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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Saturday, September 29, 2007 1:13 AM CDT
LETTER:History will speak well of President Bush

By JACK PIERCE, Charleston

The criticism of our president is loud, yet his approval rating is several points higher than the Congress, but historically, he is actually in very good company. Anyone who has visited the Lincoln Library in Springfield has seen how President Lincoln was hated by southern Democrats, as well as by many members of his own party in the North. Cartoonists in leading newspapers and magazines of the day were depicting Lincoln as an illiterate baboon, and he was being called all manner of vile and racially insensitive names by his many detractors. He patiently endured all this and is looked upon today as one of our most beloved presidents.

The litany of lies that are being used to vilify G.W. Bush are no more than one might expect from leaders of a party whose last occupant of the White House used the oval office as a brothel and lied continuously under oath to the American people. A Democratic president and first lady who rented out the Lincoln bedroom for monetary gain, and then, upon leaving office, granted amnesty to criminals and stole everything not nailed down from the White House.

Since 9-11, this country has enjoyed six years of security, a robust economy, and a restoration of morality to the White House.

This in the wake of constant efforts by the Democrats to hamstring all attempts by the president to protect the American people, and to obstruct every sensible program presented by this administration.

President Truman excepted, I have never seen a Democratic administration I would trust with the security of this nation.

From John Kerry to Harry Reid to our own Senator Durbin, the contempt with which most Democrats hold our military is legendary. Expressing support for our military while at the same time degrading those fighting in the uniform of our nation is nothing less than hypocritical, if not downright treasonous.

I would suggest that future historians will treat G.W. much kinder than our biased media and the radical Democratic elites who rule their party today.

JACK PIERCE

Charleston

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Locke wrote on Sep 29, 2007 4:23 AM:

" Sad, very sad. I pity you Jack Pierce. Enjoy your own ignorance in the fantasy world you inhabit. "

Early Bird wrote on Sep 29, 2007 6:35 AM:

" It's good to see Jack's prognostic skills are still intact. Funny how the Bush supporter's feel compelled to point out Clinton's faults, when they praise Bush. If Bush were really all that great, one would think his praise could stand on it's own legs and the Clinton comparisons wouldn't be necessary. Everyone knows that Clinton was a scoundrel and unfaithful husband, but the radical right wingers can't seem to repeat it enough, can they? "

coonbug wrote on Sep 29, 2007 11:02 AM:

" Now we know why President Bush talks the way he does about Iraq. His BRAIN told him so. The words we hear almost every other day coming out of President Bush's mouth are those, he's apparently been given, by Karl Rove (his so-called brain). It's no wonder people all over this world have been asking themselves, does this President ever see the real world? This column written by Karl Rove answers that question. Of course not. His real world is Karl Rove and others like him that are now going to try and change President George W. Bush and his administration's history. They want President Bush viewed as "a far-sighted leader who confronted the key test of the 21st century, a man of moral clarity who put America on wartime footing in the dangerous struggle against radical Islamic terrorism. He will be seen as an innovative conservative thinker with a positive, optimistic agenda for action. He will be seen as a compassionate leader who used America’s power for good. A man that promotes economic growth and understands free markets provide the best path to a more hopeful tomorrow. He inherited an economy entering recession. It was further weakened by terrorist attacks, corporate scandals, natural disasters, and out-of-control spending with discretionary domestic spending increasing 16 percent in the last fiscal year of his predecessor. President Bush took decisive action, cutting taxes and ratcheting down this spending." GIVE ME A BREAK. Read More....Con't http://www.freewebs.com/coonsey/ Coonsey’s View Political Blog and don’t forget the Forum "

Dohbaugh wrote on Sep 29, 2007 1:38 PM:

" Is Jack seriously trying to put George Bush in the same league as Abraham Lincoln? Do the rest of you Bush supporters feel that way? Just wondering. "

The Question wrote on Sep 29, 2007 6:02 PM:

" A collapsing economy at home, a bloody trillion-dollar quagmire in Iraq, an international reputation of being despised and reviled and a battered Constitution on its last legs — yes, I can just imagine what the history books will say about Mr. Bush and the fools who followed him. "

ichabod wrote on Sep 29, 2007 10:12 PM:

" History has already expressed their opinion of George Bush, he has given us the highest national debt in the history of the nation, billions of dollars that no one can account for in a war that isn't even in the right country. Remember Bin Laden, they still can't find him. He gave us a tax cut that no one got, unless you are Warren Buffett who has a tax rate of 17%, what I wouldn't give for that. Even his own party and cabinet are getting as far away from as they can. The Generals can't express their own opinions or their job is on the line, we can't even have an honest election in this country anymore. I asked a man from Australia 7 years ago what they thought of Bush over there, he said then, they think him ignorant and dangerous. Nothing much has changed. "

clumpton wrote on Sep 30, 2007 9:10 AM:

" Fortunately, none of us will be around when "history speaks" of President Bush. I have read many many accounts of President Lincoln's unpopularity (utright hatred by many)and now he's considered one of the greatest president's ever. Personally, I think the worst leader(s) in this country are the media who have made it almost impossible for us to discern truth from slant. The days of any sense of media integrity have all but vanished. I don't think we would recognize the truth if it stared us in the face. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Sep 30, 2007 9:24 AM:

" Bush must have read Jack's letter. After over 6 years of totally ignoring the important issues of ecological concerns and health care, all of a sudden, in the twilight of his presidency, he's wanting to talk about them. Legacy concerns? I think that after getting us into the present quagmire in Iraq, saddling us with quite possibly the most corrupt VP in history, outdoing Ronald Reagan with the nation debt, lowering the taxes for only the most affluent etc etc...Bush's legacy has been written and all the wishful thinking from people like Jack isn't' going to change the fact that history will probably see Bush as a terribly flawed and failed president. I'm still laughing over Jack's Lincoln comparison. Thanks Jack, that one made my day. "

just wondering wrote on Sep 30, 2007 10:50 AM:

" For most of my life I would consider myself a Democrat. But several years ago I found that the Democratic party, and especially in Illinois, was more concerned with their special interest groups, abortion and gay rights to name a few, than they were with the people who have supported the party for years. I am not a George Bush fan, and I liked his father even less than him. But when I looked at the alternative namely Al Gore, I picked the lesser of the two evils as far as I was concerned. Four years later it was easier to vote for him again solely because John Kerry was a hypocrite and seemed to be as dumb as Bush. As far as what Bush has done, or more aptly what has been done while Bush is president. Saddam is gone. Say what you want, but the world is a better and safer place without Saddam in it. The economy. Stock markets are at all time highs reaching numbers that a few years ago were thought uncreachable in our near future. This stuff of Democrat versus Republican is one of the main reasons for the problems in our country today. And it won't get any better until we look at the issues as Americans and not party members. "

music-man wrote on Sep 30, 2007 12:19 PM:

" Oh, what it must be like to live in the fantasy world obviously enjoyed by Jack Pierce. This 'president' is not only an idiot, but his decisions ("I'm the decider!") have cost countless lives. I'd rather have a prez get a 'hummer' any day of the week instead of the strutting smirk of a man currently occupying the oval office, whose ideal of moral authority is sending thousands of men and women to their deaths and disfigurements, while gripping, grinning and allowing billions of dollars flow down the drain. Oh yes, I see now why Jack insanely chooses to reside in dilusion-land rather than face reality. If you like the way things are going now, why not move to Iran or some other country ruled by theocracy and imbeciles, since that is what you seem to enjoy. Bring out the burkas! "

The Question wrote on Sep 30, 2007 12:59 PM:

" Alfred Adler said, "Don't listen to what what the words say. Watch where the feet go." The Bush ape's family was in business with the bin Laden family. The Bush ape is the one who withdrew U.S bases from Saudi Arabia, just as bin Laden demanded. The Bush ape is the one who stopped trying to find and capture bin Laden. So guess who's objectively an ally of bin Laden? I'll give you a hint. The answer is simian, not human. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Sep 30, 2007 4:33 PM:

" What else would you expect, Question? Declassified government records show that that Bush's grandfather, Prescott Bush made a fortune with his connections with Hitler. Recent investigations by the British, have also confirmed that Bush even used slave labor from Hitler's concentration camps in his companies at one time. Today's right wingers go all berserk when this is brought up, but if they would open up their minds and do a little research on the matter they would find out that it is the truth. Of course they deny this, can you blame them? Ironically, the same folks who so vehemently deny Bush's grandfathers connections to Hitler also deny that Bush's VP Cheney is personally profiting from this war. Yup, I would say Bush's legacy is pretty well settled. "

Doh wrote on Sep 30, 2007 4:57 PM:

" THE NEW YORK TIMES (August 17, 2005) STATE DEPT. SAYS IT WARNED ABOUT BIN LADEN IN 1996 (By ERIC LICHTBLAU) WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 - "State Department analysts warned the Clinton administration in July 1996 that Osama bin Laden's move to Afghanistan would give him an even more dangerous haven as he sought to expand radical Islam "well beyond the Middle East," but the government chose not to deter the move, newly declassified documents show. In what would prove a prescient warning, the State Department intelligence analysts said in a top-secret assessment on Mr. bin Laden that summer that "his prolonged stay in Afghanistan - where hundreds of 'Arab mujahedeen' receive terrorist training and key extremist leaders often congregate - could prove more dangerous to U.S. interests in the long run than his three-year liaison with Khartoum," in Sudan. ======================= Two years after the State Department's warning, with Mr. bin Laden firmly entrenched in Afghanistan and overseeing terrorist training and financing operations, Al Qaeda struck two American embassies in East Africa, leading to failed military attempts by the Clinton administration to capture or kill him in Afghanistan. Three years later, on Sept. 11, 2001, Al Qaeda struck the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in an operation overseen from the base in Afghanistan. ========================== Critics of the Clinton administration have accused it of ignoring the threat posed by Mr. bin Laden in the mid-1990's while he was still in Sudan, and they point to claims by some Sudanese officials that they offered to turn him over to the Americans before ultimately expelling him in 1996 under international pressure. ====================== The newly declassified documents do not directly address the question of whether Sudan ever offered to turn over Mr. bin Laden. But the documents go well beyond previous news and historical accounts in detailing the Clinton administration's active monitoring of Mr. bin Laden's movements and the realization that his move to Afghanistan could make him an even greater national security threat. ==================== Several former senior officials in the Clinton administration did not return phone calls this week seeking comment on the newly declassified documents. ===================== The State Department assessment, written July 18, 1996, after Mr. bin Laden had been expelled from Sudan and was thought to be relocating to Afghanistan, said Afghanistan would make an "ideal haven" for Mr. bin Laden to run his financial networks and attract support from radicalized Muslims. Moreover, his wealth, his personal plane and many passports "allow him considerable freedom to travel with little fear of being intercepted or tracked," and his public statements suggested an "emboldened" man capable of "increased terrorism," the assessment said. ======================== Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, said the declassified material released to his group "says to me that the Clinton administration knew the broad outlines in 1996 of bin Laden's capabilities and his intent, and unfortunately, almost nothing was done about it." "

Doh wrote on Sep 30, 2007 5:06 PM:

" Looks like we have another case of Question's selective Looney-Left memory-loss as well as his penchant for revisionist history, not to mention he's a raving Liberal-Moon-Bat. But by all means, don't let my FACTS get in the way. ========== Here’s the link to that NYT’s article folks ========= http://tinyurl.com/kd2js "

coonbug wrote on Sep 30, 2007 7:37 PM:

" Course 101 - Manage the Media You notice how the President is going after Democratic policies of late? First it was Immigration reform. A week or so ago it was universal health care. He’s decided he wants that now too. Now it’s Climate Change. He’s holding a sponsored climate change conference this week. What better way to avoid talking about Iraq and War, but to bring up Democrats favorite issues; Immigration, universal health care, child care, education, his own daughter’s wedding and now climate change. Read More....Coonsey's View Http://www.freewebs.com/coonsey/ "

coonbug wrote on Sep 30, 2007 8:06 PM:

" Speaking of history... Campaigning in Uniform or on duty: Question for somebody that remembers. The other day on Hardball, they were discussing when, if ever, it is appropriate for a reserve or guard to discuss politics in public. I seem to remember Bush giving that as an excuse as to why he was AWOL during his Reserve time. He had claimed to have gone south to help a friend run for office. If he was AWOL, which means he was on Duty - wasn't he committing a CRIME? "

The Question wrote on Sep 30, 2007 8:11 PM:

" Q: Daddy, why did we have to attack Iraq? A: Because they had weapons of mass destruction honey. Q: But the inspectors didn't find any weapons of mass destruction. A: That's because the Iraqis were hiding them. Q: And that's why we invaded Iraq? A: Yep. Invasions always work better than inspections. Q: But after we invaded them, we STILL didn't find any weapons of mass destruction, did we? A: That's because the weapons are so well hidden. Don't worry, we'll find something, probably right before the 2004 election. Q: Why did Iraq want all those weapons of mass destruction? A: To use them in a war, silly. Q: I'm confused. If they had all those weapons that they planned to use in a war, then why didn't they use any of those weapons when we went to war with them? A: Well, obviously they didn't want anyone to know they had those weapons, so they chose to die by the thousands rather than defend themselves. Q: That doesn't make sense Daddy. Why would they choose to die if they had all those big weapons to fight us back with? A: It's a different culture. It's not supposed to make sense. Q: I don't know about you, but I don't think they had any of those weapons our government said they did. A: Well, you know, it doesn't matter whether or not they had those weapons. We had another good reason to invade them anyway. Q: And what was that? A: Even if Iraq didn't have weapons of mass destruction, Saddam Hussein was a cruel dictator, which is another good reason to invade another country. Q: Why? What does a cruel dictator do that makes it OK to invade his country? A: Well, for one thing, he tortured his own people. Q: Kind of like what they do in China? A: Don't go comparing China to Iraq. China is a good economic competitor, where millions of people work for slave wages in sweatshops to make U.S. corporations richer. Q: So if a country lets its people be exploited for American corporate gain, it's a good country, even if that country tortures people? A: Right. — This piece is currently floating around cyberspace. "

Doh wrote on Sep 30, 2007 8:45 PM:

" Okay coonbug, let's talk about the war! - US MILITARY DEATHS IN IRAQ LOWEST IN 14 MONTHS (Sep 30 09:04 AM US/Eastern) AFP: "US military losses in Iraq for September stood at 70 on Sunday, the lowest monthly figure since July last year, according to an AFP tally based on Pentagon figures. The figure also marks the fourth consecutive drop in the monthly death toll following a high of 121 in May. June saw 93 deaths, July 82 and August 79. The monthly toll in July 2006 was 53. Two US soldiers were killed on Saturday in separate incidents, pushing the overall toll of American losses since the March 2003 invasion to 3,801. A surge in US troop numbers saw an extra 28,500 personnel deployed from mid-February, mainly in Baghdad and the neighbouring province of Anbar, although commanders said most were not in combat positions until May. US commanders say the strategy is starting to work and that levels of violence are dropping, allowing for a possible drawdown of the 160,000 or so troops now deployed. "The trend is certainly in the right direction," US military spokesman Rear Admiral Mark Fox told a press conference in Baghdad. "The surge unquestionably is what has been the catalyst that has created the opportunity to have more forces operating in more places at the same time and to deny Al-Qaeda and the extremists safe-haven and to take away sanctuaries." The highest monthly toll was 137 in November 2004 when a US-led force stormed the insurgent bastion of Fallujah in fierce house-to-house fighting. Of the 137 dead, 126 were killed in action. In April 2004, the second deadliest month since the invasion for US military personnel, 135 troops died. The month marked a turning point in the war with uprisings in Fallujah in the predominantly Sunni west, and in Shiite cities south of Baghdad." "

Doh wrote on Sep 30, 2007 8:53 PM:

" And let's talk some MORE about the war, coonsey! - RAMADAM VIOLENCE FALLS SHARPLY IN IRAQ: U.S. (Sun Sep 30, 2007 11:11 AM ET By Paul Tait) BAGHDAD (Reuters) - "Violence in Iraq during Ramadan has fallen by almost 40 percent from last year, the U.S. military said on Sunday, despite a warning from al Qaeda that it would increase attacks during the Muslim holy month. U.S. military spokesman Rear Admiral Mark Fox said a "surge" of 30,000 extra troops into Iraq this year and the new tactic of moving soldiers into small combat outposts instead of "commuting to the war" from large bases had helped bring down violence. "We are substantially below last year's level. As a matter of fact, in comparison to this time last year, about 38 percent lower in terms of Ramadan violence levels," he told a news conference, adding that that overall levels were still too high. Al Qaeda said at the start of Ramadan, more than two weeks ago, that it would escalate attacks and would target tribal leaders who were cooperating with security forces. Marine Brigadier-General Mark Gurganus, commander of U.S. ground troops in Anbar province in western Iraq, said there had been 76 attacks in the first week of Ramadan in his area of command, and 91 in the second week. "One year ago, during the same week, we had 415 incidents. The 38 percent reduction across Iraq -- we enjoyed quite a bit sharper," Gurganus said. Anbar was once the most dangerous province in Iraq for Iraqis and U.S. troops but is now being hailed as one of Iraq's few success stories after U.S. forces helped local Sunni Arab sheikhs organize their young men into tribal police units. U.S. President George W. Bush cited the progress in Anbar as a validation of his strategy of pouring extra troops into Iraq this year, to buy time for political leaders to make progress on reconciling Iraq's warring Shi'ites and Sunni Arabs. U.S. commanders have since been working on introducing similar models in other volatile areas around Baghdad, although it has yet to be applied in major urban areas. Bush told Congress that successes in the unpopular war would allow between 20,000 and 30,000 troops to be withdrawn by July. The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit of 2,200 Marines left Iraq this week, the first unit scheduled to depart. U.S. commanders have tied the withdrawal of their troops to the readiness of Iraqi security forces to assume responsibility. Fox said logistics support remained the biggest hurdle for Iraqi security forces, while Gurganus said a lack of leadership also had to be addressed before they could take over in Anbar. "You don't just go out into the street and find an officer," he said. SPECTACULAR ATTACKS Fox said the reduction in attacks did not mean that the Sunni Islamist al Qaeda had been "defanged". Gurganus added: "One of the things that always concerns me is their constant desire to pull off the one spectacular attack." Iraqi soldiers killed 40 suspected militants during operations in three northern provinces in the volatile provinces of Diyala, Salahuddin and Kirkuk, the Defence Ministry said. Despite the overall decline attacks during Ramadan, Fox said there had been an "uptick" in the past few days. On Wednesday, 59 people were killed in bomb attacks across Iraq. The "surge" of extra U.S. and Iraqi troops has also targeted Shi'ite militias, which Washington says are being trained and supplied by Shi'ite Iran. Tehran denies the charge and blames Iraq's sectarian violence, in which tens of thousands have been killed, on the 2003 U.S.-led invasion to topple Saddam Hussein. Fox said a raid in Baghdad's Rasheed district had uncovered 36 Iranian-made 107 mm rockets, four of which were "wired and ready to fire". The commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, General David Petraeus, was quoted by the Los Angeles Times on Sunday as saying that Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki had secured a pledge from Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to prevent weapons flowing from Iran to Iraq. Ahmadinejad said during a recent meeting that he would "stop the flow of weapons, the training, the funding and the directing of these militia extremists that have been such a huge problem, really, for Iraq", the newspaper quoted Petraeus as saying." "

HeinekenMan wrote on Sep 30, 2007 10:10 PM:

" Jack, When you write stuff that almost seems to go completely against logical thought, I have to wonder about your mental stability. If you must write this stuff, though, I'd appreciate it if you'd at least source it. You say that Bush has an approval rating higher than that of Congress. Where do you get those numbers? Am I supposed to take you at your word? Because, in my experience, debate usually requires facts, not clearly biased interpretations of the facts. Since you were apparently too busy to back your statements with actual proof, I took it upon myself to look at the Gallup polls. As it turns out, Americans actually think more of Congressional democrats than their Republican counterparts. In fact, the approval rating for Congressional democrats in the most recent poll was 37 percent. Worth nothing: The approval rating for Congress was 58 percent in the weeks prior to Bush's "Mission Accomplished" speech. It has dropped 34 percent since then. Also, the highest that it has been was 84 percent immediately following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. I believe this shows that the approval rating for Congress is tied to many other factors than simply the performance of legislators. You also accuse people of lying about Bush, but you provide no proof of this and don't even bother to indentify the lies. My guess is that it's because there actually haven't been many lies. The only person who has lied is Bush, who told the American people that the war was over more than four years ago and who told us all sorts of lies in the lead-up to the war. I have never understood the Republican nuttiness over the so-called military. You old war-buff geezers need to understand that this isn't a game. The military isn't a chess set. It's an organization comprised of real people, men and women who are coming home in caskets. If you believe that Democratic presidents have avoided war because they're wimps, you're seriously misguided. I suggest you attend just one funeral for the nearly 4,000 young soldiers who have been killed in Iraq. Look into the faces of the young sons and daughters who will never know their fathers because Bush sent them into an unwinnable quagmire to die for reasons that keep changing. Perhaps then you'll understand that the only contempt Democrats have is that which targets a man who gave tax cuts to wealthy white corporate executives and flipped the bird at middle-class America and the very people who are fighting his damned war. Think what you want about Bush's place in history. If you want to believe that someone who dodged the military in favor of nose candy, beer and frat parties, someone who was a C student in college, someone who didn't even know the name of the president in the country next to one where the worst terrorists in the world resided, if you believe he deserves a spot on Mount Rushmore, you need to listen close. Drop to your knees now and pray forgiveness for being part of the problem and swear to whoever you may acknowledge that you will spend the rest of your days repenting. Call up one of the local boys who lost a hand or foot in Iraq. Thank them for their service and apologize to them for supporting the man whose mistakes put them in harm's way. By the way, I'm tired of the unsubstantiated claims of a biased media. There are reams of pages from recent books that have unequivocally shown that such claims are completely false. There is no biased media. It's another one of your illusions. "

HeinekenMan wrote on Sep 30, 2007 10:40 PM:

" I have a special request. Can the people who created this find a way to make it so that my post doesn't appear as a single paragraph? Because I put in paragraph breaks and the software ran it all together. "

attainedage wrote on Sep 30, 2007 10:55 PM:

" Thanks, HeinekenMan. You must be purdy smart, ... er somethun, hey? "

attainedage wrote on Sep 30, 2007 11:09 PM:

" HeinekenMan, before you get your panties all in a bunch over the paragraph thing, try this. Get used to it! If you're looking for a forum with paragraph capability, post somewhere else - or shorten your posts. On second thought, just post somewhere else. This is Bud country anyway. "

Doh wrote on Sep 30, 2007 11:50 PM:

" Really HeinekenMan? Did you happen to forget about the 29 Democratic Senators who voted to go to War with Iraq? And you’re right- the military isn’t a “chess set”, nor should this war be used as a political tool by the Democrats who want to insure its failure by removing the troops before they’ve had a chance to finish the progress that they’ve accomplished. I suggest that YOU look into the faces of the families of the fallen soldiers, and tell them that the progress that the troops have made is all a lie, and that their loved ones have died in vain. And then tell them to be sure to vote for the Democrats in ’08, so we can have the wife of a draft-dodger in the White House. You remember don’t you, the very same draft-dodger's wife who VOTED TO GO TO WAR and who won’t bring the troops home any faster than the Republicans. The very same draft-dodger's wife who said: -- "In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons." Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct. 10, 2002. -- Or, you could simply put your imported beer down for awhile, sober up, pull your head out of your a55, pull yourself away from the DailyKos and MoveOn.org, and then maybe, just maybe, you can slowly start to comprehend these facts. But I doubt it. "

miltmart wrote on Oct 1, 2007 2:38 AM:

" Thank you, Mr. Pierce, for a good letter. Haven't visited the blogs for a while but when I saw this letter, figured it would brng all the Bush haters out and I was not surprised to find that is the case. (that does not include everybody on here; some are just bigger 'dislikers' of Bush than others). I see Question continues to ignore the good news about the economy and promote the idea, along with others from the left-wing blogs, that the economy is in the dumps. Absolutely not true. And those on the right get accused of spouting talking points! And HeinekenMan, I believe the reports of the low approval ratings for Congress has been "in all the papers" as they say. Actually, I've heard it everywhere from Paul Harvey to Fox News to all the other major media outlets. OH, and your posts will appear in one long paragraph; that's the way it's always been. Thanks Doh, for continuing to make your points with actual facts. Oh, and Mr. Pierce is right about this too. If any of you ever have the pleasure of visiting the Lincoln Presidential Museum (highly recommended), pay attention to the whispering gallery (or some name like that). The media of the day was horrible to Lincoln and some of what goes on today pales in comparison. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 1, 2007 6:51 AM:

" Right on target, beer man. A fact, almost always overlooked by the right wing fanatics, in their rants about the main stream media, is that the editorials, of the majority of the newspapers in the country, are stacked in favor of the conservative point of view. The myth that they are not is being perpetuated by the likes of Fox news and the fanatical zealots that dominate the radio air waves. I think Jack needs to look up the definition of treason, as expressing your point of view in this country is not treason. I suppose Jack thinks treason is when anyone speaks out against an administration. Using Jack's reasoning, if the Democrats take the White House back, I'll bet old Jack will also be guilty of treason himself, but I'll also bet he won't see it as treason. "

father bob wrote on Oct 1, 2007 9:02 AM:

" clinton lied - no one died...we've accumulated more debt directly associated with iraq that our grandchildren will be able to pay off...we just borrowed 9 trillion from china. we've sold our souls to the devil for what? i just hope someone can pull us our of this death spiral we're in....GWB has almost singlehandedly ruined 200 years of freedom. "

GTM wrote on Oct 1, 2007 9:02 AM:

" Not only was Clinton a draft dodger,but also a sexual predator.Like he said, He did it because he could. Pretty lameduck excuse. He should have to register as a predator!!! "

father bob wrote on Oct 1, 2007 9:20 AM:

" Doh.... i didn't dodge the draft, but i certainly can understand why some did. Clinton and Cheney both took college deferments. so they're two peas in a pod, cut out of the same stock so to speak. let's look at the choices.....go to school or go to war. then look at Bush's "miliary" record. pretty much AWOL for reserve duty, and dismissed because of being a rich politicians son.... "

medic57 wrote on Oct 1, 2007 10:57 AM:

" I believe Binladen will be found just before Bush leaves office, (if he ins't already in our hands) then Bush can say, hey, look, we caught him. Remember when the Republican congress voted Reagan as the most important president of the 20th century, they must've forgot FDR. He wasn't to bad. "

das wrote on Oct 1, 2007 11:51 AM:

" I love how republicans and namely th Bush administration always bring up the economy, saying the stock markets are at all time highs and blah blah. Do people not realize that the stock markets are a worldwide thing? They have nothing to do with America's economy, except for that fact that the rest of the world is flourishing, while China basically owns us. Reports have shown that we actually have to borrow money from China to pay to import products. How is this good on our economy? Over 40 million people are now with out health insurance. How is this good for our economy? Also, I love how this letter goes on and on about how only the democrats are against Bush and so on, when actually, much of his own party is questioning what he is doing. Yes, I have seen reports that show Bush's approval ratng IS higher than congress', but how does a congress get anywhere when anything they propose just gets vetoed by the idiotic president? For the person who said they normally vote democratic but have found they care mostly about their own agendas (ie. abortion, gay rights) isn't that kind of the point of the democratic party? To give equal rights to everyone? I thought that was kind of understood when one joins and votes democratic? Finally, I love how republicans always bring up the fact Clinton got a little action in the White House, but refuse to bring up the fact that Bush is killing thousands of US soldiers? I guess murder is now better than oral sex. Yeah, let's talk about morals now. "

Locke wrote on Oct 1, 2007 12:36 PM:

" Notice the twit doesn't actually say anything about Bush (because nothing good can be said), but instead wants to talk about the Democrats. Nobody likes the Democrats -- but that doesn't justify the current idiot in the White House. "

deep thoughts 45 wrote on Oct 1, 2007 1:06 PM:

" What many of us forget is that on September 11 when all hell broke loose in America, we had a leader who stood up and proclaimed that we would not stand for this! Our country has been much safer since President Bush took action. I cringe to think where would be today if Senator John Kerry would have been the one to make the decision. How many times would this country have been attacked before action would have been taken? Our President has made many mistakes and he is not a good public speaker like President Clinton is but compared to the mistakes of President Clinton to President Bush I would say that at least we know where President Bush stands and what he stands for. Slick Willy stood for very little and dare say today would be a much better President today than he was when he was in the Office of President. It's funny how almost dying gives you a new perspective on life. The most important thing to remember is that God is ultimately in control and God is the one who placed President Bush in office in order to fulfill Bible Prophecy! It will be interesting to see the next big shake up that the Almighty brings to us in order to line us up with Biblical Prophesy! "

Collatine wrote on Oct 1, 2007 1:51 PM:

" Frankly, both the Clinton and Bush administrations will be viewed as lost opportunities with economic successes. Clinton had the opportunity to reforge America's foreign policy in the postmodern and post-Cold War world. We've rarely had such a charismatic, intelligent, and capable man in the White House, except when it came to his judgement of women. What was he thinking in putting Hillary in charge of fixing health care? Because he did so, he lost Congress, but he was nimble enough to not only destroy Newt Gingrich, but to pass every one of the Republican's initiatives (especially balancing the budget and fixing welfare) and taking credit for them. Plus, who else could wield our military without UN permission so effectively and so boldly? Sadly, when he turned his eyes toward taking care of Saddam Hussein once and for all, another woman in his life caused him to lose power, and gave Republicans the chance to split the nation, causing Clinton to lose the public will to take out Saddam. Opportunity lost. Bush on the other hand had the political will to take out Saddam finally, but so mismanaged the war (including financing it, planning it, launching it, and fighting it, at least until the surge, anyway) that he squandered domestic and international support. He's unable to implement some of his good ideas for social security, health care, energy research, and education. Opportunity lost. Both Clinton and Bush managed the economies as well as could be expected - brilliantly even if you subscribe to Keynsean economics. Clinton used the economic boom to raise taxes (with the Democrat Congress) and reign in spending (with an idealistic Republican Congress), thus paying off the deficit, leading to increased wealth for Americans. Bush used the economic recession to cut taxes and increase government spending (with a corrupt Republican Congress), again leading to increased wealth for Americans. But like Clinton, Bush will probably hand a recession to the next President, who will undoubtedly bring many troops home sometime in the next couple years. That will further the recession. Whoever wins the White House will likely be a one-termer. It should be interesting to watch! "

KB wrote on Oct 1, 2007 3:40 PM:

" das - just for the record. How many bills has Bush used his veto power to stop. I certainly would not put the blame for the "new congresses" lack of impact on Bush. I am sure that many would agree that the democrats they voted into office haven't done much more than the republicans they took out. I certainly wouldn't agree with Jack P that the President will be favored by history, but we cannot blame him for the Democrats in congress that lied to the voters that elected them. I personally am not impacted because I didn't support their agenda, but I feel for all of those voters that bought into the democratic parties declaration that they would change things. But here is the true problem in America. All discussion is based on who is the worst candidate/incumbant. Never who is the best. Guess why? A politician is a politician and eventually money is the decision maker for all of them. Key is to find a good one and get something out of them before they are corrupted. Know any good ones? Sure are hard to find these days. "

Doh wrote on Oct 1, 2007 3:46 PM:

" Nobody likes the Democrats, Locke? So who will you be voting for in '08? And do me a favor; try not to run off like an irrational little nine year old like you did the last time we talked. I was so embarrassed for you! "

father bob wrote on Oct 1, 2007 4:50 PM:

" Deep Thoughts said'""""What many of us forget is that on September 11 when all hell broke loose in America, we had a leader who stood up and proclaimed that we would not stand for this!""""..........any president would have said that..it's a no brainer, even a ..er..uh..trained monkey would have said the same thing. the idiot was as much a product of happenstance than anything else. what he did with it is what's criminal. "

The Question wrote on Oct 1, 2007 6:15 PM:

" I actually heard some ranting old GOP bat on C-Span this morning proclaiming that President Bush is ALWAYS RIGHT and that them Demy-crats WORSHIP SATAN, so there! There is no bottom to American stupidity. None. "

Locke wrote on Oct 1, 2007 6:19 PM:

" I didn't run anywhere; I laughed at your pathetic use of sources to support your wild claims, to which, you switched the subject two times. Obviously you are living in a fantasy world like Jack. Isn't it about time you broke out Mr. Peabody to tell us we are all idiots for not thinking Bush is the greatest president ever? "

deep thoughts 45 wrote on Oct 1, 2007 8:14 PM:

" What a profound statement by Father Bob. The point was that if we would not have had a determined leader in the White House like Kerry or Gore we would have had many attacks on America before anything would have been done. They would have given us soft boring speeches and then told us all to forgive the enemy and hopefully they will just go away. O yeah, I forgot we could pull a Clinton and drop food from the sky! Let's get real, you might not like President Bush but he is a very determined man and will not be moved by anyone until the job is done or the mission is accomplished no pun intended. We are in a war and yes the war was necessary in order to prevent another attack on America. Please give the man some credit for the job that he has done! "

Doh wrote on Oct 1, 2007 8:21 PM:

" Yeah Locke, it was really pathetic when I used the Clinton Administration’s own words to substantiate THEIR claims that there was a Saddam/Al Qaeda relationship. I guess I should have followed your lead and cited..........Oh that’s right. You never cited squat! Instead you simply dismissed all evidence as meaningless! What a brilliant retort. But then again you are a Liberal loon. And if I’m Peabody, then remind me again why I engaged in a day long debate over Iraq with him? You’re being too clever by half sparky. Just try not to have another meltdown. "

Doh wrote on Oct 1, 2007 8:30 PM:

" By the way Locke, if the Clinton Administration backed away from their claims of a Saddam/Al Qaeda relationship, then why did the cackling hag say this: - "In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. HE HAS ALSO GIVEN AID, COMFORT, AND SANCTUARY TO TERRORISTS, INCLUDING AL QAEDA MEMBERS. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons." Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct. 10, 2002.” --------------hmmmmmmmmm…..now why is that Locke? "

Doh wrote on Oct 1, 2007 8:32 PM:

" ("There is no bottom to American stupidity.") - Not as long as there are Liberals in this country. "

das wrote on Oct 1, 2007 9:07 PM:

" Wait. I think I remember that day on the ship when Bush actually said the mission is accomplished with the lovely little banner that was so wonderfully placed right behind him? Oh wait, was that supposed to happen? Oh and hasnt the "war" been considered over already? Meaning, why are you Bush supporters still using this term? Bush has stood for nothing but his own personally agenda and his own family's agenda. I think it's lovely that nothing has been done with Bin Laden. Dont you? I mean, why would we ever go after the man who actually DID organize an attack against America. Instead let me use this time to finish my father's task that he failed to complete and just tell everyone "this HAS to be done or we will all DIE tomorrow!" "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 1, 2007 9:18 PM:

" Doh, Has Mr. Peabody switched sides? It seems to me I remember sometime back he was jumping all over the conservatives or the "right". He didn't have anything good to say about the supporter's of the war in Iraq. Have I missed something? I think I've developed a case of whiplash here! "

Doh wrote on Oct 1, 2007 9:58 PM:

" Well Billie- Locke has it all figured out. Apparently I'm Peabody! Makes sense doesn't it? But then - he'll probably vote for the Cackling Hag, so how sane can he possibly be. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 1, 2007 10:30 PM:

" Doh, He'll find out who you are when he "lockes horns" with you buddy! Psssst! Locke! Doh isn't Mr. Peabody. He's just Doh and he Doh's it so well! "

The Question wrote on Oct 2, 2007 9:07 AM:

" Bush and Cheney's fascist thugs on parade — Blackwater security contractors in Iraq have been involved in at least 195 "escalation of force" incidents since early 2005, including several previously unreported killings of Iraqi civilians, according to a new congressional account of State Department and company documents. In one of the killings, according to a State Department document, Blackwater personnel tried to cover up what had occurred and provided a false report. In another case, involving a Blackwater convoy's collision with 18 civilian vehicles, the firm accused its own personnel of lying about the event. In this still video image from ABC News released on Friday, Sept. 28, 2007, one of two Blackwater convoys is seen escorting a U.S. State Department motorcade in western Baghdad, Iraq on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, minutes after a car bomb exploded outside a financial compound which the State Department official was visiting, ABC News reported. Blackwater is said to have called for reinforcements immediately after the explosion, which minutes later led to a subsequent shootout that left at least 11 Iraqis dead. (AP Photo/ABC News) (Abc News - AP) TOOLBOX Resize Text Save/Share + Print This E-mail This COMMENT washingtonpost.com readers have posted 92 comments about this item. View All Comments » POST A COMMENT You must be logged in to leave a comment. Log in | Register Discussion Policy The State Department made little effort to hold Blackwater personnel accountable beyond pressing the company to pay financial compensation to the families of the dead, the documents indicate. In a case involving a drunken Blackwater employee who killed a security guard to one of Iraq's vice presidents last Christmas Eve, U.S. government personnel helped negotiate a financial settlement and allowed the employee to depart Iraq. "

father bob wrote on Oct 2, 2007 9:29 AM:

" deep Thoughts wrote """"We are in a war and yes the war was necessary in order to prevent another attack on America.""""...................that is so much BS...spoken like a true neocon. the only thing that keeps this country from becoming Nazi Germany is the left and the way they take the moral majority to task over their attitudes and warmongering. only 20% of the muslim population live in the middle east. don't you think someone out there in that 80% could plan, ploy and attack if they wanted to? this war in one small part of the world has little impact on someones desire to harm us if they wish. to say this war keeps america safe is a daydream. if anything it makes us more vulernable. all out assets and the assets of generations to come have been poured down this sh*t hole....thanks to the disgrace that sits in the whitehouse. i think historians will have a revered place for bush...right next to judas. "

Jon Vanatta wrote on Oct 2, 2007 9:51 AM:

" Jack you are right! You have provoked the radical liberals again! As usual all they can go to is name calling and trying to debase you while all the time too cowardly to use their real names. "

father bob wrote on Oct 2, 2007 10:08 AM:

" " ("There is no bottom to American stupidity.") - the kettle calling the pot black...eh? "

Doh wrote on Oct 2, 2007 10:08 AM:

" Thanks Billie. But really- I'm just an uneducated, illiterate, narrow-minded, radical Right-Winger who is fascinated by facts. "

Doh wrote on Oct 2, 2007 10:09 AM:

" What Question? No comments about the dramatic drop in troop and civilian deaths in Iraq? Aren't you proud of the noble work that our brave and honorable men and women in uniform are performing? Aren't you proud and happy for your Iraqi brothers and sisters? Or are you on suicide watch? "

Doh wrote on Oct 2, 2007 10:59 AM:

" Before Bush was in office ======== THE CIA UNCLASSIFIED REPORT TO CONGRESS JULY - DECEMBER 2000: - "Iraq - Since Operation Desert Fox in December 1998, Baghdad has refused to allow United Nations inspectors into Iraq as required by Security Council Resolution 687. In spite of ongoing UN efforts to establish a follow-on inspection regime comprising the UN Monitoring, Verification, and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and the IAEA’s Iraq Action Team, no UN inspections occurred during this reporting period. Moreover, the automated video monitoring system installed by the UN at known and suspect WMD facilities in Iraq is no longer operating. Having lost this on-the-ground access, it is more difficult for the UN or the US to accurately assess the current state of Iraq’s WMD programs. Given Iraq’s past behavior, it is likely that Iraq has used the period since Desert Fox to reconstitute prohibited programs. We assess that since the suspension of UN inspections in December of 1998, Baghdad has had the capability to reinitiate both its CW and BW programs within a few weeks to months. Without an inspection-monitoring program, however, it is more difficult to determine if Iraq has done so. Since the Gulf war, Iraq has rebuilt key portions of its chemical production infrastructure for industrial and commercial use, as well as its missile production facilities. It has attempted to purchase numerous dual-use items for, or under the guise of, legitimate civilian use. This equipment—in principle subject to UN scrutiny—also could be diverted for WMD purposes. Since the suspension of UN inspections in December 1998, the risk of diversion has increased. After Desert Fox, Baghdad again instituted a reconstruction effort on those facilities destroyed by the US bombing, including several critical missile production complexes and former dual-use CW production facilities. In addition, Iraq appears to be installing or repairing dual-use equipment at CW-related facilities. Some of these facilities could be converted fairly quickly for production of CW agents. UNSCOM reported to the Security Council in December 1998 that Iraq also continued to withhold information related to its CW program. For example, Baghdad seized from UNSCOM inspectors an Air Force document discovered by UNSCOM that indicated that Iraq had not consumed as many CW munitions during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s as had been declared by Baghdad. This discrepancy indicates that Iraq may have hidden an additional 6,000 CW munitions. In 1995, Iraq admitted to having an offensive BW program and submitted the first in a series of Full, Final, and Complete Disclosures (FFCDs) that were supposed to reveal the full scope of its BW program. According to UNSCOM, these disclosures are incomplete and filled with inaccuracies. Since the full scope and nature of Iraq’s BW program was not verified, UNSCOM had assessed that Iraq continued to maintain a knowledge base and industrial infrastructure that could be used to produce quickly a large amount of BW agents at any time, if the decision is made to do so. In the absence of UNSCOM or other inspections and monitoring since late 1998, we remain concerned that Iraq may again be producing biological warfare agents. Iraq has continued working on its L-29 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program, which involves converting L-29 jet trainer aircraft originally acquired from Eastern Europe. It is believed that Iraq has conducted flights of the L-29, possibly to test system improvements or to train new pilots. These refurbished trainer aircraft are believed to have been modified for delivery of chemical or, more likely, biological warfare agents. We believe that Iraq has probably continued low-level theoretical R&D associated with its nuclear program. A sufficient source of fissile material remains Iraq’s most significant obstacle to being able to produce a nuclear weapon. Although we were already concerned about a reconstituted nuclear weapons program, our concerns were increased last September when Saddam publicly exhorted his "Nuclear Mujahidin" to "defeat the enemy." Iraq continues to pursue development of SRBM systems that are not prohibited by the United Nations and may be expanding to longer-range systems. Pursuit of UN-permitted missiles continues to allow Baghdad to develop technological improvements and infrastructure that could be applied to a longer-range missile program. We believe that development of the liquid-propellant Al-Samoud SRBM probably is maturing and that a low-level operational capability could be achieved in the near term — which is further suggested by the appearance of four Al Samoud transporter-erector-launchers (TELs) with airframes at the 31 December Al Aqsa Cal parade. The solid-propellant missile development program may now be receiving a higher priority, and development of the Ababil-100 SRBM – two of such airframes and TELs were paraded on 31 December—and possibly longer range systems may be moving ahead rapidly. If economic sanctions against Iraq were lifted, Baghdad probably would increase its attempts to acquire missile-related items from foreign sources, regardless of any future UN monitoring and continuing restrictions on long-range ballistic missile programs. Iraq probably retains a small, covert force of Scud-type missiles. Iraq’s ACW acquisitions remain low due to the generally successful enforcement of the UN arms embargo. The weapons and ACW-related goods which have been delivered to Iraq tend to be smaller arms transported over porous land borders. Iraq continues, however, to aggressively seek ACW equipment and technology." ---------- Read it for yourselves - http://tinyurl.com/ynpnpx "

Doh wrote on Oct 2, 2007 11:17 AM:

" Remember folks- this was the DECLASSIFIED CIA report. Can you imagine what's in the CLASSIFIED Reports? "

The Question wrote on Oct 2, 2007 12:03 PM:

" After the appearance of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at Columbia University last week, an Iranian university yesterday invited President Bush to travel to Iran and speak on campus about a range of issues, including the Holocaust, terrorism, human rights and U.S. foreign policy. I wouldn't worry about Bush going to Iran, though. He couldn't face the possibility of being injured in a Southeast Asian war he cheered for. He panicked and flew all over the country like frightened little birdie on 9-11. He refuses even to face a crowd of Americans who might ask him a tough question, the big meanies. Among other things, and like all bullies, Bush is a complete, abject, cringing coward. "

The Question wrote on Oct 2, 2007 12:06 PM:

" By the way, if Iraqi deaths have suddenly plunged by half, that's great. Let's leave at once. But of course, they haven't really plunged. That's just another Bush-Pentagon lie, another corner turned, another back broken, another meaningless purple finger waving forever in the air... "

father bob wrote on Oct 2, 2007 12:10 PM:

" " Remember folks- this was the DECLASSIFIED CIA report. Can you imagine what's in the CLASSIFIED Reports? ".............you ARE a moron?.....declassified means the document can be released to the general public for informational purposes. this is from 2000, stuff the CIA and the pentagon has admitted erroneous. you just HAVE to keep trying to justify the crime. "

coonbug wrote on Oct 2, 2007 1:06 PM:

" So, the violence has dropped in Iraq huh? That makes everything OKEY DOKEY huh? I assume this means that we have to have our 170,000 troops STAY IN IRAQ, as well as over 190,000 private security company soldiers - in order to have Mission Accomplished CONSTANTLY? Everybody and I mean everybody is now talking about pulling the BULK of troops out of Iraq, leaving a small residual force. I wonder if violence will stay low once we PULL OUT....which we WILL DO - at some point soon - might as well face it war lovers. Most likely just before November 2008. Which reminds me...any of you under 45? You CAN still join the military you know. Go fight this war you seem so passionate about. Change of subject - Huckabee's Losing - Good News for Dems. Coonsey's View - http://www.freewebs.com/coonsey/ "

Locke wrote on Oct 2, 2007 1:18 PM:

" Again, we're citing the Clinton administration on the supposed Saddam/Osama connection -- the same people we are told to not trust day in and day out by Doh. Why do I have to cite anything to disprove what has not been proven? The moon is made of cheese; not it's not, it's made of rock and stuff; no, YOU prove it's not made of cheese -- that is Doh's argument now. Oh tactful there bud. Billie, I have already passed my judgement on Doh/Peabody. Does it not strike you funny that they (and Rotty) disappear at the same time, then return at exactly the same time? Then, when Doh (a known and self-confessed name theif from the pre-user ID period) is called out for his continuation of dual posting, it suddenly and mysteriously stops, as if he knows someone has caught on to him. Far too much coincidence for my liking. Ignore the orientation of the "two", then compare style, tone, and desire to stir up mischief. Compare the early Doh postings to the Peabody postings. Honestly I can say I don't miss this place at all. And by the way, I am Voltaire -- I have a pretty good idea who ran out and registered my name within 4 hours of the new system. Again, good job Peabody, I mean Rotty, I mean Doh, I mean TUrban. It's all pretty funny when you think about it, how much Doh has played us all for fools, arguing out of both sides of his mouth for his little online funtime. I've said it ages ago, you bring this forum to a new low each and every time you return Doh. "

Locke wrote on Oct 2, 2007 1:29 PM:

" I've said my piece, and now I will take another 6 months off -- infrequently reading, but never replying. I refuse to participate in a civil discussion with children who want to play silly internet games. If I am wrong Doh, I'm sorry... but I really don't think I am wrong in this instance. "

Doh wrote on Oct 2, 2007 3:15 PM:

" Good Lord! It looks like I've caused a complete melt-down with Locke AKA Voltair! By the way Voltaire this statement of yours is absolutely false: ("....when Doh a known and self-confessed name theif from the pre-user ID period"). Not only have I NEVER stolen anyones names, I've NEVER confessed to any such thing. And then you accuse ME of being Rotty and TUrbin! What? I've never posted as Rotty...... but as TUrbin? Are you serious? And why does your writing style, your ridiculous analogies and your hissy-fit meltdowns seem so similar to Peabody's? And there's one other glaring weakness you seem to share with Peabody, and insatiable ego that demands to be stroked, yet is fragile as glass. Now Why is that Voltaire? Hurry back VoltaireLockePeabody. I don't want to be responsible for driving anyone away. I feel everyone should have their say on here. Even you Left-Wing loons. "

Doh wrote on Oct 2, 2007 3:39 PM:

" ("declassified means the document can be released to the general public for informational purposes.") uhmmmm.....no father-bob, it means that this is the declassified PART of a larger classified report that has been clear to release. Did you happen to notice that the report didn't cite SOURCES? That should be your first clue that there is still classified material that has not been released, moron! The CIA NEVER releases a complete report, genius. ("this is from 2000, stuff the CIA and the pentagon has admitted erroneous.") Wait a minute! You mean this wasn't Intel that Bush manipulated and lied about? And just WHEN EXACTLY did the CIA and Pentagon find out that this Intel was erroneous? Because I've got more. "

swanee99 wrote on Oct 2, 2007 3:47 PM:

" Once all is said and done and all classified documents about his administration become available, future historians will see our current President as the criminal he is. From the illegal invasion of Iraq and the killing of tens of thousands of innocent people, to the bankrupting of this country while his rich friends got even richer. From the raping of this country's natural resources for political and monetary gain to the abondonment of the constitution, from sea to shining sea, George W has messed it all up for what could be generations of Americans. This Alfred E Neuman look-alike (anybody ever read MAD Magazine?) has led this country down the drain, and we only have ourselves to blame. The only reason NOT to impeach and remove Mr. Bush from office is the fact that Mr. Cheney is a worst alternative to what we have. "

swanee99 wrote on Oct 2, 2007 3:53 PM:

" BTW, the "W" in Mr Bush's name now stands for "WHOOPS!" "

Doh wrote on Oct 2, 2007 3:58 PM:

" Oh look - we now have a random poster *wink* named - swanee99 - who has completely missed the significance of the 2000 CIA Report. Don't worry KosKids, I've got lots more for you to "chew" on and explain. Trust me. "

swanee99 wrote on Oct 2, 2007 4:08 PM:

" Doh, I could care less about the CIA report. It means nothing to me. All I care about is what I see with Mr. Bush. What I see is a man who could have made a difference and unite the world, squander the opportunity to play politics and enrich his pals. "

Doh wrote on Oct 2, 2007 4:19 PM:

" The reaction on the Left to the good news out of Iraq, is proof positive that they want the war to be a complete and utter failure so that they can reap the political gains in 2008. Just look at their pathetic responses on this blog. This tells us all we need to know about their motives and loyalties. "

Doh wrote on Oct 2, 2007 4:25 PM:

" swanee99 - of course you don't care about the CIA reports. When have you Lefties ever been concerned about FACTS? Your idea of unity is capitulation. With unity like that, who needs enemies? "

father bob wrote on Oct 2, 2007 4:42 PM:

" """"uhmmmm.....no father-bob, it means that this is the declassified PART of a larger classified report that has been clear to release. Did you happen to notice that the report didn't cite SOURCES? That should be your first clue that there is still classified material that has not been released""""........more moronic babble. you have no clue. put whatever spin on it you wish Doh...it's still worthless info proven to be wrong......and i notice all the short sporadic posts, a sure sign of someone not able to focus on a specific train of thought. how long have been ADHD? "

swanee99 wrote on Oct 2, 2007 4:42 PM:

" Doh, what makes you think I'm a "lefty?" As a matter of fact, I have voted for republican Presidential candidates in the past (just not for GWB) and the term "capitulation" did not come out of my mouth. BTW Doh, you love to put words in other people's mouths and label people who don't blindly agree with you, don't you? Anyway, my idea of unity is what our President could have done IF he had finished the job in Afganhistan instead of traipsing off and invading another country. Now we have 2 quagmires to deal with and "capitulation" is not an effective way to deal with either one of them. Please, let's review the title of the letter, "History will speak well of President Bush." In my humble opinion this will only occur if history is written by you or by people like you who are not really concerned with all of the facts, just with the facts which you want to support. "

swanee99 wrote on Oct 2, 2007 4:58 PM:

" Oh, Doh, one more thing - I'm sure you know that any good "Intelligence Agency" (such as the CIA), like any good statistician, can make the data say whatever they want it to say. So, I wouldn't continue to misrepresent a CIA report as FACT. Who really knows what they were actually smoking when they were putting that report together anyway?? "

Doh wrote on Oct 2, 2007 5:00 PM:

" Oh puleeeez swanee99! I've debated so many Liberals on so many blogs I can usually smell them before I read their comments. Let me let you in on a little secret my friend; the next time you want to pretend to be on the Right, you might want to leave out the tell-tale Lib-code-speak like "unite the world" and "enrich his pals". If you sound like a KosKid - you probably are. And I believe you just put some words into MY mouth; I don't believe history WILL speak well of President Bush, nor should it. I think he's made too many key mistakes in his two terms. So much for your read on me, huh. "

father bob wrote on Oct 2, 2007 5:58 PM:

" " the Administration has been marketing a new and dangerous line. The view that has taken hold in the White House, Hersh writes, is "that if many of America's problems [in Iraq] are the responsibility of Tehran, then the solution to them is to confront the Iranians." As a result, "What had been presented primarily as a counterproliferation mission has been reconceived as counterterrorism." The focus is no longer broad bombing attacks--with targets including Iran's known and suspected nuclear facilities and other military and infrastructure cites. Instead, " the emphasis is on 'surgical' strikes on Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities in Tehran and elsewhere, which the Administration claims, have been a source of attacks on Americans in Iraq." The revised bombing plan, "with its tightened focus on counterterrorism, is gathering support among generals and admirals in the Pentagon," Hersh writes. One former senior intelligence official tells Hersh, " Cheney's option is now for a fast in and out--for surgical strikes." Hersh is careful to state that he was "repeatedly cautioned in interviews" that Bush has yet to issue the "execute order" that is required for military operations inside Iran--"and such an order may never be issued." But, he continues, " there has been a significant increase in the tempo of attack planning." Hersh quotes former national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski: "This time, unlike the attack in Iraq, we're going to play the victim. The name of our game seems to be to get the Iranians to overplay their hand. A lot depends on how stupid the Iranians will be. Will they cool off (Mahmoud) Ahmadinejad and tone down their language?" How will the Iranians react to more limited bombing strikes? Brzezinski tells Hersh that Iran would likely react "by intensifying the conflict in Iraq and also in Afghanistan, their neighbors, and that could draw in Pakistan. We will be stuck in a regional war for twenty years." ...........Sy Hersh's chilling article in this week's New Yorker ("The Administration's Plan for Iran") "

attainedage wrote on Oct 2, 2007 6:15 PM:

" Whoa there, big fella, father bob!. You said a bad nasty comment to Doh. You said he was ADHD. How do you think that makes Q feel, who really does have ADHD??? Huh, huh? Personal attacks are NOT allowed here. Your abuse of Doh is just plain old mean and totally unjustified and totally uncalled for, and stuff. Just wait till tomorrow morning. EB is gonna send you outside to cut your own switch and then he's gonna whup up all over your butt. You'll have to resign as a co-co-co-chair official of his party. "

Doh wrote on Oct 2, 2007 6:35 PM:

" Let me get this straight swanee99, the CIA report was wrong along with all of their reports leading up to the war? So Bush didn't lie after all? "

Mr. Peabody wrote on Oct 2, 2007 7:04 PM:

" Listen up idiot, I am not Doh. I agree with Doh sometimes but I don't think we are the same person. No definate not. Nice try though, BUD. Nor am I TUrbin or Rotty. In fact, I know Rotty IRL. You want proof of that I guess??? You know where to find me Hotair, I mean Voltair. You are a perfect example of what I mean when I say an idiot. Just a small town lefty who gets their news from CNN and moveon.org. You make me sick. "

swanee99 wrote on Oct 2, 2007 7:11 PM:

" Doh, I have no idea what a KosKid is, obviously another label you have for me, or anybody else who disagrees with you. That's fine. Debating with you and your cohorts is fun and easy for me because there's no surprises. Anyway, you DoB's (Defenders of Bush) will never change (my turn to label you). There was never any need to put words in you mouth, all I did was read your previous posts. They told me all I needed to know... Have a great night, Doh the DoB... "

Doh wrote on Oct 2, 2007 7:40 PM:

" Come now Voltaire- don't you think it's time to drop the Peabody masquerade? It takes a little more than just mimicking my clever names for you Lefties to pull off a decent imitation of Doh. Maybe you should throw in some more "Libtards" and "Leftards". And you haven't caught on yet to my revival of the always popular "moonbat". Drop the mask Voltaire, and face me like a big kid, genius. You're really starting to look like a bumbling simpleton. Try again. "

Doh wrote on Oct 2, 2007 7:49 PM:

" ("EB is gonna send you outside to cut your own switch and then he's gonna whup up all over your butt. You'll have to resign as a co-co-co-chair official of his party.") LOL!!!! Christ attainedage! You made me spit tea all over my keyboard and monitor! I'm sending you the bill, pal! LOL!!! "

Doh wrote on Oct 2, 2007 8:17 PM:

" Let's recap today's highlights kids. The Left explains that the 2000 CIA Report to Congress was wrong (I guess the reports after that were also wrong AND Bush lied about them?).... Or something? And thanks to moi, Locke had a complete meltdown and sobbingly admitted that he is really Voltaire, and also makes it completely obvious that he has been masquerading as Peabody the Peabrain. The Left continued to demonstrate their treasonous yet predictable hatred towards any good news coming out of Iraq, and oh yeah, father-bob still supports the troops, as long as he doesn't have to hear their "CRAP"! "

Mr. Peabody wrote on Oct 2, 2007 9:20 PM:

" I am Locke. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 2, 2007 11:29 PM:

" Locke, Doh is Doh is Doh! He doesn't need to be anyone else. As I said, he "doh's" quite well on his own. "Rockin Rotty" will come back when he's ready. Hi Rotty! Where are ya?.. BTW, Itsjustdave hung the TUrbin moniker on Urban some time back. Doh about peed himself laughing over that one! He was VERY ticked off at himself that he didn't think of it himself! Lol! Remember Doh? Lol! Nah! Doh has never professed or confessed to being anyone other than Doh! Better check those "writing styles" again . The other's don't bear any resemblence to Doh's. "

medic57 wrote on Oct 3, 2007 12:11 AM:

" What country have we ever left after being at war with them? NONE, Oh well, at least our "childrens" can learn according to our knowledgable president. "

steph15 wrote on Oct 3, 2007 12:27 AM:

" I want to thank you all, for making me laugh so f@#$%^&* hard. have needed a good laugh i love reading u all thanks again keep it up "

Early Bird wrote on Oct 3, 2007 4:47 AM:

" Looks like we have come full circle with the multi-name posting allegations. At least with the registration process, we no longer hear about all the ghost posting. "

sunbeam wrote on Oct 3, 2007 7:38 AM:

" While I cannot always figure out what Jack is talking about and I don't have the time to waste reading all the arguing and stupidity that goes on in all the blogs I feel it necessary to add my voice to a vote for our President (again, as I voted for him both times in the elections.) It will indeed be interesting to see who our Father God puts in office next time in fulfillment of prophecy! "

Julio wrote on Oct 3, 2007 7:49 AM:

" Are you high??? "

father bob wrote on Oct 3, 2007 9:44 AM:

" """""It will indeed be interesting to see who our Father God puts in office next time in fulfillment of prophecy!"""".........................god never put anyone in office, it's common knowledge he always votes for Nader. "

The Question wrote on Oct 3, 2007 9:46 AM:

" Former President Carter got in a shouting match Wednesday with Sudanese security services who blocked him from a town in Darfur where he was trying to meet with refugees from the ongoing conflict. The 83-year-old Carter walked into this highly volatile pro-Sudanese government town to meet refugees too frightened to attend a scheduled meeting at a nearby compound. "You can't go. It's not on the program!" the local security chief, who only gave his first name as Omar, yelled at Carter, who is in Darfur as part of a delegation of respected international figures known as "The Elders." "We're going to anyway!" an angry Carter said. ••• Just try to imagine the crawling coward Bush ever doing something like that. It's impossible, even for his lying supporters. "

father bob wrote on Oct 3, 2007 10:02 AM:

" have you noticed the republican candidates and their condescending, demeaning and defensive tone when they speak?....they are all sounding the same.....reminds me of Doh still trying to justify on a daily basis why young men and women are dying needlessly in trumped up war some criminals created over oil. "

Doh wrote on Oct 3, 2007 10:47 AM:

" As usual Billie, your summed up the situation nicely. I very much appreciate it. I still LMAO over Dave's creation of the TUrban moniker for Urban. And I still can't believe I didn't think of it first! I remember how quickly Urban changed his name to Question and Vic Sage. Isn't it fascinating how the multi-posting-name-changing garbage occurs predominantly on the Left? I wouldn't be a bit surprised to find that most of the Far-Left bilge in here was actually coming from just one or two MoveOn/KosKids. I tell you Billie, if I only had a dime for every time the Left accused me of hiding behind and stealing other names..... I'd be a wealthy man! Methinks the Left Doth Protest Too Much. And like you keep trying to point out; why on earth would I need to do that? God knows I've got the biggest Liberal-baiting bulls-eye on my back of any poster here. And that's exactly how I like it. I don't need any other name to stir up controversy. Any other name would be anti-climactic, and like you said; - "The name Doh, doh's quite well on its own!" LOL! ======== p.s. I'd like to see Rotty back in here too. And also Anita. Where are you guys? "

Doh wrote on Oct 3, 2007 10:52 AM:

" sunbeam- do us a favor. Stay out of the sun for a while. "

Doh wrote on Oct 3, 2007 10:55 AM:

" steph15 - It's fun isn't it. My sides are still hurting. "

Locke wrote on Oct 3, 2007 11:50 AM:

" LOL! Brilliant. I give up and agree with Steph, all you can do is laugh at this. Remember, the Walrus is Paul. "

father bob wrote on Oct 3, 2007 12:03 PM:

" with all the talk about the "war" and it's costs we don't hear much from the right about the "bush tax". in case you're wondering..................Rather than take responsibility for our common future, Bush has shifted costs to states and communities, who then pass them on to you. Across the country, people are seeing their property taxes skyrocket. State college tuition at 4-year schools has increased this year by an average of $579 nationwide. Half a million children have been deprived of health coverage. States and local government have cut vital services, and we're all having to pay more for less. That's the Bush Tax. Bush is largely to blame for the fiscal crisis that has forced states and communities to raise taxes and slash services. According to the non-partisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), "A conservative estimate suggests that federal policies are costing states and localities about $185 billion over the four-year course of the state fiscal crisis." Bush has shifted health costs to states and forced states to pay for unfunded mandates for homeland security, election reform, and No Child Left Behind. As a result, states and communities have had no choice but to raise taxes and cut services. That's the Bush Tax...........another "favorable quality" Jack? "

Doh wrote on Oct 3, 2007 1:21 PM:

" Golly Locke, what happened with this? - ("I've said my piece, and now I will take another 6 months off -- infrequently reading, but never replying. I refuse to participate in a civil discussion with children who want to play silly internet games.") - Remember, Peabody's the Eggman coocookachoo! "

The Question wrote on Oct 3, 2007 2:19 PM:

" I have been both a liberal and a conservative at times in my life, and I have figured out why conservatives hate liberals so much. Conservatives loathe liberals because they know them to be morally superior. Liberals actually practice the enlightened, civilized virtues of empathy and compassion that conservatives only pay lip service to. Conservatives, who are creatures of fear and appetite, don't really understand morality, despite the fact that they yap about it constantly. But they know liberals tend to be genuine in their moral concerns, and they can't stand it. They reserve for liberals a level of hatred that only someone who knows he's inferior can nurse for his betters. "

attainedage wrote on Oct 3, 2007 6:34 PM:

" Don't like to complain (ha), but the JG/T-C moderator could do a better job of posting the postings here. Maybe a little more timely? Sometimes it's almost as slow as snailmail. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 3, 2007 9:19 PM:

" "Karnac The Magnificent" aka "The Question" holds the sealed envelope to his TUbined head and divines the answer to the unknown question.( I'm assuming everyone remembers Johnny Carson's act) The answer is.... " I have been both a liberal and a conservative at times in my life, and I have figured out why conservatives hate liberals so much. Conservatives loathe liberals because they know them to be morally superior. Liberals actually practice the enlightened, civilized virtues of empathy and compassion that conservatives only pay lip service to. Conservatives, who are creatures of fear and appetite, don't really understand morality, despite the fact that they yap about it constantly. But they know liberals tend to be genuine in their moral concerns, and they can't stand it. They reserve for liberals a level of hatred that only someone who knows he's inferior can nurse for his betters. The question to this answer is "Who is morally superior, conservatives or liberals?" I think Karnac's communication with the "spirit world" to whom he goes for help with his diving powers , suffered a short circuit! He failed to see that there are very moral people on boths sides, as well as immoral. Question is so full of hate toward any conservative he can't see it. What a waste of an obviously intelligent mind, that refuses to see or even consider another point of view. It almost seems as if he thinks it's a sign of weakness to concede a point on anything.I believe by listening, really listening, it shows an open mind that is willing to admit a mistake or at the very least show that someone else perhaps might have a valid point to consider,one that might, but not neccessarily result in a slight change of postion. It's not admitting defeat at all to change ones mind if you can be shown another side and you concede a point. It's "food for the brain" to consider other's views... He sees things in absolutes! Black and white, no gray areas. He and his liberalism is correct and above all of us who don't support it. Conservatives are wrong. All the time. ....Now to be fair here, there are conservatives who suffer from the same "superiority syndrome". Old Rush comes to mind. In any event it's a shame to be so rigid you can't see the good in both sides, and it IS there! "

Midnight Writer wrote on Oct 4, 2007 4:30 AM:

" I just read all of your blogs and now my head hurts. I know now how your Gov. Blagojevich got elected not once but twice.Maybe you should take care of your own situation before you rewrite history? "

dohbaugh wrote on Oct 4, 2007 7:55 AM:

" Huh? I did I miss something? I try to keep up, but I wasn't aware that the current Govornor had been elected twice, or is the misinformed midnight writer rewriting history? Foot in mouth? "

steph15 wrote on Oct 4, 2007 9:40 AM:

" heck maybe what we should do is set up our or your own chat room wouldnt that be a scream... what do u all think of the russians invading our air space and china waking up or should we be the ones waking up???? "

The Question wrote on Oct 4, 2007 10:46 AM:

" Conservatives can be compassionate to members of their tribe, Billie. Very compassionate, in fact. But sometimes that means they lack all compassion for those human beings who are outside their tribe, and that kind of compassion is the civilized kind. For examples, if members of their tribe were to rape a 14-year-old girl and slaughter her family, conservatives might say, "Oh well, it doesn't happen very often, so shut up about it. Anyway, who cares? Those children and their family were outside the tribe." Their outrage, like their compassion, can be highly selective. "

coonbug wrote on Oct 4, 2007 12:26 PM:

" Speaking of Chat rooms... Father Bob has just posted on Coonsey's View website. Come one, come all - comment on his or any other post. Perhaps you'd rather start a General Topic of your own under GENERAL COMMENTS: (UNDER BLOG) Don't forget to visit the Coonsey's Forum also, start your own topic. "

Midnight Writer wrote on Oct 4, 2007 2:58 PM:

" dohbaugh Gov. Blagojevich was sworn in Jan. 8 2007 for his 2nd term as gov. Thank you for making my point! ( I was going to write a nasty response as you did but what would be the point) ; "

attainedage wrote on Oct 4, 2007 3:40 PM:

" Dohbaugh? Hello? Hope you don't get upset, but Imagonna splash some cold water on yer face here! Remember Jim Ryan (2002), Judy Barr-Topinka (2006)? You OK now? You sure? Ok, then, I gotta go. Call if you need anything, OK? Sure now? "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 4, 2007 5:56 PM:

" Oh come on now Question! You're pushing the "conservatives only have compassion for their own kind" claptrap just a little over the edge! In fact it's not claptrap it's BS! You are full of IT! I'm not going to fire back that all liberals have the same mindset and only have compassion for their own, because I know better. I don't feel that way at all. I will make an exception for as your liberal butt! You have proven it time after time.... None of us could get one "little teeny tiny" bit of concern out of you for the kids who were molested which had been discussed on another thread. Not one word from you! The only concern you expressed( several times) was to make sure the perpetrator of these crimes toward the kids wasn't "lynched" by hysterical townspeople. I believe in due process too and said so. You had to point out that the U.S has the toughest laws pertaining to sexual crimes. So in other words, what's the big deal huh? All kinds of posts concerning the rights of a pervert! Not one with any support or compassion toward the kids maimed for life. Nice going Question, King of Compassion! "

dohbaugh wrote on Oct 4, 2007 7:31 PM:

" OK, OK, I confess to being the only poster to have ever had made a mistake on here. Must have been the decaf. I'll try harder next time. "

Doh wrote on Oct 4, 2007 7:46 PM:

" No biggie dohbaugh. Sooner or later we're all humbled. Today was your day, tomorrow may be mine. Just as the slave warned the victorious Roman general, "All glory is fleeting". "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 4, 2007 8:29 PM:

" Thanks, Doh. I have to admit that when I realized my error, I was a little red faced. Don't know what I was thinking. It's good to know that somone whom I have learned to have a great deal of respect for is not wanting to rub it in my face. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 4, 2007 8:57 PM:

" doh and dohbaugh, making a mistake and being humbled applies to all of us. Except Question. He's above all of that! Meow! "

Doh wrote on Oct 4, 2007 9:51 PM:

" No thanks needed, Dohbaugh. You have been most forgiving and gracious towards me after our very tumultuous start. I don’t think everyone here is aware of that. I can assure you, I will never forget it. "

Doh wrote on Oct 4, 2007 10:02 PM:

" Ah yes Billie- humility will be the death of poor Question. One day a Good Samaritan will help him in his hour of need. I only hope he has the good sense to not engage the poor soul in a discussion of religion and politics. Meow indeed! "

father bob wrote on Oct 5, 2007 9:48 AM:

" Doh wrote on Oct 4, 2007 9:51 PM: " No thanks needed, Dohbaugh. You have been most forgiving and gracious towards me after our very tumultuous start. I don’t think everyone here is aware of that. I can assure you, I will never forget it. " Doh wrote on Oct 4, 2007 10:02 PM: " Ah yes Billie- humility will be the death of poor Question. One day a Good Samaritan will help him in his hour of need. I only hope he has the good sense to not engage the poor soul in a discussion of religion and politics. Meow indeed! "............................you would be somewhat likable if you weren't such an arrogant, pomous a$$. "

The Question wrote on Oct 5, 2007 10:07 AM:

" "doh and dohbaugh, making a mistake and being humbled applies to all of us. Except Question. He's above all of that! Meow!" •••• But Billie, I already admitted I once voted Republican. It's hard to imagine a greater mistake. "

Doh wrote on Oct 5, 2007 10:18 AM:

" (".....you would be somewhat likable if you weren't such an arrogant, pomous a$$.") - Well thank you father-bob! I think you're cute too! pssst- I'll let you in on a little secret bob; THIS IS A POLITICAL DEBATE. Political views don't always reflect the character and integrity of the individual. On the other hand, if you write "snot", you shouldn't be surprised when you receive "snot". When I make a mistake- I own up to it; in all my arrogance pomposity. "

father bob wrote on Oct 5, 2007 10:32 AM:

" this administration knows no shame.........................Updated: 1:42 a.m. MT Oct 5, 2007 Alberto Gonzales, the former US attorney-general, reportedly approved the use of waterboarding and other controversial interrogation techniques in a memo in 2005 even though the justice department had publicly declared that torture was "abhorrent". The justice department denounced the use of torture in December 2004, in a move seen as a retreat from the so-called 2002 "torture memo", which appeared to condone the use of torture on terrorism suspects. The New York Times reported on Thursday that Mr Gonzales authorised use of the techniques, including waterboarding, over the objections of James Comey, then deputy attorney-general, who told justice deparment lawyers they would be "ashamed" when the memo became public. As White House counsel in 2002, Mr Gonzales also approved the "torture memo," which was drafted by the same justice department officer that wrote the 2005 memo permitting waterboarding, where interrogators pour water over the covered head of a captive to simulate effects of drowning. The Central Intelligence Agency reportedly used waterboarding on Khaled Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. But in spite of the justice department 2005 memo, the agency is later understood to have decided against using the technique, partly because of fears that interrogators could later be prosecuted. "

father bob wrote on Oct 5, 2007 10:52 AM:

" George Bush, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Rush Limbaugh....3 peas in a pod. "we don't torture" "there was no holocaust" "i didn't really say anything about that soldier"..........it's "all about interpretation" you know....geeezzz "

coonbug wrote on Oct 5, 2007 11:41 AM:

" Now Now Boys (or Girls, which ever the case may be). Breaking News.... Father Bob has another Column on Coonsey's View http://www.freewebs.com/coonsey/ "

Midnight Writer wrote on Oct 5, 2007 2:43 PM:

" Dohbaugh: You must be well respected from all the fuzzy hugs or is it that I also know that the good people of Coles Co.are forgiving.(Maybe you shouldn't be so short sometimes)I haven't lived their for a long time but I visit,read and talk to my friends all the time. I care about all of you and I just cant stand the way Blagojevich has spit in your face. I would hope that some of you would use your blogging energy to go after him instead of worrying about G.W. His history will be what it is. You can change yours! "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 5, 2007 4:15 PM:

" My My Question! One mistake? Wow! How do you live with yourself? "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 5, 2007 5:09 PM:

" Probably the latter, Midnight. As far as our governor goes, I am sure that if you keep up on this site you are aware that old Rod usually takes a pretty good licking whenever his name comes up. This thread started off about Bush and has never strayed off onto the dissatisfaction that most have with Rod. The problem in Illinois is that the Republican party is in total disarray. I think they have never recovered from the scandals of the last Republican governor. About the only way the Republicans could have beat Rod would have been to have got someone like the ex-governor Jim Edgar, or someone of equal stature and character. Tropinka was not that person. However I think old Rod has pi$$ed off so many people that there is no way the Republicans can lose the next time around. That is unless some other Democrat challenges Rod in the next primary. The main thing Rod has to do is to keep Richard Daley happy, and the votes will pour in. Having said all of that, I can certainly understand your feelings about Blagojevich, because in all candor, I feel the same way about about Bush and what I think he has done to this country. "

Doh wrote on Oct 5, 2007 8:52 PM:

" ("But Billie, I already admitted I once voted Republican. It's hard to imagine a greater mistake.") - Try this, Question: *HILLARY CLINTON* How will you feel after you cast your ballot for the Cackling Hag in '08? If you think Bush pi55ed you off - you ain't seen nuthin' yet! "

Midnight Writer wrote on Oct 6, 2007 12:38 AM:

" Dohbaugh: I was born into a Democrat family many which served as 1. A two term Mayor of Charleston. 2.County Board 3. Library Board 4.Police Board 5.Police Chief of Charleston.6.Mayor of Mattoon 7. Coles Co. Airport Authority Board just to name a few. When I registered to vote at age 18 I chose the Republican party. ( A lot of departed family turned over in their graves I'm sure, and the living ones knew I must have been switched at birth.)Three yrs. ago I disliked G.W. so much went down to the court house and switched to (OTHER). After 35 years of voting in every election G.W. has left me as an OTHER And you think you don't like him! "

The Question wrote on Oct 6, 2007 12:06 PM:

" Here are the vicious little mercenary storm troopers you shameless Republicans are defending: In November 2005, in an act even Blackwater officials acknowledged as "random negligence," a Blackwater-guarded motorcade on its way to an Iraqi Oil Ministry demolished 18 civilian vehicles. In December 2006, a dead-drunk Blackwater contractor, without provocation, gunned down a guard for Iraqi Vice President, Adil Abd-al-Mahdi and was quickly spirited out of the country by Blackwater. On Sept. 9 of this year, Batoul Mohammed Ali Hussein, a clerk in the Iraqi customs office in Diyala province, was killed when Blackwater security contractors responded to rock throwing with a barrage of automatic weapons fire into a crowded intersection. Witnesses reported a Blackwater guard shot Hussein repeatedly after she had struggled to her feet. Four other Iraqi civilians were killed in the incident. In other incidents, each cited in State Department documents, Blackwater forces shot a civilian bystander in the head; sought to cover up a shooting that killed an apparently innocent bystander; and provided no assistance after a traffic accident caused by its "counter-flow" driving protocol left an Iraqi vehicle in "a ball of flames." Then there was the incident of Sept.r 16 this year, when a Blackwater contingent fired indiscriminately into a crowd killing anywhere between 11 and 17 Iraqi civilians, and wounding an additional 24. "

The Question wrote on Oct 6, 2007 12:10 PM:

" Andrew Greeley - Why was it necessary to invade Iraq? Because they attacked us? But they did not. Most of the 9/11 killers were in fact Saudis. Because they had weapons that might kill us? It turns out that they did not. Why is it necessary to continue this pointless, never-ending war? For the sake of democracy in Iraq? For victory? Because the president says it’s the “right thing” to do? So that a future president will be blamed for “weakness?” "

Doh wrote on Oct 7, 2007 10:49 AM:

" RETIRED GENERAL HAS NEVER HEARD CLINTON OPPOSE IRAQ WAR (ABCNews October 06, 2007 4:34 PM) - ABC News' Eloise Harper reports: A retired U.S. general visiting New Hampshire to campaign for Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., said yesterday that Clinton does not oppose the Iraq war, and the General said she's never heard Clinton oppose it, reported New Hampshire's Union Leader. Retired Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy, the Army's first woman to reach the three-star rank, said in a telephone interview with the paper, "I have not ever heard [Clinton] say, 'I oppose the war.' I've heard her say that we need to begin withdrawal under a plan led by the military and defense secretary. I've heard her say we need to create a regional stabilizing group by allies, by leaders in the world and by all of the states that are bordering Iraq." A Clinton spokesperson tells ABC News that "Senator Clinton opposes this war and is trying to do everything she can to end it as quickly as she can- a goal that she and General Kennedy share." ======= LOL!!! Hey Democrats, how's your 2008 Presidential Candidate looking so far? Or is this the 2008 Republican Candidate? I can't tell! Can you? LOL!!!!! ====== Read it here ===== http://tinyurl.com/26uxut === p.s. Read the comments LOL!!!! "

Doh wrote on Oct 7, 2007 10:51 AM:

" REMEMBER FOLKS - "In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons." Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct. 10, 2002 "

Cognitus wrote on Oct 7, 2007 4:05 PM:

" medic57 wrote on Oct 1, 2007 " I believe Binladen will be found just before Bush leaves office, (if he ins't already in our hands) then Bush can say, hey, look, we caught him." *** Actually Karl Rove is growing a beard and they are going to put him in a robe and pass him off as as bin Laden.###################### deep thoughts 45 wrote on Oct 1, 2007 " What many of us forget is that on September 11 when all hell broke loose in America, we had a leader who stood up and proclaimed that we would not stand for this!" Deep Thoughts forgets that when GWB learned of 9/11, scared ****less, he continued reading "My Pet Goat". He then flew to Louisiana and hid out in an Air Force base; next he flew to Omaha and hid out in an Air Force base. As I recall it was not until the next day that he finally got tranquilized enough that he could return to Washington. True, about 3 or 4 days later he grabbed a microphone in NYork and said "We will get the person who did this". He failed to do so. Next he said, "Bin Laden is of no further interest to me". This is hilarious: when necessary to defend his failure, he says bin Laden is no threat; when he needs to get the citizens peeing their pants in terror, he threatens them with bin Laden. [Sort of like parents who used to scare their kids into behaving by telling them the "goblins will get you".]******** Read what The Question wrote on Oct 2nd; The letter writer was simply counting the recent murders under investigation. Note that the people killed by Blackwater are usually described as "suspected terrorists" -- would we accept our own police shooting to death people who are only "suspected" wrong-doers?? ################### Finally, if you're a member of the so-called "pro-life" group, do you think it's OK for Blackwater guards to kill Iraqi who in most cases just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time -- and suffer no punishment other than being sent home so the Iraqi government can't punish them??? ########### And finally, don't you have any compassion for the poor privates who are working for "peanuts" while the Blackwater folks are making hundreds of $$$$ per day? I say, send Blackwater home and use the money spent on them to reward soldiers who are working for our country RESPONSIBLY!!!! "

ItsJustDave wrote on Oct 7, 2007 7:03 PM:

" Not that it matters, but Bush wanted to return to D.C. after the second plane hit the towers, but was convinced by Dick Cheney and the Secret Service, among others, that it was neither safe nor prudent to do so until it could be determined that the White House was not going to be hit. It would have been irresponsible for the president of the U.S., no matter who he or she may be, to return under such circumstances. Air Force One landed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, LA at about 11:45 a.m., where he gave a short statement. Bush told Karl Rove: “I want to go back home as soon as possible.” Rove answered: “Our people are saying it’s unstable still.” [AP, 9/13/01] Bush was told he could get to the US Strategic Command center in Offutt, Nebraska, quicker than he could fly to Washington, so he agreed to go to Nebraska. The White House staff was preparing for Bush to address the nation from the Offutt bunker, but Bush decided instead to return to Washington. [CBS, 9/11/02]. Air Force One left Offutt around 4:30 p.m. [MSNBC, 9/22/01, CNN, 9/12/01] and landed at Andrews Air Force Base at 6:34 p.m., escorted by two F-15 fighters and one F-16. [CNN, 9/11/01] Bush then took the Marine One helicopter to the White House [Salon 9/11/01], arriving shortly before 7:00 p.m. [CNN, 9/12/01]. So, president Bush, against the advice of his advisors, was back in the White House ten hours after the WTC attacks. Take them as you wish, but those are the facts. "

The Question wrote on Oct 7, 2007 7:37 PM:

" Nice try at spin, Dave. We all know Bush has been an abject coward, right from Vietnam through 9-11 up to now. He'd hide under the bed in the Lincoln Bedroom before he'd ever dare accept the invtation to visit Iran. "

Doh wrote on Oct 7, 2007 8:09 PM:

" Cognitus - ("Note that the people killed by Blackwater are usually described as "suspected terrorists" -- would we accept our own police shooting to death people who are only "suspected" wrong-doers??") ====== Uhhhmmmm........if they were in the middle of a WAR ZONE, then YES! Would you prefer that the Blackwater agents kindly call for a "cease-fire" so they could read the "innocent civilians" there Miranda Rights? Geezuz! See this? This is EXACTLY why Liberals should never be in charge of our National Security- much less a war. Unbelievable! "

ItsJustDave wrote on Oct 7, 2007 8:37 PM:

" VolTUrbanQuestionAnswerLockePeabody: Spin? I presented absolute verifiable facts, no commentary or personal opinion included. Sources were intentionally NOT Fox or any other so-called right leaning media; in fact all, except possibly AP, are left leaning. As for hiding under the bed in the Lincoln bedroom, I'd say the previous administration had a few under there hiding from Hillary. As for your adopted home country of Iran, why on earth would anyone with a lick of sense visit there under the current regime? I know Nancy Pelosi and Tom Lantos want to go, but I DID say anyone with a lick of sense. "

The Question wrote on Oct 7, 2007 8:52 PM:

" What's "unbelievable," Doh, is that the Blackwater storm troopers have MURDERED innocent people, and you defend them! What kind of a human being are you? "

The Question wrote on Oct 7, 2007 9:08 PM:

" A completed Iraqi government inquiry found that employees of the American security company Blackwater USA shot unprovoked at Iraqi civilians at a downtown traffic circle three weeks ago, an episode that killed 17 people and wounded more than 20 others, a government spokesman said The four-vehicle Blackwater convoy, which had stopped at Nisoor Square on Sept. 16 to seal off traffic for another convoy carrying State Department officials, "wasn't even hit by a stone," much less hostile gunfire. "

Doh wrote on Oct 7, 2007 11:05 PM:

" ("What's "unbelievable," Doh, is that the Blackwater storm troopers have MURDERED innocent people, and you defend them! What kind of a human being are you?") - I haven't "defended" anybody. I simply attacked a very stupid supposition that the Blackwater agents in the middle of a war zone should be held to the same civil jurisprudence as that of American law enforcement in peace-time conditions. I’m withholding judgment in this particular case until the FACTS have been disclosed. But please; don’t let me stand in the way of your “lynch-mob” rush to conviction, as you go all "Haditha-Marines" with your “whatever lie it takes to lose this war” soapbox insanity. But tell me Question- what if some of those Blackwater contractors are pedophiles? Still feel like lynch-mobing? Got you by the heart-strings with that one- huh. OMG- is that a tear in your eye? "

Doh wrote on Oct 7, 2007 11:17 PM:

" ("A completed Iraqi government inquiry......")- What! Now wait a minute, Question. Is this the SAME dysfunctional, corrupt, and hopelessly fractured Iraqi government that you have been claiming will never form? Or have they formed just enough for you to believe their assessment of this situation- but not enough to be deemed as a sign of PROGRESS IN IRAQ? I swear- I can’t keep up with your ever-changing rationale for opposing this war! "

Doh wrote on Oct 8, 2007 12:52 AM:

" BWAAHHAH!!!! - "Sometimes this is a difficult road being in politics," Obama said. "Sometimes you can become fearful, sometimes you can become vain, sometimes you can seek power just for power's sake instead of because you want to do service to God. I JUST WANT ALL OF YOU TO PRAY THAT I CAN BE AN INSTRUMENT OF GOD in the same way that Pastor Ron and all of you are instruments of God." - OH NO QUESTION!!!!!!! BWHAHAHA!!! - "He finished his brief remarks by saying, "WE'RE GOING TO KEEP ON PRAISING TOGETHER. I AM CONFIDENT THAT WE CAN CREATE A KINGDOM RIGHT HERE ON EARTH." - LOL!!!!!! Read it here Question! http://tinyurl.com/2b9htt It looks like Bush isn't the only one who talks to God! Who WILL you vote for, Question? LOL!!!! Man, am going to love the '08 elections. No matter who win's - it's going to be FUN!!! "

The Question wrote on Oct 8, 2007 8:04 AM:

" "Progress" in Iraq? Several top Iraqi leaders say they given up on "national reconciliation." Iraqi leaders argue that sectarian animosity is entrenched in the structure of their government. Instead of reconciliation, they now stress alternative and perhaps more attainable goals: streamlining the government bureaucracy, placing experienced technocrats in positions of authority and improving the dismal record of providing basic services. "I don't think there is something called reconciliation, and there will be no reconciliation as such," said Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih, a Kurd. And that's called "progress toward all-out civil war," Doh. "

The Question wrote on Oct 8, 2007 9:35 AM:

" Six years after the Sept. 11 attacks in the United States, the "war on terror" is failing and instead fueling an increase in support for extremist Islamist movements, a British think-tank said on Monday. A report by the Oxford Research Group (ORG) said a "fundamental re-think is required" if the global terrorist network is to be rendered ineffective. "If the al Qaeda movement is to be countered, then the roots of its support must be understood and systematically undercut," said Paul Rogers, the report's author and professor of global peace studies at Bradford University in northern England. He described the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq as a "disastrous mistake" which had helped establish a "most valued jihadist combat training zone" for al Qaeda supporters. The report -- Alternatives to the War on Terror -- recommended the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from Iraq coupled with intensive diplomatic engagement in the region, including with Iran and Syria. in other words, the report describes Bush's complete and utter failure at every possible level. But we knew that already, didn't we? "

AllYouNeedIsLove wrote on Oct 8, 2007 10:29 AM:

" At first, when I read this letter, I thought it was a joke, especially the line, "Since 9-11, this country has enjoyed six years of security, a robust economy, and a restoration of morality to the White House." My opinion is that the Bush Admin. has made us less secure, hurt the economy deeply, and scorned all morals and values, as well as the Constitution. I don't see how anybody could think that George Bush is good, and that goes to show how easily this country has been divided. I'm sorry, Mr. Pierce, but a great president brings people together, he doesn't push them apart. George Bush has made people like me and Mr. Pierce dislike each other, because I believe George Bush and his Admin. are evil, dirty, money-grubbing, ruthless, conniving killers that have caused mass destruction and mass death. I have always loved this country, but I cannot defend George Bush or his cronies. In all honesty, I think he is one of the worst people to have ever lived. I hope that George W. Bush goes down in history as the worst president that the U.S. has ever had, and that is my opinion on the matter. "

The Question wrote on Oct 8, 2007 10:47 AM:

" Linda Milazzo — Life was easy for George W. Bush. Fortunately so. As an unspectacular man, his only gift was his privilege. Without it, he would never have risen to the top. He's no John Edwards, who rose from poverty to a successful law career, and on to the US Senate. He's no Obama, who taught Constitutional Law, and went on to the US Senate. Absent his privilege, life would have been much different for incurious, obsessive, less-than-average George. Aside from his incurious nature, compulsions and recklessness, what's most sad about Bush is his lack of compassion. He's loyal - but just to his famiglie (families) - his blood family, and the non-blood enablers around him. He's simplistic, self-righteous and rigid. Even in matters of life and death, he lacks an inner-compassionate guide. He's a mobster. A sociopath. He lies, cheats and uses any means to achieve his goals - dismissive of the cost. "

The Question wrote on Oct 8, 2007 12:08 PM:

" Why we fight. Matt Taibbi — There's the always popular Because Terrorists Are Bad, We Must Fight Them in Iraq, Where They Weren't (if suicide bombers kill Iraqi kids, "what are they willing to do to our children?"). There's the still more popular When Liberals Defame Soldiers, Soldiers Die in Iraq (on MoveOn's criticism of Gen. Petraeus: "I don't think there's a place in this country for impugning the integrity and honor of those who serve"). And there's the greatest of all pro-war sophisms, the brilliant We Invaded Iraq Because Someone Kind of Like the Iraqis Attacked Us First ("The enemies we face there harbor the same depraved indifference to human life as those who killed 3,000 innocent Americans"). "

ItsJustDave wrote on Oct 8, 2007 2:57 PM:

" AllYouNeedIsLove wrote on Oct 8, 2007 10:29 AM: " At first, when I read this letter, I thought it was a joke, especially the line, "Since 9-11, this country has enjoyed six years of security, a robust economy, and a restoration of morality to the White House." : Which part is wrong? NO terror attacks, historically high stock market, low interest rates and unemployment, and not a single mentally unstable chubby intern has been taken advantage of by the president. It's never, in this generation, been easier to buy a home, get a job or invest for the future than it is now. Is Bush perfect? No, far from it.. but the worst ever? Not even in the bottom three since 1977. Oh, how some long for the days of the late '70's... double digit inflation, 18% mortgages and Godawful disco music. "

Locke wrote on Oct 8, 2007 6:03 PM:

" Dave, you wouldn't know a fact if it came up and bit you on the... "

ItsJustDave wrote on Oct 8, 2007 6:21 PM:

" I can prove my statements, not just quote obscure poets, authors and journalists. Also, at least I have the stones to stay with one name and take my lumps, not run and change names every time someone disagrees with me. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 8, 2007 6:47 PM:

" Hi ya, Dave. Something that has always puzzled me is, why can't you Bush supporters ever talk him up and leave Clinton out of the subject? Now before you go claiming that I'm a Clinton fan, let me assure you I am not, but it seems to me that if Bush were so great it wouldn't be necessary to always drag Clinton into the debate. The same goes for the radio right wingers. Turn on any of them and within 5 minutes they are reminding us of what bad morals Clinton had. It sort of takes away from your argument when you have to constantly drag Clinton in for a comparison. Actually, if you really want to be honest, Bush seems to have a lot of character flaws too. Everyone of you guys want to talk about Clinton's marijuana use, but no one wants to talk about all the Bush Cocaine stories, that have surfaced over the years. The same goes for Clinton's draft evasion, but what about Bush's period of over a year's worth of missing Guard meetings, which some have even called his being AWOL. And if Clinton is a draft dodger, what does that make our VP, Cheney? Going back to the original letter that started all of this, I don't think history will be very kind to either of these lightweights. Sadly, what's being offered up by both parties seem to be more of the same, mediocrity at best. "

Locke wrote on Oct 8, 2007 8:04 PM:

" Only facts you utter are those that support your alternate version of reality -- everything counter to that fantasy is ignored. Too bad your mouth isn't as closed as your mind. "

ItsJustDave wrote on Oct 8, 2007 8:37 PM:

" I've never posted a single word regarding Clinton's drug use or military background - ever. I'll occasionally mention his other little flaw, but only in response to attacks on other presidents', or candidates', moral weaknesses. The reason Clinton is brought up is because he was the previous president - who better to compare the current officeholder to; James Garfield? Reagan and Bush were always brought up by Clinton's defenders while he was in office, and it was legitimate, even if the actual arguments weren't. I don't remember too many Republicans crying 'foul' about that - we were more than happy to have the comparisons made. Wonder why many Dems don't feel the same about Clinton? "

Doh wrote on Oct 8, 2007 8:44 PM:

" A point to ponder my dear Peabody- It is one thing to show a man that he is in an error, and another to put him in possession of the truth. "

Locke wrote on Oct 9, 2007 2:54 AM:

" There's an old saying in Mattoon — I know it's in Charleston, probably in Mattoon — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 7:42 AM:

" Thanks for the early morning chuckle, Dave. Are you seriously trying to say that the Clinton folks came any where near blaming everything on Bush and Reagan. If memory serves me correctly, the Reagan administration holds the record for the most people leaving under some sort of scandal, and I don't recall the Clinton administration all obsessed about that. By the way, Dave, I wasn't singling you out personally, I was talking in general terms about a lot of Bush supporters inability to support their man, without having to drag Clinton into the fray. I happen to agree with most of the criticism of Clinton, but think it's out of place while trying to support Bush, as it seems to make the defense of Bush look weak. That was my only point. "

The Question wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:17 AM:

" Two suicide car bombers targeted a local police chief and a prominent Sunni sheik working with U.S. forces against al-Qaida in Iraq in a northern city on Tuesday, killing at least 19 people, authorities said. At least 42 people were killed or found dead across Iraq. ***** That's more of Doh's "solid surge progress." Just a little more such "surge progress" and Iraq will be destroyed. "

HeinekenMan wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:29 AM:

" A kid in the next town over (from me, not you) was blown to bits by a roadside bomb over the weekend. On Thursday, we found out our landlord is one of the record number of Americans whose homes are going into foreclosure. Meanwhile, that Canadian dollar is still holding at a record worth in comparison to the U.S. dollar. But what a wonderful time we're all having! Woohoo! "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:35 AM:

" (Locke wrote on Oct 2, 2007 1:18 PM: "And by the way, I am Voltaire") ===== Fooled us once ===== (Locke wrote on Oct 2, 2007 1:29 PM: "I've said my piece, and now I will take another 6 months off -- infrequently reading, but never replying.") ===== Fooled us twice ===== (Mr. Peabody wrote on Oct 2, 2007 9:20 PM: "I am Locke") ===== Fooled us three times ===== (Locke wrote on Oct 2, 2007 1:29 PM: "I refuse to participate in a civil discussion with children who want to play silly internet games.") ===== You must be a fool. "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:42 AM:

" What, Question? More people killed - in a WAR ZONE! My God! This is unheard of! But yet, troop and civilian deaths have still declined across the country. Yep, still progress. "

father bob wrote on Oct 9, 2007 11:45 AM:

" Bush VS Kids....he lies again.....The State Children's Health Insurance Program was created by the federal government in 1997 to provide medical insurance coverage for children of families with annual incomes too large to qualify for Medicaid but too small to afford private insurance. The legislation currently insures more than six million children who would otherwise lack coverage. An individual is eligible until age 18 if his or her family income is above Medicaid thresholds but below a total income of $41,300 for a family of four. The original legislation expired on September 30 and required reauthorization. The Senate and House quickly agreed on a compromise to continue SCHIP by large margins as well as to increase funding to enhance the efficacy of the program. As promised, President Bush vetoed the bill Wednesday, calling the proposal fiscally irresponsible and an attempt to "federalize medicine." This from a president who has been one of the most profligate spenders in history. The fact is that this veto is yet another example of his administration's never-ending efforts to ignore the truth for the sake of promoting misguided ideological principles. SCHIP has been successful. Enrollees in SCHIP have been demonstrated to have improved access to higher quality health care. But facts didn't matter enough to Bush as he killed a bipartisan bill. However facts should matter to members of Congress who have the power to override his veto, as a very good editorial in the October 6 Kansas City Star argued. The main point is that "the chronically underfunded 10-year-old SCHIP has made remarkable inroads. It has reduced by a third the uninsurance rate of low-income children whose families don't qualify for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance." As the editorial concludes, "President Bush's veto should not stand. Lawmakers who voted 'no' should reconsider and help override it. If they use the facts as a guide, they will." "

ItsJustDave wrote on Oct 9, 2007 12:09 PM:

" Doh: Got Locke figured out awhile back - he's like one of them scientifical critters that they use in lab experiments; yanno, the ol' 'push the button' trick? Sometimes ya get a treat, sometimes ya get a shock. As long as he still senses the possibility of a treat, he'll take a few shocks. Ain't figgered out his tolerance yet, though. Too many treats and he becomes more annoying; too many shocks and he runs and hides. Gotta find the balance - keep him around, but under control. "

The Question wrote on Oct 9, 2007 12:30 PM:

" That's right, Doh. The U.S. has turned an entire nation into a war zone — for LONGER THAN WORLD WAR II. Why should innocent people complain when they are shot by Blackwater thugs in the street? Doh says they're in a war zone, so that makes it all okay. You can murder anybody you want in a war zone, for any reason. What Republican fun! Did you ever hear of a "war crime," doh? "

father bob wrote on Oct 9, 2007 12:59 PM:

" oh c'mon Question...they're shooting iraqis ya know, they don't have families or loved ones. they're godless coldblooded warmongering terrorists........ooops i just described the whitehouse staff. "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 1:37 PM:

" Feeling a little dizzy Question? What does Blackwater have to do with Tuesday's violence? And how do you know who was innocent? And you better stop comparing this war to WWII. You don't want VoltaireJohnLockePeabody to go into another meltdown of pretentiousness while he tries to impress us with his Wikipedia University Degree in useless 18th century philosophical world history do you? Oh God - I can hear the Libtarded analogies already: "Just because the moon is made of cheese Doh, doesn't mean that this van is not an automobile; not that it's not!" ==== I'm holding you personally responsible, Question! "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 1:44 PM:

" Dave- you're reading JohnLockePeabrain perfectly! There's also another name that he has posted under in here. I'm quite sure of it. A well established name that hasn't been seen for a couple of weeks. But you're right Dave- we have to spank; but not pummel. "

father bob wrote on Oct 9, 2007 3:04 PM:

" want proof of torture by US?................WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court today refused to give a hearing to a German man who says he was wrongly abducted, imprisoned and tortured by the CIA in a case of mistaken identity. Khaled Masri sued the CIA two years ago and sought damages for his five-month ordeal in a U.S.-run prison in Afghanistan. But Bush administration prosecutors said his lawsuit should not be heard because it could expose "state secrets," and two lower courts ordered it dismissed. He appealed to the Supreme Court and argued that the government was using the state secrets doctrine to cover up its wrongdoing. Without explaining their reasons, the justices said today that they would not hear his appeal in Masri vs. United States. More than 50 years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that some evidence could be shielded by the government to protect the nation's security, but the justices have not clarified the reach of that doctrine. Masri's case has gotten wide attention in Europe, and it has been the subject of a continuing investigation by the German government. Two years ago, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said after a meeting with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that U.S. officials admitted that Masri "had been erroneously taken." "

The Question wrote on Oct 9, 2007 3:12 PM:

" Two suicide car bombs killed 22 people in northern Iraq on Tuesday in attacks targeting a police chief and a tribal leader working with U.S. forces, part of an upsurge in violence that killed 56 across the country. The spate of attacks across Iraq, which also wounded nearly 120 people, marked one of the bloodiest days during the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. •••• Bush and Doh's "surge" just keeps on a-surgin', doesn't it? Iraq is all peachy-keen, now, thanks to the "surge." "

The Question wrote on Oct 9, 2007 3:32 PM:

" Now, now, Father Bob, you know we can't trust anything German Chancellor Angela Merkel says, or anything the Iraqi prime minister says, or anything any of the Iraqi people say after our Blackwater thugs shoot them down in the street. We can only trust the Oval Office orangutan and his minions. They've always been right so far, haven't they? "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 3:43 PM:

" Want proof of torture by the US?................Well yes father-bob. Yes I would like some proof. And I'm still waiting......dum dee dee dum dum....... "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 3:48 PM:

" Sorry Question- troop and civilian deaths are still down all over Iraq......I'm sorry that makes you sad. Maybe you can ring up your buds in Al Qaeda and he if they can keep up their latest attempt to make this war a failure for us. Hey. Wait a minute! They share that same goal with you don't they! Well I'll be d*mned! "

ItsJustDave wrote on Oct 9, 2007 3:49 PM:

" They're just a little cranky 'cuz they haven't eaten much in the past three weeks. Next week, they'll really ratchet it up. Maybe we should send Blackwater in to deliver some bacon and porkchops. "

The Question wrote on Oct 9, 2007 3:58 PM:

" This isn't a "war," Doh. It's the invasion and occupation of a country that never attacked or threatened the U.S., and it's been a complete disaster from the moment it was conceived. Seventy percent of the American people, and all of the Iraqi people and the the rest of the world, now know that. I do admire your ability to keep whistling past the graveyard, though. "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 4:20 PM:

" Never threatened the U.S. Question? I'm afraid the The CIA Reports to Congress, And the ISG's Final Report- beg to differ. "

The Question wrote on Oct 9, 2007 4:28 PM:

" You're dead wrong, Doh. No links to Al Qaeda. No WMD. Even Bush has admitted that. You've been beating that dead horse a long time now, Doh. It's really stinking up the place. "

father bob wrote on Oct 9, 2007 4:34 PM:

" you're slipping Doh....took your brain almost 40 minutes to string together a paragraph to post. you're ususally no more than 20 minutes or so. you may want to try ginseng, they say it helps. "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 4:46 PM:

" Question- Bush did admitted no stockpiles of WMD's. And he would be right- as long as you don't consider pesticides buried in camoflaged bunkers as WMD's. And as long as you except as conclusive evidence the fact that less than one quarter of one percent of the over 10,000 weapons caches throughout Iraq were actually searched, and fewer than ten ammunition depots identified as suspect CW sites were actually inspected. And Bush never retracted the Saddam/Al Qaeda relationship that Clinton cited in 1998, and neither did Hillary in 2002. So when did that relationship change? "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 4:48 PM:

" ("you're slipping Doh....took your brain almost 40 minutes to string together a paragraph to post. you're ususally no more than 20 minutes or so.") - It's called being at work father-bob. You might try it sometime. And thanks for following my posting times- I've obviously made you nervous. "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 4:53 PM:

" Here's the non-threat that Saddam posed. From The Duelfer Report: "“ISG uncovered information that the Iraqi Intelligence Service (IIS) maintained throughout 1991 to 2003 a set of undeclared covert laboratories to research and test various chemicals and poisons, primarily for intelligence operations. The network of laboratories could have provided an ideal, compartmented platform from which to continue CW agent R&D or small-scale production efforts...” ====== “• Exploitations of IIS laboratories, safe houses, and disposal sites revealed no evidence of CW-related research or production, however many of these sites were either sanitized by the Regime or looted prior to OIF. Interviews with key IIS offi cials within and outside of M16 yielded very little information about the IIS’ activities in this area. • The existence, function, and purpose of the laboratories were never declared to the UN. • The IIS program included the use of human subjects for testing purposes. ====== “Dr. Rihab Rashid Taha Al ‘Azzawi, head of the bacterial program claims she retained BW seed stocks until early 1992 when she destroyed them. ISG has not found a means of verifying this. Some seed stocks were retained by another Iraqi official until 2003 when they were recovered by ISG.” ====== “Former Deputy Prime Minister Tariq ‘Aziz stated that Husayn Kamil originally wanted to keep the concealed, undeclared weapons for use in the future, and he speculated that Kamil probably wanted to use them against the ****UNITED STATES****, Israel, or Kuwait.” ====== “With the degradation of the Iraqi infrastructure and dispersal of personnel, it is increasingly unlikely that these questions will be resolved. Of those that remain, the following are of particular concern, as they relate to the possibility of a retained BW capability or the ability to initiate a new one. * ISG cannot determine the fate of Iraq’s stocks of bulk BW agents remaining after Desert Storm and subsequent unilateral destruction. There is a very limited chance that continuing investigation may provide evidence to resolve this issue. * The fate of the missing bulk agent storage tanks. * The fate of a portion of Iraq’s BW agent seed-stocks. * The nature, purpose and who was involved in the secret biological work in the small IIS laboratories discovered by ISG.” "

ItsJustDave wrote on Oct 9, 2007 5:17 PM:

" I can hear VoltaireAnswerLockePeabody (faintly - in the distance) now: "Don't Taze me, bro!!" "

father bob wrote on Oct 9, 2007 5:25 PM:

" you don't make me nervous Doh....you are however quite entertaining. your narcissism and arrogance for some reason makes you think we are all waiting with baited breath to hear what the "emperor" will utter next.........by the way count the mirrors in your house and get back to us....we humbly await on pins and needles. "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 5:26 PM:

" ItsJustDave - LOL!!!!!! I just wet them!!!!! "

father bob wrote on Oct 9, 2007 5:31 PM:

" Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 4:53 PM: " Here's the non-threat that Saddam posed. From The Duelfer Report:.......did i just hear that dead horse fart?...no it was Doh rambling again....i guess you can understand how one could get them mixed up. "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 6:41 PM:

" ("....for some reason makes you think we are all waiting with baited breath to hear what the "emperor" will utter next.........") - said the little imp who was counting the minutes between my postings. sigh* "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 6:42 PM:

" ("did i just hear that dead horse fart?") - Why? Did you just say something bob? "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 7:50 PM:

" Dead horse fart? Now come on, Doh. Even you have to admit that was a good line. Didn't say I agree with it, but did think it was pretty funny. "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:11 PM:

" I thought my response was even funnier- unfortunately the moderator didn't. Please don't tell me you're father-bob, Dohbaugh. Seriously, don't tell me that. "

Locke wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:30 PM:

" I wish I was as cool as Dave and Doh. Can I be part of the cool people club? Pweeeeeeeeezeee? "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:50 PM:

" Wish I could have heard your response too Doh! Gotta go along with Dohbaugh and admit that one was funny bob! You too Dave!! If Doh was drinking any beverage, it probably came out his nose on that one and sprayed all over his monitor as well. You guys crack me up sometimes!!!.... I miss it! My fella was the champ at that kind of thing. No one was safe from his wit!!! This helps fill the void a little. Even if you go for each other's jugular's, when you do it like this once in awhile it's good for the innards! I love a gut busting laugh!!! Thanks guys!!! "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:59 PM:

" I can't deny that I did a little more than just smile at the dead horse fart. I may have chuckled out loud. Hell I may have farted. I couldn't tell which! "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:15 PM:

" Nah! I'm not gonna say it Doh! It wouldn't get past the moderator! Lol! "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:18 PM:

" ("Can I be part of the cool people club? Pweeeeeeeeezeee?") - What's wrong PeaLockeBody; flashbacks of prom, acne, a winning personality, and a bad haircut coming back to haunt you? "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:22 PM:

" Hey! Watch it Billie! LOL! "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:50 PM:

" Doh, I think I heard 'Ol Tobe whispering in my ear! Lol! "You don't have a hair" and so on Billie if you don't say it!.. If he were here many of his comments wouldn't make it! LOL!!!! He still cracks me up!!! "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 10:27 PM:

" LOL! Well then Tobe and I would be in the same boat, Billie. I swear to God, only 60% of my posts get past the moderator. And that's probably a good thing- I haven't become more polite; I've become more censored! Holy Flarganshnitz! "

Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 10:48 PM:

" Okay- talk about funny Billie, I support Bush's War on Terror, but the man simply shouldn't speak in public. Check out this clip: http://youtube.com/watch?v=V-3FSUafZqk - "childrens do learn" LOL!! "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 9, 2007 10:58 PM:

" It would have been fun to watch you two try to "one-up" one another!Doh! I think you could have hung right in there! I only know of one or possibly two other's that could. AND he loved it when someone "got" him back! It just made the game more competitive! Lol! He would have put his two cents worth in seriously here also.He was a self taught student of military history and he could have added much to the discussions here. Our shelves in the den were full of books about it, along with books on a wide variety of subjects. It was fun having a little levity here tonight! See ya later! "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 9, 2007 11:07 PM:

" Doh, Oh Boy! Back to basic grammer! Lol! "

Locke wrote on Oct 10, 2007 12:07 AM:

" Gen. David Petraeus laid further blame on Iran for violence in Iraq on Sunday, charging that Tehran's ambassador to Baghdad was once a member of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards force. Petraeus added that Iran has been aiding Iraqi rebels with training and gifts of high-powered weaponry. "They are responsible for providing the weapons, the training, the funding and in some cases the direction for operations that have indeed killed U.S. soldiers," Petraeus told reporters in Diyala Province. Without citing any specific intelligence, Petraeus labeled Hassan Kazemi-Qomi, Iran's envoy to Baghdad, as a former member of the Revolutionary Guards Quds force. But he did not suggest that action would be taken against the ambassador. "Now he has diplomatic immunity and therefore he is obviously not subject [to scrutiny]. He is acting as a diplomat," he said. The Iranian Foreign Ministry dismissed the charges agaisnt Kazemi-Qomi “baseless” accusations, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency. "They repeatedly link those arrested or killed in the bombardments with the Quds force. If they can, they announce names of those people or hand over the names to the Islamic Republic of Iran," Mohammad-Ali Hosseini told IRNA. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps has been under intense scrutiny by U.S. officials. In August, President Bush signed an executive order branding them as a “specially designated global terrorist.” Iran returned the “favor” last week with a parliamentary order that gave the U.S. Army and the CIA the same distinction. Separately on Sunday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tehran will not hold talks with Washington until the U.S. changes its attitude. "We firstly say that we never asked for negotiations with the United States. Negotiations with the U.S. will happen when the U.S. government applies basic changes in its behavior and attitude," Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying. Last week, Bush told a group of businessmen in Pennsylvania that he would negotiate with Iran if it suspended its nuclear program. He made similar comments in an interview aired Friday on Al-Arabiya TV. "

Locke wrote on Oct 10, 2007 12:08 AM:

" KABUL, Afghanistan — A bomb attack Friday against a convoy of French troops killed one soldier and injured many Afghans near the blast, while heavy fighting in southern Afghanistan killed about 75 Taliban fighters and six civilians, officials said. The attack in western Kabul blew the windows out of a civilian bus and set at least one vehicle on fire. At least six civilians were in serious condition, and many others had lesser injuries, said Zormai Rasa, the local police chief. NATO's International Security Assistance Force confirmed that one French soldier was killed in the blast, but a spokesman said he had no other information. Heavy fighting in the south, meanwhile, killed around 75 Taliban militants during the last 48 hours, the U.S.-led coalition said. Six civilians were also killed after Taliban fighters sought shelter in their homes, which were then targeted by airstrikes, an Afghan official said. Airstrikes were called in against "anti-coalition militants" in the Garmsir district of Helmand province early Friday, killing about 40 fighters, the coalition said. Soldiers found more than 20 rocket-propelled grenades, ammunition and land mines in the militants' compound, the coalition said. The six civilians, including women and children, died in a separate battle in Helmand province's Gereshk region on Wednesday after Taliban fighters fled fighting with NATO forces and sought shelter in the civilian homes, said Gereshk district chief Abdul Manaf Khan. NATO's International Security Assistance Force said there were "a number" of civilian casualties caused by the fighting. ISAF said Taliban fighters attacked its forces from a housing compound and that an airstrike targeted the compound. ISAF said it had been unaware that civilians were in the area. In another newly reported battle, more than three dozen Taliban fighters were reported killed Wednesday in Uruzgan province, the coalition said. The fighting began when Afghan and coalition troops spotted a dozen insurgents planting roadside bombs in Uruzgan province, sparking a 14-hour battle that included airstrikes against Taliban fighters taking cover in village homes. "

The Question wrote on Oct 10, 2007 3:09 AM:

" The opening of the mammoth new U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has been delayed indefinitely while its Kuwaiti contractor fixes a punch list of problems, the State Department said on Tuesday. The sprawling complex, whose cost is edging toward $750 million, was set to open last month but U.S. lawmakers say shoddy work by the contractor and poor oversight by the State Department have delayed it. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack rejected claims of inadequate oversight and said there was no indication how long it would be before the new embassy opened. "I can't tell you when the embassy is going to open," said McCormack. "We don't have an answer." ***** Another few hundred million in tax dollars tossed down the toilet by the monumentally incompetent Mr. Bush. Yes, I can't wait to see how "kind" history will be to him. "

The Question wrote on Oct 10, 2007 3:58 AM:

" Eugene Robinson - We learned last week that two secret administration memos specifically authorize questioning techniques that international conventions deem torture. According to the New York Times, these include exposure to freezing temperatures, head-slapping and simulated drowning. President Bush, without denying or admitting what specific techniques have been used, said flatly that the United States does not torture prisoners. Clearly, he is using a narrow definition of torture: If we haven't actually put anybody on the rack or pulled out his fingernails, we haven't committed torture. If that's true, then shouldn't the administration officials -- starting with the president himself -- who authorized these techniques be willing to experience them first-hand? Until George W. Bush can say, "Hey, I've been waterboarded, and it wasn't so bad," or Alberto Gonzales can say, "To tell the truth, spending those three days naked in a freezing-cold cell wasn't painful or anything," then I'll continue to believe that history will condemn this administration for a shocking lapse of moral judgment. Bush will be remembered as the president who tried to justify torture. "

Early Bird wrote on Oct 10, 2007 5:08 AM:

" For: father bob. You certainly have added a bit of much needed humor to this site. I too got a kick our of that line, and I will certainly be borrowing it to add to the water cooler political discssions around the office. Thanks..... "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 10, 2007 7:42 AM:

" Sorry, Doh. I'm not father bob, seriously. He seems to have a lot more time and energy, and it's starting to appear a better sense of humor, than I do, when it comes to posting on here. I would much rather sit back and watch you two go at it. I sort of got worn out with all the skirmishes you and I used to get into. Keep up the good fight, my friend. "

father bob wrote on Oct 10, 2007 8:54 AM:

" " Okay- talk about funny Billie, I support Bush's War on Terror, but the man simply shouldn't speak in public. Check out this clip: http://youtube.com/watch?v=V-3FSUafZqk - "childrens do learn" LOL!! "..........that was SOOOOOOO last week. the rest of the world thinks he's funny too, that's a big reason we've lost respect. if it looks like a moron, sounds like a moron, chances are you got yourself a bonified moron. "

father bob wrote on Oct 10, 2007 9:16 AM:

" Doh wrote on Oct 9, 2007 8:11 PM: " I thought my response was even funnier- unfortunately the moderator didn't.........yeah right "

father bob wrote on Oct 10, 2007 9:29 AM:

" How the GOP thinks:.........Call it the Alberto Gonzales approach to the system of checks and balances. Asked whether he would obey the Constitution and consult Congress before sending US troops into combat, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney says he would consult his lawyers first. Just as President Bush turned to Gonzales for legal opinions that the disgraced former White House counsel and Attorney General wrote with the purpose of absolving the commander-in-chief of any duty to uphold the Constitution, so Romney says that he would take his cue from contemporary counselors rather than the Founders of the American experiment. The question in Tuesday's Republican presidential debate in Michigan came from MSNBC host Chris Matthews, who asked, "Governor Romney... if you were president of the United States, would you need to go to Congress to get authorization to take military action against Iran's nuclear facilities?" Romney responded, "You sit down with your attorneys and (they) tell you what you have to do. But obviously the president of the United States has to do what's in the best interest of the United States to protect us against a potential threat. The president did that as he was planning on moving into Iraq and received the authorization of Congress..." Matthews interjected: "Did (President Bush) need (a go-ahead from Congress)?" "You know," Romney replied, "we're going to let the lawyers sort out what he needed to do and what he didn't need to do." "

The Question wrote on Oct 10, 2007 9:46 AM:

" Jeremy Waldron — Once we abandon the crude statistical view of security — my one-in-a-million lifetime chance of being a terrorist victim — and think more collectively about the security of our shared way of life, then the sources of insecurity multiply. The way of life we value includes movies and baseball and church and the supermarket. But it also includes civil liberties and the rule of law; it includes our reputation as an honorable people, respectful of human rights; it includes a deep and resilient expectation that, as Winston Churchill put it, if there is a knock on the door at five o’clock in the morning, it’s probably just the milkman. Our security, on this account, took a terrible hit when the Sept. 11 terrorists attacked; but it also took another hit — a repeated and ongoing hit — when the Bush administration abandoned the rule of law and the principles of the Constitution, and began abusing and detaining people whose appearance and ethnicity reminded them of terrorists. "

Locke wrote on Oct 10, 2007 10:21 AM:

" Here, compare GWB's ability to speak 13 years ago and 3 years ago. It's scary: http://www.ifilm.com/video/2682703 "

ItsJustDave wrote on Oct 10, 2007 10:40 AM:

" I'm confused; Locke hates this war and everything associated with it, then proceeds to post some of it's successes. (" KABUL, Afghanistan — A bomb attack Friday against a convoy of French troops killed one soldier and injured many Afghans near the blast, while heavy fighting in southern Afghanistan killed about 75 Taliban fighters and six civilians, officials said). Basically, Afghans attacked a French convoy, killing one French soldier and six Afghan civillians, showing their utter incompetence and impotence. In response, ISAF attacks the Taliban fighters, killing 151 in three seperate attacks, along with 6 civillians that they had run and hid behind. OK... They killed 1 French troop and 6 of their own countrymen, and in turn lost 151 terrorists and six innocents that they tried to use as shields. Soldiers found more than 20 rocket-propelled grenades, ammunition and land mines in the militants' compound, so that most likely saved more coalition lives. So far so good. As for the 'torture', I really can't equate splashing water on someone's face or keeping them in a cell that's much warmer than the mountain caves along the Pakistan/Afghanistan border, along with boxing their ears a good one, anywhere near stoning, beheading, rape, electric shock, et. al. , that the other side employs. Would I like to be waterboarded or slapped upside the head? Nope. That's why I don't hang out on middle east battlefields and take potshots at U.S. military personnel. As for Father Bob; yeah, Bush should have never gone to Alberto Gonzales for advice - he should have told Janet Reno that Osama BinLaden was a Branch Davidian or Randy Weaver's lover - she'd have surely roasted or shot him by now. "

Doh wrote on Oct 10, 2007 11:09 AM:

" Thanks Dohbaugh. I went back over my posts and I think you're right; I need to keep the bragging down to a minimum. Point well taken my friend. "

coonbug wrote on Oct 10, 2007 12:47 PM:

" Associated Press today: "Britain’s decision to bring half of its 5,000 soldiers home from Iraq by spring is the latest blow to the U.S.-led coalition. The alliance is crumbling, and fast: Excluding Americans, the multinational force was once 50,000 strong — by mid-2008, it will be down to 7,000." What's Bush's excuse now? For more of Father Bob's comments and mine, go to Coonsey's View Poltical blog AND forum and News. Http://www.freewebs.com/coonsey/ "

coonbug wrote on Oct 10, 2007 2:09 PM:

" Why is Hillary Clinton doing better than Barack Obama when it comes to getting the Black vote? According to the polls, she is winning both the black and women votes. I asked a friend of mine, who is black, why the African Americans weren’t supporting Senator Obama. This friend is by no means a political nutcase like I am. She said, “Some people (all races) I’ve discussed it with, seem to think they will get two-for-one with Hillary & Bill. A few are worry Obama would be killed if he won because of his race. And I’ve also heard that the next president will inherit a mess that can not be cleaned up in the next 4 years, so why should the first black person ever to be elected, be the fall guy for President Bush’s failed policies.” Wow! These comments took me for a loop. Sure, I can see where most Democratic supporters are thinking a vote for Hillary is a vote for Bill. This is unfortunate in my view. Once Bill’s ‘past scandals’ are brought back into American’s living rooms via GOP television commercials -- they will most likely decide they do not want to re-live that history...... READ MORE: Coonsey's View http://www.freewebs.com/coonsey/ "

Doh wrote on Oct 10, 2007 3:04 PM:

" I've got some veeeeerrrrryyyyyy interesting news today. When U.S. forces invaded Iraq in 2003, they captured an enormous cache of classified Iraqi documents. Over a million actually. Our Intel community has been working around the clock translating and collating this collection of interesting facts- and guess what they've found.............there's a book coming out in a few short weeks.........does anybody remember Cheney causing a big uproar in the media a few months back when he restated Saddams, Al Qaeda connections?????..............hehehehe..........well Dick knew exactly what he was doing..............I think the Democratic Presidential candidates may want to rethink their talking points on Iraq...........I predict Hillary will do one helluva flip-flop........stay tuned folks.........this is going to be the "Mother Of All Bombshells".........maybe Bush isn't so stupid after all........Rove you magnificent B*stard!!!!! "

The Question wrote on Oct 10, 2007 4:33 PM:

" Divert a few hundred million from the GOP mercenary no-bid thugs to increase recruitment bonuses and troop pay, and you can find plenty of troops, Billie. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 10, 2007 5:27 PM:

" If we did that Question, you and your ultra liberal cohorts would be hollering that the military is nothing more than a bunch of highly paid mercenaries! You would put them in the same boat with the contractors. As far as that goes, there have been accusations that our military is nothing more than mercenaries from some on the left now. Some are screaming that the bonuses are too high now. Imagine the outcry if they were increased as you suggest. "

The Question wrote on Oct 10, 2007 7:17 PM:

" "Outcry," Billie? Yet there was no outcry out to now, with all the hundreds of millions being poured down the rathole of the trigger-happy GOP no-bid mercenaries. But you think people would object if the same money were paid to legitimate troops instead? You're being ridiculous, Billie. "

Locke wrote on Oct 10, 2007 8:15 PM:

" Dave, I don't hate this war and everything associated with it -- just a couple of the cheerleaders who can't grasp the concept of something be proportional and/or ignore facts that diminishes the rosey assessment of anything related to the great GWB. I recall your personal feelings about the war posted a few days ago, and you know, we're probably on the very same page. I just posted something for discussion I had read on the internet. I much rather see good news coming out of the War on Terror than bad, but I'll take good or bad anyday over fantasy and half-truths. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 10, 2007 8:28 PM:

" No Question, The folks who support the military would be all for it. Personally I don't think they get paid enough, especially in a combat zone. But please forgive me if I don't think you ultra liberals would go for it. Your track record when it comes to supporting the military speaks for itself. "

Doh wrote on Oct 10, 2007 8:50 PM:

" I appreciate your point of view Locke. And I mean that sincerely. I'm not a cheerleader for Bush and I'm hardly looking through rose-colored glasses. I do however follow the Millitary blogs daily, and I have to say, their reporting has been spot-on. They were reporting the dramatic turn around in the Anbar providence (where the Iraqi's were turning against Al Qaeda) months before the mainstream media. I posted that in here, and I got pooh-poohed for it. Now it’s an established fact. And I might also add that the latest reports coming out are even better than anyone expected. Two Shia factions have ended their war and the local Sunni tribes are aligning themselves with the coalition while turning over Al-Qaeda kingpins at the same time. Last week it was an Al Qaeda financier with one hundred million dollars in his possession. Things are actually going much better than expected according to the embed reporters. Don’t believe everything the mainstream media reports. And keep in mind that there is a significant amount that they DON’T REPORT! The overall attitude that the troops have towards the media is not good. Frankly- they no longer trust reporters to tell real story- and for good reason. "

Answer wrote on Oct 10, 2007 10:11 PM:

" You're right Doh, Bush is not stupid, just incredibly ignorant... "

Answer wrote on Oct 10, 2007 10:21 PM:

" Hey Dave, why drag me into your rantings about who other posters may be? I haven't hardly posted or even read the site for weeks (moved out of Charleston, new job in NC, love it but too busy to blog, bummer) but you couldn't resist throwing a jab? C'mon ol' boy, I thought we buried the hatchet months ago...was I wrong? "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 10, 2007 11:20 PM:

" Hey Answer! I've been wondering where you've been! Good to hear from you! I think my daughter got to see your sister at their class reunion this summer. They sure were good friends and fellow athletes back in high school. Glad you're doing well "down south"! Watch out for all that good down home Southern Cookin! Don't be a stranger here! "

ItsJustDave wrote on Oct 11, 2007 3:41 AM:

" Answer: Didn't know about the move - congrats. I made the assumption based on the fact that you disappeared around the time the other(s) showed up. I wasn't really confident about your name being one that he was using, but when I asked about that a while back, he didn't deny it, so I accepted it as a possibility. I actually was intending to ask about the 'truce' and what happened to it, but I figured that would scare 'it' back into hiding. Sorry. "

The Question wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:48 AM:

" Your track record when it comes to supporting the military speaks for itself. ••••• No, Billie, it's your track record on supporting the troops that speaks for itself. You want them to go on being killed occupying a country that we never should have invaded in the first place. That's the greatest possible betrayal of U.S. troops, and the rah-rah, white and blue blinders you wear won't even permit you to see it. "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:55 AM:

" Welcome back Answer. "

The Question wrote on Oct 11, 2007 9:33 AM:

" A series of rockets or mortar rounds struck Camp Victory, killing two members of the U.S.-led coalition and wounding 40 other people on the sprawling headquarters for U.S. forces in Iraq, the military said Thursday. •••• "Camp Victory." How about Camp Sitting Duck instead, eh, Doh? "

The Question wrote on Oct 11, 2007 9:59 AM:

" "Things are actually going much better than expected according to the embed reporters. Don’t believe everything the mainstream media reports. And keep in mind that there is a significant amount that they DON’T REPORT! The overall attitude that the troops have towards the media is not good. Frankly- they no longer trust reporters to tell real story- and for good reason. " •••• Hey, Doh, was that rocket attack on Camp Victory one of those "things" that are "actually going much better?" Or was it just another lie made up for those awful "mainstream media reports?" You are such a pathetic tool, Doh. "

father bob wrote on Oct 11, 2007 11:03 AM:

" With soldiers being endlessly deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, the system that is supposed to provide the injured with disability benefits is broken. So says an independent commission report released this week. The report, put out by the Veteran's Disability Benefits Commission notes that there is inadequate information-sharing between government departments and there is little communication between doctors and government officials dealing with veterans claims. Worse, the information that needs to be shared is apparently often not very reliable in the first place. A House Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday reviewed the 544-page commission report which details how unresponsive the executive branch and military are to veteran's medical needs. James Terry Scott, chairman of the independent commission, said at the hearing that there is a lack of expertise among clinicians in army hospitals and that veterans frequently receive inadequate medical advice, especially concerning posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The report chronicled the stunning backlog in processing claims, which the Government Accountability Office first documented two weeks ago. The GAO report found disability payments were delayed an average of six months after the claim was made. "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 11:21 AM:

" And you're simply a tool, Question. Let me get this straight- you mean to tell me that there were actually some deaths in the middle of a WAR! Gasp! My God! RETREAT! RETREAT! ALL IS LOST!!!! DON'T LISTEN TO THE MILITARY!!! LISTEN TO THE MEDIA!!!! THE MILITARY IS LYING!!!! THE MEDIA IS WHO WE SHOULD LISTEN TO!!!!! IF THE MEDIA DOESN'T REPORT GOOD NEWS IT OBVIOUSLY ISN'T HAPPENING!!!!!! Yep. You're quite the tool aren't you Question. "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 11:40 AM:

" So let me get this straight Question- in your Leftard world, ANY BAD NEWS coming out of Iraq is an indication of OVERALL FAILURE, even though troop and civilian deaths are still down across the entire country. Does that about size up your close-minded politically motivated ridiculous little chicken-little-the-sky-is-falling assesment?..........Uhm yes. Yes it does. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 11, 2007 2:54 PM:

" fatherbob, You have touched on a subject dear to my heart, the medical treatment of veterans, especially those who have been wounded in combat.We dealt with the VA for many years. While our situation was handled by the VA well for the most part there were times when it was very frustrating. There's so much red tape involved that it drives you nuts sometimes. Some of the ridiculous things they have yo do will drive you bomker's. For example, having a man who "lost" both legs drive all the way from Charleston to a VA facility in Chicago(in the 1970's) for a reassessment of his "condition", wait for hours to see a doctor only to be told his "medical situation" hasn't changed. This exam took all of about 15 minutes. In his best diplomatic roar he said "G-- Damn Doc! Did you expect them to grow back! You got me all the way up here for this?" Of course it wasn't the Dr who did the exam's fault, but he wwas the closest one available to yell at! It's usually some pencil pusher in the system that does this kind of thing. So you see bob, these kinds of problems are nothing new. They have been going on for years and years. SOMETHING needs to be done about it. Every administration for as long as we were involved with the VA has not done enough! They talk big, but don't follow through! Go to your local rep and make a pest out of yourself! They are there to help YOU! Go through the system first, and if that doesn't work MAKE WAVES every way you can! You contact the VFW advocate in Chicago if you are a member of the VFW. They'll see what they can do. If that doesn't work you write letters, emails to your senators, your representitives. This is exactly what we did with the last problem we had with the VA. It worked too!. Go to the newsapers and TV stations. Do anthing you have to do!.. In defense of the Dr's we dealt with, most of them were on top of things and he received excellant care. I know there are some that need to be removed and the VA has to work harder at that! There's a lot of waste in the system if eliminated could be used toward good care for our vets. One thing that has impressed me is the advances in prosthetics. Our vets seem to be getting the best. If only those had been available when he needed them. ...I recall once when going to be examined in order to have a new pair of legs made, the Dr ordered a new type socket and liner for the new legs. He took one look at that cheap socket and thin liner and again in his most diplomatic voice he said sweetly(lol) " I'm not going to wear that piece of crap! You're trying to cut corners at my expense and comfort, and it ain't gonna happen!" Of course it was always written on his chart that he became agitated when something like this happened. They should have been satisfied that he was just agitated and not mad! Lol! Wayne, the fellow who looked out for the vets in the amputee clinic at Danville always told him not to worry. He would get what he needed. You just don't take it lying down!.... bob, while PTSD is a very real condition and demands attention, there are those who are going to "fake it' also to get a big fat check! After all it doesn't show any physical scars, so to diagnose it you have to be careful. I have a friend who's brother did just that. He faked the whole thing and got his disablity. How do I know this? She told me. A con is a con, and they are very good at what they do very often. These kinds of fake claims are taking benfits from those who are truly suffering. I've see PTSD up close and personal. I'm with you, that the mess needs to be cleaned up. It has needed a good house cleaning and rearranging for decades. I'm all for it! "

father bob wrote on Oct 11, 2007 4:07 PM:

" they want what will be a trillion dollars to spend on this lie of a war, but when brave men and women come back they've cut the budget on direct benefits.....thanks for going to war and losing an arm or a leg or worse, but screw you, you're just another middle class bum. "

The Question wrote on Oct 11, 2007 4:20 PM:

" Well, Billie, it turns out you can get more troops if you pay them more. **** The Pentagon has paid more than $100 million in bonuses to veteran Green Berets and Navy SEALs, reversing the flow of top commandos to the corporate world where security companies such as Blackwater USA are offering big salaries. The retention effort, started nearly three years ago and overseen by U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Fla., has helped preserve a small but elite group of enlisted troops with vast experience fighting the unconventional wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to Defense Department statistics. Overall, more than 1,200 of the military's most specialized personnel near or already eligible for retirement have opted for payments of up to $150,000 in return for staying in uniform several more years. The numbers gathered by The Associated Press and other Pentagon research indicate there has not been an extended exodus of commandos to private security companies and other businesses that value their talents "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 4:27 PM:

" This lie of a war- bob? And what lie would that be? "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 11, 2007 4:28 PM:

" Like I said bob, this is nothing new. Other administrations are just as guilty. That in no way means I'm giving the Bush Administraion a pass on this one. "

father bob wrote on Oct 11, 2007 4:30 PM:

" bug off Doh "

father bob wrote on Oct 11, 2007 4:47 PM:

" Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 4:27 PM: " This lie of a war- bob? And what lie would that be? "...........WMDs, al qaeda affiliations, the sky is falling, there's a commie behind every corner....same old song..................dang i shouldn't have fallen for that, NOW we'll get another boring 9 inch post copied and pasted from the Globe.(maybe Doh will add the crossword for us) "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 4:51 PM:

" Can't back your words up, yet again- huh bob? "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 4:57 PM:

" A fraction of the suspected WMD sites were searched, and when did Clinton's assertions of a Saddam/Al Qaeda relationship change? Or did we invade for cheap oil and imperialist ambitions- bob? "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 4:59 PM:

" And bob- when exactly did Saddam stop being a threat? "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 11, 2007 5:00 PM:

" Due to my abject stupidity in matter's of spelling and now my questionable reading skills, I posted this reponse to "Question" on the wrong thread. So here goes============================= That's terrific Question. If they can do it, go for it! I'm all for it!... Are you happy now? "

The Question wrote on Oct 11, 2007 5:45 PM:

" Yes, I am happy now, Billie. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 11, 2007 5:58 PM:

" Wow Question! I'm happy for you! It's a good feeling to be happy once in awhile. :-) "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 5:59 PM:

" Billie- nothing and I mean NOTHING, you can say or do on this site can reach the level of the INTENTIONAL stupidity that has been on display by the Left-Wing Moonbats in here on a daily basis. "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 6:07 PM:

" Question- you just ran away from my questions about the Blackwater affair on the "trigger-happy thugs" thread. Since you've had a terminal case of verbal diarrhea on this issue, and sense you’ve had no problem dogging me on this matter, I expect you to answer my questions and stop running away when I hit you with the toughies. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 11, 2007 6:14 PM:

" Doh, You've just stirred it up again! Thanks though! I've been a bit of a smarta55 here today. Sometimes I just don't know what comes over me. Maybe the "big fella" is whispering in my ear! Lol! "

father bob wrote on Oct 11, 2007 6:36 PM:

" Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 4:51 PM: " Can't back your words up, yet again- huh bob? "..........sure i can you moron, YOUR president has stated there was no link to al qaeda, and it's been proven they had no WNDs.....but oh i forget, cheney is "gonna rock the world with his anncouncement"......um we're waiting.... "

father bob wrote on Oct 11, 2007 6:41 PM:

" Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 5:59 PM: " Billie- nothing and I mean NOTHING, you can say or do on this site can reach the level of the INTENTIONAL stupidity that has been on display by the Left-Wing Moonbats in here on a daily basis. "...........and there's nothing more entertaining than watching a moronic redneck hillbilly try to act intelligent. "

ItsJustDave wrote on Oct 11, 2007 6:45 PM:

" At least the barking moonbat poulation has been brought under control - global warming, perhaps? I count two, not including the schizophrenics. Seems like 'The Question' is moonbat extrordianaire, exalted self-appointed spokesman for all the 'right of Rosie' crowd. "father Bob" had me for a minute, but has shown his true feelings. There are some other semi-moonbats, but they seem to have at least the appearance of open mimds, and might be considered moon-wombats. "

father bob wrote on Oct 11, 2007 6:48 PM:

" dammit billie that fat finger stuff is rubbing off. "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 6:56 PM:

" uhhmmm bob....... Bush never said there was no Saddam/Al Qaeda link. And how could we possibly know that Saddam didn't have any WMD's when only a fraction of the WMD sites were searched? And when did the Saddam/Al Qaeda connection that Clinton cited in his 1998 indictement of Bin Laden end? And when did Saddam STOP being a threat? Because the CIA Reports to Congress from mid 1990's and all the way to the run up to the war clearly said that he was- bob. "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 6:57 PM:

" ("and there's nothing more entertaining than watching a moronic redneck hillbilly try to act intelligent.") ----- Yeah bob! I get a kick out of the Clintons too! "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 7:08 PM:

" ("and there's nothing more entertaining than watching a moronic redneck hillbilly try to act intelligent.") ----- WND bob? You got WIND bob? "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 7:14 PM:

" Billie - ("Maybe the "big fella" is whispering in my ear! Lol!") - Hell, I think he's yelling in my ear, Billie! LOL!!!! "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 11, 2007 7:31 PM:

" fatherbob, See what I started! I haven't looked outside tonight. Is there a full moon? LOL! "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 7:38 PM:

" Bob should have stopped with the dead horse fart- poof! "

father bob wrote on Oct 11, 2007 7:42 PM:

" Billie....you couldn't be more entertained than if you'd spung for $50.00 at the theatre. i love this moron! "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 11, 2007 7:42 PM:

" Doh, He would have have loved it! And yell, he could!! Of course you eardrum would be permanently compromised! "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 7:43 PM:

" Oh no! it's on this thread too. I think I'll move over to the religious story. "

father bob wrote on Oct 11, 2007 7:51 PM:

" i toldya Billie it's your fault...the fat finger virus...........of course in my neck of the woods the girls like that!! "

father bob wrote on Oct 11, 2007 7:54 PM:

" Dohbaugh your a coward!..........LOL!! "

father bob wrote on Oct 11, 2007 7:54 PM:

" ooopps!...you're "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 11, 2007 7:59 PM:

" Yeah bob, Free entertainment! I just wish I could keep up! I'm at a disadvantage with this kind of stuff. I manage to get a "gem' every once in awhile, it would take a long time to get enough to make a bracelet! In our household and circle of friends, Ol Tobe was the champ! I was "lapped" so many times I thought I was ahead! So, I'm used to it. "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:04 PM:

" ("the fat finger virus...........of course in my neck of the woods the girls like that!!")-- LOL!!!!! Oh no you didn't bob! BWAHAHAHA!!!!! Oh God! I'me actually crying....LOL!!!!!! "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:05 PM:

" ("the fat finger virus") Geeezuz! That killed me!!! LOL!!!! "

father bob wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:06 PM:

" it's ok Billie, i really dig you! you keep us all on a level playing fild. "

father bob wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:08 PM:

" glad you liked that Doh...i see you are human "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:09 PM:

" Dammit bob! The wife just told me to stop laughing so loud!!! LOL!!!! "

father bob wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:10 PM:

" dammit! .........field. "

father bob wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:12 PM:

" i'm calling for a spellcheck! "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:13 PM:

" Did anyone else find that as funny as I did? (still wiping tears away) "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:13 PM:

" Thank you bob! Sometimes that playing field gets a little slippery though doesn't it? I find myself "slip slidin away" sometimes! You guys are something else. All of you. Golly, we even got Question to admit he was happy today! The moon must be full! LOL! "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:18 PM:

" I haven't laughed this hard in a looooonnnng time! And I laugh all the time. Thank you everyone! And bob- I'm using the fat-finger virus line at work tomorrow. I'll let you know how that sexual harassment suit works out. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:20 PM:

" Doh! I could hear you laughing all the way out here in the country! I have to admit my jaws were aching because I was laughing so hard! My cats looked at me like I was some kind of new critter! "

father bob wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:27 PM:

" thanks Billie.....but Doh is still a moron! "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:40 PM:

" ("thanks Billie.....but Doh is still a moron!") - for God sake lighten up bob! "

Doh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:47 PM:

" Billie - it's funny you should say that- my cat Petie left the room because I was laughing so hard- I'm not kidding - my cats and my wife thought I lost my mind. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 11, 2007 9:32 PM:

" Yeah Doh, My two kitties scampered out of the den when I had to make a mad dash for the neccessary room! Whew! What a night! Thanks for the $50.00 worth of entertainment guys! "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 12, 2007 6:54 AM:

" You gotta love it. The Republican news channel (on line) leads with the Al Gore Nobel prize story, and immediately follows with a story on the British court saying he exaggerated the climate crisis. You gotta love that fair and balanced bunch. I can't wait to hear old Rushie's take on it. They may have to do CPR on him today. He is still whining about Carter's prize of few years ago. I remember a couple of years ago, old Rush, using his typical convoluted logic, was trying to make a case that Bush should get the Nobel peace prize, and this was after Bush invaded Iraq. I'll also predict that the evil left wing news media gets drug into the conversation too, and I supposed they will be blamed by Rush for this award. Talk about total meltdown, it's going to be a great day to listen to the radio. "

SaintDanger wrote on Oct 12, 2007 10:37 AM:

" I'm going to keep this simple, cause it really isn't worth the time, but Lincoln??? He was hated because they thought that he tore the country apart and was ruining the southern way of life, and in case you didn't notice, some southerners still didn't like him for years to come. As for Security, well, here's a bit of something- 2002 June 14, Karachi, Pakistan: bomb exploded outside American consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, killing 12. Linked to al-Qaeda. 2003 May 12, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: suicide bombers killed 34, including 8 Americans, at housing compounds for Westerners. Al-Qaeda suspected. 2004 May 29–31, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: terrorists attack the offices of a Saudi oil company in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, take foreign oil workers hostage in a nearby residential compound, leaving 22 people dead including one American. June 11–19, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: terrorists kidnap and execute Paul Johnson Jr., an American, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 2 other Americans and BBC cameraman killed by gun attacks. Dec. 6, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: terrorists storm the U.S. consulate, killing 5 consulate employees. 4 terrorists were killed by Saudi security. 2005 Nov. 9, Amman, Jordan: Suicide bombers hit 3 American hotels, Radisson, Grand Hyatt, and Days Inn, in Amman, Jordan, killing 57. Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility. 2006 Sept. 13, Damascus, Syria: an attack by four gunman on the American embassy was foiled. 2007 Jan. 12, Athens, Greece: the U.S. embassy was fired on by an anti-tank missile causing damage but no injuries. Yeah, nothing as big, but that doesn't really seem safe to me... Now we run the risk of being the cause of a war between the Kurds and the Turks that, hard to believe, had been kept in check by Saddam. Aside from a pointless war that was completely mismanaged resulting in the deaths of thousands of Americans, I'm sure there will be something positive about Bush...he always did say that "Childrens are learning"... "

The Question wrote on Oct 12, 2007 12:42 PM:

" Who armed the insurgents in Iraq? 1. Bush's Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who shrugged and said, "Stuff happens" when confronted with the fact that all ammo dumps had been looted after the U.S. invasion. 2. Bush's pet general David Petraeus, who allowed a third of the weapons given to Iraqis to go unaccounted for. 3. Bush's hand-picked proconsul Paul Bremer, who gave out billions in cash on wooden pallets to..... who knows? GOP Swiss bank accounts? Insurgents? All of the above? "

father bob wrote on Oct 12, 2007 1:00 PM:

" The decision to go to war has a significance that goes far beyond the war.... It declares a policy of military supremacy over the entire earth.... It accords the United States the right to overthrow any regime--like the one in Iraq--it decides should be overthrown." Moreover, by abdicating its duty to declare war, Congress created a leviathan--an executive branch of unbalanced and unaccountable power. With that vote Congress transformed the country from a constitutional republic into an imperial bully led by an imperial President. The Administration's excuses for invading Iraq--its ties to 9/11 and Al Qaeda; its weapons of mass destruction--have disintegrated, but the twin concepts of "preventive war" and the "global war on terror" remain. They present not only the greatest obstacle to leaving Iraq but also the greatest threat for escalating war beyond Iraq's borders, most immediately to Iran. As in the run-up to the Iraq War, the Bush Administration has rolled out shifting and unverified justifications for strikes inside Iran. And as one of its rationales for targeting the Tehran regime--its supposedly imminent possession of nuclear weapons--was contradicted by the International Atomic Energy Agency's Mohamed ElBaradei and US intelligence experts (who estimate that Iran is at least five years away from developing a bomb), the Administration skated to its other casus belli: terrorism. Led by George W. Bush, the Administration has accused the Iranian Revolutionary Guards of training and arming Shiite insurgents who have killed US troops in Iraq, which it calls an act of terrorism. Gen. David Petraeus reinforced such claims when he called the Iranian ambassador to Iraq "a Quds Force member" of the Revolutionary Guards. Whatever the truth of these allegations, they are illegitimate grounds for war with Iran. But by declaring Iran an agent of terrorism, the White House may claim that the only approval it needs to strike Iran is the 2002 Iraq War authorization. "

father bob wrote on Oct 12, 2007 2:19 PM:

" Dear MoveOn member,........... When our kids get sick, having health insurance can mean the difference between life and death. Next week, Congress will decide which fate awaits poor children across America, when they consider whether to override President Bush's veto of kids' health care. To win, we only need 15 more Republicans to switch sides—and the best way to make that happen is with nationwide outcry. So, on Tuesday night, we'll gather at candlelight vigils for the millions of U.S. children who won't get health care if the Republicans block the bill. Republicans think this is a political game—they've even gone so far as to slander 12-year olds who speak out for health care. It's time to solemnly remind Congress what's at stake for the millions of kids who can't see a doctor when they're sick. These kids are one vote away from getting health care. This is the defining domestic policy fight of the year, and the White House is pressuring Republicans in Congress to stay in line. But Republicans are under a heavy barrage of criticism, from last week's rallies to this week's massive TV ad campaign from MoveOn and our allies. To override Bush's veto, we need to raise the pressure one more notch in the final hours before next Thursday's vote. The vigils are being promoted by a giant coalition of children's advocates, unions, and progressive organizations. Our coalition is also generating tons of phone calls, letters, and petitions, backed up by hard-hitting ads. But these vigils are the best way to remind the public what's really at stake—kids' lives. "

Doh wrote on Oct 12, 2007 2:24 PM:

" There you go again bob. There were 23 reasons listed to go to war. Iraq's involvement in 9/11 was NOT one of them. "

Doh wrote on Oct 12, 2007 2:30 PM:

" Hold on there Question! Ammo dumps looted? A third of the weapons given to Iraqis unaccounted for? Well now- why don't you treat these cases like you did Saddams WMD's; Even though we thought they had them, we can't account for them- therefore THEY NEVER HAD THEM!!!!! LOL!!!! "

The Question wrote on Oct 12, 2007 6:59 PM:

" In a sweeping indictment of the four-year effort in Iraq, the former top American commander called the Bush administration's handling of the war incompetent and warned that the United States was "living a nightmare with no end in sight." In one of his first major public speeches since leaving the Army in late 2006, retired Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez blamed the administration for a "catastrophically flawed, unrealistically optimistic war plan" and denounced the current "surge" strategy as a "desperate" move. •••• Who's this general, Doh? Some "libtard?" "

Answer wrote on Oct 12, 2007 7:08 PM:

" Hi Billie, yes my sis' was home for the class reunion this summer. I know her and your daughter were great friends and I'm sure they had fun. Nice to know I'm missed, and I'll watch out for the deep fried cookin' and the "sweet tea." Thanks Doh, I was worried about you for a while when you were gone, we don't agree about the war but any single malt fan can't be all bad. Dave, no worries about the truce here, just wanted to make sure we were good and let you know I'm stil me. Have a great weekend to all, go outside, enjoy the crisp fall air, just have some fun, I know I will. "

Doh wrote on Oct 12, 2007 8:48 PM:

" Who's this general, Doh? - Oh come now Question, you don’t really think old Doh missed this story do you? Why don’t you post the New York Times Article so we can see just EXACTLY who this general is and WHY HE MIGHT JUST HAVE AN ENORMOUS CHIP ON HIS SHOULDER. Go ahead Question. Why don’t you show us what the New York Times said his motivation might be. Or would you like me to? "

Doh wrote on Oct 12, 2007 9:21 PM:

" Answer you lucky b*stard, you're in the home state of some of the finest barbecue in the world! Not to mention some of the nicest, friendliest people you will ever hope to meet. Congratulations on the move and the new job. Having a career that you actually enjoy is one of the secrets to a happy life. Another secret is scotch! Think of me the next time you pour some of that wonderful single malt nectar. And you're right, we should all be outside enjoying the season this weekend.====== You even sound happier! Good for you! "

Doh wrote on Oct 12, 2007 10:55 PM:

" So you don’t think things are getting better in Iraq, eh Question? Well then, you might not want to read some of the latest news coming out of there: Back in May, Basra (the oil rich water gateway in the south of Iraq) was set for total disintegration this summer as the Brits pulled out and the Iranian backed militias got set to turn the city into Thunderdome in a free-for-all for control of Iraq’s oil. The Guardian carried the story here – (http://tinyurl.com/2tzukp)------ Then on October 9, Newsday reported (http://tinyurl.com/2au6q7) - “The British troop pullout from Iraq announced yesterday leaves Basra, Iraq’s second largest and most strategically important city, in near total chaos both politically and militarily.” – BUT, that very same day the Milbogs (http://tinyurl.com/24ayp7) heard from embed reporter Michael Yon who is ACTUALLY ON THE GROUND WITH THE TROOPS IN IRAQ and he gave an entirely different picture of Basra. – “Basra is not in chaos. In fact, crime and violence are way down and there has not been a British combat death in over a month. The report below (Newsday) is false.” ----- So who was right? Well it looks like the Milblogs were. From The TimesOnline October 11 ( http://tinyurl.com/3cz9x7 ) - “In a relatively short period, the security conditions and atmosphere in Basra have changed dramatically…………. Once the last remaining 500 soldiers based in Basra city at the Basra Palace had withdrawn - early last month - the level of violence began to fall. Today, the difference is tangible. British troops no longer patrol in Basra, that role is now left to the Iraqi security forces, but they still transit through the city en route to the Shatt al-Arab waterway. Yet apart from the odd small arms fire, none of the troops so far have been attacked. With all the troops now based at the Basra air station a few miles northwest of the city, they are no longer viewed as a provocative occupying force.......The key to the change in atmosphere which led directly to Gordon Brown’s decision to cut troop numbers by half to 2,500 next spring followed a secret deal reached between a new Iraqi army commander and Shia militia leaders in Basra, senior British military officers told The Times.......The reason why the Shia militia agreed to the secret deal was that General Mohan and General Jalil had both been appointed by Baghdad. It demonstrated to the Shia power-brokers in Basra that the government was determined to play a dominant part in the politics of southern Iraq, something the leaders in Baghdad had failed to demonstrate hitherto.” –----------- And if that wasn’t enough, it looks like we have a VERY GOOD TREND DEVELOPING HERE: From yesterdays New York Times October 11 (http://tinyurl.com/yqt9rl) - “In a number of Shiite neighborhoods across Baghdad, residents are beginning to turn away from the Mahdi Army, the Shiite militia they once saw as their only protector against Sunni militants. Now they resent it as a band of street thugs without ideology. The hardening Shiite feeling in Baghdad opens an opportunity for the American military, which has long struggled against the Mahdi Army, as American commanders rely increasingly on tribes and local leaders in their prosecution of the war.” - ACCORDING TO THE TIMES, AT LEAST 25 SHIITE SHEIKHS IN THE CITY ARE NOW COOPERATING WITH U.S. TROOPS. ---------- How’s that for some of Doh’s good progress in Iraq? And how’s that for the mainstream media initially spinning it 180 degrees WRONG? "

citizenofmattoon wrote on Oct 13, 2007 12:01 PM:

" I didn't know Clinton was a sex preditor...See, they say you learn something new everyday/. Hmmmm guess my day is over.... "

citizenofmattoon wrote on Oct 13, 2007 12:04 PM:

" GEE.....Looks like to me that Billie, father bob and doh need to get oh the phone and have a conference call..... "

Doh wrote on Oct 13, 2007 12:36 PM:

" WANT ABSOLUTE PROOF THAT THE DEMOCRATS IN CONGRESS ARE TRYING TO SABOTAGE VICTORY IN IRAQ? --- As progress in Iraq accelerates with the Sunni and Shia uniting to denounce Al Qaeda and the Militant factions, and with our most ardent ally in the Middle East- Turkey, granting us unprecedented access to vital supply lines and over-flights into Iraq; THE DEMOCRATS IN CONGRESS HAVE PICKED THIS EXACT TIME TO PASS A PURELY SYMBOLIC NON-BINDING RESOLUTION TO DENOUNCE TURKEY FOR GENOCIDE AGAINST THE ARMENIANS OVER AN EVENT THAT HAPPENED MORE THAN 100 YEARS AGO! And what was the result: TURKEY HAS RECALLED ITS AMBASSADOR TO WASHINGTON AND HAS WARNED OF SERIOUS REPERCUSSIONS IF CONGRESS LABELS THE KILLING OF ARMENIANS BY THE TURKS 100 YEARS AGO AS GENOCIDE. The summons of the ambassador for consultations was a further sign of the deteriorating relations between two long-time allies (Turkey and the United States) and the potential for new turmoil in an already troubled region which is just now beginning to show some amazing success. So here we have the Democrats ACTIVELY sabotaging our relationship with Turkey, at a time when there is already a tense stand off between the Turks and the Iraqi Kurds on the Northern border! I want you Left-Wing Defeatists in here to explain to all of us what the scumbag Democrats in Congress are trying pull- and why they have chosen this precise moment and time in history to pull it. Oh and – NOW is it ok to call the Democrats in Congress traitors? And if not- then what exactly constitutes treason these days? "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 13, 2007 12:58 PM:

" Doh, I am interested in hearing your comments on General Sanchez's remarks. "

father bob wrote on Oct 13, 2007 5:30 PM:

" it's really interesting that Doh posts this steaming pile:....."""" DON'T WE WANT ABSOLUTE PROOF THAT THE DEMOCRATS IN CONGRESS ARE TRYING TO SABOTAGE VICTORY IN IRAQ?........no D.O.H. it's the simian slacker in the "Big House" that has this inane adversion to truth.................................pass me the salsa "

father bob wrote on Oct 13, 2007 5:40 PM:

" citizenofmattoon wrote on Oct 13, 2007 12:01 PM: " I didn't know Clinton was a sex preditor...See, they say you learn something new everyday......................................that only works in the minds of predestined perverts. "

Doh wrote on Oct 13, 2007 6:26 PM:

" Dohbaugh- Would this be the same General Ricardo Sanchez who helped formulate and implement the original flawed war strategy? The same General Ricardo Sanchez who brought us the Abu Ghraib torture mess? The same General Ricardo Sanchez who as commander for all troops in Iraq allowed a successful invasion to slide into a prolonged terrorist campaign with no counter insurgency plan in place and all the while refused to even speak with civilian members of the coalition until he was finally relieved of his command for incompetence and denied a fourth star? Is this the same guy? And if this is the same guy, then I wonder why he is speaking out NOW; three and a half years AFTER he had an OBLIGATION AND A DUTY (as a ranking senior officer) to voice his concerns and to object to carrying out a strategy that he felt was doomed for failure? And I wonder why he would NOW refer to the war as “a nightmare with no end in sight”, when the war is clearly showing signs of significant progress thanks to the counter-insurgence strategy put into place by HIS REPLACEMENT General David Patraeus? Hmmmmmmmmmm- this IS a real head-scratcher. I’m going to have to think about this for a while, Dohbaugh. No comments come to mind right now. I’m stumped! * (Sarcasm set to 11)* "

Doh wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:18 PM:

" IRAQ SEES DRAMATICALLY LOW DEATH TOLL (AP Sat October 13 2007) "BAGHDAD - The civilian death toll in Iraq fell to its LOWEST LEVEL IN RECENT MEMORY Saturday, with only four people killed or found dead nationwide, according to reports from police, morgue officials and credible witnesses. Saturday marked the beginning of the Eid al-Fitr feast for Shiites, the three-day capstone closing out the Ramadan month of fasting. Sunnis began celebrating the holiday on Sunday. The daily number of civilians killed, not including those on days when there were massive casualties from car bombs, had climbed above 100 at the end of last year and the beginning of 2007. SATURDAY'S DECLINE IN DEATHS WAS IN LINE WITH A SHARP DROP IN SEPTEMBER OF BOTH IRAQI CIVILIAN AND U.S. MILITARY FATALITIES. The four dead included three death squad victims found in Baghdad and the bodyguard of the Kirkuk police commander who was killed in a roadside bombing." ================ read it here http://tinyurl.com/297kfs =============== Is this part of that "living nightmare with no end in sight" that General Sanchez (who was relieved of his command for incompetence and denied a fourth star) was talking about? "

Answer wrote on Oct 14, 2007 12:03 AM:

" Thanks Doh, had some Carolina BBQ and some red slaw for lunch with hushpuppies, it was delicous. Finished the day with a fine cigar and a glass of 12 year old McCallen, hard to beat. Your right about NC, the people are about the friendliest anywhere, and the weather and the geography are fantastic. Ease up a little on the traitor talk my friend, I worry about your blood pressure sometimes. "

The Question wrote on Oct 14, 2007 3:57 AM:

" Why don’t you post the New York Times Article so we can see just EXACTLY who this general is and WHY HE MIGHT JUST HAVE AN ENORMOUS CHIP ON HIS SHOULDER. ••••• LOL. What Sanchez says is no different than what Saint Petraeus will have to say, once he's out from under Bush and Cheney's control and free to tell the truth about the Iraq disaster. And as soon as he does, old General-Bootlicker Doh will turn on him viciously, too. "

The Question wrote on Oct 14, 2007 5:20 AM:

" The US-led "war on terror" has been a "disaster" and Washington and its allies must change their policy in Iraq and Afghanistan to defeat Al-Qaeda, an independent global security think tank said Monday. The Oxford Research Group (ORG) said in a report that Western strategy since the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States had failed to extinguish the threat from Islamist extremism and even fueled it. "Every aspect of the war on terror has been counterproductive in Iraq and Afghanistan, from the loss of civilian life through mass detentions without trial. In short, it has been a disaster," report author Paul Rogers said. "

The Question wrote on Oct 14, 2007 5:49 AM:

" Eight Iraqi civilians were killed and four others were wounded in a suicide truck bomb explosion north of Baghdad that was followed by a clash between police and dozens of gunmen, an official said Sunday. The Saturday afternoon blast occurred when police fatally shot a suicide bomber driving an explosives-laden fuel tanker and his truck blew up near police headquarters in Samarra, about 60 miles north of the Iraqi capital. Immediately after the explosion, about 20 vehicles with at least 60 gunmen drove up to the site and fought with police, said a police official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to media. •••• Those darn Iraqis must not have read The Doh Report, which assures us that every day in every way, Iraq just keeps getting better and better! They should also read the "military blogs" Doh worships, which describe the true Iraq as a land of perpetual sunshine and lollipops! "

The Question wrote on Oct 14, 2007 9:25 AM:

" Frank Rich — By any legal standards except those rubber-stamped by Alberto Gonzales, we are practicing torture, and we have known we are doing so ever since photographic proof emerged from Abu Ghraib more than three years ago. As Andrew Sullivan, once a Bush cheerleader, observed last weekend in The Sunday Times of London, America’s “enhanced interrogation” techniques have a grotesque provenance: “Verschärfte Vernehmung, enhanced or intensified interrogation, was the exact term innovated by the Gestapo to describe what became known as the ‘third degree.’ It left no marks. It included hypothermia, stress positions and long-time sleep deprivation.” …Our humanity has been compromised by those who use Gestapo tactics in our war. The longer we stand idly by while they do so, the more we resemble those “good Germans” who professed ignorance of their own Gestapo. It’s up to us to wake up our somnambulant Congress to challenge administration policy every day. Let the war’s last supporters filibuster all night if they want to. There is nothing left to lose except whatever remains of our country’s good name. "

Doh wrote on Oct 14, 2007 10:54 AM:

" Here’s what passes for rational analysis by the Left-Wing in here: (“What Sanchez says is no different than what Saint Petraeus will have to say, once he's out from under Bush and Cheney's control and free to tell the truth about the Iraq disaster.” === Here we see apparent skills in crystal ball reading.) ... (Quotes from a self-designated “independent” think tank that also thinks removing the Taliban in Afghanistan is a mistake and that we should pull out of there also === This is the Left's version of unbiased sourcing as opposed to those nasty “biased” Military blogs) ... (Complete and total disregard towards the positive reports of progress that have appeared in the mainstream media in the last two weeks === The Left obviously believes that the mainstream media is passing on the Military’s propaganda; therefore the Left will rely on “independent and unbiased” Liberal think-tanks for their analysis) ... When it comes to the Left; Rational Analysis is an oxymoron. "

Doh wrote on Oct 14, 2007 11:13 AM:

" The most compelling mystery surrounding General Sanchez’s remarks is this: What cabinet position did Hillary (The Cackling Hag) offer him? Could it be VP? Or will it be Secretary of State? Place your bet folks. I’m borrowing Questions, “Acme Crystal Ball” with high-definition digital tuning on this one, so you know I can’t be wrong. "

The Question wrote on Oct 14, 2007 11:43 AM:

" A parked car bomb struck worshippers heading to a Shiite mosque Sunday in Baghdad, killing at least nine people as Iraqis celebrated a Muslim holiday. Authorities said 18 others died the day before when a suicide truck bomber followed by a swarm of gunmen attacked a regional police station. In other violence in Iraq, an Iraqi soldier was killed Sunday and four others were wounded when a roadside bomb targeted their patrol in Khan Bani Saad, just northeast of Baghdad in the volatile Diyala province. Near the southern town of Hilla, a police officer was fatally shot by gunmen from a speeding car. Also Sunday, police raised the casualty toll from a suicide truck bombing a day earlier in the northern city of Samarra, 60 miles north of Baghdad. Police fatally shot a suicide bomber Saturday but his explosives-laden fuel tanker blew up near Samarra's police headquarters, killing 18 and wounding 27 others. Immediately after the blast, about 20 vehicles with at least 60 gunmen drove up to the site and fought with police, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to media. At least three police officers were wounded in the ensuing fighting.. ••••• But hey, everything’s peachy in peaceful Iraq! Just read the same Pure Pentagon Propaganda Blogs that Doh reads, and you’ll see! "

The Question wrote on Oct 14, 2007 11:47 AM:

" Conservative columnist Charley Reese — I just read a blog by an Arab woman, obviously educated, that is livid with hatred for us for the destruction of Iraq. She dismisses the excuse of those who say they didn't vote for the present administration. What follows is a summary. She says: "My problem is you. Your character, your behavior, your haughtiness, arrogance, false pride, denial, collective stupidity and ignorance, your way of life, which I find boring, distasteful and empty. You are ogres of consumerism, greedy, covetous, gluttonous, voracious, jealous, envious. You are nothing, and your nihilism contaminates everything else. You destroy and self-destruct." She closes by saying: "Iraq is going down with its past and its future. I can only promise you one thing. However long it may take, we are going to take you down with us." We Americans are very good at dismissing critics and criticism. We have such a high opinion of ourselves, we simply can't believe that normal people can dislike us, much less hate us. We can destroy whole countries, kill millions of people and then naïvely expect that the survivors will welcome us as friends. "

Doh wrote on Oct 14, 2007 4:38 PM:

" ("Just read the same Pure Pentagon Propaganda Blogs that Doh reads, and you’ll see") - The Pentagon has nothing to do with the Milblogs, Question. Those blogs are run by independent reporters most of which are former military. The Milblogs get their news from independent embed reporters who have been far more reliable in their reporting than the anti-military, anti-war, hopelessly-Left-wing-biased, Mainstream Media. A good example of this is the situation in Basra just a few days ago. And troop and civilian deaths are still down dramatically across Iraq. Even the AP had to admit that fact just yesterday. Read it here - http://tinyurl.com/297kfs - If that's not progress, then what is it? "

Doh wrote on Oct 14, 2007 5:23 PM:

" IRAQ SEES DRAMATICALLY LOW DEATH TOLL (AP Sat October 13 2007) "BAGHDAD - THE CIVILIAN DEATH TOLL IN IRAQ FELL TO ITS LOWEST LEVEL IN RECENT MEMORY......SATURDAY'S DECLINE IN DEATHS WAS IN LINE WITH A SHARP DROP IN SEPTEMBER OF BOTH IRAQI CIVILIAN AND U.S. MILITARY FATALITIES." ------ Read it here Question - http://tinyurl.com/297kfs - Now explain to all of us how this is NOT progress, Question. "

The Question wrote on Oct 14, 2007 5:33 PM:

" The Pentagon has nothing to do with the Milblogs, Question. Those blogs are run by independent reporters most of which are former military. •••• Yes. And the North Pole is run by Santa Claus. "

Doh wrote on Oct 14, 2007 5:58 PM:

" The New York Times BAGHDAD, Oct. 11 — "IN A NUMBER OF SHIITE NEIGHBORHOODS ACROSS BAGHDAD, RESIDENTS ARE BEGINNING TO TURN AWAY FROM THE MAHDI ARMY, THE SHIITE MILITIA THEY ONCE SAW AS THEIR ONLY PROTECTOR AGAINST SUNNI MILITANTS. NOW THEY RESENT IT AS A BAND OF STREET THUGS WITHOUT IDEOLOGY. THE HARDENING SHIITE FEELING IN BAGHDAD OPENS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE AMERICAN MILITARY, WHISH HAS LONG STRUGGLED AGAINST THE MAHDI ARMY, AS AMERICAN COMMANDERS RELY INCREASINGLY ON TRIBES AND LOCAL LEADERS IN THEIR PROSECUTION OF THE WAR"..........ACCORDING TO THE TIMES, AT LEAST 25 SHIITE SHEIKHS IN THE CITY ARE NOW COOPERATING WITH U.S. TROOPS ----- Read it here Question - http://tinyurl.com/yqt9rl - Now explain to all of us how this is NOT progress, Question. "

Doh wrote on Oct 14, 2007 6:02 PM:

" ("The Pentagon has nothing to do with the Milblogs, Question. Those blogs are run by independent reporters most of which are former military. •••• Yes. And the North Pole is run by Santa Claus.") - Great nonsensical response, Question. Now prove that the Milblogs have anything to do with the Pentagon. Back it up. "

Doh wrote on Oct 14, 2007 7:26 PM:

" The Washington Post (Sunday, October 14, 2007; Page B06) BETTER NUMBERS: THE EVIDENCE OF A DROP IN VIOLENCE IN IRAQ IS BECOMING HARD TO DISPUTE - "NEWS COVERAGE and debate about Iraq during the past couple of weeks have centered on the alleged abuses of private security firms like Blackwater USA. Getting such firms into a legal regime is vital, as we've said. But meanwhile, some seemingly important facts about the main subject of discussion last month -- whether there has been a decrease in violence in Iraq -- have gotten relatively little attention. A congressional study and several news stories in September questioned reports by the U.S. military that casualties were down. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), challenging the testimony of Gen. David H. Petraeus, asserted that "civilian deaths have risen" during this year's surge of American forces. A month later, there isn't much room for such debate, at least about the latest figures. In September, Iraqi civilian deaths were down 52 percent from August and 77 percent from September 2006, according to the Web site icasualties.org. The Iraqi Health Ministry and the Associated Press reported similar results. U.S. soldiers killed in action numbered 43 -- down 43 percent from August and 64 percent from May, which had the highest monthly figure so far this year. The American combat death total was the lowest since July 2006 and was one of the five lowest monthly counts since the insurgency in Iraq took off in April 2004. During the first 12 days of October the death rates of Iraqis and Americans fell still further. So far during the Muslim month of Ramadan, which began Sept. 13 and ends this weekend, 36 U.S. soldiers have been reported as killed in hostile actions. That is remarkable given that the surge has deployed more American troops in more dangerous places and that in the past al-Qaeda has staged major offensives during Ramadan. Last year, at least 97 American troops died in combat during Ramadan. Al-Qaeda tried to step up attacks this year, U.S. commanders say -- so far, with stunningly little success. The trend could change quickly and tragically, of course. Casualties have dropped in the past for a few weeks only to spike again. There are, however, plausible reasons for a decrease in violence. Sunni tribes in Anbar province that once fueled the insurgency have switched sides and declared war on al-Qaeda. The radical Shiite leader Moqtada al-Sadr ordered a cease-fire last month by his Mahdi Army. Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the top day-to-day commander in Iraq, says al-Qaeda's sanctuaries have been reduced 60 to 70 percent by the surge. This doesn't necessarily mean the war is being won. U.S. military commanders have said that no reduction in violence will be sustainable unless Iraqis reach political solutions -- and there has been little progress on that front. Nevertheless, it's looking more and more as though those in and outside of Congress who last month were assailing Gen. Petraeus's credibility and insisting that there was no letup in Iraq's bloodshed were -- to put it simply -- wrong." ===== http://tinyurl.com/ypq3su ===== OH QUESTION - HERE'S MORE EVIDENCE OF THAT DOH GOOD PROGRESS! But buck-up little buddy, maybe things will turn around and a whole bunch of Iraqis and troops will die this week. That will make you feel better, won't it. "

The Question wrote on Oct 14, 2007 7:32 PM:

" A veteran Washington Post special correspondent was shot to death Sunday in southwest Baghdad while on assignment, the first reporter for the newspaper to be killed during the Iraq war. Salih Saif Aldin, 32, was reporting on the violence that has plagued Baghdad's Sadiyah neighborhood Sunday afternoon when he was shot in the forehead. According to residents of the neighborhood and the Iraqi military officers at the scene, he was taking photographs on a street where several houses had been burned when he was killed. His wounds appeared to indicate he was shot at close range. At least 118 journalists have been killed in Iraq while on duty, nearly 100 of them are Iraqis, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. •••• Just another member of that awful "liberal news media" trying to undermine Doh's peaceful, lollipop-land vision of Iraq. "

Doh wrote on Oct 14, 2007 7:38 PM:

" SHIITE LEADER MAKES RECONCILIATORY GESTURE, VISITS SUNNI AANBAR PROVINCE (AP Sunday , October 14, 2007) - "BAGHDAD — In a major reconciliatory gesture, a leader from Iraq's largest Shiite party paid a rare visit Sunday to the Sunni Anbar province, where he delivered a message of unity to tribal sheiks who have staged a U.S.-backed revolt against Al Qaeda militants in their region. The visit by Ammar al-Hakim, son and heir apparent of Iraq's top Shiite politician, provided the latest evidence that key Iraqi politicians may be working toward national reconciliation independently from Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government, which has faced criticism for doing little to iron out differences between the country's Shiites, Kurds and Sunnis...........On Sunday, al-Hakim struck a note of national unity in Anbar, where a tribal revolt has significantly reduced violence in the vast province and inspired similar anti-Al Qaeda uprisings elsewhere in central Iraq and Baghdad." ======= HOLY CRAP! Now it looks like political progress is starting to be made! Geez! This is even better than old Doh expected! ====== Any thoughts on this, Question? ====== Read it here Question, and weep! - http://tinyurl.com/29ahzp "

Doh wrote on Oct 14, 2007 7:41 PM:

" (" A veteran Washington Post special correspondent was shot to death Sunday in southwest Baghdad...") - Well Question, it looks like the Iraqi's don't like the mainstream media either, huh. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 15, 2007 7:30 AM:

" Come on, Doh. Zingers are a lot of fun, and you my friend are one of the best on here, but using the death of a reporter to get on in, is a little over the top. That one disappointed me. I think you owe your worth opponent an apology for that one. "

The Question wrote on Oct 15, 2007 7:52 AM:

" Well Question, it looks like the Iraqi's don't like the mainstream media either, huh. •••• We don't know who killed him. Maybe another one of those murderous Blackwater thugs did the job. Residents at the scene said they feared that soldiers from the terrorist-corrupted Iraqi army were responsible for his death. All we know is that the reporter died to provide you with news about an invasion and occupation that you will ignore in favor of your right-wing, jingoistic propaganda from your Pentagon-controlled blogs. "

Doh wrote on Oct 15, 2007 6:14 PM:

" Oh look at this Question; who is CNN going to for an accurate accounting of the latest good news coming out of Basra in the Southern part of Iraq? Well, well, well, none other than Michael Yon. That's right. The former Green Beret turned independent embed reporter who owns one of the best Milblogs around- michaelyon.com. What do you know! Old Doh's ahead of the curve yet again! ====== watch the clip here - http://tinyurl.com/25tsb6 "

Doh wrote on Oct 15, 2007 8:08 PM:

" Billie- I want to extend my deepest sympathies to you on the eve of Toby’s passing. I know you not only lost a husband and an incredible man, but also your best friend. The stories of Toby that you’ve shared with us have truly made this site special, and I hope in some small way this site has in turn made your loss slightly more bearable. I’m sure that I speak for everyone here Billie when I say – Thank you. You are a very special person and we are enriched for having known you. "

ItsJustDave wrote on Oct 15, 2007 9:00 PM:

" I don't think Doh owes his worthy opponent an apology at all. Nor does he owe one to 'The Question', for that matter. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 15, 2007 9:50 PM:

" Thanks Doh. Tomorrow it will be three years since that big loveable lug left us. I appreciate all of the kind words and thoughts sent to me from folks on here since these sites were available. Yes Doh, you are right on the money when you suggested these threads have helped make the transition of not having him here in the flesh much more bearable. He WAS my best friend as you said. Sometimes we fought like cats and dogs. You know when an immoveable object meets an irresitable force, sparks are sure to fly! Sparks my foot! A full fledged battle royal! LOL! It made life interesting here! It was never dull! Oh, we could be quiet and just "be" sometimes too. Usually though there was laughter. Most of the time at my expense, since he was a practical joker and pulled stuff on me all the time. If he had an audience, so much the better. If not, when the "spirit " moved him and he didn't have somone to perform for, Billie look out! No one was immune though... Our home has had many wonderful times with many family members and friends. We've had weddings for friends and family, army reunions, high school and college graduation parties and just plain old get togethers just for fun here. The music with live bands, some of which were mine, flowed along with beverages of all kinds! So many memories of kids, grandkids, family and friends fill up the place!... Our last afternoon and evening together was spent with a dear friend who's son was celebrating his wedding, and asked me to play and sing in the band for it. He didn't ride with me that day, because my car was full of my music equipment. He took his truck. I left before he did. Before I left he held out those big arms of his and said " Come here Babe and give me a hug!" I gave him his hug and a quick kiss and told him as I shook my finger jokingly at him and said "You be careful!" He said with his best semi-cocky ,serious voice "I always am!" Then he threw back his head and laughed that big, loud belly laugh! "See you later!" he said. ..Little did I know those last words would be the last ones I would ever hear from him. Three hours later I was told he was gone and I knew a light had gone out in my world as well as in the lives of all who knew him. I had a little bit of a guilt trip for awhile over the fact I didn't unload my vehicle, and make room for his chair. I offered to but he said "No way! I'll take my truck!" There was no use in arguing about it! He wasn't gonna have me unload and rearrange my Durango. Nope! I had a while buch of "what if's over it... You know though, I WILL see him later. I have no doubts about that! I just don't know when. I still "see" and "feel" him though. A presence as commanding as his was will never be gone. Sometimes when I'm commenting on articles here, I swear he's whispering( hollering is more like it LOL!) " Go get 'em Billie" in my ear!.. I laugh more than I cry when I think about him these days. That's exactly the way he would want it! ..October is bittersweet for me. We were married on the 30th and we would have celebrated 24 years on that upcoming date. We had planned on going to the VFW to celebrate. Our good friends and fellow "band buddies" The Sawyer Brother's were playing that night. I went anyway! Our family and friends went with me. I was going to celebrate anyway! I sang the song he liked to hear me sing the most that night. HE WAS THERE! I'm so glad I went and sang that song.... I have no regrets with the time we had together, good and not so good times. My life would not have been as full had he never been in it at all. I'm going to take Early Bird's suggestion and write some of these "Toby Stories' down. Other's have suggested this also. Some of them are rib-splitting hiliarious! Other's are more serious. Who knows, maybe there will be another book this time from me in the future..... He would have enjoyed getting on here and I'll tell you, he would have made his presence known and none too quiet either! LOL! ...I'll make a little trip to Janesville Cemetery tomorrow and shed a few tears. I know though, before the day is over, I'll be laughing remembering him laughing over something he did to me! That's the way he would want it. Thanks everyone for allowing me to share him with all of you. Billie "

Doh wrote on Oct 15, 2007 11:11 PM:

" Billie- you should definitely write these stories down and maybe later you can compile them into a book. As I read your account of the last moments with Toby I felt as though I were watching it unfold before me. I could vividly see all of the celebrations as well as those ordinary special moments that fill your house with memories. You're a natural writer Billie, and the stories of your life flow out as if they were already on film. It’s good to know that the tears are giving way to laughter these days. That’s what this life is really all about. "

Early Bird wrote on Oct 16, 2007 5:15 AM:

" Thank you for sharing your story with us, Billie. You have such a way with words. Yes, I still think you have a book in you, and I would love to see you write it. Of all the folks who post messages on here, you are by far my favorite. Once in a while, all of us who post on this site need a kick in the seat of the pants, and you seem to be able to do that with such grace and warmth. Even when you lose your temper, you seem to be able to maintain a lot of class about it. I certainly understand your need to take a break once in a while, but this site seems incomplete without you posting your thoughts, ideas and of course stories. Thanks again, your friend, Early Bird. "

The Question wrote on Oct 16, 2007 9:25 AM:

" Iraqi journalist Buthaina Al-Sasiri - You may remember that the Iraqi resistance has called by the US spinners by different names at different stages of invasion and occupation: 1. First they were "dead enders" and "Saddam's hunchmen," etc. That was before arresting Saddam Hussein. 2. Next they were called insurgents, after the puppet government was installed . Insurgency means revolting against a legal, recognized government. 3. At last they are being called Al Qaeda terrorists. Every anti-occupation group is now referred to as Al Qaeda. Every man killed by the troops is an Al Qaeda leader. Of course, calling the Iraqi resistance Al Qaeda fits well with the permanent "war on terror". Bush can now have his "legal" justification for the war on Iraq: it is part of his war on terror. The recent slaughter of innocents is not the first. It has become a pattern. The US army is becoming more dependant on air strikes--massive airstrikes on civilians--as part of an intimidation campaign. Last week, they slaughtered from the air a large group of men and children who gathered one Ramadan (the Fasting month in Islam) evening to play a traditional game which needs two groups of men sitting facing each other. A ring is hidden in the hand of a member of one group, the others in the facing group have to guess where the ring is hidden. Usually this game attracts bystanders . The US Army said, of course, that they had killed Al Qaeda terrorists. Before that, men , women and children were sleeping on the roof of a house, which is an Iraqi habit in summer. They were airstruck and accused of being Al Qaeda terrorists. Of course, there were other sla ughters of wedding gatherings, of funeral gatherings. Any gathering is hit from the air. When women and children are killed, the US army announces that he regrets but it is the fault of the terrorists who hide behind civilians. "

coonbug wrote on Oct 16, 2007 9:58 AM:

" I say no more snooping with out following the Bill of Rights to the letter. The Senate Intelligence Committee could draft a bill this week that includes relief for the carriers. The administration is seeking blanket immunity, which would extend to anyone sued for assisting the government -- not just telecom carriers -- in its post-Sept. 11 surveillance programs. “Amendment IV: Warrants and searches. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. I say NO to the Blanket Immunity for relief carriers. They need to know that if they mess up and don’t follow the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, they can and will be indicted in the court of law. Write your congressman/woman or senator here: Go to map of U.S. and pick your State. It will show you your representatives and senators. Click on their name and SEND a message. http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issuesaction/letters/ "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 16, 2007 10:25 AM:

" Thanks Doh and Eary Bird. He was a treasure,no doubt. Some of the edges may have been tarnished a little due to the fact that "life gets in the way" sometimes, but still he managed to "shine" no matter what life threw at him! Don't give me too much credit here guys. A lot of who I am came after I met him because he encouraged me to fullfill some of my dreams. Without his support I never would have been able to pursue my local music career. He backed me all the way . He knew how much music has always been a part of my life. That's just one example...He always encouraged me to be "myself" whether or not being so always coincided with what he thought I should be sometimes! As I have said, sometimes those differences were very vocal! LOL!... Up to the time we started our life together, I didn't have too much experience with anything concerning the military, veterans and issues concerning them. I had a couple of uncles who were in WWII, but as far as being active in these affairs, I wasn't. That all changed when he became a part of my life. Through him, I've met a terrific bunch of guys who are still in contact with me today. I stay involved with these matters via emails with people I've "met" all over the country and a couple from other countries. It helps to fill the void he left behind and I feel as though I can contribute also. It's a good feeling... Early Bird, To be fair, you have never "seen" me lose my temper! It AIN'T a pretty sight! LOL! So just because I'm able to contain it here (to a point) please don't think I'm "above it all" and always show the "class" you mentioned. It simply isn't always the case. I can get down and dirty with the best of 'em! LOL!... I remember Toby first and foremost as "Just Toby". He was a son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa,uncle, friend and honorable soldier who served his beloved country. He had all the hopes, fears, disappointments and joys in his life that most of us have had. He was an ordinary man in his eyes. He never considered himself "special" That was left to the rest of us, who knew better. He made the most of the hand that was dealt him. He never gave up on life. He lived it to the fullest. That's his legacy. Thanks again everyone. "

father bob wrote on Oct 16, 2007 10:50 AM:

" moderator must be on strike. this thing only posts once or twice a day. "

father bob wrote on Oct 17, 2007 11:46 AM:

" Doh's earth shattering cheney news:.....damn i love posting this!!......Vice President Cheney is related to Sen. Barack Obama. At least that was the stunning announcement made yesterday by Lynne Cheney, who said that the very white vice president from Wyoming is in fact the eighth cousin of Obama, the Senate's only African American member. She said she discovered the link, traced back to a Huguenot who figured prominently in Maryland history, while researching her latest book. "This is such an amazing story," Cheney said in an interview on MSNBC, "that one ancestor, a man that came to Maryland, could be responsible down the family line for lives that have taken such different and varied paths as Dick's and Barack Obama's." Cristina Allegretti, Lynne Cheney's research and project manager at the American Enterprise Institute, said the vice president's wife did an exhaustive genealogical search of her family while working on "Blue Skies, No Fences." Her research led her to an early Cheney settler named Richard Cheney, whose granddaughter married Samuel Duvall, whose mother, Mareen Duvall, is distantly related to Obama. Lynne Cheney read a story that said Obama wa s related to Mareen Duvall, and realized the link. Obama, whose mother was white, did not immediately comment on the revelation. But his campaign made light of the tie, without confirming it. "Obviously, Dick Cheney is the black sheep of the family," Obama spokesman Bill Burton said. "

coonbug wrote on Oct 17, 2007 3:19 PM:

" I'm famous....(and poor still...ha ha) Just got my name mentioned in a column written by Donna Brazile, Al Gore's campaign manager for Election 2000. Check it out if you are interested: Coonsey's View http://www.freewebs.com/coonsey/ "

father bob wrote on Oct 17, 2007 4:50 PM:

" Get this: Republicans are planning to run in '08 against the mess in Washington that they made. "Democrats have become part of the problem in Washington," the NRCC writes. "And as evidenced by their rock-bottom approval rating, Democrat leadership isn't getting the job done." The only problem with this argument is that Republicans in Congress are more unpopular than Democrats--by nine points in the latest poll--and George W. Bush has the lowest presidential ratings since Nixon during Watergate. To be sure, the public, particularly Democrats, are angry at Congress' failure/inability to end the war in Iraq. But Republicans shouldn't confuse disgust at the war with support for a party that brought us the surge and has been reduced of late to denying healthcare for children. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 17, 2007 6:27 PM:

" Ya gotta love that black sheep comment. You don't suppose that Mrs Cheney is kissing up to Obama in hopes of landing the Dick another plum government job, do you? The question is what kind of a book is Mrs Cheney writing now? As a lot of people are aware of, she started out writing steamy lesbian erotica books, then moved to children's books. My bet is she will return to the smut writing after the Dick leaves office. They will certainly need the money, what with the Dick giving all his war profits to charity and all. I sort of lost track of that one, when did he give those millions away? Anyway, back to Mrs Cheney, and my predictions that she will return to writing smut again. Smut writing is probably more profitable than kids books, and we all know how the Cheney duo feels about making money. I once watched he being interviewed and couldn't help but think, no wonder Cheney has had about 50 heart attacks. She is one scary woman. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 17, 2007 9:24 PM:

" Dohbaugh, I think that "black sheep" statement was hysterical!!! I'll bet Doh got a chuckle out of it too! Funny is funny ! LOL! "

The Question wrote on Oct 18, 2007 3:27 AM:

" The Pentagon is preparing to alert eight National Guard units that they should be ready to go to Iraq or Afghanistan beginning late next summer, The Associated Press learned Wednesday. The U.S. military is reaching out to more Guard units in an effort to maintain needed troop levels, ease some of the strain on the active duty Army and provide security for ports, convoys and other installations. **** That must be because "the surge is working" and "troop levels are being reduced," right? The American people will apparently swallow any lie. "

dohbaugh wrote on Oct 18, 2007 6:48 AM:

" It was a good one, Billie. Speaking of our pal, Doh, I guess he must be taking a little R & R from all of this madness. "

The Question wrote on Oct 18, 2007 8:19 AM:

" A dozen former Army captains, all of whom served in Iraq, said this: "Five years on, the Iraq war is as undermanned and under-resourced as it was from the start. And, five years on Iraq is in shambles. As Army captains who served in Baghdad and beyond, we've seen the corruption and the sectarian division.” "Iraqi soldiers quit at will. The police are effectively controlled by militias. And ... corruption is debilitating. U.S. tax dollars enrich self-serving generals and support the very elements that will battle each other after we're gone.” They didn’t say it on one of Doh’s Pentagon-controlled blogs, though. They said in a newspaper column. "

coonbug wrote on Oct 18, 2007 10:30 AM:

" I enjoyed the Black Sheep comment by Barack's rep too. Just found out that Donna Brazile's column is also printed down in Georgia, their newspaper website - for those interested (title is different): http://www.mdjonline.com/content/index/showcontentitem/area/1/section/17/item/96529.html Coonsey's View http://www.freewebs.com/coonsey/ "

coonbug wrote on Oct 18, 2007 10:31 AM:

" Just found out that Donna Brazile's column is also printed down in Georgia, their newspaper website - for those interested (title is different): http://www.mdjonline.com/content/index/showcontentitem/area/1/section/17/item/96529.html Coonsey's View http://www.freewebs.com/coonsey/ "

father bob wrote on Oct 18, 2007 2:20 PM:

" dohbaugh wrote on Oct 18, 2007 6:48 AM: " It was a good one, Billie. Speaking of our pal, Doh, I guess he must be taking a little R & R from all of this madness. "...............he's probably at some neocon fascist blog waiting for cheney to post his earth-shattering news. "

father bob wrote on Oct 18, 2007 2:34 PM:

" uh oh....monkey boy got out of his cage again. his handlers need to keep a closer eye on what he's saying and where he's at. must have ran out of animal crackers and kool-aid........WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 — President Bush issued a stark warning on Iran on Wednesday, suggesting that if the country obtained nuclear arms, it could lead to “World War III.” “We got a leader in Iran who has announced that he wants to destroy Israel,” Mr. Bush said at a White House news conference, referring to a remark by the Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, that Israel “will disappear soon.” Mr. Bush said he had “told people that if you’re interested in avoiding World War III, it seems like you ought to be interested in preventing them from having the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon.” "

Doh wrote on Oct 18, 2007 3:22 PM:

" ("uh oh....monkey boy got out of his cage again.")- What? Barack Obama was in a cage? Don't tell me.......the Monkey Messiah wants to bomb Pakistan again. Somebody slip him a banana. "

Doh wrote on Oct 18, 2007 3:51 PM:

" ("he's probably at some neocon fascist blog waiting for cheney to post his earth-shattering news.") - I didn't know Cheney was supposed to have any earth-shattering news. Actually bob, I was over at coonsey's Left-Wing fascist blog laughing my butt off at your lame-a55 attempt at plagiarism, by trying to pass off someone else's opinion piece as your own! LOL!!!!!!! "

Doh wrote on Oct 18, 2007 4:14 PM:

" Hey Question- You might want to look closely at that Washington Post opinion piece by those 12 Iraq War veterans. Because NONE OF THEM were in Iraq when General Patraeus took command, and NONE OF THEM could have been there to witness the effects or progress of the Surge. So technically the title of their article "The Real Iraq We Knew" is absolutely correct. That was the Iraq that THEY knew. By all accounts, that Iraq is changing for the better. Of course the Washington Post had to post this piece; they are desperate to stave off the positive news coming out of Iraq. "

father bob wrote on Oct 18, 2007 4:46 PM:

" Doh wrote on Oct 10, 2007 3:19 PM: " I've got some veeeeerrrrryyyyyy interesting news today. When U.S. forces invaded Iraq in 2003, they captured an enormous cache of classified Iraqi documents. Over a million actually. Our Intel community has been working around the clock translating and collating this collection of interesting facts- and guess what they've found.............there's a book coming out in a few short weeks.........does anybody remember Cheney causing a big uproar in the media a few months back when he restated Saddams, Al Qaeda connections?????..............hehehehe..........well Dick knew exactly what he was doing..............I think the Democratic Presidential candidates may want to rethink their talking points on Iraq...........I predict Hillary will do one helluva flip-flop........stay tuned folks.........this is going to be the "Mother Of All Bombshells".........******************************************* well, we're waiting Doh...what a moron!...you can't remember what you've spewed and what you haven't. "

father bob wrote on Oct 18, 2007 4:49 PM:

" I was over at coonsey's Left-Wing fascist blog laughing my butt off at your lame-a55 attempt at plagiarism, by trying to pass off someone else's opinion piece as your own! LOL!!!!!!! ".........what a moron, don't you think anyone else can copy and paste??....make that double moron. "

father bob wrote on Oct 18, 2007 4:51 PM:

" Doh, you need to take a prozac, give that propeller on your beanie a spin, take a few deep breaths, and relax.... "

Doh wrote on Oct 18, 2007 4:58 PM:

" Uhm.......bob- if you read my veeeeerrrrryyyyyy interesting news post, you'll notice that I said: "there's a book coming out in a few short weeks". I never said that Cheney was going to make an announcement. LOL!!!!! Yes indeed bobby, you're not only a moron; you're a moron who can't read! LOL!!!!! "

Doh wrote on Oct 18, 2007 5:01 PM:

" ("what a moron, don't you think anyone else can copy and paste??....make that double moron.") - Cut and paste yes. But trying to pass it off as original- no. That makes you a double DISHONEST moron. LOL!!!!!! "

father bob wrote on Oct 18, 2007 5:03 PM:

" Doh...it's good to see you have visited coonsy's. i know there's some big words over there, so if you need help let us know......we'll help you sound them out. "

Doh wrote on Oct 18, 2007 5:04 PM:

" Hey bobby- have you asked your doctor if Paxil is right for you. "

Doh wrote on Oct 18, 2007 5:10 PM:

" Bob's plagiarism piece: - "(Friday, Oct 12, 2007) Sooner or Later American's Must Decide (By Father Bob) "Sooner or later, the American people will have to decide whether they want a president or an emperor: they are incompatible. A country cannot simultaneously be a democracy and an empire. One requires a decentralization of power; the other, a concentration of power in a supreme monarch. These two philosophies are competing presently the U.S. political arena. On the one side, there is the supremacist neo-conservative movement, presently in power in Washington, within the Bush administration. Its adherents firmly believe that the use of military power and the subjugation of foreign populations is the safest way to ensure the security of the United States and the world. It is philosophy froth with unilateralist and disrespect of other countries and of international law. On the other side, there is the traditional American commitment to the ideals of democracy, of international law and of multilateral international cooperation, and a rejection of imperialism and colonialism as an international political order. This is a political philosophy that encompasses the democratic ideals of Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington...., and which traces its roots deep into the writings of the Founding Fathers of the republic and to the U.S. Constitution. 10:34 PM (UTC -4)" ---------- and then coonsey told bob ---------- Coonsey (unverified): "Your other submission is an actual Story written by others. We don't mind showing parts of a story, but not the whole story. Could cause legal problems. Sorry." ----------- hehehehe......... Read bob's plagiarism here folks - http://tinyurl.com/yu5nsq "

father bob wrote on Oct 18, 2007 5:11 PM:

" Doh since you love dick......you should already have gotten the advanced reviews from your top secret sources in the government......you know "the sources" you're always citing. "

Doh wrote on Oct 18, 2007 5:13 PM:

" ("Doh...it's good to see you have visited coonsy's. i know there's some big words over there, so if you need help let us know......we'll help you sound them out.") - What are going to do bob- put me in touch with the source you stole those big words from? "

father bob wrote on Oct 18, 2007 5:15 PM:

" who said anything about passing anything off? you'll have to talk to the site owner about how things are submitted and posted....you need to get your facts straight before your run your moronic pie hole. "

father bob wrote on Oct 18, 2007 5:18 PM:

" and Doh, as much as i dislike what you post, and and the comments that spew from your moronic mouth, i would never question your honesty on these boards....but there again that's just me, you are way too much of a moron to understand that. "

Doh wrote on Oct 18, 2007 5:58 PM:

" Dear bob - (Coonsey (unverified): "Your other submission is an actual Story written by others. We don't mind showing parts of a story, but not the whole story. Could cause legal problems. Sorry.") - Read bob's dishonest plagiarism piece for yourself folks - http://tinyurl.com/yu5nsq - And nowhere did he even attempt to source his post. "

Doh wrote on Oct 18, 2007 6:04 PM:

" bob wrote -- ("i would never question your honesty on these boards....")- Nor should you. And I cite my sources. And by the way, I never said I had "top secret sources in the government" - looks like you're being dishonest again- huh bob. "

coonbug wrote on Oct 18, 2007 8:55 PM:

" I would like to clear up something. My Blog/Forum website is fairly new. It's only been in business for 2 months. The sidebar says, "Stepping outside the box of what's currently called, "THE NEWS"“ This could be construed to mean that we are reporting the NEWS and commenting on that news. This is my mistake and I’ve tried to correct it. Without having an email address to email Father Bob, I could not explain all the rules for posting, directly to him. So to give him the message, I put a comment on his "Sooner or Later American's Must Decide" Post he had list on the site. This column was NOT, to my knowledge plagiarized. The post I was referring to, was another one that I 'did not' print. I'm sorry for any trouble or embarrassment this has caused Father Bob. He’s been a regular on Coonsey's View, and I hope he continues to be. I sincerely hope others will join us, Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative or just not sure. In fact I NEED a smart conservative willing to write a column once in awhile for me. If you are interest please SEND A POST from Coonsey's View. As you can see, I do NOT receive your email address. If I approve of the post and language, I copy and paste that post/column onto my site. That’s it. Again, I’m sorry Father Bob. Coonsey's View http://www.freewebs.com/coonsey/ "

Doh wrote on Oct 18, 2007 9:57 PM:

" Sorry if I took your comments out of context, coonbug, but “Honest Bob” DID plagiarize his post. He knows it, I know it, and you SHOULD know it. And what’s more- I can prove it. I know exactly who the author is and I recognized it as soon as I read it. I assumed by your comment to him that you caught it also. You should have vetted his article, coonbug- because you could get into legal trouble with this as well. Now then “Honest Bob”- why don’t you tell everyone who the real author (R.T.) is. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 19, 2007 7:30 AM:

" I sure hope TigerRose doesn't read this one. Calling someone a moron got me in trouble with her, but that's probably just because I called her a moron, and she probably isn't bothered when someone else is called a moron. That being the case, you two might really be in trouble with her. And by the way, Doh, that double moron bit would probably get you in double trouble with TR. Thanks for the ongoing entertainment, guys. What a way to start the day.... "

father bob wrote on Oct 19, 2007 8:34 AM:

" i guess i'll have to clear everything thru "Doh's Paste and Post Patrol"....what a moron! "

father bob wrote on Oct 19, 2007 8:40 AM:

" Doh wrote on Oct 18, 2007 6:04 PM: " bob wrote -- ("i would never question your honesty on these boards....")- Nor should you. And I cite my sources. And by the way, I never said I had "top secret sources in the government" - looks like you're being dishonest again- huh bob. "........i have never claimed to be the author of any posts, like others here who post from other sources, we aren't paranoid about someone lurking and taking notes on who says what..........if this is the only argument you have to make about anything, you need to switch to one of your other personalities....moron "

father bob wrote on Oct 19, 2007 8:42 AM:

" [1] In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. [2] And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. [3] And God said, Let there be light: and there was light............oh sh*t, god's gonna sue me for that one!!....hey moron..are patrolling? "

father bob wrote on Oct 19, 2007 9:13 AM:

" The House today upheld President Bush’s veto of a bill to provide health insurance to 10 million children, but Democrats vowed to send it back to him next month, with minor changes, in the belief that they could ultimately prevail. Despite a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign and intense lobbying by children’s advocates, supporters of the bill were unable to convert a single House Republican who voted against passage of the bill last month........what a crock... "

spwildcat wrote on Oct 19, 2007 10:57 AM:

" at least they arent comparing beady eyed bush wth my favorite president fdr he would knock bushy down wthout batting an eye because bush has absolutely been our worst president not our best "

father bob wrote on Oct 19, 2007 11:46 AM:

" Putting aside the immorality of President's war on poor kids --the latest salvo being his despicable veto of SCHIP--it's clear that Dems may have lost the legislative fight over this vital program but they just won themselves a campaign issue. Representative Pete Stark, the California Democrat who is Chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health--and a longtime crusader for decency, dignity and universal healthcare--may not have framed the message Nancy Pelosi and Rahm Emanuel will lead with heading into '08, but I think his words say more about this President's cruelty toward children than much of the blather we usually get from DCCC e-mails. " You don't have money to fund the war or children. But you're going to spend it to blow up innocent people if we can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the president's amusement." "

coonbug wrote on Oct 19, 2007 1:49 PM:

" Doh, If what you say is true - lesson learned by me. I'm no EXPERT as you apparently are. I'm a concerned American trying to help others voice their opinions. Thank you for pointing out my flaw. "

father bob wrote on Oct 19, 2007 3:12 PM:

" President Bush is the lamest of lame-duck chief executives, with no moral authority, no legislative majority and no popular domestic or foreign-policy agendas. So what can he do with the remaining months of a failed presidency? Make his corporate allies rich and destroy the essential underpinnings of American democracy. To that end, Bush's chairman of the Federal Communications Commission has initiated a scheme to radically rewrite media ownership rules so that one corporation can own the daily newspapers, the weekly "alternative" newspaper, the city magazine, suburban publications, the eight largest radio stations, the dominant broadcast and cable television stations, popular internet news and calendar sites, billboards and concert halls in even the largest American city. "

The Question wrote on Oct 19, 2007 3:31 PM:

" I always try to be respectful to President Bush. For example, I wouldn't spit on him — if he was on fire. "

Doh wrote on Oct 19, 2007 3:36 PM:

" What's that- Honest Bob? You still didn't tell everyone who the real author is of that phony post that you plagiarized- now did you. Come now Honest Bob- at least let coonbug in on your little dishonest secret. After all, she assumed that your phony-baloney-dishonest post was your own words. Now why would you deceive everyone like that, Honest Bob? You're not some sort of dishonest moron- are you? So come clean Honest Bob; tell us all who the real author is. "

father bob wrote on Oct 19, 2007 4:03 PM:

" Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 19, 2007 7:30 AM: " I sure hope TigerRose doesn't read this one. Calling someone a moron got me in trouble with her, but that's probably just because I called her a moron, and she probably isn't bothered when someone else is called a moron...................that's just it, you can't argue the fact that Doh is a moron. it's a unanimous consensus. "

father bob wrote on Oct 19, 2007 4:07 PM:

" Doh wrote on Oct 18, 2007 9:57 PM: " Sorry if I took your comments out of context, coonbug, but “Honest Bob” DID plagiarize his post. He knows it, I know it, and you SHOULD know it. And what’s more- I can prove it. I know exactly who the author is and I recognized it as soon as I read it. I assumed by your comment to him that you caught it also. You should have vetted his article, coonbug- because you could get into legal trouble with this as well. Now then “Honest Bob”- why don’t you tell everyone who the real author (R.T.) is. "........................call whoever RT is and tell him to sue.....seems like you are the only one concerned, you raving lunatic moron! "

The Question wrote on Oct 19, 2007 4:09 PM:

" Bush is quite similar to Paris Hilton, and has benefited from the "aristocracy" BS that draws attention to Hilton. After all, the fact that his last name is "Bush" is the only reason he's in office. Like Hilton, Bush is a stupid, irresponsible, born-rich brat with a history of alcohol abuse who has never been held accountable for his many glaring failures. In fact, he is the leader of nothing, because he's incapable of leading anyone. All he can do is recite stupid bromides, badly, that neither he nor anyone else believes. Of course, the difference is that there's a limit to the amount of harm Paris Hilton can do, but there's almost no limit to the amount of harm Bush can do with his unshakable sense of entitlement and his smirking indifference to the suffering he causes. God help us. "

father bob wrote on Oct 19, 2007 5:11 PM:

" Mexico Governor Bill Richardson was supposed to be the cautious candidate Democrats respected but never got excited about." Well, he isn't cautious anymore. On the need to get out of Iraq--fully, completely, speedily, with no residual forces remaining--- Richardson has carved out an unexpectedly resolute antiwar stance which has distinguished him from the three frontrunners. As Richardson said when he was in New York this past Tuesday, "They don't end the war. I do." This Monday, his campaign is starting to air ads on the war issue in Iowa and New Hampshire. Richardson is gambling that this will be a breakthrough--one recent Hew Hampshire poll put him ahead of Edwards. (And overtaking Edwards in NH is essential if he's going to stay in the race.) But what Richardson's seeing is that his bold stand on how and when to end the war isn't getting the traction he had hoped it would. Media disinterest in drawing out the differences among candidates on the war--as well as the mainstream media's laser-like focus on the money and poll primary--have done a disservice to Richardson. Voters should be asking the leading 3 candidates--at least, those leading now--to explain why they need to keep troops in Iraq until 2013 or beyond, as in Hillary's case, and give a coherent explanation of why they disagree with Richardson's position. "

The Question wrote on Oct 19, 2007 9:18 PM:

" Bush's mercenary Blackwater thugs must be magical. They can make other people's planes disappear! **** Blackwater USA tried to take at least two Iraqi military aircraft out of Iraq two years ago and refused to give the planes back when Iraqi officials sought to reclaim them, according to a congressional committee investigating the private security contractor. Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, wants the company to provide all documents related to the attempted shipment and to explain where the aircraft are now. In a letter sent Friday to Erik Prince, Blackwater's top executive, Waxman said he learned of the 2005 attempt from a military official who contacted the committee. That official is not identified in the letter, nor is the type of aircraft. Waxman also is seeking a sweeping amount of information about Blackwater's business, including its contracts with the federal government, profits made since the company was founded a decade ago, Prince's personal earnings since 2001, and details about the payments to the families of Iraqis killed by Blackwater personnel. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 19, 2007 9:28 PM:

" Nope fatherbob! You posted "you can't argue the fact that Doh is a moron. it's a unanimous consensus." Sorry Bubby! It AIN'T unanimous! Count me out! "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 19, 2007 9:56 PM:

" Calling on God now are you Question per your post Oct.19 at 4:09 PM? How odd! "

The Question wrote on Oct 20, 2007 4:43 AM:

" It's an expression, Billie, like "Great Caesar's ghost!." That doesn't exist either. "

The Question wrote on Oct 20, 2007 12:50 PM:

" A U.S. battalion commander and an enlisted man will face courts-martial on charges related to the killing of 24 Iraqi civilians in Haditha, Iraq, in 2005, the Marines said on Friday. Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani was one of four officers initially charged in the killings that sparked international anger. He is charged with dereliction of duty and failing to report accurately and investigate the incident. The Marines also announced on Friday that Lance Cpl. Stephen Tatum would face a court-martial on involuntary manslaughter and other charges, dropping original charges of murder against him Testimony in military court has shown that Marines in the unit shot dead five unarmed men after ordering them out of a car, then killed other 19 people, including women and children in two nearby houses. ****** Are these the war criminals I’m supposed to apologize to, Doh-Doh? "

Doh wrote on Oct 20, 2007 1:42 PM:

" coonbug said- ("Thank you for pointing out my flaw.") - Well you're quite welcome :-) "

Doh wrote on Oct 20, 2007 2:15 PM:

" Honest Bob said - "i have never claimed to be the author of any posts". - But over at coonsey's site he wrote this steaming pile of plagiarism. - "(Friday, Oct 12, 2007) Sooner or Later American's Must Decide (***BY FATHER BOB***) Sooner or later, the American people will have to decide whether they want a president or an emperor: they are incompatible. A country cannot simultaneously be a democracy and an empire. One requires a decentralization of power; the other, a concentration of power in a supreme monarch. These two philosophies are competing presently the U.S. political arena. On the one side, there is the supremacist neo-conservative movement, presently in power in Washington, within the Bush administration. Its adherents firmly believe that the use of military power and the subjugation of foreign populations is the safest way to ensure the security of the United States and the world. It is philosophy froth with unilateralist and disrespect of other countries and of international law. On the other side, there is the traditional American commitment to the ideals of democracy, of international law and of multilateral international cooperation, and a rejection of imperialism and colonialism as an international political order. This is a political philosophy that encompasses the democratic ideals of Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington...., and which traces its roots deep into the writings of the Founding Fathers of the republic and to the U.S. Constitution. 10:34 PM (UTC -4)" - Read bob's plagiarism here folks - http://tinyurl.com/yu5nsq ------------- It looks like bob just can't stop lying! Now tell us where you stole that article from Honest Bob. "

Doh wrote on Oct 20, 2007 2:30 PM:

" UH-OH! Looks like old coonsey removed bob's plagiarized opinion piece from her website! What's wrong coonbug- afraid of a little litigation from the real author? Now if you have ANY crediblity AT ALL coonbug- you'll come back on here and admit that bob plagiarized that post. AND you’ll tell everyone who the REAL author is. And please coonbug- don't make any lame excuses for Honest Bob's idiotic dishonesty. "

Doh wrote on Oct 20, 2007 4:17 PM:

" ("Nope fatherbob! You posted "you can't argue the fact that Doh is a moron. it's a unanimous consensus." Sorry Bubby! It AIN'T unanimous! Count me out!") - Thanks Billie! "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 20, 2007 6:18 PM:

" Hey coonbug, wouldn't a smart conservative be a bit of a oxymoron? And for father bob, wasn't that what you really meant to call Doh? Surely you didn't mean to call him a moron. He and I don't agree on a heck of a lot of things, but just like you, he is NOT a moron. He and I used to go at it hot and heavy, and just when I thought I had him, he usually always managed to pull one off and more often than not left me holding an empty bag. While you and I may not agree with him on a lot of things politically, your assessment in way off base. By the way, I agree with a lot of what you say on here. I'm not calling for civility, as I have given up on that dead horse, so unless that horse farts, I won't mention the civility thing again. Lastly, your horse fart line should be in the posters hall of fame somewhere. Even our friend, Doh, acknowledged that being a winner. Sorry for stealing that line, but it's too good to not be repeated every once in a while. "

medic57 wrote on Oct 21, 2007 2:58 AM:

" Billie, maybe he's a closet christian. "

The Question wrote on Oct 21, 2007 9:07 AM:

" I have come to the reluctant conclusion, over these last few years, that many Americans long to embrace fascism. Ugly and small-minded, with a vicious distaste for anyone they perceive as different, they like the idea of people being kidnapped by the government and locked in secret prisons where they can be tortured and murdered in complete legal darkness. They like the idea of private mercenary companies mowing down the unarmed citizenry in countries their nation has invaded and occupied. They want the government to spy on all Americans at all times, without any legal oversight. They loudly condemn any poor person who steals something, but fashion strange, tortured defenses for corporate CEOs who rob billions from the public. Anti-individualist to the bone, they demand that everyone else grovel to their deities and their flags. Much of their conversation consists of nothing more than a tedious recitation of their imagined grievances against women, against gay people, against people who have other religious convictions, against black or brown or yellow people. They enjoy listening to ranting idiots on the radio and television, and think those loudmouth dropouts are “intellectuals.” They have a long list of people they want to execute, and they delight in telling you how much they would enjoy seeing that done. For all the lip service they may pay the Constitution from time to time, in fact they despise it. In short, they are nasty pieces of work. They don’t like to call themselves “fascists,” of course, but that’s just a PR ploy. What they like, very much, is being fascists. "

Doh wrote on Oct 21, 2007 6:21 PM:

" Thank you Dohbaugh. We may differ on political matters and in here that difference is overrated; but on the very relevant level of everyday humanity- you're a helluva good guy. I'm truly humbled. "

Doh wrote on Oct 21, 2007 6:38 PM:

" (“Are these the war criminals I’m supposed to apologize to, Doh-Doh?”) – Um, Question……there were originally charges against EIGHT Marines. You still owe an apology to the Marines who have been exonerated. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 21, 2007 11:26 PM:

" Doh, Maybe he'll(Question) run and hide in an elevator like John Murtha did when asked about the exonerated Marines. Video tape was rolling as he scurried into that elevator. You know for somone who loves to point his accusatory finger at anyone who doesn't agree with him and call them facists, he sure doesn't exude much of the tolerence and respecting the "rights" he's always spouting off about. I guess his tolerence is limited to those who agree with him. He comes off as hateful, more so many times than those he accuses of it. He shouts at the the folks who have religion in our lives( and rightly so at some of the extremists), putting down our faith, in effect calling us stupid for believing in such folly. He just can't say "I don't believe in it, but fell free to if you do" No, he has to, he's compelled to go to the "nth" degree and "preach" ,for lack of a better word his hate toward those of us who are believers. Not all of us are extremists you know. He's the "flip side" of the religous extremeists, both of whom are inflexable... I have yet to see him consider any side but his own and try to at least consider there are many good people who can disagree. Some of us have even conceded a point or two. But no, not him. Never! No, those of us who don't see his onesided views are subjected to his use of nasty adjectives to describe us. What a negative person. He'll never apologize Doh. He'll just ignore it like he has in the past when proven wrong. He'll push that elevator "close door" button so fast it will make your head swim. "

father bob wrote on Oct 22, 2007 9:47 AM:

" More Criminals........ Meet Blackwater USA, the powerful private army that the U.S. government has quietly hired to operate in international war zones and on American soil. With its own military base, a fleet of twenty aircraft, and twenty-thousand troops at the ready, Blackwater is the elite Praetorian Guard for the "global war on terror." It was the moment the war turned: On March 31, 2004, four Americans were ambushed and burned near their jeeps by an angry mob in the Sunni stronghold of Falluja. Their charred corpses were hung from a bridge over the Euphrates River. The ensuing slaughter by U.S. troops would fuel the fierce Iraqi resistance that haunts occupation forces to this day. But these men were neither American military nor civilians. They were highly trained private soldiers sent to Iraq by a secretive mercenary company based in the wilderness of North Carolina. Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army is the unauthorized story of the epic rise of one of the most powerful and secretive forces to emerge from the U.S. military-industrial complex, hailed by the Bush administration as a revolution in military affairs, but considered by others as a dire threat to American democracy. What readers are saying "Jeremy Scahill's expose of the Blackwater mercenary firm forcefully demonstrates the grave dangers of outsourcing the government's monopoly on the use of force." --Joseph Wilson, former U.S. ambassador to Iraq "The most important and chilling book about the death throes of U.S. democracy you will read in years and a triumph of investigative reporting." --Naomi Klein, author of No Logo "Jeremy Scahill's comprehensive research and reporting lifts the veil off the ever-tightening relationship between the federal government and unaccountable private military corporations such as Blackwater USA." --U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) Jeremy Scahill is a Polk Award-winning investigative journalist. He is a frequent contributor to The Nation magazine and a correspondent for the national radio show Democracy Now! Scahill has reported extensively from Iraq, the former Yugoslavia, and Nigeria. He is currently a Puffin Foundation Writing Fellow at The Nation Institute. About the Authors "

father bob wrote on Oct 22, 2007 10:25 AM:

" here some self help for you Doh.......Insecurity may cause shyness, paranoia and social withdrawal, or alternatively it may encourage compensatory behaviours such as arrogance, aggression, or bullying, a principle enshrined in the phrase "all bullies are cowards." Many people suffer a period of insecurity during puberty, which gives rise to a lot of the stereotypical behaviours of adolescents. Insecurity has many effects in a person's life. There are several levels of it. It nearly always causes some degree of isolation as a typically insecure person withdraws themselves to some extent. The greater the insecurity, the higher the degree of isolation. Insecurity is often rooted in a person during their childhood years. Like offense and bitterness, it grows in layer fashion, often becoming an immobilising force that sets a limiting factor in the person's life. Insecurity robs by degrees - the degree it is entrenched is the degree of power it has in the person's life. As insecurity can be distressing and feel threatening to the psyche, insecurity can often be accompanied by a controlling personality type or avoidance, as psychological defence mechanisms. Insecurity can be overcome. It takes time and patience and a willingness to believe each person (and specifically oneself) is in fact of innate value. The first of Erikson's stages of psychosocial development details the challenge of finding security and learning to trust one's self and environment. "

father bob wrote on Oct 22, 2007 2:50 PM:

" kind of interesting the bushies are so concerned about the "democracy" in iraq, the "democracy" of the pakistani's or a "democracy" in burma......but he doesn't care about so called democracy in our country. he's turned this into a fascist imperialism, and he ignores the voice of the people.....zeke heil. "

The Question wrote on Oct 22, 2007 3:31 PM:

" Yeah, yeah, they've been exonerated. Just like O.J. was exonerated. Of course I'll ignore it, Billie. It's an obvious miitary whitewash — something even you and Doh might see for yourselves, if you weren't wearing your usual flag blindfolds. "

Doh wrote on Oct 22, 2007 3:32 PM:

" And here's a little self-help for you Honest Bob: PLAGIARISM (noun) (1. a piece of writing that has been copied from someone else and is presented as being your own work (2. the act of plagiarizing; taking someone's words or ideas as if they were your own / HONESTY (noun, plural) (1. the quality or fact of being honest; uprightness and fairness. (2. truthfulness, sincerity, or frankness. (3. freedom from deceit or fraud. "

father bob wrote on Oct 22, 2007 3:40 PM:

" i guess bush is really p*ssed at the Turks, they "voted" to go into iraq....what the heck its that??? "

father bob wrote on Oct 22, 2007 4:54 PM:

" BAGHDAD—In a development Pentagon officials are calling not nearly as horrifying as usual, three car bombs ripped through a Baghdad marketplace Monday, killing fewer than 15 innocent civilians, severely injuring no more than 30, and merely maiming one U.S. soldier. The car bombs, which were detonated by Iraqi insurgents at approximately 2 p.m., left slightly less than complete and utter devastation in their wake. As of press time, barely five families were believed to be trapped beneath the resulting wreckage, although upbeat U.S. authorities have estimated that number could be as low as four. "Not bad—not bad at all," said Lt. Col. Michael Donnelly, who claimed the attack is conclusive proof that the tide in Iraq is somewhat turning in a vaguely less-ghastly direction. "This is hardly the parade of death and destruction we've grown accustomed to. In fact, I've recently received word that our injured soldier isn't even going to lose his other leg." "Things are definitely starting to almost look up," Donnelly added. According to Pentagon sources, the fact that only a handful of the casualties were elderly women is a testament to the success of President Bush's latest troop surge. In addition, because only the easternmost portion of a nearby Sunni mosque experienced severe structural damage, Monday's events will go down in military records as a "relative victory for the U.S." "

father bob wrote on Oct 22, 2007 5:13 PM:

" It's not just Blackwater! Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) has another State Department security contractor in his sights -- industry pioneer DynCorp, which, in addition to guarding diplomats in northern Iraq, has reaped over $1 billion from State since 2004 to help train the Iraqi police. Corruption and mismanagement in the Iraqi police is an old story. The U.S.'s special inspector general for Iraq, Stuart Bowen, told Waxman's House oversight committee earlier this year that DynCorp had significantly overbilled the State Department. But the extent of the misconduct is unknown: department officials have failed for months to provide documentation about the origins and terms of the contract to the committee, despite numerous promises. Making matters even fishier, State representatives told Waxman's staff that a single official handles all DynCorp contracts with the department and has for a decade -- far longer than is typical in agency-contractor relationships. Waxman wrote to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice today to remind her that the committee wants the documents on the DynCorp contract that the department promised it in May. There's an urgency here: last month, a commission headed by Marine General James Jones found the Iraqi police in serious disarray. "

Doh wrote on Oct 22, 2007 5:14 PM:

" ("He'll never apologize Doh. He'll just ignore it like he has in the past when proven wrong.") - Yeah, I know Billie. And I also know that plenty of people read these blogs and can see Question for the Left-Wing fanatic that he is. The more I challenge him, the more his insane extremist positions are revealed. And his overall position is one of Fascism. He is emblematic of the Far-Left; they are the real Fascist in this country. "

father bob wrote on Oct 22, 2007 5:34 PM:

" The more I challenge him, the more his insane extremist positions are revealed. And his overall position is one of Fascism. He is emblematic of the Far-Right; they are the real Fascist in this country....poor moron "

The Question wrote on Oct 22, 2007 6:30 PM:

" Arianna Huffington — It has become impossible to tell where the Republican mainstream stops and the fanatical fringe begins. We now have a mainstream on the right that supports torture, that is backing an Attorney General nominee who is agnostic on torture, and that rallies behind a president who refuses to define what the word "torture" means. A mainstream that supports -- even applauds -- the behavior of Blackwater thugs. A mainstream that continues to back the White House's delusions about Iraq at the expense of our military, our treasure, our safety, and our standing in the world. A mainstream that supports the gutting of our civil liberties. So, it can no longer be denied: the right wing lunatics are running the Republican asylum. "

The Question wrote on Oct 22, 2007 6:35 PM:

" A panel recommended to the State Department that the U.S. government impose unified control over private security guards working for the U.S. in Iraq, an idea already floated by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, The Associated Press has learned. The review panel found poor communication between diplomats and military officials and too little oversight of contractors like Blackwater USA, two people familiar with the report's findings told the AP on Monday. The State Department risks another incident like the Sept. 16 Blackwater shooting of 17 Iraqi civilians unless it quickly installs closer management of the private army guarding diplomats in Iraq, the independent panel privately told Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The group's closely held report also identified a gap that left private guards for diplomats in Iraq outside the direct control of U.S. civilian or military law, and outside Iraqi law, a U.S. official said. •••• That’s right, a “gap.” What a sick joke. It’s a deliberate "gap" big enough for Bush and Cheney to drive mass murder through. That's why it's there. "

ItsJustDave wrote on Oct 22, 2007 6:41 PM:

" Regarding "Father Biden" 's Oct 22, 2007 4:54 PM post: Here is the source. http://tinyurl.com/yqmepp . The first time, I fired a friendly shot across the bow to let him know he was busted. Doh has busted him several times, yet he continues to 'cut and post' without citing the author. I don't mind reading what others have to say, and to expect someone to source every little snippet of information in thier posts is unreasonable, but when the entirety of the post is filched from another, at least have the decency to give credit where credit is due. "

Doh wrote on Oct 22, 2007 7:42 PM:

" It's laughable enough Dave that Honest Bob steals the words of others, but the fact that he plagiarizes truly moronic sources is beyond laughable- it's just sad. And how sad is Bob? Sad to the point that even coonbug had to remove one of Bob's phony post’s from her blog. Way to go Bob. Nothing like abusing the trust of your ally is there buddy. Is it just dishonesty Bob, or is it ignorance? OR, is it a combination of the two? "

Doh wrote on Oct 22, 2007 9:16 PM:

" By the way folks- the phony Bob post that coonbug had to pull from her site was plagiarized from the Far-Left wacko nutty-professor RODRIGUE TREMBLAY. Keep posting Bob. And whatever you do, don’t let the truth and those pesky “facts” get in your way. "

Doh wrote on Oct 22, 2007 9:53 PM:

" UH-OH! Looks like old DisHonest Bob just posted ANOTHER plagiarized article over at coonsey's site. He's obviously trying to get me to direct traffic over there. So I'll play along. Here's Bob's phony post- http://tinyurl.com/2gfqac - And here's the original over at TheNation written by Bob Moser- http://www.thenation.com/doc/20071105/moser - Now Honest Bob will tell us that he is really Bob Moser (eyeroll) LOL!!! "

coonbug wrote on Oct 23, 2007 7:34 AM:

" Doh, I just deleted Father Bob's POST. I apparently didn't do enough digging on the internet to verify that it was a copy of someone else's work. I thank you for pointing out his plagiarized article. May I ask what you use to find these copies? I use google. I hope this won't keep you from visiting my site and commenting on other things. You are also welcome to write your own article and do a SEND POST (I will then post it for you). I'm sure there are others besides readers of the Journal that would love to read your thoughts. Thanks again "

HeinekenMan wrote on Oct 23, 2007 7:40 AM:

" I wasn't aware that launching a childish personal attack on another commenter is a part of this debate. Am I missing something? I thought we were debating a political figure. Clearly, Doh can't win; so he's resorted to attacking the messenger. "

Doh wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:08 AM:

" Geeeeez! It looks like coonsey just removed Phony Bob’s latest plagiarized post (yet again) from her web site. BWAHAHA!!!!! You owe me coonsey; I just bailed you out AGAIN. How are you NOT vetting his blatantly stolen articles coonbug? Why is it that I can pick them out in an instant, yet you let them slip on by? And Bob, please- KEEP IT UP. You’re making this soooooo easy for me ;-) p.s. You’re not doing coonsey any favors my friend; are you really a Right-Winger attempting to sabotage coonbugs site? Come on fess up. You can tell old Doh! "

Doh wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:30 AM:

" Hey Phony Bob- What are the chances that you will admit that you're really The Question? Should we keep our fingers crossed on that? Or how about the other half-dozen names you've been using? "

father bob wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:59 AM:

" Doh wrote on Oct 22, 2007 7:42 PM: " It's laughable enough Dave that Honest Bob steals the words of others, but the fact that he plagiarizes truly moronic sources is beyond laughable........................then you admit you're a moron!!...that's the first step to recovery, being able to admit you have a problem. "

father bob wrote on Oct 23, 2007 9:02 AM:

" and thanks for the keen observation of the post in question at coonsey's.....it accomplished what i wanted it to. you have an eagle eye there Doh since it said "for doh's amusement" above the post. "

father bob wrote on Oct 23, 2007 9:13 AM:

" HELP ME SOMEONE!...HELP ME!.....the big bad paste and post posse is after me!...LOL...now back to the issue of this blog..this will be his legacy...screwing amercans to fight an illegal war..."Demanding nearly $200 billion for Iraq while vetoing healthcare for 10 million children exemplifies the Bush administration's misplaced priorities," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said Monday, comparing the budget requests with the president's objection to spending $30 billion to expand a popular health-insurance program for children. "

father bob wrote on Oct 23, 2007 9:55 AM:

" Is Blackwater heading south? To the border, that is. Blackwater is planning on building a massive 824-acre military training site just eight miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. According to Salon, Blackwater executives have “lobbied the U.S. government since at least 2005 to help train and even deploy manpower for patrolling America's borders.”.........it will be interesting to see if bush can screw the american people out of a few more billion. the FLETC (federal law enforcement training center) opened a NEW facility in new mexico that churns out officers for the boarder patrol as well as trains federal, state and local police officers. banana man himself visited and spoke at the center as has michael chertoff on several occasions. FLETC has 4 other locations across the U.S. and 4 locations overseas....bend over folks, here it comes again... "

The Question wrote on Oct 23, 2007 10:28 AM:

" Bill Gallagher - Bush has no intention of going gentle into that good night. His family business and that of his sponsors is to use politics and influence as a means of dominating the world's energy resources to sustain and increase their wealth. It is as simple as it is ruthless. Their domestic agenda is largely finished. Their tax rates are down, especially on dividends and unearned income. The massive government debt created as a result is now disproportionately burdening middle-class, wage- earning American workers. Bush's base -- the wealthiest 1 percent -- has never had it better. They are richer than ever as the median income for most Americans is stagnant or sinking. This redistribution of wealth does create long-term conditions for social unrest, but Bush and his country club pals don't worry about that as long as they have theirs. The much-needed fix for Social Security and Medicare will be somebody else's worry. The same goes for health care, as corporations are saving billions of dollars, with nearly 50 million Americans without health insurance. The civic leeches and reliable Republican campaign donors -- the drug and insurance companies and private hospitals -- are raking in tons of money in a failed system rooted in greed and sustained by buying off the political whores who disdain "government" health care, unless, of course, they are covered by it. His mad designs in the Middle East include continuing the occupation of Iraq with permanent military bases, an air assault on Iran, blessing whatever attacks the Israelis mount against Syria and doing little or nothing of substance to create a viable Palestinian state. Bush's contempt for the will of the Iraqi people is boundless. "If they were to say, leave, we would leave," he has said. The truth is that he has no intention of bringing significant numbers of troops home. Iraq is a colony, not a democracy, and Bush doesn't care that Iraqi civilians and American troops are continuing to die for the vile goal of controlling and exploiting the nation's vast oil reserves. "

father bob wrote on Oct 23, 2007 10:32 AM:

" Plamegate Finale: We Were Right; They Were Wrong...David Corn's last column for The Nation.........a must read for any true american. http://www.thenation.com/blogs/capitalgames?pid=245279 "

Doh wrote on Oct 23, 2007 11:16 AM:

" coonbug- thanks for being honest and deleting Phony Bob's (AKA HeinekenMan's) latest plagiarized post from your site. We may be polar opposites politically, coonbug- but I will certainly vouch for your veracity. Thank you. "

Doh wrote on Oct 23, 2007 11:21 AM:

" ("May I ask what you use to find these copies?") - I don't want to give away any secrets. But the truth is- I keep track of several Left-Wing sites and I just happen to recognize Bob's phony posts. Besides, the structure and phrasing didn't match Bob's at all. It was an easy spot. Actually BOB is an easy spot! Right HeinekenMan? Right Question? "

Doh wrote on Oct 23, 2007 11:26 AM:

" ("you have an eagle eye there Doh since it said "for doh's amusement" above the post.") - No Phony Bob, it said "for duh's amusement". You remember Duh? The moniker that Question used to use before Urban and Vic Sage? You should remember shouldn't you Question? "

Doh wrote on Oct 23, 2007 11:28 AM:

" ("Plamegate Finale: We Were Right; They Were Wrong...David Corn's last column for The Nation.........a must read for any true american. http://www.thenation.com/blogs/capitalgames?pid=245279") - Well what's wrong Phony Bob? Why don't you just plagiarize Corn's corny article too? Did old Doh make you gun-shy? "

father bob wrote on Oct 23, 2007 11:32 AM:

" great post question "

father bob wrote on Oct 23, 2007 11:46 AM:

" Doh wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:30 AM: " Hey Phony Bob- What are the chances that you will admit that you're really The Question? Should we keep our fingers crossed on that? Or how about the other half-dozen names you've been using? "..........and the paranoia returns. "

father bob wrote on Oct 23, 2007 11:50 AM:

" OK Doh....i am a ghost writer with 9 different persona i post by just to undermine you, billie and the U.S. governemnt.....how paranoid can you get? "

father bob wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:14 PM:

" Jack Pierce's comment WAY up at the top of this thread.....""" and a restoration of morality to the White House."""......makes me laugh everytime i think about it. bill clinton had more morality in his little toe than monkey boy or "shotgun dick" will ever hope to have. Jack you are funny one! "

The Question wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:37 PM:

" Thanks, Father Bob. Don't let the SOBs get you down. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:48 PM:

" Hey bob! I don't think I ever said you were trying to undermine me did I? "

Doh wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:54 PM:

" ("OK Doh....i am a ghost writer with 9 different persona i post by just to undermine you, billie and the U.S. governemnt.....how paranoid can you get?") - And this from a known plagiarist. Bob doesn't understand why anyone would think that he might be deceptive. Geeez! (big giant eyeroll) "

Doh wrote on Oct 23, 2007 3:35 PM:

" Bob wrote ("great post question") - Well THAT cinches it! Phony Bob couldn't possibly be Question. I mean just look, he's talking to Question and everything! Whew! Glad we got that cleared up. (sarcasm set to maximum overload) "

Doh wrote on Oct 23, 2007 4:48 PM:

" ("Thanks, Father Bob. Don't let the SOBs get you down.") - Two things (1 That's no way to talk about coonbug (2 Why are you posting to yourself, Question? "

The Question wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:27 PM:

" That's right, Doh-Doh. There's only one liberal in central Illinois, and it's me. Keeps me busy. Actually, Doh-Doh, when your fascist monkey pal is through destroying the country and a good part of the rest of the world, there may be only one "conservative" left in central Illinois — you, of course. The man who never learns anything, and is fiercely proud of it. "

Doh wrote on Oct 23, 2007 10:18 PM:

" My, my Question! Did I touch a nerve? You seem to be awfully sensitive about my multiposting accusations of you. Oh and not to worry Question- YOUR Cackling Hag will set everything right for this country now won't she. You WILL be voting for Billary, won't you Libtard? Or will you be voting for the Monkey Messiah who wants to heal the world by killing innocent women and children when he bombs Pakistan back to the Stone Age? And -("The man who never learns anything, and is fiercely proud of it.") - This coming from someone who believes the progress that's being made in Iraq is nothing but a Military lie propagated by the Mainstream Media? Put the blunt down sparky, the summer of love is over. And where is your apology to those exonerated Haditha Marines? And how did that hopelessly fractured Iraqi government manage to pull off such an accurate investigation of the Blackwater affair? Now goose-step along my little MoveOn.org Nazi. Times a wasting; you’ve got more George Soros propaganda to spread. Schnell! "

father bob wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:51 AM:

father bob wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:55 AM:

" """Or will you be voting for the Monkey Messiah""" ......poor moron can't come up with an original term so he has to use ours....or he's a racist bigot....which is it Doh?...do you choose moron or bigot? "

The Question wrote on Oct 24, 2007 9:15 AM:

" Robert Scheer — Hey, a billion here, a billion there, who's counting? Not the State Department, which admitted this week that it can't say "specifically what it received" for the $1.2 billion it paid DynCorp, ostensibly to train the Iraqi police--other than that somebody got an Olympic-size swimming pool out of the deal. On Monday, President Bush demanded that Congress fork over $46 billion more to pay for his wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, insisting that it be approved by the end of the year. That brings the total requested this year in "supplementary funds" for his foreign adventures to $196.4 billion, and the prez said Congress had better pony up or it will be betraying the family of the dead Marine that he was using as prop for this particular White House photo op. "

father bob wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:28 AM:

" Doh wrote on Oct 23, 2007 10:18 PM: " My, my Question! Did I touch a nerve? You seem to be awfully sensitive about my multiposting accusations of you. Oh and not to worry Question- YOUR Cackling Hag will set everything right for this country now won't she. You WILL be voting for Billary, won't you Libtard? Or will you be voting for the Monkey Messiah who wants to heal the world by killing innocent women and children when he bombs Pakistan back to the Stone Age? And -("The man who never learns anything, and is fiercely proud of it.") - This coming from someone who believes the progress that's being made in Iraq is nothing but a Military lie propagated by the Mainstream Media? Put the blunt down sparky, the summer of love is over. And where is your apology to those exonerated Haditha Marines? And how did that hopelessly fractured Iraqi government manage to pull off such an accurate investigation of the Blackwater affair? Now goose-step along my little MoveOn.org Nazi. Times a wasting; you’ve got more George Soros propaganda to spread. Schnell! ".........what a spew of hate... "

father bob wrote on Oct 24, 2007 11:04 AM:

" "The cabinet held a meeting yesterday and decided to scrap the article pertaining to security companies operating in Iraq that was issued by the CPA (Coalition Provision Authority) in 2004." The Iraqi government has decided to formally revoke the immunity from prosecution granted to private security companies operating in the country. The immunity granted to private contractors such as Blackwater has become controversial since a series of shootings involving foreign security guards. "It has decided to present a new law regarding this issue which will be taken in the next cabinet meeting." The CPA stipulated that the "multinational force, foreign liaison missions, their personnel, property, funds and assets and all international consultants shall be immune from Iraqi legal process.". "

The Question wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:35 PM:

" Question.....the resident moron is manic depressive and schizophrenic. he imagines people plotting against him, spews hate and discontent, shows a great hatred for people unlike himself...and reveres himself as all-knowing and godlike. or maybe that's just the republican in him. •••• I concur in your diagnosis, Father Bob. Doh is so delusional that he thinks you and I are one person who is talking to himself. Sad, isn't it? "

father bob wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:36 PM:

" " Really HeinekenMan? Did you happen to forget about the 29 Democratic Senators who voted to go to War with Iraq? And you’re right- the military isn’t a “chess set”, nor should this war be used as a political tool by the Democrats who want to insure its failure by removing the troops before they’ve had a chance to finish the progress that they’ve accomplished. I suggest that YOU look into the faces of the families of the fallen soldiers, and tell them that the progress that the troops have made is all a lie, and that their loved ones have died in vain. And then tell them to be sure to vote for the Democrats in ’08, so we can have the wife of a draft-dodger in the White House. You remember don’t you, the very same draft-dodger's wife who VOTED TO GO TO WAR and who won’t bring the troops home any faster than the Republicans. The very same draft-dodger's wife who said: -- "In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons." Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct. 10, 2002. -- Or, you could simply put your imported beer down for awhile, sober up, pull your head out of your a55, pull yourself away from the DailyKos and MoveOn.org, and then maybe, just maybe, you can slowly start to comprehend these facts. But I doubt it. " "

The Question wrote on Oct 24, 2007 3:17 PM:

" Watch, Dad Bob. Doh's next move will be to a create a sock puppet to praise him so he can "compete" with us. Hey, come to think of it, has anyone ever seen Doh and Billie Brant in the same room at the same time? Hmmm. "

Doh wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:44 PM:

" (father bob wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:36 PM:) - Well Thank You Phony Bob! Thanks for doing my job for me. I appreciate that! "

The Question wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:44 PM:

" Remember when the Oval Office orangutan said the Iraq war would cost $50 billion? The U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could cost taxpayers a total of $2.4 TRILLION by 2017 when counting the huge interest costs because combat is being financed with borrowed money, according to a study released on Wednesday. With President George W. Bush indicating a large contingent of U.S. troops likely will be engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan for many years to come, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated the total tab for the wars from 2001 through 2017. CBO estimated that interest costs alone from 2001-2017 could total more than $700 billion. "

father bob wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:45 PM:

" well question....i guess our self anointed moderator could do just about anything. "

Doh wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:46 PM:

" Hey, come to think of it, has anyone ever seen Question and Father Bob in the same room at the same time? Hmmm. Are their names Neal and Bob- or is that what they do? "

father bob wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:54 PM:

" i find it amusing that a certain counterfeit moderator (the moron shall remain nameless) has to stoop to carping about senseless inane matters that the real moderators aren't concerned with. this tells me he wants to divert attention away from the fact that he has no good arguments left regarding the corrupt administration and the rape of the american and iraqi people by them...kind of all fits together...... "

Doh wrote on Oct 24, 2007 6:33 PM:

" Phony Bob wrote -("has to stoop to carping about senseless inane matters that the real moderators aren't concerned with. this tells me he wants to divert attention.....") - and THIS from a guy who threatened me with litigation over on coonsey's site because he was losing the "plagiarism" debate! LOL!!!!! Check it out - http://tinyurl.com/3datb7 - Let's give coonsey some traffic folks! "

father bob wrote on Oct 24, 2007 11:10 PM:

" " i find it amusing that a certain counterfeit moderator (the moron shall remain nameless) has to stoop to carping about senseless inane matters that the real moderators aren't concerned with. this tells me he wants to divert attention away from the fact that he has no good arguments left regarding the corrupt administration and the rape of the american and iraqi people by them...kind of all fits together...... "

father bob wrote on Oct 24, 2007 11:41 PM:

" Dear best buddy Doh..................you are the one threatening with litigation. you have implied that i have posted a "copy and paste" and the ramifications may follow to my dismay. however, you have missed the message i've given you regarding cross posting..... you are such a moron............ if i post at JG-TC, they are responsible for content and the distribution of the content. if you copy and paste as you have done repeatedly at coonsey's, that leaves you open to litigation because...........i may have made a statement at JG-TC.....but not at coonsey's .....but you posted it without my consent.....moron "

father bob wrote on Oct 24, 2007 11:46 PM:

" speaking of phony,......... where's that marine that prefaced his comments with a parade and fireworks....what does he think now? "

Early Bird wrote on Oct 25, 2007 6:32 AM:

" Hey Billie, I think it's time for a group hug. What do you think? (LOL) "

coonbug wrote on Oct 25, 2007 7:45 AM:

" Yes, please come visit and COMMENT on any POST or create your own topic under any category on the Forum page. You can even send in your own POST if you'd like, using whatever name you want (at present time). Come and have a CIVIL Debate over the issues of the day please. Spending your whole day criticizing another blogger is not accomplishing a thing - debating that blogger over a political issue just might help someone else understand what's going on in the world. Come one, come all. Coonsey's View, Political Blog and Forum http://www.freewebs.com/coonsey/ "

father bob wrote on Oct 25, 2007 8:44 AM:

" Doh....there's no debate, i admitted to it, have done it again, even posted yours so you would be able to sue me or whatever your veiled threats intended. put up or shut up....simple as that. if you wish to continue to make a bigger a$$ out of yourself, be my guest.....you're the one who keeps pushing this thing. "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 25, 2007 10:38 AM:

" Early Bird- I'm reposting and rewriting this. I don't think the first one went through. Group hug? I'm all for it, but would it work? Better wear body armor! LOL! "

Doh wrote on Oct 25, 2007 10:54 AM:

" Bob, bob, bob. Let me explain this again. I never threatened litigation. How could I? How could I sue you or anyone else over your plagiarism of a third party's work? What on earth would MY damages be? I was simply warning coonsey of the liable position that YOU put her in. In short- I was doing her a sizable favor. And she was gracious about it. You're the one who got your knickers in a bunch and decided to get legal with me. Consent is one thing Bob, and that would be pretty hard to prosecute, but plagiarism is very cut and dry. It's one thing to reference an article; it's a far different matter to pawn off a stolen article as your own. But since both of our identities are anonymous- that would leave coonsey holding the bag. Which makes your twice-pulled stunt more of an insult and a betrayal to coonsey. Why don't you just man up and apologize to her and everyone else? You committed this act publicly, why won't you apologize publicly? "

father bob wrote on Oct 25, 2007 2:45 PM:

" WASHINGTON: The Bush administration on Thursday announced sweeping new sanctions against Iran, the toughest in decades, accusing the elite Quds division of the Revolutionary Guard Corps of supporting terrorism and barring it and three banks from dealings with the American financial system. The administration also accused the entire Revolutionary Guard Corps, a part of the Iranian military, of proliferating weapons of mass destruction....................wish he'd invent some new scheme to invade 3rd world counties. "

father bob wrote on Oct 25, 2007 2:54 PM:

" London, Oct 25 (Prensa Latina) British parliamentarians have condemned the new aggressions announced by US President George W. Bush against Cuba to forcibly reconquer the island. "The aggressive and interventionist US policy has not granted any benefit to Iraq and neither is it apt for Cuba ," Ian Gibson, president of the British parliamentary group for Cuban affairs, told press Thursday. Parliament deputy Colin Burgon commented that the ignorance of the current US president about international law is well-known. Rob Miller, director of the campaign of solidarity with Cuba, urged the United Kingdom government to immediately distance itself from Bush and his policy toward Cuba, a policy reminiscent of the Cold War, he said. Within five days Havana expects that most countries in the United Nations will again reject the almost fifty-year Washington economic, trade and financial siege against Cuba. In the first General Assembly vote on the issue in 1992, 59 nations supported the Cuban demand to end that US policy, and by last year 183 supported an immediate end to the blockade. "

father bob wrote on Oct 25, 2007 3:03 PM:

" Doh wrote on Oct 25, 2007 10:54 AM:...Why don't you just man up and apologize to her and everyone else? You committed this act publicly, why won't you apologize publicly? "..........first of all i have been in conversation with coonsey. the content of that conversation is no ones business, especially yours. if you own a blog, you can make your rules. you can kiss my a$$ as far as apologies go. this is your big thing now, with question and with me or anyone else who disagrees with you. i didn't realize you moderated this blog and set policy for the JG-TC. you are nothing more than a arrogant pompous egotistical self righteous moron. i liked your other two personalities better...maybe after this weeks therapy you'll be better. "

Doh wrote on Oct 25, 2007 3:09 PM:

" ("....................wish he'd invent some new scheme to invade 3rd world counties.") - Really Bob? First you prop-up Saddam Hussein and now you're painting the terrorist regime of Iran as innoccent? What will it take for you to recognize the Jihadist enemies of the United States? Or is the GOP the only real enemy in your eyes? "

father bob wrote on Oct 25, 2007 3:18 PM:

" typical rightwing neocon christian coalition lies........On February 27, 2001, two members of the American Gold Star Mothers, an organization of women who've lost sons or daughters in combat, dropped by the temporary basement offices of the new junior senator from New York, Hillary Clinton. They didn't have an appointment, and the office, which had been up and running for barely a month, was a bit discombobulated. The two women wanted to talk to the senator about a bill pending in the Senate that would provide annuities for the parents of those killed, but they were told that Clinton wasn't in the office and that the relevant staff members were otherwise engaged. The organization later submitted a formal request in writing for a meeting, which Clinton granted, meeting and posing for pictures with four members of the group. But the story doesn't end there. In May of that year, the right-wing website NewsMax, a clearinghouse for innuendo and rumor, ran a short item with the headline "Hillary Snubs Gold Star Mothers." Reporting via hearsay--a comment relayed to someone who then recounted it to the column's author--the article claimed that Clinton and her staff "simply refused" to meet with the Gold Star Mothers, making hers the "only office" in the Senate that snubbed the group. At first the item didn't attract much attention, but it quickly morphed into an e-mail that started ricocheting across the Internet. "Bet this never hits the TV news!" began one version. "According to NewsMax.com there was only one politician in DC who refused to meet with these ladies. Can you guess which politician that might be?... None other than the Queen herself--the Hildebeast, Hillary Clinton." CONTINUED BELOW Before long, the Gold Star Mothers and the Clinton office found themselves inundated by inquiries about the "snub," prompting the Gold Star Mothers to post a small item debunking the claim on their website. When that didn't stem the tide, they posted a lengthier notice. "These allegations were not initiated by the Gold Star Mothers.... This is a fabricated report picked up by an individual using the Gold Star Mothers as an instrument to discredit Senator Clinton.... We do not need mischeivous gossip and unfounded lies to promote our organization. Please help stop it now." That plea notwithstanding, the e-mail continues to circulate to this day. Anyone who's been following politics for the past fifteen years won't be surprised to find Hillary Clinton the subject of a false and damning right-wing smear. We've all become familiar with the ways the Republican noise machine transmits lurid bits of misinformation and tendentious attacks from the conservative fringe into the heart of American political discourse, the process by which a slightly misdelivered joke by John Kerry attracts the ire of Rush Limbaugh and ends up on the front page of the New York Times. But in some senses, the kind of under-the-radar attack embodied in the Gold Star e-mail--which never made the jump to Fox or Drudge--is even harder to deal with. "It's a Pandora's box," says Jim Kennedy, who served as Clinton's communications director during her first Senate term. "Once [the charges] are out in the ether, they are very hard to combat. It's very unlike a traditional media, newspaper or TV show, or even a blog, which at least has a fixed point of reference. You know they're traveling far and wide, but there's no way to rebut them with all the people that have seen them." Such is the power of the right-wing smear forward, a vehicle for the dissemination of character assassination that has escaped the scrutiny directed at the Limbaughs and Coulters and O'Reillys but one that is as potent as it is invisible. In 2004 putative firsthand accounts of Kerry's performance in Vietnam traveled through e-mail in right-wing circles, presaging the Swift Boat attacks. Last winter a forward began circulating accusing Barack Obama of being a secret Muslim schooled in a radical madrassa (about which more later). While the story was later fed through familiar right-wing megaphones, even making it onto Fox, it has continued to circulate via e-mail long after being definitively debunked by CNN. In other words, the few weeks the smear spent in the glare of the mainstream media was just a tiny portion of a long life cycle, most of which has been spent darting from inbox to inbox. "

The Question wrote on Oct 25, 2007 4:03 PM:

" The Iraqi government announced on Wednesday that it has decided to formally revoke the immunity from prosecution granted to private security companies operating in the war-ravaged country. "The cabinet held a meeting yesterday and decided to scrap the article pertaining to security companies operating in Iraq that was issued by the CPA (Coalition Provision Authority) in 2004," government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said in a statement. **** Better late than never. If they actually get this done, I may begin to believe they have finally graduated from being a Bush-Cheney puppet government. "

Doh wrote on Oct 25, 2007 9:14 PM:

" Woah Bob! Tell me how you REALLY feel! - ("you can kiss my a$$ as far as apologies go. this is your big thing now, with question and with me or anyone else who disagrees with you. i didn't realize you moderated this blog and set policy for the JG-TC. you are nothing more than a arrogant pompous egotistical self righteous moron. i liked your other two personalities better...maybe after this weeks therapy you'll be better.") - No apology huh Bob? Why am I not surprised? You and Question seem to have remarkable similarities- like that constant state of denial you both live in and the absolute inability to ever admit that you are wrong, much less apologize......now what was that about ME being an "arrogant pompous egotistical self righteous moron"? Can't you just taste the ironic hypocrisy in your words Bob? And ummmm...... what exactly were my other two personalities? "

Doh wrote on Oct 25, 2007 9:30 PM:

" ("Better late than never. If they actually get this done, I may begin to believe they have finally graduated from being a Bush-Cheney puppet government.") - WHAT WAS THAT QUESTION? Are you starting to believe that maybe - just possibly - within the realm of reality - it's not entirely out of the question - that there is quite possibly the slightest chance that THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT IS STARTING TO SHOW SIGNS OF PROGRESS? *********** GASP!!!!!!!! "

father bob wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:00 AM:

" forbes:........... Thanks to mega-tax cuts, the rich can afford more mega-yachts, accessorized with helicopters and mini-submarines. Meanwhile, the infrastructure of bridges, levees, mass transit, parks and other public assets inherited from earlier generations of taxpayers crumbles from neglect, and the holes in the safety net are growing. The top 1 percent of households - average income $1.5 million - will save a collective $79.5 billion on their 2008 taxes, reports Citizens for Tax Justice. That's more than the combined budgets of the Transportation Department, Small Business Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Product Safety Commission. Tax cuts will save the top 1 percent a projected $715 billion between 2001 and 2010. And cost us $715 billion in mounting national debt plus interest. The children and grandchildren of today's underpaid workers will pay for the partying of today's plutocrats and their retinue of lobbyists. It's time for Congress to roll back tax cuts for the wealthy and close the loophole letting billionaire hedge fund speculators pay taxes at a lower rate than their secretaries. Inequality has roared back to 1920s levels. It was bad for our nation then. It's bad for our nation now. "

coonbug wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:25 PM:

" As soon as we pull out the bulk of our troops (and we will eventually) - your so-call surge will most likely have been a temporary peace - it was not meant to be a LONG TERM fix. It was meant to 'cover' for the Bush admin and the GOP during the end of 2007 and thru spring of 2008. Once summer rolls around - thousands will begin to move out. Just in time for Election Bragging. P.S. Coonsey's View is working again. Got locked up. http://www.freewebs.com/coonsey/ "

The Question wrote on Oct 26, 2007 3:02 PM:

" Are you starting to believe that maybe just possibly - within the realm of reality - it's not entirely out of the question - that there is quite possibly the slightest chance that THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT IS STARTING TO SHOW SIGNS OF PROGRESS? *********** GASP!!!!!!!! •••• That's right, Doh. And as soon as the Iraqi government kicks out the American military occupation force, I'll know it. "

The Question wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:31 PM:

" Bush's lying FEMA scum actually staged a fake press conference, using their staffers as fake reporters, so they could dodgereal questions about their lousy response to the wildfires. Amazing, but not surprising. It if involves lying to the public, Bush is on it. "

ItsJustDave wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:03 PM:

" It amazes me that some people just refuse to grasp the concept of responsibility. Miami WILL be hit with hurricanes. Chicago WILL be hit with sub-zero temperatures, feet of snow and ice and 60 below zero wind chills. The midwest WILL be hit by tornadoes. California WILL be hit by earthquakes and wildfires, and New Orleans WILL flood again. One word: Prepare! I live in Florida. There is a chance that my house will be hit by winds and water from a hurricane. I have insured my home against both possibilities. There are also termites here. I have that taken care of, too. If and when disaster strikes, I'm ready. I could care less if FEMA, the red cross or any public official is around to hand me a bottle of water or a free rv. The tornado victims in the midwest are not living on the taxpayer dime two years later. Qualcomm stadium in San Diego is not a cesspool of crime. Haven't seen much (any, actually) footage of all the looting in SoCal. Those who choose not to prepare should be grateful for any assistance they receive, and not cry that they didn't get more. Oh, yeah - I found a pic of "The Question" - or maybe it's "Father Bob" link here: http://tinyurl.com/rdhva "

Doh wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:33 PM:

" ("That's right, Doh. And as soon as the Iraqi government kicks out the American military occupation force, I'll know it.") - Well now Question, it looks like YOU'RE making progress on excepting the U.S. Military's progress! And now you think the Iraqi government will kick the U.S. out? That's funny- because the Iraqi tribal leaders have been coming to the U.S. commanders for peace and protection. hmmmmmm? "

Doh wrote on Oct 26, 2007 11:24 PM:

" Everyone should really stop by over at coonsey's site http://www.freewebs.com/coonsey/ It's a nice blog and coonsey has even made a Right-Winger like me feel welcome. As a matter of fact; I DARE everyone to come over there and take a free pot-shot at me. I won't even retaliate! (at least for the first dozen or so) LOL! But you have to promise to look around and make some real post! *wink* "

SRAbell wrote on Oct 27, 2007 9:27 AM:

" Thank You for the giggle, Mr. Pierce. You really need to consider moving to a red state. "

The Question wrote on Oct 27, 2007 10:56 AM:

" In case you missed it, CNN briefly discussed the death of the American republic Wednesday. CNN commentator Jack Cafferty speculated how George W. Bush's unilateral grab for presidential power might be reversed. "The president of the United States didn't have the power to spy on Americans ... operate secret prisons ... suspend due process ... torture ... hide the conduct of the government from the public," Cafferty stated. "It's not like anybody gave President Bush any of these powers -- he took them, as a brain-dead Congress just stood there and watched." Viewers agreed. "Remember the 60's?" wrote one Baby Boomer. "Well, they're back. Only this time it's not a decade. It's the age on our driver's licenses. Let's start another revolution. ... It's time to overthrow the government." Another viewer said, "King Bush. Queen Hillary. America is now a democratic dictatorship, nobody is going to change that. Power is everything; get used to it." And another viewer said. "George Bush is the next president. He and Darth Cheney will be surrendering none of their bounty. Forty years of planning to hand it all to Hillary Clinton? Not a chance. If you think there'll be a Nov. 8 election, give my regards to the Easter Bunny." "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 27, 2007 4:30 PM:

" What...fake news from the Bush White House? What a surprise! How about this for another surprise, all of the on line news sites are covering this story except for the folks at the fair and balanced network. I guess they are too busy looking for dirt on the Democrats to be bothered by a little insignificant story about FEMA faking the news. "

The Question wrote on Oct 28, 2007 6:23 AM:

" Here's what Bush's defense contractor pals are like: The former CEO of the leading supplier of body armor to U.S. soldiers in Iraq was charged yesterday with looting the company to bankroll a lavish lifestyle that included a $10 million bat mitzvah for his daughter. In addition to the bat mitzvah - which included performances by Aerosmith, 50 Cent, Tom Petty, Kenny G and the Eagles - prosecutors said David Brooks got the firm, DHB Industries, to pay for other goodies. Among them were a face lift for his ex-wife; vitamins for his stable of 100 horses; pricey vacations; fancy jewels; an armored car; a $194,000 Bentley; and a $100,000 diamond-studded belt buckle. "

The Question wrote on Oct 28, 2007 1:10 PM:

" David Michael Green — Imagine if an incompetent and insufficiently masculine boob like Al 'Sore Loserman' Gore or, gulp, French-speaking John Kerry had been at the helm these last years. Or Hillary! Ack! Talk about your scary scenarios. Things might have really gone awry. To begin with, a wimpy Democrat president probably wouldn't have paid any attention at all to the terrorism question during his or her first months in office, even if the alarm bells were going off like crazy that a big attack was planned. Probably a Hillary type would have been all obsessed about Iraq, instead, her cabinet refusing to even meet on the terrorism question until a week before 9/11. And even had they been warned in a Presidential Daily Briefing that the attack was imminent, these slouches would have been likely to have spent the month before 9/11 on vacation, as part of a wider and quite successful effort to set the all-time presidential record for most days spent screwing off (and that's only the officially acknowledged ones). And just as Bush and Cheney had once slogged their way through the mud and the jungles of Vietnam while Gore and Kerry were home hiding out and partying, no doubt the latter two would have been equally hard to find on 9/11. You could just imagine them flying off to - oh, I don't know, Nebraska! - in the face of national danger. Or sitting in a grade school classroom reading children's books. Or both. "

The Question wrote on Oct 28, 2007 4:46 PM:

" Here's more of that "solid Bush progress" in Iraq: Gunmen in Baghdad snatched 10 Sunni and Shiite tribal sheiks from their cars Sunday as they were heading home to Diyala province after talks with the government on fighting al-Qaida, and at least one was later found shot to death. The bold daylight kidnapping came as the top U.S. commander in Iraq said the threat from the terror network has been "significantly reduced" in the capital. "

Doh wrote on Oct 28, 2007 4:51 PM:

" Oh I don't know - Question. Can you imagine Bill Clinton passing up several opportunities to kill Bin Laden? How about old Bubba refusing to take Osama when the Sudanese offered him up? And could you ever begin to imagine Slick-Willy allowing Bin Laden to escape to the mountains of Afghanistan AFTER the U.S. State Dept warned Bubba that doing so would make capturing Osama next to impossible? Well you don’t have to imagine…………because it really happened. (huge eyeroll) "

Doh wrote on Oct 28, 2007 5:36 PM:

" And deaths across Iraq ARE STILL DOWN- Question. And the threat from the terror network has been "significantly reduced" in the capital." Bin Laden's latest taped message was whining about the quagmire that Iraq has become for your poor Jihadist boys. "

coonbug wrote on Oct 28, 2007 9:00 PM:

" Doh and other right wingers or just plain old conservatives - are ALL welcome to my site. In fact, I'm asking that one of you write a POST/COLUMN of your own to have others comment on. Which of you brave souls are willing to step up to the firing squad? Just go to the site and do a SEND POST, send your column, title and name you wish to use as author (at this time it can be anything). Hope to see you there soon. "

The Question wrote on Oct 29, 2007 2:16 AM:

" Doh's "solid Bush progress' just keeps rolling along: After gunmen in Baghdad snatched 10 Sunni and Shiite tribal sheiks from their cars Sunday, 18 new recruits were killed and 10 wounded Monday when a suicide bomber blew himself up outside a police camp in the city of Baqouba northeast of Baghdad, police said. The attack bore the hallmarks of al-Qaida in Iraq, whose militants have repeatedly targeted police and army recruits to discourage Iraqis from joining the country's nascent security forces. "

Doh wrote on Oct 29, 2007 9:50 AM:

" ("Doh's "solid Bush progress' just keeps rolling along") - What! Kidnappings and deaths in the middle of a war zone? How long has THIS been going on? (sarcasm intended) And yet, the Iraqi's STILL keep signing up for the the Army and police force. And deaths are STILL down. But let me get this straight, Question- your standard is all or nothing huh? A reduction in deaths is not progress? And ANY deaths is a sign of failure? Well then- all the police forces in this country should simply retreat and disband. Just look at all of the crime and death in the news each day! They are obviously not making any progress. "

Charlie Watts wrote on Oct 29, 2007 1:45 PM:

" Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think a new record has been established with this topic. It has just moved into its 31st day with no end in site. I think this calls for a celebration, Villa Pizza anyone? Maybe the firefighters will buy. "

father bob wrote on Oct 29, 2007 3:37 PM:

" AlJazeera.net.... NEWS MIDDLE EAST Egypt plans nuclear programme Egypt is to build several civilian nuclear power stations around the country. Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian president, said on Monday that a decree to establish a higher council for the peaceful use of nuclear energy will be issued in the next few days. "I declare before you the decision to start a programme to build a number of nuclear power stations to generate electricity," Mubarak said. He said the project will be developed in cooperation with "international partners" including the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In an attempt to reassure other nations of Egypt's peaceful intentions Mubarak said his country will not import enriched uranium, as tensions over the nuclear programmes of Iran and North Korea abound.....i wonder if monkeyboy will make a big stink about egypt. even though there were egyptians among the 9/11 attackers (no iranians or iraqis)he'll not mention egypt's ties to al qaeda. they do way too good a job torturing for us to make them mad. "

The Question wrote on Oct 29, 2007 3:53 PM:

" And here's even more of Doh's "solid Bush progress:" A suicide bomber on a bicycle killed 28 policemen in Baquba today as they prepared for their morning training routine, Iraqi authorities said. The blast also wounded 20 other people, including seven policemen who were severely injured and a woman and her baby, the authorities said. The attack was one of the deadliest on Iraqi security forces in some time. No group took immediate credit. But the episode suggested that Sunni Arab guerrillas, who as recently as last spring controlled Baquba, northeast of Baghdad, continue to have the support to carry out devastating attacks that strike at the heart of efforts to bring the perpetually unstable city under control. "

The Question wrote on Oct 29, 2007 6:37 PM:

" Here's the latest on Bush's vicious corporate thugs in Iraq: The State Department promised Blackwater USA bodyguards immunity from prosecution in its investigation of last month's deadly shooting of 17 Iraqi civilians, The Associated Press has learned. The immunity deal has delayed a criminal inquiry into the Sept. 16 killings and could undermine any effort to prosecute security contractors for their role in the incident that has infuriated the Iraqi government. **** Naturally, you'd want to promise immunity to mercenary scum who slaughter unarmed civilians. "

The Question wrote on Oct 30, 2007 8:05 AM:

" Bush brings Katrina to Iraq: The largest dam in Iraq is in serious danger of an imminent collapse that could unleash a trillion-gallon wave of water, possibly killing thousands of people and flooding two of the largest cities in the country, according to new assessments by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other U.S. officials. Even in a country gripped by daily bloodshed, the possibility of a catastrophic failure of the Mosul Dam has alarmed American officials, who have concluded that it could lead to as many as 500,000 civilian deaths by drowning Mosul under 65 feet of water and parts of Baghdad under 15 feet, said Abdulkhalik Thanoon Ayoub, the dam manager. At the same time, a U.S. reconstruction project to help shore up the dam in northern Iraq has been marred by incompetence and mismanagement, according to Iraqi officials and a report by a U.S. oversight agency to be released Tuesday. "

The Question wrote on Oct 30, 2007 8:11 AM:

" Here's more of that "solid Bush freedom" that Iraqis now enjoy: The editor of a Baghdad weekly newspaper was murdered at the weekend, Iraq's Journalistic Freedoms Observatory said on Tuesday. The Iraqi non-governmental organization said Shehab Mohammed al-Hiti, a Sunni Arab editor of the al-Youm newspaper, was last seen leaving his home in the western Baghdad neighborhood of Jamiaa on Saturday. Many journalists in Iraq have faced threats from Sunni Arab militants and Shi'ite militias. Others have been killed by U.S. forces while reporting in the country. "

citizenofmattoon wrote on Oct 30, 2007 9:37 AM:

" Out of all these letters that have been posted, there is one thing for sure. Just from his past pranks/tricks/episodes/craziness and down right ignorance.....BUSH will certianly leave an impression before he completes his term.........NOW....TO ME THAT IS VERY SCARY. "

The Question wrote on Oct 30, 2007 10:31 AM:

" Pierre Tristam — Two years ago Bush, flanked by that other paragon of truth, Alberto Gonzales, claimed in a speech that "federal terrorism investigations have resulted in charges against more than 400 suspects, and more than half of those charged have been convicted." A Washington Post analysis based on the Justice Department's numbers showed that 39 people, not 200, were convicted. This year, New York University's Center on Law and Security puts the Justice Department's success rate in terrorism prosecutions at 29 percent (compared with 92 percent for felonies). Even those prosecutions aren't always what they seem. That was the case with Jose Padilla, first arrested and held illegally and without charges as an "enemy combatant" for 3 1/2 years. He was considered among the "worst of the worst," to use Dick Cheney's dime-novel phraseology, supposedly because he was ready to blow up apartment buildings in Chicago, only to be convicted on the most bogus fall-back charge of them all: conspiring to commit terrorism abroad (no details provided, obviously). We've been treated to similar show trials since Sept. 11, 2001, including the ongoing one against Miami's "Liberty City Seven," those poor Haitians who had no money, no weapons and wouldn't know Sears from Roebuck but nevertheless are charged with plotting to bomb the Sears Tower in Chicago. We had the mistrial in the case of a Dallas charity whose double-whammy indiscretion was to be Muslim and Palestinian-oriented, which reminded me of a Ramadan promotion by the Saudi Arabian branch of McDonald's in 2000: 26 cents from the purchase price of every burger would be sent to a charity running Palestinian hospitals. Time magazine's predictably moronic reaction was this headline: "Official Sandwich of the Intefadeh?" "

The Question wrote on Oct 30, 2007 10:39 AM:

" We're on the march to the Bush regional war to enflame the whole Mideast and destroy oil production. Just listen to Doh cheer it on: Turkish Cobra attack helicopters blasted suspected Kurdish rebel targets Tuesday near the southeastern border with Iraq in a second day of fighting in the area. The prime minister said an escalation of military action was unavoidable. Three soldiers and six rebels have been killed in fighting, according to local news reports. "

coonbug wrote on Oct 31, 2007 12:24 PM:

" Democratic Debate last night: Hillary got hit and rather hard at that. Obama, Dodds and Edwards seem to gain points. Come read my take on the Debate at Coonsey's View http://www.freewebs.com/coonsey/ "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 31, 2007 6:27 PM:

" I listened to the drug addicted Rush Limbaugh today. Yes, I listen to him regularly, and many consider me a lefty. Unlike the right wingers who post on here, I am willing to admit that I listen to him on a regular basis. I hear stuff being put out by him all of the time showing up on here, and yet most of the resident right wingers, who post on here, adamantly deny listening to the old windbag. He was attempting to dissect the Democratic debate. The best he could come up with was a montage of quotes from the Dems talking about using diplomacy. To listen to old windbag Rushie, you would think diplomacy was the wrong thing to do. I guess we should all join on the Bush bandwagon and support invading every country that we disagree with. How wrong of those silly Democrats talking about using diplomacy to try to solve problems, when it's much easier to invade. Hey, what the heck, we're the only super power left, so we can do what ever the hell we want to do. Who cares about diplomacy, when the have the technology to make any country bow before us, right? "

Early Bird wrote on Nov 1, 2007 6:31 AM:

" Holy Cow! It seems the department of Home Land Security has hired mercenaries from Blackwater to patrol the streets of New Orleans. My question is, will they be granted immunity for killing American citizens as they got from the Pentagon for their killing of Iraqi citizens. Scary! According to one source these thugs are getting 350 dollars per day plus per dium. Is this another great decision from the Bush administration? "

Doh wrote on Nov 1, 2007 10:43 AM:

" Holy Cow! The people of Louisiana elected a REPULBLICAN GOVERNOR a couple of weeks ago! That's right! Now how did THAT happen? Let the Left-bat spinning begin, KosKids! "

Dohbaugh wrote on Nov 1, 2007 4:43 PM:

" Hmmm...that might explain them hiring the Blackwater mercenaries, Doh. "