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221 Comments
Time to Vote Contempt
Alberto Gonzales may be out, but the country is still waiting for a full accounting of how he and his White House patrons cynically politicized the Justice Department. Congress is rightly asking questions about the actions of yet another United States attorney: New Jersey’s Christopher J. Christie. The House also needs to stop procrastinating and vote to hold witnesses in contempt for refusing to testify in the wider scandal.
Federal prosecutors must be scrupulously nonpartisan. Mr. Christie, a Republican activist who got his job despite a lack of trial and criminal-law experience, has gone up to the line of acceptable behavior — and possibly crossed it.
He began an investigation of Senator Robert Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, late in a hard-fought election campaign. The charges now appear baseless, but at the time the news provided a big boost to Mr. Menendez’s Republican opponent. Mr. Christie went against a long Justice Department presumption against opening investigations or bringing indictments right before an election, to avoid affecting the outcome.
There are also questions about Mr. Christie’s decision to award, without competitive bidding, a lucrative contract to monitor a company accused of consumer fraud. The winner? Former Attorney General John Ashcroft, an influential Republican who was once Mr. Christie’s boss. Senate and House leaders have asked the Government Accountability Office to investigate.
Some of the people who likely know the most about the role politics has played in the Bush Justice Department have defied Congressional subpoenas to testify. Joshua Bolten, the White House chief of staff, and Harriet Miers, the former White House counsel, contend that they are protected from testifying by executive privilege. That is not enough. They have a legal obligation to appear before Congress and plead that privilege to specific questions.
The House Judiciary Committee voted in July to hold Mr. Bolten and Ms. Miers in contempt. The House’s Democratic leadership has been trying to figure out the pros and cons ever since. The public needs to hear the testimony of these officials (along with Karl Rove, who is also refusing to appear), and the full House should vote as quickly as possible to hold them in contempt.
The House should also approve a resolution authorizing the Judiciary Committee to go to court to enforce the contempt citations if the current attorney general, Michael Mukasey, as expected, refuses to do so.
The stakes are high. There are people in jail today, including a former governor of Alabama, who have raised credible charges that they were put there for political reasons. Congress’s constitutionally guaranteed powers are also at risk. If Congress fails to enforce its own subpoenas, it would effectively be ceding its subpoena power. It would also be giving its tacit consent to the dangerous idea of an imperial president — above the law and beyond the reach of checks and balances.
The founders did not want that when they wrote the Constitution, and the voters who elected this Congress do not want it today.
Well boys and girls it looks like we have the choice for President of McCain V Obama and/or Clinton.
I hate the thought of voting for McCain. I don’t like him nor do I trust him. But this piece from Bob Leibowitz might make that vote a little easier to digest. If you are considering sitting this one out or doing a protest vote for a non-contender I respectfully ask you to consider this-
“John McCain is not my first choice. Nor my second. Probably not even third. My differences can be summed up with I don’t trust him. Not on politics, not on temperament. My distaste reaches almost to the point of saying that I cannot stand the thought of him leading the government for the next four years.
Almost.
Then I remember my duty to our 1,426,700 active duty military personnel, the men and women who have put their lives on the line to protect us and our future.
As a citizen I have a duty to do whatever I can to provide our military with the best commander in chief possible under the circumstances. To allow either of the candidates of the Democrat Party—one who knows nothing (and doesn’t know even that!) and the other who knows only how to order appetizers from those White House waiters—to allow either to command our military would be near-traitorous to our troops.
I cannot do that to our troops.
No matter McCain’s failings and limitations, he will take care of our troops.
That gets my vote. That (sigh), in this time of hot war, deserves my enthusiastic support.
The silver lining is that the possibility of McCain winning will scare the hell out of America’s enemies, foreign and domestic.”
http://www.canticle4leibowitz.com/
Bravo to Sebelius for proposing opening up state parks. Paying to visit state parks has been bad for Kansas. Opening up parks without the gate fee will promote family activities like camping, hiking, and fishing. A family focused state with new family focused activities – available to all Kansans. How exciting. What a great plan!
Heckler…that is a an interesting assessment.
Unfortunately, there is a lot more to the presidency than being CIC. There are concerns about debt, foreign trade, pending recession, housing crisis, etc. If the Iraq debacle ever ends, we will still have those other issues that need to be addressed.
One small comfort, no matter who our next president is, I seriously doubt he/she could be as bad as the current one.
Educational reading for those interested in DC V Heller (Parker).
http://www.scotusblog.com/wp/uncategorized/amicus-briefs-for-heller-available-in-guns-case/
Taz… So true. Its also sad that we have allowed the bar to be set so low.
“No matter McCain’s failings and limitations, he will take care of our troops.”
Yup. He’ll take care of keeping them in Iraq for 100 years.
And for cons like Heckler and many of his fellow posters, that is the sum of what all politics is reduced to. Staying in Iraq forever.
Gene..
I wonder what ever happened? How did the bar get so low? He seemed to start off ok..and I swear GW’s finest moment was the “I can hear you” speech in NYC. Everything after that has been downhill and gaining speed.
Instead of bitching about the current situation, get out and vote next time. In Australia you get fined for not voting, and how someone getting 51% of a 60% turnout can claim to speak for the American people is the fault of lazy, cynical electorate, period. Get out and vote damnit! Read something, listen, investigate, educate yourselves and tune out the hate mongers who profit their sponsors, religous or economic, but do not a whit of good for America. In other countries similar to America like New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the UK polictical parties spend about 80 cents per person to run their entire election campaings. We’ll spend well over $2.5 billion mostly on TV where the whole democratic process is packaged and sold for greed by the big 5 who control the media nowadays. That feels better, now for some coffee.
Heckler
Posted February 14, 2008 at 6:52 am | Permalink
Take care of our military?
100 years in Iraq.
Eyes on Iran.
Many more wars, but we’ll win them all.
Dosen’t sound like the help they need.
Keckler,
If you are interested in helping the troops, listen to them. Which candidate received the most contributions from active military?
Oh yeah, Happy Valentine’s day y’all .
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23162712
Theocracy in action.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you too Sol! I like a day set aside to think about caring about people — I like it a lot.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080213/ap_on_el_pr/wisconsin_primary;_ylt=AmPcty2j526o795aatc0_PCMwfIE
Clinton makes fresh push in Wisconsin
“Her advisers say the New York senator may not win Wisconsin but can’t afford another of the lopsided defeats she suffered in three mid-Atlantic primaries Tuesday.”
JR and Ksfg – I am not a Clinton hater, and actually thought that she would have kept her margin of victory. I’m wondering, have the people running her campaign really screwed up. She kind of sat back, like Guiliana, and let several primaries slide hoping her “firewalls” Texas and Ohio would stop Obama. I am truly mystified how her campaign got so screwed up.
JR Sol
McCain is bright enough to realize that we will have to maintain some type of presence there for the forseable future in order to ensure stability. 100yrs is probably bullchit, but hey, we still have troops in Kosovo don’t we. And Germany.
Clinton is probably bright enough to understand the same, she just can’t say it for fear of further angering the barking moonbats.
Obama? he may not be smart enough to know that he doesnt know.
McCain is bright enough to realize that we will have to maintain some type of presence there for the forseable future
Oxymoron.
Why do we still have troops overseas? Isn’t there a UN that is supposed to handle such world issues.
Being bright would mean understanding that we are in a country we know nothing about, forcing a government on a people that don’t want it, creating terrorist training camps and recruiting posters, and going bankrupt in the process.
The pay off? The world no longer trusts us. Many have turned their backs on us.
Now you relate being bright to maintaining that? That speaks volumes.
How about this one? How do we pay for this?
You remember when conservatives were responsible right? Asking the same question of liberals “How do we pay for that?” Well I ask the same of the neocons.
OK, lefties – where’s the cries of condemnation? Were this a Republican, we’d have heard about it ad nauseum by now; Republicans are routinely pilloried here for far less (remember the phantom ‘jungle drums’ in the Ford campaign?). But not a peep from the left here:
http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/016972.php
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2008/02/jewish_rep_cohen_battles_antis.html
Yea. This is the party of tolerance. Uh-huh.
BTW, Heckler: – DC v. Heller is scheduled for oral argument March 18 (IIRC). Should be interesting. Frankly, the “collective/militia rights” position is DOA for anyone with a brain and fundamental honesty; the only real question is 1) will the SCOTUS use the “fundamental rights” model, requiring some sort of strict scrutiny and probably requiring incorporation, 2) how far will the SCOTUS go is permitting the equivalent of “time/place/manner” regulations (a question they may well not reach in this case), and 2) what will the vote be? I’m betting a 6-3 win for Heller, maybe even 7-2.
And cudos for new AG Six for signing on to the state attorney generals’ brief in support of Heller. That’s something his predecessor probably would not have done.
Make it easier to vote — voting stations at malls, over weekends — 2 day voting
GMC70
Posted February 14, 2008 at 9:29 am | Permalink
OK, lefties – where’s the cries of condemnation?
GMC – This is the first I’ve heard about it. I don’t know a whole lot about Tennessee politics. But of course it’s insane!! And I can’t believe it’s a black minister discriminating against a Jew, in the south. You would think he has been discriminated against himself, and would not treat someone else with the same disdain he has probably been shown by some.
The question you have to ask yourself Heckler is would YOU volunteer for the US garrison in Iraq?
Or, would you send your kids? Me, I didn’t lose anything there.
Oh and not so fast Barack! You are going to HAVE to talk substance instead of just sunshine rhetoric.
In the latest polling done by Survey USA, the former first lady turned New York Senator finds herself up 17%. Clinton is hoping that Ohio and Texas will aid in a comeback win as Barack Obama continues to gather momentum.
Ohio Daily Blog writes:
Clinton is buoyed by a strong showing among women (62% to 33%), voters over 65 (64% to 30%), Democrats (58% to 37%), whites (62% to 32%), Hispanics (87% to 8%), and those for whom the economy is the top issue (60% to 35%). Obama is statistically tied among males (47% to 46%) but does extremely well among African Americans (73% to 24%) and fairly well among independents (48% to 42%). He is not significantly ahead among voters for whom Iraq is the top issue (48% to 46%).
JR – I still don’t think she should sit back and wait for March 4. We all saw what happened to Rudy when he waited around in Florida. Luckily, someone has given her the sound advice that she needs to campaign in Wisconsin, so it won’t be a landslide like the Potomac primaries.
Looks like the more folks know about the mcclurkin fundraiser for obama, the more divided the party gets. Here is a very interesting non scientific poll about whether it matters that obama’s naked pandering for the black evangelical vote threw gay voters under the bus.
I love the comments about “get over it”.
And if so many black ministers openly spout their hate of gay folks, why would it surprise you that they discriminate against jewish folks? Seems like Ive been saying the same thing for over two years, since FOUR black ministers spoke in FAVOR of the hate amendment in the Kansas legislature.
I guess if you’ve been on the sharp end of the stick of discrimination, it makes you want to discriminate against someone else? Yeah, you’d think not, but the mcclurkin/obama hate fest in south carolina proves otherwise.
I suppose everyone wants to feel superior to someone?
But please, continue to say the mcclurkin fundraiser is no big deal and we should get over it. And if you read the comments, you will see some of the same comments made here by the obama apologists.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132×4581982
Happy Valentines Day, I guess. I’m thankful my wife and I agree that we don’t need a special day to say and show our love for each other (we kinda do that everyday). But by all means go and buy those over-priced (for a day) roses and the chocolates and all that. Do your PATRIOTIC duty and spend, spend to oblivion. You know you have those extra fiat dollars on hand to dump on that stuff. Heck you can pay yourself back with your rebate.
It was said above that, “the new one couldn’t be as bad as the next”. I beg to differ. That’s what was said about Clinton to Bush. These people have an agenda and that agenda has everything to do with getting absolute control over every aspect of our lives. the left and the right are on the same page, but some read that page quicker than the other. But sursum was right about getting out and voting (although, I think the people that hang out here already do that). But there is a reason people don’t get out and vote, they are aware enough to see that both of your teams are not worth voting for, they claim change and we believe them…every damned time! That is the definition of insanity which is, repeating the same thing over and over, expecting new results. But good luck with the coming “changes” that your guys promise. I think there will definitely be change, just not a change you’ll all be “happy” with.
Like always, I’ll say that there is still hope, Ron Paul.
Oh well at the risk of exposing my cynicism, I’ll say it, “you don’t need Hallmark selling you a card to let you know that you should show your love (to those that you do love) everyday you breathe”.
“Coinciding with the 1 year anniversary of the commencement of Congressman Ron Paul’s 2008 presidential campaign, this project was initiated and paid for by numerous supporters via the website RonPaulBillboards.com. The billboard promotes Ron Paul’s core message of liberty and will run for 4 weeks. It’s located in the heart of downtown, aside the bustling and – at times – heavily congested Interstate 35 highway. This prime location in the entertainment district near the Capitol and University of Texas has the potential to reach over 5 million commuters in the 3 weeks preceding the March 4th Texas primary. The launch of this billboard demonstrates the steadfast support for Presidential candidate and Texas Congressman Ron Paul, who is also currently running to keep his Congressional seat in Texas’s 14th district. ”
“More than merely a campaign, this movement is bringing about a transformation of ideas. “It will not end at the Republican convention. It will not end in November. It will not end until we have won the great battle on which we have embarked. Not because of me, but because of you. Millions of Americans — and friends in many other countries — have dedicated themselves to the principles of liberty: to free enterprise, limited government, sound money, no income tax, and peace. We will not falter so long as there is one restriction on our persons, our property, our civil liberties.”, states Ron Paul. In his latest correspondence video uploaded on Youtube, he calls for a national march in Washington D.C. to physically demonstrate the size of this freedom movement. ”
http://www.happynews.com/news/2132008/paul-supporters-launch-billboard-home-state.htm
Happy Valentine’s Day to you too Sol! I like a day set aside to think about caring about people — I like it a lot.
Linda, I’m ashamed to admit, had it not been for the comics section, Vday woulda passed me by.
Looks like some chickens are coming home to roost regarding the feds pushing deficits down to the state and the state pushing them down to the local governments.
Kinda like sebelius did when she took a ton of sales tax money from the counties and cities to balance the state budget. In her first term.
Look out below…
Debt crisis spreads to US municipalities
Source: Financial Times via Yahoo
A collapse in confidence in a $330bn corner of the debt market has left US municipalities and student loan providers facing spiralling interest rate costs.
The implosion of the so-called auction-rate securities market – amid worries that bond insurers guaranteeing much of this debt could face rating downgrades – is the latest incarnation of the credit crisis.
The market, heavily used by municipal borrowers and backed by triple-A rated guarantees from bond insurers such as Ambac and MBIA (NYSE:MBI), was until now used as a safe harbour for investors.
The interest rates on such bonds reset either weekly or monthly and a lack of interest from investors can trigger a sharp rise to compensate holders.
The market’s sudden slump has pushed interest rates as high as 20 per cent for entities from the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to a hospital.
“The auction securities market is falling apart,” said David Cooke, chief financial officer at Park Nicollet Heath Services in Minneapolis.
Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ft/20080214/bs_ft/fto0213200821…
“The market’s sudden slump has pushed interest rates as high as 20 per cent for entities from the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to a hospital.”
Wow. They must have a really bad credit rating!
ksfarmgrrl-
I cannot get the link to work. Says expired
GMC
“Frankly, the “collective/militia rights” position is DOA for anyone with a brain and fundamental honesty”
Saddly there are at least a couple of judges on the SCOTUS who care more about their agenda than about the origins of the Constitution. I hope your right about the 6-3,7-2 count. By rights it should be 9-0 but no one ever accused the Supremes of being perfect.
Some of the briefs are a hoot to read.
JR
“The question you have to ask yourself Heckler is would YOU volunteer for the US garrison in Iraq?”
Impossible to answer that. Until I was in my mid-20’s I did’nt give a rip about anything but having some money in my pocket come Friday night.
Would I feel differently if I were growning up in the here and now? Possibly, but I can’t answer that with any certainty so the question will have to go unaswered.
Hmmmmm…..
Try this link
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ft/20080214/bs_ft/fto021320082104388221
That worked. Thanks.
On January 22–the 35th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision–Ron Paul was the only presidential candidate who spoke at the March for Life in Washington DC. Huckabee did speak at a Right to Life rally in Atlanta, but said: “The logic that each of the states can come up with their own definition of how to respect human life is the logic of the Civil War.” This is a slap at Ron Paul, who, although he strongly opposes abortion, believes that it should not be the concern of the federal government. Huckabee, like every other current and former presidential candidates (except Ron Paul), thinks that the solution to everything is a federal government solution. Could he explain the concept of federalism without consulting a dictionary? More proof: When asked last year if he would sign a bill to outlaw smoking in public places, Huckabee replied: “I would, certainly would.” A Huckabee administration would be a big brother, nanny state–a religious big brother, nanny state.
http://www.lewrockwell.com/blog/lewrw/archives/019394.html
My conclusion is that these, well meaning, folks are simply and terribly misinformed. I know, this is nothing new in American politics. However, we are really at a crossroads this time around and the only fellow who can do the job or even wants the job for the right reasons is getting passed over by the masses out of sheer ignorance. Most unfortunate for the GOP loyalists out there, he is the only one that could potentially win in a general election against either of the Democratic front runners.
You may ask why I would say such a thing. With McCain, it’s really a matter of common sense. He is a carbon copy of Bush. He publically agrees with the current Administration’s policy. Foreign and domestic. The current Administration has a 20 something % public approval rating. Go figure… Do you really think he’ll be able to rally the nation for four more years of a slightly more liberal version of what is currently going on? I think not.
For Huckabee’s part, it’s basically the same. He has been mildly critical of the current Administration but continues his support on most fronts. He has come out in support of most big government spending. No Child Left Behind, etc. and is a strong proponent of staying in Iraq. Most importantly for Huck, the media has really went easy on his, liberal leaning, record as governor so far. Do you really think he would continue to get a free pass should he win the GOP nomination? Or even the VP spot? Again, I think not.
In conclusion, Ron Paul is the only true contrast in this race. He has a rock solid record of upholding the Constitution that cannot be contested. He does not flip-flop. He is not intimidated or swayed by power or money. And he is offering real world solutions instead of feel good soundbites. Perhaps, most importantly, his supporters know exactly where he stands and why they support him. If America really wants the “change” we hear so much about, Ron Paul is her only hope in ‘08.
http://www.nolanchart.com/article2712.html
Sol, I agree with you the RP is probably the best choice, most honest of the lot. Unfortunately, that’s why I think the poor guy doesn’t have a chance in this nation of money-grubbing backstabbers.
Check out Crowson’s cartoon for today:
http://www.kansas.com/599/image_media/310544.html
Proof positive he reads this blog.
Did no one else notice that John “Straight Talk” McCain voted FOR! water-boarding yesterday?!
Proof positive he reads this blog.
my thoughts when I saw the ‘toon.
Hey!
On a lighter note, today is my birthday! You guys have probably wondered why I’m such a lovable guy!
Happy Valentine’s Day to all you guys! Do something nice with the one you love today!
Happy birthday Hank. Hope it is a good one for you.
Did y’all catch that duck on the bottom right? The Crowson cartoon that is.
Happy birthday Hank. Hope it’s a good day and the first day of your best year yet.
Happy Birthday, Hank! I hear that having birthdays are good for you…the more you have, the longer you are around!
I made a post at 10:35 a.m. that shows but says, “Your comment is awaiting moderation.”
What does that mean? Does it show for anyone else? Now, I’m one of the bad guys or something? Well, that’s a new experience. hmmm…
I see no post of yours at 10:30 anything. Sorry Linda. if you’re one of the bad guy, I’d hate to meet the good.
I’m surprised they haven’t put up a blog about Romney endorsing McCain. Will it matter?
Heckler
Posted February 14, 2008 at 10:29 am
Heckler
Posted February 14, 2008 at 10:35 am
ksfarmgrrl
Posted February 14, 2008 at 10:36 am
littlejohn
Posted February 14, 2008 at 10:49 am
that’s my list of posts.
MonkeyHawk
Posted February 14, 2008 at 11:27 am | Permalink
Did no one else notice that John “Straight Talk” McCain voted FOR! water-boarding yesterday?!
I didn’t see that, but I saw thatit is officially illegal for the CIA to do. It is said they only used it 3 timees in 2003, who knows.
OK, I just went to it, copied and pasted it and reposted exactly. Once again, I can see it, BUT it says AGAIN Your comment is awaiting moderation. So no one else even sees it? Shoot — it’s got no bad words, nothing controversial, hmmm. Guess I’m suspect if not already considered a bad guy, huh? Oh well.
Heh
Happy birthday Hank.
Not only will Willard endorse McCain, he is releasing his delegates to him.
Con hope dies today. And here I was thinking old Willard had some intrigue in mind.
Hey linda I think that is a glitch. I got that moderation thing one time. And it was one of my rare posts that didn’t need it.
#
lindainks55
Posted February 14, 2008 at 1:05 pm | Permalink
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
#
lindainks55
Posted February 14, 2008 at 10:35 am | Permalink
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
ghotiphaze, I know we shouldn’t and probably don’t need a day set aside to think about caring for people, but I like it anyway. I hope everyone has someone to appreciate today AND someone who appreciates them back!
I don’t regularly contribute to hall mark, but if it helps the economy… lol Just joking! My granddaughters and I made some interesting valentines to let people know they are liked and appreciated. My hubby said he went shopping to get me a s e x y negligee but all the local hardware store carries carries are nail aprons (which, btw, he considered). He ended up at the local grocer where he purchased flowers and candy. What a shopper he is!
I took out the THREE names of retailers and added spaces between the letters of what might be a word that shouldn’t be used to see if it posts. This has me intrigued.
Can y’all see that one?
That must have been the ‘bad word’ Linda. For some reason, their bot scanner also screens out the full spelling of the state abbreviated by TX. Strange…
get the leather double bagger. It works as crotchless.
I’m terribly bad with birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, etc. I’d never know it was my birthday if the wife and kids didn’t put a screensaver on the ‘puter to let me know. My wife’s birthday is in one of the ‘M’ months. And if the paper and news didn’t start reminding me 2 weeks ahead of time, I’d forget my anniversary (9-11)
I used the root word of your spaced in another board. It went. And with some of the words flying on these boards, that shoulda gone.
Oh well, I’m not s e x y anymore anyway! Might look OK in that nail apron IF there was lots of covering under it. That’s funny that I was a bad guy for awhile. (giggle)
Sorry for the long note, but I don’t have a link. This is from my Dad. He spent a bit of time in Venezuela with the Foreign Service (a branch of Department of State) and keeps an eye on things down there.
I was worried about war with Iran. Looks like we may be starting issues with our southern neighbors.
Original story follows:
*********************************************************************************************************************************************
United States backs Exxon Mobil
WASHINGTON, Feb 13 (Reuters) – The United States on Wednesday backed Exxon Mobil Corp’s effort to win compensation from Venezuela for seized assets in a case that has prompted the OPEC nation to threaten to cut off oil supplies to America.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a foe of the United States, says Exxon court victories that resulted in $12 billion in Venezuelan assets being frozen over the seizure is part of an “economic war” to unseat him directed by the Bush administration.
Despite its support for Exxon, the United States denies it is working to oust Chavez and has distanced itself from the specific legal case.
“We fully support the efforts of Exxon Mobil to get a just and fair compensation package for their assets according to the standards of international law,” said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.
“But we are not involved in that dispute. It is something that has to be litigated between Venezuela and Exxon Mobil and various courts around the world,” he added.
Chavez stopped oil exports to Exxon on Tuesday, escalating Venezuela’s multibillion-dollar fight with the U.S. company over his nationalization of a project last year that was part-owned by Exxon and Britain’s BP.
Separately, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told lawmakers on Capitol Hill that U.S. officials were looking into whether a recently reported deal between Venezuela’s state-run oil company and Iran violates U.S. law.
Rice said she was examining issues raised by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen about a reported $1 billion deal late last year between Venezuela’s state-run Petroleos de Venezuela SA, which owns the Citgo subsidiary in the United States, and Iran’s Petropars, a unit of the National Iranian Oil Company.
Ros-Lehtinen wrote to Rice and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson last week asking they probe whether Citgo benefited from the company’s deal with Iran. She also asked whether the deal violates the “letter or the spirit” of the U.S. Iran Sanctions Act, intended to deter investment in Iran.
“I want to thank you for raising the question. Of course, we’re looking into it,” Rice told Ros-Lehtinen, a Florida Republican, during an appearance before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. A Citgo spokesman in Houston could not be reached for comment.
A group of 21 Republican legislators, including Ros-Lehtinen, is also looking to pass a resolution that would add Venezuela to a list of countries that support terrorism.
The motion requested an investigation into whether Venezuela could be defined as providing sanctuary for terrorists. Chavez’s critics accuse him of allowing Colombia’s Marxist guerrillas to cross the porous border into Venezuela.
Chavez, who opposes the war in Iraq, brushed aside the accusations and said the United States should examine its own record.
“The first country that has to be on the list for supporting terrorism is called the United States,” he said. “The first on the list of people is George W. Bush.”
Britain, where a court issued a temporary ruling in favor of Exxon over Chavez’s seizure, also sought to distance itself from the Exxon case on Wednesday to avoid harming ties with the OPEC nation.
“The judiciary is independent. It’s important to avoid that this adversely affects the good ties we have with Venezuela,” British Ambassador Catherine Royle told reporters after dozens of Venezuelans protested the court ruling outside the embassy in Caracas.
Exxon and fellow American oil company ConocoPhillips quit Venezuela over a wave of nationalizations last year. BP was one of several European companies that struck deals to remain in the seized projects as minority partners.
(Reporting by Sue Pleming and Susan Cornwell; additional reporting by Saul Hudson and Frank Jack Daniel in Caracas, Editing by Philip Barbara)
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Also, to be fair, Chavez has noting against America or Americans, just a real hard on over Bush (no pun intended :-D )
I’ll send this one Valentine, I love everyone. Hearts,roses and chocolates and candle light dinners to all of you.
Kristof explains why torture and Gitmo are not great ideas:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/opinion/14kristof.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
Sol as soon as Obama or Clinton are President, the threat of war with Chavez will end.
They will be on the same side as Chavez. And asset redistribution in the USA will begin. Clinton specifically said she wants to steal the profits of the oil companies.
Socialism here we come!
Way past due.
Behold the terrible future!
http://rofl.wheresthebeef.co.uk/Hilary%20Castro.jpg
My fears on the Venezuela issue:
Exxon is already screwed. Now more black gold from down south for them. As soon as the legalities settle, Venezuela will pull every dollar it has out of the US. Less money for the banks to invest.
What I fear will hurt the US the most is that Venezuela will go to the Euro instead of the dollar. That’ll start the dominoes for the rest of the OPEC nations. And that will further devalue the dollar.
Anti,
Isn’t that Hillary visiting Obama’s office in Houston?
The Phantom
Posted February 14, 2008 at 2:47 pm | Permalink
Way past due.
_______________________________________
Phantom,
If you prefer socialism, the door to the south is always open. Chavez will welcome you with open arms.
Socialism may be what the Venezuelans want, but that is not what our country is founded on.
I Beleive it is. And I have to say her beard has come along quite nicely! It screams socialist sex apeal!
So the US converts to the Euro too.
God, I hope that is not what is coming.
The face of “Progressives” is not a pretty one
Phantom, I personally hope they do take Exxons money. And when they do and the price of OIL doubles to the consumer, well I can say you asked for it. hey why your at it, tax the companies at a higher tax rate and everything increases in price I can say you asked for it. once you relize that a company uses your money to pay their taxes you might not want that to happen again.
Steven – That was a well written article, but the problem is, people that think it’s okay to torture in the name of fighting “terrorism” will not see what it is doing to our great country. Ostriches!
GMC–
Considering that the Jewish candidate attacked is a DEMOCRATIC candidate, what the hell are you talking about?
JR–
Unfortunately for Mrs. Clinton, people who answer the phone for surveys are not always the same highly-motivated people who vote in primaries.
Hispanics favor Clinton to Obama 87% to 8% in Ohio.
One wonders why there’s such a divide between the brown and the black.
It may very well be that one can be a victim of racism and still victimize others on that basis.
Less than 20,000 Kansans are all that showed up to vote for the loser, what’s his name?
Huckleberry?
Yeah what DOES Hickabee do now?
Rommney’s handed over delegates put McCain over the top.
Unless…
Hickabee chooses to continue on and hope Romney’s delegates can be swayed away. But that means taking it clear to the convention.
McCain – seventy two years old – semi-senile – can’t remember if he is for or against – whatever it might be – wants to cut taxes, except when he doesn’t – is in favor of many more wars and a hundred year occupation of Iraq – hasn’t a clue how to pay for it except by cutting taxes – except he doesn’t always want to cut taxes – despises religious right fundamentalism, except when he doesn’t – is for the Second Amendment, the one that states that “You shall have no other gods before me.”
Yeah, we SAW that movie once already – it sucked – let’s try another theater.
Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeshhhhhhh..
I JUST GOT THIS IN EMAIL >>>>
Agenda for the 2008 Democratic National Convention (Just Released)
7:00 pm Opening flag burning
7:15 pm Pledge of Allegiance to the U.N. in Spanish
7:20 pm Ted Kennedy proposes a toast
7:25 pm Nonreligious prayer and worship with Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton
7:45 pm Ceremonial tree hugging
7:55 pm Ted Kennedy proposes a toast
8:00 pm How I Invented the Internet – Al Gore
8:15 pm Gay Wedding – Barney Frank presiding
8:35 pm Ted Kennedy proposes a toast
8:40 pm Our Troops are War Criminals – John Kerry
9.00 pm Saddam Memorial Rally – Cindy Sheehan and Susan Sarandon
11.00 pm Ted Kennedy proposes a toast
11:05 pm Collection for the Osama Bin Laden kidney transplant fund – Barbara Streisand
11:15 pm Free the Freedom Fighters from Guantanamo Bay – Sean Penn
11:30 pm Oval Office Affairs – William Jefferson Clinton
11:45 pm Ted Kennedy proposes a toast
11:50 pm How George Bush Brought Down the World Trade Towers – Howard Dean & Rosie O’Donnell
12:15 am “Truth in Broadcasting Award” – Presented to Dan Rather by Michael Moore
12:25 am Ted Kennedy proposes a toast
12:30 am Satellite address by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
12:45 am Nomination of Hillary Rodham Clinton by Nancy Pelosi
12:50 am Speech and toast by Hugo Chavez to the departure of “the great satan”, ‘W’ Bush
12:55 am Hillary proposes a toast to our 89 million new Democratic Mexican voters
1:00 am Ted Kennedy proposes a toast to the extinction of the Republican party.
1:05 am Coronation of Hillary Rodham Clinton
1:30 am Ted Kennedy proposes a toast
1:35 am Bill Clinton asks Ted Kennedy to drive Hillary home
Now, THAT agenda is just about as accurate, as Max’s idea of Socialism, which Max STILL will not post on the Blog!!
I think we need to have a Blog demonstration here until Max posts his definition of Socialism!!
Max’ definition of socialism is anything that doesn’t benefit him.
Just google it Chas.
It’s not MY definition.
Socialist = Chas looking in the mirror
Socialist = Modern Democrat Socialist Party
“Socialist = Modern Democrat Socialist Party”
Damn, that is freakin’ FUNNY Max – yuk, yuk, yuk!!!
That’s damn near as funny as the oxymoron “compassionate conservative.”
What a flippin’ HOOT!!!!!!!
Yeah, right.
Moron.
And on GMC’s post, if you care to r-e-a-d it, is about a Democrat primary where a black democrat candidate is racially attacking a jewish democrat candidate.
Democrats, party of kindness, karing, and kompassion?
I didn’t think Democrat’s allowed Jews to join their party. Look what they did to Lieberman.
See ya all later. Got a hot date tonight.
Have fun playing with yourselves.
Democrats’ issues with Lieberman have nothing to do with his religion. Just like the issues some have with Zell Miller who, to the best of my knowledge, is NOT Jewish.
LIEberman is a Republican – look over McCain’s shoulder, who do you see?
Joe “the Traitor” LIEberman.
“The federal government has certain expressed powers (also called enumerated powers), including the right to levy taxes, declare war, and regulate interstate and foreign commerce. In addition, the necessary-and-proper clause gives the federal government the implied power to pass any law “necessary and proper” for the execution of its express powers. Powers that the Constitution does not delegate to the federal government or forbid to the states—the reserved powers—are reserved to the people or the states.[2]”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federalism#United_States
================================
“In the America of 1788, power over people was first divided between the state and federal governments, and within those, the judicial, executive, and legislative of each. Because of the division of power, a “double security arises to the rights of the people. The governments will control each other, at the same time that each will be controlled by itself”[6].”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federalist_No._51
Max, we KNOW you wont agree with the PROPER definition of Socialism… Thats WHY I want you to post your definition… Cause what the definition says, and what YOU rant about daily, are not anywhere close!! LOL
Main Entry: so·cial·ism
Pronunciation: \?s?-sh?-?li-z?m\
Function: noun
Date: 1837
1: any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods
2 a: a system of society or group living in which there is no private property b: a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state
3: a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done
===================================
MAX — Please note that NOTHING in the Democratic Party of today even comes close to suggesting ANY ONE of these three definitions….
A Further link for other definitions >>>>
http://aolsvc.merriam-webster.aol.com/dictionary
Have fun reading, Max…. And then try again on your bloody definition of Socialism!!
I’ll always have the argument that, taken on face value, socialist ideals are noble. But in reality, it’s a great way to consolidate wealth. Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Mihn and their cohorts all lived in opulence while the rest in squalor. Socialism worked for them. But it is fascinating that American bankers helped finance the Bolshevik Revolution, it seems we were just doing our part to help the Czar out.
Max – Also, please note that “health care” is NEITHER a “means of production” NOR is it a “distribution of goods”
Once again, your wacko definition of national health care fails to meet a socialist definition… Try again!!
The guy who wrote the book.
Here’s another “insightful” read by him.
If you got the money, the trick is to fund both sides, then you can’t lose. Maybe that’s going on now? Nah, things are different now, we’ve all been promised change from every President since then. Bush made a good whipping boy as did Clinton and on and on…
Looks like the House is finally growing some balls:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23169760
House holds Bush’s ex-aides in contempt
WASHINGTON – The House voted Thursday to hold two of President Bush’s confidants in contempt for failing to cooperate with an inquiry into whether federal prosecutors were ousted for political reasons.
It is the first time in 25 years that a full chamber of Congress has voted on a contempt of Congress citation.’
While this may only be symbolic it is at least a beginning.
That is just the kind of conspiracy theory we heard on the Blog yesterday from Sol, when I challenged his assault on the formation of the Federal Reserve, and asked if he wanted the conspiracy theories, or the actual story… LOL I couldnt remember Sutton’s name… Thanks Pleefer…
With an approval rating hovering around 22%, they ought to be doing something to make it look like they are working.
Well, it’s about time Ben… I’ve been waiting for 7 years to see something like this happen…
Gotta stay on top of this story!!
This is THE “Conspiracy Theory” book on the Fed. Pick it up, you might learn something. Remember if two or more people get together to commit a crime…it’s a “conspiracy”. I’m beyond listening to people who link the stigma associated with “conspiracy” with people that learn truths not told in the dumbed down school system. Read a little more, my friend. The web gives you no excuse when it comes to learning. But then again, we were taught to not believe everything we read and I don’t. That’s why I don’t believe a lot of crap that poses as “news” these days.
It’s wiki, but still, I think you’d want to read it Chas. Scroll down until you reach “Role in the history of the Federal Reserve”. Have a laugh.
Oh and you’ll notice that one of only three Republicans who voted for the contempt was MY boy, Ron Paul. Those Repugnicans who walked out, walked out on the Constitution. They are useless cretins.
I hope they’ll next convene a Grand Jury and take it all the way, with Rove in tow. The constitution is business long neglected.
We don’t need no stinking constitution! It’s only a worthless piece of paper!
Those people don’t deserve to have “Republican” after their useless names. And soon we’ll be hearing from the dumbed down neo-con followers of Bushco crying that “these people who voted are whiners and UNAMERICAN!”. I want impeachment hearings on Bushco, now that would be PATRIOTIC! I always emphasize PATRIOTIC! and UNAMERICAN! because idiots for some reason misuse or worse don’t understand the meanings of the words. They use those words in just the same way they want me to respect someone in uniform (cop or military) just cause they wear or have worn a uniform. I don’t pass out respect like that, you must earn respect (my father a Viet Nam vet and my grandfather a WW2 vet taught me that). But neo-cons will use a tactic like, “you aren’t supporting the troops” or something like that to disparage REAL thought in America. You neo-cons can KMA.
“In the America of 1788, power over people”
Quote from Chas above.
I see the Liberals are still trying to find a way to make sure government has complete control over the people.
The government of the US is limited in its power and control over the people by the Constitution. The Liberals keep trying to turn things the other way around.
What is it with you people who want big powerful government running your lives? The Liberals think that government can solve every problem, provide for every need, and make sure everyone has equal wealth. Stealing from the rich to give to the poor is required to equalize everything.
Idiots want to enslave themselves in return for some perceived prosperity they think the government will give to them, without having to work for it.
Chas your definition of socialism above describes to a “t” the Democrat party. You filth and vermin disgust me.
“I see the Liberals are still trying to find a way to make sure government has complete control over the people.”
Oh? From the same link:
“Republicans said Democrats should instead be working on extending a law — set to expire Saturday — allowing the government to eavesdrop on phone calls and e-mails in the United States”
Looks more like it is the Republics who want “complete control over the people.”
Tap Herroni — you brain dead Slut… That is NOT MY definition… it comes from Merriam Webster Dictionary… And it does NOT define the Democrat or Republican parties… It defines exactly what it says: S o c i a l i s m…
I am quite sorry if you are unable to read plain and simple English…
Chas – scum Tap just wants to exercise his voyeirism with his fellow Republics and then hurl all sorts of names at people. He ‘projects’ a lot.
Tap Herroni (or whoever) ignorantly writes >>>
“Idiots want to enslave themselves in return for some perceived prosperity they think the government will give to them, without having to work for it.”
And yet another LIE… A simple read of the DICTIONARY definition of Socialism expressly states that one of the purposes of a Socialist State is to provide benefits for the WORKERS…
Please note the term WORKERS… and BENEFITS…
Socialism has NEVER claimed that it wants people to get something for nothing… Where you lunatic wackos keep getting that notion beats hell out of me… Cause, it JUST AINT THERE!!!
Projects??? more like a very bad hologram!! LOL
Tap Herroni – similar to pepperoni but not as good, nor valuable to the general populous.
Or, just another right wing yahoo switching nics to make the Blog look more conservative.
Or just another idiot.
Take your pick.
You see, Tap (Max) In Socialism, its not the PEOPLE who want benefits from the government… it’s the Government who wants and gets benefits from the WORKERS… while insuring that the workers have JOBS — not at the same pay — but at the same opportunity — as all other workers… in “the means of production” and “distribution of goods” Please keep in mind the kinds of WORKERS who work in those two categories…
Clark, I dont much care what James claims about using other nics… I dont believe him anymore… As far as Tap Herroni, or Pat Herron, that is just one of many vile, hate filled, vitriolic puking reich wing, racially challenged, facist leaning lunatics running loose in our great land of freedom, that permits such a lunatic to run free…
Chas.
Posted February 14, 2008 at 6:22 pm | Permalink
Clark, I dont much care what James claims about using other nics… I dont believe him anymore… As far as Tap Herroni, or Pat Herron, that is just one of many vile, hate filled, vitriolic puking reich wing, racially challenged, facist leaning lunatics running loose in our great land of freedom, that permits such a lunatic to run free
————————–
Okay Chas/Sugar/Das
That means I don’t have to believe you either. :)
Hey, Dumbass… You already know that sugar is female… And as for Das?? I have already been on record as saying Das occasionally visits me, and uses my computer… Because somebody else uses my computer on the Blog, does not make it ME… As for Sugar, I dont know where she is right now… Emails suggest somewhere in California at the moment… Das?? He is lecturing out of the country… He wont stay at my house in Wichita if I am not there… He doesnt think it appropriate to stay there with my wife, when I am out of town…
Now, DumKopf… You got any more gripes??? YOU have admitted to using other names… YOU have admitted to once stealing someone else’s nic… WHY should we believe you now?? I can count at least THREE nics that you have used just in the past year… And thats just the ones I KNOW of!!
So, why dont you just take your self-righteous A$$ and back off of other posters!!
Oh yea, Regular/Kansas/Republican/James/JM/et al
Tap Herroni which master do we serve? The uncaring capitalist who promotes a system based on meeting the needs of the very few or democracy which serves the needs of the majority of the people. The problem with conservatives is they down deep they are afraid of democracy. In a democracy if the people wanted the health benifits of the few all they have to do is vote for a party who will give it to them. Capitalism unchecked benfits the few and controls the majority.
Woman applying for new ID says she’s 120
The Associated Press
Israeli Arab Mariam Amash kisses a young member of her family at her home in the northern Israeli village of Jisr a-Zarka, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008. Amash, who recently applied for a new Israeli identity card, claims she was born 120 years ago _ a claim, if confirmed, would make her the oldest person in the world. The Guinness Book of Records currently lists 114-year-old Edna Parker of Shelbyville, Ind., as holding that title.
Sebastian Scheiner
Fox News
If a 120 year old can go get an identity card, then there’s no excuse for others not to get one so they can be ID’d while voting. :D
Oh yea, Regular, YOU once said you didnt see why it is necessary for posters to just use one nic… I have never said that!! IN fact, I have advocated some form of monitoring on this Blog, to stop such things…
Can YOU say the same???
Okay fine, Chas/Sugar/Das. :)
Sure Chas,Sugar, Das. They can even come put an electronic monitor on my computer if they want. I have nothing to hide and don’t use other nics other than this one.
Oh thats rich… Of course, IF you lived in Israel, as I understand it, YOU would not be blogging anonymously either… YOU and ALL of us would have to be registered in order to use a public Blog such as this one…
Of course, you wouldnt like that… Israel is a neat country… but they have a lot different idea about citizen control there than we have here…
SO, your response to me, is yet another LIE??
YOU dont like it when others claim you are using other nics… And yet, I tell YOU I am not using anything but Chas, and YOU call me a LIAR!!
YOU sir, are one sick work of art!!
I’ve written more than once that they should have a sign in for the WE Blog and it’s not that complicated of a thing to implement.
What do you want from me Chas/Sugar/Das?
I tell you I only post under this nic and daily you call me a liar along with other posters accusing me of using other nics.
You and your fellow libs are about the most judgmental, biased, homophobic, bigoted and double standard people I’ve ever encountered.
Heck, some like the Capn, JR and WSClark make fun of the fact that I’m handicapped.
These are your friends Chas. You earned them.
Now go put your white hood and burn some “star of Davids” or some “wooden crosses.”
Not only that, you claim I am other EXISTING individuals… Living… Breathing… People…
And you continue to LIE about that… You LIE about that, and then you expect others to believe you about using other nics???
Hey, I really dont care… I dont know WHY you or any of the others would do such a stupid thing… But I really dont care if you use a 100 different nics… So, what is your obsession with trying to assign other nics to people who are ALSO not using them???
Now, are you going to stop LYING, or what??
Sure thing Chas/Sugar/Das…
Hey, you earned that yourself… YOU are the one who quesstions other males about the size of their gonads… YOU ALONE… “Regular” I hate to tell you this… but that is SO WARPED… You earn any kind of harrassment you might get!!
Now, STOP LYING!!! I am NOT sugar… I am NOT Das…. I AM CHAS. YOU FOOL!! GET OVER IT!! NUMEROUS BLOGGERS KNOW WHO I AM… THEY HAVE ACTUALLY MET ME…
LYING IDIOTS LIKE YOU MESS UP THE ENTIRE BLOG FOR EVERYBODY!! SO JUST STOP THE CRAP!! GO BACK TO YOUR 3-D PROJECTS…
Chas.
Posted February 14, 2008 at 6:22 pm | Permalink
Clark, I dont much care what James claims about using other nics… I dont believe him anymore…
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I don’t believe Chas/Sugar/Das anymore either…
Ahhh but James… I have never used any nic on this Blog except for Chas. NEVER!! Not in 4 years!!
Can YOU say the same???
Of course not, SO, you have to keep up your Friggin Lies about ME and others!!! SOME of us are just plain FED UP with your B*** S***!!
The blog isn’t 4 years old Chas.
Every one knows, I’m RepubliKhan, Kansas, Republican and Regular. The first three were associated with my personal blog and I was registered to TypePad to use them.
Then of course, my real name…unless you think I don’t have a right to use that either.
You spout so much BS yourself Chas, you could could supply the entire world with fertilizer.
“Regular, YOU once said you didnt see why it is necessary for posters to just use one nic.”
Once? He’s made it his sole campaign since his big blow up back a year ago.
Sometime I should go mine some of that stuff. Ol’ James went on a 3 day meltdown. He so thouroughly embarrassed himself that he went to changing his nics.
That said, why do you dance with this clown Chas? Leave him alone and he’ll invent nics to talk to himself.
See the one he wants to leave out is “JM”
That’s his original nic.
JR I just want him to leave me and my friends, Sugar, and Das, out of his attacks!! I dont really honestly care how many nics he uses… And yes, I noticed he left out JM… LOL
That’s not what I said or implied JR.
I said on the other blog, it was an anonymous blog. If the poster wanted to post as Fred one day and Roger the next, there wasn’t a whole lot I could do about it nor should I worry about it.
I’ve learned what true Libs are – they are liars and there is absolutely zero compassionate about them.
They are hate mongering, grudge holding bigots who promote their agenda of disruptive influence and intimidation tactics.
In other words, scum of the world.
Hey Hank,
Use an anonymous nic and post JR’s email and real name on this blog – so he can get a taste of what it is like.
I want to hear ol’ JR squeal like the coward he is.
The feeling is mutual for ya there James.
Regular, like tap, is projecting. In fact, it really seems like he is looking in a mirror!
You’ve used multiple nics too Ben and I’ve caught you at it more than once.
James I didn’t post your name. I wasn’t even around when it was figured out.
And I wouldn’t mess with you if you weren’t such a wanker. From what I understand you either posted your OWN personal info or so provoked and threatened other posters that they did it for you.
And I for one am glad that they did. I’d want to know if there was a dangerous, ill, kook that could show up at a meetup or on my front lawn just as I’d want to know one was living next door to me.
Now bugger off. I’ve better things to do.
“Heck, some like the Capn, JR and WSClark make fun of the fact that I’m handicapped.”
Damn, I have NEVER made fun of the fact that you are handicapped, McCreepy.
I have made fun of the fact that you use multiple nics.
I have made fun of the fact that you switch nics as often as most folks switch underwear.
I have made fun of the fact that you STEAL nics and post under other folk’s names.
I have made fun of the fact that you are an anti-Semitic racist fool.
I have made fun of the fact that you are a fifty eight year old virgin.
I have made fun of the fact that you constantly deride the scientific background of others, while having NONE of your own.
I have made fun of the fact that you are the number one purveyor of ad hominem attacks while claiming innocence for yourself.
I have made fun of your hypocrisy and two-faced approach to the world.
I have made fun of your obsession with the genitals of other posters.
I have NEVER made fun of your handicap.
You, sir, are an idiot and a hypocrite.
Why is the Kansas Senate considering a well hidden tax on the most frail and weak Kansans who are nursing home bound and in the twilight of their lives?
KANSAS TAXPAYERS NETWORK
P.O. Box 20050
Wichita, KS 67208
For Immediate Release Feb. 14, 2008
Kansas Taxpayers Network Opposes New Tax On Elderly
A proposal to raise a new “assessment” or tax on nursing home bound Kansas elderly will have its first hearing in front of the Kansas senate’s Ways and Means Committee February 14. The new charge on nursing home residents will total $1,733.75 a year or $4.75 a day if the proposed bill, S.B. 585, becomes state law. Nursing home operators would be required to collect this charge from nursing home residents who are not covered by Medicaid or are in a veterans home. This legislation is structured to turn the nursing homes into unpaid tax collectors for the state and make them the fall guys by having this new charge hidden in their current bills.
“The proposed ‘assessment’ is actually a new and well hidden tax on the most frail and weak Kansans who are nursing home bound and in the twilight of their lives. Many of this nursing home residents and their families are struggling to pay their current nursing home bills without this massive new charge being added,” said Karl Peterjohn, executive director of the Wichita based Kansas Taxpayers Network. Peterjohn will be testifying in opposition to this proposed new state charge. Peterjohn’s committee testimony is below.
The Kansas Taxpayers Network has been testifying against a variety of proposed new taxes, fees, and charges coming out of the 2008 legislature. KTN has opposed raising state excise taxes, against the new carbon tax that would dramatically raise Kansans utility bills, and worked for a proposal to limit property tax growth. “Normally proposals to raise Kansas taxes follow an election year. So it is quite unusual to see so many tax hikes and other so called “revenue enhancements” appear this year. There seems to be a consensus that Americans in general and Kansans in particular do not mind seeing new or higher taxes and fees placed upon them. KTN’s supporters across Kansas remain opposed to seeing more of their hard earned money grabbed by government at all levels,” said Peterjohn.
I’m sure this is old news to everyone but I have to reiterate my positions from above. Gotta love Grand-pappy Bush
I found this recently exposed speech of Bush, and it’s insane!
Dance mix! Bush rules!
Yea,
That’ll work Regular. He’ll never guess it was me.
J R is overall annoying, but he does have a certain set of principals that he brings to the BLOG.
I choose to go by my name because it’s just too much trouble to use a nic. I post to this BLOG from three different places, depending on where I’m at. Hell, four if you count now. I’m on my lap top in our bedroom stealing bandwidth from my neighbor’s wifi.
Now, if J R wants to use a nic I’ll respect that. I believe he shows me the same respect.
I know Hank.
Just gets old for the Lib hypocrites accusing me of being other posters.
I bet the other posters that whine about me so much, wouldn’t be so arrogant if their real names were on the blog.
Troll-boy……just admit to what you are!
……or better yet, leave this blog forever!
Dear Regular,
On a submarine after you’ve been submerged for a month or two the crew becomes a different species. There is an esprit de Corps that is unique among the military services.
If you are an annoying personality they will break you. If they can find something that gets to you, you’ll get no peace. It’s no fun to pick on someone that doesn’t seem to care.
I have no idea of the genesis of the animosity between you and others on this BLOG, but trust me, it is reciprocal.
You guys are engaged in a snowball fight that will only cease if one side quits throwing snow. I try to stay out of it because you all seem to be having such a good time.
I have stayed out for a week Hank and they still talk about me and blame me for stuff.
Brownlee needs to get off his dead ass and make a sign in for this blog.
“wouldn’t be so arrogant if their real names were on the blog.”
So, why didn’t you use YOUR real name for over a year and a half, McCreepy?
Why aren’t you using YOUR real name now, McCoward?
When are YOU going to out ME, McCluer?
After all, I AM using my real name.
Huh?
What a sorry excuse for a man you are, Regular.
BAE: secret papers reveal threats from Saudi prince
Spectre of ‘another 7/7′ led Tony Blair to block bribes inquiry, high court told
David Leigh and Rob Evans
The Guardian,
Friday February 15 2008
Saudi Arabia’s rulers threatened to make it easier for terrorists to attack London unless corruption investigations into their arms deals were halted, according to court documents revealed yesterday.
Previously secret files describe how investigators were told they faced “another 7/7″ and the loss of “British lives on British streets” if they pressed on with their inquiries and the Saudis carried out their threat to cut off intelligence.
Prince Bandar, the head of the Saudi national security council, and son of the crown prince, was alleged in court to be the man behind the threats to hold back information about suicide bombers and terrorists. He faces accusations that he himself took more than £1bn in secret payments from the arms company BAE.
He was accused in yesterday’s high court hearings of flying to London in December 2006 and uttering threats which made the prime minister, Tony Blair, force an end to the Serious Fraud Office investigation into bribery allegations involving Bandar and his family.
The threats halted the fraud inquiry, but triggered an international outcry, with allegations that Britain had broken international anti-bribery treaties.
Lord Justice Moses, hearing the civil case with Mr Justice Sullivan, said the government appeared to have “rolled over” after the threats. He said one possible view was that it was “just as if a gun had been held to the head” of the government.
The SFO investigation began in 2004, when Robert Wardle, its director, studied evidence unearthed by the Guardian. This revealed that massive secret payments were going from BAE to Saudi Arabian princes, to promote arms deals.
Yesterday, anti-corruption campaigners began a legal action to overturn the decision to halt the case. They want the original investigation restarted, arguing the government had caved into blackmail.
The judge said he was surprised the government had not tried to persuade the Saudis to withdraw their threats. He said: “If that happened in our jurisdiction [the UK], they would have been guilty of a criminal offence”. Counsel for the claimants said it would amount to perverting the course of justice.
Wardle told the court in a witness statement: “The idea of discontinuing the investigation went against my every instinct as a prosecutor. I wanted to see where the evidence led.”
But a paper trail set out in court showed that days after Bandar flew to London to lobby the government, Blair had written to the attorney general, Lord Goldsmith, and the SFO was pressed to halt its investigation.
The case officer on the inquiry, Matthew Cowie, was described by the judge as “a complete hero” for standing up to pressure from BAE’s lawyers, who went behind his back and tried to secretly lobby the attorney general to step in at an early stage and halt the investigations.
The campaigners argued yesterday that when BAE failed at its first attempt to stop the case, it changed tactics. Having argued it should not be investigated in order to promote arms sales, it then recruited ministers and their Saudi associates to make the case that “national security” demanded the case be covered up.
Moses said that after BAE’s commercial arguments failed, “Lo and behold, the next thing there is a threat to national security!” Dinah Rose, counsel for the Corner House and the Campaign against the Arms Trade, said: “Yes, they start to think of a different way of putting it.” Moses responded: “That’s very unkind!”
Documents seen yesterday also show the SFO warned the attorney general that if he dropped the case, it was likely it would be taken up by the Swiss and the US. These predictions proved accurate.
Bandar’s payments were published in the Guardian and Switzerland subsequently launched a money-laundering inquiry into the Saudi arms deal. The US department of justice has launched its own investigation under the foreign corrupt practices act into the British money received in the US by Bandar while he was ambassador to Washington.
Prince Bandar yesterday did not contest a US court order preventing him from taking the proceeds of property sales out of the country. The order will stay in place until a lawsuit brought by a group of BAE shareholders is decided. The group alleges that BAE made £1bn of “illegal bribe payments” to Bandar while claiming to be a “highly ethical, law-abiding corporation”.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/15/bae.armstrade?gusrc=rss&feed=worldnews
James of the many nics.
It was just about a year ago that you had an episode here that left you so embarrassed you felt the need to start switching nics. You have made it a cause here to make nics irrelevant since then.
In other words, all of us are supposed to accommodate you.
Well you missed out on it and of course we have new readers all the time. So how’s about a little blog history?
Now, every now and again, we see Hank post with Nathans nic and vice versa. They are father and son, they see each other and share computers. Common knowledge now.
Well it wasn’t always so.
Very early in the history of the blog, there was pretty much a general concensus that Hank and Nathan were the same person. One can understand the confusion since they sometimes share a computer and since their beliefs are so similar.
I even coined a name for them, “Hankathan”.
Let me assure you, they got just the same grief that “Regular” or JM or “Kansas” or whatever nic that James posts under gets. And to tell the truth, I didn’t believe they were two separate people myself until I met them in person. After that, those of us who HAD met them had to do a lot of convincing for those who had not. I mean this is a confusion that went on for months.
But the thing was? We were wrong. The confusion was the fault, well mostly, of the confused. Most of the original bloggers here took a lesson from that. That is likely a big part of the defensiveness as to nics. It is for me anyway.
Now James the same is NOT true of you. You made your own reputation in one nic. Then you wanted to be able to just shed that and be a new person again. Well that isn’t fair and it isn’t honest.
And now you ask Hank to fight your battles for you.
And please spare me James, any high hat ideas as to posting under real names. YOU never have posted under yours. Well, except for one meltdown when everyone already knew anyway.
I don’t use my real name here precisely because of ill people like you. It is not so much that I am not proud of everything I post here. It is more I don’t want someone like you taking my name and speaking for me.
What really pisses me off James is how many people you smear with your own crap. I know NOW that ksgrm is a real person and not just another of your constructs. I know that because Hank met her and however I may disagree with Hank I will take his word on that. Another thing is how many people on BOTH sides who have stood up for you only so you could go right on back to behavior as usual. You want to disgrace and humiliate yourself fine. Leave my friends AND my more respectable “enemies” out of it.
Finally? You might want to take a look at Crowson’s cartoon today James. I think you were his inspiration. The editors have not hosted a meetup for more than a year now. Now this blog has known its share of….extreme posters. But we never had one the editors were honestly afraid of.
Congratulations on that I guess for you. Me I think it is sad that one disturbed individual ( and at this point I honestly do not CARE why you are disturbed) can cause so much trouble, confusion, and attention devoted to someone who honestly does not deserve it.
Great Cartoon Richard!!
JR full of it and himself as usual.
I saw the cartoon and thought it applied to the leftist libs on this blog as well.
Hypocrites all, nic switchers, name stealers and trolls.
You’re just mad at me, because I took it right at you and in your face. The same crap you have been putting on people since day 1 of this blog.
Just angry that someone has stood up to your leftist lib tactics and is still around.
All of you against me and I still kicked your ass.
hahahahaha!
“Hypocrites all, nic switchers, name stealers and trolls.”
Damn, that pretty much describes you, McCreepy, except that you are full of shit, despite your (currently) chosen nic.
If nothing else, McCreepy, you are the absolute King of Gall.
Jesus, what a fleetwood.
You’re wrong about that Regular / JM / Eier / RepubliKhan…
There is no one here who is ashamed of who they are except you. All posters post their opinions and then live with them — whether that means admitting their mistake or defending their opinion, they accept the responsibility of what they posted.
It doesn’t matter whether you ever see that, everyone else does.
“All of you against me and I still kicked your ass.”
Only in your (wet) dreams, McCluer.
Say, how WAS your date with your 3D blow up doll?
Did you get her to go all the way?
No?
Next time try being a real man and she just might buy it.
I agree with you Linda!! And Happy Valentines Day!! I do hope you got something more than a nail apron!! ROFL!!
I post my opinions lindainks55. How would you like it if you get called nic switcher, troll and expletives every day, 7 days a week, 24/7.
That’s what happens to me -
Would you like it lindainks55?
I didn’t think so.
I can’t even make a comment on this blog, an opinion without being called a name, a troll or worse.
If others want me to leave them alone, then leave me alone and just respond to the topic at hand.
I’m not ashamed of who I am lindainks. I’ve done more, been more places, seen more things that 99.99 percent of the people on this blog.
Not once lindainks55 have you made one comment to CapnAmerica, JR and WSClark for their rude, crude and expletive ridden remarks.
Not once.
So when I want your opinion old woman, I’ll ask for it.
You don’t know squat other than the biased, warped mind you live inside. You’re so blind to what is happening that you are as bad as they are.
So, take a hike, run back to your safe blog lindainks55.
“How would you like it if you get called nic switcher, troll and expletives every day, 7 days a week, 24/7.”
We only call you that McCreepy, because you ARE a nic switcher, troll and (shithead.)
And you ARE seven days a week, fifty weeks a year.
Other than that, I am sure that you are a real SWELL guy.
Naw, you’re still an asshole.
Chas, thanks for the good wishes. It was a wonderful day and that man who thought of me when he saw the nail apron is the best man for me! We’re both pretty plain people so we match well. Remember, he married me and four kids nearly 28 years ago. I hope your day was great too! You said you would have a birthday soon. May I ask when?
Go back to your bottle WSClark.
Every one knows your a pathetic old drunk.
Geez, even has ad hominem attacks for the lady… talk about rude and crude…
That’s right Chas, when lindainks55 admits that people like CapnAmerica, JR, Apophis and others attack me for no reason, unprovoked, then I’ll give her leeway.
Until then, she is part of the problem by not saying anything to the others that have done much worse than I ever did.
Just like you Chas/Sugar/Das of accusing me of being other posters.
If only you knew how wrong you are.
Hey, McCoward, still have a fascination for other guy’s balls?
Eh?
Still the lying, half-witted, racist, anti-semitic, misogynist, intolerant, homophobic, son of a bitch that you have always been.
But what else is new?
Get anywhere with that blow up doll, McCoward?
Naw?
Next time offer her some money.
That just MIGHT work……
Loser.
People, in truth, James has not been acting too badly the last one month or so. We have seldom seen him spew split pea soup or turn his head around in 360 degree gyrations.
My name has stayed off of his keyboard and I appreciate that. Wonder if that has to do with my posting his threats against me? Which I honestly don’t take in the least bit seriously.
In the end, he is not terribly interesting. He probably seldom tells the truth – I submit – he is very afraid of the truth. Pity is the appropriate response to this poor soul.
He should be pitied and not censored – my opinion only…
Go back to your booze WSClark, your diseased liver and numb brain demands it. Too late for AA for you Clark, you’ve already screwed up your body beyond repair.
McCreepy……………… meltdown……………. in one………………… two…………..three…………
Goodbye, McCoward.
Sorry, dude, but the world has enough losers already. Take your jerk off act elsewhere………..
Squeeze……………………………..
the……………………..
trigger…………………………
No melt down for me clark.
All you have to do is stare into my cold, dark eyes and realize I never flinch.
Go drown in your bottle now WSClark.
I don’t like any of the attacks, and it doesn’t matter who is doing the attacking or who is being attacked. But I usually know who is posting what. I simply have no respect for anyone who needs to change their nic and not be responsible for previous posts.
There are sooo many public people doing really bad stuff on our dime I see NO reason to attack another poster. We could start now to name those on the public stage who disappoint and I don’t think we’d reach the end of the list very quickly.
What I Find funny about all this talk about outing people, this is a anonymous blog. The only way anyone could possibly find out ones real name, family info, email so on is if your dumb enough to post it yourself.
It is anonymous, thank goodness! Can you imagine some of these people actually knowing who you are and where you live!?? But under a nic we all assume an identity and most of us accept responsibility for that anonymous identity.
whats the story in this thread?
“All you have to do is stare into my cold, dark eyes and realize I never flinch.”
Only in your mind, McCoward, you are Dirty Harry.
While reality is that you are Barney Fife.
Loser. Fifty Eight year old virgin. Wannabe hero, but always has been a loser. Bullied throughout school. Mamma’s boy. Girls laughed at you. Boys kicked your ass. Teachers thought you were a nerd. Coaches cut you from the team before the first practice. Never been there and never will.
All you have is your 3D blow up doll and a keyboard.
Chump.
Never flinch?
Yeah, right.
What a BORN loser.
my nic switch should be easy enough to figure out
lindainks55
Posted February 14, 2008 at 11:22 pm | Permalink
I don’t like any of the attacks, and it doesn’t matter who is doing the attacking or who is being attacked. But I usually know who is posting what. I simply have no respect for anyone who needs to change their nic and not be responsible for previous posts.
——————————-
Then you should have no respect for CapnAmerica who has had dozens of nics and still switches nics.
If you can’t accept me as Regular, lindainks55, then you are the one that has the problem, not me.
Look what happened when my real name was posted on the blog. My sisters email and home address was posted, I received veiled and real threats.
You think that is nothing? Someone sent my sister a letter saying I was insane.
You think that’s funny lindainks?
You don’t know the creeps on the Leftist Lib side that you are dealing with. They can’t keep it here on the blog, they bring outside the blog and threaten people in real life an stalk their house.
This is the kind of creeps you want to be your friends lindainks55?
Are you going to apologize to my sister lindainks55?
She has done nothing, doesn’t even have a computer, yet these creeps on the blog, you know – your friends stalked her house, sent her letters, publicized her email, phone and real address.
You wonder why I want to kick someone’s ass then?
I would like to heart punch each and every one of them.
They think it’s funny. They won’t if I ever see them.
who are you guys talking about?
I’ve always wondered how a pathectic looking man like Hitler ever rose to power. Not only did he look pathetic but he had the attitude of a spoiled school girl.
How come idiots and crazy people seem to find their way into power. This has been puzzling me.
Dont worry James… It wasnt any of the regulars here… We ALL value our relative privacy… what little there is… Even when it means we have to demand you to stop trying to equate other posters to ones who have only ever used ONE NIC…. You know, James.. like ME?? Chas. — Never have used any other… NEVER!! Yet, YOU keep insisting on calling me two others… Which means you are intentionally LYING… and all the whie you complain about others???
Regular/James/Kansas/Republican… two words for you >>>> G R O W U P!!!
Black Rhino… hmmmm would that be some sort of alter ego for White Elephant?? LOL
“You wonder why I want to kick someone’s ass then?”
Only in your pathetic dreams, McCreepy.
Damn, I you wouldn’t even race me for charity.
What a loser.
Go back to your 3D blow up doll, McCoward.
Maybe she’ll buy your sob story.
Loser.
Evidently I’m not lying am I Chas. I’m posting under the name Regular and you know my real life name.
So what is the problem other than you being so paranoid thinking I’m other posters.
“They think it’s funny. They won’t if I ever see them.”
Any time, McCoward, any time.
I still have the letter and the posts WSClark. I can offer to show it to her, so she will know it’s true.
However, I doubt she really cares – I’ve met her type, never willing to condemn those who needed condemning.
You sure have a hang up about 3D dolls Clark, you must have experience with them.
Good Clark, we can meet in 15 minutes, Wichita is a small town.
What do you say?
Come on boy, show me some courage if you have any.
Oh, I’ll wait on your excuse next.
Re JimmyMac,
DNFTT. He’s a complete waste of time, and already very fat.
What is YOUR problem, James, insisting on calling me by sugar, or das… You know DAMNED well I have only ever used Chas. on this Blog!! As I said, for FOUR years I have used that one… And YES there was a Blog here in 2004!! The big debate was over the Homophobic vote in KS that year… Maybe YOU werent here then, but I WAS!!
Regular, don’t ever puff the magic dragon, you might turn into a democrat.
“I’m posting under the name Regular and you know my real life name.”
And how many other nics have you uses, loser?
Ten? Twenty? Thirty?
I bet more.
So why don’t you just stick to one, under your real name?
McCoward.
Loser.
“Good Clark, we can meet in 15 minutes, Wichita is a small town”
Name the place, shithead.
I’m waiting clark or are you scared you might actually meet a monster?
BTW, Regular, did you forget what I said earlier??
I dont really honestly care how many nics you want to use… 4 or 5 so far in just one year, but, shoot, thats OK…
But, yet, YOU keep insisting that I am paranoid of you posting with other nics??? What the hell do I care if you want to make a fool of yourself… You are doing a fine job of it now…
Eh, let’s try this – Meridian and Pawnee – ten minutes.
Chump.
That’s almost to the airport.
How about Denny’s on Harry. We can have coffee and whatever you want to eat.
“Meridian and Pawnee – ten minutes.”
No coffee, no bullshit…………..
You dropped the gloves, McCoward, now back it up.
What is at Meridian and Pawnee? That’s an intersection, not a place.
I’m driving to Denny’s right now, you can be there or not. I’ll be the guy with the full beard and stocking cap.
Sigh….
Here is what I am gonna ask.
If you respect me and my posts here, please let “Regular” aka James mcluer rant away.
He only makes himself and his own ideology look bad, crazy even.
Uh Oh :-(
BlackRhino, this is the same show they put on every night. Stick around awhile, and get to know the players.
“That’s an intersection, not a place.”
QT.
Meridian and Pawnee is a FER piece from the airport… unless they moved it in the last two months…
“I’m driving to Denny’s right now, you can be there or not. I’ll be the guy with the full beard and stocking cap.”
Don’t you believe it.
The crazy James McLuer has also said he lives 38 miles from Wichita. I could go get the post.
But why bother.
WS you are no better than this clown when you are a foil for him.
He makes his own side look bad. Let him.
I am the five foot ten dude with salt and pepper hair and a graying beard with a really bad attitude right about now.
Normally, I am quite charming and even enduring, witty and pleasant.
If you need a friend, I WILL be there for you.
Normally, I am a hell of a nice guy. I would reach out to anyone – I would offer a hand to anyone – I would give the shirt off my back and the one in my closet to anyone that needed it.
But not to McCoward.
My only thought for him is that he figures out how to work the trigger.
Thats OK JR He will use the trusty Transporter, as long as Mr. Scott has it working properly!! ROFL!! :-D
The good news is Regular is gone. On his way to Denneys. Or is he?
No one showed. I am not a violent man, but I have had quite enough of the insults and inuendo.
I will defend mine and myself. Don’t get me wrong folks, I am not looking for a fight, but I will not back down to anyone.
I guess that McCoward is truly a Coward.
End of story.
Good night y’all.
Just a lot of hot keyboard, Clark.. Nite!!
Sad way to end the thread!! Very sad!!
Well, Good night; Good luck;
And God bless; whaatever you conceive
God to be!!
Blessings All!!
Ah Clarkie, you missed a good meal. Myself, I had the two egg breakfast (scrambled), two links, toast and hashbrowns and coffee.
The only people I saw at Denny’s other than the usual “stay up later than they should crowd” was a weak chinned, skinny-legged bow legged guy with glasses and a baseball cap, and a old bald guy who was carrying about 50 pounds more weight than he should.
Too bad old windbag Clark, you missed a chance at a good meal and some conversation.
Maybe next time.
Quick Trip eh? Is that the classiest place you could pick? Or was it because it has security guards there to protect ya. :D
Good night your weakness. :)
Definition of Narcissism below:
“I am the five foot ten dude with salt and pepper hair and a graying beard with a really bad attitude right about now.
Normally, I am quite charming and even enduring, witty and pleasant.” WSClark
Posted February 15, 2008 at 12:04 am
——————————————–
Ummm William, most wait for others to assign those values and not have the person describe themselves with such values.
Remember the time that CapnAmerica was going to meet J.M. at Dillons? They just missed each other – this meeting failed because the two went to seperate places.
I think it is a sign that things have gotten out of hand, when posters here are wanting to meet each other in some kind of manno v. manno episode.
People can do what they want, obviously. But, I would urge people not to do stuff like this.
Actually Steven Davis, I thought that if we shared a meal together and talked, he would find out I wasn’t such a bad person. Of course, he would have gotten a free meal as well. :)