hiya, PW!

Ah, subtlety, thy name is Darrell.

PW!!!

When you peel away the murderous thug veneer, there’s a murderous thug underneath.

It’s not like they don’t think act like the fucking Mafia anyway.

Regarding Blackwater. The question for me is, will the next president rid our country of this hooligan band of killers?

Bustednuckles @ 5

It’s not like they don’t think act like the fucking Mafia anyway.

That’s not fair. Sometimes the Mafia used to help out the poor in their neighborhoods as good public relations. These thugs wouldn’t think of doing that.

Ish @ 2

Ah, subtlety, thy name is Darrell.

I know. And Meteor Blades also caught this diss by Issa’s office of the regular (that is, non-mercenary) troops:

The Congressman was just saying that American troops in Iraq aren’t as good as Blackwater at security

SufiLizard @ 7

Bustednuckles @ 5

It’s not like they don’t think act like the fucking Mafia anyway.

That’s not fair. Sometimes the Mafia used to help out the poor in their neighborhoods as good public relations. These thugs wouldn’t think of doing that.

Exactly.

Speaking of mobsters, where is Bernie Kerik, Rudy?

At first I thought Darrell Issa, Republican congressman from California, must be attempting what we human beings call a sense of humor.
No, you dint.
(but, I admit you have a right to use writer’s turn of phrase.)
They think if they can make us laugh, we won’t notice the horns and tail. The road to hell is paved with …. humour?

Oklahoma kiddo @ 6

Regarding Blackwater. The question for me is, will the next president rid our country of this hooligan band of killers?

Does any one of the candidates currently running have the courage and conviction to keep The Hague busy for the next decade or so?

Sadly, I doubt it, but it would be nice to think someone out there truly believes in holding these criminals accountable for their actions. Not just Blackwater, but this whole Administration.

TeddySanFran @ 4

When you peel away the murderous thug veneer, there’s a murderous thug underneath.

Yeah. It’s not just Darrell — he’s only the messenger. They like making these sorts of implied threats.

The DLC is a mob.

EPU’ed so here it is again. My new entry on Blackwater.

256. Blackwater is the largest private security contractor working in Iraq. It was first hired by Paul Bremer’s CPA in 2003 in a $21 million no bid contract. This was followed by another no bid contract in June 2004 to provide security for State Department (DOS) personnel in Iraq. The no bid contract was let as a matter of urgency but if this was the case, it is unclear why Marines or Special Forces were not used, or why, despite the urgency, there was still time to do a comparative cost analysis of various security contractors before awarding the contract to Blackwater. The no bid contract was eventually shifted to a “competitive” one in May 2006 (actually 3 security contractors were each awarded $1.2 billion). DOS has paid the company $832 million for services in Iraq from 2004 to 2006. In all Blackwater has received over a billion dollars in federal contracts going from $737,000 in 2001 to $593 million in 2006.
It costs 6 times as much to use a Blackwater operative as it does for a US serviceperson or about $445,000 a year. Many of Blackwater’s contractors received their training in the US military.
The DOS has a detailed guide of how Blackwater is supposed to act in potentially threatening situations and how force is to be escalated, but in practice with convoys barreling down roads often the wrong way, these are routinely ignored and maximum force is used first not last. Between January 2005 and April 2007, Blackwater personnel were in 168 incidents involving firearms. In 143 or 85% of them, Blackwater employees fired first. The situation is complicated by the fact that private security contractors are responsible to no one. Just before leaving Iraq in June 2004, Paul Bremer signed Order 17 which placed all contractors outside Iraqi law. As civilians, contractors do not appear to fall under the military’s UCMJ, and federal investigation from the US is difficult and has not been rigorously pursued.
Blackwater first came to national attention on March 31, 2004 when 4 of its contractors were caught in Falluja in unarmored vehicles and killed. Their burned bodies were hung from a bridge. This incident sparked the first siege of Falluja and eventually the destruction of that city later that year.
On June 25, 2005 in al Hillah, Blackwater employees initially tried to cover up the shooting of an innocent bystander, a father of six. In a DOS effort to hush up the incident, the victim’s family was paid $5,000
On November 28, 2005 in Baghdad, a Blackwater commander directed his convoy to randomly collide with 18 vehicles “for no apparent reason”.
On Christmas Eve 2006 in the Green Zone, a drunk Blackwater employee shot and killed a bodyguard of Iraqi vice president Adel Abdul Mehdi. The DOS helped spirit him out of the country within 36 hours of the shooting. His punishment was that he was fired by Blackwater. The DOS also talked down a settlement to the victim’s family from $250,000 to $15,000 arguing that they did not want to set a precedent.
On September 16, 2007, Blackwater employees securing a square in western Baghdad for a second convoy escorting USAID officials (evacuated from a meeting because of a bomb) fired a single shot at a car (for no discernible reason) in a line of traffic some distance from their position. Although the driver had been killed, the car continued to roll forward and Blackwater employees opened up on it and the surrounding area with indiscriminate fire that killed 17 and wounded 24.
Blackwater was also involved in post-Katrina security and was criticized for its heavyhandedness.
The company is owned by Erik Prince a well connected Republican and former Navy Seal. Our country spends more on defense than the rest of the world combined yet essential government security services are being contracted out (at inflated rates) to private armies made up of cowboys and mercenaries. This is not only expensive in monetary terms, but the lack of accountability of these armed and dangerous actors seriously undercuts America’s already precarious position in Iraq. It rings hollow to talk about law and order to Iraqis when high profile security contractors show on a daily basis that they have no use for either.

Darrell “The Chin” Issa:

http://media.washingtonpost.co…..000056.jpg

TeddySanFran @ 1

hiya, PW!

Heya!

Fred the no show made a veiled threat to Michael Moore in the way he delivered his message about the Cuban dissident put into a mental institution. It was a punk move.

http://video.google.com/videop…..amp;q=fred thompson moore video&total=346&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=3

How come the pups see the world like this and these thugs get elected and face time. Have they no shame?

Where is america? Where do get their world view from?

Reading the MSM, Tee Vee is rather depressing…

Oklahoma kiddo @ 10

Speaking of mobsters, where is Bernie Kerik, Rudy?

I was thinking about Bernie the other day, wondering where that thug has been lurking. Haven’t seen him and Ghouliani yukkin’ it up.

Maybe the third-new Mrs. Ghouliani has put her stiletto down about hubby’s carousing with those who would interfere with her running the kingdom.

The gooper congresscritters from san diego county are so bad that Mount Soledad in La Jolla is cracking in two—that was SUPPOSED to happen to the mount of olives.

The DLC calls it’s mob members, “Team Leaders”.

This little 36 yr old nazi Erik Prince has pulled down a billion dollars in contracts in the last 3 years.

This is crazy…

Thom Hartman said that Issa was the guy who spearheaded the removal of Grey Davis. He apparently cried when he didn’t get the nomination.

EPU’d from downstairs, & can’t really post any more now due to work load today-

Used to have Issa as my Rep. when I was working @ UC San Diego. If he isn’t in bed w/Blackwater in some way I’d be astonished. I remember him well for being a pain in the ass to USA Carol Lam regarding her restructuring of immigration prosecutions before she was fired. He bitched & moaned because our Darrell wanted a large quantity of revolving door prosecutions rather than Lam’s idea of quality plus more jail time.

My daughter was living w/me in Oceanside then & she nicknamed him Darrell the Furious Hairball for his odd pronouncements to the Union Tribune & other local media. The guy can really act & sound certifiable…

Bernie said he had to lie low because he bad news for Rooodi.

The scary thing is this house is that the choice in a little more than a year from now, at least on foreign policy, will be between Rudy or Hillary.

Yep Issa bankrolled the recall on Davis- thinkin that he’d become governor- but after the recall was over- his gooper buds said “thanks Darrel but we can do better” enter Arnie.

Ahmmmm…PW? Just one minor correction wrt:

“It’s not as if they haven’t done this sort of veiled threat before.”

Twasn’t a veil. Issa had on a Burka.

snowbird42 @ 24

Thom Hartman said that Issa was the guy who spearheaded the removal of Grey Davis. He apparently cried when he didn’t get the nomination.

Yep. Check out the source :-)

On the Republican side, Issa withdrew his name from the ballot at a press conference where he broke down crying. The congressman from the coastal area near the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base, who is of Lebanese descent, improbably attributed his pullout to a desire to work for peace in the Middle East. He threw his support to Schwarzenegger.

SlaughterHouse Bush. Once you’re in there’s no fucking way out! Capisce?

Seems I read somewhere that Rudy has a signed contract with his wife that anytime ‘the Rudy’ appears in public, the little woman must be at his side.

Threatening, even in a veiled fashion, a fellow member of congress must break some House standard or custom of conduct… I think there needs to be another one of those Move On type amendments, in all fairness…

Oklahoma kiddo @ 31

Seems I read somewhere that Rudy has a signed contract with his wife that anytime ‘the Rudy’ appears in public, the little woman must be at his side.

or she gets to call him on his cell during the appearance

He was scary in the hearing too. He has some serious issues without a doubt, and he seems to think he’s invincible.

I think that congress should pass a “daily condemnation” list- kinda their version of “worst persons in the world” they could put someone new on it daily.

I vote for Bush!

Blub @ 32

Threatening, even in a veiled fashion, a fellow member of congress must break some House standard or custom of conduct… I think there needs to be another one of those Move On type amendments, in all fairness…

It’s hard to say what’s the best thing to do, but, considering the consistent silence coming from Dem leadership in nearly all areas, not responding seems like a poor choice.

It’s all a sham. This is what we are dealing with. This is they act right before they get ready to cause the deaths of a million people. Part of this clip was in Fahrenheit 9/11:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v…..mp;search=

Marie Roget @ 25

EPU’d from downstairs, & can’t really post any more now due to work load today-

Used to have Issa as my Rep. when I was working @ UC San Diego. If he isn’t in bed w/Blackwater in some way I’d be astonished. I remember him well for being a pain in the ass to USA Carol Lam regarding her restructuring of immigration prosecutions before she was fired. He bitched & moaned because our Darrell wanted a large quantity of revolving door prosecutions rather than Lam’s idea of quality plus more jail time.

My daughter was living w/me in Oceanside then & she nicknamed him Darrell the Furious Hairball for his odd pronouncements to the Union Tribune & other local media. The guy can really act & sound certifiable…

About 3-4 months ago, there was an item about some mercenary company buying acreage in SoCal for a training camp. Can’t remember if it was Blackwater, though.

condemning people is a lot of fun and nearly free…I’d like to take a moment and condemn George Bush, Dick Cheney, and the June Taylor Dancers.

Marie Roget @ 25

EPU’d from downstairs, & can’t really post any more now due to work load today-

Used to have Issa as my Rep. when I was working @ UC San Diego. If he isn’t in bed w/Blackwater in some way I’d be astonished. I remember him well for being a pain in the ass to USA Carol Lam regarding her restructuring of immigration prosecutions before she was fired. He bitched & moaned because our Darrell wanted a large quantity of revolving door prosecutions rather than Lam’s idea of quality plus more jail time.

My daughter was living w/me in Oceanside then & she nicknamed him Darrell the Furious Hairball for his odd pronouncements to the Union Tribune & other local media. The guy can really act & sound certifiable…

I was hoping you’d bring this forward from EPU land.

Issa can act and sound certifiable because he is certifiable.

IMNSHO

was Issa the one rumored to be connected with investment groups which bought up real estate adjacent to Sprinter (pork barrel boondoggle) commuter line stations before the alignment was announced? Can’t remember.. might’ve been Dukestir an’ his bunch. North County politics confuse me.

It’s quite possible that Darrel has several screws that need a tightening. I condemn him!

don’t know if this has been posted before

Blackwater to guard FBI team probing it

WASHINGTON – When a team of FBI agents lands in Baghdad this week to probe Blackwater security contractors for murder, it will be protected by bodyguards from the very same firm, the Daily News has learned.

Half a dozen FBI criminal investigators based in Washington are scheduled to travel to Iraq to gather evidence and interview witnesses about a Sept. 16 shooting spree that left at least 11 Iraqi civilians dead.

The agents plan to interview witnesses within the relative safety of the fortified Green Zone, but they will be transported outside the compound by Blackwater armored convoys, a source briefed on the FBI mission said.

“What happens when the FBI team decides to go visit the crime scene? Blackwater is going to have to take them there,” the senior U.S. official told The News… more

One might say that it is not impossible that as a frequent defender of Blackwater he is acting as a spokesman for the company. If so the threat is not veiled at all. Perhaps someone in Congress should ask the Prince of Blackwater about that possibility.

rwcole @ 43

It’s quite possible that Darrel has several screws that need a tightening. I condemn him!

well, rw, I did once propose selling North County to the OC, but you disagreed :)

He is under subpoena in the Wilkes case.

Blub

I support the Sprinter boondoggle- but I don’t remember Darrell’s bein involved- could be.

eCAHNomics @ 39

Marie Roget @ 25

EPU’d from downstairs, & can’t really post any more now due to work load today-

Used to have Issa as my Rep. when I was working @ UC San Diego. If he isn’t in bed w/Blackwater in some way I’d be astonished. I remember him well for being a pain in the ass to USA Carol Lam regarding her restructuring of immigration prosecutions before she was fired. He bitched & moaned because our Darrell wanted a large quantity of revolving door prosecutions rather than Lam’s idea of quality plus more jail time.

My daughter was living w/me in Oceanside then & she nicknamed him Darrell the Furious Hairball for his odd pronouncements to the Union Tribune & other local media. The guy can really act & sound certifiable…

About 3-4 months ago, there was an item about some mercenary company buying acreage in SoCal for a training camp. Can’t remember if it was Blackwater, though.

It was Blackwater. Issa and Duncan Hunter are both supposed to be in the bag on this and pushing for it to happen.

eCAHNomics @ 39

About 3-4 months ago, there was an item about some mercenary company buying acreage in SoCal for a training camp. Can’t remember if it was Blackwater, though.

Might be this one.

Fred Thompson instructs today:

“Congressional Democrats are trying to divert attention from insulting our military leader in Iraq and pandering to the loony left by attacking Rush Limbaugh. He is one of the strongest supporters of our troops, yet Democrats claim he is not being strong enough. I wonder who Gen. Petraeus and his troops think is most supportive.”

Blub

I take issue with bein sold to a county who get’s it’s sense of culture from Disneyland.

Elliott @ 44

don’t know if this has been posted before

Blackwater to guard FBI team probing it

WASHINGTON – When a team of FBI agents lands in Baghdad this week to probe Blackwater security contractors for murder, it will be protected by bodyguards from the very same firm, the Daily News has learned.

Half a dozen FBI criminal investigators based in Washington are scheduled to travel to Iraq to gather evidence and interview witnesses about a Sept. 16 shooting spree that left at least 11 Iraqi civilians dead.

The agents plan to interview witnesses within the relative safety of the fortified Green Zone, but they will be transported outside the compound by Blackwater armored convoys, a source briefed on the FBI mission said.

“What happens when the FBI team decides to go visit the crime scene? Blackwater is going to have to take them there,” the senior U.S. official told The News… more

Quite literally the fox guarding the henhouse.

Anyone watch the T.V. show “The Unit” last night? This secret unit was being betrayed and the ‘powers’ in gov’t were trying to blame the Unit for all the ‘disappearings’ happening to prisioners of war who were being shuttled around on a ship with no land ever being made.

At one point, a contact with the power people said that they wanted a scapegoat and to bury the problems and that the White House does not know what is going on because the White House is rented out by the ‘powers’ in America.

That is what watching people like Issa, Rudy, Hillary etc. seems to be. Not to mention Pelosi, Hoyer etc. etc. They seem to have loyalties that are not connected to either party or country. But to top money brokers.

The powers wanted continuing everylasting war and Bush and his fantasies was just the one to give it to the moneymen. Everylasting war is good for the military complex.

I know everyone knew this already, but I just type to confirm and voice my fears. Not much will change in Iraq with a dem prez, but at least maybe we get better judges? Hope springs eternal because that is all I have left.

Oklahoma kiddo @ 6

Regarding Blackwater. The question for me is, will the next president rid our country of this hooligan band of killers?

For me, that question could become as pivotal as getting out of the war…

Elliott @ 44

don’t know if this has been posted before

Blackwater to guard FBI team probing it

WASHINGTON – When a team of FBI agents lands in Baghdad this week to probe Blackwater security contractors for murder, it will be protected by bodyguards from the very same firm, the Daily News has learned.

Half a dozen FBI criminal investigators based in Washington are scheduled to travel to Iraq to gather evidence and interview witnesses about a Sept. 16 shooting spree that left at least 11 Iraqi civilians dead.

The agents plan to interview witnesses within the relative safety of the fortified Green Zone, but they will be transported outside the compound by Blackwater armored convoys, a source briefed on the FBI mission said.

“What happens when the FBI team decides to go visit the crime scene? Blackwater is going to have to take them there,” the senior U.S. official told The News… more

Suggestion for the FBI: Watch your own back and keep your weapon in hand and loaded.

eCAHNomics @ 39

Marie Roget @ 25

EPU’d from downstairs, & can’t really post any more now due to work load today-

Used to have Issa as my Rep. when I was working @ UC San Diego. If he isn’t in bed w/Blackwater in some way I’d be astonished. I remember him well for being a pain in the ass to USA Carol Lam regarding her restructuring of immigration prosecutions before she was fired. He bitched & moaned because our Darrell wanted a large quantity of revolving door prosecutions rather than Lam’s idea of quality plus more jail time.

My daughter was living w/me in Oceanside then & she nicknamed him Darrell the Furious Hairball for his odd pronouncements to the Union Tribune & other local media. The guy can really act & sound certifiable…

About 3-4 months ago, there was an item about some mercenary company buying acreage in SoCal for a training camp. Can’t remember if it was Blackwater, though.

Yes indeedie it was BW. If you want to sign a petition to keep them out of CAli go to Christine Craft’s radio program page and scroll down to the bottom.

Oklahoma kiddo @ 6

Regarding Blackwater. The question for me is, will the next president rid our country of this hooligan band of killers?

That will not happen if the next President is a Republic.

Thanks dakine01 & newtonusr. Looks like that’s the connection.

Mad Dogs @ 56

Elliott @ 44

don’t know if this has been posted before

Blackwater to guard FBI team probing it

Suggestion for the FBI: Watch your own back and keep your weapon in hand and loaded.

But surely Blackwater wouldn’t want to sully its “perfect” record.

GrandmaJ ! Where you been girl?

Successfully EPU’d last post:

Arnie says:
October 3rd, 2007 at 1:10 pm

SanderO @ 39

The one to worry about is the Council on Foreign Relations.

They want to rule the world and care less about how.

For a full treatment of your observation find and read: America Rules, US Foreign Policy, Globalization and Corporate USA by Tom Hanahoe (ISBN 0-86322-309-5) from Brandon Books (Ireland). Amazon.co.uk would be the easiest source. It lays out the history, background, personnel, documentation, and reach of influence of the Council on Foreign Relations. A must have book for an informed opinion.

Would add, Tom Hanahoe is a world class investigative reporter and the book is definitely the ultimate study of the CoFR and the parallel Bilderberg Group and Trilateral Commission. Amazon.co.uk

How pervasive is Blackwater USA’s role in Iraq?

On the one hand, Blackwater CEO Erik Prince is telling the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that his men work for the State Department and operate under rules of engagement that are much more restrictive than those that apply to U.S. soldiers.

On the other hand, Prince clearly sees Blackwater as an integral player in the U.S. war effort in Iraq, a player whose role goes far beyond protecting State Department employees on their travels. “We’re part of the total force in trying to get the mission accomplished,” Prince said a moment ago.

In addition to its contract work for the State Department, Prince said that Blackwater frequently comes to the aid of U.S. soldiers in trouble. He cited the example of Blackwater forces using Blackwater helicopters to “medevac” wounded troops out of battle zones, and he said that a U.S. Army colonel recently told him that his troops keep the radio call signs of Blackwater forces on their dashboards because they know that Blackwater will come running to the rescue if they find themselves under fire.

If the anecdote is true, it lends some support to one of the criticisms that has been leveled at the U.S. government’s reliance on Blackwater: that by hiring thousands of private military contractors to work in Iraq, the Bush administration is maintaining a much larger military presence in the country than its public debates with Congress would actually suggest.

From The Guardian.

rwcole @ 48

I support the Sprinter boondoggle- but I don’t remember Darrell’s bein involved- could be.

Oh I have nothing against the project. More commuter trains are always cool. But the boondoggle refers to the doubling of the project cost, the strange last-minute contractor orders for materials and Darrel publicly blaming a hundred million or so in overruns on unspecified side-effects of Hurricane Katrina, which is on the other coast and to which a properly bid turnkey would’ve protected the project from the alleged increased materials costs. In short, it was public theft as far as I’m concerned, and if those doing the stealing also had a real estate scam going, then it was even worse. Issa was definitely involved in the overrun problem.. I just can’t remember whether he was also implicated in the land speculation.

If the mission of the troops in Iraq is re-directed- and the killing stops- and the expense is drastically reduced- then americans will dedide that they can live with it. I don’t see that happening- so any dem would enter the White House with a mandate to get the fuck out of Iraq.

rwcole @ 36

I think that congress should pass a “daily condemnation” list- kinda their version of “worst persons in the world” they could put someone new on it daily.

I vote for Bush!

Speaking of Bush and WPITW, I’d say he’s today’s shoo-in.

Badwater @ 58

Oklahoma kiddo @ 6

Regarding Blackwater. The question for me is, will the next president rid our country of this hooligan band of killers?

That will not happen if the next President is a Republic.

yea, like HRC.

Mad Dogs @ 56

Elliott @ 44

don’t know if this has been posted before

Blackwater to guard FBI team probing it

Suggestion for the FBI: Watch your own back and keep your weapon in hand and loaded.

you got that right!!

Has Bush been WPIW previously? I can’t remember it.

Badwater @ 58

Oklahoma kiddo @ 6

Regarding Blackwater. The question for me is, will the next president rid our country of this hooligan band of killers?

That will not happen if the next President is a Republic.

Nor Clinton nor Obama, I think. Edwards might start to unwind it.

rwcole @ 69

Has Bush been WPIW previously? I can’t remember it.

I don’t doubt he has, but I couldn’t give you dates. Today, I’d put money down that Olbermann is going to absolutely crucify him.

Ish @ 70

Badwater @ 58

That will not happen if the next President is a Republic.

Nor Clinton nor Obama, I think. Edwards might start to unwind it.

Again with my Edwards ‘08 ;-)

Elliott @ 68

you got that right!!

that’ll make for an interesting hearing.. watching Erik Prince try to explain away a shoot-out with the FBI

EvilDrPuma @ 71

rwcole @ 69

Has Bush been WPIW previously? I can’t remember it.

I don’t doubt he has, but I couldn’t give you dates. Today, I’d put money down that Olbermann is going to absolutely crucify him.

yeah, but that’s ok. He can go to the emergency room.

EvilDrPuma @ 60

Mad Dogs @ 56

Suggestion for the FBI: Watch your own back and keep your weapon in hand and loaded.

But surely Blackwater wouldn’t want to sully its “perfect” record.

Or

But surely Blackwater wouldn’t want to perfect its “sully” record.

In a move that shocks america–Thompson defends Rush. Gag him with a spoon.

Blub @ 73

Elliott @ 68

you got that right!!

that’ll make for an interesting hearing.. watching Erik Prince try to explain away a shoot-out with the FBI

yes!
with Issa taking Blackwater’s side, of course

rwcole @ 76

In a move that shocks america–Thompson defends Rush. Gag him with a spoon.

say fred, how’s that presidential bid goin’ fer you?

Freddie- the best bet the goopers have goin for him- announces that he don’t go ta church.. Oops!

Blub @ 78

rwcole @ 76

In a move that shocks america–Thompson defends Rush. Gag him with a spoon.

say fred, how’s that presidential bid goin’ fer you?

The Weekend at Bernie’s Candidacy

retirin/5 — I have been around, but lurking mostly. I now am the tutor for my granddaughter and every evening — my normal lurking time — is taken up with algebra, english and spelling. Her mid-term grades were all A’s so heres hoping for a better year. For a 11 yr old girl who scores in the top 10% of every test to ‘almost’ fail last year, something needed to be done.

So far so good. At least there I seem to make a difference. Complaining about Bush etc. etc. to my reps (Klobachar, Coleman, etc.) seems to do no good.

P.S. To people who have known who I am for awhile — I now ride horses at least once a week and my weight is staying steady. I am a happy camper.

How you doing? Are the 5 years before taking it easy still 5 years? Shrinking to 3? Or increasing at the same rate as inflation? Take care.

Like all of us, subject to inflation, GrandmaJ, but thanks for askin’.

rwcole @ 79

Freddie- the best bet the goopers have goin for him- announces that he don’t go ta church.. Oops!

I’m amazed. L & O is literally a week behind the news cycle, and many months if you count Schiavo. Wow.

Oklahoma kiddo @ 51

Fred Thompson instructs today:

“Congressional Democrats are trying to divert attention from insulting our military leader in Iraq and pandering to the loony left by attacking Rush Limbaugh. He is one of the strongest supporters of our troops, yet Democrats claim he is not being strong enough. I wonder who Gen. Petraeus and his troops think is most supportive.”

Hey Freddie Fizzle
I watch Law and Order, but mute the teevee when you have a speaking scene…you old pervert!

Issapedia

Allegations

In 1971, Issa allegedly stole a Dodge sedan from an Army post near Pittsburgh. The allegation was made by a retired Army sergeant, and published in a 1998 newspaper article. Issa denied the allegation. No charges were filed.[2][3]

In 1972, Issa and his brother allegedly stole a red Maserati sports car from a car dealership in Cleveland. He and his brother were indicted for car theft, but the case was dropped.[2][3]

Also in 1972, Issa was convicted in Michigan for possession of an unregistered gun. He received three months probation and paid a $204 fine.[4][5]

On December 28, 1979, Issa and his brother allegedly faked the theft of Issa’s Mercedes Benz sedan. Issa and his brother were charged for felony auto-theft, but the case was dropped by prosecutors for lack of evidence. Later, Issa and his brother were charged for misdemeanors, but that case was not pursued by prosecutors. Issa accused his brother of stealing the car, and said that the experience with his brother was the reason he went into the car alarm business.[2][3]

In 1982, Issa allegedly used deception to take control of Directed Electronics Inc. (then named A.C. Custom) from a former business partner, Joseph Adkins. Adkins borrowed $60,000 from Issa with Adkins’ company stock serving as collateral. Issa made a verbal agreement to give Adkins extra time to repay. However, Issa later obtained a court order to seize the stock despite the verbal agreement, a move Adkins describes as cheating him out of the company and Issa calls the only chance to protect his loan collateral.[4]

A day after the court order, Issa allegedly carried a cardboard box containing a handgun into the office of an A.C. Custom executive, Jack Frantz, and told Frantz he was fired. In a 1998 newspaper article, Frantz said Issa had invited him to hold the gun and claimed extensive knowledge of guns and explosives from his Army service. In response, Issa said, “Shots were never fired. … I don’t recall having a gun. I really don’t. I don’t think I ever pulled a gun on anyone in my life.”[5]

raven @ 85

Issapedia

Allegations

In 1971, Issa allegedly stole a Dodge sedan from an Army post near Pittsburgh. The allegation was made by a retired Army sergeant, and published in a 1998 newspaper article. Issa denied the allegation. No charges were filed.[2][3]

In 1972, Issa and his brother allegedly stole a red Maserati sports car from a car dealership in Cleveland. He and his brother were indicted for car theft, but the case was dropped.[2][3]

Also in 1972, Issa was convicted in Michigan for possession of an unregistered gun. He received three months probation and paid a $204 fine.[4][5]

On December 28, 1979, Issa and his brother allegedly faked the theft of Issa’s Mercedes Benz sedan. Issa and his brother were charged for felony auto-theft, but the case was dropped by prosecutors for lack of evidence. Later, Issa and his brother were charged for misdemeanors, but that case was not pursued by prosecutors. Issa accused his brother of stealing the car, and said that the experience with his brother was the reason he went into the car alarm business.[2][3]

In 1982, Issa allegedly used deception to take control of Directed Electronics Inc. (then named A.C. Custom) from a former business partner, Joseph Adkins. Adkins borrowed $60,000 from Issa with Adkins’ company stock serving as collateral. Issa made a verbal agreement to give Adkins extra time to repay. However, Issa later obtained a court order to seize the stock despite the verbal agreement, a move Adkins describes as cheating him out of the company and Issa calls the only chance to protect his loan collateral.[4]

A day after the court order, Issa allegedly carried a cardboard box containing a handgun into the office of an A.C. Custom executive, Jack Frantz, and told Frantz he was fired. In a 1998 newspaper article, Frantz said Issa had invited him to hold the gun and claimed extensive knowledge of guns and explosives from his Army service. In response, Issa said, “Shots were never fired. … I don’t recall having a gun. I really don’t. I don’t think I ever pulled a gun on anyone in my life.”[5]

What a charming man. Makes me wish I had a daughter so I could forbid her to marry him.

In September 1959, at the age of 17, Thompson married Sarah Elizabeth Lindsey.[106] Their son, Freddie Dalton “Tony” Thompson Jr.[2], was born in April 1960.[107] Another son and a daughter were born soon thereafter. While Thompson was attending law school, both he and his wife worked to pay for his education and support their three children.[18]

The couple divorced in 1985. They have two surviving children,[108] as well as five grandchildren. Thompson’s daughter Elizabeth “Betsy” Thompson Panici died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs on January 30, 2002.[40][53]

Prior to his second marriage, Thompson had been romantically linked to country singer Lorrie Morgan, Republican fundraiser Georgette Mosbacher and columnist Margaret Carlson.[109] Thompson met Republican consultant Jeri Kehn in July 1996[110] and the two married on June 29, 2002. They have two children.[40]

Thompson has non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), a form of cancer. “I have had no illness from it, or even any symptoms. My life expectancy should not be affected. I am in remission, and it is very treatable with drugs if treatment is needed in the future — and with no debilitating side effects,” Thompson said.[111] Like many patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Thompson received treatment with Rituxan.[112] Thompson’s cancer, though currently incurable, is reportedly indolent, the lowest of three grades of NHL.[111] The cancer is nodal marginal zone lymphoma, a rare form of NHL, that accounts for only one to three percent of all cases of NHL.[113] Two other potential Republican presidential nominees have also had cancer: John McCain and Rudy Giuliani.

Thompson is a member of the Churches of Christ, a non-denominational group of Christian churches affiliated with the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement.[114] According to Thompson, his values come from “sitting around the kitchen table” with his parents, and from the Church of Christ. While talking to reporters in South Carolina, Thompson said, “I attend church when I’m in Tennessee. I’m [living] in McLean right now. I don’t attend regularly when I’m up there.”[115] He does not plan to speak about his religion during his campaign saying, “Me getting up and talking about what a wonderful person I am and that sort of thing, I’m not comfortable with that, and I don’t think it does me any good.”[115]

Don’t you just love our unimpeachable Congress.

AP – Congress is moving to close a loophole in the law that has left private security contractors in Iraq like Blackwater immune to criminal prosecution, despite warnings by the White House that expanding the law could cause new problems.

EvilDrPuma @ 71

rwcole @ 69

Has Bush been WPIW previously? I can’t remember it.

I don’t doubt he has, but I couldn’t give you dates. Today, I’d put money down that Olbermann is going to absolutely crucify him.

A “Special Comment” would come in handy about right now. :-)

[Thompson] does not plan to speak about his religion during his campaign saying, “Me getting up and talking about what a wonderful person I am and that sort of thing, I’m not comfortable with that, and I don’t think it does me any good.”

Can’t argue with that!

raven @ 85

In response, Issa said, “Shots were never fired. … I don’t recall having a gun. I really don’t. I don’t think I ever pulled a gun on anyone in my life.”[5]

That’s the nondenialiest denial ever. Almost Gonzales-esque. He’s not sure whether or not he’s ever pulled a gun on anyone?

Waccamaw @ 89

EvilDrPuma @ 71

I don’t doubt he has, but I couldn’t give you dates. Today, I’d put money down that Olbermann is going to absolutely crucify him.

A “Special Comment” would come in handy about right now. :-)

I won’t make promises about the precise form the crucifixion will take. I just anticipate there’ll be one.

Ish @ 91

raven @ 85

In response, Issa said, “Shots were never fired. … I don’t recall having a gun. I really don’t. I don’t think I ever pulled a gun on anyone in my life.”[5]

That’s the nondenialiest denial ever. Almost Gonzales-esque. He’s not sure whether or not he’s ever pulled a gun on anyone?

It’s like having toast for breakfast five days a week. You might not recall any specific instance of having toast for breakfast….

So. If I’m a wannabe for-pleasure serial killer, all I have to do is sign up with Blackwater and not have to worry about being charged with murder for commiting murder?

Ish @ 91

raven @ 85

In response, Issa said, “Shots were never fired. … I don’t recall having a gun. I really don’t. I don’t think I ever pulled a gun on anyone in my life.”[5]

That’s the nondenialiest denial ever. Almost Gonzales-esque. He’s not sure whether or not he’s ever pulled a gun on anyone?

But his sidearm sure was a great p*nis extension.

Ish @ 91

raven @ 85

In response, Issa said, “Shots were never fired. … I don’t recall having a gun. I really don’t. I don’t think I ever pulled a gun on anyone in my life.”[5]

That’s the nondenialiest denial ever. Almost Gonzales-esque. He’s not sure whether or not he’s ever pulled a gun on anyone?

That type of denial usually comes from someone who may have used/mis-used a few chemicals and psychoactive substances over the years.

“If you remember it, you weren’t really there” Paul Kantner paraphrased

Oklahoma kiddo @ 94

So. If I’m a wannabe for-pleasure serial killer, all I have to do is sign up with Blackwater and not have to worry about being charged with murder for commiting murder?

Uhhh…yup.

EvilDrPuma @ 93

Ish @ 91

That’s the nondenialiest denial ever. Almost Gonzales-esque. He’s not sure whether or not he’s ever pulled a gun on anyone?

It’s like having toast for breakfast five days a week. You might not recall any specific instance of having toast for breakfast….

‘Cause it’s not pulling a gun if you’re already waving it around, right?

I think we’ll see Repugs using Nazi tactics more and more. I wonder why somebody hearing the next threat doesn’t just say “Are you threatening me?” And loudly take offense.

Oklahoma kiddo @ 94

So. If I’m a wannabe for-pleasure serial killer, all I have to do is sign up with Blackwater and not have to worry about being charged with murder for commiting murder?

Right. It also helps to be a member of an extremist Christian fringe sect so you can be instantly forgiven for those murders.

rwcole @ 87

Jeri Kehn

“I am not a trophy wife”

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/

Ish @ 98

EvilDrPuma @ 93

It’s like having toast for breakfast five days a week. You might not recall any specific instance of having toast for breakfast….

‘Cause it’s not pulling a gun if you’re already waving it around, right?

Or even pointing it.

I’d like HRC to answer just one question without evasion or triangulating. ‘Would you Sen Clinton support an impeachment inquiry directed toward George W. Bush’?

EvilDrPuma @ 100

Oklahoma kiddo @ 94

So. If I’m a wannabe for-pleasure serial killer, all I have to do is sign up with Blackwater and not have to worry about being charged with murder for commiting murder?

Right. It also helps to be a member of an extremist Christian fringe sect so you can be instantly forgiven for those murders.

And, it’s also suggested you have a BFT and a tribal armband tat. Jus’ sayin’

Looks like the R’s are losing another Senator
http://tpmelectioncentral.com/…..retire.php

Oklahoma kiddo @ 103

I’d like HRC to answer just one question without evasion or triangulating. ‘Would you Sen Clinton support an impeachment inquiry directed toward George W. Bush’?

I’m sorry, such circumstances cannot exist in our space-time continuum.

EvilDrPuma @ 106

Oklahoma kiddo @ 103

I’d like HRC to answer just one question without evasion or triangulating. ‘Would you Sen Clinton support an impeachment inquiry directed toward George W. Bush’?

I’m sorry, such circumstances cannot exist in our space-time continuum.

*g*

Diane @ 105

Looks like the R’s are losing another Senator
http://tpmelectioncentral.com/…..retire.php

This from the “take the money and run” department….

EvilDrPuma @ 108

Diane @ 105

Looks like the R’s are losing another Senator
http://tpmelectioncentral.com/…..retire.php

This from the “take the money and run” department….

Ken Lay comes to mind.

EvilDrPuma @ 108

Diane @ 105

Looks like the R’s are losing another Senator
http://tpmelectioncentral.com/…..retire.php

This from the “take the money and run” department….

Time to hang up the pajamas.

Wonder what prompted Domenici’s decision – any number of ongoing investigations, which one implicates him enough to drop out?

Ish @ 110

EvilDrPuma @ 108

This from the “take the money and run” department….

Time to hang up the pajamas.

::chuckle:: You know, I’d forgotten all about that. “Sssshhh…be vewy, vewy quiet. I’m hunting wibewaws.”

From the Annals of “You’re either with us or against us.”
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/…..tain-iraq/

Diane @ 111

Wonder what prompted Domenici’s decision – any number of ongoing investigations, which one implicates him enough to drop out?

Or is it simply that his odds of winning another election are in the gutter?

eCAHNomics @ 113

From the Annals of “You’re either with us or against us.”
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/…..tain-iraq/

It just doesn’t pay to play ball with BushCo. You might as well be against them, ’cause they’re never really “with” you.

Bush has his veto.
The majority has power of the purse.

Bush uses his only weapon left.
The Dems have yet to use their only true weapon.

Does.Not.Compute.

Bush vetoes child health insurance plan, but okays Blackwater. How much more of this compassionate Bushism can we stand.

McCain making speeches again, from the LA Times:

McCain: Bush Should’ve Urged Enlistment

By JIM DAVENPORT, Associated Press Writer
1:18 PM PDT, October 3, 2007
CAMDEN, S.C. — Republican White House hopeful John McCain said Wednesday that President Bush made a mistake after the Sept. 11 terror attacks by encouraging people to shop rather than urging citizens to join the military or volunteer.

“I believe that the big mistake that our leadership of our nation made after 9-11 is we told people to go shopping and we told them to take a trip,” McCain told students at a military prep school in this early voting state.

A month after the attacks, Bush said, “We cannot let the terrorists achieve the objective of frightening our nation to the point where we don’t conduct business or people don’t shop.”

People would have joined the military or volunteer groups had the president urged them to do so, McCain said. “I think Americans would have responded overwhelmingly and I believe they still will,” he said.

[snipped, because you don’t want to read any more of that than I do] He also has some remarks, seen over at TPM, on Romney’s religion.

Oklahoma kiddo @ 117

Bush vetoes child health insurance plan, but okays Blackwater. How much more of this compassionate Bushism can we stand.

Why does he keep using that word? I do not think it means what he thinks it means.

P J Evans @ 118

McCain making speeches again, from the LA Times:

McCain: Bush Should’ve Urged Enlistment

By JIM DAVENPORT, Associated Press Writer
1:18 PM PDT, October 3, 2007
CAMDEN, S.C. — Republican White House hopeful John McCain said Wednesday that President Bush made a mistake after the Sept. 11 terror attacks by encouraging people to shop rather than urging citizens to join the military or volunteer.

“I believe that the big mistake that our leadership of our nation made after 9-11 is we told people to go shopping and we told them to take a trip,” McCain told students at a military prep school in this early voting state.

A month after the attacks, Bush said, “We cannot let the terrorists achieve the objective of frightening our nation to the point where we don’t conduct business or people don’t shop.”

People would have joined the military or volunteer groups had the president urged them to do so, McCain said. “I think Americans would have responded overwhelmingly and I believe they still will,” he said.

[snipped, because you don’t want to read any more of that than I do] He also has some remarks, seen over at TPM, on Romney’s religion.

McCain is an ugly, ugly little man.

Eye-soar’s resume: VERY impressive

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darrell_Issa

Oklahoma kiddo @ 117

Bush vetoes child health insurance plan, but okays Blackwater. How much more of this compassionate Bushism can we stand.

Just let Bush award a contract to Blackwater for hospital security.. they can just shoot the uninsured insurgents, without accountability.

I cannot find the documentation on this story so I am relying on my memory.

During Katrina in New Orleans a black man was found in an upscale home and arrested by BW. He was incarcerated for months because everyone in jail could not get out since the courts were not functioning.

It was his OWN home he was found in. He was charged with Aggravating Blackness.

Eureka Springs @ 122

Oklahoma kiddo @ 117

Bush vetoes child health insurance plan, but okays Blackwater. How much more of this compassionate Bushism can we stand.

Just let Bush award a contract to Blackwater for hospital security.. they can just shoot the uninsured isurgents, without accountability.

They’ll be 100% perfect in protecting the insurers.

Eureka Springs @ 122

Just let Bush award a contract to Blackwater for hospital security.. they can just shoot the uninsured insurgents, without accountability.

“My fellow Americans, I am proud to announce that we have no ’surviving’ uninsured Americans”

Bush explaining why he vetoed bipartisan legislation that would have expanded healthcare coverage for children: “My job is a decision-making job. And as a result, I make a lot of decisions.”

Oklahoma kiddo @ 126

Bush explaining why he vetoed bipartisan legislation that would have expanded healthcare coverage for children: “My job is a decision-making job. And as a result, I make a lot of decisions.”

More’s the pity he’s never made a good one.

So many republicans with shady histories, so little media coverage.

eCAHNomics @ 113

From the Annals of “You’re either with us or against us.”
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/…..tain-iraq/

I kinda enjoyed this “up is down” part:

“…a senior White House official: Operationally, British forces have performed poorly in Basra,” said the official. “Maybe it’s best that they leave. Now we will have a clear field in southern Iraq.”

Ahmmm…dude? Methinks you be confused as to just who will have that “clear field in southern Iraq.”

Hint: US equals Target!

Oklahoma kiddo @ 125

Bush explaining why he vetoed bipartisan legislation that would have expanded healthcare coverage for children: “My job is a decision-making job. And as a result, I make a lot of decisions.”

One of my most important takeaways from Draper’s Dead Certain was the way people got W to do what they wanted him to do. All they had to say was, “This is the most difficult decision you’ll ever make.” Apparently it worked almost all the time.

ironranger @ 128

So many republicans with shady histories, so little media coverage.

their party’s a Racketeering-Influenced-Corrupt-Organization as far as I’m concerned

Republicans: The pro early morgue party.

Sorry. I have been reading Ghost Plane.

Eureka Springs @ 132

Republicans: The pro early morgue party.

Sorry. I have been reading Ghost Plane.

You know how it is…the fetus is born, and then what? May as well just kill the little blighters…at least the ones we don’t need to fill out the army.

EvilDrPuma @ 115

eCAHNomics @ 113

From the Annals of “You’re either with us or against us.”
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/…..tain-iraq/

It just doesn’t pay to play ball with BushCo. You might as well be against them, ’cause they’re never really “with” you.

‘ “There’s concern about Brown,” a senior White House foreign policy official told The Daily Telegraph….

“Operationally, British forces have performed poorly in Basra,” said the official. “Maybe it’s best that they leave. Now we will have a clear field in southern Iraq.” ‘

The way things are going, Brown might want to advertise Cheney-Bush unhappiness with Britain. Could send Labour up a few points in the polls. Might come in handy for the election.

Perhaps we are selling Bush short. Maybe he’s some sort of weird reverse Malthusian environmentalist crusading for population control. Hence, his veto on child healthcare insurance. Try tyelling that to your sick kids, mama and papa. This president is an outrage.

Blub@131:
Agree. What a shame media has had their hands full covering all the loony liberal’s transgressions or they would surely have exposed the republican crime syndicate by now.

Eureka Springs @ 131

Republicans: The pro early morgue party.

Sorry. I have been reading Ghost Plane.

Howdo you like the book? Is it good? Does the author have information that we haven’t read about yet?

BTW, when I was in Poland in summer 01 (before 9/11), we drove by what subsequently became one of the CIA rendition bases. What my Polish relative remarked was: “The Russians moved out and the Americans moved in.”

Oklahoma kiddo @ 94

So. If I’m a wannabe for-pleasure serial killer, all I have to do is sign up with Blackwater and not have to worry about being charged with murder for commiting murder?

Sounds like it, doesn’t it?

I really don’t want these mofo’s in San Diego.

eCAHN, So nice to see you, I wondered where you were.

I just started the book after reading one to many recommendations of it from one of my favorite firedogs, Mary, and giving away my first copy before finishing it. It is very good so far, a bit dark due to the subject matter and just full of details some we are familiar with and quite a few I have not read elsewhere. Very reasonably priced on amazon now, used hardback 5.00.

FYI, new post

GrandmaJ @ 54

Anyone watch the T.V. show “The Unit” last night? This secret unit was being betrayed and the ‘powers’ in gov’t were trying to blame the Unit for all the ‘disappearings’ happening to prisioners of war who were being shuttled around on a ship with no land ever being made.

At one point, a contact with the power people said that they wanted a scapegoat and to bury the problems and that the White House does not know what is going on because the White House is rented out by the ‘powers’ in America.

That is what watching people like Issa, Rudy, Hillary etc. seems to be. Not to mention Pelosi, Hoyer etc. etc. They seem to have loyalties that are not connected to either party or country. But to top money brokers.

The powers wanted continuing everylasting war and Bush and his fantasies was just the one to give it to the moneymen. Everylasting war is good for the military complex.

I know everyone knew this already, but I just type to confirm and voice my fears. Not much will change in Iraq with a dem prez, but at least maybe we get better judges? Hope springs eternal because that is all I have left.

Take heart my dear – Californians for Gore are putting his name on the ballot complimenting the Draft Gore movement that grows stronger every day – a chapter in Germany and other European countries grow daily.

ReElect President Gore & VP Edwards 2008!

Rethugs are nothing but gangsters in suits, let’s never pretend otherwise. Remember the bunch that shut down the vote count in Florida by mobbing the election office? That defines them forever, as far as I am concerned. Civility, indeed! Force and intimidation are their only political currency.

BTW, did anybody hear that our glorious champions in the Senate agreed today to bury the issue of what was in Bush’s daily briefings prior to the Iraq War, in order to pass the intelligence bill that gives Bush everything he wants? The Rethug argument was, “A commission already looked at that.” Gee, the Memory Hole must be getting pretty full by now. We need a third party or a revolution, this is never going to get any better. Read your Declaration of Independenece today.

toby martin @ 143

BTW, did anybody hear that our glorious champions in the Senate agreed today to bury the issue of what was in Bush’s daily briefings prior to the Iraq War, in order to pass the intelligence bill that gives Bush everything he wants? The Rethug argument was, “A commission already looked at that.” Gee, the Memory Hole must be getting pretty full by now. We need a third party or a revolution, this is never going to get any better. Read your Declaration of Independenece today.

Have a link about this handy, por favor?

Eureka Springs @ 144

toby martin @ 143

BTW, did anybody hear that our glorious champions in the Senate agreed today to bury the issue of what was in Bush’s daily briefings prior to the Iraq War, in order to pass the intelligence bill that gives Bush everything he wants? The Rethug argument was, “A commission already looked at that.” Gee, the Memory Hole must be getting pretty full by now. We need a third party or a revolution, this is never going to get any better. Read your Declaration of Independenece today.

Sorry, I got it off of the Dow Jones newswire that I use for trading, but it came across around 2:40 P.M., if that helps. I’m sure the MSM will ignore it.

Have a link about this handy, por favor?

Eureka Springs @ 144

toby martin @ 143

BTW, did anybody hear that our glorious champions in the Senate agreed today to bury the issue of what was in Bush’s daily briefings prior to the Iraq War, in order to pass the intelligence bill that gives Bush everything he wants? The Rethug argument was, “A commission already looked at that.” Gee, the Memory Hole must be getting pretty full by now. We need a third party or a revolution, this is never going to get any better. Read your Declaration of Independenece today.

Have a link about this handy, por favor?

It was done by a panel of the Senate Intelligence committee.

Toby, thanks, I will do a bit of digging. The daily briefings should definitely not be protected any longer!

Eureka Springs @ 147

Toby, thanks, I will do a bit of digging. The daily briefings should definitely not be protected any longer!

No, they shouldn’t, but it really appears that the Dems are just as eager to cover-up as the Rethugs, perhaps because they know they should have done more to stop what went on. It’s clear we can’t depend on them for anything, even when they are in the majority. I’ve never been so discouraged.

Ish @ 91

raven @ 85

In response, Issa said, “Shots were never fired. … I don’t recall having a gun. I really don’t. I don’t think I ever pulled a gun on anyone in my life.”[5]

That’s the nondenialiest denial ever. Almost Gonzales-esque. He’s not sure whether or not he’s ever pulled a gun on anyone?

I can’t imagine anyone being able to honestly say they can’t remember whether they had a gun with them. I mean, a GUN isn’t like s shoe or a sandwich or something…it’s GUN.

If he can’t remember a GUN, then he isn’t fit to be in Congress, though he is probably just perfect to be a Republican.

MarkH @ 149

Ish @ 91

That’s the nondenialiest denial ever. Almost Gonzales-esque. He’s not sure whether or not he’s ever pulled a gun on anyone?

I can’t imagine anyone being able to honestly say they can’t remember whether they had a gun with them. I mean, a GUN isn’t like s shoe or a sandwich or something…it’s GUN.

If he can’t remember a GUN, then he isn’t fit to be in Congress, though he is probably just perfect to be a Republican.

He meant to say he couldn’t remember the last time he pulled ON his gun.

Blackwater, a budding SS for the Leader. Oh, and Mr. Issa, tell us about the car problem you had in the Army. Something about auto theft? Refresh my memory.