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December 22, 2007
John Edwards On Cigna
I spent a lot of time smacking John Edwards this week. But this made me smile:
"Are you telling me that we're gonna sit at a table and negotiate with those people?" asked a visibly angered Edwards, challenging the health care companies. "We're gonna take their power away and we're not gonna have this kind of problem again."
In case you missed the news yesterday, Cigna killed someone.
Nataline Sarkisyan, a 17-year-old from Glendale, Calif., died Thursday just a few hours after her insurer, Cigna Health Care, approved a procedure it had previously described as "too experimental" and that dozens of Sarkisyan's supporters protested at the Cigna's headquarters.
Cigna should burn in hell with Diebold.
10:06 AM | Comments (1) | Posted By Bob Cesca
Diebold Dying
Via Cliff Schecter:
The death spiral for the 131 year-old company, once respectfully known as Diebold, continues, as its stock price falls to a 5-year low today, near year's end (currently $29.23/share and still sinking, from a 52-week high of $54.50/share), along with the additional news that the U.S. Department of Justice has now joined the SEC in an investigation concerning the company's "Enron-like" bookkeeping tricks...
Most stocks went up yesterday, Diebold went down. BWA-HAHAHA. Rat bastards.
09:50 AM | Comments (0) | Posted By Bob Cesca
Sieg Heil
09:14 AM | Comments (0) | Posted By Bob Cesca
Morning Awesome
09:11 AM | Comments (1) | Posted By Bob Cesca
December 21, 2007
Kos Straw Poll: Edwards Way Up
No, no, no. Edwards picks up three points, Senator Obama drops three points. New Daily Kos straw poll:
Edwards 41
Obama 27
Dodd 11
H. Clinton 6
Kucinich 5
No F'ing Clue 2
Biden 2
Other 1
Richardson 1
Gravel 0
Again, the support for Edwards baffles me. We can't settle for another Democratic nominee who voted with the president on Iraq. We spent most of the 2004 cycle defending this with Senator Kerry (and John Edwards). Who wants to slash, pummel and plow through that tangled mess again?
09:41 AM | Comments (8) | Posted By Bob Cesca
Morning Awesome
Listen all of y'all it's a Sabotage.
09:00 AM | Comments (0) | Posted By Bob Cesca
December 20, 2007
So Long, Suckers!
Neocon failures Krauthammer and Kristol have been ousted from TIME. Nicole at C&L:
It may be storming outside, but I’m definitely feeling sunshine breaking through some neo-con clouds..Two conservative Time magazine columnists are on their way out the door: Neither William Kristol nor longtime contributor Charles Krauthammer will be on contract with the magazine starting next month. Mr. Krauthammer confirmed the news to Off the Record, and a spokeswoman for Time said Mr. Kristol’s contract would not be renewed.The exact reasons for the departures of Mr. Krauthammer and Mr. Kristol, both high-profile backers of the Iraq war, are not entirely clear.
Krauthammer is leaving to spend more time with his creepy, sci-fi replicant head.
04:36 PM | Comments (3) | Posted By Bob Cesca
Winning Enemy Support Without Caving
JustAngry at Daily Kos quoting The New Yorker:
This is a regular theme with Obama: supporters who disagree with him. The two big Chicago daily papers both endorsed him enthusiastically in the primary, even though they disagreed with him on major issues—his opposition to the war in Iraq and, in the case of the Tribune, his opposition to the North American Free Trade Agreement.
If you can attract your political enemies to your point of view... you win every time. Senator Clinton and John Edwards don't have the natural gifts to accomplish this. None of the other Democratic candidates do.
04:20 PM | Comments (0) | Posted By Bob Cesca
Wingnut Mailbag
This week I received the usual variety of pristinely-worded wingnut e-mails, like this one:
It amazes me that people actually take the time to read your idiotic columns. Actually I'm amazed that I continually read them to see what nutty, over the top, exaggerated bullshit you'll bless the beacon of class, huffington post with next.You truly are an intellectual juggernaut, that should taken serious...very serious. I think its time to up your medication...... Get a grip loser...
But I also received the most lengthy and delusional wingnut e-mail these eyes have ever seen. Here's a clip:
GWB will be ranked on his record and history will be quite kind. [...] GWB has 'won' in Israel and Palestine. He's won in Iraq. He's won in Afghanistan. He's won in Europe. All of the anti-American clowns are gone.
The rest is below the fold. Feel free to parse it in the comments.
Who wants to refute this guy? It'll be fun.
It's hard to tell how old you are but you should remember the late 80's. The model for how history will threat this President is Ronald Reagan. Your scorn for GWB is no different than the sentinemt felt by average lefty in 1988 for Reagan. Time magazine comically named Gorbachev as it's Man of the Decade in an attempt to reassign credit for the end of the Cold War away from Reagan. Evan Thomas recently tried to distance himself from that laughable effort.Everything we hear about GWB regarding his intelligence and his participation is identical to the charges direced at Reagan and the Europeans hated us even more then. You can easily look up the anti-American protests in the 80's when Reagan upgrades our missle sites. The crowds were more than triple anything from this decade. The fact is none of that matters. Reagan is not measured by the rantings from the left in the 80's. He is ranked among the greats for crushing the USSR in the cold war, for the now 26 year dynamic performance of the US economy thanks to his supply-side tax cuts and for restoring American pride after the disaster of Jimmy Carter.
Just as 80's liberal angst isn't even a historical footnote neither will your angst. GWB will be ranked on his record and history will be quite kind.
He's won a historic battle against radical islam greatly weakening Al Qaeda, the Taliban and restoring democracy to 55M people in Afghanistan and Iraq. Iraq will be famous as the site of the greatest counter-intelligence victory in the history of warfare. Under the astute management of Rumsfeld and Gates GWB will have managed the most significant and successful military transformation in history. We have by far the most powerful military in the history of civilization which is also among the most respected among it's citizens. This is why today islamic terorism is almost always directed within islam. The USA has not been attacked because the price is too devastating.
After inheriting a disaster in the middle east left by Bill Clinton GWB wisely supported Ariel Sharon who correctly recognized Arafat was a worthless thief unable and unwilling to make peace and built the near impregnable fence guarranteeing the jews their highest level of security in their 60 years. Moreover GWB was decisive in supporting Sharons enactment of suppy-side reforms and increased trade thereby creating what is becoming an Israeli ecomomic tiger. Just last week Israel passed France as the world 5th largest arms exporter capitalizing on their technical advantages. Israeli per capita income is now over $26K versus approx $1K for the Palestinians. Their incredible wealth surge combined with GWBs increase of 25% (to $3B) of USA aid allow Israel to become progressively more powerful vis-a-vis it's neighbors.
The bottom line here is when Bill Clinton left office the jews were getting slaughtered while they shopped and went to school. Under GWB the only people the Palestinains are killing are other Palestinains. The jews are safe while the Palestinians get to focus on forming a civilized state.
GWB has 'won' in Israel and Palestine. He's won in Iraq. He's won in Afghanistan. He's won in Europe. All of the anti-American clowns are gone. Sarkozy is the most pro-American leader in France in over 60 years and Merkel also represent a total change from Schroeder. Gerhardt and Jacques left office with the lowest ratings of any leader in their countries modern history.
As far as domestically GWB has done a tremendous job with the economy which has had it's longest run of consecutive positive monthly jobadds, 4.7% unemployment, low inflation and interest rates and will almost certainly finish with the longest and strongest economic recovery in USA history. All due to his supply-side tax cuts as well as surging exports the rest of a series of free trade deals negotiated by GWB. We have made great progress in stem cell research and are on the cusp of major advances in energy diversification. Significant increases in energy R&D across a range of applications is leading to increased conservation and more energy sources. US Oil demand has been nearly flat for 4 years despite 12% GDP growth. Moreover in 2006 the USA actually lowered carbon emissions 1.6%. This is the 1st time we've done this without a recession. Ethanol production is surging and an array of solar products and conservation products are coming to market. Unlike Carter this President didn't try to pick winners and losers (shale oil) but let the market work it's magic. As we've come to expect the US leads the world in energy and carbon efficiency.
GWB has a long list of transformational accomplishments that will ensure he is very highly rated as a President.
The fact you are so angry is proof of his success. As a conservative there is simply no way he could please you. This is a partisan country and always has been. You hated GWB before he was elected because he represents everything you hate. Tax cuts for example. You are so inflamed not because he was inept but because he was successful. He's done what he said he was going to do and what was against your wishes. He cut taxes. He went after the people who attacked us and their supporters. He rebuilt and restored the military. This will be his most durable legacy. It's been enjoyable watching anti-war libs and the press try to use Gitmo and Abu Grahib to destroy confidence in and support for our soldiers as well as all of the anti-war movies. The effort has been disasterous. From Dick Durbin crying jag to countless other mea culpas to Hollywood losing tens of millions and anti-war left wasa total disaster. The standing of the institution of the military has never been higher.
It's good you are able to vent in your echo chamber but don't mistake lefty blogs for the public record. The fact is GWB has a substantially better record than Bill Clinton. There isn't a single memorable accomplishment there aside from his impeachment. Relax and get over yourself. America has Presidents not Kings. We are the greatest nation in the history of civilization because we are a free market representative democracy with a balanced government.
GO!
03:52 PM | Comments (6) | Posted By Bob Cesca
Roy Sekoff on Hannity & Colmes
Huffington Post's founding editor Roy Sekoff appeared on Hannity & Colmes last night and ended up debating paleoconservative talk show host Bill Cunningham -- also known as Dana Carvey's Cranky Old Man.
Watch the video here then come back and tell me that Cunningham isn't this guy:
12:02 PM | Comments (5) | Posted By Bob Cesca
Progressive Edwards
I'm reading the comments on my Obama endorsement this morning and I'm amazed by how many progressives are willing to forgive Edwards' vote on Iraq. David Sirota once wrote that a progressive is a liberal who demands accountability. I'm not seeing any accountability here when it comes to the top issue in the campaign.
And right now I'm having trouble with Democrats who acquiesce to the president on Iraq.
09:28 AM | Comments (10) | Posted By Bob Cesca
Morning Awesome
Just a reminder.
09:07 AM | Comments (1) | Posted By Bob Cesca
December 19, 2007
Gleek Cock -- I mean, Glenn Beck
"Glenn Beck" is such an unfortunate name. I go around all the time accidentally saying Glick Fuck. Glenn Dick. Glenda Dickfuck. WHOOPS! Did I just call him Glenda Dickfuck or Sped Fuckdicksuckcock? That's crazy of me.
Seriously, there are two guys on this planet who I'd go out of my way to pummel. Gleek Cockknockersuckfucker is one of -- WHOOPS AGAIN! Crap. I keep doing it. Damn him and his unfortunate last name.
10:38 PM | Comments (5) | Posted By Bob Cesca
Senator Obama For President
The last time I wrote a presidential endorsement, it was for Paul Tsongas who lost the nomination to Bill Clinton.
Let hope this one turns out better.
04:11 PM | Comments (5) | Posted By Bob Cesca
Iraq Is Not Hilarious
QUESTION: But I’m concerned about the nations like Iraq, who now have nuclear weapons –THE PRESIDENT: Iran.
QUESTION: Iran and Iraq both.
THE PRESIDENT: Not Iraq. (Laughter.)
HAHAHA. That's a goddamn knee-slapper.
09:10 AM | Comments (3) | Posted By Bob Cesca
Morning Awesome
More energy!
08:55 AM | Comments (1) | Posted By Bob Cesca
December 18, 2007
NO!
This doesn't sweeten the deal for Senator Clinton. President Bill Clinton:
"Well, the first thing she intends to do, because you can do this without passing a bill, the first thing she intends to do is to send me and former President Bush and a number of other people around the world to tell them that America is open for business and cooperation again."
See, after January 2009, we don't want to hear from another Bush. Ever. If Senator Clinton actually wins, she'd be better off sending a lump of shit around the world wearing a stupid little hat.
08:54 AM | Comments (9) | Posted By Bob Cesca
Morning Awesome
Go with a smile.
08:24 AM | Comments (0) | Posted By Bob Cesca
December 17, 2007
Hero Of The Day: Senator Dodd
Senator Dodd's filibuster threat worked. Finally a Democrat wins, which is rare considering the -- you know -- DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY in Congress.
If he had actually filibustered, I wonder how long his excellent speed-talking would've lasted. Seriously, I wish I could talk that fast and still make sense.
09:33 PM | Comments (2) | Posted By Bob Cesca
More Huckaboner For Christ
Note the subliminal cross in the background.
Could be worse. At least it wasn't a lynched dog or the slack-jawed doughboy who hung it.
UPDATE: More from Scout Finch at Daily Kos.
09:26 PM | Comments (3) | Posted By Bob Cesca
The Awesome War On God
Sorry, Tony Snow, but when your Holy Warriors thrust God up our asses every goddamn day for (at least) seven years and insist on violating the Constitution's establishment clause, people are going to start throwing punches. Think Progress via Atrios:
“The average Iranian is more Pro-American than virtually any college faculty in this country.” And with serious talk about the war on terror and “the second war in this country, the war on God.” […]
There's a War on God now. Which means that anyone who opposes this horseshit will instantly and automatically be framed as Satanic. This, of course, fits perfectly into the Bush Republican Rapture bullshit theory. See Revelation 12:7-9.
12:23 PM | Comments (2) | Posted By Bob Cesca
President Bush Vs. Wall Street
Bloodied stock market traders love President Bush:
keep talking bush...watch market go down
18 minutes ago
this fool will destroy stocks if he keeps talking on tv...wait and see
Re: keep talking bush...watch market go down
6 minutes ago
What is he talking about? I always have to turn off the T.V. if he's on, makes me wanna puke.
Re: keep talking bush...watch market go down
4 minutes ago
he has to be the biggest fool on planet...and he thinks he's so correct...arrogant little fool....market down 100 pts now
Re: Bush three effects, all bad...
1 minute ago
(1) Reminds investors that leadership not up to the task in terms of general competency;
(2) Underscores the perception that leadership does not comprehend the true magnitude of the challenges at hand; and,
(3) Encourages market to send message to Bush on the need for additional action by reacting negatively to his appearance.
Where were these guys seven years ago? Three years ago?
From the Citigroup (C) forum in the Yahoo Message Boards.
UPDATE: Here's another one.
Bush Speaks on the Economy
24 minutes ago
Stocks flounder and drift downward. It would be better if he said inside and did not speak on the economy. He confuses the situation--definitely has no sympathy for the housing industry or people caught in the middle.
I wish he would stop talking.
11:54 AM | Comments (1) | Posted By Bob Cesca
Contribute To Senator Dodd's Filibuster
Senator Dodd will need everyone's help tomorrow. Send him some reading material here.
08:26 AM | Comments (0) | Posted By Bob Cesca
Morning Awesome
Festivus for the rest of us!
08:20 AM | Comments (0) | Posted By Bob Cesca
December 16, 2007
Christian Nation With Roman Gods
While visiting the Capitol yesterday, I noticed that there weren't a lot of crosses hanging from the walls. There weren't any in fact. You'd think there would be, considering that we're not a Christian Nation. For example, the painting on the canopy of the Rotunda illustrates a First Commandment violation so powerful as to make Jerry Falwell rise from the dead and claim it was painted by Larry Flynt.
The painting is called the Apotheosis Of Washington by Constantino Brumidi -- with our first president depicted as God-like and surrounded by various Roman deities.
In the central group of the fresco, Brumidi depicted George Washington rising to the heavens in glory, flanked by female figures representing Liberty and Victory/Fame. A rainbow arches at his feet, and thirteen maidens symbolizing the original states flank the three central figures. (The word "apotheosis" in the title means literally the raising of a person to the rank of a god, or the glorification of a person as an ideal; George Washington was honored as a national icon in the nineteenth century.)Six groups of figures line the perimeter of the canopy; the following list begins below the central group and proceeds clockwise:
-War, with Armed Freedom and the eagle defeating Tyranny and Kingly Power-Science, with Minerva teaching Benjamin Franklin, Robert Fulton, and Samuel F.B. Morse
-Marine, with Neptune holding his trident and Venus holding the transatlantic cable, which was being laid at the time the fresco was painted
-Commerce, with Mercury handing a bag of money to Robert Morris, financier of the American Revolution
-Mechanics, with Vulcan at the anvil and forge, producing a cannon and a steam engine;
-Agriculture, with Ceres seated on the McCormick Reaper, accompanied by America in a red liberty cap and Flora picking flowers.
Hmm. Where's Jesus, Moses and all the rest? Where's Noah and his magical boat which somehow accommodated two every animal species on the planet? Where's Adam and Eve who existed a mere 5,000 years ago -- when the universe was formed?
Huckabee, by the way, believes in Creationism, which means that -- yes -- the universe was formed 5,000 years ago and that a banana was specially designed by God to fit the human hand. Will he make laws declaring this to be the belief structure of the land? Maybe, but no-one challenges him on this. Everyone's too busy wondering whether the Romney Unit wears magic underpants; or whether Senator Obama will overthrow the government.
11:57 PM | Comments (2) | Posted By Bob Cesca
Go To Crooks & Liars Now
It's one of those days at C&L when you start to watch videos -- then suddenly it's five hours later. Here are the highlights in reverse order just in case something is bumped off the front page:
-Bill Moyers interviews Keith Olbermann, which is kind of like Walter Cronkite interviewing Edward R. Murrow.
-Bill O'Reilly and Laura Ingram talking about the fake war on Christmas, which is like a splotchy/foreheady sphincter interviewing a skinny blonde sphincter.
-History is made during the UN Climate Change conference in Bali. This will anger you, then it will give you chills. In a good way.
-Tim Russert nails the Romney Unit on flip-flopping.
-Bill Kristol flip-flops on Rudy Giuliani. Rudy's campaign is dead in the water.
-Huckaboner's obviously psychotic kid once STONED AND HUNG a dog. And Huckaboner got him off the hook. Note the photo in which the matching vertical stripes fail to disguise the weight -- and the psychosis.
(Miller County, Arkansas) Two boy scout counselors, 17 year old Clayton Frady and 18 year old David litickabee [sic], the son of Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, have admitted to catching a stray dog during their summer session at Camp Pioneer in Hatfield, AR, and hanging the dog by his neck, slitting his throat and stoning him to death.
-Congressman Wexler's Impeach Cheney petition tops 50,000 signatures.
-Hurry! Send Senator Dodd material for his FISA Amnesty filibuster.
So yeah, I think John Amato, Logan Murphy, Nicole Belle, Driftglass, Jamie, Scarce and BlueGal deserve a massive round of applause today. And it's a Sunday no less.
07:07 PM | Comments (2) | Posted By Bob Cesca
The Old Supreme Court
The Old Supreme Court Chamber (1810-1860) was open to visitors yesterday, and due to the sheer luck of being at the right place at the right time, I had a chance to check it out (I also snapped the above photo).
Located inside the U.S. Capitol, adjacent to The Crypt and just beneath the original Senate chamber, the Old Supreme Court Chamber was the home to the Amistad case, McCulloch v. Maryland, Gibbons v. Ogden, and the Dred Scot decision. Fireproofing left it unscathed when the British burned both wings of the Capitol building on August 24, 1814.
11:44 AM | Comments (3) | Posted By Bob Cesca
Morning Awesome
Go!
11:14 AM | Comments (0) | Posted By Bob Cesca
