A Brief Clip From Tonight's Rachel Maddow Show:
On Pin The Debt On The Donkey, Game-Show Contestants Try To Outsmart Each Other By Correctly Guessing Which Recent President Has The Distinction Of Being The One Who Saddled The U.S./Us With The Most Debt.
(Think not in $Millions... not in $Billions... But, in $$$ Trillions).
Stumped?
Here's A Hint: Pin The Tail On The Pachyderm Would Be Much More Accurate.
Enjoy!
L.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Earth-sized spheres in vicinity of Sun? - National Breakthrough Energy
Things That Make You Go "Hmm...?":
*Please Note: I'm only acting as a Messenger, here.
NASA’s Stereo Spacecraft monitors the Sun.
On or around 12/18/10, NASA's spacecraft began registering and sending back images of the sun which also showed huge spherical UFOs in its vicinity.
It's been noted that the surface of the spheres appears to reflect sunlight - as if they were metallic in nature.
Of course, if the objects were planets or asteroids/comets, they'd have already been pulled, swiftly, into the Sun by its tremendous force of gravity - like the recent comet.
(From: examiner.com)
Although NASA later claimed the perceived spheres were not really there and were caused by some sort of mechanical failure... they, inexplicably, felt compelled to pull the images off of their website.
Enjoy!
Earth-sized spheres in vicinity of Sun? - National Breakthrough Energy
*Please Note: I'm only acting as a Messenger, here.
NASA’s Stereo Spacecraft monitors the Sun.
On or around 12/18/10, NASA's spacecraft began registering and sending back images of the sun which also showed huge spherical UFOs in its vicinity.
It's been noted that the surface of the spheres appears to reflect sunlight - as if they were metallic in nature.
Of course, if the objects were planets or asteroids/comets, they'd have already been pulled, swiftly, into the Sun by its tremendous force of gravity - like the recent comet.
(From: examiner.com)
Although NASA later claimed the perceived spheres were not really there and were caused by some sort of mechanical failure... they, inexplicably, felt compelled to pull the images off of their website.
Enjoy!
Earth-sized spheres in vicinity of Sun? - National Breakthrough Energy
Thursday, December 23, 2010
"This is Done.", Obama Signs DADT Repeal. (And, the fight for Civil Rights continues...)
"This is Done."
After moving the ceremony to an auditorium because so many wanted to be there to witness it, and with those 3 words, President Obama put an end to DADT.
I am very proud of our country, our military (they're way ahead of the general population on this - in 30 U.S. states, you can still be fired from your job for being gay) and of President Obama.
A clip from TRMS on our continuing struggle for civil rights for all Americans with Melissa Harris-Perry of Princeton University.
Enjoy!
After moving the ceremony to an auditorium because so many wanted to be there to witness it, and with those 3 words, President Obama put an end to DADT.
I am very proud of our country, our military (they're way ahead of the general population on this - in 30 U.S. states, you can still be fired from your job for being gay) and of President Obama.
A clip from TRMS on our continuing struggle for civil rights for all Americans with Melissa Harris-Perry of Princeton University.
Enjoy!
CIA's New Anti-WikiLeaks Task Force Is Called "WikiLeaks Task Force" a.k.a. WTF ;)
The CIA has formed a special CIA Task Force to deal specifically with their Wikileaks concerns. The name given to that special CIA task force? (drum roll, please): "Wikileaks Task Force"... a.k.a. WTF. ;)
Here's a clip from The Rachel Maddow Show that focuses on our post-9/11 Intelligence Strategies and if we're getting our money's worth...
(Director Clapper - US Intelligence Czar?... London Terrorist Arrests?)
Well, you'll see.
Enjoy!
Here's a clip from The Rachel Maddow Show that focuses on our post-9/11 Intelligence Strategies and if we're getting our money's worth...
(Director Clapper - US Intelligence Czar?... London Terrorist Arrests?)
Well, you'll see.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Burn, Baby, Burn: 9/11 1st Responders Healthcare Bill Finally Passes (Post GOP-Gutting)
The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act - the Bill extending medical benefits to the heroic men and women who toiled for days/months/up to a year and did so tirelessly (after being told, incredibly, by the EPA that the air at Ground Zero was safe to breath without the use of traditional breathing apparatus/oxygen tanks) - all the while inhaling toxic fumes, smoke, soot and ash after the collapse of the two burning skyscrapers - has been floating around the Halls of Congress for a year, now.
Why?
Now, that's an exceptional question.
For - despite claims made by GOP Senators to the contrary - Yes! The Zadroga Bill had been heard and passed through a Congressional Committee (Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee) and Yes! It was paid for (by closing a corporate tax loophole).
So, what's the hold-up?
According to Senator Jon Kyl (R) of (yep, you guessed it) AZ : To make Senate Republicans keep working this close to December 25th or to make them come back to work between Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st (*After all of the Obstructing or Just Plain Nothing they've done over the past 18 months) would be offensive to Christians. (Yes, Virginia, he said that.)
Really?
So, what you're saying Mr. Kyl, is that, basically, for anyone to expect you to fulfill your sworn duty as a Member of Congress (allegedly "for the people") is "offensive to Christians"?
You know what, Senator Jon Kyl? That isn't what's offensive...
It is you, who are offensive.
(And, not just to Christians).
And, not only that, let me clarify something else: Both you and your fellow perpetually-filibustering Senators are nothing more than political cowards, incompetents and putzes.
Whew! I feel better now!
And, Heeeeere's Some Really Good News:
The Senate just passed The Zadroga Bill into Law! (Hurray!)
And, Heeeeere's Some Rather Bad News (Sorry, I'm only the Messenger):
In order to be able to get the Bill successfully passed, Senate Democrats were forced by Senate Republicans to "... shave it from $7 billion in benefits to $4.3 billion in benefits".
I don't think the Senate Republicans realize what a deeply-disgusting and utterly-revealing victory this is for the GOP:
The Grand Ol' Parasites Party has held Every Piece Of Legislation in Congress hostage, that is, until they got their demand of extending the $700 Billion Bush tax cuts for the top 2% of billionaires for two more years.
They got their pieces of gold for their gold-plated patrons...
But... When it came to asking them to simply approve a bill that would provide (paid-for) health benefits for 9/11 First Responders who are not only suffering, but dying, from ground-zero related cancers and lung and brain diseases...
The "let them eat ash" GOP Senators said "NO!".
And, after using blatant extortion to get their expensive tax cuts extended, Senate Republicans then demanded that the amount of (paid for) benefits/coverage for those 9/11 First Responders be cut nearly in half.
* IMHO ~ It would be such a Beautifully Karmic Moment Of Justice if - should any of those GOP Senators' homes happen to catch fire in the coming 2 years - the Firefighters would decide to send the proposal of heading out to risk their very lives to fight those particular GOP home conflagrations through a Committee Hearing, first .
And, after that, they would hold a vote on the proposed response to fighting that fire and requiring - not a simple majority - but, a Super-Majority of their number to vote in favor of doing so. Noting that, without said Super-Majority, they'd have to let it burn.
Burn, Baby, Burn.
Hey...Listen, I'll bring the marshmallows! We'll make s'mores!
Peace,
L.
Here's a link to a TRMS clip on Senate Republican stall tactics...
The War On Work After Christmas
And, here's a link to one of the first articles announcing the passing of the Republican-reduced Zadroga Bill:
The 9/11 bill passes -- but should it really have been this hard?
by Ezra Klein of The Washington Post.
Why?
Now, that's an exceptional question.
For - despite claims made by GOP Senators to the contrary - Yes! The Zadroga Bill had been heard and passed through a Congressional Committee (Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee) and Yes! It was paid for (by closing a corporate tax loophole).
So, what's the hold-up?
According to Senator Jon Kyl (R) of (yep, you guessed it) AZ : To make Senate Republicans keep working this close to December 25th or to make them come back to work between Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st (*After all of the Obstructing or Just Plain Nothing they've done over the past 18 months) would be offensive to Christians. (Yes, Virginia, he said that.)
Really?
So, what you're saying Mr. Kyl, is that, basically, for anyone to expect you to fulfill your sworn duty as a Member of Congress (allegedly "for the people") is "offensive to Christians"?
You know what, Senator Jon Kyl? That isn't what's offensive...
It is you, who are offensive.
(And, not just to Christians).
And, not only that, let me clarify something else: Both you and your fellow perpetually-filibustering Senators are nothing more than political cowards, incompetents and putzes.
Whew! I feel better now!
And, Heeeeere's Some Really Good News:
The Senate just passed The Zadroga Bill into Law! (Hurray!)
And, Heeeeere's Some Rather Bad News (Sorry, I'm only the Messenger):
In order to be able to get the Bill successfully passed, Senate Democrats were forced by Senate Republicans to "... shave it from $7 billion in benefits to $4.3 billion in benefits".
I don't think the Senate Republicans realize what a deeply-disgusting and utterly-revealing victory this is for the GOP:
The Grand Ol' Parasites Party has held Every Piece Of Legislation in Congress hostage, that is, until they got their demand of extending the $700 Billion Bush tax cuts for the top 2% of billionaires for two more years.
They got their pieces of gold for their gold-plated patrons...
But... When it came to asking them to simply approve a bill that would provide (paid-for) health benefits for 9/11 First Responders who are not only suffering, but dying, from ground-zero related cancers and lung and brain diseases...
The "let them eat ash" GOP Senators said "NO!".
And, after using blatant extortion to get their expensive tax cuts extended, Senate Republicans then demanded that the amount of (paid for) benefits/coverage for those 9/11 First Responders be cut nearly in half.
* IMHO ~ It would be such a Beautifully Karmic Moment Of Justice if - should any of those GOP Senators' homes happen to catch fire in the coming 2 years - the Firefighters would decide to send the proposal of heading out to risk their very lives to fight those particular GOP home conflagrations through a Committee Hearing, first .
And, after that, they would hold a vote on the proposed response to fighting that fire and requiring - not a simple majority - but, a Super-Majority of their number to vote in favor of doing so. Noting that, without said Super-Majority, they'd have to let it burn.
Burn, Baby, Burn.
Hey...Listen, I'll bring the marshmallows! We'll make s'mores!
Peace,
L.
Here's a link to a TRMS clip on Senate Republican stall tactics...
The War On Work After Christmas
And, here's a link to one of the first articles announcing the passing of the Republican-reduced Zadroga Bill:
The 9/11 bill passes -- but should it really have been this hard?
by Ezra Klein of The Washington Post.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
A Better Gift Than An Apple Mac Book Air...
A Gift From Me To You:
IMHO, The Gift Of Laughter Trumps An Apple MacBook Air Every Time.
Just For You: Last Night's The Daily Show With Jon Stewart. Guest: Ricky Gervais.
This One Gets Funnier & Funnier As It Goes On.
*And, in all honesty, I wasn't a Ricky Gervais Fan...
At least I wasn't until I watched Ricky and Jon together.
Check it out... And, You're Welcome :)
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
IMHO, The Gift Of Laughter Trumps An Apple MacBook Air Every Time.
Just For You: Last Night's The Daily Show With Jon Stewart. Guest: Ricky Gervais.
This One Gets Funnier & Funnier As It Goes On.
*And, in all honesty, I wasn't a Ricky Gervais Fan...
At least I wasn't until I watched Ricky and Jon together.
Check it out... And, You're Welcome :)
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Friday, December 10, 2010
Tuition Hike Sparks Violent Protest In London And, Being Britain, There's Not A Single Gun Nor Taser Anywhere.
Yesterday, in a show of some seriously Ivory-Tower Style, Draconian austerity measures, Britain's Parliament voted to raise the tuition required to attend university by a whopping 300%.
And, needless to say, the thousands (yes, Thousands) of protesters who had gathered at London's Parliament Square - after several hundred had taken it over earlier that day - were quite incensed when the vote results were announced.
Noteworthy: Only a few hundred police officers (in riot gear) stood in their way, as they valiantly struggled to hold back the teeming hordes - some of whom were itching for a fight (there's always a few party-crashers) and lobbing paint-filled, glass x-mas ornaments at the officers.
The on-the-scene & on-the-ground footage caught by ITN's camera crew is stunning: talk about being seriously outnumbered...
And, remember, this is Great Britain: As the police struggled, face-to-face, with these thousands of angry protesters (some violent), they carried no guns, fired no rubber bullets/beanbags, they tasered no one (bro!), didn't open one fire-hose and fired no tear gas cans.
What did they have? About a dozen of those super-sized European work-horses. The equines did well, too, especially considering what was going on around them. Oh, and they had and that stiff upper lip thing.
Wow. I live in the U.S. and here, the typical police reaction/response to pissed-off protesters - as well as to peaceful, anti-war protesters, for that matter - lacks the Brits' practiced restraint: Here, the dress code calls for head-to-toe, all-black Storm Trooper Gear and All the Party Favors (pepper-spray, tasers, tear gas and guns) that they can carry.
So, understandably, I find the self-control those U.K. officers showed whilst tackling the unenviable job of controlling that crowd Impressive, to say the least.
Check it out... Enjoy! L.
(From: TRMS and ITN)
And, needless to say, the thousands (yes, Thousands) of protesters who had gathered at London's Parliament Square - after several hundred had taken it over earlier that day - were quite incensed when the vote results were announced.
Noteworthy: Only a few hundred police officers (in riot gear) stood in their way, as they valiantly struggled to hold back the teeming hordes - some of whom were itching for a fight (there's always a few party-crashers) and lobbing paint-filled, glass x-mas ornaments at the officers.
The on-the-scene & on-the-ground footage caught by ITN's camera crew is stunning: talk about being seriously outnumbered...
And, remember, this is Great Britain: As the police struggled, face-to-face, with these thousands of angry protesters (some violent), they carried no guns, fired no rubber bullets/beanbags, they tasered no one (bro!), didn't open one fire-hose and fired no tear gas cans.
What did they have? About a dozen of those super-sized European work-horses. The equines did well, too, especially considering what was going on around them. Oh, and they had and that stiff upper lip thing.
Wow. I live in the U.S. and here, the typical police reaction/response to pissed-off protesters - as well as to peaceful, anti-war protesters, for that matter - lacks the Brits' practiced restraint: Here, the dress code calls for head-to-toe, all-black Storm Trooper Gear and All the Party Favors (pepper-spray, tasers, tear gas and guns) that they can carry.
So, understandably, I find the self-control those U.K. officers showed whilst tackling the unenviable job of controlling that crowd Impressive, to say the least.
Check it out... Enjoy! L.
(From: TRMS and ITN)
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
President Obama Lashes The Left - And It Just Ain't Right. (Perhaps he's feverish? Or possessed?)
Ugh...
I feel sad, sickened and a bit like I've been sucker-punched.
I'm nearly overcome with disbelief and disappointment in President Obama right now.
Sure, I still admire, respect and even Love the man - but, gawd, if he hasn't broken my heart.
Ask anyone and they'll confirm that I'm an avid supporter and practitioner of artful cooperation, peaceful negotiation, balanced give-and-take, etc.
Anyone who knows me can confirm that I've had a life-long aversion to heated conflict - whether verbal or physical.
With that said...
If there's one thing the Midterm Election results clearly proved (other than the existence of a remarkable number of uneducated people who vote), it was this:
If you have declared yourself a "Progressive"/"Liberal"/"Democrat"; you have been elected to public office and you want to stay in that office ~ Well then, it's certainly in your best interest to prove that it's True - consistently - by taking definitive progressive actions (R.I.P. "Blue Dog Dems").
Which is why I am heartbroken and utterly at a loss as as far as understanding why President Obama - in private meetings with GOP leaders - disregarded the statements made by the Dems in Congress (who are still the majority); those made by progressive media and even those made by us - his fellow Progressive Americans...
Statements made by Senate Democrats about (finally!) drawing a line in the sand and standing their ground... About holding True to their convictions... About forcing the Republicans reveal how wrong they really are to the entire country... About not repeating the same behavior over and over and expecting a different result... About not caving in to the GOP's ridiculous demands and public threats of (legislative) extortion... About recognizing/acknowledging/accepting the words that have been spewed by the GOP leadership publicly and shamelessly regarding the GOP's:
A.) Having Zero Interest In Compromise (Well, Duh!) and
B.) Their 2-Yr. Plan/Goal (as proven by their actions - blocking every piece of legislation; Doing/saying any/everything they can to discredit the President - over the last 18 mos.) of trying to prevent him from being re-elected.
Despite All Of This... Despite The GOP's Ongoing, Blatant Disrespect Of Both President Obama, Himself, and the office which he holds... Despite The Fact That He Didn't Have To Do It (not right away, anyway)... and Despite All of Us Expressing That We Didn't Want Him To Do It...
Despite Everything... President Obama caved to the GOP's s X-mas List Item of Continuing the Bush Tax Cuts For The Uber-Wealthiest 2% of Americans for 2 more years.
As if that weren't bad enough... after he caved, the President called for an unscheduled press conference...
A press conference in which President Obama stepped up to the podium and immediately launched into an assertive remarks regarding the potential for future "fighting" with Congressional leaders and how he was "itching for a fight".
???
Uh, o.k.. If you say so, sir. Ah... "Itching for a fight", you say?
Ahem.
With all due respect, Mr. President, but wasn't that you, who only a short while ago; while meeting behind closed doors with GOP leaders and without anyone landing a finger - let alone a punch on you...
Wasn't that you who carefully lay down on the mat and then feigned unconsciousness... Thereby throwing what had become a truly significant, important and worthwhile fight?
(Big Sigh!)
Here's the clip of the press conference and President Obama's continuing (and utterly excruciating to watch) attempts to appease "The Party Of 'No'" from TRMS:
(Understandably, I won't be saying "Enjoy!" on this one.)
L.
I feel sad, sickened and a bit like I've been sucker-punched.
I'm nearly overcome with disbelief and disappointment in President Obama right now.
Sure, I still admire, respect and even Love the man - but, gawd, if he hasn't broken my heart.
Ask anyone and they'll confirm that I'm an avid supporter and practitioner of artful cooperation, peaceful negotiation, balanced give-and-take, etc.
Anyone who knows me can confirm that I've had a life-long aversion to heated conflict - whether verbal or physical.
With that said...
If there's one thing the Midterm Election results clearly proved (other than the existence of a remarkable number of uneducated people who vote), it was this:
If you have declared yourself a "Progressive"/"Liberal"/"Democrat"; you have been elected to public office and you want to stay in that office ~ Well then, it's certainly in your best interest to prove that it's True - consistently - by taking definitive progressive actions (R.I.P. "Blue Dog Dems").
Which is why I am heartbroken and utterly at a loss as as far as understanding why President Obama - in private meetings with GOP leaders - disregarded the statements made by the Dems in Congress (who are still the majority); those made by progressive media and even those made by us - his fellow Progressive Americans...
Statements made by Senate Democrats about (finally!) drawing a line in the sand and standing their ground... About holding True to their convictions... About forcing the Republicans reveal how wrong they really are to the entire country... About not repeating the same behavior over and over and expecting a different result... About not caving in to the GOP's ridiculous demands and public threats of (legislative) extortion... About recognizing/acknowledging/accepting the words that have been spewed by the GOP leadership publicly and shamelessly regarding the GOP's:
A.) Having Zero Interest In Compromise (Well, Duh!) and
B.) Their 2-Yr. Plan/Goal (as proven by their actions - blocking every piece of legislation; Doing/saying any/everything they can to discredit the President - over the last 18 mos.) of trying to prevent him from being re-elected.
Despite All Of This... Despite The GOP's Ongoing, Blatant Disrespect Of Both President Obama, Himself, and the office which he holds... Despite The Fact That He Didn't Have To Do It (not right away, anyway)... and Despite All of Us Expressing That We Didn't Want Him To Do It...
Despite Everything... President Obama caved to the GOP's s X-mas List Item of Continuing the Bush Tax Cuts For The Uber-Wealthiest 2% of Americans for 2 more years.
As if that weren't bad enough... after he caved, the President called for an unscheduled press conference...
A press conference in which President Obama stepped up to the podium and immediately launched into an assertive remarks regarding the potential for future "fighting" with Congressional leaders and how he was "itching for a fight".
???
Uh, o.k.. If you say so, sir. Ah... "Itching for a fight", you say?
Ahem.
With all due respect, Mr. President, but wasn't that you, who only a short while ago; while meeting behind closed doors with GOP leaders and without anyone landing a finger - let alone a punch on you...
Wasn't that you who carefully lay down on the mat and then feigned unconsciousness... Thereby throwing what had become a truly significant, important and worthwhile fight?
(Big Sigh!)
Here's the clip of the press conference and President Obama's continuing (and utterly excruciating to watch) attempts to appease "The Party Of 'No'" from TRMS:
(Understandably, I won't be saying "Enjoy!" on this one.)
L.
Sunday, December 05, 2010
An Indictment For Cheney: Yes, Virginia There Really Is A Santa Claus!
Like the M&M said, "He DOES Really Exist!"
Hanukkah, Christmas And Kwanza came Early for me this year (yesterday, actually) when I heard that Bloomberg Business Week is reporting that former U.S. Vice President and soulless bipedal life-form, Dick Cheney, is to be INDICTED (along with 5 other officials) in Nigerian Court For Bribing Nigerian Officials over the course of a decade (5 years during which he was CEO of Halliburton) in order to secure a $6 Billion natural gas contract in that country.
Also noteworthy: KBR/Halliburton pled guilty last year in US court regarding the case and paid a $579 Million settlement.
In a related story, I was thoroughly disgusted to also learn that the not only has the Obama Administration ALREADY blocked the investigation and prosecution of war crimes involving six former members of the Bush Administration being carried out by Spain... But, they also are actively trying to strong-arm other countries, diplomatically, to do the same inexcusable, unjust and hypocritical thing.
They already put the Kabosh on Spain's investigation into 6 former Bush officials regarding the use of torture, by pressuring them with diplomatic threats.
Uh, HELLO? President Obama?
Re: What your officials did to Spain and will, likely try to do to Nigeria is Criminal, in and of itself.
It's called AIDING AND ABETTING Or, perhaps, acting as an ACCOMPLICE AFTER-THE-FACT or Whatever.
It is Wrong and it is Utterly Reprehensible!
How on Earth can you, your administration or even our country as a whole maintain any shred of moral high ground in the world when we will lip synch support of the international bill of human rights and the Geneva Conventions and declare that we are unfailingly against the use of torture and even Prosecute people in our own country who are guilty of torturing other people or torturing animals... that we are pursuing a "War On Terror/Terrorists" And we want/expect cooperation from other countries...
But... if it's a case where our own government officials or former government officials are being sought out for war crimes/torture/crimes against humanity cases...
WHAT?... Suddenly... Wait... Hold on... These guys get a Free Pass?!
President Obama: Sir, if there is No Justice to be found at the Top Levels Of Our Federal Government, Then there is No Justice Anywhere.
*Not only that, but, it rather begs a question:
What gives US courts the right to prosecute some blue-collar guy down the street for torture of a person and/or persons...
When those very same courts won't fulfill/are ordered not to fulfill that particularly important item in the U.S. Constitution which requires that our courts mete out "equal treatment under the law"?...
When they are forbidden from prosecuting another guy down, perhaps, the very same street for torture of a person or persons... solely because he works for or used to work for the federal government?
Personally, I find the slimy business of aiding and abetting Americans guilty of war crimes and using Diplomatic Extortion and Threats to help them evade facing up to what they have done, publicly, much more damaging to the reputation of the Office of the President of the United States; to the White House; to the Obama Administration and to America's honor, too.
It would, undoubtedly, improve America's reputation and solidify her moral high ground in the world IF we actually Honored our signed treaties with other countries and our solemn pledge to readily assist other countries in bringing international criminals - particularly war criminals - to Justice.
Hell... the GOP wants INTERPOL to help them nab Julian Assange (of Wikileaks).
Undoubtedly, so that they can lynch him in a public square (with Fox TV getting exclusive broadcasting rights).
And, he hasn't even tortured anyone!
Mr. Assange's only crime has been to expose government officials - some of whom were actively involved in permitting/promoting torture - as well as exposing those individuals and countries who are either:
A.) actively pursuing them as criminals to bring to Justice
Or...
B.)actively assisting them - through the use of diplomatic threats and extortion - to evade that same Justice.
(Guess which one currently describes the U.S.A.?)
In other words, Mr. Assange has done the dastardly deed of exposing America's hypocrites for all the world to see. They've been caught with their fancy pants down... Quelle Horreur!
Re: Mr. Cheney's Indictment in Nigeria:
The U.S. has had an Extradition Treaty with Nigeria since 1931.
Upon being indicted, a valid arrest warrant will be issued for Mr. Cheney.
And, according to the U.S. Attorney's own Manual, this particular type of confirmed "Red-Notice" is to be Enforced. Period.
This bears repeating:
*According to the Justice Department's Own Manual:
The United States Of America is then, by law, required to help locate Mr. Cheney.
(That's an easy one: Just look up his Secret Service detail, he'll be with them.)
To refuse to do so... to refuse to honor international agreements to pursue valid court-issued arrest warrants... to refuse to assist INTERPOL... by refusing to see to it that Mr. Cheney be escorted to the airport and then flown to have his day in court in Nigeria where he could then defend himself (haha) against those bribery indictments for which his own former company pled "Guilty"...
Will do nothing more than solidify the perception of the White House and the U.S. as being what they, honestly - in the eyes of the law - are: Complicit, Voluntary Accessories After-The-Fact...
Simply put: Criminals.
Hell, Cheney should consider himself damn lucky that Nigeria only wants him for bribery.
And, as a show of appreciation, he should turn himself in to INTERPOL, willingly.
(Sigh.)
Well, this'll put a big smile on your face...
Here's One of the Greatest Moments In News Of All Time (From MSNBC's Countdown): Enjoy! I damn sure did.
(Aw hell, I can Dream, can't I?)
An Indictment For Cheney?
Hanukkah, Christmas And Kwanza came Early for me this year (yesterday, actually) when I heard that Bloomberg Business Week is reporting that former U.S. Vice President and soulless bipedal life-form, Dick Cheney, is to be INDICTED (along with 5 other officials) in Nigerian Court For Bribing Nigerian Officials over the course of a decade (5 years during which he was CEO of Halliburton) in order to secure a $6 Billion natural gas contract in that country.
Also noteworthy: KBR/Halliburton pled guilty last year in US court regarding the case and paid a $579 Million settlement.
In a related story, I was thoroughly disgusted to also learn that the not only has the Obama Administration ALREADY blocked the investigation and prosecution of war crimes involving six former members of the Bush Administration being carried out by Spain... But, they also are actively trying to strong-arm other countries, diplomatically, to do the same inexcusable, unjust and hypocritical thing.
They already put the Kabosh on Spain's investigation into 6 former Bush officials regarding the use of torture, by pressuring them with diplomatic threats.
Uh, HELLO? President Obama?
Re: What your officials did to Spain and will, likely try to do to Nigeria is Criminal, in and of itself.
It's called AIDING AND ABETTING Or, perhaps, acting as an ACCOMPLICE AFTER-THE-FACT or Whatever.
It is Wrong and it is Utterly Reprehensible!
How on Earth can you, your administration or even our country as a whole maintain any shred of moral high ground in the world when we will lip synch support of the international bill of human rights and the Geneva Conventions and declare that we are unfailingly against the use of torture and even Prosecute people in our own country who are guilty of torturing other people or torturing animals... that we are pursuing a "War On Terror/Terrorists" And we want/expect cooperation from other countries...
But... if it's a case where our own government officials or former government officials are being sought out for war crimes/torture/crimes against humanity cases...
WHAT?... Suddenly... Wait... Hold on... These guys get a Free Pass?!
President Obama: Sir, if there is No Justice to be found at the Top Levels Of Our Federal Government, Then there is No Justice Anywhere.
*Not only that, but, it rather begs a question:
What gives US courts the right to prosecute some blue-collar guy down the street for torture of a person and/or persons...
When those very same courts won't fulfill/are ordered not to fulfill that particularly important item in the U.S. Constitution which requires that our courts mete out "equal treatment under the law"?...
When they are forbidden from prosecuting another guy down, perhaps, the very same street for torture of a person or persons... solely because he works for or used to work for the federal government?
Personally, I find the slimy business of aiding and abetting Americans guilty of war crimes and using Diplomatic Extortion and Threats to help them evade facing up to what they have done, publicly, much more damaging to the reputation of the Office of the President of the United States; to the White House; to the Obama Administration and to America's honor, too.
It would, undoubtedly, improve America's reputation and solidify her moral high ground in the world IF we actually Honored our signed treaties with other countries and our solemn pledge to readily assist other countries in bringing international criminals - particularly war criminals - to Justice.
Hell... the GOP wants INTERPOL to help them nab Julian Assange (of Wikileaks).
Undoubtedly, so that they can lynch him in a public square (with Fox TV getting exclusive broadcasting rights).
And, he hasn't even tortured anyone!
Mr. Assange's only crime has been to expose government officials - some of whom were actively involved in permitting/promoting torture - as well as exposing those individuals and countries who are either:
A.) actively pursuing them as criminals to bring to Justice
Or...
B.)actively assisting them - through the use of diplomatic threats and extortion - to evade that same Justice.
(Guess which one currently describes the U.S.A.?)
In other words, Mr. Assange has done the dastardly deed of exposing America's hypocrites for all the world to see. They've been caught with their fancy pants down... Quelle Horreur!
Re: Mr. Cheney's Indictment in Nigeria:
The U.S. has had an Extradition Treaty with Nigeria since 1931.
Upon being indicted, a valid arrest warrant will be issued for Mr. Cheney.
And, according to the U.S. Attorney's own Manual, this particular type of confirmed "Red-Notice" is to be Enforced. Period.
This bears repeating:
*According to the Justice Department's Own Manual:
The United States Of America is then, by law, required to help locate Mr. Cheney.
(That's an easy one: Just look up his Secret Service detail, he'll be with them.)
To refuse to do so... to refuse to honor international agreements to pursue valid court-issued arrest warrants... to refuse to assist INTERPOL... by refusing to see to it that Mr. Cheney be escorted to the airport and then flown to have his day in court in Nigeria where he could then defend himself (haha) against those bribery indictments for which his own former company pled "Guilty"...
Will do nothing more than solidify the perception of the White House and the U.S. as being what they, honestly - in the eyes of the law - are: Complicit, Voluntary Accessories After-The-Fact...
Simply put: Criminals.
Hell, Cheney should consider himself damn lucky that Nigeria only wants him for bribery.
And, as a show of appreciation, he should turn himself in to INTERPOL, willingly.
(Sigh.)
Well, this'll put a big smile on your face...
Here's One of the Greatest Moments In News Of All Time (From MSNBC's Countdown): Enjoy! I damn sure did.
(Aw hell, I can Dream, can't I?)
An Indictment For Cheney?
Saturday, December 04, 2010
House Democrats Approve Extension Of Unemployment Benefits Despite 168 GOP Members "No!" Vote.
On Friday, the House of Representatives successfully passed a motion to extend unemployment benefits for millions of unemployed Americans.
Most noteworthy is the outcome of the voting: 231 House Democrats voted In Favor of the extension (and 20 Dems - who should definitely be voted out of office ASAP - voted Against it.).
As for House Republicans, a stunning 168 members of the party devoted to extending tax cuts for the wealthiest 2%, voted Against the extension.
Remarkably, there are signs that some semblance of human compassion still exists in the GOP... At least in a grand total of three Republican members who actually voted in Favor of the extension. (*I Salute You Three, Whoever You Are.).
Now, the measure moves on to the Senate for a vote.
The last time the Senate voted on the extension, the Senate's Republican members said what they pretty much always have said - at least since 2006 - namely, "No!".
It has become excruciatingly obvious that every last one of those heartless and callous GOP Senators is in acute need of the experience of being unemployed and cut off, too.
Here' a brief clip on the story from MSNBC's Countdown.
Enjoy!
L.
House Dems Approve Unemployment Benefits Extension For Millions
Most noteworthy is the outcome of the voting: 231 House Democrats voted In Favor of the extension (and 20 Dems - who should definitely be voted out of office ASAP - voted Against it.).
As for House Republicans, a stunning 168 members of the party devoted to extending tax cuts for the wealthiest 2%, voted Against the extension.
Remarkably, there are signs that some semblance of human compassion still exists in the GOP... At least in a grand total of three Republican members who actually voted in Favor of the extension. (*I Salute You Three, Whoever You Are.).
Now, the measure moves on to the Senate for a vote.
The last time the Senate voted on the extension, the Senate's Republican members said what they pretty much always have said - at least since 2006 - namely, "No!".
It has become excruciatingly obvious that every last one of those heartless and callous GOP Senators is in acute need of the experience of being unemployed and cut off, too.
Here' a brief clip on the story from MSNBC's Countdown.
Enjoy!
L.
House Dems Approve Unemployment Benefits Extension For Millions
Friday, December 03, 2010
WikiLeaks Gold: Afghanistan's Vice President Massoud Strolls Into UAE With $52 Million US CASH w/ No Explanation & KEEPS IT!
In all honesty, I felt rather annoyed - at least initially - when I heard about the most recent WikiLeaks document dump of thousands of U.S. State Department communications and many candid - yet far from complimentary (let alone "diplomatic") - descriptions of various world leaders - ones meant to remain confidential...
Annoyed, that is, Until... I heard the WikiLeak about this one incident:
Afghanistan's Vice President, Ahmed Zia Massoud, got nabbed as he was trying to enter the United Arab Emirates from Afghanistan...
I don't know how much luggage he had brought with him - if any - but, what I do know (thanks to this last WikiLeaks event) is that the man was carrying $52 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN CASH.
$52 Million U.S. Dollars in Cash the source or origin of which the VP couldn't or wouldn't reveal...
Nor could/would the VP explain where he was taking it (The tax shelter of Dubai, perhaps?).
* By the way -$52 Mill. CASH weighs over 1100lbs.
WORST OF ALL...
This Vice President of Afghanistan - which is one of the poorest countries in the world and one which the U.S. has been pouring $$Billions of Dollars into to re-build and restore - WAS ALLOWED TO KEEP IT!(?)
P.S. ~ Mr. Massoud now denies taking any money out of Afghanistan... Go Figure!
Check Out The Details in this brief clip from TRMS and from an article appearing in RAWA (the "Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan"):
TRMS Corruption In Afghanistan
RAWA
Annoyed, that is, Until... I heard the WikiLeak about this one incident:
Afghanistan's Vice President, Ahmed Zia Massoud, got nabbed as he was trying to enter the United Arab Emirates from Afghanistan...
I don't know how much luggage he had brought with him - if any - but, what I do know (thanks to this last WikiLeaks event) is that the man was carrying $52 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN CASH.
$52 Million U.S. Dollars in Cash the source or origin of which the VP couldn't or wouldn't reveal...
Nor could/would the VP explain where he was taking it (The tax shelter of Dubai, perhaps?).
* By the way -$52 Mill. CASH weighs over 1100lbs.
WORST OF ALL...
This Vice President of Afghanistan - which is one of the poorest countries in the world and one which the U.S. has been pouring $$Billions of Dollars into to re-build and restore - WAS ALLOWED TO KEEP IT!(?)
P.S. ~ Mr. Massoud now denies taking any money out of Afghanistan... Go Figure!
Check Out The Details in this brief clip from TRMS and from an article appearing in RAWA (the "Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan"):
TRMS Corruption In Afghanistan
RAWA
Senate Republicans Sink To Extortion: Threaten To Filibuster All Unless Dems Extend Bush Tax Cuts For Top 2%. *Ha Ha.Very Funny.
*News Flash* (At least it was according to Fox, etc.):
Senate Republicans - All 42 Of Them - Got In A Huddle On Thursday And Sent An Extortion Letter To Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid And All Senate Democrats.
The Letter Contained An Ominous Sounding Threat (At least according to fox, etc.):
If The Democrats Don't Vote For The GOP's #2 Pet Project: Extending G.W. Bush's 10-Yr. Tax Cuts For The Wealthiest 2% Of Americans, Then All 42 Signatories Would Blockade Any And All Legislation Which Comes Up For A Vote By Filibustering It!
(Cue the ominous music.)
(Gasp!) Holy Crap, Batman! What Ever Will The Senate Democrats Do?
Hmm... Probably Laugh... And Quite Hysterically, At That.
Here's a NEWS FLASH For All Of You 42 Republican('t) Senators:
You A**holes Have Been Filibustering Like It Was How You Drew Your Life's Breath.
Or, As If You Have Developed A Chronic And Acutely Severe Case Of Some Kind Of "Filibuster Tourette's Syndrome".
Every Damn Piece Of Legislation To Come Up For Vote In The Senate Since 2007 - When The Republican('t)s Became The Minority Party - Has Been Filibustered By Them - Regardless Of Who's Party Was Behind It Or Was Initially Behind It.
The Senate's Republicans Have Filibustered: Democratic Legislation, Republican('t) Legislation, The Health Care Bill, Wall Street Reform (Which They Now Want To Weaken/Revoke), Saving The American Auto Industry (Saved & Now Profitable, Thank You Very Much), Etc., Etc., Etc.... Ad Nauseum.
Oh... And One Last Thing:
We Will Not Forget That You Republican('t)s In Congress Have Been Intentionally Impersonating A Massive Monkey Wrench (Whilst Being Obscenely Overpaid To Do It) Within America's Legislative Branch Of Government - For At Least Three Years (and counting) Come Election Time! :P
Oh.... What Happened?
Well, The Good News Is This: The Senate Democrats called the Senate Republican('t)s on their moronic bluff.
HURRAY!
Here's a Great Clip from TRMS with a bit more of the details... Enjoy! (I certainly did.)
Peace,
L.
Democrats Call The GOP's Bluff
Senate Republicans - All 42 Of Them - Got In A Huddle On Thursday And Sent An Extortion Letter To Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid And All Senate Democrats.
The Letter Contained An Ominous Sounding Threat (At least according to fox, etc.):
If The Democrats Don't Vote For The GOP's #2 Pet Project: Extending G.W. Bush's 10-Yr. Tax Cuts For The Wealthiest 2% Of Americans, Then All 42 Signatories Would Blockade Any And All Legislation Which Comes Up For A Vote By Filibustering It!
(Cue the ominous music.)
(Gasp!) Holy Crap, Batman! What Ever Will The Senate Democrats Do?
Hmm... Probably Laugh... And Quite Hysterically, At That.
Here's a NEWS FLASH For All Of You 42 Republican('t) Senators:
You A**holes Have Been Filibustering Like It Was How You Drew Your Life's Breath.
Or, As If You Have Developed A Chronic And Acutely Severe Case Of Some Kind Of "Filibuster Tourette's Syndrome".
Every Damn Piece Of Legislation To Come Up For Vote In The Senate Since 2007 - When The Republican('t)s Became The Minority Party - Has Been Filibustered By Them - Regardless Of Who's Party Was Behind It Or Was Initially Behind It.
The Senate's Republicans Have Filibustered: Democratic Legislation, Republican('t) Legislation, The Health Care Bill, Wall Street Reform (Which They Now Want To Weaken/Revoke), Saving The American Auto Industry (Saved & Now Profitable, Thank You Very Much), Etc., Etc., Etc.... Ad Nauseum.
Oh... And One Last Thing:
We Will Not Forget That You Republican('t)s In Congress Have Been Intentionally Impersonating A Massive Monkey Wrench (Whilst Being Obscenely Overpaid To Do It) Within America's Legislative Branch Of Government - For At Least Three Years (and counting) Come Election Time! :P
Oh.... What Happened?
Well, The Good News Is This: The Senate Democrats called the Senate Republican('t)s on their moronic bluff.
HURRAY!
Here's a Great Clip from TRMS with a bit more of the details... Enjoy! (I certainly did.)
Peace,
L.
Democrats Call The GOP's Bluff
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Pentagon Releases Results Of Study On DADT/Urges Senate To Repeal NOW. No More Excuses, GOP Senators.
The Pentagon Has Released Results Of 10-Month Long Study Of Effects Of Ending “DADT” On Service Members.
115,000 troops answered the questionnaire as did several thousand spouses.
Results: Of those surveyed, 69% said they’d served with a gay service member. 92% said they were able to work together. 70% said allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would have positive, mixed or no effect. 30% had negative expectations – though many of them weren’t aware of having served alongside a gay service member.
Check out this clip from TRMS on the Pentagon’s Report and the statements of many GOP lawmakers prior to the study, saying that they wouldn’t vote to repeal until the results were back and the military brass supported doing so (Well, they’re baaaack,):
Enjoy!
Intransigent GOP Out Of Excuses On DADT.
The U.S. ban, known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was adopted in 1993 as some sort of compromise. It requires the military to expel gays and lesbians who are open about their sexual orientation or who have been “outed” – regardless of how long they have served, how many medals they have earned or what rank they have achieved.
According to the Pentagon, about 13,000 American service members have been discharged under the ban.
Question: In the face of two continuing wars in which our military have been forced to do repeated tours due to lack of personnel and considering the fact that there are several international hot-spots of military unrest – isn’t the fact that we have lost 13,000(and counting…) of our brave, devoted and patriotic service members a threat to our national security?
Meanwhile… throughout the rest of the World, 25 countries (incl. the U.K., Canada, Australia & Israel) allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in their militaries.
During their press conference, Sec’y of Defense Robert Gates, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair. Adm. Mike Mullen, Working Group co-chairs Defense Department General Counsel Jeh C. Johnson and Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, concluded the risk of repeal of DADT to overall military effectiveness is low. Sec’y Gates also urged Congress to achieve the repeal before the Courts overturn the policy.
*A Little Background: In 2006 (Before he campaigned for the Presidency and lost (sarah palin) to Barack Obama), Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) was clear about his position on the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. McCain stated that he would support repealing DADT if our top military brass declared they agreed with implementing the change.
And I Quote:
“The day that the leadership of the military comes to me and says, ‘Senator, we ought to change the policy,’ then I think we ought to consider seriously changing it,”
- Senator John McCain, speaking in October 2006, to Iowa State University students.
And now, despite his own public statements like the quote above and despite all of the considerable effort, consideration and hard work put into this 10-month long study by America’s highest military leaders…
On Meet the Press, the reigning poster-boy for Sore-Losers, Arizona’s Republican(‘t) Senator John McCain told host David Gregory:
“I will listen, as I’ve said for years, to our military leaders and not a [study] that is leaked, as we know this town’s been good at that.”
What?! Dear Demented Senator McCain: The fact that some of the Pentagon Study’s findings were leaked… Does Not… I repeat… Does Not render said findings “flawed”. Nor does the fact that you feel that the majority of your constituents support the continued (and unconstitutional) discrimination of gays and lesbians.
Or, as said by Servicemembers Legal Defense Network executive director Aubrey Sarvis, in response to McCain’s remarks: “Sen. McCain is clearly out of touch, not only with the American people, but also the Pentagon and our troops,” “McCain seems to be saying he wants a do-over because he doesn’t like the findings and recommendations in the Pentagon report going to Secretary Gates.”
“In other words, McCain is telling the Pentagon: Keep working until you produce the outcome I’m looking for.”
HELLO? U.S. SENATE? Are You (Finally) Hearing This? Are You (Finally) Getting It? No More Excuses. The Question Has Been Asked And Answered. Please Honor And Respect Our Top Military Leaders, Our Fellow Americans and The U.S. Constitution And Vote To Repeal DADT, Now!
*And, SHAME ON Those GOP SENATORS who claimed to be “open-minded” about Repeal and said they were waiting for the release of The Report. (It’s Released.) You who – even now, despite what’s been said and done – are already overtaxing your Petty, Pathetic, Prejudiced, Unpatriotic & Pointy heads in a rush to come up with any baseless challenge you can to call into question the legitimacy of the Pentagon’s report and to try to impede DADT’s repeal.
Dear Anti-Repeal Senate Republicans: You do know what happened to your Ancestors, don’t you? You know whom I’m speaking of: I’m Talking About All Of Those Plodding Prehistoric Reptiles… The Ones That Were Infinitely Bigger, Much More Powerful & Way Badder Than You. Those Ancestors of Yours. Remember them? Yeah? Good. Well, Eventually, All Of Them Went Completely Extinct. Gone… Poof… Almost Like They Were Never There In The First Place… Well, ‘cept for some ol’ fossilized bones. And Guess What? Someday (Thankfully) So Will You.
Peace,
L.
115,000 troops answered the questionnaire as did several thousand spouses.
Results: Of those surveyed, 69% said they’d served with a gay service member. 92% said they were able to work together. 70% said allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would have positive, mixed or no effect. 30% had negative expectations – though many of them weren’t aware of having served alongside a gay service member.
Check out this clip from TRMS on the Pentagon’s Report and the statements of many GOP lawmakers prior to the study, saying that they wouldn’t vote to repeal until the results were back and the military brass supported doing so (Well, they’re baaaack,):
Enjoy!
Intransigent GOP Out Of Excuses On DADT.
The U.S. ban, known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was adopted in 1993 as some sort of compromise. It requires the military to expel gays and lesbians who are open about their sexual orientation or who have been “outed” – regardless of how long they have served, how many medals they have earned or what rank they have achieved.
According to the Pentagon, about 13,000 American service members have been discharged under the ban.
Question: In the face of two continuing wars in which our military have been forced to do repeated tours due to lack of personnel and considering the fact that there are several international hot-spots of military unrest – isn’t the fact that we have lost 13,000(and counting…) of our brave, devoted and patriotic service members a threat to our national security?
Meanwhile… throughout the rest of the World, 25 countries (incl. the U.K., Canada, Australia & Israel) allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in their militaries.
During their press conference, Sec’y of Defense Robert Gates, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair. Adm. Mike Mullen, Working Group co-chairs Defense Department General Counsel Jeh C. Johnson and Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, concluded the risk of repeal of DADT to overall military effectiveness is low. Sec’y Gates also urged Congress to achieve the repeal before the Courts overturn the policy.
*A Little Background: In 2006 (Before he campaigned for the Presidency and lost (sarah palin) to Barack Obama), Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) was clear about his position on the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. McCain stated that he would support repealing DADT if our top military brass declared they agreed with implementing the change.
And I Quote:
“The day that the leadership of the military comes to me and says, ‘Senator, we ought to change the policy,’ then I think we ought to consider seriously changing it,”
- Senator John McCain, speaking in October 2006, to Iowa State University students.
And now, despite his own public statements like the quote above and despite all of the considerable effort, consideration and hard work put into this 10-month long study by America’s highest military leaders…
On Meet the Press, the reigning poster-boy for Sore-Losers, Arizona’s Republican(‘t) Senator John McCain told host David Gregory:
“I will listen, as I’ve said for years, to our military leaders and not a [study] that is leaked, as we know this town’s been good at that.”
What?! Dear Demented Senator McCain: The fact that some of the Pentagon Study’s findings were leaked… Does Not… I repeat… Does Not render said findings “flawed”. Nor does the fact that you feel that the majority of your constituents support the continued (and unconstitutional) discrimination of gays and lesbians.
Or, as said by Servicemembers Legal Defense Network executive director Aubrey Sarvis, in response to McCain’s remarks: “Sen. McCain is clearly out of touch, not only with the American people, but also the Pentagon and our troops,” “McCain seems to be saying he wants a do-over because he doesn’t like the findings and recommendations in the Pentagon report going to Secretary Gates.”
“In other words, McCain is telling the Pentagon: Keep working until you produce the outcome I’m looking for.”
HELLO? U.S. SENATE? Are You (Finally) Hearing This? Are You (Finally) Getting It? No More Excuses. The Question Has Been Asked And Answered. Please Honor And Respect Our Top Military Leaders, Our Fellow Americans and The U.S. Constitution And Vote To Repeal DADT, Now!
*And, SHAME ON Those GOP SENATORS who claimed to be “open-minded” about Repeal and said they were waiting for the release of The Report. (It’s Released.) You who – even now, despite what’s been said and done – are already overtaxing your Petty, Pathetic, Prejudiced, Unpatriotic & Pointy heads in a rush to come up with any baseless challenge you can to call into question the legitimacy of the Pentagon’s report and to try to impede DADT’s repeal.
Dear Anti-Repeal Senate Republicans: You do know what happened to your Ancestors, don’t you? You know whom I’m speaking of: I’m Talking About All Of Those Plodding Prehistoric Reptiles… The Ones That Were Infinitely Bigger, Much More Powerful & Way Badder Than You. Those Ancestors of Yours. Remember them? Yeah? Good. Well, Eventually, All Of Them Went Completely Extinct. Gone… Poof… Almost Like They Were Never There In The First Place… Well, ‘cept for some ol’ fossilized bones. And Guess What? Someday (Thankfully) So Will You.
Peace,
L.
Obama Meets With GOP Leadership. Results: Twilight Zone-y. Same Meeting/Different Planets (Sigh.)
In A Continuation Of Their Shamefully Juvenile, Disrespectful & Inexcusable Behavior (on the bright side: at least they're consistent), Leading Congressional Republicans Rudely Rejected The White House's 1st Invitation To Meet With President Obama Following The Mid-Term Elections. The full-of-themselves flakes made weak references to "having other plans", or being "simply too busy"... to accept the invitation and meet with The President Of The United States Of America.
Heck, if they're that shameless, why not make it a bit more interesting and say something like...
"So sorry, Mr. President. Unfortunately we've all already scheduled appointments to wash each other's cats on that day."?
Following Tuesday's (unfortunately closed door) 1st Meeting Between President Obama And Congressional GOP Leaders - In This, The Twilight Of The 111th Congress - Strangely Contradictory Comments About What Actually Transpired During The Meeting - Made By The Attendees, Themselves - (Quite Understandably) Resulted In Something Of A Flashback On TRMS To One Particular Episode Of Rod Serling's"The Twilight Zone" TV Series.
The Episode's Title? "To Serve Man".
(As in, "To Serve Man... With A Nice Chianti.".)
* Here's the link to the related clip of Tuesday's "The Rachel Maddow Show":
Enjoy!
Obama Meets With GOP Leadership
It's a remarkably accurate analogy. As well as a somewhat aggravating one.
Why? Because despite the fact that they all attended the same meeting. And, despite the fact that they all speak the same language... Somehow, President Obama's accounting of the meeting and the GOP leaders' accounting of the meeting... completely contradict each other
(Pardon me whilst I slowly and repeatedly bang my head against the wall.)
Perhaps I'll try something much more constructive/much less self-destructive...
An Open Letter To The President Of The United States Of America:
Dear President Obama:
I agree with you, completely. Cooperation Is Most-Definitely Preferable To Contentiousness.
But, with that said, Please Remember This Very Timely Definition: "Insanity... Is Doing The Same Thing Over & Over And Expecting Different Results."
Simply put, Mr. President: The "Party Of 'No'" Has It Out For You. They've Said So On Numerous Occasions...
Publically And On The Record. Comprende? Period. Paragraph. The End.
If I May Offer Some Advice...
If - At Any Point - Over The Next Two Years There Comes A Time When Any Of The Proponents Of The Grand Old Party Approaches You Wearing A Cheshire Grin And Extending Their Hand...
In all honesty, I would tell you to slam the nearest door on their hand and on the Trojan traitor it belongs to. (Sigh.)
But, barring that option (and, besides, why should you lower yourself to their level?)...
Whatever You Do... Don't Count On That Hand To Be Holding Or To Present You With An Olive Branch.
Mr. President, Please Stop Trying To Placate Them. They've Only Been Trying To Play You.
Please Cease All Consideration Of Making Concessions Or Trying To Bargain/Reason With Them.
They Don't Deserve It. They Don't Deserve Anything For Being The Epitome Of "Unreasonable".
Set all past, present and/or future pretense made by any of them of being "moderate" or an "ally" aside.
Surely, you would agree that, over the previous 18 months, they've proven (and proven repeatedly) that they aren't the least bit interested in participating in anything that can even remotely be perceived as "Bipartisan".
The GOP Leadership Wants/Seeks One Thing And One Thing Alone: To Destroy Your Presidency.
Their Actions Prove What We've Known To Be True: That The Short & Long-Term Goals Of The Republican Party Are Their One And Only Priority.
If Not, Then Passing Legislation - Like The Bill That Would Have Extended Unemployment Benefits Which Are Necessary To Put Food On The Tables And Keep A Roof Over The Heads Of Millions Of Americans ... A Bill Which The GOP Members Of Congress Didn't Hesitate To Kill - Or Doing Anything In The Best Interest Of America and The Majority of Americans... Would Be Apparent On Their "To Do List"... And Be Proven By Their Actions Toward That End.
Anything that the GOP leadership thinks might be perceived as being a Success of your Presidency is something to be targeted. Something they will do anything to impede/weaken/destroy. Up to and including legislation which was originally created, submitted and/or supported by their fellow Republicans.
The GOP has shown their True Colors. And, as it stands, the "Right" couldn't be more Wrong.
Mr. President: Please Trust and Know That The Majority Of Americans Are Behind You.
That the Majority Of Americans Support Allowing The Bush Tax Cuts For Billionaires & Multi-Millionaires To Expire.
It's Time For You To Get On The Offensive.
Simply Stand Before the American People And Tell Them The Truth.
All it takes to Destroy The GOP Leadership's Web Of Self- and Special Interest-Serving Lies Is The Truth/The Facts.
Please Don't Cave, Mr. President.
You Don't Have To.
We Don't Want You To.
~ Whew! I needed that! Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. L.~
Heck, if they're that shameless, why not make it a bit more interesting and say something like...
"So sorry, Mr. President. Unfortunately we've all already scheduled appointments to wash each other's cats on that day."?
Following Tuesday's (unfortunately closed door) 1st Meeting Between President Obama And Congressional GOP Leaders - In This, The Twilight Of The 111th Congress - Strangely Contradictory Comments About What Actually Transpired During The Meeting - Made By The Attendees, Themselves - (Quite Understandably) Resulted In Something Of A Flashback On TRMS To One Particular Episode Of Rod Serling's"The Twilight Zone" TV Series.
The Episode's Title? "To Serve Man".
(As in, "To Serve Man... With A Nice Chianti.".)
* Here's the link to the related clip of Tuesday's "The Rachel Maddow Show":
Enjoy!
Obama Meets With GOP Leadership
It's a remarkably accurate analogy. As well as a somewhat aggravating one.
Why? Because despite the fact that they all attended the same meeting. And, despite the fact that they all speak the same language... Somehow, President Obama's accounting of the meeting and the GOP leaders' accounting of the meeting... completely contradict each other
(Pardon me whilst I slowly and repeatedly bang my head against the wall.)
Perhaps I'll try something much more constructive/much less self-destructive...
An Open Letter To The President Of The United States Of America:
Dear President Obama:
I agree with you, completely. Cooperation Is Most-Definitely Preferable To Contentiousness.
But, with that said, Please Remember This Very Timely Definition: "Insanity... Is Doing The Same Thing Over & Over And Expecting Different Results."
Simply put, Mr. President: The "Party Of 'No'" Has It Out For You. They've Said So On Numerous Occasions...
Publically And On The Record. Comprende? Period. Paragraph. The End.
If I May Offer Some Advice...
If - At Any Point - Over The Next Two Years There Comes A Time When Any Of The Proponents Of The Grand Old Party Approaches You Wearing A Cheshire Grin And Extending Their Hand...
In all honesty, I would tell you to slam the nearest door on their hand and on the Trojan traitor it belongs to. (Sigh.)
But, barring that option (and, besides, why should you lower yourself to their level?)...
Whatever You Do... Don't Count On That Hand To Be Holding Or To Present You With An Olive Branch.
Mr. President, Please Stop Trying To Placate Them. They've Only Been Trying To Play You.
Please Cease All Consideration Of Making Concessions Or Trying To Bargain/Reason With Them.
They Don't Deserve It. They Don't Deserve Anything For Being The Epitome Of "Unreasonable".
Set all past, present and/or future pretense made by any of them of being "moderate" or an "ally" aside.
Surely, you would agree that, over the previous 18 months, they've proven (and proven repeatedly) that they aren't the least bit interested in participating in anything that can even remotely be perceived as "Bipartisan".
The GOP Leadership Wants/Seeks One Thing And One Thing Alone: To Destroy Your Presidency.
Their Actions Prove What We've Known To Be True: That The Short & Long-Term Goals Of The Republican Party Are Their One And Only Priority.
If Not, Then Passing Legislation - Like The Bill That Would Have Extended Unemployment Benefits Which Are Necessary To Put Food On The Tables And Keep A Roof Over The Heads Of Millions Of Americans ... A Bill Which The GOP Members Of Congress Didn't Hesitate To Kill - Or Doing Anything In The Best Interest Of America and The Majority of Americans... Would Be Apparent On Their "To Do List"... And Be Proven By Their Actions Toward That End.
Anything that the GOP leadership thinks might be perceived as being a Success of your Presidency is something to be targeted. Something they will do anything to impede/weaken/destroy. Up to and including legislation which was originally created, submitted and/or supported by their fellow Republicans.
The GOP has shown their True Colors. And, as it stands, the "Right" couldn't be more Wrong.
Mr. President: Please Trust and Know That The Majority Of Americans Are Behind You.
That the Majority Of Americans Support Allowing The Bush Tax Cuts For Billionaires & Multi-Millionaires To Expire.
It's Time For You To Get On The Offensive.
Simply Stand Before the American People And Tell Them The Truth.
All it takes to Destroy The GOP Leadership's Web Of Self- and Special Interest-Serving Lies Is The Truth/The Facts.
Please Don't Cave, Mr. President.
You Don't Have To.
We Don't Want You To.
~ Whew! I needed that! Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. L.~
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