The next couple of weeks I will be spending time with family, both nuclear and extended, I will be doing a little traveling and I will be trying to ignore the news and pretend that all is well in the world.
As a result I have no idea how much I will be posting.
If there isn't anything new here, just check out the links on the right hand side of this page. I am sure you will find some new content someplace over there.
and
Happy holidays (Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, New Year, Festivus, and what ever else I may have failed to list) to all.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
Friday's Post
Worth Clicking Over and checking out.
Lynn at Big Fat Liberal point out that our children's history lessons, may be a little less that complete.
The name the quote game is being played, to good effect, at Badtux the Snarky Penguin.
A reminder from Oliver Willis just how wrong so many right wing talking heads are.
Tags
Facism Glenn Reynolds History
Lynn at Big Fat Liberal point out that our children's history lessons, may be a little less that complete.
The name the quote game is being played, to good effect, at Badtux the Snarky Penguin.
A reminder from Oliver Willis just how wrong so many right wing talking heads are.
Tags
Facism Glenn Reynolds History
Another Bombshell
From reporters who still know how to do their job, the British media.
(bold mine)
I wonder if the US media will even notice this damning bit of new information about the lies and incompetence that has led us to where we are now at in Iraq.
Tags
Iraq
The Government's case for going to war in Iraq has been torn apart by the publication of previously suppressed evidence that Tony Blair lied over Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction.
{snip}
British officials warned US diplomats that bringing down the Iraqi dictator would lead to the chaos the world has since witnessed. "I remember on several occasions the UK team stating this view in terms during our discussions with the US
(bold mine)
I wonder if the US media will even notice this damning bit of new information about the lies and incompetence that has led us to where we are now at in Iraq.
Tags
Iraq
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Roy Moore, Clearly Unfit
To have ever been allowed to serve as a judge.
Aside from his actions revolving around his trying to force his religion onto everyone who entered his court, Roy is making it clear that he doesn't understand the bedrock legal principals this nation was built upon.
Roy has decided that a person of the Islamic faith should not be allowed to serve in congress. It appears that he has forgotten one small detail, article IV of the US Constitution.
And Roy's little proposal would seem to be a direct violation of this. Of course, Roy seems to have no problems with violating the constitution.
The gross stupidity of so many of the leaders of the right wing never fails to astound me.
And Roy, one last note. A congressperson is not required to swear upon anything when they give their oath. Keith Ellison (D-Mn) had made the choice to add a personal religious bond to his oath, but that is his choice, not a federal requirement. If a person is going to add a religious bond to an oath, it should be a bond that they embrace. To do otherwise would make the oath useless.
Tags
Roy Moore Keith Ellison
Aside from his actions revolving around his trying to force his religion onto everyone who entered his court, Roy is making it clear that he doesn't understand the bedrock legal principals this nation was built upon.
Roy has decided that a person of the Islamic faith should not be allowed to serve in congress. It appears that he has forgotten one small detail, article IV of the US Constitution.
no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.
And Roy's little proposal would seem to be a direct violation of this. Of course, Roy seems to have no problems with violating the constitution.
The gross stupidity of so many of the leaders of the right wing never fails to astound me.
And Roy, one last note. A congressperson is not required to swear upon anything when they give their oath. Keith Ellison (D-Mn) had made the choice to add a personal religious bond to his oath, but that is his choice, not a federal requirement. If a person is going to add a religious bond to an oath, it should be a bond that they embrace. To do otherwise would make the oath useless.
Tags
Roy Moore Keith Ellison
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Who Is Calling The Shots In The Iraq War?
President Bush, under the guise of seeking advice, is busy trying to find anyone who will recommend that we ignore the Baker Hamilton report, and say his course. Some may ask why.
It appears there may be a new player in this game, and they are offering some 'recommendations'.
Saudi Arabia has warned Washington it might provide financial aid to Iraqi Sunnis in any fighting against Shiites if the U.S. pulls its troops out of Iraq.
In addition, the Saudies have also made it clear that they do not favor the US entering into any talks with Iran.
Now the reason for VP Dick Cheney's last second trip to Saudi Arabia is clear. It also shines a new light on the sudden departure from DC of the Saudi Ambassador to the US. The Saudies are not pleased, and want to make sure George knows it.
His actions since this trip make it appear that he has noticed.
Tags
Iraq Saudi Arabia
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Iraq Is Still Aflame
The news coming from Iraq doesn't appear to change much from day to day.
The only time that it attracts much notice now, is when the death toll is massive and unignorable.
It is a rare day when so many die at one attack. Most days the death toll is now the result of dozens of small attacks. Even when we don't get the graphic reminder that we got today, we must remember that while our government is focused on efforts that should have been in place years ago or finding experts who will tell us what we want to hear, we need to remember that every day hundred of Iraqis are dying. And as long as we continue to wander about without a viable plan this will not change.
Tags
Iraq
The only time that it attracts much notice now, is when the death toll is massive and unignorable.
A powerful car bomb exploded in central Baghdad early Tuesday morning near a crowd of mostly Shiite day laborers, killing 59 people and wounding 149, Lt. Col. Mahmoud Abdul Aziz of the Iraqi Interior Ministry said.
In a separate incident in Mosul, a television cameraman working for the Associated Press was gunned down and killed while filming clashes between insurgents and police, the wire service reported.
It is a rare day when so many die at one attack. Most days the death toll is now the result of dozens of small attacks. Even when we don't get the graphic reminder that we got today, we must remember that while our government is focused on efforts that should have been in place years ago or finding experts who will tell us what we want to hear, we need to remember that every day hundred of Iraqis are dying. And as long as we continue to wander about without a viable plan this will not change.
Tags
Iraq
Monday, December 11, 2006
Professional Incompetence
A few months ago it was discovered that many of those in leadership positions in our war on a battle tactic were clueless about the most basic details of the middle eastern conflict that we were sitting in the middle of.
It appears that at least one incoming Democratic leader is almost equally unequipped to offer true leadership.
This is inexcusable. I might have some degree of understanding if this were 1996, but we have been at war in this region for 5 years now. To not know the basic of who they players are, and how they interact by now shows an enormous degree of disinterest, or stupidity.
It is depressing to discover that so many of those who we send to DC to run the nation, are just not interested in doing it properly.
Tags
Iraq Silvestre Reyes
It appears that at least one incoming Democratic leader is almost equally unequipped to offer true leadership.
In an interview with the editor on national security for Congressional Quarterly, the incoming Democratic chairman for the House Intelligence Committee was unable to answer "fundamental questions" related to the Middle East
This is inexcusable. I might have some degree of understanding if this were 1996, but we have been at war in this region for 5 years now. To not know the basic of who they players are, and how they interact by now shows an enormous degree of disinterest, or stupidity.
It is depressing to discover that so many of those who we send to DC to run the nation, are just not interested in doing it properly.
Tags
Iraq Silvestre Reyes
Sunday, December 10, 2006
But Still 100% Human
Your 'Do You Want the Terrorists to Win' Score: 100%
You are a terrorist-loving, Bush-bashing, "blame America first"-crowd traitor. You are in league with evil-doers who hate our freedoms. By all counts you are a liberal, and as such cleary desire the terrorists to succeed and impose their harsh theocratic restrictions on us all. You are fit to be hung for treason! Luckily George Bush is tapping your internet connection and is now aware of your thought-crime. Have a nice day.... in Guantanamo!
Do You Want the Terrorists to Win?
Quiz Created on GoToQuiz
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Quiz
Saturday, December 09, 2006
I Talk Like I Talk
| What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Inland North You may think you speak "Standard English straight out of the dictionary" but when you step away from the Great Lakes you get asked annoying questions like "Are you from Wisconsin?" or "Are you from Chicago?" Chances are you call carbonated drinks "pop." | |
| The South | |
| The Midland | |
| The Northeast | |
| Philadelphia | |
| The West | |
| North Central | |
| Boston | |
| What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz | |
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Quiz
Friday, December 08, 2006
Friday's Links
A young creationist has been given a chance to ask questions of the folks at Pharyngula. There are a lot of post, but it is worth the time.
Over at Science, Shrimp and Grits the effort to allow unlimited lead pollution is discussed.
What is wrong with NARAL is considered at Digby's Hullabaloo.
Tags
NARAL Creationism Environment
Over at Science, Shrimp and Grits the effort to allow unlimited lead pollution is discussed.
What is wrong with NARAL is considered at Digby's Hullabaloo.
Tags
NARAL Creationism Environment
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Shocking News
The Bush administration has lied to us about Iraq.
Of course, you can not blame just the Bush administration for this deception. Some of the blame has to be placed on the Republican controlled Congress. Their failure to provide even the barest minimum of oversight is what has allowed George and his followers to lie to the American people.
The good news is now, after 5 years of war, the congress will again start to do it's job. Lets hope that the Democrats have the courage to do their job properly.
On second thought, maybe the idea of this President and his admnistration lying to the American public isn't that shocking.
Tags
Iraq Congress
WASHINGTON - The Bush administration routinely has underreported the level of violence in Iraq in order to disguise its policy failings, the Iraq Study Group report said Wednesday.
The bipartisan group called on the Pentagon and the director of the U.S. intelligence community to immediately institute a new reporting system that provides "a more accurate picture of events on the ground."
Of course, you can not blame just the Bush administration for this deception. Some of the blame has to be placed on the Republican controlled Congress. Their failure to provide even the barest minimum of oversight is what has allowed George and his followers to lie to the American people.
The good news is now, after 5 years of war, the congress will again start to do it's job. Lets hope that the Democrats have the courage to do their job properly.
On second thought, maybe the idea of this President and his admnistration lying to the American public isn't that shocking.
Tags
Iraq Congress
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Another Bloody Day In Iraq
While the Iraq Study Group was busy explaining to some of the slower thinking members of the Bush administration and the Republican party that their plan for Iraq is a complete and total failure, 10 more US troops have died in combat.
We now have about 25 dead in Iraq in only 6 days. It looks like December has the potential to be another record setting month for US casualties. Unfortunately for some of the right wing talking heads, there are no US elections to blame this surge in violence on.
Tags
Iraq
We now have about 25 dead in Iraq in only 6 days. It looks like December has the potential to be another record setting month for US casualties. Unfortunately for some of the right wing talking heads, there are no US elections to blame this surge in violence on.
Tags
Iraq
Dick Is Going To Be A Granddad (Again)
It seems that Mary Cheney and her partner Heather Poe are expecting their first little one. I am sure that Dick and Lynne Cheney are happy and excited, just as most parents are when their children start to grow their families.
I don't care one way or another, but I do wonder how the culture warriors who love to attack gays, gay 'lifestyles', the gay 'agenda', gay families, and those who support gay families are going to respond to this bit of news.
Do Mary and Dick and Lynne get the tar and feather treatment that is the norm in these cases, or do they, because of their high republican profile, get a pass?
Tags
Cheney Gay Rights
I don't care one way or another, but I do wonder how the culture warriors who love to attack gays, gay 'lifestyles', the gay 'agenda', gay families, and those who support gay families are going to respond to this bit of news.
Do Mary and Dick and Lynne get the tar and feather treatment that is the norm in these cases, or do they, because of their high republican profile, get a pass?
Tags
Cheney Gay Rights
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
History, Accountability and Iraq
Martin van Creveld is a well respected historian. His area of focus is military history, and works out of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He is so well respected that he is the only non American author on the US Army's list of required reading for officers. Last week he had a small piece published in The Forward, (linked here via Brad DeLong's blog) that included this little bit.
The most foolish war, the largest military mistake, in over 2000 years.
That is a very bold statements, but one that a historian of his stature would not make recklessly. This addresses one point about this war that doesn't get much notice from the US media, accountability.
The Bush administration has been wrong about almost everything in and about Iraq. From the cost of the war to the reception we would get, from the number of men needed to the threat Saddam presented to the US. On almost every point, this administration has been wrong. That said, Bush is right about one thing. We are now in Iraq, and now must try to find a way to minimize the damage that the failed state Bush's people have created will cause.
Members of the Bush administration like to use this spin as a shield. They profess, yes things have not worked out as well as one would have hoped, but now we have no choice than to keep fighting the fight. The still insist that their ideas, their views, their plans are the only ones that are reasonable or even viable. The group that has been wrong about everything, still demands respect for their opinions.
As a result we are using up equipment faster that we can replace it. We already have 14 dead this month, reports of attacks on civilians are a daily occurrence, with death totals around 100 a day now the norm.
Holding those who are responsible for the nightmare we have created in Iraq may be the best first step we could take in finding a solution. Gross errors in judgment, especially errors that led to tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of deaths, should not go unpunished. Saddam has now spend his time in the dock, and been judged for his actions in Iraq. Maybe it is time to consider who in the US should be following in his footsteps.
Tags
Iraq
For misleading the American people, and launching the most foolish war since Emperor Augustus in 9 B.C sent his legions into Germany and lost them, Bush deserves to be impeached and, once he has been removed from office, put on trial along with the rest of the president's men. If convicted, they'll have plenty of time to mull over their sins.
The most foolish war, the largest military mistake, in over 2000 years.
That is a very bold statements, but one that a historian of his stature would not make recklessly. This addresses one point about this war that doesn't get much notice from the US media, accountability.
The Bush administration has been wrong about almost everything in and about Iraq. From the cost of the war to the reception we would get, from the number of men needed to the threat Saddam presented to the US. On almost every point, this administration has been wrong. That said, Bush is right about one thing. We are now in Iraq, and now must try to find a way to minimize the damage that the failed state Bush's people have created will cause.
Members of the Bush administration like to use this spin as a shield. They profess, yes things have not worked out as well as one would have hoped, but now we have no choice than to keep fighting the fight. The still insist that their ideas, their views, their plans are the only ones that are reasonable or even viable. The group that has been wrong about everything, still demands respect for their opinions.
As a result we are using up equipment faster that we can replace it. We already have 14 dead this month, reports of attacks on civilians are a daily occurrence, with death totals around 100 a day now the norm.
Holding those who are responsible for the nightmare we have created in Iraq may be the best first step we could take in finding a solution. Gross errors in judgment, especially errors that led to tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of deaths, should not go unpunished. Saddam has now spend his time in the dock, and been judged for his actions in Iraq. Maybe it is time to consider who in the US should be following in his footsteps.
Tags
Iraq
Monday, December 04, 2006
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
The days are getting shorter, the nights longer, there is a nip in the air, and every kid in preschool is a walking experiment in infectious illnesses.
He has a small cough and a little bit of a runny nose. My chest fills like it is full of Cream of Wheat, and dental surgery may be less painful than the coughing I was doing last night.
At least it isn't a head cold.
Only 5 more months till the peak of the sharing season has passed.
Tags
Colds
He has a small cough and a little bit of a runny nose. My chest fills like it is full of Cream of Wheat, and dental surgery may be less painful than the coughing I was doing last night.
At least it isn't a head cold.
Only 5 more months till the peak of the sharing season has passed.
Tags
Colds
Friday, December 01, 2006
Friday's Collection Of Post
worth spending a little time reading.
Badtux the Snarky Penguin thinks that Jim Webb (D-Va.) may end up being a one term Senator. Badtux may be right.
A story that will bring tears of rage is presented at Seeding Spartanburg.
At Dispatches From The Culture War, Ed notes that Newt Gingrich appears to be launching his 2008 Presidential race on an end free speech platform.
Tags
Education Gingrich Webb
Badtux the Snarky Penguin thinks that Jim Webb (D-Va.) may end up being a one term Senator. Badtux may be right.
A story that will bring tears of rage is presented at Seeding Spartanburg.
At Dispatches From The Culture War, Ed notes that Newt Gingrich appears to be launching his 2008 Presidential race on an end free speech platform.
Tags
Education Gingrich Webb
Thursday, November 30, 2006
More People Have Notice, We Have Lost
Iraq.
Bush is still in denial, pretending that 'staying the course' will lead to victory. The truth is Bush has now taken the very Nixionan position of not wanting to lose a war on his watch. He will now spend billions of US dollars and thousands of US lives to make sure that the war he started, the war he lost, is still being fought when he leaves the White House.
Tags
Iraq
The Iraq Study Group, which wrapped up eight months of deliberations yesterday, has reached a consensus and will call for a major withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq, shifting the U.S. role from combat to support and advising, according to a source familiar with the deliberations.
Bush is still in denial, pretending that 'staying the course' will lead to victory. The truth is Bush has now taken the very Nixionan position of not wanting to lose a war on his watch. He will now spend billions of US dollars and thousands of US lives to make sure that the war he started, the war he lost, is still being fought when he leaves the White House.
Tags
Iraq
A Day Of Sorrow
For the Preschool set everywhere. An illness has forced Greg Wiggle to retire.I don't think I will break this news to my little man (age 4) until I have to.
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Wiggles
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
United States Marine Corps Says
we have lost
What has happened here, is like what happens when you try to fight an infection with a quarter dose of antibiotics. For a while it may look like the infection is winning, but as time passes, the infection get stronger, and eventually kills the fool who failed to take all their medications.
I think that there are about 100,000,000 citizens of the United States that the President of the United States needs to make an apology to, starting with the high ranking officers of the US military who said we needed far more men than they were given.
Tags
Iraq
The U.S. military is no longer able to defeat a bloody insurgency in western Iraq or counter al-Qaeda's rising popularity there, according to newly disclosed details from a classified Marine Corps intelligence report that set off debate in recent months about the military's mission in Anbar province.
The Marines recently filed an updated version of that assessment that stood by its conclusions and stated that, as of mid-November, the problems in troubled Anbar province have not improved, a senior U.S. intelligence official said yesterday. "The fundamental questions of lack of control, growth of the insurgency and criminality" remain the same, the official said.
What has happened here, is like what happens when you try to fight an infection with a quarter dose of antibiotics. For a while it may look like the infection is winning, but as time passes, the infection get stronger, and eventually kills the fool who failed to take all their medications.
I think that there are about 100,000,000 citizens of the United States that the President of the United States needs to make an apology to, starting with the high ranking officers of the US military who said we needed far more men than they were given.
Tags
Iraq
Monday, November 27, 2006
We Had A Wonderful Thanksgiving
at my house. We were kept busy, and on the road, but it was very nice
We hosted an out of town guest. They wanted to see the Biltmore House, so we took them up on Wednesday. We went to visit the In-laws on Sullivans Island for Thanksgiving lunch, then came home for dinner. Friday was the empty the attic day for Christmas decorating, and Saturday was spent watching a little football and doing a little local sightseeing with our guest.
All in all a pleasant 5 day holiday.
While I did work to avoid watching the news, I do understand that in Iraq (and other parts of SW Asia), it wasn't quite as lovely.
Tags
Thanksgiving
We hosted an out of town guest. They wanted to see the Biltmore House, so we took them up on Wednesday. We went to visit the In-laws on Sullivans Island for Thanksgiving lunch, then came home for dinner. Friday was the empty the attic day for Christmas decorating, and Saturday was spent watching a little football and doing a little local sightseeing with our guest.
All in all a pleasant 5 day holiday.
While I did work to avoid watching the news, I do understand that in Iraq (and other parts of SW Asia), it wasn't quite as lovely.
Tags
Thanksgiving
Monday, November 20, 2006
It's Thanksgiving Week
I will be trying to cram 5 days of work into a 2 1/2 day work week, so I don't expect to post much.
Plus, lets face it, not much is happening right now.
Iraq is a total mess with no viable solution.
Afghanistan, due to 2 years of neglect, is fast becoming a total mess with no viable solution.
and
hundreds more die every week while we try to figure out how to un-wet the bed we have made for ourselves.
Tags
Thanksgiving
Plus, lets face it, not much is happening right now.
Iraq is a total mess with no viable solution.
Afghanistan, due to 2 years of neglect, is fast becoming a total mess with no viable solution.
and
hundreds more die every week while we try to figure out how to un-wet the bed we have made for ourselves.
Tags
Thanksgiving
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Wisdom, I Like That
Which Animal Spirit Totem Are You?
Your soul is bound to the Fourth Totem, Solomon: The Owl.Solomon appears as an azure feathered owl. He embodies wisdom, judgement, reason, and stability. He is associated with the color azure, the season of autumn, and the element of water. His downfall is farsightedness.You are most compatible with Ravens and Monkeys.
Take this quiz!
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Quiz
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Well, Some Of Them Are Interesting
You scored as A college textbook. You're an authority on something, you just know it. Everyone else does, too, but that doesn't mean they like you. Since you think very highly of everything you say, you charge a pretty penny to entertain your listeners. Those forced to pay do so grudgingly and try to defray the costs of learning from you by selling portions of their access to your charms to others. As a result of this speedy dissemination of your knowledge, you constantly add to your repertoire--and then hike your price. Despite your usefullness, which is rarely in doubt, nobody likes you. They find you didactic, boring and irrelevant--but still necessary.
Your Literary Personality created with QuizFarm.com |
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Quiz
Friday, November 17, 2006
Friday, A List Or Worthy Links
I have focused of 3 options for the US in Iraq, Chris Floyd at Empire Burlesque says there are 8. We both agree the likely result, no matter what, will very likely lead to full-blown civil war.
A very good look at terrorism, definitions and causes can be found at American Entropy.
Skippy has discovered who is at fault for the defeat in Iraq, it is the Iraqi's fault.
Tags
Iraq Terrorism Charles Krauthammer
A very good look at terrorism, definitions and causes can be found at American Entropy.
Skippy has discovered who is at fault for the defeat in Iraq, it is the Iraqi's fault.
Tags
Iraq Terrorism Charles Krauthammer
When They Stand Up, We Stand Down
In one part of Iraq where we expect the Iraqis to stand up, four American mercenaries have been captured.
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Iraq
Five civilian security contractors, including four Americans and one Austrian, were being held hostage Friday morning after gunmen masquerading as policemen stopped their convoy and abducted them in southern Iraq, a U.S. Embassy official in Baghdad said.
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Iraq
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Disgusting 'Christian' Behavior
Another Christian fundamentalist displays just how un-Christlike so many of them are.
not only did he force his religious views on these kids, he also displayed is lack of fitness to work as a teacher.
So, what is the most unchristian aspect of his behavior?
When caught, he tried to lie about it and blame the kid.
Tags
Christian
Junior Matthew LaClair, 16, said history teacher David Paszkiewicz, who is also a Baptist preacher in town, spent the first week of class lecturing students more about heaven and hell than the colonies and the Constitution.
not only did he force his religious views on these kids, he also displayed is lack of fitness to work as a teacher.
Paszkiewicz didn't limit his religious observations to personal salvation, according to the tapes.
Paszkiewicz shot down the theories of evolution and the "Big Bang" in favor of creationism. He also told his class that dinosaurs were on Noah's ark, LaClair said.
So, what is the most unchristian aspect of his behavior?
At first, Paszkiewicz denied he mixed in religion with his history lesson, and the adults in the room appeared to be buying it, LaClair said. But then he reached into his backpack and produced the CDs.
When caught, he tried to lie about it and blame the kid.
Tags
Christian
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
McCain's (R-Az) Iraq Position is Annoying Me
It is clearly based on political posturing and has little to do with reality.
He has stated that he wants to add about 100,000 men to the Army and Marines, and then send 20,000 more troops into Iraq. McCain thinks that these extra troops may be what we need to win in Iraq. While he is promoting this idea he is also stressing that Iraq may be won or lost in the next ninety days.
There are a number of contradictions in his pronouncements that make you question his intelligence or honesty.
First, 20,000 men will not make any real difference. Prior to our attack of Iraq, war games studies and at least one very senior army officer stated that we would need over 400,000 troops to secure Iraq. The current security situation in Iraq is now far worse than it was in 2002. We have about 150,000 men in place, and to have any real impact we need at least 300,000 more. All putting 20,000 more men into Iraq will do is give the insurgents more targets.
The next point that I find highly questionable is the timing. McCain want to grow the Armed forces by 100,000 ground combat troops. This new growth is where the new men are suppose to come from.
The obvious contradiction comes from the fact that he is claiming that the next 90 days are critical to our success, then proposing a plan to meet out goals that will take far longer than three months to work. Right now we are just are meeting our recruiting needs. To do this we have lowered standards, lied to recruits and raised the age limits to the point that grandparents can now join the army as privates.
It is fantasy to pretend that we can find 100,000 new recruits, we are already having to pull out all the stops to get the 70,000 we need each year.
Even if we are able to find an extra 100,000 recruits, there is no chance that we can get them trained up and into the field within the time frame that he is claiming is critical.
It appears that the man who claimed to be leading the straight talk express, has switched trains to the double talk circle route. The end effect is to leave me wondering if the man who would be President is lying to me, or just stupid.
Tags
McCain
He has stated that he wants to add about 100,000 men to the Army and Marines, and then send 20,000 more troops into Iraq. McCain thinks that these extra troops may be what we need to win in Iraq. While he is promoting this idea he is also stressing that Iraq may be won or lost in the next ninety days.
There are a number of contradictions in his pronouncements that make you question his intelligence or honesty.
First, 20,000 men will not make any real difference. Prior to our attack of Iraq, war games studies and at least one very senior army officer stated that we would need over 400,000 troops to secure Iraq. The current security situation in Iraq is now far worse than it was in 2002. We have about 150,000 men in place, and to have any real impact we need at least 300,000 more. All putting 20,000 more men into Iraq will do is give the insurgents more targets.
The next point that I find highly questionable is the timing. McCain want to grow the Armed forces by 100,000 ground combat troops. This new growth is where the new men are suppose to come from.
The obvious contradiction comes from the fact that he is claiming that the next 90 days are critical to our success, then proposing a plan to meet out goals that will take far longer than three months to work. Right now we are just are meeting our recruiting needs. To do this we have lowered standards, lied to recruits and raised the age limits to the point that grandparents can now join the army as privates.
It is fantasy to pretend that we can find 100,000 new recruits, we are already having to pull out all the stops to get the 70,000 we need each year.
Even if we are able to find an extra 100,000 recruits, there is no chance that we can get them trained up and into the field within the time frame that he is claiming is critical.
It appears that the man who claimed to be leading the straight talk express, has switched trains to the double talk circle route. The end effect is to leave me wondering if the man who would be President is lying to me, or just stupid.
Tags
McCain
Faux News, Your Bias Is (Again) Showing
You look a lot more like Pravda of the 1970s than a real news network.
It seems that your VP of news has had one of his memo's go public, and it's political agenda is made very clear.
I have to wonder what type of outrage would be displayed from the right if any of the 'liberal' media outlets ever displayed such a calculated effort to pimp the news for one political party over another. What would happen if the head of NBC news, or PBS referred to Mel Martinez (R-Fl.) as a political hack.
In light of the past history of the Republican party, and their dealings with Armstrong Williams and other members of the media, you are left to wonder how much cash Fox news is getting for their propaganda efforts.
By the way, Fox did cover the Allen concession speech. The broadcast almost every second of the over thirty minute long event. Webb's victory speech, the covered it for ninety seconds, with no audio.
It seems that your VP of news has had one of his memo's go public, and it's political agenda is made very clear.
I have to wonder what type of outrage would be displayed from the right if any of the 'liberal' media outlets ever displayed such a calculated effort to pimp the news for one political party over another. What would happen if the head of NBC news, or PBS referred to Mel Martinez (R-Fl.) as a political hack.
In light of the past history of the Republican party, and their dealings with Armstrong Williams and other members of the media, you are left to wonder how much cash Fox news is getting for their propaganda efforts.
By the way, Fox did cover the Allen concession speech. The broadcast almost every second of the over thirty minute long event. Webb's victory speech, the covered it for ninety seconds, with no audio.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Right Wing Terrorist Arrested
The Republican terrorist who is suspected of mailing fake anthrax letters to democratic politicians and left leaning comedians has been arrested.
In what should not be a surprise to anyone, this nut-job also appears to have been an poster on the free republic forums and other right wing blogs.
Tags
Republicans
Investigators identified Chad Castagana, 39, of Woodland Hills, California, as the person suspected of sending more than a dozen threatening letters to media outlets and the homes of public figures in various cities, the FBI said in a statement on Sunday evening.
According to a federal search warrant, among those who received threatening letters were Jon Stewart of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show;" talk show host David Letterman; Keith Olbermann of MSNBC; Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, who is set to become Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, both Democrats.
In what should not be a surprise to anyone, this nut-job also appears to have been an poster on the free republic forums and other right wing blogs.
Tags
Republicans
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