No one that knew his situation could say that they didn't know this was coming. And amazing man has left us.
( I'm not a fan of racism, racist speech, or race baiting, but this has to be one of the greatest scenes that he ever did )
And while some conservatives are using the tragedy of his passing as a political tool, it should be pointed out that he never let his politics get in the way of an incredible performance. He didn't wear his Republican leanings on his sleeve. He was a true American and he will be missed.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Constitutional Ignorance
Why does Rand Paul hate the Constitution?
Think Progress details how the Constitution allows for this to happen.
Rand Paul is either completely ignorant of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution ( a document he allegedly loves and has read ) or he is taking the standard conservative route - overly simplistic solutions that "sound good" to your base but can't function as a real world solution.
One almost gets the feeling that Paul is testing the waters just to see how far Right Kentucky voters are willing to go. I've spoken with several staunch conservatives that I work with about Paul's views and his associations and I continually get the feeling that Republicans here either aren't willing to admit that they will vote for him or are thinking that he's so far to the Right that he's making conservatives look really bad.
Considering how Paul is fairing in Kentucky right now - he's only got a 4 point lead against Conway right now - I'm waiting for Fox"News" to do their big push in the Fall prior to the election. Are they going to stand with Rand Paul or completely ignore him? Considering their love for the Tea Baggers, they might want to tread lightly with this one.
Think Progress details how the Constitution allows for this to happen.
Under the 14th Amendment, “[a]ll persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” This language is unambiguous; it grants citizenship to all persons born in the US unless they are not subject to American “jurisdiction” — a very narrow exception that applies only to children of foreign diplomats and a handful of other people. Moreover, in U.S. v Wong Kim Ark and again in Plyer v. Doe, the Supreme Court firmly rejected the notion that persons born in the US are not citizens, regardless of the immigration status of their parents.
Rand Paul is either completely ignorant of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution ( a document he allegedly loves and has read ) or he is taking the standard conservative route - overly simplistic solutions that "sound good" to your base but can't function as a real world solution.
One almost gets the feeling that Paul is testing the waters just to see how far Right Kentucky voters are willing to go. I've spoken with several staunch conservatives that I work with about Paul's views and his associations and I continually get the feeling that Republicans here either aren't willing to admit that they will vote for him or are thinking that he's so far to the Right that he's making conservatives look really bad.
Considering how Paul is fairing in Kentucky right now - he's only got a 4 point lead against Conway right now - I'm waiting for Fox"News" to do their big push in the Fall prior to the election. Are they going to stand with Rand Paul or completely ignore him? Considering their love for the Tea Baggers, they might want to tread lightly with this one.
Letting It Happen
Because accountability is really a one-way street when it comes to conservatives
Fox"News" and all those in their employ can't seem to wrap their tiny little minds around the fact that this is not an easy fix, it's not the type of environment conducive of 100% accuracy from the start. We are dealing with a company that is in the business of protecting their own asses in favor of revealing exactly how dangerous this sort of operation is.
Bolling is a champion of the oil industry from the jump, no question about it, so his questioning of the Obama administration's motives surrounding the Gulf oil leak is to be expected. It's a lot like saying that Bush let the attacks on Sept. 11th 2001 happen just so he could advance his agenda. And that's the harsh truth that conservatives are going to have to face - that they've become what they claim to despise.
Fox"News" and all those in their employ can't seem to wrap their tiny little minds around the fact that this is not an easy fix, it's not the type of environment conducive of 100% accuracy from the start. We are dealing with a company that is in the business of protecting their own asses in favor of revealing exactly how dangerous this sort of operation is.
Bolling is a champion of the oil industry from the jump, no question about it, so his questioning of the Obama administration's motives surrounding the Gulf oil leak is to be expected. It's a lot like saying that Bush let the attacks on Sept. 11th 2001 happen just so he could advance his agenda. And that's the harsh truth that conservatives are going to have to face - that they've become what they claim to despise.
Some Thoughts For Your Morning
- Conservatives believe that everything in the world should be neatly compartmentalized, that everything has to be able to fall into a commercialized graphic so that we can utilize it in how we live our day to day lives. Their approach to our enemies is a great example of this. So, when John Brennan put our fight against our enemies into context, conservatives were simply unable to accept the reality laid bare before them since it completely destroyed their neatly arranged marketing set.
- I seems that there's more "evidence" that Nikki Haley - candidate for governor of South Carolina - did have an affair. I'm wondering when her apologists will make enough noise that she will get a full hour of attention from Sean Hannity or Glenn Beck on Fox"News" in order to do some serious damage control. You know it's coming.
- While I am completely in favor of immigration reform and laws that crack down on businesses that hire illegals and literally use them as near slave labor, I'm wondering why conservatives are treating this as vindication for Arizona's over-reaching law.
- With Republicans aching to regain control of The House Of Representatives, there are several bloggers ( myself included ) that feel if they do they will do nothing but try to bring about articles of impeachment. Don't expect them to make any headway, and progress ( because that's the root word for progressive, you know ) for this country - it's all about doing their best to destroy Obama.
- It seems that Sue Lowden isn't distancing herself from comments made by fellow Tea Bagger Rand Paul. In this respect, conservatives are much like an ostrich - just hide your face from the problem and it doesn't exist.
- I seems that there's more "evidence" that Nikki Haley - candidate for governor of South Carolina - did have an affair. I'm wondering when her apologists will make enough noise that she will get a full hour of attention from Sean Hannity or Glenn Beck on Fox"News" in order to do some serious damage control. You know it's coming.
- While I am completely in favor of immigration reform and laws that crack down on businesses that hire illegals and literally use them as near slave labor, I'm wondering why conservatives are treating this as vindication for Arizona's over-reaching law.
- With Republicans aching to regain control of The House Of Representatives, there are several bloggers ( myself included ) that feel if they do they will do nothing but try to bring about articles of impeachment. Don't expect them to make any headway, and progress ( because that's the root word for progressive, you know ) for this country - it's all about doing their best to destroy Obama.
- It seems that Sue Lowden isn't distancing herself from comments made by fellow Tea Bagger Rand Paul. In this respect, conservatives are much like an ostrich - just hide your face from the problem and it doesn't exist.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Some Thoughts For Your Evening
- Sharon Angle is positioning herself to be probably the biggest Tea Bagger on the planet. She favors everything from abolishing income tax to shutting down the Dept. of Education. Considering she has the backing of The Tea Party Express and Club For Growth, there's going to be a lot of money behind this woman. The next step will likely be a debut on Fox"News" where her ability to memorize the more fringe talking points will be tested. Let the background checking begin.
- Conservatives hate when they are in a position where they have to answer for the administration(s) they championed as "saviors for America" are actually culpable in tragedies for this country. They hate it so much that they refuse to answer such valid claims. This is no different when it comes to the well recorded history of impropriety of the Bush era MMS. Accountability - conservatives love to preach it but rarely ( if ever ) practice it.
- It will never cease to be funny - conservatives shouting that they demand action from the Obama administration and when there is action they engage in a collective whine that would make even the most grizzled of daycare workers scream in blood curdling horror. So, when Obama laid out some serious action regarding deep water drilling rigs, guess what happened?
- You would think that in the mostly advanced world that we live in today that Democrats would have evolved along with many of us in the liberal/progressive movement. This, however, simply isn't true, and the upcoming vote on the repeal of DADT is going to prove this. It appears that some House Democrats simply don't want to talk about repealing DADT. Far too many Dems are really good at talking a big game and not following through. They are almost as much trouble as the Republicans we have to deal with.
- Indoctrination and the modern conservative movement are quite comfortable bedfellows. Well, when it comes to indoctrination people into the "Christian lifestyle". Michelle Bachman, a very vocal opponent of Obama speaking to school kids via a video, is all in favor of military chaplains preaching at non-religious events.
- Conservatives hate when they are in a position where they have to answer for the administration(s) they championed as "saviors for America" are actually culpable in tragedies for this country. They hate it so much that they refuse to answer such valid claims. This is no different when it comes to the well recorded history of impropriety of the Bush era MMS. Accountability - conservatives love to preach it but rarely ( if ever ) practice it.
- It will never cease to be funny - conservatives shouting that they demand action from the Obama administration and when there is action they engage in a collective whine that would make even the most grizzled of daycare workers scream in blood curdling horror. So, when Obama laid out some serious action regarding deep water drilling rigs, guess what happened?
- You would think that in the mostly advanced world that we live in today that Democrats would have evolved along with many of us in the liberal/progressive movement. This, however, simply isn't true, and the upcoming vote on the repeal of DADT is going to prove this. It appears that some House Democrats simply don't want to talk about repealing DADT. Far too many Dems are really good at talking a big game and not following through. They are almost as much trouble as the Republicans we have to deal with.
- Indoctrination and the modern conservative movement are quite comfortable bedfellows. Well, when it comes to indoctrination people into the "Christian lifestyle". Michelle Bachman, a very vocal opponent of Obama speaking to school kids via a video, is all in favor of military chaplains preaching at non-religious events.
Escalation
It appears that Beck's conspiratorial rhetoric is at that point where the water on the stove is just seconds away from boiling over.
What is it going to take before people realize that Glenn Beck has pretty much crossed the line with statements like this? Who has to die - or better yet - how many people have to die before conservatives wake up and say "maybe it's not such a good idea to take this clown seriously"?
It wouldn't surprise me if, by the time the mid-term elections come around that conservatives don't' come close to the gains they think they deserve, that Beck actually starts calling for armed revolt. And living in one of the Reddest areas of Kentucky, it wouldn't surprise me to see it start right here.
What is it going to take before people realize that Glenn Beck has pretty much crossed the line with statements like this? Who has to die - or better yet - how many people have to die before conservatives wake up and say "maybe it's not such a good idea to take this clown seriously"?
It wouldn't surprise me if, by the time the mid-term elections come around that conservatives don't' come close to the gains they think they deserve, that Beck actually starts calling for armed revolt. And living in one of the Reddest areas of Kentucky, it wouldn't surprise me to see it start right here.
Unreported Extremists
I've met two Census workers in my neighborhood this month and both were very polite, not at all intrusive, and were generally nice people. I didn't feel threatened, like my personal liberties were be infringed upon, and the encounters left me with a sense that conservatives have really hyped these people up to be beasts to be feared.
Apparently there is still enough of that fear out there that Census workers have been attacked.
The later paragraph is going to give conservatives somewhat of an "out" when they are faced with the task of responding to information regarding Census workers being attacked. However, the level of hatred towards Census workers by the likes of Glenn Beck, Michelle Bachman, and Michelle Malkin leads me to believe that they won't be talking about reports of these attacks, as they have - in more ways than one - invited them.
Think Progress has more.
Apparently there is still enough of that fear out there that Census workers have been attacked.
In response to inquiries by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), Census Director Robert Groves said the bureau’s temporary workers knocking on doors to collect information have faced 29 threats involving a gun, four robberies and three instances of being held against their will or carjacked.
Bureau officials said the overall pattern and types of incidents are similar to the 2000 census, but cautioned this year’s figures are already much higher than ten years ago and include a mix of news accounts and formal reports to the bureau’s safety office.
The later paragraph is going to give conservatives somewhat of an "out" when they are faced with the task of responding to information regarding Census workers being attacked. However, the level of hatred towards Census workers by the likes of Glenn Beck, Michelle Bachman, and Michelle Malkin leads me to believe that they won't be talking about reports of these attacks, as they have - in more ways than one - invited them.
Think Progress has more.
Some Thoughts For Your Morning
- Looks like one of the leaders of the Republican party isn't entirely pleased with Rand Paul's performance. Mitch McConnell, Republican minority leader and Senator from Kentucky, is taking on Rand Paul on his home turf. This is going to get even more interesting the closer we get to November.
- Isn't it convenient when conservatives at Fox"News" continually use the "technical error" excuse? They are at it again after a video clip of Obama giving a commencement speech at West Point was used online and the applause was strangely absent. I guess that "zero tolerance" policy for these types of "mistakes" isn't working out so well.
- Looks like someone took Erick Erickson's "shotgun" threat to heart, only she ended up pulling it on the cops too. So are we going to stop allowing conservatives to claim that there is no violent actions be perpetrated by the Tea Baggers?
- Conservatives and Fox"News" are practically wetting their collective Depends in trying to claim that the Obama administration isn't doing anything about the Gulf oil spill. A Republican Congressman from Louisiana recently took after the President on the House floor in a seriously misleading tirade. The reality that every conservative in America is missing is that the government is actually doing a lot.
- There really is no Godwin's Law within the conservative realm. And with DADT finally on the chopping block, conservatives are all in when it comes to discussing the Nazis, gays, and the military.
- After Rand Paul's admission that he thinks that private businesses should be able to discriminate on the basis of race, and the rightfully ensuing media coverage, it appears that there is a shake-up within his campaign to try and find some people that will help control the message and perhaps shield Paul from any more justifiable criticism. The trouble with this new campaign structure is that one of the key players on Rand's team was the man that defended Ron Paul for taking donations from neo-Nazis.
- Isn't it convenient when conservatives at Fox"News" continually use the "technical error" excuse? They are at it again after a video clip of Obama giving a commencement speech at West Point was used online and the applause was strangely absent. I guess that "zero tolerance" policy for these types of "mistakes" isn't working out so well.
- Looks like someone took Erick Erickson's "shotgun" threat to heart, only she ended up pulling it on the cops too. So are we going to stop allowing conservatives to claim that there is no violent actions be perpetrated by the Tea Baggers?
- Conservatives and Fox"News" are practically wetting their collective Depends in trying to claim that the Obama administration isn't doing anything about the Gulf oil spill. A Republican Congressman from Louisiana recently took after the President on the House floor in a seriously misleading tirade. The reality that every conservative in America is missing is that the government is actually doing a lot.
- There really is no Godwin's Law within the conservative realm. And with DADT finally on the chopping block, conservatives are all in when it comes to discussing the Nazis, gays, and the military.
- After Rand Paul's admission that he thinks that private businesses should be able to discriminate on the basis of race, and the rightfully ensuing media coverage, it appears that there is a shake-up within his campaign to try and find some people that will help control the message and perhaps shield Paul from any more justifiable criticism. The trouble with this new campaign structure is that one of the key players on Rand's team was the man that defended Ron Paul for taking donations from neo-Nazis.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Some Thoughts For Your Afternoon
- In another example of how conservatives love to dish it out but can't take it, an unemployed man from Pennsylvania has been indicted for sending "harassing" emails to Republican Senator Jimm Bunning. I guess it's only conservatives that can express their outrage and not face criminal charges.
- Apparently writer Joe McGinniss has decided that living next door to Sarah Palin in Alaska is a great way to research her for his new book. And while this is already turning into a privacy invasion issue with Palin, the fact that she is discussing this with Glenn Beck tells me that McGinniss and his as yet written book will be a target for the mouth agape conservatives for quite some time. I'm guessing that Beck is going to formulate an elaborate conspiracy that ties together Joe, George Soros, Saul Alinsky, Progressive Bloggers, a mafia soldier from Queens, and the IMF.
- Granted, it's not Arizona, but this shows the far-reaching implications of the near fascist immigration law now in place there. It seems that officers in other states can't be bothered with facts regarding your citizenship if you're not white.
- It generally puts quite the smile on my face when I see conservatives continual use of Stimulus funds while they claim the program to be an abject failure. Texas governor Rick Perry continues to use these funds. He's attempting to balance his states' budget. What, a conservative not good with money? No, surely not.
- Conservatives and their media masters at Fox"News" have worked themselves into quite the lather over an alleged offer made to Joe Sestak by an unnamed person within the Obama administration. The only problem is that legal experts say this claim by conservatives and Fox is more than a little difficult to swallow. One of those contradicting the claims made by the likes of Dick Morris was a Bush ethics lawyer. Ouch.
- Like I've said before, no matter what Obama does, conservatives are going to complain. After word broke that 1200 troops would be sent to the southwest to help secure the border, Republicans began foaming at the mouth that it wasn't enough. Now the new talking point is that it's all an elaborate PR stunt. This is s typical response when conservatives lack any substantive retort. But this is just a first step of many more to come. Conservatives crave instant gratification because they lack the ability to successfully complete anything on their own.
- Apparently writer Joe McGinniss has decided that living next door to Sarah Palin in Alaska is a great way to research her for his new book. And while this is already turning into a privacy invasion issue with Palin, the fact that she is discussing this with Glenn Beck tells me that McGinniss and his as yet written book will be a target for the mouth agape conservatives for quite some time. I'm guessing that Beck is going to formulate an elaborate conspiracy that ties together Joe, George Soros, Saul Alinsky, Progressive Bloggers, a mafia soldier from Queens, and the IMF.
- Granted, it's not Arizona, but this shows the far-reaching implications of the near fascist immigration law now in place there. It seems that officers in other states can't be bothered with facts regarding your citizenship if you're not white.
- It generally puts quite the smile on my face when I see conservatives continual use of Stimulus funds while they claim the program to be an abject failure. Texas governor Rick Perry continues to use these funds. He's attempting to balance his states' budget. What, a conservative not good with money? No, surely not.
- Conservatives and their media masters at Fox"News" have worked themselves into quite the lather over an alleged offer made to Joe Sestak by an unnamed person within the Obama administration. The only problem is that legal experts say this claim by conservatives and Fox is more than a little difficult to swallow. One of those contradicting the claims made by the likes of Dick Morris was a Bush ethics lawyer. Ouch.
- Like I've said before, no matter what Obama does, conservatives are going to complain. After word broke that 1200 troops would be sent to the southwest to help secure the border, Republicans began foaming at the mouth that it wasn't enough. Now the new talking point is that it's all an elaborate PR stunt. This is s typical response when conservatives lack any substantive retort. But this is just a first step of many more to come. Conservatives crave instant gratification because they lack the ability to successfully complete anything on their own.
Representation At The Polls
Conservatives love to talk about taxes and how they are oppressed. I'm wondering how long it's going to take this idea to gain traction within the modern conservative movement.
For the past several years, it's been popular amongst the more wealthy within the conservative realm that most people in America don't pay taxes - at all. Unfortunately for them, this simply isn't true. While there are many in American that don't pay as much in taxes as others, anyone that has a job has a verifiable tax liability. From Social Security, Medicare, on down to state and local taxes, everyone pays in.
Yes, there are tax breaks and credits that many in America can take advantage of, but does that mean that they lack the right to have their vote count or have their voting rights diminished?
This is a perfect example of the class warfare and pure elitism that is perpetrated by modern conservatives. And while these are the same people that claim liberals/progressives are perpetrating class warfare, one has to marvel at the unblushing way that this argument is presented as a legitimate way to change this country.
For the past several years, it's been popular amongst the more wealthy within the conservative realm that most people in America don't pay taxes - at all. Unfortunately for them, this simply isn't true. While there are many in American that don't pay as much in taxes as others, anyone that has a job has a verifiable tax liability. From Social Security, Medicare, on down to state and local taxes, everyone pays in.
Yes, there are tax breaks and credits that many in America can take advantage of, but does that mean that they lack the right to have their vote count or have their voting rights diminished?
This is a perfect example of the class warfare and pure elitism that is perpetrated by modern conservatives. And while these are the same people that claim liberals/progressives are perpetrating class warfare, one has to marvel at the unblushing way that this argument is presented as a legitimate way to change this country.
Some Thoughts For Your Morning
- It's never been surprising to me that conservatives favor discrimination and often full-throated racism. But when a black man actually defends these actions, then that's when you have to start asking yourself "how is this possible".
- After hearing about this private meeting that Obama had with Republican Senators on NPR yesterday, I was fully prepared for one or more of the Republican "leaders" to talk about how Obama was this "angry black man". Didn't take too long for them to get pretty close to that description, as Senator Bob Corker claimed the exchange was "testy" during the NPR segment. It seems clear to me that Republicans ( whether they be elected officials or not ) have a difficult time distinguishing anger from constructive criticism.
- Conservative love Chris Christie. From his standpoint on public school teachers, this doesn't surprise me. But what gets me is his gimmicky nature, his willingness to create this gangster persona, and how he appears to want to take the state of New Jersey in the same direction that came pretty close to killing Colorado Springs.
- Again, the xenophobic and racist nature of the modern GOP comes out. It seems that they think only white Americans born in the US are "patriotic". This has been a key talking point with Republicans since Obama took office last year - that they ( white Republicans that is ) are somehow more patriotic than anyone else in this country. Guess they've never met any non-whites that have served in the military or the families of those that have died protecting the very freedom that allows them to be so insatiably stupid.
- Most everyone within the conservative realm are really wanting Obama to screw up in some fashion that will allow them to crow like Peter Pan on crystal meth for the next few years. Even if there are dead people, animals, and destroyed eco-systems, I think it's a safe bet that there are even conservatives praying to God that Obama fails in regards to the BP oil spill. But contrary to their talking points, the Obama administration has been doing more then most people realize.
- After hearing about this private meeting that Obama had with Republican Senators on NPR yesterday, I was fully prepared for one or more of the Republican "leaders" to talk about how Obama was this "angry black man". Didn't take too long for them to get pretty close to that description, as Senator Bob Corker claimed the exchange was "testy" during the NPR segment. It seems clear to me that Republicans ( whether they be elected officials or not ) have a difficult time distinguishing anger from constructive criticism.
- Conservative love Chris Christie. From his standpoint on public school teachers, this doesn't surprise me. But what gets me is his gimmicky nature, his willingness to create this gangster persona, and how he appears to want to take the state of New Jersey in the same direction that came pretty close to killing Colorado Springs.
- Again, the xenophobic and racist nature of the modern GOP comes out. It seems that they think only white Americans born in the US are "patriotic". This has been a key talking point with Republicans since Obama took office last year - that they ( white Republicans that is ) are somehow more patriotic than anyone else in this country. Guess they've never met any non-whites that have served in the military or the families of those that have died protecting the very freedom that allows them to be so insatiably stupid.
- Most everyone within the conservative realm are really wanting Obama to screw up in some fashion that will allow them to crow like Peter Pan on crystal meth for the next few years. Even if there are dead people, animals, and destroyed eco-systems, I think it's a safe bet that there are even conservatives praying to God that Obama fails in regards to the BP oil spill. But contrary to their talking points, the Obama administration has been doing more then most people realize.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
After Lost.....
I have to be honest - I haven't watched one episode of Lost since season three/episode 4. And while many will discount Abrams for shows like Alias and even the later seasons of Lost, I have to state that J. J. Abrams is probably one of the more original writers/directors working today. I'm really curious as to what his new project holds for us.
A prequel to Cloverfield? An homage to Spielberg ( who's apparently the executive producer ) films of the 70s? I guess we will see.
A prequel to Cloverfield? An homage to Spielberg ( who's apparently the executive producer ) films of the 70s? I guess we will see.
Some Thoughts For Your Evening
- Conservatives are still ignoring the realities of the DHS report on the escalation of Right Wing Extremism. Seems that they must think that Jerry Kane isn't worth looking at as yet another perfect example of how modern conservative ideology is radicalizing people.
- Now that Obama has promised to deploy as many as 1200 troops to the US/Mexico border as well as requesting hundreds of millions in funding, conservatives still think that this is all just theatrics. What does Obama have to do, build a fence along the entire boarder himself and pick up every illegal himself within the span of a weekend?
- Now that conservatives have suddenly become worried about budget deficits since Jan. 20th 2009, the predictably flaccid rhetoric from the GOP ( as well as their complete inaction on this issue ) has lead to this. When looking through the list of ways that the Republicans could allegedly save 1.3 trillion over 10 years seems more than just a shade disingenuous. And when one looks at this plan, you start to hear echoes of conservatives doubt of jobs that were "saved". Where the guarantee that this money will be saved? Oh, that's right, forgot about who I was talking about.
- They are few and far between, but there actually are Republicans out there that will go after Fox"News". But when their feet are held to the fire, they usually shrivel up like a slug with salt on its back. And if this guy gets Rush Limbaugh after him, then that will be the true test of a Republicans mettle. I'm guessing the walk-back will start within the next 24hrs.
- It's becoming ever clearer that Sarah Palin is an absolute train wreck outside the comfortable environs of Fox"News" and the editing suite. She recently gave a keynote address to ICSC RECon Conference and it was a complete disaster. And this isn't the first time and most certainly won't be the last. I'm wondering when these conference organizers are going to start asking for their money back.
- Now that Obama has promised to deploy as many as 1200 troops to the US/Mexico border as well as requesting hundreds of millions in funding, conservatives still think that this is all just theatrics. What does Obama have to do, build a fence along the entire boarder himself and pick up every illegal himself within the span of a weekend?
- Now that conservatives have suddenly become worried about budget deficits since Jan. 20th 2009, the predictably flaccid rhetoric from the GOP ( as well as their complete inaction on this issue ) has lead to this. When looking through the list of ways that the Republicans could allegedly save 1.3 trillion over 10 years seems more than just a shade disingenuous. And when one looks at this plan, you start to hear echoes of conservatives doubt of jobs that were "saved". Where the guarantee that this money will be saved? Oh, that's right, forgot about who I was talking about.
- They are few and far between, but there actually are Republicans out there that will go after Fox"News". But when their feet are held to the fire, they usually shrivel up like a slug with salt on its back. And if this guy gets Rush Limbaugh after him, then that will be the true test of a Republicans mettle. I'm guessing the walk-back will start within the next 24hrs.
- It's becoming ever clearer that Sarah Palin is an absolute train wreck outside the comfortable environs of Fox"News" and the editing suite. She recently gave a keynote address to ICSC RECon Conference and it was a complete disaster. And this isn't the first time and most certainly won't be the last. I'm wondering when these conference organizers are going to start asking for their money back.
Ignorant Of History
Count this as another example of a Tea Bagger that wants to rewrite well recorded history.
But now it appears that Hayworth is doing his best to spin this in his favor.
I reminded of a special program Beck did on history and how it's recorded. He attempted to use the example of a news story being put through "the system" so that video and audio footage, along with accompanying text, can be called up in a control room at will. The only problem with this rationalization is that he was setting himself up for failure from the start, by relying on discredited, misleading, and often completely false information.
The same is true for Hayworth. I'm not entirely sure where he came up with this notion that America never declared war on Germany, but it's almost a given that he is attempting to validate "The Bush Doctrine" that conservatives once claimed didn't exit ( when Sarah Palin made an abject fool of herself during her first interview with Charles Gibson ) but then later claimed was quite real and in the better interest of our nation.
In the end, conservatives have a real problem with the history of the world and more specifically the history of this nation. For people that claim to love it so unconditionally, you'd think they would get something like America's involvement in WWII correct.
But now it appears that Hayworth is doing his best to spin this in his favor.
The language of the two war resolutions is more or less identical, except for two lines: Japan “committed unprovoked acts of war against the Government and the people of the United States of America” and Germany “formally declared war against the government and the people of the United States of America:” Either way, in the lines that followed war was officially “declared.”
Hayworth is now attempting to split some hairs by saying he was referring to Roosevelt’s “message,” regarding Germany but the outcome, and the wording of the outcome, is the same. Probably in the future Hayworth should just stick with the basic facts and not attempt any frivolous interpretation.
I reminded of a special program Beck did on history and how it's recorded. He attempted to use the example of a news story being put through "the system" so that video and audio footage, along with accompanying text, can be called up in a control room at will. The only problem with this rationalization is that he was setting himself up for failure from the start, by relying on discredited, misleading, and often completely false information.
The same is true for Hayworth. I'm not entirely sure where he came up with this notion that America never declared war on Germany, but it's almost a given that he is attempting to validate "The Bush Doctrine" that conservatives once claimed didn't exit ( when Sarah Palin made an abject fool of herself during her first interview with Charles Gibson ) but then later claimed was quite real and in the better interest of our nation.
In the end, conservatives have a real problem with the history of the world and more specifically the history of this nation. For people that claim to love it so unconditionally, you'd think they would get something like America's involvement in WWII correct.
Projection On A Mass Scale
Anyone recall how often conservatives complained about Saul Alinsky prior to Obama's election? Me either.
Much in the same way that Fox"News" and the modern conservative movement have created elaborate webs of financial intrigue to suggest that George Soros owns everything in the world that is "evil", this notion that liberals/progressives ( en masse mind you ) are suddenly following Saul Alinsky as some kind of solar messiah is ridiculous beyond measure.
And to Beck's claim that his family is "in danger", I would have to say they are in no more danger than anyone of opposing political philosophy. This works for Beck, as it further pushes the narrative that all liberals/progressives are hell-bent on killing any and all conservatives that stand in their way.
Much in the same way that Fox"News" and the modern conservative movement have created elaborate webs of financial intrigue to suggest that George Soros owns everything in the world that is "evil", this notion that liberals/progressives ( en masse mind you ) are suddenly following Saul Alinsky as some kind of solar messiah is ridiculous beyond measure.
And to Beck's claim that his family is "in danger", I would have to say they are in no more danger than anyone of opposing political philosophy. This works for Beck, as it further pushes the narrative that all liberals/progressives are hell-bent on killing any and all conservatives that stand in their way.
Some Thoughts For Your Morning
- When reading something like this you get a much clearer picture as to why this is aptly referred to as Bush's oil disaster. After all, when your administration is allowing a regulatory body to shirk their duties, then you bare the lion's share of responsibility when a dangerous practice like off-shore drilling goes horribly wrong.
- I appears that we are close to an end of DADT. It wasn't until I became quite politically minded about my country that I started to ask this question - why would anyone deny a person to serve their country? After all, from my perspective at least, the implementation of this absurd law was one of the low points of the Clinton administration. And many of those that whole heartedly supported this law either never served in the armed forces or have a seriously canted perspective of what "patriotism" means.
- I'm not about to claim that all Republicans are guilty of sedition, but one has to but look back just a few years at the more reasoned and logical complaints of liberals/progressives against the Bush administration and realize that they pale in comparison to the level of vitriol and hate leveled at Barack Obama. Sedition? On the part of some, quite possibly. Ignorance? 100% across the board.
- Fox"News" loves the editing bay at the studios. They do their best to make Bill O'Reilly look like his brainstem is fully attached at least half the week. Palin can barely exist on her own outside of the Fox"News" environment without being heavily edited so it's a given that she needs it. But what Fox really loves to do is edit footage of Democrats in order to make a hamfisted point that their easily lead fanbase will accept as the gospel truth. This is no less true for what has recently been done to Obama when he gave the commencement speech at West Point.
- I can recall when AIDS was first spoken about in the media. I was quite young and didn't really comprehend that this was about to become a health issue of global proportions and that America was sitting idly on their hands while people died. I guess that South Carolina favors that stance again.
- I appears that we are close to an end of DADT. It wasn't until I became quite politically minded about my country that I started to ask this question - why would anyone deny a person to serve their country? After all, from my perspective at least, the implementation of this absurd law was one of the low points of the Clinton administration. And many of those that whole heartedly supported this law either never served in the armed forces or have a seriously canted perspective of what "patriotism" means.
- I'm not about to claim that all Republicans are guilty of sedition, but one has to but look back just a few years at the more reasoned and logical complaints of liberals/progressives against the Bush administration and realize that they pale in comparison to the level of vitriol and hate leveled at Barack Obama. Sedition? On the part of some, quite possibly. Ignorance? 100% across the board.
- Fox"News" loves the editing bay at the studios. They do their best to make Bill O'Reilly look like his brainstem is fully attached at least half the week. Palin can barely exist on her own outside of the Fox"News" environment without being heavily edited so it's a given that she needs it. But what Fox really loves to do is edit footage of Democrats in order to make a hamfisted point that their easily lead fanbase will accept as the gospel truth. This is no less true for what has recently been done to Obama when he gave the commencement speech at West Point.
- I can recall when AIDS was first spoken about in the media. I was quite young and didn't really comprehend that this was about to become a health issue of global proportions and that America was sitting idly on their hands while people died. I guess that South Carolina favors that stance again.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Monday Music: feat The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Never really gave The Yeah Yeah Yeahs a chance until a year or so ago. I'm really glad I did.
Great Action Film......
....or greatest action film?
I'm hearing rumors that Segal and Van Damme turned this down. The action genre box office patron will likely explode when this hit theatres, but if rumors prove to be true then this could have been probably more insane and more of a cash cow than Avatar. Maybe? Who knows now.
I'm hearing rumors that Segal and Van Damme turned this down. The action genre box office patron will likely explode when this hit theatres, but if rumors prove to be true then this could have been probably more insane and more of a cash cow than Avatar. Maybe? Who knows now.
Former Guest Host?
I'm wondering how much longer Mark Davis is going to be a guest host on Limbaugh's program.
He really thinks that Meet The Press is a "hostile" program? He really thinks that liberals are "treated better" on Fox"News"? Who the hell is this clown?
Granted, the caller appears to be the standard "Ditto-Head" that lacks the ability to rub two neurotransmitters together to create an original and cohesive thought, but for Davis to claim that asking relevant questions to a political candidate is "hostile" is to be more divorced from reality than most people that watched "Flavor Of Love" and thought it to be compelling television.
In the end, Davis' criticisms of Paul's whimping-out of appearing on Meet The Press will likely cause him to see a decline in his guest hosting duties.
He really thinks that Meet The Press is a "hostile" program? He really thinks that liberals are "treated better" on Fox"News"? Who the hell is this clown?
Granted, the caller appears to be the standard "Ditto-Head" that lacks the ability to rub two neurotransmitters together to create an original and cohesive thought, but for Davis to claim that asking relevant questions to a political candidate is "hostile" is to be more divorced from reality than most people that watched "Flavor Of Love" and thought it to be compelling television.
In the end, Davis' criticisms of Paul's whimping-out of appearing on Meet The Press will likely cause him to see a decline in his guest hosting duties.
Republicans And The Internet
Seems that Republicans have a difficult time not only understanding how the internet works, but how to process criticism on the internet without turning it into a grand Glenn Beck style conspiracy.
Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but doesn't this seem to be not only a blatantly hypocritial move on the part of Corbett but an egregious misuse of grand jury power?
Republicans are no strangers to whisper campaigns, smear tactics, and simply coming out in unblushing fashion in level all sorts of specious and outright false accusations against opponents. So why the righteous indignation on the part of Corbett?
With Republicans clamouring to misinform their constituency regarding a multitude of issues, the internet really isn't something they should be toying with in this fashion. After all, since freedom of speech is an alleged cornerstone of conservative thought, it really doesn't serve their cause well by attacking those that exercise it.
Pennsylvania prosecutors are dropping their grand jury subpoena to Twitter demanding the identity of two account holders who used the microblogging service to criticize Attorney General Tom Corbett, a spokesman said Friday.
Corbett, the Republican candidate for governor, was seeking to unmask the account holders ahead of Friday’s sentencing of Brett Cott, whom Corbett targeted in a political corruption investigation.
Corbett wanted to know if Cott was the one anonymously disparaging Corbett and the ongoing probe, Corbett spokesman Kevin Harley said in a telephone interview. Prosecutors believed that linking Cott to one of the Twitter accounts criticizing Corbett would show the defendant had a bad attitude that should earn him a higher sentence, Harley said.
Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but doesn't this seem to be not only a blatantly hypocritial move on the part of Corbett but an egregious misuse of grand jury power?
Republicans are no strangers to whisper campaigns, smear tactics, and simply coming out in unblushing fashion in level all sorts of specious and outright false accusations against opponents. So why the righteous indignation on the part of Corbett?
With Republicans clamouring to misinform their constituency regarding a multitude of issues, the internet really isn't something they should be toying with in this fashion. After all, since freedom of speech is an alleged cornerstone of conservative thought, it really doesn't serve their cause well by attacking those that exercise it.
Test Results
Not sure I agree with all this.....
The obsessive-compulsive I can almost see, but anti-social? Talk about WAY off the mark.
( h/t to blog-friend Calvin and his Canadian Cave of Cool spot )
| Disorder | Rating |
| Paranoid: | Low |
| Schizoid: | Low |
| Schizotypal: | Moderate |
| Antisocial: | High |
| Borderline: | Low |
| Histrionic: | Low |
| Narcissistic: | Moderate |
| Avoidant: | Low |
| Dependent: | Low |
| Obsessive-Compulsive: | High |
-- Personality Disorder Test -- -- Personality Disorder Information -- | |
The obsessive-compulsive I can almost see, but anti-social? Talk about WAY off the mark.
( h/t to blog-friend Calvin and his Canadian Cave of Cool spot )
Some Thoughts For Your Afternoon
- Now that Arizona is all about being a "white/English" only state in many regards, they having been going after courses that simply study other ethnicities. This is a clear reminder that conservatives have absolutely no desire to learn about the world around them but instead favor ignorance.
- Is anyone else ready for someone to do some fact checking of Zev Chafet's new book about Rush Limbaugh? I'm thinking that there's more than a healthy dose of textual hand-jobbery going on with this one. After all, Limbaugh's not going to invite a guys to his home that's going to write and honest and revealing book about him.
- Rand Paul thinks that answering legitimate questions from an actual journalist is torture? This doesn't surprise me, as conservatives have always attempted to compensate for their lack of accountability and lack of basic understand of how this country works in the 21st century by claiming there's this malevolent left-wing media bias.
- Everytime I hear conservatives claim that the entire country should follow Arizona's example of handling "immigration", I'm often reminded of the classic saying of "be careful what you wish for". Seems that now "anchor babies" are being targeted by the law. Guess which prominent conservative blogger/pundit is an anchor baby - Michelle Malkin. Someone should really press her on this aspect of Arizona's draconian stance.
- Whenever I hear a reactionary conservative talking about the alleged problems with the "constitutionality" of a piece of legislation, the more i'm inclined to think they are just opposing this to oppose it or they are so outside the pulse of modern America that they are wanting to sound far more educated on the Constitution than they really are. Dick Armey is no exception to this rule.
- The IFC media project series airs tonight with a special called "War, Fear, Greed, and Disaster". Max Blumenthal has a great segment in it that is not to be missed. If you're lucky enough to have IFC in your cable package, be sure and check this out tonight at 8pm EST.
- Is anyone else ready for someone to do some fact checking of Zev Chafet's new book about Rush Limbaugh? I'm thinking that there's more than a healthy dose of textual hand-jobbery going on with this one. After all, Limbaugh's not going to invite a guys to his home that's going to write and honest and revealing book about him.
- Rand Paul thinks that answering legitimate questions from an actual journalist is torture? This doesn't surprise me, as conservatives have always attempted to compensate for their lack of accountability and lack of basic understand of how this country works in the 21st century by claiming there's this malevolent left-wing media bias.
- Everytime I hear conservatives claim that the entire country should follow Arizona's example of handling "immigration", I'm often reminded of the classic saying of "be careful what you wish for". Seems that now "anchor babies" are being targeted by the law. Guess which prominent conservative blogger/pundit is an anchor baby - Michelle Malkin. Someone should really press her on this aspect of Arizona's draconian stance.
- Whenever I hear a reactionary conservative talking about the alleged problems with the "constitutionality" of a piece of legislation, the more i'm inclined to think they are just opposing this to oppose it or they are so outside the pulse of modern America that they are wanting to sound far more educated on the Constitution than they really are. Dick Armey is no exception to this rule.
- The IFC media project series airs tonight with a special called "War, Fear, Greed, and Disaster". Max Blumenthal has a great segment in it that is not to be missed. If you're lucky enough to have IFC in your cable package, be sure and check this out tonight at 8pm EST.
Jesus Will Help Her, Or Something
And while it's not beyond the pale for a conservative Republican to have an extra-marital affair and lie about it, the accuser's statements really don't shine a great light of credibility on him either.
This, of course, gives Sarah Palin the perfect opportunity to shelter Haley as she has just recently endorsed her.
Palin ( or her ghost-writer ) took to the hallowed confines of Facebook to discuss the "convenience" of Folk's claims and the fact that he is unwilling to expound on them. For once, and only once, I find myself in an agreement of sorts with Palin. After all, if he's got the goods on Haley I say let them out. But would it really matter if she had cheated on her husband? I'm sure that this will be good for a few news cycles on O'Reilly and Hannity for Palin to talk about "god", "faith", and those nasty liberals.
But here's the catch - what if it's true?
A political blogger and former aide to Gov. Mark Sanford claims to have had a past romantic relationship with Republican gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley. Haley, who is married and has two children, "emphatically" denied the claim Monday morning.
"Several years ago, prior to my marriage, I had an inappropriate physical relationship with Nikki," Will Folks announced Monday morning on his political blog, FITSNews. Folks said political opponents of Haley and himself were leaking evidence of the affair to the press, and claimed the story would've come out this week no matter what.
"I will not be discussing the details of that relationship, nor will I be granting any additional interviews about it to members of the media beyond what I have already been compelled to confirm," Folks continued. The blogger gave no proof of the relationship, which he claims took place when he worked for Haley in 2007.
This, of course, gives Sarah Palin the perfect opportunity to shelter Haley as she has just recently endorsed her.
Palin ( or her ghost-writer ) took to the hallowed confines of Facebook to discuss the "convenience" of Folk's claims and the fact that he is unwilling to expound on them. For once, and only once, I find myself in an agreement of sorts with Palin. After all, if he's got the goods on Haley I say let them out. But would it really matter if she had cheated on her husband? I'm sure that this will be good for a few news cycles on O'Reilly and Hannity for Palin to talk about "god", "faith", and those nasty liberals.
But here's the catch - what if it's true?
Just The Facts Ma'am
It appears that Sarah Palin could use a a little education when it comes to campaign donations and her own party.
***click link to watch clip***
Conservatives are already rallying to Palin's defense, even though her abject ignorance is so blisteringly obvious.
One can't but laugh at Palin even trying to pass this off as fact - that Republican's somehow aren't the party of "big oil". I mean, this is the woman that coined the "drill, baby, drill" mantra and she says that Obama and BP are in bed together. I'm certain that even Todd Palin knows that Sarah prefers to spoon with the oil execs over him most nights.
***click link to watch clip***
So far in 2010, the oil and gas industries have contributed $12.8 million to all candidates, with 71% of that money going to Republicans. During the 2008 election cycle, 77% of the industry’s $35.6 million in contributions went to Republicans, and in the 2008 presidential contest, Republican candidate Sen. John McCain received more than twice as much money from the oil and gas industries as Obama: McCain collected $2.4 million; Obama, $898,000
Conservatives are already rallying to Palin's defense, even though her abject ignorance is so blisteringly obvious.
One can't but laugh at Palin even trying to pass this off as fact - that Republican's somehow aren't the party of "big oil". I mean, this is the woman that coined the "drill, baby, drill" mantra and she says that Obama and BP are in bed together. I'm certain that even Todd Palin knows that Sarah prefers to spoon with the oil execs over him most nights.
Some Thoughts For Your Morning
- Micheal Steele takes issue with Rand Paul's comments on discrimination by private businesses but can't openly condemn them. Steele doesn't seem to have a problem condemning the Obama administration on a multitude of policies but as a black man in America he can't distance himself from Paul's blatant racial animus? That's GOP "leadership" for you.
- Talk about a serious lack of "spine". I mean, if Rand Paul is afraid of facing David Gregory in Meet The Press, then you won't last one term as a Senator.
- And right on cue, Sarah Palin ran to Rand Paul's defense on Fox"News" claiming that Rachel Maddow was being unfair and playing "gotcha" by asking a completely legitimate question. The bulk of conservatives are following this same narrative line and showing that they are willing to accept racial divisiveness with open arms.
- With conservatives all up in arms regarding illegal immigration and deportation of illegals, one has to question why these same people aren't being honest about the fact that the US has deported more illegals in an upward trend since 2009.
- No matter what Obama does, conservatives are going to complain about him and his administration. Now, they are claiming that he is hiding because he hasn't held an official press conference since last summer. I have to say that there are far more important things that the president needs to be doing rather than taking questions from the press pool right now.
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- Talk about a serious lack of "spine". I mean, if Rand Paul is afraid of facing David Gregory in Meet The Press, then you won't last one term as a Senator.
- And right on cue, Sarah Palin ran to Rand Paul's defense on Fox"News" claiming that Rachel Maddow was being unfair and playing "gotcha" by asking a completely legitimate question. The bulk of conservatives are following this same narrative line and showing that they are willing to accept racial divisiveness with open arms.
- With conservatives all up in arms regarding illegal immigration and deportation of illegals, one has to question why these same people aren't being honest about the fact that the US has deported more illegals in an upward trend since 2009.
- No matter what Obama does, conservatives are going to complain about him and his administration. Now, they are claiming that he is hiding because he hasn't held an official press conference since last summer. I have to say that there are far more important things that the president needs to be doing rather than taking questions from the press pool right now.
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Friday, May 21, 2010
Ill Informed Electorate
Having lived in Kentucky my entire life, I feel I have a pretty good grasp of who is and who isn't going to support a Republican candidate for office. This is no different with Rand Paul.
And while some will argue that the state is populated with nothing but sister-shagging rednecks, it should be pointed out that in places like Lexington, Louisville, and Bowling Green you'll likely find a healthy dose of people that realize we are living in the 21st century and have the ability to reason and articulate themselves. These people are called Democrats. It's just a shame there aren't more of them here.
And leave it up to Republicans from my state to actually support Rand Paul, a man who has a lot of explaining to do regarding not only his stance on Civil Rights and how non-whites can/should be treated by private businesses, but his stance on how businesses should be punished ( or not ) for threats to the environment like the current situation in the Gulf. It seems that it's "un-american" to hold a company accountable for a massive ecological disaster that they caused.
But as Paul furiously walks back his comments regarding racist business practices ( that he openly said would be abided in a "free society" ) I'm of the opinion that Republicans in Kentucky think the same way.
And while early polling show that Paul has a fairly substantial lead against Conway ( amongst "likely voters" he's ahead by some 25% ) I'm wondering exactly how that squares with the fact that 50% more Democrats came out to give Conway the primary win this week. Also, considering Paul's stance on a variety of issues from privatizing Social Security and the Fire Department to his viewpoints on Medicare, you would think that Kentucky Republicans would want to really consider who and what they are voting for. But this is Republicans from Kentucky we're talking about.
I'm sure that many would say that it's rather unfair to use such broad brush-strokes when painting a picture of conservative people in the Bluegrass State, but when you have the unique perspective of the state like I do, you begin to realize that there is more than just a grain of truth to the stereotype. Ever since Obama's election, the seething cauldron of hatred and racial animus within my state has gone from a steady, rolling, boil to an all out explosion of ignorance. Is Rand Paul really what Kentucky needs right now? He certainly isn't making us look any better, that's for sure.
And while some will argue that the state is populated with nothing but sister-shagging rednecks, it should be pointed out that in places like Lexington, Louisville, and Bowling Green you'll likely find a healthy dose of people that realize we are living in the 21st century and have the ability to reason and articulate themselves. These people are called Democrats. It's just a shame there aren't more of them here.
And leave it up to Republicans from my state to actually support Rand Paul, a man who has a lot of explaining to do regarding not only his stance on Civil Rights and how non-whites can/should be treated by private businesses, but his stance on how businesses should be punished ( or not ) for threats to the environment like the current situation in the Gulf. It seems that it's "un-american" to hold a company accountable for a massive ecological disaster that they caused.
But as Paul furiously walks back his comments regarding racist business practices ( that he openly said would be abided in a "free society" ) I'm of the opinion that Republicans in Kentucky think the same way.
And while early polling show that Paul has a fairly substantial lead against Conway ( amongst "likely voters" he's ahead by some 25% ) I'm wondering exactly how that squares with the fact that 50% more Democrats came out to give Conway the primary win this week. Also, considering Paul's stance on a variety of issues from privatizing Social Security and the Fire Department to his viewpoints on Medicare, you would think that Kentucky Republicans would want to really consider who and what they are voting for. But this is Republicans from Kentucky we're talking about.
I'm sure that many would say that it's rather unfair to use such broad brush-strokes when painting a picture of conservative people in the Bluegrass State, but when you have the unique perspective of the state like I do, you begin to realize that there is more than just a grain of truth to the stereotype. Ever since Obama's election, the seething cauldron of hatred and racial animus within my state has gone from a steady, rolling, boil to an all out explosion of ignorance. Is Rand Paul really what Kentucky needs right now? He certainly isn't making us look any better, that's for sure.
Some Thoughts For Your Morning
- Rand Paul's viewpoints on racism and discrimination really don't surprise me, so it was almost to be expected that he would have connection with a radical religious group that advocates a return to slavery and the stoning of homosexuals.
- Call it another instance of "buyer's remorse" now that conservatives are engaging in a collective whine now that Scott Brown has voted with Democrats to help pass financial regulation. Seems that the proverbial "Scott heard 'round the world" meme didn't really pan out for them. Kind of makes me wonder why they're so jazzed up about November.
- Glenn Beck's personal "war on the dollar" is slowly starting to look like a losing battle, thanks in part to Congressman Anthony Weiner. The scam that Beck is perpetrating on America is one that other conservatives are happy to take part in. People like domestic terrorist G. Gordon Liddy and Sean Hannity regularly pimp gold coins as investments as well.
- Rush Limbaugh ( in typical fashion, mind you ) claims that the second grade girl that mentioned her mother's illegal status to Michelle Obama was a plant. This is s rather common conservative tactic when they are lacking in ability to add any form of rational discourse to the national discussion. And while these allegations are always false, they do work on the easily lead, mouth agape, conservative voters that lack any form of bone marrow intelligence.
- Chalk this up to another example of assassination hungry conservatives behaving in ways that Republicans would scream over had this been done to them. They certainly think this sort of behavior is appropriate now.
- Ever since conservatives had their asses handed to them on a platter in November 2008, they have been all about the length of proposed legislation and who has and who hasn't read said legislation. In that regard it's quite puzzling that a prominent conservative blogger turned CNN pundit would highlight ( literally ) a segment of a Rand Paul statement about the Civil Rights Act where he quite clearly claims he hasn't read it all "because it was passed 40 years ago". Is there a statute of limitations on the readability of the English language in the conservative realm?
- Call it another instance of "buyer's remorse" now that conservatives are engaging in a collective whine now that Scott Brown has voted with Democrats to help pass financial regulation. Seems that the proverbial "Scott heard 'round the world" meme didn't really pan out for them. Kind of makes me wonder why they're so jazzed up about November.
- Glenn Beck's personal "war on the dollar" is slowly starting to look like a losing battle, thanks in part to Congressman Anthony Weiner. The scam that Beck is perpetrating on America is one that other conservatives are happy to take part in. People like domestic terrorist G. Gordon Liddy and Sean Hannity regularly pimp gold coins as investments as well.
- Rush Limbaugh ( in typical fashion, mind you ) claims that the second grade girl that mentioned her mother's illegal status to Michelle Obama was a plant. This is s rather common conservative tactic when they are lacking in ability to add any form of rational discourse to the national discussion. And while these allegations are always false, they do work on the easily lead, mouth agape, conservative voters that lack any form of bone marrow intelligence.
- Chalk this up to another example of assassination hungry conservatives behaving in ways that Republicans would scream over had this been done to them. They certainly think this sort of behavior is appropriate now.
- Ever since conservatives had their asses handed to them on a platter in November 2008, they have been all about the length of proposed legislation and who has and who hasn't read said legislation. In that regard it's quite puzzling that a prominent conservative blogger turned CNN pundit would highlight ( literally ) a segment of a Rand Paul statement about the Civil Rights Act where he quite clearly claims he hasn't read it all "because it was passed 40 years ago". Is there a statute of limitations on the readability of the English language in the conservative realm?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Defending Institutional Racism
It's almost a given now that Kentucky is going to be watched very closely by the media, considering Rand Paul won the primary this week for the Republican Senate seat. And with such attention to Paul, the conservative movement will be all in a frenzy to defend his every word and action. It's already starting.
Here's Rachel Maddow's fantastic interview with Paul. You get the sense that he has really met his match with this one.
"First Floor Jobs"? Do they get their own drinking fountain as well?
As Paul says, "isn't it interesting" that he would never once answer Rachel's questions - not once. But as any person watching this show that wasn't about to attempt to defend Paul's stance on Civil Rights would see, he is completely in favor of anyone that owns a business to discriminate against anyone they don't agree with.
I'm reminded of signs in restaurants that read "management reserves the right....". One could say that Paul takes that stance to it's utmost extreme ends. While he has been quite clear of what he thinks is acceptable behavior by private business, it appears that some former Tea Bagger heroes are distancing themselves from Paul's point of view.
It's quite clear that Paul is completely fine with racism as long as it's not in a "publicly owned" area.
Here's Rachel Maddow's fantastic interview with Paul. You get the sense that he has really met his match with this one.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
"First Floor Jobs"? Do they get their own drinking fountain as well?
As Paul says, "isn't it interesting" that he would never once answer Rachel's questions - not once. But as any person watching this show that wasn't about to attempt to defend Paul's stance on Civil Rights would see, he is completely in favor of anyone that owns a business to discriminate against anyone they don't agree with.
I'm reminded of signs in restaurants that read "management reserves the right....". One could say that Paul takes that stance to it's utmost extreme ends. While he has been quite clear of what he thinks is acceptable behavior by private business, it appears that some former Tea Bagger heroes are distancing themselves from Paul's point of view.
It's quite clear that Paul is completely fine with racism as long as it's not in a "publicly owned" area.
Some Thoughts For Your Morning
- Apparently today is "Everyone Draw Mohammed" Day. It's a conservative idea in order to piss off "the terrorists" and see what they might do in return. It's also a petty and childish way to approach those that abuse the Islamic faith in order to justify radicalism and killing people. So I think those of us that see this as the pointless exercise that it is should do a "Everybody Draw Jesus" day where we can be just as offensive to "Christians". And while I don't have any empathy towards those that would kill anyone in the name of Islam, I find that conservatives acting in such a manner really don't do America an good by acting this way.
- Why is BP preventing journalists from viewing the damage that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is causing? I heard yesterday afternoon on NPR that initial estimates from BP on the amount of oil being pumped into the ocean are so radically off that one has to question whether or not this issue is going to be resolved within even this year.
- Does Fox"News" even know what an apology is? When a person is honest about their country and what is going on, does that really merit this type of misleading reportage? After all, there hasn't been one instance of Obama doing or saying anything that remotely sounds like an apology.
- For the longest time, I have asked myself why any black man or woman would actively be a Republican. And while many conservatives will say that it was a Republican that freed the slaves and that the GOP were huge backers of Civil Rights, to hear Micheal Steele flop around on the issue of who blacks should support makes me wonder is he even knows what country he is living in.
- Why is BP preventing journalists from viewing the damage that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is causing? I heard yesterday afternoon on NPR that initial estimates from BP on the amount of oil being pumped into the ocean are so radically off that one has to question whether or not this issue is going to be resolved within even this year.
- Does Fox"News" even know what an apology is? When a person is honest about their country and what is going on, does that really merit this type of misleading reportage? After all, there hasn't been one instance of Obama doing or saying anything that remotely sounds like an apology.
- For the longest time, I have asked myself why any black man or woman would actively be a Republican. And while many conservatives will say that it was a Republican that freed the slaves and that the GOP were huge backers of Civil Rights, to hear Micheal Steele flop around on the issue of who blacks should support makes me wonder is he even knows what country he is living in.
Spastic
For those of you that actually read all the random and often rambling stuff I post, you’ll likely notice that my pieces are becoming more infrequent. Unfortunately, I actually have a job outside of blogging and it’s taking up more and more of my time. I’m still going to be doing this though throughout the day when time permits, so don’t go thinking the world is about to end. And speaking of work, I’ve got lots to do right now.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Some Thoughts For Your Morning
- Is it just me, or is anyone else troubled that Bristol Palin is going to make more money per speech than the average public school teacher makes in one year? Don't you just love conservative's version of "America".
- Considering that Fox"News" viewers favor ratings over accuracy, I'm curious as to what they have to say about Glenn Beck's continuing decline in the former category? It's almost a given that they won't care and Beck will likely attribute this to come Marxist/Communist/Maoist/Fascist/Socialist/Nazi/Stalinist/Leninist/Progressive plot.
- While some conservatives are crowing like Peter Pan on crack about Rand Paul's primary win against Trey Grayson last night, one has to wonder why they haven't noticed that around 50% more Democrats turned out to vote than Republicans.
- And right on cue, Fox"News" and conservatives run to the defense of Miss USA runner up Morgan Elizabeth Woolard. She certainly has her talking points in order more than Carrie Prejean did, and the Three Stooges of Morning TV are more than willing to hold her hand and help her out.
- Glenn Beck, who is enjoying his worst ratings since starting with Fox"News" has now turned to the lead astro-turfing organization for the Tea Baggers, FreedomWorks for support. And while Beck has made a nice sum of money off the paranoia of the Tea Baggers, it seems that he's finally realizing he can tap into more cash by latching onto Dick Armey.
- Considering that Fox"News" viewers favor ratings over accuracy, I'm curious as to what they have to say about Glenn Beck's continuing decline in the former category? It's almost a given that they won't care and Beck will likely attribute this to come Marxist/Communist/Maoist/Fascist/Socialist/Nazi/Stalinist/Leninist/Progressive plot.
- While some conservatives are crowing like Peter Pan on crack about Rand Paul's primary win against Trey Grayson last night, one has to wonder why they haven't noticed that around 50% more Democrats turned out to vote than Republicans.
- And right on cue, Fox"News" and conservatives run to the defense of Miss USA runner up Morgan Elizabeth Woolard. She certainly has her talking points in order more than Carrie Prejean did, and the Three Stooges of Morning TV are more than willing to hold her hand and help her out.
- Glenn Beck, who is enjoying his worst ratings since starting with Fox"News" has now turned to the lead astro-turfing organization for the Tea Baggers, FreedomWorks for support. And while Beck has made a nice sum of money off the paranoia of the Tea Baggers, it seems that he's finally realizing he can tap into more cash by latching onto Dick Armey.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
For White Girls Only
Seems that conservatives will do anything to defend white women and their indiscretions of the past while others just simply have to take all the vitriol they dish out.
And while Fox"News" and their compatriots over at Fox Nation ( you know, that place where they don't have to pretend to be "fair and balanced" anymore ) are using the completely clothed in pictures from the pole-dancing party to insinuate that Fakih is somehow unfit to be MISS USA, they are also insists that she supports Hezbollah.
So since I grew up in a strict conservative family and my brother is an unblushing racists, does that make me one too? Of course it doesn't, so the guilt by associate meme ( that conservative continually claim never applies to them ) is fully in play here. There is absolutely no piece of verifiable evidence that Fakih supports Hezbollah, or Al Queada, the PLO, or even the Tooth Fairy or Jack Frost. Then again, all we need is a very vague corollary based on the alleged "norm" for people with a large family with Lebanese heritage.
Does the hypocrisy against non-conservative women get any more blatant?
Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih was a contestant in a stripping contest sponsored by a Detroit radio station, MyFOXDC.com is reporting.
Fakih appears in several photos on Mojointhemorning.com, a morning show on Detroit's Channel 955.
Two of the photos are from a strip tease contest held in 2007, and show Fakih performing on a stripper pole in front of an audience of women dressed in their underwear.
And while Fox"News" and their compatriots over at Fox Nation ( you know, that place where they don't have to pretend to be "fair and balanced" anymore ) are using the completely clothed in pictures from the pole-dancing party to insinuate that Fakih is somehow unfit to be MISS USA, they are also insists that she supports Hezbollah.
Local officials said the Fakih family is one of the largest in the village that has a population of about 10,000 people and surrounding areas. As is common among Lebanon's Shiites, Fakih comes from a large, extended clan that includes everything from supporters of the Islamic militant groups Hezbollah and Amal to secular Shiites and even communists.
So since I grew up in a strict conservative family and my brother is an unblushing racists, does that make me one too? Of course it doesn't, so the guilt by associate meme ( that conservative continually claim never applies to them ) is fully in play here. There is absolutely no piece of verifiable evidence that Fakih supports Hezbollah, or Al Queada, the PLO, or even the Tooth Fairy or Jack Frost. Then again, all we need is a very vague corollary based on the alleged "norm" for people with a large family with Lebanese heritage.
Does the hypocrisy against non-conservative women get any more blatant?
Realities In Stereotyping
Wow. Just, WOW.
Cause them there boys and their fancy book-learnin' ain't gonna mean one droplet uh horse puckey up against this here riffle. Ye haw!!!!
Cause them there boys and their fancy book-learnin' ain't gonna mean one droplet uh horse puckey up against this here riffle. Ye haw!!!!
Isn't This "Interesting"
I'm wondering why we aren't hearing these numbers touted by Fox"News"? After all, this is their own poll.
So, Caribou Barbie is still in third place when it comes to Presidential contenders on the Right ( I suppose conservatives favor her to be lifetime dictator for the movement instead ) and Obama actually has an overall rating of 53%? But this can't be true. I mean, what about all those times Rasmussen told us that he was in the 40s?
Overall, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (42 percent favorable) has the highest favorable rating of the potential 2012 Republican candidates in the poll. He is followed closely by former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney (40 percent favorable) and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (37 percent favorable). About a third of voters have a positive view of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (32 percent favorable).
Among only Republicans, Palin (65 percent favorable) and Huckabee (64 percent favorable) lead the field — topping Romney (59 percent favorable) and Gingrich (51 percent).
By comparison, President Obama has a 53 percent favorable rating overall, and a 91 percent favorable among Democrats. Twenty-eight percent of voters have a positive view of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as do 49 percent of Democrats.
So, Caribou Barbie is still in third place when it comes to Presidential contenders on the Right ( I suppose conservatives favor her to be lifetime dictator for the movement instead ) and Obama actually has an overall rating of 53%? But this can't be true. I mean, what about all those times Rasmussen told us that he was in the 40s?
Some Thoughts For Your Morning
- If companies weren't so eager to waste money on people like Bristol Palin and instead help pump it back into the economy on projects that actually matter, I'm pretty sure our economy would be turning around a lot faster.
- Considering conservatives abject hatred and complete lack of scientific knowledge, when presented with climate data like this it wouldn't surprise me if they spent millions of dollars on trying to debunk it. After all, they have invested more time and funds than one might imagine in the "climategate" emails.
- It's precisely this type of intellectually dishonest reporting that causes conservatives to react the way they do. So, are people to "settle" for something that they don't love? Have we suddenly become a country that is no longer inclined to follow their passions?
- Living in a rabidly right-wing area of Kentucky, I am privy to discussions and rhetoric that I would most certainly distance myself from. The loudest of these shouts often comes from gun owners who believe that Obama is going to take away their firearms. And while non of this is grounded in any form of reality, I find it odd and a bit disconcerting that not enough people are challenging these falsifications.
- Once again, Shepard Smith proves that he has more intellectual honesty and spine than most anyone at Fox"News". And while he does kowtow to those "in power" at the network, I really think that he deserves to be in the employ of another network. But if that were to happen, Rupert would lose his only safe-card to allow him to use the "fair and balanced" meme.
- Considering conservatives abject hatred and complete lack of scientific knowledge, when presented with climate data like this it wouldn't surprise me if they spent millions of dollars on trying to debunk it. After all, they have invested more time and funds than one might imagine in the "climategate" emails.
- It's precisely this type of intellectually dishonest reporting that causes conservatives to react the way they do. So, are people to "settle" for something that they don't love? Have we suddenly become a country that is no longer inclined to follow their passions?
- Living in a rabidly right-wing area of Kentucky, I am privy to discussions and rhetoric that I would most certainly distance myself from. The loudest of these shouts often comes from gun owners who believe that Obama is going to take away their firearms. And while non of this is grounded in any form of reality, I find it odd and a bit disconcerting that not enough people are challenging these falsifications.
- Once again, Shepard Smith proves that he has more intellectual honesty and spine than most anyone at Fox"News". And while he does kowtow to those "in power" at the network, I really think that he deserves to be in the employ of another network. But if that were to happen, Rupert would lose his only safe-card to allow him to use the "fair and balanced" meme.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Advertising Oddities
Took this screen-cap from the Fox Nation website in a section where commenters were making predictably sad jokes about Rima Fakih, whom had just won the MISS USA pageant, and her Arabic heritage.
I'm sure I'm not the only one that finds this just a little funny.
I'm sure I'm not the only one that finds this just a little funny.
Moral And Righteous Indignation Over A Film
Conservatives don’t understand film.
This has become all the more evident over the last 10 years or so. From mocumentaries about President Bush being assassinated, to films about actual events happening in Iraq, on down to absurdist, exploitational fare, conservatives just don't get it. The later is the focus of much conservative ire and outrage – Robert Rodriguez’s latest “grindhouse” feature “Machete”.
The MOST anti-law ever? Really? What about something like the Godfather films? They were about gangsters that broke the law and killed people on a daily basis? It’s easy to fall into the trap of “the most _____ ever” meme when you really don’t have much of a cogent point to make to begin with. It plays into the fringe’s most base instincts. And, in that regard, it works well in these situations.
The part that really bothers me when conservatives try to read messages into films is that they often don’t see the film itself, rely on other people’s reporting, or look at the trailer as the entirety of the film itself. While the later is done far too often by people of all stripes, and can be somewhat of a fair signifier of what is to come when the picture is actually released, it’s the former avenues of approach that show pure laziness and an inability to be intellectually honest when approaching any material.
I will offer this aside when discussing a film purely on the merits of the trailer – too often those are farmed out to alternate studios to make a film look bigger, flashier, and more intriguing than the finished product. This isn’t to say that Machete is the exception or the rule, as the final cut hasn’t been screened yet. So for conservatives to make such bold accusations regarding the film, I say they should stop prejudging a product they haven’t consumed yet.
But, some may ask, what of the fact that the script was leaked? This is not surprising in the least, as many scripts from many genre films end up being available online due to some production hand stealing a copy ( or what they think is a real copy ) of the source material. But who’s to say it all made the final cut? Certainly not the one stealing intellectual property and most certainly not the one’s reporting it.
Another aspect of the film ( it’s production more specifically ) that conservatives are highlight ( since it’s all about taxpayer money now that Democrats are in power ) is that a portion of the production costs were funded by the Texas Film Commission. To those not familiar with how films are produced around the country, this would more than likely outrage the average conservative. However, since just about every state in the US has a film commission that is designed to help bring in productions, this should come as no surprise. The fact that people are only citing the TFC as a player in this films production is not only dishonest but completely predictable.
That information came from lunatic-fringe conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and was highlighted as a portion of the article on Malkin’s website. Odd that someone on Malkin’s site would link to Alex Jones, considering their troubled history. But hey, it’s all about being as inflammatory and as possible these days – right?
And while Jones and Malkin's fill-in Powers are far too quick to castigate the TFC, it should be pointed out that most states have film commissions and they bring in a large amount of revenue for each location used. The rate of return on taxpayers modest contribution to each commission has been shown to be upwards of 1000 fold. Of course, this is dependant upon the feature being shot, but I think it's safe to assume that when people in Texas know that Robert Rodriguez is shooting a new film that there's going to be a nice amount of money flowing into the area.
But let's be clear about something - this film was based off a spoof trailer that appeared before the Grindhouse feature "Planet Terror" from 2007. Also, Machete was in production before the Arizona law was even proposed, so to claim that this feature film is a direct response to that is completely preposterous.
However, while some will claim that Danny Trejo's comments at the head of the trailer invalidate any claims that this film was expressly produced in order to protest Arizona's draconian law, I would offer this response - he has a right to his freedom of speech.
But let's look at some of the aspects of how this film is being released. After all, not all films that are made get put out in theatres. Guess who the distributor for Machete is? Newscorps film division 20th Century Fox. Why is it important to reveal this? One would think that the company that also owns Fox"News" wouldn't touch this material. After all Fox"News" went after Marc Cuban, the distributor of Brian De Palma's film Redatected. Are we going to see the same standard applied here? You're fooling yourself if you say yes.
But Fox didn't just make an offer to Troublemaker Studios and then Rodriguez accept. There was an all out bidding war for this feature. Fox likely knew what they were getting, so Rupert Murdock is to be held responsible for seeing that this movie was released. And when one thinks about it, as this will most assuredly be a hot topic of discussion on Fox"News", Rupert Murdoch will actually be funding both sides of the debate on this. It's a win/win for him regardless.
Here's the trailer conservatives are all twitching about, complete with Trejo's message to Arizona.
Let's look at Trejo's statement ( and likely Rodriguez's endorsement of it ) from a marketing standpoint. You have to admit, it's a pretty good idea, as now more people will be drawn to the theatre to see it, buy merchandise, and by the DVD later on. Not only that, but if conservatives decided to exercise a little integrity and go out and see the film rather than wildly speculate on it's intended meaning, I'm sure that there will be more than a few disappointed souls out there that will have the feeling they should admit they were wrong about the film - just don't expect to hear it directly from them. After all, part of being a conservative is never admitting you were wrong, just jumping to the next conclusion.
This has become all the more evident over the last 10 years or so. From mocumentaries about President Bush being assassinated, to films about actual events happening in Iraq, on down to absurdist, exploitational fare, conservatives just don't get it. The later is the focus of much conservative ire and outrage – Robert Rodriguez’s latest “grindhouse” feature “Machete”.
Machete: Coming in September, it’s sure to be the best anti-Arizona immigration law movie — and anti-law movie for that matter — that your tax dollars can subsidize.
The MOST anti-law ever? Really? What about something like the Godfather films? They were about gangsters that broke the law and killed people on a daily basis? It’s easy to fall into the trap of “the most _____ ever” meme when you really don’t have much of a cogent point to make to begin with. It plays into the fringe’s most base instincts. And, in that regard, it works well in these situations.
The part that really bothers me when conservatives try to read messages into films is that they often don’t see the film itself, rely on other people’s reporting, or look at the trailer as the entirety of the film itself. While the later is done far too often by people of all stripes, and can be somewhat of a fair signifier of what is to come when the picture is actually released, it’s the former avenues of approach that show pure laziness and an inability to be intellectually honest when approaching any material.
I will offer this aside when discussing a film purely on the merits of the trailer – too often those are farmed out to alternate studios to make a film look bigger, flashier, and more intriguing than the finished product. This isn’t to say that Machete is the exception or the rule, as the final cut hasn’t been screened yet. So for conservatives to make such bold accusations regarding the film, I say they should stop prejudging a product they haven’t consumed yet.
But, some may ask, what of the fact that the script was leaked? This is not surprising in the least, as many scripts from many genre films end up being available online due to some production hand stealing a copy ( or what they think is a real copy ) of the source material. But who’s to say it all made the final cut? Certainly not the one stealing intellectual property and most certainly not the one’s reporting it.
Another aspect of the film ( it’s production more specifically ) that conservatives are highlight ( since it’s all about taxpayer money now that Democrats are in power ) is that a portion of the production costs were funded by the Texas Film Commission. To those not familiar with how films are produced around the country, this would more than likely outrage the average conservative. However, since just about every state in the US has a film commission that is designed to help bring in productions, this should come as no surprise. The fact that people are only citing the TFC as a player in this films production is not only dishonest but completely predictable.
Worst of all, Robert Rodriguez’ incendiary race film ‘Machete’ was made, in part, with help from tax incentives and location access provided by the Texas Film Commission, a division of Governor Rick Perry’s Office. A spokesperson from the organization confirmed that Rodriguez had indeed applied for funding.
That information came from lunatic-fringe conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and was highlighted as a portion of the article on Malkin’s website. Odd that someone on Malkin’s site would link to Alex Jones, considering their troubled history. But hey, it’s all about being as inflammatory and as possible these days – right?
And while Jones and Malkin's fill-in Powers are far too quick to castigate the TFC, it should be pointed out that most states have film commissions and they bring in a large amount of revenue for each location used. The rate of return on taxpayers modest contribution to each commission has been shown to be upwards of 1000 fold. Of course, this is dependant upon the feature being shot, but I think it's safe to assume that when people in Texas know that Robert Rodriguez is shooting a new film that there's going to be a nice amount of money flowing into the area.
But let's be clear about something - this film was based off a spoof trailer that appeared before the Grindhouse feature "Planet Terror" from 2007. Also, Machete was in production before the Arizona law was even proposed, so to claim that this feature film is a direct response to that is completely preposterous.
However, while some will claim that Danny Trejo's comments at the head of the trailer invalidate any claims that this film was expressly produced in order to protest Arizona's draconian law, I would offer this response - he has a right to his freedom of speech.
But let's look at some of the aspects of how this film is being released. After all, not all films that are made get put out in theatres. Guess who the distributor for Machete is? Newscorps film division 20th Century Fox. Why is it important to reveal this? One would think that the company that also owns Fox"News" wouldn't touch this material. After all Fox"News" went after Marc Cuban, the distributor of Brian De Palma's film Redatected. Are we going to see the same standard applied here? You're fooling yourself if you say yes.
But Fox didn't just make an offer to Troublemaker Studios and then Rodriguez accept. There was an all out bidding war for this feature. Fox likely knew what they were getting, so Rupert Murdock is to be held responsible for seeing that this movie was released. And when one thinks about it, as this will most assuredly be a hot topic of discussion on Fox"News", Rupert Murdoch will actually be funding both sides of the debate on this. It's a win/win for him regardless.
Here's the trailer conservatives are all twitching about, complete with Trejo's message to Arizona.
Let's look at Trejo's statement ( and likely Rodriguez's endorsement of it ) from a marketing standpoint. You have to admit, it's a pretty good idea, as now more people will be drawn to the theatre to see it, buy merchandise, and by the DVD later on. Not only that, but if conservatives decided to exercise a little integrity and go out and see the film rather than wildly speculate on it's intended meaning, I'm sure that there will be more than a few disappointed souls out there that will have the feeling they should admit they were wrong about the film - just don't expect to hear it directly from them. After all, part of being a conservative is never admitting you were wrong, just jumping to the next conclusion.
R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio
Dammit. First Peter Steele and now Dio!
His wife Wendy has left an official statement on Dio's webpage as of yesterday morning.
More from The L.A. Times
Quite rightfully seen as one of the greatest metal front-men of all time, Dio brought a passion and mystery to heavy rock for as long as I had been around. From his early days with Elf, to Rainbow with Ritchie Blackmore, taking Ozzy's place after he skipped town on Black Sabbath, on through their regrouping as Heaven and Hell, and all the while maintaining his own eponymous band.
He pioneered the lyrical stylings of the struggle between good and evil using imagery that no other artist could quite master. From tracks like Lock Up The Wolves, Holy Diver, Rainbow In The Dark, and The Last In Line, Dio was more than just an amazing vocalist, he was a master storyteller of the fantasy genre.
I'm also feeling a bit forced into considering the atypical mythos that "all things happen in threes". Since we've already lost Steele and Dio, I'm wondering who will be next. If it's Bruce Dickenson from Iron Maiden, I'm pretty sure that the world is about to end.
So "throw your goats" today in honor of the man that made metal not only incredibly fun, but a source of inspiration for millions all over the world.
Rainbow - Man On The Silver Mountain
His wife Wendy has left an official statement on Dio's webpage as of yesterday morning.
More from The L.A. Times
Ronnie James Dio, a legendary heavy metal singer who replaced Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath and also was lead singer for the bands Rainbow and Dio, has died. He was 67.
Dio died Sunday, according to a statement on his website by Wendy Dio, his wife and manager. Maureen O'Connor, a Los Angeles publicist, said Dio died in Los Angeles. No cause was given, but Dio had said last summer that he was suffering from stomach cancer.
Quite rightfully seen as one of the greatest metal front-men of all time, Dio brought a passion and mystery to heavy rock for as long as I had been around. From his early days with Elf, to Rainbow with Ritchie Blackmore, taking Ozzy's place after he skipped town on Black Sabbath, on through their regrouping as Heaven and Hell, and all the while maintaining his own eponymous band.
He pioneered the lyrical stylings of the struggle between good and evil using imagery that no other artist could quite master. From tracks like Lock Up The Wolves, Holy Diver, Rainbow In The Dark, and The Last In Line, Dio was more than just an amazing vocalist, he was a master storyteller of the fantasy genre.
I'm also feeling a bit forced into considering the atypical mythos that "all things happen in threes". Since we've already lost Steele and Dio, I'm wondering who will be next. If it's Bruce Dickenson from Iron Maiden, I'm pretty sure that the world is about to end.
So "throw your goats" today in honor of the man that made metal not only incredibly fun, but a source of inspiration for millions all over the world.
Rainbow - Man On The Silver Mountain
Some Thoughts For Your Morning
- Apparently the new conservative mantra is that "we are all Arizonians now". I certainly hope not. While there are already a report of violence against American citizens who are of Hispanic heritage, that lead to murder, I'm wondering why conservatives would even want to be seen in such a light. And while it's being continually pointed out by the loudest voices on the Right that 70% of residents of Arizona support the law, I'm quite curious as to if they have not only read the 10 pages and have thought about the languages far-reaching implications.
- Conservatives are already politicizing the Miss USA Pageant and the latest winner - Rima Fakih. There's all the smear material there for several Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity programs - she's apparently less than informed on what drugs are legal and illegal and ( gasp ) she's got an Arab name. As for me, these pageants don't represent America or a plurality of women within the country. By and large they are a popularity contest where the winner is decided by a panel of judges that wouldn't know poise, honesty, and originality if it hit them in their drooling cake holes.
- Isn't it times like this when members of the Obama administration ( or Obama himself ) are called "unhinged radicals"? I hardly see how Gov. Cristie "destroyed" the reporter asking the question, but conservatives need an ego boost every now and again - especially now. If I were that reporter, I would have seen just how "thin skinned" by asking him why he is cutting funds from the state that directly impact students and education.
- Beck must have thought that he was the second coming of Jesus Christ, as he gave the commencement address at Liberty University AND gave a speech at the NRA convention within hours of each other. But did I hear right, that Beck agreed with something Mao said!?!? I'm sure the voices in his head will have him create a show where he attempts to prove that sometimes it's ok to quote your adversaries - that is, if you're a conservative.
- Conservatives are already politicizing the Miss USA Pageant and the latest winner - Rima Fakih. There's all the smear material there for several Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity programs - she's apparently less than informed on what drugs are legal and illegal and ( gasp ) she's got an Arab name. As for me, these pageants don't represent America or a plurality of women within the country. By and large they are a popularity contest where the winner is decided by a panel of judges that wouldn't know poise, honesty, and originality if it hit them in their drooling cake holes.
- Isn't it times like this when members of the Obama administration ( or Obama himself ) are called "unhinged radicals"? I hardly see how Gov. Cristie "destroyed" the reporter asking the question, but conservatives need an ego boost every now and again - especially now. If I were that reporter, I would have seen just how "thin skinned" by asking him why he is cutting funds from the state that directly impact students and education.
- Beck must have thought that he was the second coming of Jesus Christ, as he gave the commencement address at Liberty University AND gave a speech at the NRA convention within hours of each other. But did I hear right, that Beck agreed with something Mao said!?!? I'm sure the voices in his head will have him create a show where he attempts to prove that sometimes it's ok to quote your adversaries - that is, if you're a conservative.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Pause
Probably no blogging today as I feel like I've been kicked in the ribs and my head feels like it's on fire. It's too late in the year for this to be flu, so what is it. Off to WebMD to do a little researching. Until we meet again, here's some random video action.........
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Laura Comes Out
.....in favor of gay rights? Really?
This is just plain odd to me. Here is the woman that is married to the former President that was hell bent on amending the Constitution in order to deny American's their civil rights simply because they "aren't like most people". Why couldn't she have mentioned this back in 2004? Likely that she was muzzled by her husband and her handlers. If she had "come out" with her beliefs back then it would likely have spelled trouble for Bush's re-election bid. I'm not going to say he wouldn't have been, but this would have really angered the religious zealots that helped get him a second term in office.
So what angle is she playing with this now?
This is just plain odd to me. Here is the woman that is married to the former President that was hell bent on amending the Constitution in order to deny American's their civil rights simply because they "aren't like most people". Why couldn't she have mentioned this back in 2004? Likely that she was muzzled by her husband and her handlers. If she had "come out" with her beliefs back then it would likely have spelled trouble for Bush's re-election bid. I'm not going to say he wouldn't have been, but this would have really angered the religious zealots that helped get him a second term in office.
So what angle is she playing with this now?
Oh, Winne Cooper
Hacking Hypocrisy
To use the current buzzword from Fox"News", isn't it "interesting" that no conservatives are talking about this.
( h/t: Laffy over at Political Carnival )
Here's what gets me:
The kid who "hacked" Palin's email account potentially get 20yrs for his offense. Does this not sound wrong to anyone but me?
Take a look at how conservatives and Fox"News" approached the Palin incident.
Sean Hannity was even against hacking private information before he was for it.
Of course, conservatives will say that the case involving Obama's student loan records is different due to the fact that no information was shared online. And while that is true, these incidents occurred multiple times up to when Obama had already become President-Elect. Not only that, but these men worked for the Department Of Education and were blatantly misusing government property. One would think the penalty would be pretty stiff for them. Apparently not.
Not to be overtly conspiratorial about this, but one has to question whether this was intended to go beyond just Obama's student loan records. Having a group of nine guys attempting to just find out how much Obama spent on college doesn't seem to make a lot of sense considering all the other aspects of Obama's life that conservatives are going after. I'm sure that this isn't the last we will hear of this story - just don't expect Fox"News" to report on it.
Nine people were indicted Wednesday on federal charges of accessing President Barack Obama's student loan records while they were employed for a Department of Education contractor in Iowa.
The U.S. attorney's office said a grand jury returned the indictments in U.S. District Court in Davenport.
All nine are charged with exceeding authorized computer access. They are accused of gaining access to a computer at a Coralville office where they worked between July 2007 and March 2009, and accessing Obama's student loan records while he was either a candidate for president, president-elect or president.
U.S. attorney spokesman Mike Bladel referred questions to online copies of the indictments.
Each of eight indictments posted by Wednesday night were brief, saying the charged individual "intentionally exceeded authorized access to a computer and thereby obtained information from a department and agency of the United States" and "intentionally accessed student loan records" of Obama without authorization.
Those charged are Andrew J. Lage, 54, Patrick E. Roan, 51, Sandra Teague, 54 and Mercedes Costoyas, 53, all of Iowa City; Gary N. Grenell, 58, and Lisa Torney, 49, of Coralville; Anna C. Rhodes, 32, of Ainsworth; Julie L. Kline, 38, of West Branch; and John P. Phommivong, 29, for whom no hometown was listed.
Lage told The Associated Press on Wednesday evening he did not know about the indictment and declined comment.
( h/t: Laffy over at Political Carnival )
Here's what gets me:
Arraignments are scheduled for May 24. The charge is punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
The kid who "hacked" Palin's email account potentially get 20yrs for his offense. Does this not sound wrong to anyone but me?
Take a look at how conservatives and Fox"News" approached the Palin incident.
Sean Hannity was even against hacking private information before he was for it.
Of course, conservatives will say that the case involving Obama's student loan records is different due to the fact that no information was shared online. And while that is true, these incidents occurred multiple times up to when Obama had already become President-Elect. Not only that, but these men worked for the Department Of Education and were blatantly misusing government property. One would think the penalty would be pretty stiff for them. Apparently not.
Not to be overtly conspiratorial about this, but one has to question whether this was intended to go beyond just Obama's student loan records. Having a group of nine guys attempting to just find out how much Obama spent on college doesn't seem to make a lot of sense considering all the other aspects of Obama's life that conservatives are going after. I'm sure that this isn't the last we will hear of this story - just don't expect Fox"News" to report on it.
Some Thoughts For Your Morning
- It seems that Republicans are trying a new gimmick when it comes to cutting spending and bringing down the deficit. A new online project called YouCut is designed so that voting public can suggest what spending to cut from specific areas. Nevermind that the average American that would use such a social networking site has little to no idea what they are talking about ( most Tea Baggers want to do away with everything from the FDA to Department of Education ) but do you honestly think that Republicans are going actually act on anything that is suggested? Guess this is another example of how the GOP completely lacks any plan of their own.
- Modern day theologian Glenn Beck has apparently been having conversations with the voice in his head that he claims is Jesus. It seems that The Son Of God doesn't want Cap and Trade. I'm quite curious as to what Beck's Jesus thinks about bearing false witness to they neighbor. And where in the Constitution does it say anything about what Jesus does or does not want?
- Seems that in light of Sarah Palin's endorsement of Carly Fiorina that GOP candidates are opting out from appearing at fundraising events with her. I don't think it's too much of a far reaching statement, but the fractioning of the modern conservative movement ( and the GOP as a whole ) is more evident now than it ever has been.
- It's rather troubling when seeing poll results like this. I'm quite skeptical of any poll that makes such a broad determination regarding any piece of legislation that the public at large has been misinformed of. And while Pew Research has been a reliable polling agency for many years, I feel that the results shown indicated that many of the near 1000 that were polled don't seem to understand the far reaching implications of Arizona's fascist stance on this issue.
- I still don't get it. If S.E. Cupp is really an atheist, why did she write a book about how the "evil, liberal, media" is destroying religion? It just doens't make sense - unless it's all just a charade. Regardless of her motives, she gets taken to the woodshed by Cenk Uyger in the linked interview.
- Arizona is getting a lesson in "free market capitalism" that they likely won't forget anytime soon. The conservative mantra of "choice and competition" isn't exactly playing in their favor on this front, as the boycott of the state is showing a loss of millions is tourism dollars. Even the GOP didn't want to have their convention there.
- Modern day theologian Glenn Beck has apparently been having conversations with the voice in his head that he claims is Jesus. It seems that The Son Of God doesn't want Cap and Trade. I'm quite curious as to what Beck's Jesus thinks about bearing false witness to they neighbor. And where in the Constitution does it say anything about what Jesus does or does not want?
- Seems that in light of Sarah Palin's endorsement of Carly Fiorina that GOP candidates are opting out from appearing at fundraising events with her. I don't think it's too much of a far reaching statement, but the fractioning of the modern conservative movement ( and the GOP as a whole ) is more evident now than it ever has been.
- It's rather troubling when seeing poll results like this. I'm quite skeptical of any poll that makes such a broad determination regarding any piece of legislation that the public at large has been misinformed of. And while Pew Research has been a reliable polling agency for many years, I feel that the results shown indicated that many of the near 1000 that were polled don't seem to understand the far reaching implications of Arizona's fascist stance on this issue.
- I still don't get it. If S.E. Cupp is really an atheist, why did she write a book about how the "evil, liberal, media" is destroying religion? It just doens't make sense - unless it's all just a charade. Regardless of her motives, she gets taken to the woodshed by Cenk Uyger in the linked interview.
- Arizona is getting a lesson in "free market capitalism" that they likely won't forget anytime soon. The conservative mantra of "choice and competition" isn't exactly playing in their favor on this front, as the boycott of the state is showing a loss of millions is tourism dollars. Even the GOP didn't want to have their convention there.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Happy Birthday George Carlin
He would have been 73.
On religion
On death
Airplane Safety
We really need you here George.................
On religion
On death
Airplane Safety
We really need you here George.................
What's Wrong With Comedy Central?
Seriously, who's running this network now?
Not only do they seem to play the completely unfunny series of "Blue Collar" stand-up specials on endless loops every Saturday and Sunday, completely get cold feet over possibly upsetting someone and needlessly censoring South Park's religion episode recently, but now they are cancelling Sarah Silverman? What gives?
Hey, HBO execs, I know who your next call should be to. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
It’s the end of the road for Comedy Central’s The Sarah Silverman Program, which has been canceled after 3 seasons despite a Twitter campaign to save it. The show earned Silverman a lead actress Emmy nomination last year. But it also was on the brink of cancellation in 2009 when she and fellow executive producers Dan Sterling and Rob Schrab threatened to quit after the cable network asked them to slash the series’ budget by more than 20%. A last-minute deal with sister network Logo was reached to co-finance the series, so a 10-episode third season was ordered. But midway through Season 3, which wrapped last month, the network bumped the series from 10:30 PM to midnight, hinting at its intention not to continue with Sarah. At the beginning of the year, Comedy Central went through a regime change, with former New Line executive Kent Alterman taking over for Lauren Corrao as head of original programming. Silverman, meanwhile, is keeping busy promoting her bestselling book The Bedwetter and signing on to co-star in the Sarah Polley movie Take This Waltz.
Not only do they seem to play the completely unfunny series of "Blue Collar" stand-up specials on endless loops every Saturday and Sunday, completely get cold feet over possibly upsetting someone and needlessly censoring South Park's religion episode recently, but now they are cancelling Sarah Silverman? What gives?
Hey, HBO execs, I know who your next call should be to. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Worth 1000 Words
I'm totally going to break Godwin's Law on this one.
I snagged this image from the Fox Nation website.
I'll pass on the goofy pose Obama is striking, but am I the only one that sees what it seems like Limbaugh is about to do? Seriously. I wouldn't put it past him to practice this in the double full-length mirror in his bathroom each morning.
I snagged this image from the Fox Nation website.
I'll pass on the goofy pose Obama is striking, but am I the only one that sees what it seems like Limbaugh is about to do? Seriously. I wouldn't put it past him to practice this in the double full-length mirror in his bathroom each morning.
Some Thoughts For Your Afternoon
- Apparently it's not good form to teach kids to eat healthy anymore. Michelle Malkin takes after Michelle Obama like she's built up a police force that is going to prevent parents from feeding their own children what they think is good for them. It wouldn't surprise me to find out that some conservatives are intentionally getting fatter to show their hatred of Mrs. Obama. Rush Limbaugh has already got a good start on this.
- It seems that some people in Alaska are starting to wake up to the fact that Sarah Palin is a complete and utter disaster. Some within the conservative realm are claiming that the release of her next book will boost her ratings, I have to question that. After all, people thought that here Fox"News" special would be a ratings phenomenon, but it turned into something wholly unspectacular. I'm fairly certain that her "nature program" isn't going to be a shining star on her record either.
- For conservatives to continually claim that there is no violent rhetoric directed at liberal/progressive, this little stunt doesn't really help their cause.
- You can generally tell when a conservative is completely out of rational ways to discuss any given topic when they result to homophobic/sexist blatherings. I can recall when Newsweek ran a cover picture of Sarah Palin and conservatives went completely bat-shit insane, calling it a blatant, sexist, attack. Personally, I didn't find it sexist at all, as Palin posed for and signed off on the picture herself. But there certainly are different rules for anyone outside the conservative sphere, isn't there.
- Much in the same way that Glenn Beck is completely misrepresenting what Net Neutrality is, Megyn Kelly is doing here part to misinform people by actually censoring the realities of what the FCC is trying to do. What happened to "fair and balanced"?
- Seems that Arizona has a serious problem not only with Hispanics, but takes issue with students even learning about them. I'm sure the term "racial animus" will be striken from any English text within the next few months as well. The one question I have is this - does this just do away with only learning about hispanics or anyone that isn't white and from America?
- It seems that some people in Alaska are starting to wake up to the fact that Sarah Palin is a complete and utter disaster. Some within the conservative realm are claiming that the release of her next book will boost her ratings, I have to question that. After all, people thought that here Fox"News" special would be a ratings phenomenon, but it turned into something wholly unspectacular. I'm fairly certain that her "nature program" isn't going to be a shining star on her record either.
- For conservatives to continually claim that there is no violent rhetoric directed at liberal/progressive, this little stunt doesn't really help their cause.
- You can generally tell when a conservative is completely out of rational ways to discuss any given topic when they result to homophobic/sexist blatherings. I can recall when Newsweek ran a cover picture of Sarah Palin and conservatives went completely bat-shit insane, calling it a blatant, sexist, attack. Personally, I didn't find it sexist at all, as Palin posed for and signed off on the picture herself. But there certainly are different rules for anyone outside the conservative sphere, isn't there.
- Much in the same way that Glenn Beck is completely misrepresenting what Net Neutrality is, Megyn Kelly is doing here part to misinform people by actually censoring the realities of what the FCC is trying to do. What happened to "fair and balanced"?
- Seems that Arizona has a serious problem not only with Hispanics, but takes issue with students even learning about them. I'm sure the term "racial animus" will be striken from any English text within the next few months as well. The one question I have is this - does this just do away with only learning about hispanics or anyone that isn't white and from America?
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