EPU’ing myself:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/t…..242151.ece

“It’s even more dangerous beyond the perimeter. Convoys have to resupply the only other British outpost left in southern Iraq – the Basra Palace, which lies a few miles south in the city.

Some 700 British troops are still holed up there and need food, fuel, ammunition and other equipment. As the convoys run the gauntlet of the city streets, they come under assault on all sides. “Last time we did it the convoy encountered 25 IEDs [improvised explosive devices],” said Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick Sanders of 4 Rifles. “The Jam [the soldiers’ name for the Mahdi Army insurgents] see the trucks form up, they know the routes in, they know the routes out. It’s a f****** nightmare.”

There is no respite inside the palace either. Stretch Armstrong, a soldier in the palace, found himself under such bombardment that he wrote to a company that supplies “Baldrick’s bullets” – a real bullet engraved with the owner’s name to keep them safe. The idea came from the television series Blackadder in which the character Baldrick reckoned that “if there is a bullet with your name on it”, you’d be safe if you owned it.”

zeddo?

third?

Good morning all

not so mucho

bingo

Impeach Cheney.

And still the Republican candidates for prez, to a man, continue to suck-up the George W. Bush.

Clusterfuck fiddles while Pakistan burns–who will control Pakistan’s nukes?:

Today, Pakistan faces immense problems. There is a full-blown tribal insurgency backed by al-Qaeda in the North-West Frontier Province bordering Afghanistan in which more than 200 soldiers have been killed since mid-July, while suicide bombers have twice penetrated Islamabad.

The army, facing civil revolt and plagued by differences of opinion, cannot effectively go after extremists, while Pakistanis have yet to be convinced that this is their war against extremism and not one dictated by Washington.

The United States needs to help bring about a peaceful and fair political transition in Islamabad before it again insists that the army battle al-Qaeda. Musharraf needs to shed his uniform, hold elections and declare that he is not a candidate for the presidency. Washington then needs to help ensure that the new elected leadership works with the army to mobilize public support for the struggle against extremism.

Neither the army nor Bhutto can battle the extremists alone and save Pakistan from meltdown. Bhutto understands this, but the army still does not. Bush has to accept that his ally’s political days are over — that it is time to stop equating Musharraf with Pakistan.

WP

So WTF changed in 9 years, Dick?

Not a g*d-damned thing. Except for your bank account.

this is why the “9/11 changed everything” talking point is so vital to them.

and that talking point should be subjected to scrutiny, even if it includes casting doubts on the “Official Story” the one instance of the mendacious Bush administration telling the truth, supposedly.

“I did not have sexual relations with that woman”

“I don’t care where Bin Laden is. I don’t even think about it”

“It’s a…it’s a quagmire, if you go that far in trying to take over Iraq.”

Which statement will live in infamy?

Gotta admit, when Darth is right, he’s right. And in this instance he was right. Too damn bad he didn’t remember this in ‘03. Maybe he’s getting some of St Ronnie’s disease.

Well, look at it this way. Cheney was right. Once.

Still a solid 0-fer since, though.

Exhaustion and combat stress are besieging US troops in Iraq as they battle with a new type of warfare. Some even rely on Red Bull to get through the day. As desertions and absences increase, the military is struggling to cope with the crisis

http://observer.guardian.co.uk…..52,00.html

There’s one word for it all: oil.

In 1994, Cheney simply hadn’t seen the light.

Clusterfuck may have to invade Pakistan- to “restore order” as only HE can.

How many moslem countries can the US occupy at the same time?

EPU’d from dawn today

Froomkin

“This White House official has stated to several Washington insiders that Cheney is planning to deploy an ‘end run strategy’ around the President if he and his team lose the policy argument. . . .

“According to this official, Cheney believes that Bush can not be counted on to make the ‘right decision’ when it comes to dealing with Iran and thus Cheney believes that he must tie the President’s hands.’”

So how does a man that knows what will happen if he steps into the fire, step into the fire anyway? More importantly, how does he bring his whole country behind him knowing there is no where to go from here? So, was Cheney hypnotized? Replaced by his evil twin? What?

Jonathan @ 16

There’s one word for it all: oil.

In 1994, Cheney simply hadn’t seen the light.

In 1994 he didn’t have the power to award no-bid contracts. That’s what changed.

Where has this clip been all these years?

Wish it had been widely aired before the last election.

Gotta love those christian boot camps…:

http://www.news8austin.com/con…..rID=190066

I repeat. The BushCo agenda had only 3 goals:
1)Establish a permanent Repub majority.
2)Make the top 1% richer
3)Raid the U.S. treasury

All of Washington working hard to avoid the conclusion that american military is not an asset in the middle east.

If that’s true- then we don’t have any weapons to use other than bribery. Americans can’t stand being helpless.

raven @ 19

EPU’d from dawn today

Froomkin

“This White House official has stated to several Washington insiders that Cheney is planning to deploy an ‘end run strategy’ around the President if he and his team lose the policy argument. . . .

“According to this official, Cheney believes that Bush can not be counted on to make the ‘right decision’ when it comes to dealing with Iran and thus Cheney believes that he must tie the President’s hands.’”

He’s gunning for perpetual war president status.

I am blog-madam-ing a story from youthinkleft.
Compare these two headlines about Iraq, both from today. Who do you believe? Who has a reason to lie to us and who is telling the truth?

Ann in AZ @ 20

So how does a man that knows what will happen if he steps into the fire, step into the fire anyway? More importantly, how does he bring his whole country behind him knowing there is no where to go from here? So, was Cheney hypnotized? Replaced by his evil twin? What?

He had political reasons for saying what he did in 1994 and he had political reasons for moving to a different position. It’s politics. I think one huge thing we are learning is how situational the statements these people make are. He no more believes what he says today than what he said in 1994.

What a mess.

And yes, I am aware that watching this YouTube video may make your blood pressure rise. I know it did with mine, and I knew what he was likely to say before I ever pressed play. Blergh.

LS @ 26

raven @ 19

EPU’d from dawn today

Froomkin

He’s gunning for perpetual war president status.

And when they tell you the world changed when they flew planes into the WTC and they never could have imagined that:

A truly chilling example of foreshadowing, The Voice of the Prophet is an interview with Rick Rescorla, the head of security for the investment firm Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. A retired Army colonel, veteran of combat in three wars and a survivor of the 1993 bombing of the twin towers (in which he saved the lives of hundreds of Morgan Stanley employees), Rescorla was killed in the WTC attacks of September 11, 2001. In this interview, Rescorla all but predicts the events that lead up to the September 11 attack and the war on terrorism that followed.

Rick Rescorla

We will have to make him leave, because it is clear he won’t leave on his own.

He must be impeached.

He must be exposed for his actions on 9/11 from the WH bunker. Our cities and the Pentagon were not protected on 9/11. Cheney was in command.

The official story must be challenged. It is the underpinning of everything they do.

Take back 9/11.

fdl reader @ 28

Ann in AZ @ 20

So how does a man that knows what will happen if he steps into the fire, step into the fire anyway? More importantly, how does he bring his whole country behind him knowing there is no where to go from here? So, was Cheney hypnotized? Replaced by his evil twin? What?

He had political reasons for saying what he did in 1994 and he had political reasons for moving to a different position. It’s politics. I think one huge thing we are learning is how situational the statements these people make are. He no more believes what he says today than what he said in 1994.

What a mess.

the foreign policy establishment needs to be disestablished.

LS at 31 — That is exactly the wrong strategy, IMHO. If we fight based on 9/11, then we are doing so based on their mythology. What we need to hit is domestic issues and their failures in Iraq and elsewhere. And let them stand on their increasingly tiny island of make believe and spout whatever bullshit comes forth.

Americans know exactly how much better their lives are under GOP rule — and the answer is not at all. THAT is the hammer we need to wield. They lie, cheat and steal their way to victory — and then shit on the people who brought them there. THAT is the heavy baggage they must be made to carry from now until 2009 and beyond. They win an election and then fail to govern at all — they must pay the consequences for it.

was Cheney hypnotized? Replaced by his evil twin?

Cheney’s evil twin? Is such a thing possible?

Sounds like a great topic for a doctoral thesis in philosophy.

“…And the question for the President in terms of whether or not we went on to Baghdad and took additional casualties in an effort to get Saddam Hussein, was how many additional dead Americans was Saddam worth? And our judgment was not very many, and I think we got that right.”

And then Deadeye proceeded to chug the Kook-Aid Kool-Aid from a jug provided to him as a gift by the L*kud (they say Bibi Netanyahu did the honors of mixing the potent brew while Paul Wolfowitz and Richard Perle took turns stirring it).

And Deadeye has been giggling something about “What a long strange trip its been!” ever since.

~~~ModNote: Edited for content to clear filters.~~~

jayt @ 34

was Cheney hypnotized? Replaced by his evil twin?

Cheney’s evil twin? Is such a thing possible?

Sounds like a great topic for a doctoral thesis in philosophy.

or a really scary movie

rwcole @ 9

Clusterfuck fiddles while Pakistan burns–who will control Pakistan’s nukes?:

Today, Pakistan faces immense problems. There is a full-blown tribal insurgency backed by al-Qaeda in the North-West Frontier Province bordering Afghanistan in which more than 200 soldiers have been killed since mid-July, while suicide bombers have twice penetrated Islamabad.

The army, facing civil revolt and plagued by differences of opinion, cannot effectively go after extremists, while Pakistanis have yet to be convinced that this is their war against extremism and not one dictated by Washington.

The United States needs to help bring about a peaceful and fair political transition in Islamabad before it again insists that the army battle al-Qaeda. Musharraf needs to shed his uniform, hold elections and declare that he is not a candidate for the presidency. Washington then needs to help ensure that the new elected leadership works with the army to mobilize public support for the struggle against extremism.

Neither the army nor Bhutto can battle the extremists alone and save Pakistan from meltdown. Bhutto understands this, but the army still does not. Bush has to accept that his ally’s political days are over — that it is time to stop equating Musharraf with Pakistan.

WP

I think there is a fundamental mistake here. Pakistan has never been stable and one election is not going to make it so. The Bhutto family’s history in Pakistan’s corrupt political culture is an interesting and troubled one.

Pakistan has a very important strategic reason for keeping tight control of its nukes no matter what else happens and that is India. India, not us, would be the most likely target of any loose Pakistani nukes. If India thought that Pakistan had lost or was losing control of its nuclear arsenal, there is a significant likelihood that they would strike Pakistan pre-emptively. This gives the Pakistanis an excellent reason to see that this never happens.

Now you know the entire truth…he KNEW to consequences and went in BECAUSE it would result in QUAGMIRE and PROFITS and the creation of GREATER ISRAEL.

Rovian Stunt #307:

Imply that Democrats don’t want to “Win The War!”

All this talk about “Don’t you want to win?” is just absurd.

One of the now-hundreds of reasons it was said we went into Iraq was to implement “Regime Change.” We were going to do it by “winning the hearts and minds of the Iraqis.”

We were going to be “greeted as liberators” in the now famous words of Dick Cheney.

Winning?

The only thing that there was for us to “win” was that – their hearts and minds. To imply that there is a war to “win” implies that there is an army who will “lose” to us.

The military in Iraq was disbanded – so there was no standing Army to war with shortly after our arrival in Baghdad.

That we have now pissed off nearly every citizen in the country and provoked many to take up arms against us is a direct result of POLICY FAILURE.

The only thing there ever was to “Win” in Iraq was the hearts and minds of the people. Rumsfeld and Cheney lost that INTENTIONALLY in order to ensure the OCCUPATION of that country FOREVER.

There is nothing left to “WIN.” That opportunity has already been LOST – and it was lost ON PURPOSE.

Bremmer was sent there specifically to foment chaos and install unqualified hacks in positions of budget authority relative to infrastructure repair and basic services.

The money to fix Iraq was looted ON PURPOSE. Rumsfeld threatened to fire any General who even mentioned the plan for the aftermath of the initial invasion.

Don’t be naive. These bastards are ruthless and couldn’t care less about human life. In their eyes, every day the chaos in Iraq increases…with every step into the abyss of Civil War…Rumsfeld and Cheney are “winning.” They are precisely “ON-PLAN.”

Bush said they were both doing a great job. He meant it.

IMPEACH.

What if Cheney decides he needs to be the VP for whoever wins the gop nomination? There’s no constitutional limit on how long a vp can serve, right?

Install another puppet as prez, and continue the destruction of the country. *shudder*

Damn, I just freaked myself out.

The sum total of this is Cheney is not fit to lead … he never was fit to lead … but we seem to have an epidemic of that across party lines right now. We’re stuck with people who won’t lead by doing the right thing to get rid of people like Cheney et. al. Let alone the self-serving warmongering we are seeing with many of the Dem candidates.

People like Rick Noriega from yesterday’s Blue America thread show that we can do better, much, much better. I am grateful for that insight.

TheOtherWA @ 37

What if Cheney decides he needs to be the VP for whoever wins the gop nomination? There’s no constitutional limit on how long a vp can serve, right?

Install another puppet as prez, and continue the destruction of the country. *shudder*

Damn, I just freaked myself out.

Thank you for future nightmares.

Elliott @ 35

jayt @ 34

was Cheney hypnotized? Replaced by his evil twin?

Cheney’s evil twin? Is such a thing possible?

Sounds like a great topic for a doctoral thesis in philosophy.

or a really scary movie

Starring whom as the evil twin of Richard Bruce Cheney? A heretofore undiscovered black hole?

Or maybe… Satan? (my Church-Lady imitation really sucks).

Christy Hardin Smith @ 33

LS at 31 — That is exactly the wrong strategy, IMHO. If we fight based on 9/11, then we are doing so based on their mythology. What we need to hit is domestic issues and their failures in Iraq and elsewhere. And let them stand on their increasingly tiny island of make believe and spout whatever bullshit comes forth.

Americans know exactly how much better their lives are under GOP rule — and the answer is not at all. THAT is the hammer we need to wield. They lie, cheat and steal their way to victory — and then shit on the people who brought them there. THAT is the heavy baggage they must be made to carry from now until 2009 and beyond. They win an election and then fail to govern at all — they must pay the consequences for it.

Yes, I see your point. What will resonate is what each American is experiencing personally, rather than big stories that are difficult to nail down.

Jonathan @ 16

There’s one word for it all: oil.

In 1994, Cheney simply hadn’t seen the light.

War crimes. Guilty as charged. He can hardly deny it. HE KNEW what he was unleashing when he sold this filthy war under false pretenses.

Impeach &/or send him straight to the Hague. Just get him OUT of OUR government. He does not belong to this country any more, if indeed he ever did.

Those who follow him at this point are as guilty as he, or stupid and craven to their core. This video should be shown widely, to prove what this fiend is made of. No one can turn away and ignore his crimes any more. Especially media voices, those in power and those who seek leadership positions in this country.

The good news is that no gooper candidate would give Cheney another run at the VP slot- he’s poison.

Only Little Lord Clusterfuck is dumb enough to tap Cheney.

jayt @ 40

Elliott @ 35

or a really scary movie

Starring whom as the evil twin of Richard Bruce Cheney? A heretofore undiscovered black hole?

Or maybe… Satan? (my Church-Lady imitation really sucks).

lol

but if only this were just a movie.

TexBetsy @ 39

TheOtherWA @ 37

What if Cheney decides he needs to be the VP for whoever wins the gop nomination? There’s no constitutional limit on how long a vp can serve, right?

Install another puppet as prez, and continue the destruction of the country. *shudder*

Damn, I just freaked myself out.

Thank you for future nightmares.

Sorry about that, but it’s not good to keep these things to yourself.

fdl reader @ 28

Ann in AZ @ 20

So how does a man that knows what will happen if he steps into the fire, step into the fire anyway? More importantly, how does he bring his whole country behind him knowing there is no where to go from here? So, was Cheney hypnotized? Replaced by his evil twin? What?

He had political reasons for saying what he did in 1994 and he had political reasons for moving to a different position. It’s politics. I think one huge thing we are learning is how situational the statements these people make are. He no more believes what he says today than what he said in 1994.

What a mess.

This is a very good point. In 1994, Clinton was President and Cheney was defending decisions made when he was Secretary of Defense. In 2001, Bush was President, he was Vice President, and he didn’t need to defend anything to anybody.

rwcole @ 43

The good news is that no gooper candidate would give Cheney another run at the VP slot- he’s poison.

Only Little Lord Clusterfuck is dumb enough to tap Cheney.

Gee, would the Cheney regime stoop to eavesdropping on gooper candidates for blackmail material? Seriously, why wouldn’t they?

This video should be played repeatedly. Every day. It should be sent to all of the MSM stations. Send it to wingnut blogs, and to all your friends.

This just says it all…He’s making our case.

The Democrats might want to campaign on the issue of debt, increased medical expenses, the poor state of our schools, the deteriorating environment, job loss, wage stagnation and corruption. Among other things.

TheOtherWA @ 47

rwcole @ 43

The good news is that no gooper candidate would give Cheney another run at the VP slot- he’s poison.

Only Little Lord Clusterfuck is dumb enough to tap Cheney.

Gee, would the Cheney regime stoop to eavesdropping on gooper candidates for blackmail material? Seriously, why wouldn’t they?

What is Cheney’s approval rating?

TexBetsy @ 50

What is Cheney’s approval rating?

Good example of an oxymoron.

Hugh @ 51

TexBetsy @ 50

What is Cheney’s approval rating?

Good example of an oxymoron.

Rush Limp is the oxy moron.

http://www.tnr.com/doc.mhtml?i=200703…..ttle031907
This article offers an explanation as to some of Cheney’s baffling conduct.

Christy. I hope you’re right.
It’s beyond my tolerance level to think of him staying in our government, still wielding tremendous power, being enabled by supposedly intelligent people. It’s like having a rabid animal sitting in our living room. We can’t just pretend he’s not there and not a menace!

excellent-cheney-stuff, here CHS!

i’ll cross-link it on mine, momentarily. . .

now this is sorta O/T, but not entirely.

it seems bob kelner, of covington & burling,
the law-firm for the RNC, wrote chairman
conyers on friday, and asserted that the
president has an “unquestionable” privilege
interest in the RNC’s five million e-mails.

uh-huh.

i have images of all of this, at mine. . .

remember that the hatch act requires
that government funds not be used to conduct
political business, and the presidential records
act requires the preservation of all presidential
deliberative documents [all as i’ve previously made
an effort to explain].

erh — “rock: meet hard place” — either the r.n.c.
e-mails will demonstrate a violation of the hatch act,
or they are presidential records, if they do contain
arguably privileged deliberative communications of
the executive branch — on governmental (as opposed to
political) matters, and thus must be preserved, and
made available to the public, after the president’s
term of office ends. either way, the president’s
“interest” in these documents is far more
than slightly questionable, as opposed to bob kelner’s
flat assertion of “unquestionable” status.

so, “whassup“, there, bob?

cheers!

[CHS-post-link coming up shortly!]

fdl reader @ 39

The sum total of this is Cheney is not fit to lead … he never was fit to lead … but we seem to have an epidemic of that across party lines right now. We’re stuck with people who won’t lead by doing the right thing to get rid of people like Cheney et. al. Let alone the self-serving warmongering we are seeing with many of the Dem candidates.

People like Rick Noriega from yesterday’s Blue America thread show that we can do better, much, much better. I am grateful for that insight.

Agree on all points save one. I witnessed a fancy tap dance re: Noriega and the DLC. Perhaps its too early for Rick to blow them off, but it remains to be seen as to whether or not he will embrace the DLC. Of course any Democrat in Cornyn’s seat is better than Rove’s sockpuppet Cornyn. Other than the DLC waffling, Noriega seems like a very good guy.

I am wary of DLC Republican apologists.

What is Cheney’s approval rating?

I’m pretty sure he thinks quite highly of himself.

Or were you talking about what the rest of us irrelevancies think?

Wow. The Democrats should (1) all view this every day and (2) pay to show it on tv from now through 2008. No comment necessary. Just show it.

Hugh @ 48

Thanks: that’s the history I didn’t have on the tip of my tongue.

Scarecrow @ 60

Wow. The Democrats should (1) all view this every day and (2) pay to show it on tv from now through 2008. No comment necessary. Just show it.

Seconded.

Also, this is a great post to SPOTLIGHT to media all over the country; and let’s see if we can get the folks at CNN, MSNBC, and the networks to show this.

I think the ‘08 election is going to be a pre-9/11 election. It will be ‘91 “It’s the economy stupid.”
……..
……..
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/8/11/1135/74308

Add to this the news that BNP stopped withdrawals from some of its funds a Goldman Sachs fund lost over 20% since the beginning of the year, Washington Mutual agreeing with Countrywide’s assessment of the credit markets, and the central banks pumping liquidity into the market, and you have a recipe for increased volatility and concern.

And in case you thought that wasn’t enough:

But, he adds, the full weight of resets on adjustable-rate mortgages have yet to been felt. From the beginning of 2007 through the middle of 2008, over $1 trillion ARMs will reset, many from low “teaser” rates. Then the extent of the declines in home prices and the financial fallout will be apparent, Magnus observes.
……..
……..
http://atrios.blogspot.com/

Major lenders are repossessing homes in Southern California much faster than they can sell them, a development that could set off a downward spiral of price cuts and more foreclosures.

At some point — maybe this fall, maybe in 2008 — the lenders’ inventories will grow so large that they will have no choice but to start aggressively cutting prices, many agents and analysts predict.
………..
………..
Bush is going to try to roll the Dems for more tax cuts for the 0.01%ers. The message will be, “The economy needs more tax cuts, if you don’t, the failing economy will be your fault”.

The crash is coming and the Dems need to start pointing the finger now at the thugs.

My GF’s mother was talking to a friend who works in a bank loan dept. She said she was very busy; not writing loans, but processing loan defaults. They were coming in at a rate of 17 an hour.

Scarecrow at 63 — Absolutely. Hypocrisy, thy name is Dick. On video.

It’s on Kos too.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 33

LS at 31 — That is exactly the wrong strategy, IMHO. If we fight based on 9/11, then we are doing so based on their mythology. What we need to hit is domestic issues and their failures in Iraq and elsewhere. And let them stand on their increasingly tiny island of make believe and spout whatever bullshit comes forth.

Americans know exactly how much better their lives are under GOP rule — and the answer is not at all. THAT is the hammer we need to wield. They lie, cheat and steal their way to victory — and then shit on the people who brought them there. THAT is the heavy baggage they must be made to carry from now until 2009 and beyond. They win an election and then fail to govern at all — they must pay the consequences for it.

IMO, we need to bring home the fact that not one cent of the money we’re spending on Iraq is coming out of pocket. It’s all on a credit card. We need to tell this country that it’s time to start paying that debt with a “war tax,” a pay/go program for the war, because the grownups are back in town. The war tax will come mostly from those well off companies that were the recipients of some of those no-bid contracts and profited most from the war, and the richest 1% or more that got so much richer since Bush took over. While they’re at it, they might consider offering a tax break to the poorest and middle class who suffer the most for the high cost of fuel. The tax break will be paid for thru a windfall profits tax. That is instead of the suggestion that there should be additional taxes on oil to pay for the deferred maintenance on our infrastructure nationwide. (Sorry, but I thought that gas tax was a Stupid Suggestion!)

If I had to ask one question of Hillary, it would be, “Knowing what you know now, would you still leave a huge surplus of unspent funds for the next president to squander, or would you somehow find a way to put that money to good use during your term?”

The other thing I wanted to comment on, which sort of fits, is the article I read at TPM entitled, “Lute: It ‘Makes Sense’ to ‘Consider’ a Draft!” So now we know why we needed a War Czar? So that the Bush Administration could hide behind him saying “Oh, no, no, no…well, maybe”?

I still see that the end game will result in one or the other getting thrown under the Peter Pan bus.

I believe that the end game will result in Dick Cheney being forced to take the fall.

George W. Bush will be portrayed as a victim of the ruthless Dick Cheney and the right will sacrifice Dick to save the company and the brand name.

-GSD

The war rooter on CNN’s “This Week at War” just showed Bush claiming that the Iranians are “a destabilizing influence” in the Middle East — and then asks whether al Maliki is on board, given his trip to Iran — good question, but why is no one asking whether the Bush regime is a destabilizing influence in the Middle East?

hackworth @ 58

Uh-oh: I missed that nuance & that would worry me too. And that surprises me because Rick seemed unafraid to piss anyone off speaking the truth. Perhaps the DLC is done and won’t count, we can hope.

Ann in AZ at 67 — I think the “credit card” framing on that is a good one. Especially since the bank is owned by China, which is wingnut anathema in terms of hot button freak-out-edness. Every family in America understands what happens when you blow your budget — and we ought to make use of that sort of framing much more frequently in the days ahead.

DES MOINES, Aug. 11 — Even as they call for an end to the war and pledge to bring the troops home, the Democratic presidential candidates are setting out positions that could leave the United States engaged in Iraq for years.

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Candidate Topic PagesMore Politics NewsJohn Edwards, the former North Carolina senator, would keep troops in the region to intervene in an Iraqi genocide and be prepared for military action if violence spills into other countries. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York would leave residual forces to fight terrorism and to stabilize the Kurdish region in the north. And Senator Barack Obama of Illinois would leave a military presence of as-yet unspecified size in Iraq to provide security for American personnel, fight terrorism and train Iraqis.

These positions and those of some rivals suggest that the Democratic bumper-sticker message of a quick end to the conflict — however much it appeals to primary voters — oversimplifies the problems likely to be inherited by the next commander in chief. Antiwar advocates have raised little challenge to such positions by Democrats.

Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico stands apart, having suggested that he would even leave some military equipment behind to expedite the troop withdrawal. In a forum at a gathering of bloggers last week, he declared: “I have a one-point plan to get out of Iraq: Get out! Get out!”

NYT

Here’s the counter to wingnuts who say 9/11 changed Cheney’s mind…from a Kos commenter:

“The change came about before 9/11 (16 / 0-)

The PNAC Report (PDF), Rebuilding America’s Defenses: Strategy, Forces and Resources for a New Century was published in September of 2000 shortly before the November election and subsequent appointment of George W. Bush as president by the Supreme Court. This report proposed a concept for drastic changes in military strength and in U.S. foreign policy.

They only needed a “New Pearl Harbor” in order to garner public support to carry out their plans. Coincidental to this event they had a willing puppet sitting in the Oval Office. As it turned out they didn’t have to wait very long. After 9/11 they officially began taking steps to implement their dreams of an American Empire, a Pax Americana, and the “New American Century”. Even before 9/11 Bush was interesting in “doing” Iraq. Events very conveniently fell into place for them.

Cheney is a PNAC member and his former assistant I. Lewis Libby contributed to the efforts of compiling this report. Other contributors included Paul Wolfowitz, Donald Kagan, Fred Kagan, Eliot Cohen, William Kristol, Barry Watts and several other well known neo-cons.

Therefore it’s no surprise that these people are among the leading supporters of the war in Iraq and for entering a war with Iran.

by truong son traveler on Sun Aug 12, 2007 at 03:36:35 AM PDT”

Scarecrow @ 67

The war rooter on CNN’s “This Week at War” just showed Bush claiming that the Iranians are “a destabilizing influence” in the Middle East — and then asks whether al Maliki is on board, given his trip to Iran — good question, but why is no one asking whether the Bush regime is a destabilizing influence in the Middle East?

I’ve been asking that question for years. But I’d like the mainstream media to ask.

Scarecrow @ 69

The war rooter on CNN’s “This Week at War” just showed Bush claiming that the Iranians are “a destabilizing influence” in the Middle East — and then asks whether al Maliki is on board, given his trip to Iran — good question, but why is no one asking whether the Bush regime is a destabilizing influence in the Middle East?

I used to e-mail pictures of Maliki kissing Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to my wingnut buddies. They no likey.

-GSD

Scarecrow @ 60

Wow. The Democrats should (1) all view this every day and (2) pay to show it on tv from now through 2008. No comment necessary. Just show it.

I never understood why they didn’t show the ‘haves and have-more. You’re my base’ clip. Or the ‘Now watch my swing’ clip. Or the ‘humorous’(?) looking under the desk for WMD clip. Or the ‘it’s our due’ clip (which I never actually saw).

Anyway, the point is…don’t hold your breath.

GSD @ 68

I still see that the end game will result in one or the other getting thrown under the Peter Pan bus.

I believe that the end game will result in Dick Cheney being forced to take the fall.

George W. Bush will be portrayed as a victim of the ruthless Dick Cheney and the right will sacrifice Dick to save the company and the brand name.

-GSD

Very interesting take on things. I think you may have somethng there.

Cheney has made his millions, why would he care?

Looks as if we’re gonna get a strong “progress is being made” message next month from the pentagon…will congress have the balls to dismiss it? Probably not.

Another year of war comin right up!

rwcole @ 78

Looks as if we’re gonna get a strong “progress is being made” message next month from the pentagon…will congress have the balls to dismiss it? Probably not.

Another year of war comin right up!

They have 17 months left, and there’s more money to be made. What did you expect?

nolo @ 57

Totally agree with you on the Hatch vs. Presidential Records Act vise and love your way of putting things!

Saw Bruce Fein again with Bill Moyers on PBS on Friday night. One quote really stuck out for me, Bruce said:

The President’s claims of Executive Privilege are …

“PREPOSTEROUS.”

Indeed. Nice.

I don’t expect Mr. Fein would be any less restrained about the RNC’s claims of Presidential Executive Privilege. Or perhaps the President himself has violated the Hatch Act … does he even understand the concept? I expect not.

rwcole @ 78

Looks as if we’re gonna get a strong “progress is being made” message next month from the pentagon…will congress have the balls to dismiss it? Probably not.

Another year of war comin right up!

Escalation.

Pakistani Ambassador told CNN today that they have a good relationship with Iran and have no problem with them.

If Cheney gets his way, there goes Pakistan..

Cheney must be stopped.

rw at 78 — Something coming up on that in a little bit…

HIGH CRIMES

IMPEACH CHENEY NOW!!!!

They knew what would happen in Iraq and yet they still sacrifice our soldiers!

I am OUTRAGED!

Redd

Thanks- I’ll be lickin my chops!

GSD @ 75

Scarecrow @ 69

The war rooter on CNN’s “This Week at War” just showed Bush claiming that the Iranians are “a destabilizing influence” in the Middle East — and then asks whether al Maliki is on board, given his trip to Iran — good question, but why is no one asking whether the Bush regime is a destabilizing influence in the Middle East?

I used to e-mail pictures of Maliki kissing Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to my wingnut buddies. They no likey.

-GSD

Good of you to share these loving moments. Talk about causing cognitive dissonance!

GSD do you have a link to that photo?

rwcole @ 78

Looks as if we’re gonna get a strong “progress is being made” message next month from the pentagon…will congress have the balls to dismiss it? Probably not.

Another year of war comin right up!

There’s a report that the media is now banned from the Korean hostage site in Afghanistan. They are controlling the message again. They’ve banned reporters from Gitmo, the scene of ied’s in Iraq, they’re censoring soldier email. And, didn’t they make some change whereby the message is now controlled by the military? How does the truth get to Americans when they are perfecting their stranglehold on the media? Oh, and just to add to my fury. A reporter in Afghanistan was threatened with arrest if he reported about the ban.

fdl reader @ 80

nolo @ 57

Totally agree with you on the Hatch vs. Presidential Records Act vise and love your way of putting things!

Saw Bruce Fein again with Bill Moyers on PBS on Friday night. One quote really stuck out for me, Bruce said:

The President’s claims of Executive Privilege are …

“PREPOSTEROUS.”

Indeed. Nice.

I don’t expect Mr. Fein would be any less restrained about the RNC’s claims of Presidential Executive Privilege. Or perhaps the President himself has violated the Hatch Act … does he even understand the concept? I expect not.

thanks — i was on the road friday,
so i missed bill moyers — i am sure
it will be archived on the PBS site,
so i’ll go watch it now. . . it is
plainly true though — the claim is

p r e p o s t e r o u s.

i think the president thinks of the
hatch act, and the presidential records
act — laws, each of them — as mere “suggestions“. . .

p e a c e

Now, we could have drones all over the US. They are capable of being armed:

http://news.com.com/Police agencies push for drone sky patrols/2100-11397_3-6201789.html?tag=nefd.lede

TexBetsy @ 87

GSD do you have a link to that photo?

Here is Iraq President Jalal Talibani and Amhmadinejad.

-GSD

LS @ 90

Now, we could have drones all over the US. They are capable of being armed:

http://news.com.com/Police agencies push for drone sky patrols/2100-11397_3-6201789.html?tag=nefd.lede

go to http://news.com.com

Ann in AZ @ 67

Christy Hardin Smith @ 33

LS at 31 — That is exactly the wrong strategy, IMHO. If we fight based on 9/11, then we are doing so based on their mythology. What we need to hit is domestic issues and their failures in Iraq and elsewhere. And let them stand on their increasingly tiny island of make believe and spout whatever bullshit comes forth.

Americans know exactly how much better their lives are under GOP rule — and the answer is not at all. THAT is the hammer we need to wield. They lie, cheat and steal their way to victory — and then shit on the people who brought them there. THAT is the heavy baggage they must be made to carry from now until 2009 and beyond. They win an election and then fail to govern at all — they must pay the consequences for it.

IMO, we need to bring home the fact that not one cent of the money we’re spending on Iraq is coming out of pocket. It’s all on a credit card. We need to tell this country that it’s time to start paying that debt with a “war tax,” a pay/go program for the war, because the grownups are back in town. The war tax will come mostly from those well off companies that were the recipients of some of those no-bid contracts and profited most from the war, and the richest 1% or more that got so much richer since Bush took over. While they’re at it, they might consider offering a tax break to the poorest and middle class who suffer the most for the high cost of fuel. The tax break will be paid for thru a windfall profits tax. That is instead of the suggestion that there should be additional taxes on oil to pay for the deferred maintenance on our infrastructure nationwide. (Sorry, but I thought that gas tax was a Stupid Suggestion!)

If I had to ask one question of Hillary, it would be, “Knowing what you know now, would you still leave a huge surplus of unspent funds for the next president to squander, or would you somehow find a way to put that money to good use during your term?”

The other thing I wanted to comment on, which sort of fits, is the article I read at TPM entitled, “Lute: It ‘Makes Sense’ to ‘Consider’ a Draft!” So now we know why we needed a War Czar? So that the Bush Administration could hide behind him saying “Oh, no, no, no…well, maybe”?

Yes, and very little of the tru cost of the war is in the budget. That, is something the Dems could do, so that all could see it. But, alas they are afraid to do that too.

LS @ 92

LS @ 90

Now, we could have drones all over the US. They are capable of being armed:

http://news.com.com/Police agencies push for drone sky patrols/2100-11397_3-6201789.html?tag=nefd.lede

go to http://news.com.com

Boston Globe has an article today saying Homeland Security is furnishing many cities with cameras which will record (spy on) the public in the streets. It is clear that the two are linked.

Richmond @ 94

LS @ 92

go to http://news.com.com

Boston Globe has an article today saying Homeland Security is furnishing many cities with cameras which will record (spy on) the public in the streets. It is clear that the two are linked.

A tiny town near where I live has tons of cameras. Every light in the town has 3-4, and they probably have them on buildings too. Many of the bridges up and down I-35 have them.

LS @ 31

We will have to make him leave, because it is clear he won’t leave on his own.

He must be impeached.

He must be exposed for his actions on 9/11 from the WH bunker. Our cities and the Pentagon were not protected on 9/11. Cheney was in command.

The official story must be challenged. It is the underpinning of everything they do.

Take back 9/11.

Thank you. America’s air defense system failed on 9/11 and none of the so-called “Patriots” in the GOP/DP/MSM ever ask why.

Why did America’s air defense system fail on 9/11?

That rock must be kicked over!

nolo @ 89

It was a repeat of the Impeachment show Moyers had on a few weeks ago. It’s really worthwhile to watch it a second time: different things stood out for me the second time.

I’m beginning to think that Conyers et. al. should just pursue Presidential Records Act charges. The WH’s “oh, no, no, no” response would weaken the executive privilege claims and it would get nice and messy. Could be fun to watch.

This statement predates the PNAC manifesto by a couple of years. (Oh, right, it’s called the statement of principles now…manifesto was too commie, I suppose, and mission statement implied, well, you know, something to execute…but it wore those titles once)
Anyway, my guess is that Daffy Dick thought Bush Daddy was a nebbish not to have tossed our children into slaughter way back then. The PNAC basically suggests the way to grow a pair is to have the “courage” to maraud around the globe with the persuasion of the full military arsenal of the country. All that was “missing” was the “will” of the people. As we know, that can be manipulated with the right amount of bullshit.

Wait until there is a PNCC, a pact for a new Chinese century. They’re going to have Dick’s kind of courage to throw around, too, and the Chinese government is no stranger to authoritarian manipulation. We are not even vaguely preparing for any of the certain difficulties looming over our heads while we have our kids and treasury chewed up to protect Halliburton’s oil interests in the middle east.
Dick doesn’t care, he’ll be roasting in hell by then. Only his children (and ours) and his grandchildren (and ours) will still be around.

Cliff Varnell @ 96

LS @ 31

We will have to make him leave, because it is clear he won’t leave on his own.

He must be impeached.

He must be exposed for his actions on 9/11 from the WH bunker. Our cities and the Pentagon were not protected on 9/11. Cheney was in command.

The official story must be challenged. It is the underpinning of everything they do.

Take back 9/11.

Thank you. America’s air defense system failed on 9/11 and none of the so-called “Patriots” in the GOP/DP/MSM ever ask why.

Why did America’s air defense system fail on 9/11?

That rock must be kicked over!

Logical to me. The system failed. It is a fact that cannot be disputed.

Glad to be home in Alaska after 18 days in Washington state. The garden here is exploding with food. Between looking at that when I arrived, and working all day Saturday cutting down blackberry vines at my mom’s house in Seattle – I got enough cuts from those vines to get a free 90-day trial membership in Opus Dei – I’m reminded of this Mary Oliver Poem:

August

When the blackberries hang
swollen in the woods, in the brambles
nobody owns, I spend

all day among the high
branches, reaching
my ripped arms, thinking

of nothing, cramming
the black honey of summer
into my mouth; all day my body

accepts what it is. In the dark
creeks that run by there is
this thick paw of my life darting among

the black bells, the leaves; there is
this happy tongue.

Iran and Iraq, two great friends.

-GSD

The caveat is that Iraq is entitled to make friends and allies with whomever they like and the finger wagging from Bush is insulting and paternalistic.

rwcole @ 78

Looks as if we’re gonna get a strong “progress is being made” message next month from the pentagon…will congress have the balls to dismiss it? Probably not.

Another year of war comin right up!

Nobody launches new product in August.

Not even the White House and OVP.

Bet you Fred Thompson announces formally next month, too. Ugh.

I got enough cuts from those vines to get a free 90-day trial membership in Opus Dei

Great line !

Sheila Condit @ 98

Why does Dick Cheney hate his (grand)children?

Imagine how much profit the black market weapons industry stands to make if a full-blown Shia-Sunni Islamic Civil War breaks out across the entire Mid-East…

Cheney is an employee.

Fresh thread, for everyone…the promised follow-up on Congressional accountability and Iraq. Or at least, a start on it, anyway.

darkblack @ 10

So WTF changed in 9 years, Dick?

Not a g*d-damned thing. Except for your bank account.

The bank accounts of the Saudi Royal Family and the Bush family (the Republican royal family) have grown tremendously as well. These are the people who have gained the most. Yet, they pay no price and take no risks. Republicans have been complicit in making it all possible.

GSD @ 91

TexBetsy @ 87

GSD do you have a link to that photo?

Here is Iraq President Jalal Talibani and Amhmadinejad.

-GSD

Here’s Michele Malkin’s favorite picture.

Sheila Condit @ 98

This statement predates the PNAC manifesto by a couple of years. (Oh, right, it’s called the statement of principles now…manifesto was too commie, I suppose, and mission statement implied, well, you know, something to execute…but it wore those titles once)
Anyway, my guess is that Daffy Dick thought Bush Daddy was a nebbish not to have tossed our children into slaughter way back then. The PNAC basically suggests the way to grow a pair is to have the “courage” to maraud around the globe with the persuasion of the full military arsenal of the country. All that was “missing” was the “will” of the people. As we know, that can be manipulated with the right amount of bullshit.

Wait until there is a PNCC, a pact for a new Chinese century. They’re going to have Dick’s kind of courage to throw around, too, and the Chinese government is no stranger to authoritarian manipulation. We are not even vaguely preparing for any of the certain difficulties looming over our heads while we have our kids and treasury chewed up to protect Halliburton’s oil interests in the middle east.
Dick doesn’t care, he’ll be roasting in hell by then. Only his children (and ours) and his grandchildren (and ours) will still be around.

Good points. To quibble, I do not think that Dick believes in heaven or hell. He certainly behaves like a man who does not believe in hell.

The video clip above demonstrates that Cheeney is a glaring hypocrite. His excuse for his flip-flop would be nine ll, of course. That changed everything. Someone else already stated that all the PNAC (full spectrum dominance/global hegemony) plans were in place prior to nine elva. Nine elva gave them the excuse they needed. Would a bunch of evil billionaires help to facilitate an attack on their own country to fulfill PNAC ambitions?

Richmond @ 93

Ann in AZ @ 67

IMO, we need to bring home the fact that not one cent of the money we’re spending on Iraq is coming out of pocket. It’s all on a credit card. We need to tell this country that it’s time to start paying that debt with a “war tax,” a pay/go program for the war, because the grownups are back in town. The war tax will come mostly from those well off companies that were the recipients of some of those no-bid contracts and profited most from the war, and the richest 1% or more that got so much richer since Bush took over. While they’re at it, they might consider offering a tax break to the poorest and middle class who suffer the most for the high cost of fuel. The tax break will be paid for thru a windfall profits tax. That is instead of the suggestion that there should be additional taxes on oil to pay for the deferred maintenance on our infrastructure nationwide. (Sorry, but I thought that gas tax was a Stupid Suggestion!)

If I had to ask one question of Hillary, it would be, “Knowing what you know now, would you still leave a huge surplus of unspent funds for the next president to squander, or would you somehow find a way to put that money to good use during your term?”

The other thing I wanted to comment on, which sort of fits, is the article I read at TPM entitled, “Lute: It ‘Makes Sense’ to ‘Consider’ a Draft!” So now we know why we needed a War Czar? So that the Bush Administration could hide behind him saying “Oh, no, no, no…well, maybe”?

Yes, and very little of the tru cost of the war is in the budget. That, is something the Dems could do, so that all could see it. But, alas they are afraid to do that too.

IIRC, the Dems are bringing the war costs into the budget for FY2008. That’s why the appropriations bill in the senate was set aside after the Rs voted to maintain the filibuster on the Feingold/Reid amendment.

Scarecrow @ 108

GSD @ 91

TexBetsy @ 87

Here is Iraq President Jalal Talibani and Amhmadinejad.

-GSD

Here’s Michele Malkin’s favorite picture.

you mean it is not this one?
http://politicalhumor.about.co…..hhands.htm

sangemon @ 77

Cheney has made his millions, why would he care?

Cheney’s a true believer…He was sinking his hooks into the soft white underbelly of the Executive branch when Junior was trying to quiet his Jack-and-Gack headache and cook up some lie to tell to his flight line XO at some quiet diner in Old Alabam’.

I think Poppy misunderestimated Dickie’s disposability.

late to this one but man this is classic stuff here

let me point out, he said that when he KNEW saddam DID have wmd’s and he insited on over throwing saddam when he KNEW saddam DID NOT have wmd’s

depraved