Hague!

Awesome!!!

3?

Go get ‘em, Pat!

Now let’s see the GOP/Media Complex give actual air time to Leahy on this.

Yes!

You’ve gotta love the expression on Leahy’s face.

Where is Leahy, literally? Have Conyers, Waxman, Pelosi, Reid et al gone “home”?

Christy, just got to “the fetid stench of turdblossom.” Ewwwwww. Excellent.

Leahy serving up a whole plate of Texas Toast. Yum suddenly I am hungry for justice.

barbara @ 7

Where is Leahy, literally? Have Conyers, Waxman, Pelosi, Reid et al gone “home”?

Pelosi to tour New Orleans Tuesday (and today?):
http://blog.nola.com/times-pic…..s_rec.html

the Hague says they have vacancies. I already have the moron’s room picked out. Both garden levels as well as penthouse suites.

Could Pelosi have made a deal? Rove for FISA.

AdNags choicest cut:

Truth be told, though, as of today he probably would not be very welcome in many of the campaigns. Even some of his former lieutenants are apt, in private moments, to speak of Mr. Rove in tones of disappointment, disillusionment and no small amount of anger.

-GSD

LS at 12 — Not likely. It just doesn’t work that way, I’m afraid.

and the Senate Judiciary Committee will continue its investigation into this serious issue.

And what will happen then, Mr. Chairman? Which article in the Bill of Rights, in your righteous anger, will you then cave in on?

A truly great day.

OT – I missed the whole Kos v DLC takedown. Anybody got a link to a decent summary?

I have yet to see any signs of the Dem leadership doing anything past going Bark Bark, Woof Woof.

I go to the dentist, and come home to this~~!!

That photo from twolf just cracks me up.

casuala t 15 — I’d suggest that you direct that ire where it belongs, at Harry Reid in the Senate. Leahy, as I understand it, very forcefully argued for them to stay and stand their ground…but he’s not in charge of the schedule.

isn’t trying to serve a subpoena in texas to a bushite a capital offense…?

barbara @ 7

Where is Leahy, literally? Have Conyers, Waxman, Pelosi, Reid et al gone “home”?

Leahy is in Vermont.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 14

LS at 12 — Not likely. It just doesn’t work that way, I’m afraid.

I didn’t think so. Just rolling thoughts around.

Helpless Dancer @ 17

I have yet to see any signs of the Dem leadership doing anything past going Bark Bark, Woof Woof.

It’s so disappointing and hard to believe that it will ever change, given the current leaders.

Christy, you hit the nail on the head. Just who is whispering in GW’s ear? And, for that matter, in Karl’s ear? Fiction writers love intrigue because the characters begin to question their source and see intrigue all around them. You just can’t trust anybody, even the family’s best friend, nor your father.

Mabel’s Wig Shack @ 21

isn’t trying to serve a subpoena in texas to a bushite a capital offense…?

In some parts of texas sure… but in others the whole clan is despised.

Every time I See that pic I laugh out loud. You still need a sprew warning Christy.

When the bloom fell off – all you have left is?

Umm…I just had a thought. Knowing the kind of person Rove is, he is likely to save all the dirt he has on others and, in the course, lots of incriminating evidence. Once he’s left the WH, he will not have access to documents. But I bet he has a lot of copies. Would be great if the FBI would do to him what they did to Ted Stevens: Search his residence(s).

randiego @ 16

A truly great day.

OT – I missed the whole Kos v DLC takedown. Anybody got a link to a decent summary?

Here’s a link to the whole show MTP

Or scroll down half way and see the summary here
http://dailykos.com/

Senator Leahy looks as if he’s got a “thunderhead of judgement/gathering in his gaze” (paraphrasing Joni Mitchell).

AdNags has some very interesting connections, Christy. I’m guessing the Fire Island Republicans aren’t so thrilled with their hedge funds falling apart, and not being able to run their private equity buyouts. Karl makes a convenient scapegoat. Sorta like Roy Cohen.

Just sayin’.

if this was a hockey game…

Leahy driving hard down the left wing deking the goaltender…THE NET IS OPEN…Leahy backpasses to Pelosi…WHAT IS SHE DOING? she slides the puck to Reid who PASSES BACK TO ONE OF HIS OWN DEFENSEMEN

as always w/ the republican agenda- i am intrigued by the timing.

aside from them/rove seeing august as a month long friday nite news dump, (thought no one would be watching, writing, posting? guess again!!), everything the white house releases is planned w/ timing in mind.

hmmm… what is it that they/rove want us to be distracted from today???

Hi all.

I think Tweety should talk about Senator Leahy’s statement. Face it like a man, on air, warts and all. Perhaps I’ll send Tweety a copy. Hate to think he’s babbling in a windowless room with no communication to the outside world. Yeah. I think I’ll do that.

Thanks Christy. Breath of fresh air.

weeder @ 10

barbara @ 7

Where is Leahy, literally? Have Conyers, Waxman, Pelosi, Reid et al gone “home”?

Pelosi to tour New Orleans Tuesday (and today?):
http://blog.nola.com/times-pic…..s_rec.html

I hope she sees what needs to be done in NOLA. The needs of this community are as apparent as the needs of the sunami victims. The only difference is that the sunami folks have had actual help. People from that part of the world visited New Orleans a year ago and were appalled at the conditions that New Orleanians find themselves in. It has gotten no better. So if Pelosi is in New Orleans I personally am glad. But I know that it is going to take a couple of years before the calvary arrives.

GSD @ 13

AdNags choicest cut:

Truth be told, though, as of today he probably would not be very welcome in many of the campaigns. Even some of his former lieutenants are apt, in private moments, to speak of Mr. Rove in tones of disappointment, disillusionment and no small amount of anger.

-GSD

Geez!!! I wonder why. So much for that lasting Republican majority.

The Chimp has the Ebola virus and no one wants to get near him. Rove is off to quarantine somewhere.

-GSD

This is like leaving Enron just before the stock tanked.

The brand is crumbling, they have severely damaged the Republican party, and he doesn’t want to be blamed for it.

OTOH – the short notice on the resignation is curious. I’m thinking the reason is complicated, and due to many (not just one) of the scandals cited here and elsewhere.

GSD @ 13

AdNags choicest cut:

Truth be told, though, as of today he probably would not be very welcome in many of the campaigns. Even some of his former lieutenants are apt, in private moments, to speak of Mr. Rove in tones of disappointment, disillusionment and no small amount of anger.

-GSD

Now THAT. That right there! That’s what would make his voice quaver. Repeat of the snubbing he surely endured in middle school…

Overall, my opinion is that the GOP is facing such electoral disaster that their only hope is a massive effort to steal the election. One that even this crowd doesn’t want to coordinate out of the WH.

[Setting the scene… Ken Melman dressed as Princess Leia in a jumpy, damaged hologram]
Save us Rovey-wan Kabuki. You are our only hope.

Joe Klein’s conscience @ 35

GSD @ 13

AdNags choicest cut:

Truth be told, though, as of today he probably would not be very welcome in many of the campaigns. Even some of his former lieutenants are apt, in private moments, to speak of Mr. Rove in tones of disappointment, disillusionment and no small amount of anger.

-GSD

Geez!!! I wonder why. So much for that lasting Republican majority.

In the end, Rove is an utter failure. He had fashioned a Bush legacy that will live forever. Thank you, Karl.

rove is probably coordinating the subverting of california’s electoral college system.

Make sure that no shredding truck backs in to the White House in the deadeye of night…

It very much should be Gonzales for FISA.

If QuakerGirl is still here, I left you a comment at the very end of the thread two threads ago.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 20

casuala t 15 — I’d suggest that you direct that ire where it belongs, at Harry Reid in the Senate. Leahy, as I understand it, very forcefully argued for them to stay and stand their ground…but he’s not in charge of the schedule.

Harry Reid comes from a loving red state – loving red. They are on the move to get him out. A leader’s downfall is when he tries to walk two lines. All you do in double your critics and enemies. We can take a lesson from Papak Sukarno. It made him vulnerable to an overthrow and the people were subjected to a brutal entrenched military regime for thirty years.

Democrats work hard in Nevada and if they lose to red, it will be for a long time. From my perspective, while I am one of Reid’s critics, I know he is fighting to give Democrats a position in the state. He still makes me very angry. So I call his office and encourage him to do the right thing. I’m not sure enough people do that. It is not much of an activist state.

Mr. Leahy’s is a fine letter. It is firm in tone and its truths speak volumes. But, we are dealing with people who work outside of legal constraints. If they are subpoenaed -they don’t show up – and nothing happens to them. They could be sent to the dungeon under Congress’ chambers for inherent contempt, but no charges are brought against them.

The Democrats know that if they imprison a Bushie, it will backfire on them in the Media.
They will be witch-hunting, weak on terra, playing political theatre, criminalizing politics, going after good god-fearing goverment workers of the people’s business who are protectin’ folks from Usama Bin Hussein.

The Republicans would scream in outrage and (liberal, AYFKM?) media people like David Gregory will serve it up for them the way they like it.

I think this is what Congressional Democrats are afraid of (this time). Am I wrong?

The more he talked of his honor, the faster we counted the spoons.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

If someone wants to know more about the corrupted prosecution and shackled in court, immediate imprisonment of Democrat, Don Siegelman, here’s the motherload of Scot Horton’s 41 reports at Harper’s.
Karl Rove is heavily involved.

OT – Todays infrastructure collapse brought to you by New York City: MSNBC reports that a section of sidewalk has collapsed in mid-town Manhattan, trapping two workers. Not many details yet.

Leahy reminds me of my dog.

All bark and no bite.

Wish it was different….

There is a cloud over this White House, and a gathering storm. A similar cloud envelopes Mr. Rove, even as he leaves the White House.

When is there going to be a real storm with lightning and thunder and people paying attention to the crimes of the WhiteHouse?

It seems as if the speculation about the motives behind events, usually falls short of what these criminal psychopaths are really thinking. My contribution to the tin-foil pile is Rove was pushed out for the same reasons Gen. Pace was pushed out; opposition to the Iranian war.

Christy, I must have missed this: who was the “senior White House official” who told the Washington Post back in June ‘03 that Plame’s name was leaked to six reporters “purely and simply out of revenge”?

Remember only last week Bob Novak was allowing Rove to whore the “Republics were corrupt, it wasn’t the war” theme of reasons for the election massacree in 2006.

Rove is left with trying the create a new reality with what few friends he has left.

-GSD

P.S. Jeff Gannon has a new tell all book coming out.Gannon’s revenge?

Steve-AR @ 51

It seems as if the speculation about the motives behind events, usually falls short of what these criminal psychopaths are really thinking. My contribution to the tin-foil pile is Rove was pushed out for the same reasons Gen. Pace was pushed out; opposition to the Iranian war.

Uh oh!

twolf1 @ 49

OT – Todays infrastructure collapse brought to you by New York City: MSNBC reports that a section of sidewalk has collapsed in mid-town Manhattan, trapping two workers. Not many details yet.

My conservative friend will now tell me that New York is being destroyed by the liberals. This never would have happenned under Rudy G.

Pat’s really driving the “gathering storm” metaphor isn’t he? xD this is the second time he’s used it that I’ve heard.

*roots for Pat*

marymccurnin @ 34

weeder @ 10

Pelosi to tour New Orleans Tuesday (and today?):
http://blog.nola.com/times-pic…..s_rec.html

I hope she sees what needs to be done in NOLA. The needs of this community are as apparent as the needs of the sunami victims. The only difference is that the sunami folks have had actual help. People from that part of the world visited New Orleans a year ago and were appalled at the conditions that New Orleanians find themselves in. It has gotten no better. So if Pelosi is in New Orleans I personally am glad. But I know that it is going to take a couple of years before the calvary arrives.

Punishment for ever voting Democrat. This will teach them. Bet they go red this time. The Dems they did vote in were very friendly with the Bushies and supported them up and down every-which-way.

I bet Karl has his passport in a secure location.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 20

casuala t 15 — I’d suggest that you direct that ire where it belongs, at Harry Reid in the Senate. Leahy, as I understand it, very forcefully argued for them to stay and stand their ground…but he’s not in charge of the schedule.

CHS, Howard Dean stated at Annual Kos that the Democratic Party “places country above party”. When Dean’s words fly in the face of reality, I can and will criticize the leadership of that party. Leahy is certainly one of its leaders. And until Leahy and the Democratic majority show with their actions (and not just their press releases) that they will actually ‘protect and defend’ the constitution of the United States, I will continue to vent my displeasure as I see fit.

Badwater @ 56

twolf1 @ 49

OT – Todays infrastructure collapse brought to you by New York City: MSNBC reports that a section of sidewalk has collapsed in mid-town Manhattan, trapping two workers. Not many details yet.

My conservative friend will now tell me that New York is being destroyed by the liberals. This never would have happenned under Rudy G.

update: The 2 ConEd workers were freed and are OK.

Froomkin

Rove’s Dismal Legacy

By Dan Froomkin
Special to washingtonpost.com
Monday, August 13, 2007; 1:54 PM

Karl Rove’s legacy will not be what he wanted it to be.

The political guru who made President Bush what he is today had hoped to leave behind a permanent Republican ruling majority. Instead, his tenure will stand as an example of how divisiveness and partisanship are not conducive to successful governance.

…

snarKassandra @ 54

Steve-AR @ 51

It seems as if the speculation about the motives behind events, usually falls short of what these criminal psychopaths are really thinking. My contribution to the tin-foil pile is Rove was pushed out for the same reasons Gen. Pace was pushed out; opposition to the Iranian war.

Uh oh!

gulp indeed.

GSD @ 53

Remember only last week Bob Novak was allowing Rove to whore the “Republics were corrupt, it wasn’t the war” theme of reasons for the election massacree in 2006.

Rove is left with trying the create a new reality with what few friends he has left.

-GSD

P.S. Jeff Gannon has a new tell all book coming out.Gannon’s revenge?

To maintain his income, Gannon will most likely go after non-conservatives.

Mable, the only way we could take this seriously is if you have it on good authority.

OT: It appears that on the basis of (Rove-orchestrated?) fraudulent journalism, specifically the O’Hanlon-Pollack report, the right wing has secured mainstream-media backing for another Friedman of surge — per David Bromwich:

In the last three weeks, it seems, the whole American establishment from Time (cover story, July 30) to the New York Times (lead editorial today), from the Brookings Institution (where O’Hanlon and Pollack are resident scholars) to the American Enterprise Institute, and from the leading Democrats to the leading Republicans in the race for president–all these entities and persons have implicitly agreed on the proposition: No significant troop reductions through 2008.

Yesterday, Glenn Greenwald further demolished the credibility of O’Hanlon, Pollack, their employers, and the mainstream fools who pimp their product. Somehow, the word has to get out how bogus and orchestrated this pro-surge PR really is.

AZ Matt @ 62

Froomkin

Rove’s Dismal Legacy

By Dan Froomkin
Special to washingtonpost.com
Monday, August 13, 2007; 1:54 PM

Karl Rove’s legacy will not be what he wanted it to be.

The political guru who made President Bush what he is today had hoped to leave behind a permanent Republican ruling majority. Instead, his tenure will stand as an example of how divisiveness and partisanship are not conducive to successful governance.

…

Well that and that they were crooks and morons

casual at 59 — Feel free — and I will continue to point out factual inaccuracies and unfounded observations as I see fit as well. Venting anger is useful — but it is especially so where it is targeted at the people who deserve it.

Steve-AR @ 51

It seems as if the speculation about the motives behind events, usually falls short of what these criminal psychopaths are really thinking. My contribution to the tin-foil pile is Rove was pushed out for the same reasons Gen. Pace was pushed out; opposition to the Iranian war.

So if this is accurate (and it just might be), that leaves, uh, Condi as the lone voice of reason? Talk about d’oh.

And tainted or no, is it not time for Colin Powell to speak out, loudly, clearly, truthfully at last?

I wouldn’t count the Thousand Year Reich over yet. This is a good move for them, or it wouldn’t be happening.

randiego @ 37

This is like leaving Enron just before the stock tanked.

The brand is crumbling, they have severely damaged the Republican party, and he doesn’t want to be blamed for it.

I’m waiting for one of the extra shoes to drop from that centipede. Mark my word. He’ll find a way to blame the Dems.

But will anyone listen? I’m thinkin’ he doesn’t have close friends &/or supporters; he’s more like the guy who’s got cooties, probably eats dog doo, pulls the over-the-top mean pranks. They’ll drop him like a rotten, festering, lessee, turdblossom?

Did ANYONE notice jr’s voice showing real emotion? I heard the word “friend”, but the voice was even and matter-of-fact, wasn’t it? Jr. has shown more emotion talking about his bike than he did today at that presser. hm-m-m.

randiego @ 16

A truly great day.

OT – I missed the whole Kos v DLC takedown. Anybody got a link to a decent summary?

I haven’t got a link, but here’s my take:
Ford came across as very conciliatory, praising Markos, and essentially taking the “Why can’t we all just get along?” line. Markos came on a bit strongly, arguing that the DLC was, in essence, no longer relevant. What this meme leaves out is the DLC’s continuing attempts to marginalize the netroots. In other words, Ford’s idea of “getting along” are about the same as Republican calls for “bipartisanship.”

We all know what Markos was saying, and the validity behind it. But my impression that John & Mary Public came away with the impression that the DLC was being more reasonable than Markos.

Bob in HI

wigwam @ 66

OT: It appears that on the basis of (Rove-orchestrated?) fraudulent journalism, specifically the O’Hanlon-Pollack report, the right wing has secured mainstream-media backing for another Friedman of surge — per David Bromwich:

In the last three weeks, it seems, the whole American establishment from Time (cover story, July 30) to the New York Times (lead editorial today), from the Brookings Institution (where O’Hanlon and Pollack are resident scholars) to the American Enterprise Institute, and from the leading Democrats to the leading Republicans in the race for president–all these entities and persons have implicitly agreed on the proposition: No significant troop reductions through 2008.

Yesterday, Glenn Greenwald further demolished the credibility of O’Hanlon, Pollack, their employers, and the mainstream fools who pimp their product. Somehow, the word has to get out how bogus and orchestrated this pro-surge PR really is.

I agree completely with this. We are in the middle of a media blitiz to sell a longer surge. Where are the Democrats? We need pushback before September not some weak, disorganized, ineffectual reaction only after Petraeus and Crocker deliver their far from objective reports.

QuakerGirl @ 58

marymccurnin @ 34

I hope she sees what needs to be done in NOLA. The needs of this community are as apparent as the needs of the sunami victims. The only difference is that the sunami folks have had actual help. People from that part of the world visited New Orleans a year ago and were appalled at the conditions that New Orleanians find themselves in. It has gotten no better. So if Pelosi is in New Orleans I personally am glad. But I know that it is going to take a couple of years before the calvary arrives.

Punishment for ever voting Democrat. This will teach them. Bet they go red this time. The Dems they did vote in were very friendly with the Bushies and supported them up and down every-which-way.

Of course they will go red. The neighborhoods that were wiped out and not rebuilt (yet? ever?) were dems. If you look at a map of the neighborhoods that are still unprotected they are the same ones that were dems. Or black. Or creole. Or the people that were the marrow of the culture.

Badwater @ 64

GSD @ 53

Remember only last week Bob Novak was allowing Rove to whore the “Republics were corrupt, it wasn’t the war” theme of reasons for the election massacree in 2006.

Rove is left with trying the create a new reality with what few friends he has left.

-GSD

P.S. Jeff Gannon has a new tell all book coming out.Gannon’s revenge?

To maintain his income, Gannon will most likely go after non-conservatives.

Did you read that crap? Bush gave the reporter an economics lesson, says Gannon.

If only economics worked for the working man like it did for Dubya.

Does Dubya know that former Talon News, former WH press man-whore (no WH press admission passes required) Jimmy Jeff Gannon Guckert is back on the tubes singing his praises?

itwasntme @ 70

I wouldn’t count the Thousand Year Reich over yet. This is a good move for them, or it wouldn’t be happening.

Huh? that makes no sense whatsoever. They have no magic. All they have had is lawbreakers and an environment where that has succeeded.

And until Leahy and the Democratic majority show with their actions

Senator Leahy is acting against this administration, particularly in his role as Chairmain of Judiciary Committee, and I’m confident he will continue to do so.

Plan for the worst and hope for the best. Rove was and is defined by the Republican party..that has been his whole life. That is why I am not celebrating his leaving the WH. Cheney is a dead man walking and Bush is going over the psychological cliff as things fall apart. I think the Cheney/Bush Presidency has or is in the process of transcending Party and National interests. I think Cheney has convinced Bush that his legacy as a the Great Prescient President is via Iran. A Wagnerian ending will insure his legacy.

Perhaps in the distant future, when Turdblossom shrugs off his mortal coil, there will be enough still-angry netrootians to kick in together to send a corpse flower http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titan_arum
to his funeral. I can imagine the proceedings will be cut a little short as the grieving family suspects that the embalmer used Haliburton-issue formalin, and gets the job done without Delay (unless he attends, too). But probably there will be direct cremation instead, to offer his carcass up as Texas Toast to a vengeful God, whereupon the Repugs can can blame it all on Rove and walk away cleansed of opprobrium.

casual observer @ 15

and the Senate Judiciary Committee will continue its investigation into this serious issue.

And what will happen then, Mr. Chairman? Which article in the Bill of Rights, in your righteous anger, will you then cave in on?

i’m pretty pissed too, but i don’t see how leahy caved (or is there something i don’t know?)

Steve-AR @ 77

Plan for the worst and hope for the best. Rove was and is defined by the Republican party..that has been his whole life. That is why I am not celebrating his leaving the WH. Cheney is a dead man walking and Bush is going over the psychological cliff as things fall apart. I think the Cheney/Bush Presidency has or is in the process of transcending Party and National interests. I think Cheney has convinced Bush that his legacy as a the Great Prescient President is via Iran. A Wagnerian ending will insure his legacy.

The man HAS his legacy…perhaps not the one he wanted, but dayum, people aren’t going to forget this clustery nonesense for a long time…

Christy Hardin Smith @ 67

casual at 59 — Feel free — and I will continue to point out factual inaccuracies and unfounded observations as I see fit as well. Venting anger is useful — but it is especially so where it is targeted at the people who deserve it.

Just to throw in a menke wrench, when Siun brought Mirriam (?) on line to point out that every American is complicit in the actions of our Military; isn’t it similar to equate that Senator Leahy is complicit in the actions of his legislature — even if he disagrees with the results?

Maybe Rove got wind of Chertoff’s gut sounds and said, I’m outta here (DC)….”I’ve got to do this for the sake of my family”.

I read he’s returning to the San Antonio area. As I am in that area, let’s just say I’m underwhelmed. I have a better suggestion for Mr. Rove’s future residence: I hear Hell has a nice little lot out on the lake of fire that would suit him just fine(H/T to Trace Adkins for that one).

Hey Senator Leahy, we don’t need a weather forecast!

We need ACTION! Show the American people that lawlessness will not be rewarded! Don’t be a part of the problem.

randiego @ 76

itwasntme @ 70

I wouldn’t count the Thousand Year Reich over yet. This is a good move for them, or it wouldn’t be happening.

Huh? that makes no sense whatsoever. They have no magic. All they have had is lawbreakers and an environment where that has succeeded.

Big Picture thinking may indicate a thousand year reich. Emperor Constantine embraced the Catholic Church, gave them power and money to help govern the Roman Empire and (most importantly) enlist fighting men for empire building. Religion (so-called Conservatism) and the Right Wing (so-called Conservatism) have been married ever since.

Seem familiar?

johnSwifty at 81 — It’s a matter of degree and use of limited resources, isn’t it? Directing anger at the fulcrum where the shift in direction can be most achieved, or on a wobbly end where the changes will be barely noticed? We all bear some responsibility for all the actions taken in our name. But do we all have an equal weight in being able to move things in order to get the changes necessary — or do some people have more ability to assure some movement than others?

It’s a conundrum, but I choose not to run around screaming at the people who are trying to make a difference wherever possible because, frankly, my ability to make a difference is as limited as the next person, and I choose to apply that pressure where I think it can do some actual good. We’re all pissed off about the state of things at the moment — the question is how best to use that anger? Or to just throw it away on actions that are far less likely to make a difference even though they may make us feel better in the moment? I’m always asking that question of myself, and I think we’d all do better to ask it more often of each other as well.

From the NYTimes.com:

But from the time he leaves office, Mr. Rove will no longer have the protection of White House lawyers and will be more on his own when it comes to dealing with Congressional subpoenas.

We’ll see what happens from here on…

randiego @ 16

A truly great day.

OT – I missed the whole Kos v DLC takedown. Anybody got a link to a decent summary?

press the meat.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 86

It’s a conundrum, but I choose not to run around screaming at the people who are trying to make a difference wherever possible because, frankly, my ability to make a difference is as limited as the next person, and I choose to apply that pressure where I think it can do some actual good.

Well said, thank you for the clarification. And just for the record, I rate your ability to affect opinion at a bit higher than average. I think that makes a difference — more and more, every day. Thanks for that, too!

johnSwifty @ 90

Christy Hardin Smith @ 86

It’s a conundrum, but I choose not to run around screaming at the people who are trying to make a difference wherever possible because, frankly, my ability to make a difference is as limited as the next person, and I choose to apply that pressure where I think it can do some actual good.

Well said, thank you for the clarification. And just for the record, I rate your ability to affect opinion at a bit higher than average. I think that makes a difference — more and more, every day. Thanks for that, too!

Seconded.

Biodun @ 87

From the NYTimes.com:

But from the time he leaves office, Mr. Rove will no longer have the protection of White House lawyers and will be more on his own when it comes to dealing with Congressional subpoenas.

We’ll see what happens from here on…

Of course, now that he’s not in the administration, he’s eligible for a pardon…assuming of course that he’s a) mired in investigations and b) Junior’s still president.

Biodun @ 88

From the NYTimes.com:

But from the time he leaves office, Mr. Rove will no longer have the protection of White House lawyers and will be more on his own when it comes to dealing with Congressional subpoenas.

We’ll see what happens from here on…

Bush gives Rove a blanket pardon and then attaches a signing statement to some bill that says that Rove does not have to testify under any circumstances.

Yeah, we’ll all be able to say, “I knew Christy Hardin Smith in 2007 — you know, back in the day when there were no women bloggers.” *g*

barbara @ 93

Yeah, we’ll all be able to say, “I knew Christy Hardin Smith in 2007 — you know, back in the day when there were no women bloggers.” *g*

Ha! I’m just glad I put my drink down first ;-)

hackworth @ 86

randiego @ 76

Huh? that makes no sense whatsoever. They have no magic. All they have had is lawbreakers and an environment where that has succeeded.

Big Picture thinking may indicate a thousand year reich. Emperor Constantine embraced the Catholic Church, gave them power and money to help govern the Roman Empire and (most importantly) enlist fighting men for empire building. Religion (so-called Conservatism) and the Right Wing (so-called Conservatism) have been married ever since.

Seem familiar?

You’ve lost me. 70% disapproval is a huge number, statistically speaking. It’s a tidal wave, and it’s not changing anytime soon.

Bob Schacht @ 71

randiego @ 16

A truly great day.

OT – I missed the whole Kos v DLC takedown. Anybody got a link to a decent summary?

I haven’t got a link, but here’s my take:
Ford came across as very conciliatory, praising Markos, and essentially taking the “Why can’t we all just get along?” line. Markos came on a bit strongly, arguing that the DLC was, in essence, no longer relevant. What this meme leaves out is the DLC’s continuing attempts to marginalize the netroots. In other words, Ford’s idea of “getting along” are about the same as Republican calls for “bipartisanship.”

We all know what Markos was saying, and the validity behind it. But my impression that John & Mary Public came away with the impression that the DLC was being more reasonable than Markos.

Bob in HI

Thanks Bob, I’m at the transcript now:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20214115/

Perhaps if Markos would have stated “getting along” = date rape, the viewers would have understood his aggressive tone a little better.

johnSwifty @ 82

Christy Hardin Smith @ 67

casual at 59 — Feel free — and I will continue to point out factual inaccuracies and unfounded observations as I see fit as well. Venting anger is useful — but it is especially so where it is targeted at the people who deserve it.

Just to throw in a menke wrench, when Siun brought Mirriam (?) on line to point out that every American is complicit in the actions of our Military; isn’t it similar to equate that Senator Leahy is complicit in the actions of his legislature — even if he disagrees with the results?

John, in my opinion it is, especially when the Democratic party has made an issue of country over party. Citizens of the left-0-sphere (with which I self-identify) have no difficulty in condemning the Republicans as a party. If this logic serves for one side, why should it not serve for the other? Do the democrats stand for something? Or is it simply a group of individuals, and nothing more.

PB (peanutbutter) @ 80

The man HAS his legacy…perhaps not the one he wanted, but dayum, people aren’t going to forget this clustery nonesense for a long time…

I wouldn’t be too sure of that. How long is a long time? It only took 30 years for the lessons of Watergate to be forgotten. Washed away under an avalanche of fear-mongering.

From Froomkin today. Explains Reid’s not keeping Senate in session.

Recess Watch

Erin P. Billings writes for Roll Call (subscription required): “Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has quietly shelved plans to hold the Senate in pro forma session this month after the White House agreed to refrain from making any executive appointments during the Senators’ August break.”

marymccurnin @ 73

QuakerGirl @ 58

Punishment for ever voting Democrat. This will teach them. Bet they go red this time. The Dems they did vote in were very friendly with the Bushies and supported them up and down every-which-way.

Of course they will go red. The neighborhoods that were wiped out and not rebuilt (yet? ever?) were dems. If you look at a map of the neighborhoods that are still unprotected they are the same ones that were dems. Or black. Or creole. Or the people that were the marrow of the culture.

Yep! And Pelosi will wag her finger, make a little news and it will all go away, again. There is nothing more to see and say. The only thing that works is action. The intent is to change the demographics. Even Negin wants wealthy Blacks there and not the rift-raft. You got the bucks, you’re welcome back. And maybe a few poor musicians who add character and ambiance to the place. Good for tourist business.

barbara @ 93

Yeah, we’ll all be able to say, “I knew Christy Hardin Smith in 2007 — you know, back in the day when there were no women bloggers.” *g*

Ha ha! You know, in the later Dune series (God Emperor Dune), Herbert surmised that an all woman military was the only sane way to engage in conflict. Perhaps the same will be true of blogging ;-)

This business about Rove teaching–what? And at what level? College? Grad school? The man has no B.A., is a college dropout. The only people I know in academia teaching with no bachelors are artists, poets, writers, video-artists, filmmakers. Not political hacks.

Biodun @ 102

This business about Rove teaching–what? And at what level? College? Grad school? The man has no B.A., is a college dropout. The only people I know in academia teaching with no bachelors are artists, poets, writers, video-artists, filmmakers. Not political hacks.

He will get an Honorary Degree from some conservative university/college.

Biodun @ 103

This business about Rove teaching–what? And at what level? College? Grad school? The man has no B.A., is a college dropout. The only people I know in academia teaching with no bachelors are artists, poets, writers, video-artists, filmmakers. Not political hacks.

Does Liberty University have any academic requirements for faculty members?

Here’s hoping for some serious thunder…

Don’t hold your breath.

casual observer @ 97

John, in my opinion it is, especially when the Democratic party has made an issue of country over party. Citizens of the left-0-sphere (with which I self-identify) have no difficulty in condemning the Republicans as a party. If this logic serves for one side, why should it not serve for the other? Do the democrats stand for something? Or is it simply a group of individuals, and nothing more.

I’ll never throw a wet towel on the enthusiasm, but Christy’s point is also very important. A generalized disgruntlement with all things political can be just as dangerous as apathy. As an informed group, I like to think participants at FDL can and will form a synergy whereby more energy is focused in a direction that accomplishes the most change for the better.

QuakerGirl @ 104

Biodun @ 102

This business about Rove teaching–what? And at what level? College? Grad school? The man has no B.A., is a college dropout. The only people I know in academia teaching with no bachelors are artists, poets, writers, video-artists, filmmakers. Not political hacks.

He will get an Honorary Degree from some conservative university/college.

Just like Bush’s MBA. No way he earned that.

Biodun @ 102

This business about Rove teaching–what? And at what level? College? Grad school? The man has no B.A., is a college dropout. The only people I know in academia teaching with no bachelors are artists, poets, writers, video-artists, filmmakers. Not political hacks.

Teaching a new generation of College Republicans. Oh Joy.

johnSwifty @ 101

barbara @ 93

Yeah, we’ll all be able to say, “I knew Christy Hardin Smith in 2007 — you know, back in the day when there were no women bloggers.” *g*

Ha ha! You know, in the later Dune series (God Emperor Dune), Herbert surmised that an all woman military was the only sane way to engage in conflict. Perhaps the same will be true of blogging ;-)

Haven’t read Dune series *flogs self*.

Starting third volume of Phillip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” series (”Golden Compass” is book one).

Much in that series is prescient — it having been written pre-BushCo.

I’m OT here. Must be time to wash and clean and cook and change diapers — you know, the things the womenfolk do in Bushland. (sigh)

I like the theory that Susan Ralston is the reason behind Rove’s obviously emotional resignation. All kinds of good stuff could come out of that.

Badwater @ 105

Biodun @ 103

This business about Rove teaching–what? And at what level? College? Grad school? The man has no B.A., is a college dropout. The only people I know in academia teaching with no bachelors are artists, poets, writers, video-artists, filmmakers. Not political hacks.

Does Liberty University have any academic requirements for faculty members?

They do if they want to maintain accreditation.

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

“Heaton pleaded guilty in February to conspiring with Ney and Abramoff in the corruption scheme and is seeking leniency because of his cooperation. Heaton’s lawyers filed a joint request with the government last week asking Huvelle to sentence him to home detention.

His decision to secretly turn on Ney last year was a major break in the case, government lawyers said. Heaton not only recorded Ney but also provided internal documents that prosecutors had been “unable to obtain from any other source.“

Abramoff/Rove?

yellowsnapdragon @ 110

I like the theory that Susan Ralston is the reason behind Rove’s obviously emotional resignation. All kinds of good stuff could come out of that.

Yellowsnapdragon -
Explain yourself further. I’m curious.

QuakerGirl @ 104

Biodun @ 102

This business about Rove teaching–what? And at what level? College? Grad school? The man has no B.A., is a college dropout. The only people I know in academia teaching with no bachelors are artists, poets, writers, video-artists, filmmakers. Not political hacks.

He will get an Honorary Degree from some conservative university/college.

Regent? Bob Jones? Liberty?

michael @ 50

Leahy reminds me of my dog.

All bark and no bite.

Wish it was different….

Hard to bite when they’ve allowed extraction of all your teeth!

This whole Rove resignation sounds to me like Rover wants to get out of Dodge before the Sergeant at Arms comes to cart him off to jail, should Leahy’s committee decide to go the inherent contempt charge route. He’s the perfect target as long as he is in close proximity, but once he’s safely ensconced back in TX, all bets are off as to whether they’ll ever have access to him again!

barbara @ 109

Starting third volume of Phillip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” series (”Golden Compass” is book one).

“The Amber Spyglass,” a marvelous bit of imagination. The ending is bittersweet. As is Rove’s resignation, to bring it back on topic. I thought I would be happier.

I feel that those of us who seek “truth, justice, and the American way” are being outwitted by these sociopaths who have infiltrated our government. I hope not, but this article about a conversation between Thom Hartmann and Paul Craig Roberts on July 19, 2007 should scare us all.

Roberts said that because of Bush’s unpopularity, the Republicans face a total wipeout in 2008, and this may be why “the Democrats have not brought a halt to Bush’s follies or the war, because they expect his unpopular policies to provide them with a landslide victory in next year’s election.”

However, Roberts emphasized, “the problem with this reasoning is that it assumes that Cheney and Rove and the Republicans are ignorant of these facts, or it assumes that they are content for the Republican Party to be destroyed after Bush has his fling.” Roberts believes instead that Cheney and Rove intend to use a renewal of the War on Terror to rally the American people around the Republican Party. “Something’s in the works,” he said, adding that the Executive Orders need to create a police state are already in place.

“The administration figures themselves and prominent Republican propagandists … are preparing us for another 9/11 event or series of events,” Roberts continued. “Chertoff has predicted them. … The National Intelligence Estimate is saying that al Qaeda has regrouped. … You have to count on the fact that if al Qaeda’s not going to do it, it’s going to be orchestrated. … The Republicans are praying for another 9/11.”

Hartmann asked what we as the people can do if impeachment isn’t about to happen. “If enough people were suspicious and alert, it would be harder for the administration to get away with it,” Roberts replied. However, he added, “I don’t think these wake-up calls are likely to be effective,” pointing out the dominance of the mainstream media.

Just one more piece of the puzzle…

Rove was in Baghdad last week, wasn’t he?

Why would he bother going to Iraq – potentially risking his life – if he was planning on stepping down in a couple of weeks?

So the next question then becomes… was it the domestic scandals that brought this on… or did he see something while he was in Iraq that made him decide to get the hell out?

He will get an Honorary Degree from some conservative university/college.

Oh hell yeah, it’s the only way he’ll ever get a Degree. Does anyone know why he dropped out?

johnSwifty @ 82

Just to throw in a menke wrench, when Siun brought Mirriam (?) on line to point out that every American is complicit in the actions of our Military; isn’t it similar to equate that Senator Leahy is complicit in the actions of his legislature — even if he disagrees with the results?

Just another version of “if you’re not with us, you’re against us”. Now who likes that line?

Santa Monica Jeremy @ 119

Just one more piece of the puzzle…

Rove was in Baghdad last week, wasn’t he?

Why would he bother going to Iraq – potentially risking his life – if he was planning on stepping down in a couple of weeks?

Gonzo’s there now, maybe he’ll follow suit.

So the next question then becomes… was it the domestic scandals that brought this on… or did he see something while he was in Iraq that made him decide to get the hell out?

HuffPost item

Totally OT, but Murdoch is now apparently thinking about sucking up the NY Times.

tbsa @ 120

He will get an Honorary Degree from some conservative university/college.

Oh hell yeah, it’s the only way he’ll ever get a Degree. Does anyone know why he dropped out?

Too involved in Segretti’s “rat-f**king” to have time to attend classes.

barbara @ 123

HuffPost item

Totally OT, but Murdoch is now apparently thinking about sucking up the NY Times.

Now, that is scary.

QuakerGirl @ 104

Biodun @ 102

This business about Rove teaching–what? And at what level? College? Grad school? The man has no B.A., is a college dropout. The only people I know in academia teaching with no bachelors are artists, poets, writers, video-artists, filmmakers. Not political hacks.

He will get an Honorary Degree from some conservative university/college.

If UTSA extends an offer, I know of at least one student who will be prepared to protest loudly against such Rove’s presence in any way on campus(And I’d be right there with my son, making as much noise as possible).

Timing is everything….Bush GOP PNAC white’wash’house spin to divert from the real headlines.

Hinchey, Feingold Introduce Bills to Censure Bush, Cheney, Gonzales
By Jonathan Springston
——————————————————————————–
8-12-07, 9:59 am

(APN) ATLANTA – As promised, US Sen. Russell Feingold (D-WI) and US Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) have introduced matching censure resolutions this week in the Senate and House, respectively, concerning misconduct leading up to and during the US invasion of Iraq, as well as disregard for the rule of law.

The Democratic lawmakers introduced the resolutions in order to hold the Administration “accountable for its blatant misconduct regarding Iraq and its attack on the rule of law,” they said in a press release obtained by Atlanta Progressive News.

“These censure resolutions will let future generations know Congress stood up to the destructive policies of this administration that have weakened our national security, cost more than 3,600 American lives, and undermined the principles on which our country was founded,” Feingold said…

http://www.politicalaffairs.ne…..709/1/277/

[Mod Note; Edited by Mod for length. To help keep the FDL servers running smoothly and to avoid any copyright issues, please do not post entire articles. A summary or small quote will suffice. Thank you. ]

Christy’s post this morning mentioned Susan Ralston.

If it is true, then Rove will have been deeply betrayed, which is, of course, poetic justice.

tbsa @ 120

He will get an Honorary Degree from some conservative university/college.

Oh hell yeah, it’s the only way he’ll ever get a Degree. Does anyone know why he dropped out?

Didn’t need the deferments any longer.

johnSwifty @ 107

casual observer @ 97

John, in my opinion it is, especially when the Democratic party has made an issue of country over party. Citizens of the left-0-sphere (with which I self-identify) have no difficulty in condemning the Republicans as a party. If this logic serves for one side, why should it not serve for the other? Do the democrats stand for something? Or is it simply a group of individuals, and nothing more.

I’ll never throw a wet towel on the enthusiasm, but Christy’s point is also very important. A generalized disgruntlement with all things political can be just as dangerous as apathy. As an informed group, I like to think participants at FDL can and will form a synergy whereby more energy is focused in a direction that accomplishes the most change for the better.

I don’t think anyone is showing disgruntlement with all things political. Hypocracy isn’t per se political–it can occur in all sorts of contexts.

I hope more will emerge on exactly what transpired on the democratic side regarding FISA. I hope that the aborted democratic senate amendment to FISA will be made public. I’d like to know why a democratic senator didn’t filibuster to delay the vote on the admin’s bill.

In my opinion, not everything has come to light regarding how the senate democrats handled FISA.

casual observer @ 98

John, in my opinion it is, especially when the Democratic party has made an issue of country over party. Citizens of the left-0-sphere (with which I self-identify) have no difficulty in condemning the Republicans as a party. If this logic serves for one side, why should it not serve for the other? Do the democrats stand for something? Or is it simply a group of individuals, and nothing more.

And you are therefore part of the problem if you are not boots-on-the-ground doing something about it besides venting.

Do you have your own blog? You should use it.

FDL – you little doggies are something. I wouldn’t want to be Karl checking in on this blog site and finding all my secret thoughts and plans plastered across it. Mercy, mercy. Give a guy a break. Poor Karl. Poor poor Karl : 0)

yellowsnapdragon @ 111

I like the theory that Susan Ralston is the reason behind Rove’s obviously emotional resignation. All kinds of good stuff could come out of that.

That’s my wish too. Please, don’t let it be because he opposed the bombing of Iran. I will get no joy from his departure if that is the reason.

GordonM @ 120

johnSwifty @ 82

Just to throw in a menke wrench, when Siun brought Mirriam (?) on line to point out that every American is complicit in the actions of our Military; isn’t it similar to equate that Senator Leahy is complicit in the actions of his legislature — even if he disagrees with the results?

Just another version of “if you’re not with us, you’re against us”. Now who likes that line?

Sorry, you lost me.

LS @ 125

barbara @ 123

HuffPost item

Totally OT, but Murdoch is now apparently thinking about sucking up the NY Times.

Now, that is scary.

Actually, it sounds like he is just planning to change the WSJ to out compete the NYT.

A future “professor’s” interesting career path:

Rove never graduated from college. He dropped out of the University of Utah and campaigned for the chairmanship of the College Republicans, a national student organization whose leaders often go on to important positions in the party. He won, placing himself on a fast track to a career in politics. But he was and remains an autodidact, and a large part of his self-image depends on showing that his command of history and politics is an order of magnitude greater than other people’s.

LS @ 125

barbara @ 123

HuffPost item

Totally OT, but Murdoch is now apparently thinking about sucking up the NY Times.

Now, that is scary.

Great piece by Steven Coll in the New Yorker about this. The Sulzberger’s are a little more astute when it comes to this, but it is worrisome. As Coll eloquoently wrote, “the free press is the morrow of the constitution”. We need a Teddy Roosevelt, a candidate that will shake things up, break up some trusts, and stop the onslaught of the far right wingers on American values and principles.

LS @ 134

LS @ 125

Now, that is scary.

Actually, it sounds like he is just planning to change the WSJ to out compete the NYT.

No. It’s worse than that, potentially. Read the clip.

Joe Klein’s conscience @ 115

Regent? Bob Jones? Liberty?

Except Rove is reportedly completely non-religeous. (And all those references to the Almighty in today’s presser indicates who the audience was.)

LS@12

Could Pelosi have made a deal? Rove for FISA.

But there has been discussion that Reid may very well have made a FISA deal for Bush’s promise not to pull any August appointments; no more “John Boltens” and Reid doesn’t have to call the Senate back in session every Friday. That sounds fairly plausible.

barbara @ 137

LS @ 134

Actually, it sounds like he is just planning to change the WSJ to out compete the NYT.

No. It’s worse than that, potentially. Read the clip.

Gawd. Aren’t there laws against a monopoly of the press?

Remember the famous “sealed vs. sealed” case in the U.S. District Court in D.C. Maybe that has someting to do with Karl’s resignation. Anyone have any ideas on this possibility?

casual observer @ 129

In my opinion, not everything has come to light regarding how the senate democrats handled FISA.

With that, I am in total agreement. My senator, who I supported financially and voted for (Amy Klobuchar), voted for that retched piece of legislation and I have yet to hear any sort of rationalization that I can accept.

Rayne @ 131

And you are therefore part of the problem if you are not boots-on-the-ground doing something about it besides venting.

Do you have your own blog? You should use it.

I agree. We all do what we can, I hope.

Enough gabbing, Leahy, and more action. There are only 17 months left, and even less until the primaries. Get one of the Bushies out by force before he leaves.

yellowsnapdragon @ 127

Christy’s post this morning mentioned Susan Ralston.

If it is true, then Rove will have been deeply betrayed, which is, of course, poetic justice.

Ralston who worked for Abramoff and then Rove has been seeking an immunity deal with Waxman’s committee since May.

I must go get lunch. I’m waning. I’ll check back later.

quake @ 141

Remember the famous “sealed vs. sealed” case in the U.S. District Court in D.C. Maybe that has someting to do with Karl’s resignation. Anyone have any ideas on this possibility?

IIRC I saw EW on CSPAN at a Drinking Liberally event talking about Sealed v. Sealed. She seems to believe that Sealed v. Sealed isn’t related to Fitz’s Plame case. IIRC.

johnSwifty @ 116

barbara @ 109

Starting third volume of Phillip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” series (”Golden Compass” is book one).

“The Amber Spyglass,” a marvelous bit of imagination. The ending is bittersweet. As is Rove’s resignation, to bring it back on topic. I thought I would be happier.

I listened to the three volume audio book on a road trip. If any fundies have read the series, there will be a “stink” when the Golden Compass movie is released in December.

Badwater @ 108

QuakerGirl @ 104

He will get an Honorary Degree from some conservative university/college.

Just like Bush’s MBA. No way he earned that.

Yeah. Bush wouldn’t know a “sunk cost” from a sunking treasure…

Steve-AR @ 148

I listened to the three volume audio book on a road trip. If any fundies have read the series, there will be a “stink” when the Golden Compass movie is released in December.

Yes, not your average Christian fare, by any means. Well, that’s why it’s called fiction, you see. It will be a good lesson for those who actually believe the “Left Behind” series.

johnSwifty @ 133

GordonM @ 120

Just another version of “if you’re not with us, you’re against us”. Now who likes that line?

Sorry, you lost me.

Maryam’s argument was that because we didn’t stop the occupation, we are as guilty as those promoting the occupation. That is just another version of the “if you’re not with us, you’re against us” argument, used to justify slaughtering, say, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis.

It was a morally corrupt argument when Bush used it, and it hasn’t gotten any better.

Does this mean Senator Clinton is in favor of the draft as was hinted at here in a previous post?

http://electioncentral.tpmcafe…..tary_draft

Many are in favor of the draft thinking that it will end the war. I think they are right.

cancer_cures @ 9

Leahy serving up a whole plate of Texas Toast. Yum suddenly I am hungry for justice.

Please pass me a heapin’ helping while you are at it…..

Steve-AR @ 148

johnSwifty @ 116

“The Amber Spyglass,” a marvelous bit of imagination. The ending is bittersweet. As is Rove’s resignation, to bring it back on topic. I thought I would be happier.

I listened to the three volume audio book on a road trip. If any fundies have read the series, there will be a “stink” when the Golden Compass movie is released in December.

Yes, indeedy. *g*

barbara @ 123

HuffPost item

Totally OT, but Murdoch is now apparently thinking about sucking up the NY Times.

If this purchase is final, the FCC needs to go through some serious reform.

rwcole @ 153

Many are in favor of the draft thinking that it will end the war. I think they are right.

I firmly believe this.

rwcole @ 153

Many are in favor of the draft thinking that it will end the war. I think they are right.

It would if it were possible to include anyone from the Bush family, but that’s been impossible since 1942. Just imagine the signing statements excluding Bushes!

Here’s my best Leahy imitations.

Blah, blah, blah.
I repeat: blah, blah, blah.

Don’t make me tell you again!
Blah, Blah, Blah.

GordonM @ 151

Maryam’s argument was that because we didn’t stop the occupation, we are as guilty as those promoting the occupation. That is just another version of the “if you’re not with us, you’re against us” argument, used to justify slaughtering, say, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis.

It was a morally corrupt argument when Bush used it, and it hasn’t gotten any better.

Gotcha. I don’t really know what Maryam’s argument was, other than truly righteous indignation. I will say, though, that I am usually cautious with any argument that is either black or white; with us or against us.

That is the arena of the conservative mind. As a dyed in the wool liberal, I must leave room for shades of gray in order to retain my membership card. To every yin, there’s a bit of yang and all that crap, doncha know.

Pentagon says definately “no” to draft. Prefers killin “volunteers”.

cancer_cures @ 157

barbara @ 123

HuffPost item

Totally OT, but Murdoch is now apparently thinking about sucking up the NY Times.

If this purchase is final, the FCC needs to go through some serious reform.

Per the LA TImes article that HuffPo links to, he’s “taking on” the NY Tiems in a business sense thinking they are vulnerable; not “taking them on” in the sense of buying them out.

rwcole @ 154

Many are in favor of the draft thinking that it will end the war. I think they are right.

Why would it end the war?

cancer_cures @ 156

barbara @ 123

HuffPost item

Totally OT, but Murdoch is now apparently thinking about sucking up the NY Times.

If this purchase is final, the FCC needs to go through some serious reform.

Five-member FCC has three Bush-appointed (or Bush-sanctioned) members.

Sally @ 152

Does this mean Senator Clinton is in favor of the draft as was hinted at here in a previous post?

http://electioncentral.tpmcafe…..tary_draft

Hillary doesn’t want to take any position on anything since this might limit her scope of action as President.

cancer

Cause if yer average upscale gooper parent knows that his kid’s ass is in danger- he’ll turn anti-war in a heartbeat.

It’s only when he figures that someone elses’s kid is gonna get killed that yer gooper can be a valiant pro warrior.

johnSwifty @ 149

Steve-AR @ 148

I listened to the three volume audio book on a road trip. If any fundies have read the series, there will be a “stink” when the Golden Compass movie is released in December.

Yes, not your average Christian fare, by any means. Well, that’s why it’s called fiction, you see. It will be a good lesson for those who actually believe the “Left Behind” series.

Three volumes of fiction, takes on Bronze Age fiction.

cancer_cures @ 163

rwcole @ 154

Many are in favor of the draft thinking that it will end the war. I think they are right.

Why would it end the war?

All the rich young rethugs might have to actually put up or shut up

Rove started his dirty tricks early in life:

In the fall of 1970, Rove used a false identity to enter the campaign office of Democrat Alan J. Dixon, who was running for Illinois State Treasurer, and stole 1000 sheets of paper with campaign letterhead. Rove then printed fake campaign rally fliers promising “free beer, free food, girls and a good time for nothing”, and distributed them at rock concerts and homeless shelters, with the effect of disrupting Dixon’s rally (Dixon eventually won the election). Rove’s role would not become publicly known until August 1973. Rove told the Dallas Morning News in 1999, “It was a youthful prank at the age of 19 and I regret it.”[5]

Who’s putting money on Cheney as the motivator behind the Rover-be-gone-a-thon?

While it seems Poppy-esque on the face of it, there is a Cheney-avelli-esque-ness in the substance. (Scooter’s revenge?) Ha ha — Future news headline — Libby replaces Rove as Bush advisor… Ha ha.

Blecch…

Actually if ANY politician can win a primary without takin a position on anything, they will. Gives em manuevering room for the general election.

If ya see Hillary and Rudy taking firm positions, it means they are in trouble.

dakine01 @ 168

cancer_cures @ 163

Why would it end the war?

All the rich young rethugs might have to actually put up or shut up

That didn’t happen last time. It did make it a little inconvenient for George W. Bush, but that’s about all.

Cheney’s neighbors topple his effigy during protest

http://rawstory.com/news/2007/….._0813.html

I used to live ~1/4 mile from there. I hope they were quiet and didn’t scare my ex-cat.

Senator Leahy reminds me so much of Senator Sam Ervin of the Watergate hearings. I hope he is similarly successful.

Rove cheated in winning control of the campus gooper organization- it’s his signature.

Badwater @ 172

dakine01 @ 168

All the rich young rethugs might have to actually put up or shut up

That didn’t happen last time. It did make it a little inconvenient for George W. Bush, but that’s about all.

Ah, but this time the National Guard is not a get out of war free card…

Clusterfuck sent the national guard into harm’s way to prove retroactively that he was in big danger when he was in TANG–(before he went AWOL that is).

johnSwifty @ 158

GordonM @ 151

Maryam’s argument was that because we didn’t stop the occupation, we are as guilty as those promoting the occupation. That is just another version of the “if you’re not with us, you’re against us” argument, used to justify slaughtering, say, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis.

It was a morally corrupt argument when Bush used it, and it hasn’t gotten any better.

Gotcha. I don’t really know what Maryam’s argument was, other than truly righteous indignation. I will say, though, that I am usually cautious with any argument that is either black or white; with us or against us.

That is the arena of the conservative mind. As a dyed in the wool liberal, I must leave room for shades of gray in order to retain my membership card. To every yin, there’s a bit of yang and all that crap, doncha know.

I don’t think it’s a good idea to compare Maryam’s position to any position born of logic or even outrage that we might hold.

If you say, “Maryam is speaking from an all-encompassing rage born of absolute grief and horror orders of magnitude beyond anything we have experienced” that might come close. I’m likely to allow her that and not include it in discussions of bad rhetoric.

Over at Josh’s place, they’ve posted Edwards’s statement on Rove: “Goodbye; good riddance.”

(That’s the entire statement. Three words.)

Steve-AR @ 173

Cheney’s neighbors topple his effigy during protest

http://rawstory.com/news/2007/….._0813.html

I used to live ~1/4 mile from there. I hope they were quiet and didn’t scare my ex-cat.

I’m hoping to get some good photos at this afternoon’s protest at Alaska U.S. Representative Don Young’s first open public appearance of this century. I plan on being quite civil.

dakine01 @ 176

Badwater @ 172

That didn’t happen last time. It did make it a little inconvenient for George W. Bush, but that’s about all.

Ah, but this time the National Guard is not a get out of war free card…

True, but there’s still alternatives. George P. Bush is in the Navy Reserves right now. There’s less chance of him serving in Iraq that Prince Harry, but he can later claim to be a veteran.

Audrey @ 179

If you say, “Maryam is speaking from an all-encompassing rage born of absolute grief and horror orders of magnitude beyond anything we have experienced” that might come close. I’m likely to allow her that and not include it in discussions of bad rhetoric.

Agreed.

Jane’s upstairs…

Biodun @ 135

A future “professor’s” interesting career path:

Rove never graduated from college. He dropped out of the University of Utah and campaigned for the chairmanship of the College Republicans, a national student organization whose leaders often go on to important positions in the party. He won, placing himself on a fast track to a career in politics. But he was and remains an autodidact, and a large part of his self-image depends on showing that his command of history and politics is an order of magnitude greater than other people’s.

His command of history and politics might be an order of magnitude greater than other people’s, but his idealogical blinkers are what caused his failure. Another sad case of finding that allowing the ends to justify the means doesn’t work.

johnSwifty @ 183

Audrey @ 179

If you say, “Maryam is speaking from an all-encompassing rage born of absolute grief and horror orders of magnitude beyond anything we have experienced” that might come close. I’m likely to allow her that and not include it in discussions of bad rhetoric.

Agreed.

Thank you. :)

ScrewBush @ 160

Here’s my best Leahy imitations.

Blah, blah, blah.
I repeat: blah, blah, blah.

Don’t make me tell you again!
Blah, Blah, Blah.

You ever tried to get anything done in an environment that lives by Roberts’ Rules of Order?

All while trying to follow the letter of the law while being spied upon by criminals who know how you are going to prosecute them?

Come back and tell me how that goes after you’ve given it a shot, eh?

AZ Matt @ 100

From Froomkin today. Explains Reid’s not keeping Senate in session.

Recess Watch

Erin P. Billings writes for Roll Call (subscription required): “Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has quietly shelved plans to hold the Senate in pro forma session this month after the White House agreed to refrain from making any executive appointments during the Senators’ August break.”

now you tell me. I spent a week researching the status on all of Bush’s nominations. Let’s just hope this deal holds up. There are some real crazies in that bunch.

Every few years there’s a big whoop-dee-do here in DC: there’s some flower that only blooms once every 50 years or so. There’s one of these in the US Botanical Garden here, and every time it DOES bloom, there’s lots of press coverage, including lots of words about what a big STINK the thing puts out.

Can’t remember the exact name of this “flower,” but I’m suggesting “Turdblossom,” if that name’s not already taken.

rwcole @ 154

Many are in favor of the draft thinking that it will end the war. I think they are right.

I am one of those in favor and I have a 19-year old son (as of the moment, the ladies are not pre-registered, but that could change as well). The reason I am in favor of the draft is that the very next day, my son’s 12 uncles, 14 aunts, 15 cousins, two sisters, two parents and two grandparents would be in Washington D.C. demanding the end of the war. And Congress would think twice about ever starting another war.

after the White House agreed to refrain from making any executive appointments during the Senators’ August break

Quick, was that the Tooth Fairy the Dems just saw?

“Thunder”? Aw, Christy…did you see anything even remotely thunderous in Leahy’s statement? Rove’s gone and in two weeks he’ll be forgotten by Leahy and the rest of the weaklings on that committee.

My hat’s off to you…you still continue to believe Dems will pursue these crooks. I guess hope does spring eternal in the human breast.

OT, in that picture, Leahy looks like the Wizard of Oz from the original movie.
.

The question is now what is Leahy going to do about it? So far not much although there are those that think Leahy is a real champion when his tentative and timid actions have one questioning if in fact he is a chump.

mauimom @ 189

Every few years there’s a big whoop-dee-do here in DC: there’s some flower that only blooms once every 50 years or so. There’s one of these in the US Botanical Garden here, and every time it DOES bloom, there’s lots of press coverage, including lots of words about what a big STINK the thing puts out.

Can’t remember the exact name of this “flower,” but I’m suggesting “Turdblossom,” if that name’s not already taken.

Corpse flower?

LS @ 12

Could Pelosi have made a deal? Rove for FISA.

Sacrificing the Constitution to get at Rove? If true that speaks volumes on why this current system is beyond repair and in need of something, well, revolutionary.

It is amazing to see the departure of one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Bush, Cheney, Rove and Gonzales). Of course, only time will tell what this means. I still think that impeachment of the other three is a civic and moral imperative.

Bob in HI

Bluetoe @ 196

LS @ 12

Could Pelosi have made a deal? Rove for FISA.

Sacrificing the Constitution to get at Rove? If true that speaks volumes on why this current system is beyond repair and in need of something, well, revolutionary.

I want a Reformation (Restoration of the Constitution), not a revolution. The current crisis has come about through abandonment of the Constitution (e.g., Unitary Executive over-reach; lack of use of impeachment), not misuse of it.

Bob in HI

Hugh @ 67

AZ Matt @ 62

Froomkin

Well that and that they were crooks and morons

What saved the U.S. from Soviet-style one-party rule were some Sunni kids in Baghdad and elsewhere who were willing to lay down their lives to stop the neocon juggernaut.

The Dems are powerless. they have painted themselves into a corner, if they try to impeach, LIEBERMAN will jump over to the republican side and the Dems will lose all the chairmanships of the committees thus ending the the investigations.

Audrey @ 179

johnSwifty @ 158

Gotcha. I don’t really know what Maryam’s argument was, other than truly righteous indignation. I will say, though, that I am usually cautious with any argument that is either black or white; with us or against us.

That is the arena of the conservative mind. As a dyed in the wool liberal, I must leave room for shades of gray in order to retain my membership card. To every yin, there’s a bit of yang and all that crap, doncha know.

I don’t think it’s a good idea to compare Maryam’s position to any position born of logic or even outrage that we might hold.

If you say, “Maryam is speaking from an all-encompassing rage born of absolute grief and horror orders of magnitude beyond anything we have experienced” that might come close. I’m likely to allow her that and not include it in discussions of bad rhetoric.

americans should just hand their heads in shame not lecture somebody being cut to pieces.

Maybe the cloud can envelop him, but envelope? W

randiego @ 16

A truly great day.

OT – I missed the whole Kos v DLC takedown. Anybody got a link to a decent summary?

Same ol same ol. Ford said the DLCers could win because they were centrist. Kos said DLCers didn’t build the party and we needed better leadership. They were a bit testy towards one another. I think they really represented the current fight between Clinton & Edwards. Do we need to stay centrist or can we do better moving a bit to the left to get better leadership. Tis a serious question the voters will decide.

casual observer @ 98

… in my opinion it is, especially when the Democratic party has made an issue of country over party. Citizens of the left-0-sphere (with which I self-identify) have no difficulty in condemning the Republicans as a party. If this logic serves for one side, why should it not serve for the other? Do the democrats stand for something? Or is it simply a group of individuals, and nothing more.

In past years it wouldn’t have been so easy to criticize the Republicans as a party. Now, since the Reagan Revolution and since they’ve talked about a ‘permanent majority’ and since they’ve lied us into war and stuck together to protect their president even knowing he lied, there is no other way to face the problem. We have to talk about the group which stands together and this year it’s the ENTIRE Republican party (including every single Republican candidate for president) standing up for Bush and against America.

Fortunately, we outnumber them.

In another blog conversation I used Liberal to refer to support for our Constitutional form of Republic. Someone asked if I wasn’t taking the meaning of “liberal” a bit far. I said that today the Republicans are virtually rebelling against the entire Liberal movement of Western Civilization (away from monarchs and toward democratic representative government). That still seems true.

The public never did realize the sincerity with which the Republican politicians referred to the Reagan Revolution. The words seemed metaphorical, but today they seem oh so true. When Grover Norquist said he wanted the government to be weak enough to be drown in a bathtub and all Republicans nod their heads in agreement then you’d better believe they truly do support the sociopath nihilist anarchist George W. Bush.

Democrats all stand together in support of the U.S. Constitution.

rwcole @ 162

Pentagon says definately “no” to draft. Prefers killin “volunteers”.

Sounds like an Onion headline — Military Killing Volunteers!