think that stephenopolous will ask McCain about the following (via orange overlord’s place):

McCain Fund Gets Around Donation Limits

Elizabeth Holmes reports on the presidential race:

To help ease their fund-raising woes, John McCain’s campaign has devised a new system to increase the maximum amount an individual can donate to the unofficial Republican nominee’s election efforts.

Campaign manager Rick Davis released the details of the “McCain Victory 08″ fund on Friday. He said the entity is a joint committee, combining the McCain campaign, the Republican National Committee and four key states under a “hybrid legal structure.”

The idea is to tap donors for more than the $2,300 limit set by campaign finance laws. Under legislation pushed by McCain in his role as a senator from Arizona, an individual can donate a maximum of $2,300 to a presidential primary campaign and the same amount to the general election campaign. Although McCain received the number of delegates necessary to secure the nomination in March, he will not be the party’s official nominee until the convention in September—so he is still running a primary campaign.

The new structure allows up to $70,000 in individual contributions by channeling the money into different McCain-centric funds.

stephenopolous correction stephanopoulos

Elliot!

Good Morning MM, and a belated Hi to wobblybits (it was all my fault lol!)

Governor Palin is a topic on “To The Contrary” this morning. She was in Texas at the Republican’s Governors Conference, keynote speaker I believe, but rushed home to Alaska to give birth, the baby was a month early but all are well. There was some buzz that she started getting contractions during her speech.

and did you see the Phila Inquirer endorsed Obama? Hillary is still leading in the polls.

Good morning everyone. I’m back from a week in S.C. Anyone miss me?

I thought the Inquirer endorsed him in Feb. I was at dinner at some friends house in Philly, and an Obama supporter came to the door. They sent me to handle it because they said this was the second time an Obama supporter has come around. Looks like the Roxborough neighborhood is being canvassed very well.

I of course was charming and all puppy dog tails. When the door closed they said that’s the reason the sent me to answer. They would’ve asked her to leave, not because they don’t support Obama, but they are very private and don’t like people knocking on their door for any solicitation.

Yes! solai, I hope your trip was a fun vacation. Welcome home.

good morning, everyone…welcome back solai – hope you had a great time.

I often don’t answer the door if I don’t want to. I figure it’s my house and I can do what I want. So anyway, I missed a Hillary canvasser yesterday. I’m not much of one to talk to campaigners myself, but I sure admire those who get up and go out ringing doorbells in support of their candidate.

Very nice vacation BUT the hotel we stayed in (which got 99 tv channels) did not include MSNBC or the Comedy Network. They did get CNN and FoxNews. But a week without KO, Jon Stewart or Colbert was tough. Not to mention that it may account for the lack of cynicism by some citizens.

Toby, how Spring is it up there? I’m picturing you with snow still on the ground.

Good morning, everyone. A beautiful, sunny morning here.

I’m reading over at HuffPo about the military analysts. Shocking, I tell you. Who would have thought BushCo would do that?

I was very intimidated the first time I went canvassing. And I don’t like it when people come to my door either, except when the borough candidates. Then I can really put them on the spot about their lack of action in getting things done in the borough.

This canvasser was well informed so that was good to see.

We had just discussed the political race before the knock on the door. They were former Edward supporters also.

I’m reading over at HuffPo about the military analysts. Shocking, I tell you. Who would have thought BushCo would do that?

Where’s the outrage!

Almost 10,000 doors knocked in 2006. It’s a fear you get over fast. Now, calling people cold on the phone and asking them for hundreds of dollars, that’s something I hope I never feel comfortable doing.

i hadn’t ever done any canvassing before the lamont campaign – and i expected to hate it (as i can’t say i find phone banking to be a lot of fun).

to my surprise, i really liked canvassing.

wish we could do it for issues, though, instead of just candidates.

I can imagine how uncomfortable those phone calls can be.

10,000 ?!?!!!!

i bow, prostrate at your feet.

Almost 10,000 doors knocked in 2006. It’s a fear you get over fast. Now, calling people cold on the phone and asking them for hundreds of dollars, that’s something I hope I never feel comfortable doing.

I get those calls. My husband usually answers and tells them, politely, that it’s “not a good time, right now”. Good thing we have separate checking accounts.

The Lamont campaign was the first time I did it also. I went to a public housing community, which was another first for me. I learned a lot that day about myself, and what the situation is for people who live in public housing communities.

I’m almost outraged out, but for you I’ll summon one more….harruuuuumph!

And, also, after I turn on the Talking Heads you refer to above, there might be a slight chance that something will pi** me off. Ya think?

Where’s the outrage!

we’re suffering from scandal whiplash – too many scandals coming at us too fast and from too many directions.

Off to breakfast, have fun and smile everyone.

And, also, after I turn on the Talking Heads you refer to above, there might be a slight chance that something will pi** me off. Ya think?

that is a distinct possibility.

G’morning Elliott, pups. Damp and foggy in MN this morning. Might get a wee peek at the sun before days of rain. Folks getting a little cranky here. Well, weather and the Wild (sigh).

g’morning everyone!

went to captree state park this morning where car enthusiacs go to park their ride, walk, talk enjoy everone’s company

I thought about something on the way back, sitting here in panera bread having my bottomless cup of coffee with my spinach artichoke soufle

so I’m thinking

*the democrats should have their own flag thingy*

like a flag ring or flag wallet badge or flag top button of their shirt, something that will ambush anyone who asks or brings up the lapel flag, the demcrats would wonderl

“why aren’t you wearing your flag button, and why don’t you have your flag wallet badge, why don’t you love this country?”

be quite an ambush and would really do the trick shutting everyone up about that rediculous talking point they get people to raise as if it’s an issue

Acoustic Sunrise for 4/20…

The Beatles – Something (acoustic)

oh perris forgive me but I’ve been laughing at my misreading of your comment — for a second there I thought you were sitting in panera bottomless.

There’s a line from The Tudors-something like “If the lion knows how strong he is, nothing can stop him.” It refers to Henry VIII who uses all his power and treachery to destroy The Roman Catholic Church. Well, it equally applies to Bush/Cheney. Once they decided to throw out all the rules, it was quite easy to make this country more fascist.

More than anything, I’m stunned at just how easy it was.

Good morning Barbara, and good breakfast to you MM.

ahh radiofreewill,
thank you so much for the wonderful acoustic sunrise! much appreciated.
and the perfect choice for 4/20.

wood be fun I think, I might give that a go!

Some good news on Sunday Morning!

Dog crosses desert, mountains and somehow gets back home

ELY, Nev. — A dog that ran off during a road-trip rest stop apparently made her way nearly 80 miles across Nevada’s high desert and two mountain ranges to return home a week later.

Moon, a Siberian husky, was reunited April 14 with owner Doug Dashiell, who had last seen her April 6 near Railroad Valley, about 77 miles from his home in Ely.

more…

OK, using Marion’s Haz-mat suit, I’m headed into Fox News Sunday.

First question to Schumer, Hillary on the left and MoveOn.org comments

What I’m finding now is that the people I’m calling (big party donors) have just been hit up with big tax bills. People like me get money back and that’s how we pay bills :)

thank you elliot for watching. i don’t have a haz-mat suit, but am interested in knowing how schumer responds.

Good Morning Elliot and Firedogs -

think I’ll tivo the Axelrod-Garin fest – am fascinated by Axelrod’s success to date. There’s a Rolling Stone article out there about the Obama campaign (2 mos old ?) has anyone read it ?? just wondering how much of their success is due to Axelrod or is it the combo of him and the Senator ? either way, it’s one for the textbooks.

usual Schumery minimize it talk. and change the subject

Eric fell in love with Patty – George’s wife – seen in the ‘Something’ video, and wrote…

Layla (acoustic) – Eric Clapton

selise April 20th, 2008 at 5:47 am

we’re suffering from scandal whiplash – too many scandals coming at us too fast and from too many directions.
————————————————————————–

I’ve felt for a long time that that is actually the Rove plan: scandal gridlock. Overwhelm people with so much lawbreaking, recklessness, malfeasance, and just keep moving, and people get too overloaded by it to actually do anything about it. The other result is that an oversight body like Congress, also being overwhelmed, ends up at best compromising, ie: we won’t prosecute telecom companies if you’ll testify. That sort of thing.

Total breakdown by way of breakdown!

One of the reasons I like having young kids – I don’t get to watch this stuff live, and I have people like you to sift through it for me :)

perris at 28–”so I’m thinking

*the democrats should have their own flag thingy*

like a flag ring ”

thought they already had secret decoder rings…

or mood rings….

Schumer just said Hillary will win PA by a significant margin, when pressed what that meant, he said I won’t get into specific numbers but she’ll win by more “than people think”
Which of course is meaningless.

Durbin thinks Hillary needs to get 60% of the vote for it to matter.

Now on to Karl Rove on the “bitter Democratic race”
after that soothing break with Clapton

Surely he skipped right to Iran though, right?

;(

Oh, damn, I didn’t bargain for Rove. He’s analyzing the PA vote. “African-American, African American, African-American”

btw Karl Rove is in deed and in fact wearing his flag lapel pin.

Journalistic integrity department:

ABC are you HONEST about anything …..you have fewer number of posts than on Friday. Posted by: anniecla 9:01

One of similar posts at ABC web site, said site linked by Frank Rich this morning.

btw Karl Rove is in deed and in fact wearing his flag lapel pin.

I’m offended by it.

Well, at least you’re not bitter!

mood rings ??? constantly set on “deeply troubling” *g*

hey Schumer ! – the weds after TX/OH, your candidate was up 26 points in PA., and BO had two organizers in Philly – oh yes, please define ’significant margin’ for me

You asked for happy?
From REM:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbGSDkvh8B0
You can’t help but smile….

Just so you know? Ronald Reagan, George Herbert Walker Bush and Condoleeza Rice? No flag pin thingies. Faux Americans! Off with their lapels!

2 minutes from Heaven’s Jukebox…

Led Zeppelin – Bron-Yr-Aur (acoustic)

I love how Frank Rich notes today that neither Gibson nor Snuffleupugus were wearing flag pins.

They must hate America.

“You can’t help but smile….”

Ditto:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=V5BxymuiAxQ

And, this Muppets version: Happy, Furry Monsters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbGSDkvh8B0

Another smile:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzViV6PUOSM

Okay, that is funny.

Journalistic integrity department:

ABC are you HONEST about anything …..you have fewer number of posts than on Friday. Posted by: anniecla 9:01

One of similar posts at ABC web site, said site linked by Frank Rich this morning.

ABC’s really pathetic. That Frank Rich opinion piece looks tasty, I think I’ll have it for lunch.

I was psyched at the opening of the new Newseum until I learned that Stephanopolous’ This Week is moving there permanently — starting this morning. Somehow the museum is now stained to me.
One of the neat features of the website is access to all the newspaper front pages, check it out.

Boom De Ya Da….
(And, I’m even getting up outta this chair to Dance! Woo Hoo! Blood circulating and everything.)

Isn’t that a GREAT promo???

I put that in my favorites column and watch it about 20 times a day. 72andsunny deserves every conceivable award for that production, IMO. Makes you want to watch Discovery Channel, doesn’t it?

Absolutely. So much world to love. And, we all get to love what we want.
Just super.

So, what do you all think Snuffy will ask McCain. I’m conflicted. He knows he’s been criticized for the debate so he’ll have to ask some ‘tough’ questions, but he won’t be tooooo tough. Cindy’s stealing will not be mentioned but will her tax return be a topic? How about his med records? Or the lobbyist affair? Or his torture vote? Or that he flip-flopped on the economy in 24hrs? Or his lobbyist advisors? Or his temper?

Oh, and btw, I’ve heard a new rationale for questioning Obama more disgustingly than McCain. The new reasoning is that since McCain has been around for a few hundred years, we all know him. Thus a gaffe is not considered newsworthy. However, Obama is an unknown. So anything he says/does/associates with is very newsworthy because we’re trying to understand who he is.
Got that…..different rules apply to Obama.

just stumbled across this from yesterday over at The Great Orange Satan -

11 page investigative NYT piece on so called military analysts,

something we’ve discussed here in the past (usually McCaffrey) but still good to see such an analytical piece

linking in the unlikely event it wasn’t covered here yesterday

He first worked this song out on a single string tied-off to nails on the frame of his mom’s front door…

Muddy Waters – I Feel Like Going Home (acoustic slide)

Wow, I can’t wait to listen to all the happy music, it’ll be a great antidote to listening to the annoying parts of Sunday morning talk,

altho I really do love the concept of Sunday morning talk shows. So it’s up to us to push them to be regain their relevance.

So as a reminder, I’ve got the links to each show up top. Email them to let them know what you DO want to hear discussed, and suggest those who might be better on the topics, you know, people like the front pagers from FireDogLake.

After watching This Week today I can honestly say I don’t think there is a more out of touch group in the media than the two George’s, Cokie & Donaldson. It was truly pathetic. As I feared, just like Chris Cilliza did in his most recent column, they all pretended that the outrage over the debate was nothing but Obama vs Clinton supporters. The only ones complaining are the Obama people (I complained and I’m not an Obama supporter). And good ole’ Sam Donaldson regurgitated the faux McCain narrative (straight talk, maverick, blah, blah, blah). Today was my last time watching their show. From here on out if I want to know what one of their guests has to say I will read the transcript.

Only show on that list worth watching is Washington Journal, which I’ve got on right now.

I stopped watching all cable and network “news” shows a few months ago; got fed up. The News Hour and C-span, that’s it for me. The other stuff is brain poison and, I think, even dangerous for this country since I believe it’s either propaganda or corporate created deliberate distraction and pablum for the masses.

Segregationist rules for Obama, you sayin’, Solai?

Frank Rich’s column is a gem…maybe he can crack through Imus’ knuckleheaded take on the ABC debate when he’s on the I-show tomorrow a.m.

And isn’t it nice to see that ABC came up with the perfect segregationist solution to dealing with Cokie’s arrogant, condescending, elitist background laughter when Katrina was last on This Week. This week, no Katrina. Just the nice, comfy, cosy little family picnic of Cokie, Will, and Sam. None of them there “outsiders,” nosirree…too uppity, they.

does anyone have a link to the number of democrats that voted for nafta?

need it for something….and the tubes are slow this morning…..

if not, i’ll get it eventually.

thanks.

Do you ever feel when watching these shows that rely on the same worn old pundits that you’re watching the movie about those two eccentric cousins of Jackie O that cloistered on Long Island with all the cats?

Hey, guys, yoo-hoo, it’s the 21st century….

I love Dowd’s column this morning: once again she blasts Hillary for getting into the mud while at the same time letting Obama know he’s going to have to get into the mud if he wants to close the deal in November.

Sigh.

Btw, why was it “whining” and Hillary “playing the victim” when she was complaining about the “gotcha” and inane questions in debates way back when but Obama is a hero for doing the same?

He’s right to do so, but there IS a double standard.

Surely, Cokie and Snuffy weren’t her friends?

Janis Joplin – Mercedes Benz (a capella)

Thanks, Elliot!

I agree about the Washington Journal. I think it is one of the most informative shows on TV & I get up at 0530 just so I can watch it.

I always thought Brit Hume was a WASP but he sure is enamored by the Pope. “so beatific” I think was the way he put it. Even Bill Kristol gushed.

I thought John Paul II was an exceptional person of grace, I don’t get that same feeling from this Pope tho, but that’s just my lapsed Sunday School opinion.

Unfortunately the majority of Obama supporters don’t complain when it’s against Hilliary and the majority of Hillary supporters don’t complain when it’s against Obama which then allows the media to pretend that they’ve done nothing wrong.

NAFTA – roll call vote

there is a little poem at the beginning, then the song

johnny cash
what is truth

http://youtube.com/watch?v=qO5z2xUNUpU

I’m with you, bucko.
Oh, and Discovery Channel.
Also, I like Bill Moyers.
But, I’m such a sensitive type, all the spun cr*p just brings me down. Too sad. The facts alone are bad enough, but with all the lying…I just can’t take it.

sorry dmac, that was just the Senate – here is House

NAFTA -House roll call

jimi
you can hear my train a comin’
12-string

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je9O-VdrZ0E

one of the most beautiful songs of all time, one of the most beautiful versions of all time
franco corelli
nessun dorma

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avjNx_J1iHo

I always start the day with Washington Journal on in the background, don’t always hear it… I think they’ve improved it recently with better set-ups when the guests first sit down, and then they go to open phones; and also the hosts seem better at keeping the calls on topic.

Plus it can be good for laughs, too. The day Fred Thompson announced for his Presidential candidacy, I was actually rolling on the floor bed laughing myself to tears.

Here’s a PDF with some really interesting interesting breakdowns of the NAFTA vote by Congressional district demographics.

‘Morning all;

OT, way OT, but…

The other day when Gorilla Guides visited and some of us were NOT paying attention, it struck me that we moan and groan about how awful or terrible the ‘war’ or ‘occupation’ is. We haven’t a clue…

Back in 2000, before all ‘this’ became REALITY, before the Supreme Court ’saved the day’, I heard that signiture expression,”Kill (or Nuke) ‘em all and let God sort ‘em out!”

That is a phrase I could not utter in jest, in drunken ‘humor’ or in abject rage.

I await the day when a certain Supreme Court Justice opines that Slavery, as an institution, was actually, quuite a good thing for ‘his’ people and that they need to be more appreciative …

America is above self-reflection, completely …

Then, a day later, a commenter, speaking about food shortages, worlwide, said that millions of poor people are going to starve, which is awful, but there is nothing we can do about it, really …

But America, the ‘Homeland’, we are convinced, will NEVER experience ‘WAR’, first-hand, nor will we ever be hungry or desperate enough to be anything but ‘above the fray’ …

I wonder.

The Iraqi people do not want us to blather about how ‘hard’ things are for us, they don’t us to’feel their pain’, they want us to stop the killing WE are doing and leave. We NEED to stop and leave …

But, Congress just gave (or soon will) lil’ Georgie $170 billion – some for him and some for the next President, to STAY … so we can ‘win’…

Win?

How are we doing?

How is our collective soul?

Is anybody hungry?

How’s our swagger?

But, everythings cool ‘cuz God is on our side, says so, right on the money …

Sorry for the OT, just some things on my mind …

Will Stephanopoulis be pitching fastballs to McCain or will he be on his knees tossing softballs or polishing them? It’s a rheoterical question. I think we know the answer.

Oops, here’s the link…

http://www.epi.org/briefingpap…..itical.pdf

no thank you! I’m delighted you’re here with your boombox, set to level 420 acoustic today.

The problem is not NAFTA. Anyone who thinks the US could avoid being a part of a global economy ain’t thinking clearly.

The problem is the lack of provisions for workers regarding wages, workplace safety, and the like.

Clinton has acknowledged this reality. Obama just keeps saying NAFTA was bad. Obama is not stupid. He knows NAFTA was inevitable, and he knows the problem is with enforcement and regulations, but he’s being politically expedient instead. Clinton’s the one being truthful on this issue.

OT, Condi is on a secret mission to Iraq. There are reports that rockets have been targeting the building in which she is meeting. Is Sadr making his move?

did someone say Johnny Cash ?

nonplussed – wow – thanks for the link

Condi flies into Baghdad, talks with al-Maliki and says “teh surge” is working and the GZG is making progress. Meanwhile, al-Sadr makes a statement in which he threatens “total war” with the GZG. My money’s on al-Sadr being the one with both feet in reality.

I wonder what it’s like being so detached from reality. I worked with schizophrenics for almost 20 years and we can treat, but not cure, that disease. It’s sad that schizophrenics don’t have the quality of life the BushCo sociopaths have.

Cripes, let’s hope not.

What a mess Iraq is. Good job, Dubya.

thanks cbl2!

it’s taking forever to do searches this morning.

and i needed both, so thanks…..

thanks nonplussed at 82!

Thanks for the previews (for me anyway) on This Week, it’s great to get heads up on key points to listen for.

I’m going to be really honest here and say that, if I had created such a damn disaster (and this includes her incompetence as national security director and ignoring all warnings about al Qaeda and a likely attack on the country) and had caused so many to be killed, I’d be in a lot of denial as well and maybe even trying to rationalize it.

That goes to the magnitude of the disasters this admin. is responsible for as well as their incompetence.

There were a few good questions in the McCain interview but not enough followup on the answers. At one point I expected McCain to reach in his pocket for marbles and roll them around in his palm like Bogart as Captain Queeg in The Caine Mutiny. He really is quite creepy.

Not Off Topic!

It’s amazing to me the length people will go to rationalize their actions and decisions to protect their ego.
It’s a human thing.
Everyone does it.
How many people do you know who will say, wow, I made a mistake. And, a lot of people suffered because of my thoughtlessness?
Not enough in my opinion.
It scares me.

Apparently I am unable to get PBS’ To The Contrary. When I put my zip code in, the answer that comes up is: No listings available for this month. I’m assuming that it may be added to the schedule, but I’m not sure that PBS in my area carries this show.

my favourite johnny cash

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZCq…..re=related

juno at 90–yeah, i know, was involved in the union back in the 80’s when nafta was first around…..
noone cared.

so i’ve kept an eye on nafta since back then…

what cracks me up, noone did shite when cafta was going on, now the effects from it are happening now.

a lot of people don’t even know half of what nafta affects

here’s a quickie breakdown from wiki for those who want to know.

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

i needed the numbers for the local radio station owner, does the call-in show on the weekends, he’s not too computer savvy, he asked me to do it for him…..someone keeps raising a point on his show, and he needs the numbers to throw back….is a favor.

Juno & Demi,

Whether or not there were provisions, there is no will to enforce them. It doesn’t matter what the laws say if there isn’t anyone to faithfully execute them.

In the Rove Era, admitting mistakes is considered wussy.

But what this admin. has committed are not mistakes. They didn’t make mistakes. They are incompetent at best, reckless at worst. What they did was get bogged down in their own desires so much so they refused to listen to any warnings about consequences. That’s not a mistake: that is hubris.

OT, Condi is on a secret mission to Iraq. There are reports that rockets have been targeting the building in which she is meeting. Is Sadr making his move?

I hope she is safe. That said, didn’t she just complain about State Dept. workers not willing to go to Iraq? Maybe this will give her an understanding of their reasoning.

Yes, demi, we need some ‘leadership’ here, some ‘good’ examples …

BlueToe, where is this being reported?

That does not make me Happy!
Why Blue America is So Very Important.
More and Better Reps!
One seat at a time, ’cause we are not going to change the bad ones who are there now and not be faithful.

It’s never OT for me.

Lots of other stuff is, but your poignant post makes the point that all of this is being done in our name with our shame and mostly tacit assent all over it.

This is how Tim Russert promotes his show today

Exclusive! Two days before the Pennsylvania presidential primary, we have an exclusive debate: Obama’s Chief Strategist David Axelrod squares off against Hillary Clinton’s new chief strategist Geoff Garin on who should capture the Democratic nomination.

Now, honestly, what are we going to learn from this argument? We know the other guy’s candidate sux.
How about a discussion about the distinctions between the candidates’ positions with knowledgeable people. People who don’t have a dog in the fight (I’m going to have to find a better phrase than that one!)

Everybody must rad the front page New York Time article this morning on administration media manipulation through tv military analysits. Especially pages 5 thru 8 et seq. This is the bomb. It reveals an organized conspiracy to commit murder for profit through a deliberate fraud, and makes Goebbels look like a punk by comparison. Please email this article to everyone you know, as the broadcast media will certainly ignore it. People must know about this.

Frankly, I think Snuffleupugus should be fired for asking Obama that question about Rev. Wright being more patriotic than he.

That is sheer journalistic incompetence.

I’m so sick of jackasses with multi-million dollar contracts for being jackasses, and this includes Wall St., atheletes, etc., even as they yammer on about how the rest of us have to be so virtuous all the time.

Yuckity-yuck.

Boom-de-ya-da.

Good morning! So, is the concensus the Steph/McCain lovefest is worth watching to get the adrenaline pumping? I am oddly compelled to tune in, sort of like the way it’s hard not to give roadkill a sidelong glance as I drive by.

oooh, great one indeed

The problem is not NAFTA. Anyone who thinks the US could avoid being a part of a global economy ain’t thinking clearly.

The problem is the lack of provisions for workers regarding wages, workplace safety, and the like.

Clinton has acknowledged this reality. Obama just keeps saying NAFTA was bad. Obama is not stupid. He knows NAFTA was inevitable, and he knows the problem is with enforcement and regulations, but he’s being politically expedient instead. Clinton’s the one being truthful on this issue.

i think you are confusing two separate issues.

there are other ways to be part of the global economy than the path we’ve taken with NAFTA.

the problem IS NAFTA (and similar trade deals policies) – have you taken a look at the impact of chapter 11 and similar provisions?

the problem is NOT primarily the lack of provisions for workers. the problem is that an entire anti-democratic framework of governance (that included the WTO, IMO, etc – NAFTA was just one part of it) was created.

the solution, imo, is not some meaningless provisions for workers (which, by the way, we’ve been promised were part of the trade deals ever since and including NAFTA).

clinton is not acknowledging reality – she is lying to us about what reality is. and obama may be being politically expedient – i have no idea what he really thinks.

i’ve been watching ’to the contrary’ for a long time, sometimes i have to turn it off.

resembles a tea party held at a church or women at the salon sometimes. they step all over each other trying to be the most ’pc’, a little stifling, careful parsing of words goes on a lot, i think, you have this forum and you’re talking about THAT?????

dunno, been a viewer for long time and verdict still out

i watch it to hear del. eleanor holmes norton.

(this did not apply when jane was on the show of course but did seem like she wanted to say more than she was able to. don’t know, have to ask her.)

==========

i could have read it wrong but—
didn’t jane say that del. eleanor holmes norton was going to be at the lake today?

LOL. Either watch it or read the transcript. The roundtable got me worked up more than anything.

There were a few good questions in the McCain interview but not enough followup on the answers. At one point I expected McCain to reach in his pocket for marbles and roll them around in his palm like Bogart as Captain Queeg in The Caine Mutiny. He really is quite creepy.

thanks.
and I agree with you on the Captain Queeg, McCain’s been creeping me out a lot lately. He really believes he’s going to be President and he.can’t.wait.

You’ll get more than just adrenaline pumping…anger pumps poisons. If you want adrenaline, click some of the youtube songs above and get up and dance!
boom de ya da.

almost drooling he is, ‘my friend’!

blech.

He sat there and lied his ass off today. He was asked about Hagee but George let him off the hook with his lying ramble of an answer.

No always. The anger directed at ABC is productive (hopefully) and good. There hasn’t been enough public anger directed at BushCo.

Boom de ya da.

Apparently I am unable to get PBS’ To The Contrary. When I put my zip code in, the answer that comes up is: No listings available for this month. I’m assuming that it may be added to the schedule, but I’m not sure that PBS in my area carries this show.

That’s a shame Ann, but I think later this week they will put up a podcast, tho. Check back.

juno at 105–

i believe the word they use instead of ’mistake’ is ’miscalculation’

Oh god, now David Brooks is on my TV with a complete teardown of Obama. Oddly enough I’d rather see him tear down Obama than praise him like he was doing at the beginning of the campaign.

I think McCain is going to win, Elliot.

(She says sadly)

The ONLY way McCain will win is if the Bush criminals steal votes (certainly a possiblity). McCain should be way ahead of both Clinton & Obama at this point and he’s barely ahead and in some polls behind.

It all boils down to one thing:

No one dares confront corporations and their greed and resulting bad practices.

Russert is actually showing a poll about which candidate “bowlers” prefer.

Okay, if the anger inspires one to action, then it can be a good thing.
But, anger turned inward leads to depression.
Fortunately, we have the Lake to point us to actions to be taken.
Boom out. Or, Boom in. But, Boom.

And what will WE do, Juno, if McCain wins?

The whole world will be watching …

McCain should be way ahead right now??? Why?

I think McCain should be way BEHIND right now with no possible way or chance of winning, by theft or otherwise, ie: Americans should be outright rejecting Republicanism. But he’s tied or even ahead.

I have my theory, but it’s not a nice one.

i know, was involved in the union back in the 80’s when nafta was first around…..
noone cared.

so i’ve kept an eye on nafta since back then…

what cracks me up, noone did shite when cafta was going on, now the effects from it are happening now.

maybe no one (or virtually no one) in the democratic party cared – but here’s the kicker: nader did. he got it right and we didn’t listen. sometime i think dems subconsciously hate nader for the same reasons the Very Serious People hate DFH. because we were right about the war against iraq… and because nader was right about so much that was wrong with clinton’s policies.

and lots of people did shit when cafta (and the ftaa) was going on. don’t forget – we defeated the ftaa

My short answer is, I’ll cry.

I will truly feel despair if he wins, and not just for what will happen to this country but for the hard reality that I live among such fools.

Good morning! So, is the concensus the Steph/McCain lovefest is worth watching to get the adrenaline pumping? I am oddly compelled to tune in, sort of like the way it’s hard not to give roadkill a sidelong glance as I drive by.

I think so, know thy enemy.

I love a Dem win

I love a McCain loss

Boom de ya da

Because he already has his Party’s nomination. All of the news is tearing down Clinton & Obama not McCain. McCain is enjoying a free ride up until today and yet all he can manage is to be slightly ahead in some polls. He really should be way ahead but he’s not.

yes, there is a weekly podcast. but i only listen when i know jane is going to be on.

John Aravosis on Howie Kurtz doing good work wrt to the NYT story about the Generals who play pundits on teevee.

No one dares confront corporations and their greed and resulting bad practices.

no one (or to be more accurate, virtually no one) in the democratic party.

this is NOT true outside the party.

I don’t agree at all, and that talking point about Dems tearing each other apart is what’s doing Dems in. As usual, Dems are framing an issue negatively against their own. Sigh.

But I think it’s a bogus point anyway.

That’s why I miss John Edwards.

I wish McCain were on for an hour every day. That forced cheesy grin is enough to send a chill down even rightwingiest nut’s spine.

I’ve felt for a long time that that is actually the Rove plan: scandal gridlock. Overwhelm people with so much lawbreaking, recklessness, malfeasance, and just keep moving, and people get too overloaded by it to actually do anything about it.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

We have a winnah!

I never in my wildest imaginings would’ve thought this would work, but the results are in and are indesputable.

Rove is a true sumbitch, but this was brilliant.

In a Lex Luthor, Dr. Doom sorta way.

The Distinguished Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton will be here tomorrow!! I’m a fan.
Christy:

Bit of news for everyone, while I’m thinking of it — we’re going to have Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton on for a live chat on Monday morning about 10:30 am ET regarding the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act that is now pending in the Senate. It comes up for a vote on Wednesday, and we’ve been working for a while to get her on — she’s been a vocal supporter of it in the House.

I didn’t say the Dems were tearing each other apart. I said the news is tearing down Obama & Clinton.

That’s why I miss John Edwards.

i just wish he’d done even a little bit of it while he was a senator.

Oh, yes! My best fried and I were just saying that same thing last night. If Edwards was the Dem candidate, we wouldn’t have to be So Worred about McCain.
(Trying not to cry here.)

It’ll suck, make no mistake, but this nation has endured worse and maybe it’s time for it to face hardship again. We were fools to elect an actor in 1980 but that didn’t stop us, and now the results of those administrative decisions (results which “people who knew” said wouldn’t be felt fully for twenty five years), are beginning to have an inevitable effect on the economy.

But we’ve been stupid in the interim too. Remember it was Bill Clinton who repealed the Glass/Steagall act.

There’s a rather huge economic crisis looming and the results are not, “It’s the economy stupid,” it’s more like, “You know it’s actually kind of too late to fix it, we just need to make sure it’s not as bad as it could be, stupid!”

This country could survive McCain–that would just be another bit of idiocy the lemming masses have been too apathetic to prevent–but I don’t know if Iran or other players in the middle east can survive McCain. And our already non-existent appeal to the rest of the world will continue to plummet. We can’t even insure our own elections aren’t rigged, for god sake!

I was seriously depressed in 2004. Big time. Couldn’t shake it for weeks. We must win. But, I’ll admit that I’m worried. We’re starting out behind the 8-ball with the choice being a black man or white woman. The bias against those 2 candidates cannot be ignored. And, then again, there’s the diebold issue.
I’m burying it all and I’m going to work my ass off, donate generously and pray. Lots of praying.

selise at 133, yep yep and yep!

i almost brought up chapter 11 of nafta in my post 103 with the nafta wiki link…..i wonder why industries/factories’ employees who have lost the trade battle and had to close can’t sue under this provision? have always wondered about that.

and ok, lots of people did shite about cafta, but in my mind it was like in school when teachers get the evil little brother of a student who was more evil, well, he’s not as bad as his brother…….

i should have clarified my cafta statement. my posts get too long, so i try to say it shorter with slang. doesn’t translate.

nader was a man forced into a corner for years, and made some bad choices from not having any.

Yes, drooling!

He called the observations that he’s benefited from a lifetime of government financed medical insurance as a cheap shot. A cheap shot!!

It most certainly is not.

He has no clue what it is like to flounder around through our for-profit medical system. None whatsoever.

Apropos ‘nothing’ …

There are some who say that John McCain’s speeches are confused, suggesting mental ‘difficulties’ …

Some, there are, who say that they detect flashes of anger, which are quite inappropriate, suggesting that he would not be ’steady’ at the helm …

And then, yet others, say that he is perhaps more reckless in his ‘disregard’than even our present Deciderator …

Nevertheless, I remain firm in my conviction that Senator John McCain can wax elephant with the best of them …

There’s only one way to bring corporations to heel. Quit. Buying. Their. Shit. Figuratively and literally.

Okay, one minute for my viewing of McCain/Snuffy.
My contempt for Snuffy knows no bounds.

McCain’s not angry, he’s passionate. It’s all because he loves this country.

He sat there and lied his ass off today. He was asked about Hagee but George let him off the hook with his lying ramble of an answer.

George’s “Classic Roundtable” is just on now.

I fear Hagee, I don’t fear the very Reverend Wright one whit.

agree.

I feel for you having to watch it.

I fear Hagee, I don’t fear the very Reverend Wright one whit.

amen.

I agree totally.
I’ve stopped buying shit I absolutely don’t need.
Gas, I gotta have. Food, I gotta have, but stick to the basics, not pre-processed. I do allow myself books and music and flowers. Ah, ha.

Don’t want to be a broken record, but don’t forget Moyers will be interview Wright this coming Friday night.

I was seriously depressed in 2004. Big time. Couldn’t shake it for weeks. We must win. But, I’ll admit that I’m worried. We’re starting out behind the 8-ball with the choice being a black man or white woman. The bias against those 2 candidates cannot be ignored. And, then again, there’s the diebold issue.
I’m burying it all and I’m going to work my ass off, donate generously and pray. Lots of praying.

I’m confident we will win, we’ll have to fight like hell to get past the MSM, but we’ll win.

There’s only one way to bring corporations to heel. Quit. Buying. Their. Shit. Figuratively and literally.

I have, but mostly because I don’t have any money any more (I hate George Bush, did I mention that before?)

It’s pretty sad that McCain wasn’t even asked about the NYT blockbuster. I switched Russert off so I don’t know if he covered it either. Did anyone watch any Sunday show yet where anyone mentioned it?

Don’t want to be a broken record, but don’t forget Moyers will be interview Wright this coming Friday night.

THANK YOU demi, all morning I’ve been trying to remember who was going to interview Rev. Wright next week. And with Moyers interviewing, it will be a great show!

McC and Snuffy talked for 10 minutes on govt spending. Never mentioned Iraq.

It’s pretty sad that McCain wasn’t even asked about the NYT blockbuster. I switched Russert off so I don’t know if he covered it either. Did anyone watch any Sunday show yet where anyone mentioned it?

NO. I have not heard a word, and that article was available for all to read yesterday.

Now Obama and Ayers. Fuck me.

You’re welcome.
And, may I say thanks to you!
Your post about happy and having a dream to dream has triggered something in me. I’ve been so depressed that I forgot to make lists and forgot what I was supposed to be doing and getting.
Elliot, you made my day.
Boom De Ya Da!

They probably won’t talk about it much if at all because the media really comes off looking bad in the piece. I wonder how they’ll spin it?

(((demi)))

I need more info on Ayers. I read somewhere that he didn’t say that he wished he had bombed more. Only that he wished he had done more and they tweaked it. I also read that he was only convicted of conspiracy to riot. I don’t know if he ever admitted setting bombs but I’m afraid that the truth may be lost forever. Googling will probably get me more spin than truth. Off to try.

You’re welcome.
And, may I say thanks to you!
Your post about happy and having a dream to dream has triggered something in me. I’ve been so depressed that I forgot to make lists and forgot what I was supposed to be doing and getting.
Elliot, you made my day.
Boom De Ya Da!

you’re welcome! that song is a special favorite of mine and of course perfect for Talk Sunday.
But as a tyke my sister and I went to Girl Scout camp, I was but a Brownie. And we put on a water ballet of South Pacific. We wee Brownies did Happy Talk, I can still do all the hand motions, altho I don’t remember that Uma Thurman move.

here ya go elliot and demi-

south pacific
happy talk
movie version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwIddYGse9g

Why Elliot, I thought that liberals and progressives NEVER hated the ‘person’ only their ‘behaviors’. Isn’t there some PO-LITE ‘rule’ to that effect?

The ’spiritual’ people are going to have to take you to task …

And the media, bless their widdle hearts, are going to have more evidence of the ‘hateful’ invective of the left-wing-fringe Blog-os-FEAR.

Maybe you should restate your significant ‘pique’ with the only President we have, at the moment?

Note: The preceding snark was all snark and nothing but snark!

;~D

They probably won’t talk about it much if at all because the media really comes off looking bad in the piece. I wonder how they’ll spin it?

I now believe the MSM IS one of “them”

I need more info on Ayers. I read somewhere that he didn’t say that he wished he had bombed more. Only that he wished he had done more and they tweaked it. I also read that he was only convicted of conspiracy to riot. I don’t know if he ever admitted setting bombs but I’m afraid that the truth may be lost forever. Googling will probably get me more spin than truth. Off to try.

wasn’t Obama eight years old then?

Hey, by the age of eight, George Bush KNEW he would be President and was already developing the skills which have served us so well.

Obama should have known better, George did.

Just ask the frogs …

let me state it quite clearly
I HATE GEORGE BUSH
despise, detest etcetera etcetera etcetera

I love the frog, which is another reason why I hate GWB

Ahh, I can’t get Wolf (no tears here) so now I’m going to sit back an run through all the wonderful music posted this morning, thanks everybody!

I’ve never had any money. Been all over the world and never been interested in all this junk. Like demi my dough goes to basics, books and music. I still have a component stereo setup that I saved to buy. I’ve got a cable-ready TV a friend gave to me. When it goes digital next year the 4 hours weekly I watch now will go to 0. Doesn’t bother me a bit. Radio is much more fun and informative. Drive a 15 year old rice burner pickup. Gonna dig up my yard and put in vegetable garden plots. Most of my cookware and dishes are 30 years old. I bought quality, not convenience. I have a 1 1/2 liter pitcher-style thermos I bought in Japan in the mid-1960’s. It still keeps coffee/tea hot/cold. I don’t buy anything disposable. Still use a Gillette adjustable double-edge razor (and mug and brush) from the 60’s.

A social worker I worked with once told me I had a depression era mentality. What a nice compliment. When my grandfather imparted advice I listened.

Use it up
Wear it out
Make it do
Or do without

Elliot, Good on you.

I agree with you.

I hate all that’s been done in OUR name, as well …

But, we must remember, wee Georgie had some ‘help’ and those ‘help-mates’ deserve some ‘consideration’, as well.

As none of them will ever know ‘justice’ shouldn’t they at least become familiar with our scorn?

Clearly, you agree, so that was a rhetorical question.

Thanks, Elliot, a thought-provoking post.

SouthernDragon!!!

well we’re all frogs now !

have a great day y’all – off to more birds and wildflowers (ringed kingfisher spotted less than 30 minutes from chez cbl!)

mad progressive love to all firedogs

i can haz frog?

well we’re all frogs now !

that’s cosmic

Corelli, that is a beautiful song…love opera. Thanks.

Don’t be sorry…I know what you mean.

Oh yes, “truthful,” like her saying she opposed Nafta.

tw aat ribbit 187 ribbit
niice ribbit photo ribbit