My dogs are quite fervent in their belief that an assault on the house by an army of killer squirrels is imminent. I'm told it will be led by the postman.
I don't know why that comes to mind this morning when I hear the passionate media poobah dismissal of Scott McLellan's new book, and the insistence that he has joined the ranks of liberal bloggers in an outlandish attack on their integrity.
To be led by Jon Stewart.
I guess it's time to take a trip down the Plame rabbit hole:
[I]n July 2003, Time reporters Cooper, Duffy, and Dickerson all knew that Rove had outed Plame. But three months later, all three of them helped produce a Time article (Duffy received a byline; the others were credited with having contributed to the reporting) that falsely suggested that Rove had nothing to do with it:
When word spread last week that the Department of Justice (DOJ) was launching a full criminal probe into who had leaked Plame's identity, Democrats immediately raised a public alarm: How could Justice credibly investigate so secretive an Administration, especially when the investigators are led by Attorney General John Ashcroft, whose former paid political consultant Karl Rove was initially accused by Wilson of being the man behind the leak? A TIME review of federal and state election records reveals that Ashcroft paid Rove's Texas firm $746,000 for direct-mail services in two gubernatorial campaigns and one Senate race from 1984 through 1994. White House spokesman Scott McClellan said accusations of Rove's peddling information are "ridiculous." Says McClellan: "There is simply no truth to that suggestion."
Cooper, Duffy, and Dickerson all knew McClellan's statement was false. But despite that knowledge, they participated in the publication of an article containing that quote, with no indication that it was untrue. They participated in the publication of that article, which, in reporting that "Rove was initially accused by Wilson of being the man behind the leak," implied that Rove was no longer under suspicion -- even though they all knew that Rove was, in fact, Cooper's source.
It was the worst kept secret in Washington DC. And yet, somehow everyone throws up their hands and says "who knew."
If you'll excuse me, there's a squirrel on my porch. No doubt some sort of scout.
It is evidently imperative that we barricade ourselves with pork chops.
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So, Jane!
There’s a squirrel that especially likes to gnaw on the windowsill over my bed. He’s sending messages from Washington, D.C., to his conspirators in California. Your double-agent (squirrel-al Quada) postman is looking up to see if “slipping on pork chops” is covered under USPS worker’s comp…
Your dogs are right.
signed
Lil Bit and Bohdi
ps
cats will be running drag on this operation
I knew it.
Morning Jane!
Sure as shootin’. Someone predicted yesterday MSM’d be dismissing Scottie’s little screed as “old news” by evening.
By gum, right on schedule. I believe it was CNN with a little panel of pun-ditz, chuckling over that “old news” - not worth the paper it’s printed on. Oh, and David Gregory! Oh my. That boy’s gonna pop an artery if he don’t calm down. The outrage! Woo hoo. What goes around, David…
Funny, we non-pundits in this house can think of a whole crowd we’d like to see in jail because of a number of things in ole Scottie’s confessional.
There is going to be a lot of buzz and talk in the media and the blogs about this and McClellan’s “revelations”, but, seriously, none of it matters unless someone in Congress starts throwing their impeachment muscle around.
I can’t imagine that they would start impeachment proceedings now, in an election year, where Democrats are so far ahead in the polls. Why would they risk it?
Oh Jane, you’re so, so, I don’t know, cynical maybe?
Squirrel story (sorry): baby squirrel (actually, pre-teen) falls out of nest at very tip top of birch tree in our back yard a week ago. He/she survives, but can’t/won’t climb back up. Mom tries valiently for days. Kid says no way no how I’m not going back up there. So squirrel kid (who is at least partially weaned) is now living in our hostas and mom comes down and visits. We leave out sunflower seeds and water. We are enjoying our reincarnation as Jane Goodall wannabees. However, Ellie (18 month old golden retriever) is going completely insane. Ah, springtime!
Ya know, McClellan could do worse than join the ranks of liberal bloggers. Aren’t they/we the ones who’ve been trying to ferret (no, wait, squirrel) out the truth since day one? Duh.
I read that BushCo is united in its full frontal attack on McClellan. Would it really be worth the $$ to be subjected to that sound and fury? Yesterday, Perris was thinking out loud that it’s possible Scottie might be feeling some genuine remorse for his part in all of this. Maybe so.
Have a strange craving for pork chops for breakfast . . . . . . . . . .
Are you sure they are squirrels? For some reason as I’m reading this, weasels just keep coming to mind…wonder why that is?
Oh yeah, rocking on chairs on the porch together, with Trent Lott mebbe too?
greasey ones
Well, you are just trying to ferret out information here, Christy.
Ari Fleischer casts his lot.
Dang, why do innocent weasels always have to pick up the blame for all da dadgum awful hoominbeins in the world?!
Sidelight: look at the eyes. Scottie’s stark-raving-terrified & looks as if he’s been crying all night. Ari’s cold as ice. Junior’s… well… I’d hate to ride alongside him on his little bike trip today. Normally not predicted to steer all that straight when he’s got this kinda mood thing goin’.
Good on ya, Scottie, I suppose. But goodgawdman. How stoopid do you think we think you are?!?!?! Just not gonna fly, son.
Ari Fleischer casts his lot.
I think Ari’s a little rusty - he actually answered some of Chris Matthews’s questions yesterday before he remembered to trot out the “it would be irresponsible of me to address that” dodge.
Dan Bartlett is the designated hitter on this one. He’s everywhere.
Squirrels, with balls this big.
Sorry if it’s too early in the morning.
Time to check with Squirrel Boy. (can’t link on this computer for some unknown reason)
So predictable, the reaction by the adminsitration hacks not just Scott Macs book but by anyone who left the roost and saw the($$$)”light”.
And wrote a tell-all.
Here’s the link:
http://www.utterwonder.com/arc.....20nuts.jpg
put on yer glasses fer pete’s sake. those are golf bawls & a tee.
he looks tired. heh.
How stoopid do you think we think you are?!?!
RE: Scotty and stoopid. I think maybe you’re putting the stoopid on the wrong side of the equation. Just because Scotty has come to some realizations doesn’t mean that he still ‘gets it’, even as of now.
Give the boy a couple of more years, it’s only fair. He’s a Texas Republican, fer chrissakes.
Thanks Jane. Bullseye, as per usual.
is all this Scotty seismic?
I smell a skunk.
Just three words. Gregory.Rove.Rap.
Great post, Jane!
Squirrels, weasels! Hey, ferrets are of the weasels family, I think, and I can attest that they’re cute and cuddly. (I don’t understand the pork chop reference, since I think squirrels are vegetarians? Somebody explain?) OTOH, if you want to keep vermin off your property, get a cat or cats! They simply don’t allow harmful vermin like mice or gophers on your property. They don’t like to share!
well, I do think he done blowed some stuff up, if that’s what you mean.
Nah. If u read my screed carefully enuf, i think we agree. oy.
just as there are dubble negatives, why shouldn’t there be … oh well.
And please don’t call him “boy”.
and three words back:
but he didn’t “inhale” ?
There’s been a lot of blowing, thats for sure.
So, Jane, consorting with squirrels is not all the USPS is up to these days. Did you know that with its latest rate increase, it now costs more to mail a 2-oz letter to an American destination than to Canada?
Why does that matter? Well as I learned at my local post office, ever since the prior rate increase, which pumped up the cost of a 2-oz mailing by a third again, the volume of mail has plummeted. Maybe it doesn’t matter to the individual, mailing a check back on a bill or a letter to Aunt Sally who has not Internet. But it does matter to small business owners on Main Street trying to keep in touch with their customers. It does matter to groups and associations [hmmmmmmmmmm….] that want to send out their message.
Why does Team BushCo hate commerce, the common good, and the folks trying to keep the food pantries and blood banks filled?
or, these three words: back-up dancer.
Pretty much sums up the whole BushCo-press corpse relationship.
hot air? helium? lead? or uh-oh.
And to follow up in the “I’m shocked” category, isn’t it interesting that the networks can’t seem to find a soul (Hey y’all, here’s a hint, Paul O’Neil, Richard Clarke - go to a friggin’ library) to get Scotty’s back?
‘Course, when you’ve got WH operatives standing outside the door when ya open for business in the morning volunteering to talk all about it, that makes life a little easier, huh?
*g*
HA!!!
I see a man with a stoat through his head.
“liberal blogger” = “anybody with teh mad skillz to speak truth to power”
Poor Scotty, I sure hope he realizes the depth of Pandora’s box.
Wexler wants Scottie to appear for sworn testimony … could be the start …
And ‘whistle pig’ comes to mind when I see or hear Rove.
The culpable media pivoting from preening in their mirrors to pile on and CYA.
i doubt he’s even half way as far down as he’s gonna be. wish i could spare a tear, but i’m all cried out.
Hurry! Somebody get a fainting couch for Ari Fleischer.
Anchortainers
is that coupon for depends still good, hon?
don’t think it matters. It was decreed earlier this morning on Morning Joe that this will be a non-issue by next week.
So there. Except isn’t that when the book actually comes out?
The Cooper piece you quote is reprehensible.
If he felt he had to make pro forma note of McClelland’s denial in an article, fine.
Direct quote without signifying that he knew the quote was an out and out lie? Deliberately misleading on Cooper’s part. He was carrying their water and in his soul he knows it.
not to worry. he’s on auto-pilot. key’s in the back, mebbe wound a little tight, but it’ll hold.
all-though…. it WOULD be fun to see him face a congressional committee or 3.
It’s telling that the “debate” over whether they lied us into war can only be broached when the former press secretary for Bush is the catalyst. Only a member, or former member of the governing establishment can actually set the wheels in motion for any semblance of inquiry (forget accusation) on the part of the press. It’s such a tiresome charade.
And is Debbie W-S to be believed when she talks about arresting Rove? Would the House actually implement Inherent Contempt? Go to Jail, go directly to Jail, do not pass Contempt Citation and Bush-stacked Courts?
Did anyone see Laurence O’Donnel nail Pat Buchannon last night on Dan Abrams? They all chuckled, but O’Donnel definitely noted that Buchannon was lucky to stay out of prison. There were two incidents, but the first one is about 3 mins. and 10 seconds into the clip. The second one is about 6 minutes and 15 seconds. The only mistake, as far as I could see, is that now the Nixon Administration is the second most criminal adminstration in history.
LOL … forgot the link to Wexler’s statement … Link
Ha, indeed. Not my usual brand of humor but I’ll tell you maybe why I picked that image. The other morning my dog and I were awakened by the strangest sounds. I thought, my gosh, that sounds like squirrels [doing it]. You should have seen the look on my dog’s face. WTF?
Sorry, I’ve had trouble linking today, but the clip is on MSNBC.com
It was a thing of beauty.
And is Debbie W-S to be believed when she talks about arresting Rove? Would the House actually implement Inherent Contempt? Go to Jail, go directly to Jail, do not pass Contempt Citation and Bush-stacked Courts?
One can only hope. As for me, I think hauling him off the FuxNews stage, while on camera, would be a nice touch.
That it was.
Ah jayt, your error is in assuming they have souls. That is why no one is showing up.
Indeed it was. Lawrence had a thin smile on his face, but I think if Pat had given him any shit he was primed to go off. I’d have liked to see that.
I believe Debbie WS and I believe Conyers. The question to be answered is how much sway Nancy has in all of this.
And that’s why birds do it, bees do it
Even educated fleas do it
Let’s do it, let’s fall in love
Cold Cape Cod clams, ‘gainst their wish, do it
Even lazy jellyfish do it
Let’s do it, let’s fall in love
I’ve heard that lizards and frogs do it
Layin’ on a rock
They say that roosters do it
With a doodle and cock
Some Argentines, without means do it
I hear even Boston beans do it
Let’s do it, let’s fall in love
heh heh. visions of little MSM rodents digging just as fast as their little little feet can go.
From Miller’s Crossing:
Caspar
Well, I’ll tell ya, but first you gotta promise
not to say I told you so.
Tom’s eyes hold an Caspar’s. He is taking out a pack of
cigarettes.
Tom
I never say that. And I don’t like people who
do.
Caspar
Mink was robbin’ me right along with the Mptzah.
Tom
. . . What convinced you of that?
Caspar
Mink Larouie took a powder. We can’t find him.
The Dane’s makin’ excuses for him, but personal-
ly, I think you were right. I think Mink and
Bernie was in it together. I think Mink heard
you’d bumped the Motzah, and lit out. The lousy
sonofabitch.
His eyes on Caspar, Tom takes out a cigarette, lights it,
takes a deep drag.
Tom
. . . I told you so.
BTW, this is JUST LIKE FUCKING VIETNAM, but with oil and no draft. Right down to the lengthy, unintelligble “arguments” about why we can’t leave and how the protesters are yellow bellied Amerika haters.
Well, same same. Fuck those fucking war mongering fucks. And Michele Obama and Reverend Wright are OK by me
Conyers is on the line now. He stated that “Lying to Congress is an impeachable offence.” No ifs, ands or buts. Bush went before Congress the day after the Iraq invasion and lied boldly about the reasons for war. Scottie’s appearance before the HJC could force his and Nancy’s hands.
Today is trash day, so in addition to those squirrels who run the fence line, scouting out the dogly positions we have those evil trash men who steal things - big bags of stuff, really, really good smelly stuff - from right under those poor doggy noses!
Slightly OT - I heard a rumor that Scotty’s mom is thinking of running for mayor of Austin again. She may have given him a shake down.
And Imus this mornng, talking about Scooter Libby and sayin’ they all lied, including some of his friends, and yes the dulcet names of Tim and Mary did fall from his lips….
Raven: I don’t think Ari does it.
Lithuanians and Letts do it, too.
but he and ole Morning Joe have similar rings around their eyes like they’ve been frequenting the same sleazy tanning salon.
Typical ad hominem attack on McClellan perpetrated by the media as they take their orders from White House liasons. Any and all substantive discussion of the issue(s) get blunted with with questions about Scotty’s character and mental state. The liberal Dana Milbank is a bigger toady than a bona-fide right winger from Cox Media.
WABC finally put up the links for yesterday’s Imus Show. Debra Dickerson’s comment about her experience with the aristocratic nature of the media demonstrable by the inability of nontrustafarian students to get internships [because they need paying jobs to pay for their expenses]–thus furthering the incestuous cosiness of the media. The whole Dickerson conversation well worth a listen.
Hey, salut on the “Anchortainers” upthread!
Ah! A credible explanation for the tears and red eyes.
His’n mom wouldn’t use mace, would she? Parents must control themselves before disciplining their yunguns.
Conyers is making it difficult to keep impeachment off the table. However, I am confident that Pelosi will persevere. It wold just be nice to hear her actually state her real reasons.
Ah yes, I love the smell of Cole Porter in the morning. Thanks.
Did anyone see Laurence O’Donnel nail Pat Buchannon last night on Dan Abrams?
Yep. Needed a cigarette after that one.
Tack sa mycket :)
I hope you wore protection this time … *g*
How’re you feeling now ?
Got to go mow the lawn. It looks too much like Bolten’s mustache…. Have fun and I’ll check back later.
so, they were lying?
sf chronical
she flat out calls the president a liar, how on earth can you say the president lied us into war and not impeach?
Feelin’ great, thanks. A few days in ye olde hospital, and all is blessedly quiet. Still no diagnosis, but feeling real good.
some kind soul should get Patty outta the spotlight, or at least put out that fire in what’s left of his hair. and another course in voice-training wouldn’t hurt. the constant squeaking whine hurts the ears. *g*
I hope that she was waiting for Sept./Oct. ‘08 to begin hearing, just in time for the fall elections …
oops, Bolton.
time to get some work done. Later, all.
time to see that one again,
didn’t know a thing about it when I first saw it; pleased what a good movie it was (but I do go for that Irishman Gabriel Byrne)
Because in modern America, impeachment is only warranted when a President lies about sex. It’s the only way to hold the attention of the Republics.
I like Scooter Libby, though. I don’t know he just seems like a good guy. And smart! Libby is a brilliant and capable man. McClellan - I never trusted him. He didn’t have his heart in it. Some say he didn’t bathe often or chang his undergarments regularly. - MSM
Pelosi was either threatened with something really big if she impeached, or she was offered some really big reward if she did not.
Good to hear !
bolton boltoff bolton boltoff
Good Morning Jane, Christy, and Firedogs -
Chuck Todd pointed out Andy Card’s voice is missing from the chorus - but if he suddenly appears on your teevee pay no attention to that quail gun pointed at his head .
perris - impeachment ??? why does she continue to fund “a big lie” ?
that was pelosi
later
It’s interesting that I was disappointed by the delay of Rove’s date to speak before Conyer’s committee, but, now that Scotty may be hauled before them prior to Rove’s supoeaned (I can never spell that one) testimony, the delay could prove to be useful. Know what I’m trying, somewhat tongue-tied, to say?
cowardness? complicity? corruption?
if i can think of another word that starts with “c” will that make it as precious as diamonds?
That’s what’s so hilarious (to me)…that anyone can be so caught ‘unaware’ about what any sentient human knew to be facts. I do not attribute the term ’sentient’ to any kool-aid drinking Repub partisans. They too may have known, but will never, ever admit it. Sentience requires a little more commitment.
Scotty’s still a tool, but he has provided us, and to their shame and possible redemption the press, with much material.
Your dogs and my husband should do lunch.
What nobody’s understanding here is that it’s not hypocrisy. If nobody was denouncing Scott McClellan for incompetence and dishonesty and cronyism for not denouncing incompetence and cronyism and dishonesty in his political allies back when he was supposedly serving the public it’s because, dammit, he was a political ally then.
ooooorrrrrrr, she’s one ‘a those “everything’s gotta be perfect” sorta grandmas who thinks there is absolutely no job in the world so tough that it can’t be accomplished in a neat and orderly manner
……..
if she could just figure out how…
Hint: JUST DO IT, Mam!!! beggin’ yer pardon.
… oh what a tangled web we weave …
I wish you hadn’t said that. Been off of them a little over a year now. I had the same reaction, but it called for a bowl of Blue Bell ice cream.
looks like there’s a new post upstairs
link
Hadley was droning on about somedangthing on C-Span yestidie while all the other s%$# was flyin’ around. Anyone know if he’s got a clue, or is he so deep in the bubble, or was it a speech from 17 years ago or somethin??
I think the media have been really stung by McClellan’s accusations that they lied, enabled, and carried water for an Administration that even a braindead idiot (Dana Perino excepted) could see was a disaster of catastrophic proportions. After all, the truth hurts. Now, of course, most of them have had no personal experience with the truth and wouldn’t know it if it kicked them so they quite naturlly blame McClellan instead.
Meredith’s interview was clear evidence of that …
funny thing… i get the impression he can’t disappear fast enuf to suit Davey Gregorianchant.
she might be threatened with something more dangerous then we can imagine
she might be getting threatened with some kind of “terrorist attack” on our soil and no, I do not put that past these sociopaths
ya did just fine! clear as a bell. *g*
Wow. I never thought in those terms, but you are right. How would you ever get out of that one. Or how would you keep your sanity?
ah but does it hurt as much as a million deaths?
oops. missed a bit in the quote from hugh. should have read:
i really should learn to use the preview function.
I’m sure he’s charging by the hour.