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Open thread
- By Phillip Brownlee
- Posted Dec. 19, 2006 at 1:05 a.m.
- Filed under Open thread
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60 Comments
Quote of the Day:
“..the Supreme Court must promote the political rights of minorities and look beyond the Constitution’s text when necessary to ensure that “no one gets too powerful.”“Justice” Stephen G. Breyer
Viva La Raza Blanco!!
Joke of the Day:
A man was brought before the judge and chargedwith making love to a dead woman.
The judge told him, “In 20 years on the bench, I’ve never heard such a disgusting, immoral thing. Just give me one good reason why I shouldn’t lock you up and throw away the key!”
The man replied, “I’ll give you THREE goodreasons:#1, It’s none of your damn business;#2, She was my wife; and…#3, I didn’t KNOW she was dead. She ALWAYS acted that way!”
V.L.R.B!!
Joke going around in Baghdad:
A long line of cars are backed up at a checkpoint. Finally someone comes walking from car to car. “George Bush has been taken hostage,” he says. “The insurgents are going to set him on fire with gasoline if they don’t get a million dollars. We’re asking for donations.”
“How much are most people giving?” you ask.
“Oh,” he says, “about one or two gallons.”
http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,453906,00.html
Experts have been predicting for some time that the dollar would eventually go into a nosedive, and now that time seems to have come. The US currency has lost five percent of its value against the euro since late October, and 13 percent since the beginning of the year. The euro is currently fluctuating around a value of $1.33, which is only 3 cents away from its all-time high in 2004. And yet Trichet’s counterpart Ben Bernanke, the chairman of the US Federal Reserve, has done nothing but look on as the dollar plunges.
A sea change appears to be taking place on the international financial markets. For years, global capital flowed in only one direction, with $2 billion going into the United States every day. Investors viewed the world’s largest economy not only as a bastion of stability, but also as a place that promised the best deals, the most lucrative returns and the highest growth rates.
DER SPIEGELCaption: SPIEGEL0650 Seite Bollen Datum: 11. Dezember 2006The Americans, for their part, welcomed foreign investment. For them, it was almost a tradition to save very little and spend more than they earned — essentially achieving affluence on credit. Foreigners financed the Americans’ almost obsessive consumer spending, which spurred worldwide economic growth for years.
Because the US government was unable to fall back on the savings of its citizens, it too was forced to finance its budget deficit with foreign capital. Both consumer spending and the federal deficit kept the dollar high, because the rest of the world was practically scrambling to invest in the United States.
This phase seems to have come to an end, at least for the time being. “There are fundamental weaknesses in the American economy. This could not continue in the long term,” says Alfred Steinherr, chief economist at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW).
******
Thank goodness we got “a new sheriff in town, one who’s dedicated to fiscal responsibility.”
Tax cuts for the rich in a time of war, increase spending 9 percent a year for SIX YEARS (faster than any other President since WW2) equals HISTORICAL HIGH DEBT, HISTORICAL HIGH TRADE IMBALANCE.
Worst. President. Ever.
Worst. Party. Ever.
Come on Cap’n, can the destruction of the greatest economy on Earth really be laid at the feet of only Bush? And the GOP, yes, certainly. But does anyone hear the Dems saying a darn thing about it? I do not. Buchanan and the nationalist right, yes, but all others have merely submerged their snouts and pink hairy ears in the slop jar and drank their fill while this Rome burned out.
We need statesmen and stateswomen, in this grave hour, but instead have a barn full of bloated porkers. To the butcher shop with them all! This national economy may yet be rescue-able, but it will not be done via business as usual.
Or we can ride the status quo to oblivian for the middle class and more misery for the lower classes.
On NPR this a.m.: Bush will not longer answer questions about “how we are doing in Iraq.” President “refuses to play the game” according to press secretary Snow.
I know this sounds like a phoney headline, but it is true.
Denial is a wonderful defense mechanism, especially if you have the emotional maturity of a two-year old.
This is what happens, voters, when you elect (twice) a spoiled rich kid who has never been held responsible for anything in his life.
He’ll be pleading the fifth before it’s over.
Gee, I told that joke yesterday on open thread at 8:29 am, CapnAmerica. Sorry you missed it. The way you told the joke was only half as funny as the original– had Cheney in it.
http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/topic/27
If you like rap music, watch our Army boys. If you don’t like tap, WATCH IT ANYWAY.
http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/topic/27
********************************************************************White House, Joint Chiefs At Odds on Adding Troops
By Robin Wright and Peter BakerWashington Post Staff WritersTuesday, December 19, 2006; Page A01
The Bush administration is split over the idea of a surge in troops to Iraq, with White House officials aggressively promoting the concept over the unanimous disagreement of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to U.S. officials familiar with the intense debate.
more…http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/18/AR2006121801477.html********************************************************************
Whatever happened to the line that the generals on the ground were going to determine troop levels???
Move along, nothing to see here…
http://www.dollarcollapse.com/
interesting stuff
The entire middle east is a real circus.Tribalism, jihad, fatwa, sunni vs shia,islamic laws, clown dictators threatening everbody, kings with most of the oil, SHEESH.Logic and reason mean nothing in that environment.Even when we understand what’s going on,IT MAKES NO SENSE!
BTW, IF we really wanted to kill terrorists then why did we sit on our hands while 10,000 Sadr followers danced in the street, burning american flags and chanting death to America.When I saw this scene on TV, I couldn’t f**cking believe it!Where were all the hawks?
10,000 F’ing terrorists ALL in the same place at the same time!!!!!!!!Can’t we just do a couple of cluster bombs and be done with the ‘Mahdi army’?
To whoever donated the 4 sets of gold coins to the 4 charities:
Your generous act is what the season is all about, I THANK YOU for your shining example of love!!
lol
Welll! Look who’s back from Iran!
Ian,
Merry Christmas!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozROJov9uxY
“…then why did we sit on our hands while 10,000 Sadr followers danced in the street, burning american flags and chanting death to America.”
Wait just a sec, Tracy. If we, indeed, installed a democracy, just where does that end? Does their democracy end prior to freedom of speach?
I do not appreciate hearing those words chanted either, but it isn’t the first time and won’t be the last. As long as our (democratic?) government forces our form of government (democracy?) on other countries, we really can’t do much. That’s what happens to bullies.
delores & Capn,
That joke was funny 2 years ago when I first read it. ;)
RD, my whole point is all the damned double-speak.Are we, or are we not in the business of pre-emptive unilateral terrorist killing?
I’m not suggesting it’s the right thing to do, I’m questioning the warhawks.Why don’t they do what they say?
I.Brown–
Sorry, I don’t buy it.
The Repubs have controlled Congress (who writes funding bills) and controlled the Presidency (who sends over a budget proposal and approves or vetos bills).
To say that the Dems are complicit in this just isn’t looking at fact.
No power = no responsibility of blame.
When Clinton got a spending bill he didn’t like, he vetoed it and actually shut the government down for a few days.
That’s leadership. That’s why he balanced the budget and started paying down the national debt.
Dems like to bring the bacon home to their districts, yes, that’s the way the game is played.
But that still doesn’t explain the massive spending increases under this President.
I see CapnUnAmerica is spewing his daily drivel of self-importance-I-know-better-than-all tripe.
Seems the recent illegal alien raids on Swift & co. has born results. Looks like those ever elusive Americans that wont take jobs have shown up, now that the slaves have been rounded up.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5215724,00.html
And other business had better be on notice…A RICO suit has been filed against Swift. This Racketeering suit can kill a company if successful. Damages are authorized at 3 times any actual damages. Helloooo.
http://dallas.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2006/12/18/daily8.html
Some of these local contractor and home builder companies had better sign up for the Federal SAVE program and VERIFY the papers they are given for ID. Someone handing you a document does NOT mean its VALID. Better check.
These companies seem not to be aware of an obscure section in the 1996 Immigration act that allows for PRIVATE individuals to file a RICO action for illegal immigration activities if it affects them as individuals. Mohawk carpets is in the middle of one of these also. These can result in the complete demise of the entire company.
A few of these actions that involve jail and company killing fines for the corporate directors and management may be the 2×4 needed to get the mules attention.
Since the late 70’s and early 80’s wages in the meatpacking industry have dropped over 50%.
In the Eagle’s news section today,”The Wichita/Sedgwick County Exploited and Missing Child Unit is investigating an allegation that a man put Tabasco sauce in a 5-year-old boy’s eyes.”
I got a good idea of what the punishment should be for the man that did this, but don’t think it’s legal.
JM, while I don’t know if my visceral reaction is the same as yours, my ideas on appropriate punishment most assuredly do violate the Eighth Amendment!
“Why don’t they do what they say?”
Beats me, Tracy. If I had the answer, I’d be rich…or run for president.
Anyway, I agree with you.
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZTI4ODE1NGIwNmNkMmI4OWJkNDhkOTM5NDhkNWRhNjg=
Christmas Present [John Derbyshire]
My health insurer has just notified me, in a brief form letter, that my monthly premiums are to rise from $472.33 to $857.00 on January 1st. That’s an increase of 81 percent. ***E*I*G*H*T*Y*-*O*N*E* *P*E*R*C*E*N*T*** Can they do that? I called them. They sound pretty confident they can. Ye gods!
.morg, short answer, yes; the insurance is sold on an annual basis, thus every “renewal” is for a new term, and is on such terms and conditions that may apply at that time.
JM–”I see CapnUnAmerica is spewing his daily drivel of self-importance-I-know-better-than-all tripe.”
Isn’t that why U show up?I know I can’t wait to read every word from mr capn.Or at least most of it!
“Isn’t that why U show up?I know I can’t wait to read every word from mr capn.Or at least most of it!” Posted by: TRACY | December 19, 2006 at 02:43 PM
Not hardly. But I bet you’re in to some close smootchin/ with your Capn.
Aw, JM.Don’t be angry.It was just a joke.
JM’s just jealous because he has no blog friends.
Awww . . .
Try being nicer.
How many more days until the immoral and illegal occupation of the White House ends, Tracy?
Keep counting them down . . .
I have no blog friends, and I’m damned happy about it. In fact, I purposely ensure that I have no blog friends.
If I wanted friends here, I’d just agree with the simpleton liberals.
RD: Their “democracy”, if that’s what it is chosen to be called, ENDS where ours starts. To paraphrase, “The USA giveth, and the USA can sure as hell taketh away!”
“If I wanted friends here”
There’s no chance that you are going to find friends here, Nutz, on the left or the right.
Clark, thanks for proving the ’simpleton’ liberal statement.
I repeat: “I have no blog friends, and I’m damned happy about it. In fact, I purposely ensure that I have no blog friends.”
Damn boy, you’re just slow.
“I have no blog friends, and I’m damned happy about it. In fact, I purposely ensure that I have no blog friends.”
I wonder if this self-description provides the elusive definition of “blog troll” that I’ve been looking for.
Who says Nuts has no use here?
Lets lighten up – it is almost Christmas and is the middle of Hannukah. KCHH (I think) 90.1 FM has some very pleasant Christmas music. Or, do what I do at work and bring in via http://www.radiokansas.org on your computer.
I hope when it fails, and it will, all the arena voters who said “yes” will admit there costly mistake and move away from wichita. We don’t need people who are so gullible they beleive every thing politictians and big bussiness are pushing for. They would buy into anything. They are going to build it with no leg or butt room and wont be user friendly, and no parking? What’s up with that? I think it is unbeliveable irresponsible, arrogant, and insane to make an arena at tax payer expense without having first hand knowledge of how the users (Jon Q. Public) wants it to be. The leaders of this city are desperatly trying to make a name for themselves. I wish city and county leaders would stop trying to make us a city like Las Vagas or Dallas or Orlando. I for one don’t want the extra headache!This is what the signs at the city limits should read: “Wichita, the highest taxed city in America. Where city and county leaders are deaf and blind to the publics views, and waste is the norm. A government in a constant state of caos at city hall ran by 5 year olds that love to kick you down to your knees and steal your lunch money. WELCOME”
“Clark, thanks for proving the ’simpleton’ liberal statement.”
Tsk, tsk, Nutz, feeling a little unwanted today?
Sorry to break the news to you, but you’re unwanted everyday.
Clark, with all due respect – are you this stupid in real life?
Let me repeat for you, Nutz, you may have missed it the first time around.
“Sorry to break the news to you, but you’re unwanted everyday.”
Clark, it’s obvious that my fluency in stupid is not of a level that you can understand.
Perhaps one of your fellow idiocrats can help…
“Clark, it’s obvious that my fluency in stupid…”
Nutz, you have less reason to have a superiority complex than anyone that I have come in contract with, except Ian Santiago.
You might be tolerable if you didn’t think that you had to attempt to lord over everyone that disagrees with you with your “superior” business, family, personal and educational successes.
Life, for you , has to be a bitch having to deal with all us peasants.
LOL!
That’s what he pays the peons for! Right, Slapnuts?
Clark,Finally. I knew you weren’t completely absent of cerebral neurons.
Yes, it is a bitch dealing with you minions. But, it’s a service I offer without fee. Hopefully, you’ll grasp some little something and improve your value.
Hint: try to mix “condescending” in your next rant. It’s an apropos adjective to describe my relationship with you.
Sheesh! Slapnuts is more high and mighty than JR! I didn’t think anyone could pull off such a feat of egoism. Happy holidays, Slapnuts! Have fun dry humping your bags of money and drinking… alone.
Well, yes, Nutz, you must be superior.
Yes, I know that you taught your daughter calculus and trigonometry before she was out of the cradle, your dog reads the WSJ, your cat bakes mouse flavored cookies, your wife is a combination of Joan of Arc and Cindy Crawford, you shot a 66 at Pebble Beach using a five iron and a tennis ball, your Church elected you the Man of the Last Three Millenniums over Jesus Christ Himself, Bill Gates comes to you personally for business advice and you are on People Magazine’s List of the Sexiest Men of the last One Thousand Years.
My bad.
I should have realized that I am inferior to your excellence.
Hey it’s been a long time since I did a blog game. Some of our newer posters may not remember them.
The new game is called “kick golfnut in the nuts and off the blog”
I see WS has already cast his vote. I too vote for the blog troll to be “kicked off the island” !
X,I’ll enjoy a glass of vino or two at the club with my golf pals. The weather isn’t conducive to golf, so we’ll just resort to gin rummy.
I’m off to Lawrence with my daughter for another quality basketball game. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
The only weakness Nutz has is trolling and stalking P Mom.
That’s his Achilles Heal.
Yes, he’s the salt of the earth isn’t he?
I think that he’s trying to become Wichita’s own mini-Rush.
Did I read that right? We’re voting to castrate Golfnut? I’m all for it!! Oh… Darn, we’re casting votes. My bad.
LMAO, RD.
Not fair, I have to cook dinner now and it’s hard to do when I am rolling around on the floor.
Wait ’til after dinner for that kind of stuff.
Since Nuts is self-defined as a troll, I suggest as our friend Rage advises, don’t feed the troll! Ignore him. Though it will come as shock to Nuts, it is very easy to do.
I hope you irritated posters take some time to listen to the opinion calls that are available on the Kansas.com homepage. You folks need to take a deep breath and enjoy life a little with a few laughs.
Remember, it’s Christmas. The season of giving and forgiving.
Hi Angie – that is why I posted the radiokansas link. A lot of nice music.
Bah!
The matter at hand is whether golfnuts should be figuratively castrated…er….cast out.
That’s what makes MY season bright!
CapnAmerica = Worst.Poster.Today
Reconsideration:
CapnAmerica = Worst.Poster.Ever
Cogent, eh?
Steve, I would put that title on CapnJuniorPee. However, I’m glad they post here. It’s an every day reminder of how simpleminded the liberals are.