Meanwhile, Dick Cheney as a member of Congress from Wyoming voted to raise taxes 144 times. If 98 tax-hike votes make Kerry a far-out liberal, than Cheney would have to be placed somewhere in the ideological vicinity of Che Guevara
Friday, October 15, 2004
Helpful -- 98 tax raises?
Thank you, Jonathan Chait, for putting the smackdown on this "Kerry voted to raise taxes a million times" crap. And I just love this paragraph:
Unbelievable -- U.S. Rejects U.N. Plan for Women
The United States has refused to join 85 heads of state and government in signing a statement that endorsed a 10-year-old U.N. plan to ensure every woman's right to education, healthcare and choice about having children.
The Bush administration said it withheld its signature because the statement included a reference to "sexual rights."
I guess if we're not talking about lesbians, women's issues just don't matter.
Update: Here's link without registration required.
By the way, the United Nations site is really hard to navigate, so I haven't been able to pull up the text of what this plan says. But I mean c'mon, if it's about women's rights and even China will support it...
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Interesting -- Old school blogging
Here's Drew, the first livejournal/blogger I ever met. We met at a writing workshop/retreat last year in Michigan. I totally lost track of his journal, so I have some catching up to do.
Debate thoughts
Boring debate. By the end of it, I was as tired as they were. I actually avoided the spin on MSNBC, CNN, FOX, etc. afterward, because it was just too exhausting to watch.
Bush's blatant lie (only 4 minutes in) about Bin Laden was about the only exciting moment. Does he think no one was paying attention? I talked with a couple of co-workers who had never watched a debate before, and both thought it was boring, that neither candidate was all that impressive. They thought that Kerry's answer on gay marraige was insufficient, but probably the only answer practical for someone running for president of this country right now. They thought Bush sounded silly bringing everything back to No Child Left Behind. Hello, 55-year-old guys getting laid off from the factory aren't taking the 6th grade reading tests, dude.
Overall, my expert political analysis is that Kerry did well enough, looked like a President, and did nothing to lose the momentum. He may have even won a few votes. Meanwhile, I get back to work.
Bush's blatant lie (only 4 minutes in) about Bin Laden was about the only exciting moment. Does he think no one was paying attention? I talked with a couple of co-workers who had never watched a debate before, and both thought it was boring, that neither candidate was all that impressive. They thought that Kerry's answer on gay marraige was insufficient, but probably the only answer practical for someone running for president of this country right now. They thought Bush sounded silly bringing everything back to No Child Left Behind. Hello, 55-year-old guys getting laid off from the factory aren't taking the 6th grade reading tests, dude.
Overall, my expert political analysis is that Kerry did well enough, looked like a President, and did nothing to lose the momentum. He may have even won a few votes. Meanwhile, I get back to work.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Being Helpful
I just made 15 calls for John Kerry, and got 2 people to go out canvassing door-to-door in Florida this weekend. 2 people can reach 100 voters in 1 day, and help pull them out for our side. It barely takes any time at all, and it's easy as pie. Do it!
Alert -- RNC funds voter supression efforts
Can't wait for Kerry's attorney general to send these slimeballs to jail when all is said and done.
Despicable.
Despicable.
I + H + Scary as Hell -- Another Iraq update
Just got this in:
> Actually early on this update. However, want to keep all in the loop since media coverage has been extensive. We are the focus of Operation Phantom Fury, that you hear referred to. The 24th MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) is our HHQ and they are Headquartered in Camp Lejeune, NC. Do not be frustrated if the media does not mention 2/24 specifically, we are not here for the glory or fame, simply to destroy terrorists and terrorism. With that said, and even though our email is back up, a large percentage of the Battalion is operating forward from the Forward Operating Base.
Myself and the Command Staff move virtually daily about our battlespace checking up, planning and supporting the different elements as they close with and destroy the enemy in their assigned zones of action. They do it very well, and are only getting better each day. In addition, they truly are bringing stability, freedom and peace to people who have known nothing but terror and oppression. The town of Yusufiyah had not had any government presence for months and the terrorists had absolutely dominated the people and their lives. Randomly killing and demanding money and youth service for anti-coalition fights. NO MORE! Now they must deal with the Warriors of 2/24. That is a deal they are losing, and losing in a big way. They have thrown every sinister attack you can think of, including multiple attempts at suicide car bombers. All have been thwarted with only the suicide bomber being killed in the process. The saddest part is how they have seriously injured several Iraqi children. Children who have life saving first aid applied to them by the very Marines and Corpsman who just seconds before were engaged in full scale combat to destroy the terrorists. To see that in action is to see the battle between good and evil played out before your eyes. And to all the anti-war, anti-American crowd, I ask them, where else do you see such disciplined and proper violence, followed by such compassion and mercy. I guarantee you it is uniquely American! And there are no better ambassadors of it than the WONDERFUL Marines of 2/24. They absolutely humble me and everything about my existence, and you should feel nothing but extreme PRIDE in them. They are amazing.
That said, currently many of them are without the standard comforts and are living spartan in support of the mission. We are working non-stop to push them mail, hot chow, ice, fruit and all we can possibly support. We also are pushing a couple of satellite phones around so they can attempt at least some 5 minute phone calls home for an update. PLEASE BE PATIENT! The focus of the day is combat. But, everywhere I am I see the Marines with pictures of their loved ones. YOU ARE NEVER OUT OF THEIR HEARTS OR MINDS.
As I already said I am nothing but humbled by these magnificent Warriors, citizens and Marines; and I can ensure you that MANY fanatics who dreamed of one day destroying innocent "infidels" on the streets of America have met with a violent end at the hands of the disciplined, precise HEROES of 2/24.
God Bless You All and Thank You for your continued sacrifice.
LtCol Mark A. Smith
Commanding Officer
Task Force 2/24
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Helpful -- Do something!
As I've mentioned before, you can volunteer for Kerry from home just using your cell phone. There is no excuse!
Monday, October 11, 2004
Helpful -- How's Kuz doin?
I just took a trip down memory lane by looking at the blog archives here. Post #1 was in late February, and I've noticed that, like my life, my blog has gone from time-wasting, unfocused goofy interests to obsessive politicism. I mean for goodness sake, isn't it time I put up some shameless topless action?
Overall, I'm very happy with the time I have spent writing this. I've always been a pusher. I enjoy persuading people to try the restaurants I like, to try out and listen to the music I like, and to read the books that I've found enlightening. I'm sure it's mostly ego, and I think I've also always been the kind of person who gets the biggest thrill from helping others. I don't know what that says about me. Am I being helpful for selfish reasons? If I am, is there anything wrong with that?
Jeez, I need to go the gym. I'm out of my gourd.
Overall, I'm very happy with the time I have spent writing this. I've always been a pusher. I enjoy persuading people to try the restaurants I like, to try out and listen to the music I like, and to read the books that I've found enlightening. I'm sure it's mostly ego, and I think I've also always been the kind of person who gets the biggest thrill from helping others. I don't know what that says about me. Am I being helpful for selfish reasons? If I am, is there anything wrong with that?
Jeez, I need to go the gym. I'm out of my gourd.
Interesting -- "Rampant lesbianism"
No, I'm not talking about the new Jennifer Tilly/Gina Gershon movie. I'm talking about the great state of Oklahoma.
Saturday, October 09, 2004
Helpful -- Round 2 spin
"Battling green eyshades."
That's about all I can say about this debate. Kerry, like last time, was not perfect. He drops names in an awkward way, he takes forever to get to the question, he's kind of boring. But Bush's big "upgrade" of performance was a bump up from "bumbling idiot" to just "idiot."
Here's what I learned:
*Bush was disappointed to learn that Saddam didn't have WMD.
*He wanted give Charlie Gibson some wood. (Is that what the kids are calling it this day?)
*Bush likes to yell. A lot. He's testy.
More than anything, I was just happy that there were clear questions, and that the major differences between Bush and Kerry shown through. Whatever you think about what Kerry talks about, he wants to make things better. He has plans to change things. Bush couldn't acknowledge a single mistake he's made, except for some appointments. That's a jackass thing to say.
By the way, I'm writing this from the Christine Cegelis campaign office, so I may be a bit distracted. I decided that my lame-ass punditry is pretty worthless, so I'm calling people on Saturdays so we can get Henry Hyde out of office.
PS - as a commenter noted, I think Battling Green Eyeshades would be a kick-ass name for a band.
That's about all I can say about this debate. Kerry, like last time, was not perfect. He drops names in an awkward way, he takes forever to get to the question, he's kind of boring. But Bush's big "upgrade" of performance was a bump up from "bumbling idiot" to just "idiot."
Here's what I learned:
*Bush was disappointed to learn that Saddam didn't have WMD.
*He wanted give Charlie Gibson some wood. (Is that what the kids are calling it this day?)
*Bush likes to yell. A lot. He's testy.
More than anything, I was just happy that there were clear questions, and that the major differences between Bush and Kerry shown through. Whatever you think about what Kerry talks about, he wants to make things better. He has plans to change things. Bush couldn't acknowledge a single mistake he's made, except for some appointments. That's a jackass thing to say.
By the way, I'm writing this from the Christine Cegelis campaign office, so I may be a bit distracted. I decided that my lame-ass punditry is pretty worthless, so I'm calling people on Saturdays so we can get Henry Hyde out of office.
PS - as a commenter noted, I think Battling Green Eyeshades would be a kick-ass name for a band.
Friday, October 08, 2004
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Debates -- Round Two
I have a board meeting to be at, so I will miss the beginning of the debate, but I gotta say, tonight could be huge. Historically, undecideds break between 3-1 and 3-2 for the challenger. So I don't think a VP debate is going to change that all that much either way. This will be a close race, regardless. But the HUGE danger for Republicans is that if Cheney comes off as creepy, and Edwards looks good, you might see borderline Republicans or other casual Bush supporters change their minds.
Cheney is the scary, twisted face of the Cold War; Edwards is the handsome face of the future for Democrats. And the strategy of having Edwards hit small towns, below the national radar screen, is perfect -- tonight can be an ambush of smiles and tough trial lawyer talk. Again, having gone to Iowa for the primaries and having watched the debates on TV, I can tell you: Kerry and Edwards sealed the deal during the debates.
Four more weeks!
Cheney is the scary, twisted face of the Cold War; Edwards is the handsome face of the future for Democrats. And the strategy of having Edwards hit small towns, below the national radar screen, is perfect -- tonight can be an ambush of smiles and tough trial lawyer talk. Again, having gone to Iowa for the primaries and having watched the debates on TV, I can tell you: Kerry and Edwards sealed the deal during the debates.
Four more weeks!
Interesting and Rude
The Rude Pundit gives Edwards debate prep. I don't think he'll use these exact words, alas.
Friday, October 01, 2004
Interesting -- Holy man?
I knew that Bush wasn't a strong United Methodist, since he has refused to meet with church leaders his entire presidency, but I honestly didn't know that he doesn't even go to church.
Not that presidents are required to, but isn't that surprising for someone who talks so much about faith and community?
Have a great weekend, everyone.
Not that presidents are required to, but isn't that surprising for someone who talks so much about faith and community?
Have a great weekend, everyone.
Helpful -- the I + H debate spin
I watched the debate on C-SPAN, where not only did they have a constant split-screen the entire time, but I got to see Jim Lehrer's instructions to the crowd and everything. It was kind of cool to see that. "You are not here to cheer, to yell, to have a pep rally. You are here to bear witness to these two men speaking directly to the voters of the United States."
Bush's main critique was that Kerry says one thing, then says another. He's right on this. It's what we're pissed at with Kerry. Bush was fully prepared to keep saying this, and I think he expected that Kerry would get tied up by it. But Kerry was smooth, and went a long way to deflect it, by contrasting that charge with Bush: Bush says one thing, then does another, then keeps doing that thing forever, no matter how poorly it's going. "Certainty can get you in trouble."
Physically, Bush looked like he was going to cry, and I wonder if he had prepared fully, actually having someone attack him in practice so he wouldn't roll his eyes and sigh and harumph and do that weird mouth thing. What was that? Kerry took notes, but more importantly, when Bush would talk about Kerry's "mixed message" statements, Kerry would nod, and almost mouth the words, "yes, I said that." It took so much of the zing out of Bush's charge, I thought. He didn't sweat, didn't stammer, didn't lose his cool once. He brought facts to the table, and actually used some facts that the average person didn't know. Like the 95% of unsearched containers. And the 4-7 nukes that N. Korea's got now. How's that multilateral negotiation going, Mr. Pres?
There was one time that Bush looked pissed off, asked for a 30-second extension, then sat there fuming for 15 seconds without saying anything. It was obvious that he doesn't hear criticism to his face all that often.
Oh, and a line that will haunt Bush: Kerry talked about spending money on homeland security, and Bush said something like "I don't know where he's going to get the money for all these promises." We have money for tax cuts, but don't have the money to protect America? Is that your position?
Bush's main critique was that Kerry says one thing, then says another. He's right on this. It's what we're pissed at with Kerry. Bush was fully prepared to keep saying this, and I think he expected that Kerry would get tied up by it. But Kerry was smooth, and went a long way to deflect it, by contrasting that charge with Bush: Bush says one thing, then does another, then keeps doing that thing forever, no matter how poorly it's going. "Certainty can get you in trouble."
Physically, Bush looked like he was going to cry, and I wonder if he had prepared fully, actually having someone attack him in practice so he wouldn't roll his eyes and sigh and harumph and do that weird mouth thing. What was that? Kerry took notes, but more importantly, when Bush would talk about Kerry's "mixed message" statements, Kerry would nod, and almost mouth the words, "yes, I said that." It took so much of the zing out of Bush's charge, I thought. He didn't sweat, didn't stammer, didn't lose his cool once. He brought facts to the table, and actually used some facts that the average person didn't know. Like the 95% of unsearched containers. And the 4-7 nukes that N. Korea's got now. How's that multilateral negotiation going, Mr. Pres?
There was one time that Bush looked pissed off, asked for a 30-second extension, then sat there fuming for 15 seconds without saying anything. It was obvious that he doesn't hear criticism to his face all that often.
Oh, and a line that will haunt Bush: Kerry talked about spending money on homeland security, and Bush said something like "I don't know where he's going to get the money for all these promises." We have money for tax cuts, but don't have the money to protect America? Is that your position?
Interesting -- How much is inside?
An innocent question about Goldschlager at work leads to this fascinating discovery.
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