still spout their BS and I reply that their answer is non-responsive and identify why it is non-responsive.

dakine01 @ 67

Lou Costello @ 52

Neo-con quotes you don’t wanna hear: “You move on to the next war with the nukes that you have…not the nukes you wish you had.”

Remember how unhappy the Chimpenfuhrer looked after meeting with Putin? I still think that Putin told him to look deep into his (Putin’s) eyes down into his soul once again and realize that if he invades or bombs Iran that it will unleash a sh*tstorm so bad that it will make Iraq look like the cake walk the neo-con artists thought it was gonna be.

Putin/Russia AND China would both probably launch against us if we pull something there.

is it sick or shameful to feel relief that one’s own leaders might be held in check?
omg, how far we have slipped during this awful awful administration…

snowbird42 @ 72

Excellent post and thread
I must load my van for a craft show. Hopefully Ill be selling to the top 1% this weekend who wont notice anything but the rise in the market.

go forth and prosper ;->

1. I still will not vote for Ole Gutless & Spineless Hillary under any circumstance. But, her question posed to DoD was a fair question.

2. Nor do I interpret the crappy response as a slam on Ole G&S. The answer, to me, just seems like more of the “slap-in-the-face” response everyone in the WH gives to ANY inquiry made by Congress.

3. Contingency plans DO exist. Hell, DoD has, somewhere in the files, plans for invasion of….Antarctica! Doesn’t mean we’re about to invade the land of penguins…but DoD does plan for anything and everything.

I suspect that, due to the political heat on such plans re: Iraq, the details are held about as close as our nuclear codes! But…those plans exist. They’re somewhere at DoD.

Ghostman

GeorgeSimian @ 5

Did you see that NYT poll about Hillary? Like 83% of Repugs disapprove. Her and her husband have been the victims of 15 years of a sickening campaign to ruin their name. Repugs may be sick of Bush, and they might entertain a vote for Obama or Edwards, but they will NEVER vote for Hillary because of this. And it doesn’t let up. Listen to the press around these new “biographies” about her. It’s just one slur after another. I just don’t know how she could overcome this serial hate campaign in a general election.

Neither do I. If she is nominated, one hopes that those Republicans are so disgusted with their own party by then (I know, if not now when, but we know these folks are painfully slow on the uptake) that they will just stay home.

bluejeansntshirt @ 58

GSD @ 47

Perhaps we should plan on helping the Democratic congress stay in session all through August so that Bush can’t pull any shit?

Maybe a month long sit in around the clock to let Bush know that he’s being watched too?

-GSD

Greetings Scarecrow and all pups, Yeah, I got some shoe leather that’s just itching to taste some D.C. pavement. The sit-in part will be tough on my back, so I’ll just lean. As long as it takes. Anyone with me.

maybe in a few weeks, i’ve some health problems to resolve first. gotta give it some thought… but, i’m very tempted. thanks for asking…

It is funny but the more the wingnuts open up on Senator Clinton the more my sympathies go with her.

They are going to make her a winner after all.

Besides, imagine Hillary and Bill using executive privilege to go through all of the Bush papers that have been classified and using executive privilege to open the books to the public on the most embarrassing matters that the Bushies want hidden for decades?

-GSD

MUST read…MUST

Old-line Republican warns ’something’s in the works’ to trigger a police state

I’ve been raising this alarm for quite a while now…this is the person that drafted the articles of impeachment against clinton that is telling us we must impeach this administration

please read the entire article…my bold here but there is MUCH more

Thom Hartmann began his program on Thursday by reading from a new Executive Order which allows the government to seize the assets of anyone who interferes with its Iraq policies.

Olberman was PISSED!!!

He sure looked as mad as I feel.

Impeachment is the only solution.

dakine01 @ 75

I don’t cut ‘em any slack on that as they still spout their BS and I reply that their answer is non-responsive and identify why it is non-responsive.

Yessss!!! ;->

I’m googlin and googlin and can’t find HRC’s speech on the Senate floor in the wee hours. I didn’t even see it on her website.

She looked whipped, every bit of her age, gravely serious and capable. Where is the link?

It would be ridiculous to hide this speech because of her looking tired. Ridiculous.

TiredFed @ 69

Sandman @ 21

My congressman and senators rarely reply to email questions is this normal for other people?

For example, I asked why after billions of dollars don’t people in Bagdad have electricity?

by any chance are they Republicans? it is decidedly not normal to receive no response to a formal inquiry (email or writen) to a Congressman. After all, they work for you. Perhaps a visit is in order the next time they are in town.

ha ha! first time i went to senator kerry’s office (with a couple of firepups), i wasn’t even permitted to leave my letter with the security guard.

(it got better… but only because RevDeb knew of an aide in his DC office)

The Republicans are driving people out of their party by the droves and droves.

Pretty soon it isn’t gonna matter about their base because their base aint gonna be more than 20% of the electorate.

-GSD

GSD @ 83

It is funny but the more the wingnuts open up on Senator Clinton the more my sympathies go with her.

They are going to make her a winner after all.

Besides, imagine Hillary and Bill using exective privilege to go through all of the Bush papers that have been classified and using executive privilege to open the books to the public on the most embarrassing matters that the Bushies want hidden for decades?

-GSD

Now that would get me on the Clinton bus

These people are either mind-numbingly delusional about this occupation or they have sold their souls to the devil so cravenly that they are forced lie until the bitter end. Although, after all is said and done, I really think most of ‘em would crack.

egregious @ 73

eCAHNomics at 61 “In the Senate’s all-nighter, did anyone mention that for every month the Iraq decision is postponed, 100 U.S. troops die…”

Durbin did in the early hours of the morning iirc. Surely there were others.

Thanks. Didn’t see any coverage of it.

sandflea @ 91

These people are either mind-numbingly delusional about this occupation or they have sold their souls to the devil so cravenly that they are forced lie until the bitter end. Although, after all is said and done, I really think most of ‘em would crack.

I’ll go with “selling their souls to Satan” for 1000.

-GSD

Scarecrow @ 67:

Thanks for the h/t!

brendan @ #65

Remarks by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and DNDO Director Vayl Oxford at a Press Conference to Announce Spectroscopic Portal (ASP) Program Contracts
Release Date: 07/14/06 00:00:00

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
July 14, 2006

Secretary Chertoff: Good afternoon, everybody on this very hot day here in Washington, D.C. I have with me Vayl Oxford, who is the director of our Domestic Nuclear Detection Office.

As I think I have said previously, the single biggest threat we worry about, in terms of protecting this country and securing the homeland, is the threat of a weapon of mass destruction. And at the very top of the scale is a nuclear device or a radiological

http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/relea….._0953.shtm

Hmmm…everything I’ve read about Reid and the summer recess all year long is that at the minimum he plans to call congress to session (every ten days?) to prevent recess appointments. It seems to me that Congress has a pretty high chance of working through August.

Adie @ 59

dead last @ 49

I wonder if Larry Flint has the goods on Denny’s Grand Slam….

omg, puleeze! haven’t even finished my cuppa. *blergh*

How come Matthews never brings up Hasterts weight? Matthews is endlessly bringing up Gore’s weight.

Sandman @ 21

My congressman and senators rarely reply to email questions is this normal for other people?

For example, I asked why after billions of dollars don’t people in Bagdad have electricity?

Edelman and Electricity, I have a link, from the heart of darkness, Council of Foreign Relations. Edelman says “There is plenty of electricity.”
_____________
There are many challenges as we move forward in helping Iraq economically. Much of Iraq’s infrastructure requires repair or replacement, and additional effort is required to reduce a tax on critical infrastructure. These are slightly exacerbated by a skyrocketing demand for electricity, a challenge that political reform and economic openness have helped spawn. I noticed this myself, by the way, when I flew into Iraq a month ago in the early morning hours — about four or 5:00 in the morning as we came down — and the country was lit up from north to south. So there’s plenty of electricity, I can tell you.

TiredFed @ 68

Sandman @ 21

My congressman and senators rarely reply to email questions is this normal for other people?

For example, I asked why after billions of dollars don’t people in Bagdad have electricity?

by any chance are they Republicans? it is decidedly not normal to receive no response to a formal inquiry (email or written) to a Congressman. After all, they work for you. Perhaps a visit is in order the next time they are in town.

Thank you TiredFed, yes, two out of three are Repubs, but it was not always that way there was a time when we were a blue state! Even one response I got was a non response, just said they forwarded the question about electricity in Bagdad to the DOD for an official response, but seven months later I heard nothing and such a simple question.

Ghostman @ 78

3. Contingency plans DO exist. Hell, DoD has, somewhere in the files, plans for invasion of….Antarctica! Doesn’t mean we’re about to invade the land of penguins…but DoD does plan for anything and everything.

I think the contingency plans for withdrawal were drawn up by the same folks who were responsible for the plans for Iraq after the war.

Edelman had a recess appointment that was supposed to expire 6 months ago. This is the second time thins week somebody has turned up in the news who doesn’t legally even have a job in this misbegotten mess of an Administration. (the other was the legal issues director at DOJ, of course)

perris @ 82

MUST read…MUST

Old-line Republican warns ’something’s in the works’ to trigger a police state

I’ve been raising this alarm for quite a while now…this is the person that drafted the articles of impeachment against clinton that is telling us we must impeach this administration

please read the entire article…my bold here but there is MUCH more

Thom Hartmann began his program on Thursday by reading from a new Executive Order which allows the government to seize the assets of anyone who interferes with its Iraq policies.

Thank you for linking.

YES. Chilling. Hopefully this will be widely read, and warnings heeded.

eCAHNomics @ 99

Ghostman @ 78

3. Contingency plans DO exist. Hell, DoD has, somewhere in the files, plans for invasion of….Antarctica! Doesn’t mean we’re about to invade the land of penguins…but DoD does plan for anything and everything.

I think the contingency plans for withdrawal were drawn up by the same folks who were responsible for the plans for Iraq after the war.

well, that certainly inspires confidence.

From Maria Bartiromo’s interview of Condi Rice in the current issue of Business Week:

MB: “Would you consider a position in business or on Wall Street?”

CR: “I don’t know what I’ll do long-term. I’m a terrible long-term planner.”

mc @ 70

I know attacking Clinton on national security issues is big news, but I think we really just want to know about her relationship with Bill. Do they still sleep together, or do they have separate beds? And how much do her haircuts cost? You know, really important stuff like that.

I’m not much of a Hillary supporter myself, but for me the best reason for a President Hillary Clinton is it would drive the wingnnuts batshit crazy for eight years.

That could be entertaining as hell…bc they would be batshit crazy.

Sandman @ 98

TiredFed @ 68

by any chance are they Republicans? it is decidedly not normal to receive no response to a formal inquiry (email or written) to a Congressman. After all, they work for you. Perhaps a visit is in order the next time they are in town.

Thank you TiredFed, yes, two out of three are Repubs, but it was not always that way there was a time when we were a blue state! Even one response I got was a non response, just said they forwarded the question about electricity in Bagdad to the DOD for an official response, but seven months later I heard nothing and such a simple question.

I always get replies. From Dewine, Voinovich and really well written responses from Senator Sherrod Browns office

boxer @ 26

I hate to break to you guys, but our side is winning, Bush is on defense and losing ground everyday. He can’t declare martial law in a country of 300 million people, with the majority of the military half-way around the world. A military, by the way, who doesn’t support him. This thing is over for him, all he’s trying to do now is make it to the end of his term. All we have to do is keep up the pressure.

strangely, i don’t think that would mitigate our current risk. i don’t see bush/cheney backing off. doubling down is a dangerous game.

an other major terrorist attack, war with iran… things could change quickly. and one must always consider the possibility that the dems in congress will fold. furthermore, i’m not confident in any of our presidental candidates (i’d like to see: war with iran off the table, a repudiation of the imperial presidency and an imperial foreign policy, and major changes to avoid a climate catastrophe)

so i’m both hopeful and concerned.

sandflea @ 89

These people are either mind-numbingly delusional about this occupation or they have sold their souls to the devil so cravenly that they are forced lie until the bitter end. Although, after all is said and done, I really think most of ‘em would crack.

I vote for “B”, the part about the devil and lying to the bitter end.

eCAHNomics @ 98

Ghostman @ 78

3. Contingency plans DO exist. Hell, DoD has, somewhere in the files, plans for invasion of….Antarctica! Doesn’t mean we’re about to invade the land of penguins…but DoD does plan for anything and everything.

I think the contingency plans for withdrawal were drawn up by the same folks who were responsible for the plans for Iraq after the war.

Ha! Then we’re in a world of difficulty! If true, tis not good at all.

Ghostman

OT-Bush speaking now. Dems debating precipitous withdrawal. Didn’t take questions. Money about to run out for troops. What a d*ckwad.

Not to mention FEMA is still killing the poor folks in Louisiana 2 years after their Katrina clusterfuckery.

-GSD

Strange timing that has Bush signing an executive order defining the crime of interfering with Iraq’s success one day, and accusing Hillary Clinton of reinforcing enemy propaganda the next.

If I didn’t know better, I’d say that we’re seeing the birth of a GOP campaign message.

Ugly little bastard, as far as newborns go.

This is why Eric Edelman is pissed off at Congress:

Edelman was appointed to the position of undersecretary of defense for policy on August 9, 2005, by recess appointment by George W. Bush, after his nomination was blocked in the Senate. [1]

My bold.

Daydreaming about Washington in August. Because many of us are old enough to need more than a backpack and bottled water, here’s a question:

Is there a large air conditioned space with plenty of bathrooms and wheelchair access. In it go our thousand or so cots.

Adie @ 100

perris @ 82

MUST read…MUST

I’ve been raising this alarm for quite a while now…this is the person that drafted the articles of impeachment against clinton that is telling us we must impeach this administration

please read the entire article…my bold here but there is MUCH more

Thank you for linking.

YES. Chilling. Hopefully this will be widely read, and warnings heeded.

let’s remind everyone the president has claimed to be the sole proprietor of this government in the case of a “catastrophy”

they don’t even need a “new” catastrophy, they can claim Iraq qualifies

this is scary stuff boys and girls

Planning is unnecessary since the Dear Leader is able to have direct conversations with God.

selise @ 87

TiredFed @ 69

by any chance are they Republicans? it is decidedly not normal to receive no response to a formal inquiry (email or writen) to a Congressman. After all, they work for you. Perhaps a visit is in order the next time they are in town.

ha ha! first time i went to senator kerry’s office (with a couple of firepups), i wasn’t even permitted to leave my letter with the security guard.

(it got better… but only because RevDeb knew of an aide in his DC office)

I must look harmless, then. I left a huge sheaf of papers with several Senate offices (including the SJC) re: the U.S. Atty scandal. It might have helped that I wore my badge ;)

STTP in Ohio @ 107

sandflea @ 89

These people are either mind-numbingly delusional about this occupation or they have sold their souls to the devil so cravenly that they are forced lie until the bitter end. Although, after all is said and done, I really think most of ‘em would crack.

I vote for “B”, the part about the devil and lying to the bitter end.

Guess I should have included an “all of the above.”

global yokel @ 103:

I already scooped you on this one @ 24…*g*

Boston1775 @ 113

Daydreaming about Washington in August. Because many of us are old enough to need more than a backpack and bottled water, here’s a question:

Is there a large air conditioned space with plenty of bathrooms and wheelchair access. In it go our thousand or so cots.

The botanical gardens great place to go

mc @ 69

I know attacking Clinton on national security issues is big news, but I think we really just want to know about her relationship with Bill. Do they still sleep together, or do they have separate beds? And how much do her haircuts cost? You know, really important stuff like that.

I’m not much of a Hillary supporter myself, but for me the best reason for a President Hillary Clinton is it would drive the wingnnuts batshit crazy for eight years.

The problem with that is it’s the last thing our country needs right now. A candidate that would bring Americans together is what we need, and we need him/her now.

Downpuppy @ 100

Edelman had a recess appointment that was supposed to expire 6 months ago. This is the second time thins week somebody has turned up in the news who doesn’t legally even have a job in this misbegotten mess of an Administration. (the other was the legal issues director at DOJ, of course)

when was he appointed? recess appointments generally expire at the end of the term of Congress in which the appointment was made. was he appointed before the 06 election? Hillary could have a field day with this. Never mind. I see Biodun has found the appointment date. Oh my. Someone is in trouble.

Janda @ 106

mc @ 70

I know attacking Clinton on national security issues is big news, but I think we really just want to know about her relationship with Bill. Do they still sleep together, or do they have separate beds? And how much do her haircuts cost? You know, really important stuff like that.

I’m not much of a Hillary supporter myself, but for me the best reason for a President Hillary Clinton is it would drive the wingnnuts batshit crazy for eight years.

That could be entertaining as hell…bc they would be batshit crazy.

Considering they already are batshit crazy, I believe that would induce their heads to implode.

Adie @ 100

perris @ 82

MUST read…MUST

I’ve been raising this alarm for quite a while now…this is the person that drafted the articles of impeachment against clinton that is telling us we must impeach this administration

please read the entire article…my bold here but there is MUCH more

Thank you for linking.

YES. Chilling. Hopefully this will be widely read, and warnings heeded.

let’s remind everyone the president has claimed to be the sole proprietor of this government in the case of a “catastrophe”

they don’t even need a “new” catastrophe, they can claim Iraq qualifies

this is scary stuff boys and girls

TiredFed @ 115

selise @ 87

ha ha! first time i went to senator kerry’s office (with a couple of firepups), i wasn’t even permitted to leave my letter with the security guard.

(it got better… but only because RevDeb knew of an aide in his DC office)

I must look harmless, then. I left a huge sheaf of papers with several Senate offices (including the SJC) re: the U.S. Atty scandal. It might have helped that I wore my badge ;)

might be the office too. we got a very different (and welcoming) response at senator kennedy’s office – the very same day.

I missed the comments about Kucinich. What’s everyone think? Poisoned like Jack Carter and John Ashcroft?

Kathleen @ 119

Boston1775 @ 113

Daydreaming about Washington in August. Because many of us are old enough to need more than a backpack and bottled water, here’s a question:

Is there a large air conditioned space with plenty of bathrooms and wheelchair access. In it go our thousand or so cots.

The botanical gardens great place to go

The Smithsonian Museum Complex. Always free and HUGE.

sandflea @ 122

Janda @ 106

That could be entertaining as hell…bc they would be batshit crazy.

Considering they already are batshit crazy, I believe that would induce their heads to implode.

I’m on board with that! Cleaning up the mess from the implosions would be a small price to pay *g*

yellowdogD @ 110

OT-Bush speaking now. Dems debating precipitous withdrawal. Didn’t take questions. Money about to run out for troops. What a d*ckwad.

I don’t recall any president, during my lifetime, being so omni-present. He’s on the teevee every single goddamned day.

Maybe that’s just what ya gotta do to be a “Dear Leader”.

TiredFed @ 121

Downpuppy @ 100

Edelman had a recess appointment that was supposed to expire 6 months ago. This is the second time thins week somebody has turned up in the news who doesn’t legally even have a job in this misbegotten mess of an Administration. (the other was the legal issues director at DOJ, of course)

when was he appointed? recess appointments generally expire at the end of the term of Congress in which the appointment was made. was he appointed before the 06 election? Hillary could have a field day with this. Never mind. I see Biodun has found the appointment date. Oh my. Someone is in trouble.

Recess appointments (wikipedia): A recess appointment occurs when the President of the United States fills a vacant Federal position during a recess of the United States Senate. The commission or appointment must be approved by the Senate by the end of the next session, or the position becomes vacant again.” (my bold)

Another relevant tidbit about Edelman:

[Edelman] also worked for Defense Secretary Richard B. Cheney from 1990 to 1993 and for Vice President Cheney from 2001 to 2003 and with Secretary of State-designate Condoleezza Rice frequently when he represented Cheney at top-level meetings

TiredFed @ 121:

See me @ 112.

Well, I’m off to see Obama.

Hold down the fort.

-GSD

The Good Witch Glenda has a new thread ready.

Good morning, pardon me for jumping in before reading all comments…

Does this Clinton smear campaign remind anyone of the Wilson smear campaign? I mean, the timing and all? The admin must realllly be feeling vulnerable to come out on the attack like this in such a stupid way and with such an obviously loyal Bushie to do the dirty work.

It’s also laughable that the admin would blame anti-war “sentiment” (we must have penetrated the bubble) when they believe they control the news media….

JMHO

LA Times headline this morning:

Military wants new date
for assessment: November

My reaction:
No. Absolutely not.
They’ve had four f*cking years.

Time to impeach!

jayt @ 128

yellowdogD @ 110

OT-Bush speaking now. Dems debating precipitous withdrawal. Didn’t take questions. Money about to run out for troops. What a d*ckwad.

I don’t recall any president, during my lifetime, being so omni-present. He’s on the teevee every single goddamned day.

Maybe that’s just what ya gotta do to be a “Dear Leader”.

Yeah, I was wondering if Cheney reached over to replace the cspan voice for the filibuster *g*

Friday News Round Up another hour of the Diane Rehm show. Lots of people listen to her show across the nation. If you have a question, comment, information that you want to get to listeners. Join her show. The screener Dorie is really fair and balanced that is why so many people listen to the Rehm show.

Drshow@wamu.org
1-800-433-8850

Still trying get Diane to bring Marcy on with her book or the Ladies of the Lake to discuss their efforts to reinforce/save this Democracy

Fresh thread, up and running for everyone, if you want it.

The hatred of Clinton, and Hillary in particular, is like racism in the worst way. Republicans hate Hillary like the KKK hates black people with the same logic. I’m not kidding. It’s not rational and it’s uneducated, like racism, and it’s based on more than fifteen years of smears and lies by the right wing machine.

I really like Hillary, but I have a feeling that the Republicans know exactly what they will do to fight her in 2008, whereas they don’t have a clue about what to do against Obama. (although you can count on racist innuendo and slurs there too.)

TPM points out the other part of this incident. Edelmann, the Cheney hack, completely undercut his boss Gates, who said:

I believe that the debate here on the Hill and the issues that have been raised have been helpful in bringing pressure to bear on the Maliki government and on the Iraqis in knowing that there is a very real limit to American patience in this entire enterprise.

This shows why, if anyone should be impeached first, it should be Cheney.

GeorgeSimian @ 139

The hatred of Clinton, and Hillary in particular, is like racism in the worst way. Republicans hate Hillary like the KKK hates black people with the same logic. I’m not kidding. It’s not rational and it’s uneducated, like racism, and it’s based on more than fifteen years of smears and lies by the right wing machine.

I really like Hillary, but I have a feeling that the Republicans know exactly what they will do to fight her in 2008, whereas they don’t have a clue about what to do against Obama. (although you can count on racist innuendo and slurs there too.)

The Bushies may think they’re hurting Clinton by attacking her, but I suspect the more they turn her into the anti-Bush, the more attrctive she’ll be.

Tithonia @ 120

mc @ 69

I know attacking Clinton on national security issues is big news, but I think we really just want to know about her relationship with Bill. Do they still sleep together, or do they have separate beds? And how much do her haircuts cost? You know, really important stuff like that.

I’m not much of a Hillary supporter myself, but for me the best reason for a President Hillary Clinton is it would drive the wingnnuts batshit crazy for eight years.

The problem with that is it’s the last thing our country needs right now. A candidate that would bring Americans together is what we need, and we need him/her now.

My comment was primarily snark, but I’m not so sure the 28%ers can be “brought together” with mainstream America. There will always be fringe lunatics in this country-that’s what makes America great. The problem now is that they’re running the country.

I also think our democracy thrives on confrontation and that’s not neccessarily a bad thing. I know we wish every one would just get along, but I want a leader who is going to stand up for what’s right and that might mean throwing the current administration bums in jail. That may not bring us together as a country, but it would return the Rule of Law to how our government works.

Hillary just put dick-head in check. She’s got a hell of a backhand.

July 19, 2007

The Honorable Robert M. Gates
Secretary of Defense
The United States Department of Defense
The Pentagon
Suite 319
Washington, D.C. 20301

Dear Mr. Secretary:

On May 22, 2007, I wrote to you to request that you provide the appropriate oversight committees in Congress – including the Senate Armed Services Committee – with briefings on what current contingency plans exist for the future withdrawal of United States forces from Iraq. Alternatively, if no such plans exist, I asked for an explanation for the decision not to engage in such planning.

I am in receipt of a letter from Eric Edelman, the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy who wrote that he was responding on your behalf. Under Secretary Edelman’s response did not address the issues raised in my letter and instead made spurious arguments to avoid addressing contingency planning for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq.

As I noted in my original letter, “the seeds of many problems that continue to plague our troops and mission in Iraq were planted in the failure to adequately plan for the conflict and properly equip our men and women in uniform. Congress must be sure that we are prepared to withdraw our forces without any unnecessary danger.”

Rather than offer to brief the congressional oversight committees on this critical issue, Under Secretary Edelman – writing on your behalf – instead claims that congressional oversight emboldens our enemies. Under Secretary Edelman has his priorities backward. Open and honest debate and congressional oversight strengthens our nation and supports our military. His suggestion to the contrary is outrageous and dangerous. Indeed, you acknowledged the importance of Congress in our Iraq policy at a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee in March, when you stated, “I believe that the debate here on the Hill and the issues that have been raised have been helpful in bringing pressure to bear on the Maliki government and on the Iraqis in knowing that there is a very real limit to American patience in this entire enterprise.”

Redeploying out of Iraq will be difficult and requires careful planning. I continue to call on the Bush Administration to immediately provide a redeployment strategy that will keep our brave men and women safe as they leave Iraq – instead of adhering to a political strategy to attack those who rightfully question their competence and preparedness after years of mistakes and misjudgments.

Other members of this Administration have not engaged in political attacks when the prospect of withdrawal planning has been raised. At the June 7 Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing on Lieutenant General Douglas Lute, I asked General Lute “what level of planning has taken place” and “whether the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs have been briefed about the level of planning.” I also asked General Lute to determine “what kind of timeline would exist if a decision for either military or political reasons were taken to begin withdrawal” and if he considered this kind of planning to be part of his responsibilities.

General Lute replied, “Thank you Senator. I do think such an adaptation, if the conditions on the ground call for it, will be part of this position.”

I renew my request for a briefing, classified if necessary, on current plans for the future withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq or an explanation for the decision not to engage in such planning. I also renew my concern that our troops will be placed in unnecessary danger if the Bush Administration fails to plan for the withdrawal of U.S. Forces. Finally, I request that you describe whether Under Secretary Edelman’s letter accurately characterizes your views as Secretary of Defense.

I would appreciate the courtesy of a prompt response directly from you. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely yours,
Hillary Rodham Clinton

Electioncentral – TPM

Kathleen @ 105

Sandman @ 98

Thank you TiredFed, yes, two out of three are Repubs, but it was not always that way there was a time when we were a blue state! Even one response I got was a non response, just said they forwarded the question about electricity in Bagdad to the DOD for an official response, but seven months later I heard nothing and such a simple question.

I always get replies. From Dewine, Voinovich and really well written responses from Senator Sherrod Browns office

In our experience, DeWine & Vvich only started writing (occasionally on topic) after they got worried about reelection. I used to have to d-r-a-g responses out of DeW., and then only after complaining he was not addressing the issues.
Sherrod Brown routinely responds with detailed replies, and has even been known to send surprise, hand-written kudos for a letter to the editor that he thought particularly noteworthy. ;->

Edelman didn’t get confirmed because Levin wouldn’t put him through without getting documents about his predecessor, Doug Feith. So Bush gave him a recess appointment.

He’ll never get a hearing now, not just for this, but because in 2003 he was a henchman for some guy named Libby doing evil stuff that I think has been mentioned a couple times at FDL.

Just a reminder that contempt & stonewalling have ALWAYS been Job 1.

Hey Bill, I know you are reading here. Remember that what we care about most is that she do her job well. Tired? Fine. Not the best speaking voice? Fine. If she does her job fearlessly, not grandstanding, not “running”, we will get it.

Durbin and Kennedy compare US soldiers to Nazis, so Hillary comments seemed rather mild.

Has anyone else read Michael Yon’s latest post. It seems the “surge” strategy is really working! The Dems must hate that.

Stevend at 147 — Wipe the cheetoes off your fingers before you type next time, dear…

OK KIDDO @16 Hello, from Fort Worth. Excuse my clumsy, OK. ?? Theres a fellow patriot in Tulsa, Oklahoma I wish you’d buddy with. He has a blog, even. Plays wicked pok*r, drinks some wicked brew, called{?} Daily dismembers the current regime. Not pretty. Im no realtions, btw. Look him up, please at his site: b a r t c o p / You’ll swear he’s a long lost relative. LOL. /

*Edited and released by MOD

Oklahoma kiddo @ 16

We just got in from a fast trip to Dallas, actually it was Fort Worth. We had a little meeting last night with some family (and friends) Demo organizers. We are determined to make Texas and Oklahoma blue.

As to Senator Clinton. Republicans, you all just keep on doing what you’re doing with your ugly tactics. Because it’s driving certain of us into the Hillary camp. We are warming to the idea of President Hillary Clinton.

I’m going for a swim out back. Then I am going to fix pan-fried potatoes, bacon, fried cornbread and virgin mary’s for me and my gal.

Might be misunderstanding, OK KIDDO @ 16 You got a bud in Tulsa with a lot to say regarding many of the topics here. Look him up, maybe? at: B A R T C O P ?