I'MMA LET YOU FINISH
How many of him are there, I wonder?
How many of him are there, I wonder?
far too many, I would imagine.
Oh, well.
Is Alan "I love to stick needles under the fingernails of anyone I think is a Terrorist" Dershowitz going to comment on this or will he remain silent?
Frankly, I'm surprised they even let him go, instead of finding a convenient way to make another embarassment disappear quietly.
I am sure we will be much more careful in the future, aren't you?
What a travesty, the Bush actions give shame to all of us, and that is what really pisses one off.
I recall reading this man's story elsewhere. IIRC, he had to collect-call his family in Germany from Albania. Don't remember if they assumed he was dead by that point.
"Hi honey, sorry I'm gonna be a few months late, had to stop and chat with some Americans."
This is horrible.
"see??? dr rice is a NICE LADY!!!!"
Just to be the devil's advocate here, how did they know he was "mistakenly identified as a terror suspect"?
What evidence is needed to make that conclusion?
I agree with Mary and Matt above that there must be a bunch more mistakenly detained men, women and children.
C'mon, it's just fraternity pranks.
Lighten up, Mr. Masri!
Sheesh.
I can't imagine why they would beat him without reason. This isn't Iran. I'm sure he must have been belligerant.
It's OK to torture if you are the Grand Inquisitor and a Nazi.
Just a practice run for what they intend to do here once that pesky judicial branch isn't a problem anymore.
George W. Bush, winning the hearts and minds of the world.
We are going to be paying for this in blood for years.
Oh, how sweet.
Reminds me so much of that nice Canadian chap who was changing planes at JFK and then, whoopsies!
Is it any wonder that I don't much feel like crossing a border - any border? Not for me so much - but what about Arthur?
"I hope that America will in the future respect the rights of people," he said.
fat fuckin' chance, as long as the busheviks are in power...
Frankly, I'm surprised they even let him go, instead of finding a convenient way to make another embarassment disappear quietly.
Nim
Maybe that's what they were hoping would happen by releasing him in Albania.
WTF? Albania?
He wasn't arrested there. He didn't live there. WTF?
I can't imagine why they would beat him without reason. This isn't Iran. I'm sure he must have been belligerant.
jeb
Yeah, he probably proclaimed his innocence.
"I hope that America will in the future respect the rights of people," he said.
Check back in January, 2009, Mr. Masri.
Well, he looked like a terrorist!
An' hell, what kind of German name is "Masri," anyway?
Damn' foreigners, always foolin' us poor, innocent, well-meaning Americans.
Serves 'em right.
I'll retire to Bedlam.....
omfg!
can you sue the united states?
Just to be the devil's advocate here, how did they know he was "mistakenly identified as a terror suspect"?
Well, the Times knows because a government official told them. The government knows because at some level they probably have a more sophisticated background checking device than "your name looks vaguely evil". Also, when he still didn't talk after a couple months, they might have started to wonder. After all, the places we ship these guys to have rather persuasive methods at their disposal...
Or maybe they found the real guy. Who knows.
"I hope that America will in the future respect the rights of people," he said.
Hahahahahahahaha!!!!
photographed nude and injected with drugs by interrogators
This sounds like a bad Austin Powers sequel:
"Show me love! Yes! Yes! Yes! NO! NO! NO!"
Officers cleared of detainee abuse.
Barring new evidence, the inquiry, by the Army's inspector general, effectively closes the Army's book on whether the highest-ranking officers in Iraq during the Abu Ghraib prison scandal should be held accountable for command failings described in past reviews.
Same song, different verse.
So the guy was imprisoned and abused. Turns out, torture is perfectly natural.
GWPDA:
Not for me so much - but what about Arthur?
Are you telling us Arthur's a terra'ist?
"I hope that America will in the future respect the rights of people," he said.
Maybe - but I wouldn't count on it.
What the hell?
The case reached Ms. Rice in May 2004, officials said, and twice, over several weeks, she ordered him immediately freed.
Twice? What, was the first just a test of communications in the chain of command? What'd they say the second time: "oh, you were serious?"
NTodd:
So Rummy and Wolfie are ants?
I hope that America will in the future respect the rights of people
Hope springs eternal...
The lawyer told the New York Times that his client was taken because he has the same name - albeit with a slightly different spelling - as an al-Qaeda-linked extremist who is wanted in connection with the September 11 attacks on the US.
He's el-Masri, a car salesman from Germany. The London-based muslim cleric was al-Masri, he allegedly had a connection to 9/11 and the shoe bomber through his radical teaching.
That's like mixing up Tiger Woods and Elijah Wood.
flory - yes, the most vicious kind of ants on the planet that DeLay would eradicate were he, you know, not one of them.
What do you want from me? I freed him! Therefore, it's obvious that the president is correct when he says, "Freedom is on the march!"
OT: Ya know, some days I think we really need one of these. Pelosi's & Reid are great, but woudn't be lovely if we had a few weeks of "Mad as hell Mondays"?
...
Ecuadoreans rebelled by radio, e-mail and text
By Patrick Markey
QUITO, Ecuador (Reuters) - Fed up with politicians, Ecuadoreans turned to local radio, text messages and the Internet to whip up a street rebellion this week that helped push their president Lucio Gutierrez out of office.
Gutierrez, a former army officer elected in late 2002, was waiting in Quito's Brazilian embassy residence on Saturday for safe conduct to asylum in Brazil, three days after intense protests played their part in forcing him from office.
Buoyant protesters, including businessmen, housewives and students, described the demonstrations as a popular rebellion that grew through word of mouth, cellular telephone text messages and broadcasts on La Luna, a local radio station.
Many said the week-long rallies were a spontaneous reaction to frustration with what they saw as the government's abuse of power and disappointment with leaders of all political colours.
Homepage links to article.
That's like mixing up Tiger Woods and Elijah Wood.
Nah, nobody would ever accidentally arrest Elijah. He's too white and has those deep blue eyes. No way he could be a terrorist.
That's like mixing up Tiger Woods and Elijah Wood.
Jay Carolina
That's our Bush regime, the Keystone Kops of government.
Condi, sweetie
Freedoms ain't marching, they're in full stampede trying to get the fuck away from you and your husband.
At least he's alive and wasn't accidently shot to death...as if that really makes a difference. What stinks is the total lack of National Sovereignty.
Is everyone aware that because of the actions by the US, all of her citizens could be humiliated in any country? In fact, I just read recently that if I were to be detained by any foriegn police function, I don't have the right to ask to speak to someone from the US Consular's office. I could disappear off the face of the earth without a trace and no explanations would be offered or asked for.
Bush is making the world more evil than it was before he took office.
regards
.
Nah, nobody would ever accidentally arrest Elijah. He's too white and has those deep blue eyes. No way he could be a terrorist.
No "extraordinary rendition" to Mordor, then?
"We've been assured by the Mouth of Sauron that they would uphold the highest standards of human rights," Bush told reporters yesterday.
"I hope that America will in the future respect the rights of people," he said.
Not bloody likely with the current administration.
Oh, and they tortured the shit out of that guy while they had him in custody.
Try googling for his story, it's unbelievable that America HAS A SYSTEM IN PLACE for doing that to people.
And it could happen to anyone.
No way he could be a terrorist.
Did you see Sin City? That boy can play evil like none other.
RMJ:
What, was the first just a test of communications in the chain of command?
Rummy said somethin' about forgetting to take notes the first time they chatted.
NTodd:
Are ManAnts anything like Mansquito?
Did you see Sin City? That boy can play evil like none other.
Ah, yes, but his eyes weren't blue, were they? But he was a bad muthafuckah, wasn't he? Damn.
Are ManAnts anything like Mansquito?
Absolutely. The only way to stop them is to have sex with them then shock them. Or something. Whatever the solution, it ain't pretty.
When I was still doing court appointed appeals, I got a call one day from the clerk of a court and was told I'd been appointed to represent a guy. They gave me his name and date of birth - which is the way that identities were kept. I wrote to the guy, who was still in the county jail. He wrote back that he wasn't the guy. I went to see my client, and he straightened the whole thing out for me and signed an affidavit that he didn't want to appeal his conviction.
The court and the district clerk had completely switched this guy's identity with another guy's. It was the weirdest thing I ever was involved in when I doing appeals. I went back to the court clerk and tried to explain that they had this guy confused with another. They wouldn't believe me. I filed the affidavit and told them they needed to get with the district clerk and figure out who the other guy was. I don't know that they ever did - my job was finished once I'd filed the affidavit.
Are ManAnts anything like Mansquito?
the manants come out of couter's ass.
euuuwww.
Moad--
that is indeed very frightening. not only is it frightening to stay in this country, but now it is frightening to leave it.
You know, I just walked in on my wife who was watching "The Empire Strikes Back" on our Fox affiliate. Han was being tortured by stormtroopers and Darth Vader. He's then tossed into a cell, mumbling in shock, "They didn't even ask me any questions."
This film used to be a fantasy...
And it could happen to anyone.
grytpype | Email | Homepage | 04.23.05 - 2:30 pm | #
Well, that's the point, isn't it?
Cue Ted Smith saying it isn't
really a big problem.
"I hope that America will in the future respect the rights of people," he said.
What? Has this guy read a paper since 1776? We're gonna keep dancin' with who brung us.
Are you telling us Arthur's a terra'ist?
flory, not to my knowledge. But we don't keep the same schedules, and I did notice recently that the lock box where I keep our important papers - licenses, passports, that sort of thing - was open.
That happened recently with some Viet Namese prisoners, Tena. WI or IL, I forget exactly where.
They had similar names and one couldn't speak English. They picked him up, took him to the court house and put him on the stand before they discovered they had the wrong man.
Oy....
Okay, it's go time. Happy Pesach everyone. Remember...next year in Jerusalem, muthafuckas.
Is it against any laws to construct guillotines? You know, the big ones like they used in France circa 1793?
I was just thinking of a march, or marches from various cities either this summer or next summer. Towards Washington. Dragging big mock replicas of guillotines. For symbolic purposes only.
(Let me draw it here on a napkin for you. They should be about 12" tall, with wheels....)
Just a thought.
In an interview on Friday, Mr. Masri said that he was gratified that "the truth has finally come out" and that he expected an apology. "I hope that America will in the future respect the rights of people," he said.
Because in the past and in the present it hasn't.
But maybe someday, when we rid ourselves of this fascist regime, America will live up to its ideals.
well, they let him go, so what's the proble? yay condaleeza rice! she is so smart! i hear she can play the piano too.
Mr. Masri,
On behalf of one small part of a country that has been terrorized into (I hope temporary) insanity and then hijacked by evil, greedy and power hungry men and women, I would like to extend my heartfelt apology.
Sincerely,
And she speaks Russian fluently, Olaf. or whatever....
Yeah Tena, this is actually a major problem in places that aren't equipped to change with the population -particularly southern states (like mine) with an increasingly large Spanish-speaking demographic.
I've seen some day-long screwups involving the "wrong" Hernandez in criminal court etc. Of course the state responds by freezing funding for court interpreters and ponders denying drivers' license privileges to migrants. Lovely.
well, they let him go, so what's the proble? yay condaleeza rice! she is so smart! i hear she can play the piano too.
Yeah, and when she and GWB have had beans for dinner, they can blow a duet version of Melancholy Baby out their asses.
Mr. Masri said that he was gratified that "the truth has finally come out" and that he expected an apology.
damn furriners always expecting something whether it be a handout from welfare or an apology for taking away six months of the guy's life and torturing him.
I was just thinking of a march, or marches from various cities either this summer or next summer. Towards Washington. Dragging big mock replicas of guillotines. For symbolic purposes only.
When it was invented, the guillotine was actually seen as a more humane way of executing people. You know something's fucked up when Bush & Co. are more brutal than the Jacobins.
Mr. Masri said that he was gratified that "the truth has finally come out" and that he expected an apology.
On the other hand, we must surely all be pleased at the progress being made when a Muslim is desperately trying to -return- to Ulm, knowing he'll be safe and protected by good government and a fair and just police....
When it was invented, the guillotine was actually seen as a more humane way of executing people.
Or as Falafal O'Reilly said when Ann had him in her mouth, "Jesus, I can't get off with her head!"
At least we don't throw people from helicopters.....arghhhhhhhhhhh
splat.
Art, be careful. The gummit might call it a WMD. Hell that's more than Iraq had and we blew that country to shit.
Just sayin'.
he was gratified that "the truth has finally come out" and that he expected an apology.
An apology? From this administration?
BWAHAHAHA!
Sorry bub, ain't in their vernacular.
But maybe someday, when we rid ourselves of this fascist regime, America will live up to its ideals.
Shaw Kenawe - 2:36 pm
i doubt it is anything anyone over 40 will live to see...
Or as Falafal O'Reilly said when Ann had him in her mouth, "Jesus, I can't get off with her head!"
That's because he only wishes he had the divine right of kings.
steve simels,
Shhh! The Resident Dung Beetle appears to have become nonresident.
No bettle sign since Thursday evening!
And she speaks Russian fluently, Olaf. or whatever.... - Ripley
more like flatuently
Or as Falafal O'Reilly said when Ann had him in her mouth, "Jesus, I can't get off with her head!"
I figured the Nicorette would provide a zippy little buzz. But then again, you know Ann's never had a falafel in her life, and Bill's weasel only gets workin' if there are chick peas in the offing.
Oh, shut up. Shut up! SHUT UP!
All I am saying is give pease a chance.
Are ManAnts anything like Mansquito?
the manants come out of couter's ass.
ok, her eyes, i was eating lunch - sushi to be exact - when i read that.
so that was really mean. 
The gummit might call it a WMD.
gawd damn it!!! the Busheviks are NOT the Government, gummint, or anything like it...
they are, and should always be referred to either as the Regime of the Junta...both words convey a sense if illegitimacy (deserved and earned), of usurpation, of treason...
the gummint is made up of decent people, mostly.
the Regime wants to destroy popular confidence in Government...that is their whole, sole, and complete goal...calling THEM the "Gummint" works towards their purposes...
"when it was invented, the guillotine was actually seen as a more humane way of executing people."
i vaguely remember reading somewhere that one of the rights an aristocrat had was that if he commited a capital crime, he would be executed by being beheaded instead of hanged. for some reason, aristocrats preferred to be beheaded for some reason. so defarge & co. just gave them what they wanted, i guess.
bo:
Well, that's good news.
we suck.
the manants come out of couter's ass.
Ah, I have been looking at her upside down!
flory- intent was to make you laugh not sick.
i'm going to refrain from mentioning a.c. again cuz it's making everyone sick today. 
for some reason, aristocrats preferred to be beheaded for some reason.
Because it was quick. If the hangman screwed up a little, your neck wouldn't break right away and you'd just dangle there for a few minutes until you suffocated.
i apologize for the extremely poor style in my last post. i have a hangover.
Doing the hard work so that you
don't have to:
Over at our good friend logic
monkey's blog he is seeing red over
the fact that some posters at
DU are leass upset with the death
the other day
of those American mercenaries (who
were profiteering off of an immoral,
unjust war) than with the 100,000
innocent Iraqi civilians we've
killed.
logic monkey indeed.
WoodyGsGuitar, you're right, it's the bush regime. I've used that several times, but fell back on old habits.
i have a hangover.
Lucky. All I have is a headache from the Foreign Service Exam this morning.
her eyes:
i'm going to refrain from mentioning a.c. again
generally speaking - a good approach to life - less pollution in the karmic planes
Totally OT, but a fun fact:
Next time you're watching a movie
set in the jungle, and you hear the
"ooh ooh ooh ah ah ah" bird on
the soundtrack -- if the movie
doesn't take place in Australia,
then the sound effect is bogus.
That bird is native to down under --
not found anywhere else.
apparently that "commercial" helicopter that was shot down last week was russian made. probably not particularly important, but still kind of weird.
Matt F:
Written or oral?
for that matter, every sound effect, background noise and ambient sound is bogus. In movies, tv, and NPR news reports.
flory--you are right. what was i thinking? enough pollution in the karma with that gasbag pushead in charge, don't you think?
I rec'd an e-mail from Ann Coulter, which I read on (the shamelessly whored) PodSquito
Ok, I'm a whore, a dirty whore... but at least I'm not a Republican whore....
Ripley - My guy had been tried for the right crime. They didn't fuck up the identities until the clerk filed a notice of appeal. The clerk put the wrong case number on the notice and effectively had my guy appealing when he didn't want to.
I told them they had the wrong case number and the wrong dude - and they would not believe me. I don't know to this day if they ever figured it out.
Wanna be really proud? Think about what we seem to have forgotten...... the fudging of the Kean Report on 9/11.
Is everyone going to just sit back and believe whatever they tell us? Some won't. Most will:
All the Proof You Need!
apparently that "commercial" helicopter that was shot down last week was russian made. probably not particularly important, but still kind of weird.
Wasn't it a Bulgarian helicopter?
I can just see the Al Qaeda dude who blew it out of the sky.
Praise Allah. I missed that same helicopter back in Afghanstan in 1985 and here it is again.
Pow.
Sounds like more of Rush Limbaugh's "frat pranks" to me.
Lighten up, you lily-livered, traitorous, America-hatin' liberals!
Of course one wonders HWGRST, or "How Will Glenn Reynolds Spin This?"
He'll say, "Well, war is hell, folks. Shit happens. And how about my new iPod, ain't is just dandy?"
and also they are claiming that they caught the people who did it. apparently there were 6 of them. since when does it take 6 people to shoot down a russian helicopter?
written. it wasn't quite as bad as everyone says, it's just mind-numbingly long. the oral exam is this summer, provided *fingers crossed* i did well enough today to qualify.
The PGA got caught a few years ago adding bird song to the audio. Some ornithologist recognized the species, which was not native to the tournament's location. Also, film makers seem to love to use a red tail hawk's call when wanting to suggest the wilderness, etc.
Doh! That should be PodSquito
Yeesh... technology, who needs it?
Matt F, that's a -fun- test! I particularly enjoyed the sentence diagramming. It was just such a nice bow to tradition, somehow. It made all of us who were older than 22 happy anyway - seeing an old friend, like.
No bettle sign since Thursday evening!
++++++++++++++++++++++
Nah,he's still around playing pharmacist.
"ASHINGTON, April 22 - A German citizen...."
ASHINGTON? Are you suggesting that the capitol is being consumed by the flames of intolerance and an internal right-wing revolutionary fervor to reduce our Constitution and Bill of Rights and our freedoms to a smoldering heap of ashes?
Or, maybe you're suggesting that the sane majority of Americans must take to the streets of the capitol this summer to wrest our country from the death grip of those that are imposing a theocratic fascist state upon us - take the heat to the street?
Or, was this only an accident?
All the Proof You Need!
reg--i didn't need any more proof, i already knew it.
Off to the land of my ancestors
(that would be New Jersey) for
a Passover dinner.
Have fun in my absence, until
tomorrow!
Have some matzoh if you want.
But avoid the bitter herbs.
And the big doughy thing in the
chicken soup.
since when does it take 6 people to shoot down a russian helicopter?
I was going to say something about the eleven who were killed while defusing a bomb, but it's not funny. None of this is funny.
The incompetence of those running the show is frightening and infuriating.
And yes, are many more like him have been detained? How many innocent people have died?
"ashington"
i don't know. i sort of like the idea of taking the w out of washington.
Happy Passover steve simels! Live and be well!
Hmmm. If it wasn't May during an election year, when Bush's numbers were down, I wonder if Condi would have given a flying crap. Wouldn't have looked to good, post-Abu torturefest. I wonder if her successor is going to free anybody this May or will they just toss the memo in the circular file.
"Next on Sci-Fi, Flying Virus"
"avoid the bitter herbs"
i like that stuff with the honey and raisins in it. can't remember what it is called, but i could eat it for breakfast every day and be very happy.
I've heard that the Foreign Service Exam is one of the toughest exams a person can take.
There are crow sized woodpeckers around here that sound just like jungle background. I watched one hanging upside down on a small branch clucking like a hen turkey. (wooing a female, of course)
Frankly, I'm surprised they even let him go, instead of finding a convenient way to make another embarassment disappear quietly.
Nim
He, or someone he was traveling with, must know someone Important who went to bat for him.
Otherwise they'd have thrown him away like a used tissue.
There are crow sized woodpeckers... Maybe pileated woodpeckers? Beautiful birds.
The highlight for me was when they asked who wrote Death Of A Salesman. Truly, that is a vital piece of knowledge for a Foreign Service Officer to have.
Though the essays in that last written expression section were of amusingly poor quality.
Olaf:
It's called charoses, and its just
about the only Jewish food I
don't hate.
Now I really am out of here!
steve - how should I convey my Passover wishes to you? Mazel tov?
At any rate, I hope you have an enjoyable time and good food.
it was arthur miller! can i be the ambassador to france now?
I've heard that the Foreign Service Exam is one of the toughest exams a person can take.
Useta be, dunno now. A lot like taking the GRE, but with current events. Missed it by one point, twice, passed it once, went for the orals, failed it. That was actually quite comforting tho - I mean I was really trying my damnedest and could see that the folks being selected really were topnotch, better than I. I liked that the process did seem to be working well.
. Maybe pileated woodpeckers? Beautiful birds.
spinoza
yes, I haven't been able to spell since I did all that programing back in the 80's. The english language makes absolutely no sense to me anymore.
i figure that any test that gwpda didn't ace must be pretty hard.
yes, I haven't been able to spell since I did all that programing back in the 80's.
Is "programming" a euphemism for drugs?
I mean I was really trying my damnedest and could see that the folks being selected really were topnotch, better than I. I liked that the process did seem to be working well.
Unlike the LSAT, which is like the SATs on steroids. Eagerly looking forward to the day a client walks in and starts out, "Okay 2 trains leave Chicago..."
Tena-that's what I heard beforehand too, but it wasn't what I expected. It just covered a really wide range of topics, everything from pop culture to politics, math to business management. Nothing too hard on its own though. I think the reputation is from the incredibly small number of people who end up getting job offers. Out of the thousands and thousands who take it, only about 400 or something get jobs. So you basically have to ace the exam to get in.
I cannot be proud of this country.
Not in its present form.
Not with its present government.
Anyone with a conscience, a moral compass or a working brain cannot be very proud to be an American, either!
why i bet gwpda is even smarter than condaleeza rice.
Um - "The highlight for me was when they asked who wrote Death Of A Salesman. Truly, that is a vital piece of knowledge for a Foreign Service Officer to have." Cultural affairs, Matt. USIA and cultural affairs. Representative of the United States - liberal arts education....
it was arthur miller! can i be the ambassador to france now?
Olaf glad and big
Sorry, but that position was filled by a Bush in-Law.
Rip - PodSquito rocks!
Completely off topic
Did anyone else hear Joe Scarborough assert his belief that being gay is a sin last night on Bill Maher?
You heard it here first!
why not be a blogwhore
why i bet gwpda is even smarter than condaleeza rice. At least I eventually did pass the exam....
As for the rest - well, I'm sure Tena or Hecate can discuss Hartman v. Wick for an assessment of why the Foreign Service exam is now a bit different than it used to be.... Not my place.
btw,
mrilyn monroe didn't marry henry miller
but if she did, he'd have taken her to paris
and if she did she'd have had more fun
Thanks, NTodd. I'm still trying to figure out what it should sound like but I'll take any compliments I can get. lol
I've been outraged for so long now that I'm literally sick and tired. So it's someone else's turn to be outraged. Major network, maybe? Any not-totally-bonkers conservative commentator (I know, I know, I can't think of one, either.) The dumb complacent American populace rioting in the streets over the crimes being committed in our name?
GWPDA - I found the GRE to be a tough test. I actually thought it was harder than the LSAT, though shorter.
The LSAT is just unconscionably long, but then so is the bar exam. Six hours of testing will wear a person down to nothing.
for some reason, aristocrats preferred to be beheaded for some reason.
Because it was quick. If the hangman screwed up a little, your neck wouldn't break right away and you'd just dangle there for a few minutes until you suffocated.
Matt F
(Am imagining Bush, Cheney, Condi, etc. dangling in the wind. Smiling maniacally!)
"ashington"
i don't know. i sort of like the idea of taking the w out of washington.
Olaf glad and big
When copying and pasting from the NYT the first letter of the first paragraph is lost due to the font.
"apparently that "commercial" helicopter that was shot down last week was russian made. probably not particularly important, but still kind of weird."
Since there isn't an Iraqi Air force, anything in the air is fair game for anyone who has an axe to grind.
Probably this one was a easy target of opportunity because it wasn't armed nor accompanied by an armored gunship. It might as well have had a banner in tow saying "Shoot Me".
There ain't no place safe in a war-zone, especially when the insurgents are in charge of the countryside and the occupational forces are hunkered down in fortified bases and shoot at any and everything in sight when they venture out.
regards
.
"Did anyone else hear Joe Scarborough assert his belief that being gay is a sin last night on Bill Maher?"
What I wouldn't give for a sock full of horse manure.
FROZEN horse manure.
The thing that made me sick is finding out HE procreated!
media - I heard it. That was not one of Bill's better shows. Maureen Dowd barely opened her mouth. Scarborough was an ass who spouted constantly and it was mostly lies and half-truths and he didn't get called on it like he would have with a better panel of guests.
It all kind of sucked - except for Jane Fonda, who was wonderful. She defended her anti-war work with grace and conviction and I was thrilled.
And I had been dissing her - I take it all back.
GWPDA, I know it actually has value, I was just thrown off a bit by it. That question was in between a question about nominal vs. real GDP and something to do with the Kellogg-Briand pact. It was a nice change of pace, actually.
I myself am currently pursuing a liberal arts degree so that I can achieve my dream of becoming that most limited of all specialists, the well-rounded man.
OT:
"People of Faith" as the new conservative Political Correctness.
We need to start calling them the whiners they are.
The LSAT is just unconscionably long, but then so is the bar exam. Six hours of testing will wear a person down to nothing.
Six hours of written examination, followed by six hours of oral interrogation by 7 grown academics trying to trip me up. Separated by three days. Hola! PhD! I only take blood tests and driving tests any more, and in AZ, my next drivers test is scheduled for 2021. I'm done!
What a miserable day. What a miserable year.
What a miserable life I have.
"It might as well have had a banner in tow saying 'Shoot Me'."
Moad-Dib 04.23.05 - 3:25 pm
Or, "Bring it On."
i heard when they released him, they just put him on another plane, stuffed him in another trunk, never bothered to tell him what the hell was going on, and left him and his suitcase (they gave that back) on some random goat path. he wandered around for a while before finding two guys who said he was in albania, near the croatian border. That sort of shit seems to happen to him a lot. bet it never gets to be old hat.
then he found a pay phone and collect called his wife.
(a month from now, the funny bump on the back of his neck turns out to be a transmitter, but that's just a guess...)
No, I like my beer but never tried anything stonger than weed. I was using DBIII & Fox Pro for pc's to write accounting programs. After 4 yrs. of paying attention to every space & letter words lost all cohesion
Matt F:
the oral exam is this summer, provided *fingers crossed* i did well enough today to qualify.
If you've never been there before - the fun is just beginning. Good luck.
I myself am currently pursuing a liberal arts degree so that I can achieve my dream of becoming that most limited of all specialists, the well-rounded man.
Being well-rounded will prevent anyone from pejoratively calling you an egghead.
My classics degree has me primed to be a professional man of leisure. Except for that employment MacGuffin I've been hearing about from other aspiring law grads...
That question was in between a question about nominal vs. real GDP and something to do with the Kellogg-Briand pact. It was a nice change of pace, actually.
I see they're using the same question set - the Kellogg-Briand pact gives it away. You'll be happy to know however, that statistically, the people with the least likelihood of passing the exam and going on to the orals are those who have just graduated from undergraduate school, followed by those who have just passed the bar. The first tend to be too narrowly focussed and the second too burnt out. However, if you don't pass, try it again in a couple of years - Foreign Service people actually have one of the oldest entry ages of civil servants, tending to be in their late 20s and early 30s. That's rather what I meant - it was useful to see that the exam and the surrounding activity was selecting people whom you would really wish to represent the United States, with intelligence, cleverness, experience and wit. Very old school.
flory, nope, first time for me. I turned 20 last summer so this is the first year I'm eligible. Thanks for the well-wishing.
Maybe we should just change Washington to Assington.
My father-in-law has a cedar shake sided house in Maine. We were out in a boat in the Sound when I could see to huge Piliated Woodpeckers (probably a nesting pair) land on his roof, peer in the window to see if anyone was home, and then proceed to blast away at the wood siding. Attempting to build a nest maybe? Anyway it cost a bit of money to repair the damage they did before we could get back on shore and shoo them away. They looked like frikkin Pterodactyls.
I am a bit curious about the timing of this announcement.
This kidnaping seems to be breaking news. I read about it about 2 to 3, possibily 4 weeks ago...Guardian I think or maybe Syndey Morning Hearld. It was complete with all the details. It was coupled with the visit by Mexico's President Fox and his concern over the Mexican put to death in Texas without the Mexican Government being notified first. That's where in inference to Americans abroad could loose all possible contact with the US Consular's if they were picked up by local authorities. Later, my company backed it up and gave us details what to do I we find ourselves in a situation.
really strange to see old news living a second life.
regards
.
media - I heard it. That was not one of Bill's better shows. Maureen Dowd barely opened her mouth. Scarborough was an ass who spouted constantly and it was mostly lies and half-truths and he didn't get called on it like he would have with a better panel of guests.
It all kind of sucked - except for Jane Fonda, who was wonderful. She defended her anti-war work with grace and conviction and I was thrilled.
Agreed on all counts, Tena.
I was initially mortified to hear anything about a Jane Fonda apology, but I am loving the way that she is correcting everyone who dares say she is apologizing for having gone to N Vietnam! She brought Maher up short when she shredded his misinterpretation of her book!
Gimme a break. We were supposed to take the word of a CAR SALESMAN?!?!?
I'm not a terrorist... and you have my word on it.
What a miserable life I have.
That's too bad. Ever wonder why that is, little man?
GWPDA:
Most everyone I knew in the FS when I worked at State, and everyone I know who's taken the test since was on their second career. The days of the 22 yo ivy league graduate sent right off to France are long over.
reminds me of the movie "Brazil" where a guy named Tuttle gets arrested by mistake and in place of a guy named Buttle because of a typo that had been caused by a fly getting swatted off the ceiling and dropping dead into the keys of the terror bureau typewriter...
The days of the 22 yo ivy league graduate sent right off to France are long over.
Damn.
Not that my school is anywhere near Ivy League caliber.
reminds me of the movie "Brazil" where a guy named Tuttle gets arrested by mistake and in place of a guy named Buttle because of a typo that had been caused by a fly getting swatted off the ceiling and dropping dead into the keys of the terror bureau typewriter...
Heh:
"Sam Lowry: I only know you got the wrong man.
Jack Lint: Information Transit got the wrong man. I got the *right* man. The wrong one was delivered to me as the right man, I accepted him on good faith as the right man. Was I wrong?"
The days of the 22 yo ivy league graduate sent right off to France are long over.
If you believed Robin Winks, those days ended in 1946...
Still, it's good to go ahead and take the exam, for prep. There are so many set examinations to come in the life of a 20 y.o. that one more is icing.
Speaking of which, did I mention what kind to put on that flourless chocolate cake? I was thinking in terms of a dusting of sweet chocolate powder with sugared almonds.....
Still, it's good to go ahead and take the exam, for prep.
yeah, thats basically why I took it. i don't have any illusions about actually getting a job before i even have a degree. can't hurt to try, though.
I was thinking in terms of a dusting of sweet chocolate powder with sugared almonds.....
This blog is turning into a diabetic's nightmare.
That was a fantastic "icing" segue, GWPDA. Sly, that.
Just kudos from an observer.
flory - Alas, it's all this one can do any more, dream of things that invariably move that magic meter way too high.... I cannot make but only share.
I myself am currently pursuing a liberal arts degree so that I can achieve my dream of becoming that most limited of all specialists, the well-rounded man.
Hey I achieved that with beer.
That's rather what I meant - it was useful to see that the exam and the surrounding activity was selecting people whom you would really wish to represent the United States, with intelligence, cleverness, experience and wit.
And then at the top of the pyramid we ignore the whole process and select people like John Bolton.
Reading the comments from the bottom up is like looking through the rear view mirror.
Here I go.
jimmiraybob,
"Or, "Bring it On."
Only a fool would use a phrase like than in a war zone and being ill-equipped to handle what they throw at you.
Personally, I wouldn't have gotten into the helio-womper that wasn't equipped to return fire and armored.
Flying may be faster, but it doesn't take much to bring you down and your chances of walking away alive are slim to none. I was lucky on the one I was onboard that crashed landed...no one was hurt, but the chopper had to be lifted onto a flatbed and transported...not a pretty sight.
It's a war-zone and that means every step you take could be your last. No point in hiding behind cliches..they don't offer you much protection.
Trust me...I may very well be there within a year so I'm attuned to what I'll be facing.
How about you?
regards
.
Didn't know that GWPDA. That's unfortunate. I have the history on both sides of my family - its probably only a matter of time for me.
Ummm...stem cell research, anyone?
Hey I achieved that with beer.
That too. Let's just say it's the icing on the cake of college.
*ba dum chh*
Reading the comments from the bottom up is like looking through the rear view mirror.
Here I go.
Warning: Comments on this thread may be closer than they appear!
Moad-dib:
...I may very well be there within a year
You're in Germany, right? Are you on active duty?
flory,
Contrator
regards
.
reminds me of the movie "Brazil" where a guy named Tuttle gets arrested by mistake and in place of a guy named Buttle because of a typo that had been caused by a fly getting swatted off the ceiling and dropping dead into the keys of the terror bureau typewriter...
This whole administration has reminded me of Brazil for years, but you are so right. But just remember, The Ministry of Information never makes mistakes, and always sends a check to the deceased family if they do.
Another choice quote from Brazil:
Sam Lowry: Excuse me, Dawson, can you put me through to Mr. Helpmann's office?
Dawson: I'm afraid I can't sir. You have to go through the proper channels.
Sam Lowry: And you can't tell me what the proper channels are, because that's classified information?
Dawson: I'm glad to see the Ministry's continuing its tradition of recruiting the brightest and best, sir.
Sam Lowry: Thank you, Dawson.
GWPDA - well, you don't need to go any further - you're there!
rorschach - I was cringing when I found out Jane was going to be on the show. I was so wrong! She was great - my eyes actually filled with tears when she was explaining things.
I had dissed her for the anti-aircraft gun stunt because I thought it was a image that was still hurting the left. But she was eloquent and righteous and I was just flat out wrong to diss her.
Only time I was on a helio. was being ferried from Tra Cue to Saigon, as I was the only passenger I had to be the door gunner. When I started to get aboard the pilot suggested that the helmet wouldn't do me any good on my head.
I have the history on both sides of my family - its probably only a matter of time for me. Nah, you can beat it back, same way I do. In fact, I'm rather proud at pointing out to my endocrinologist that I've been beating it back for the last 30 years and haven't yet been caught. It also means that I don't eat any of the sweeties I provide receipts to.... 
Moad-Dib - really strange to see old news living a second life.
I've noticed this happening lately, too - old news suddenly appears again and is reported like new news.
It is weird.
reminds me of the movie "Brazil" where a guy named Tuttle gets arrested by mistake and in place of a guy named Buttle because of a typo that had been caused by a fly getting swatted off the ceiling and dropping dead into the keys of the terror bureau typewriter...
Damn - I've got to see that movie again. It has been a long time and I only saw it once.
That shit is so true it isn't funny - just like I was trying to illustrate by my story upthread.
So they fucking tortured a guy because of his name? These people are evil.
I was listening to the transcripts of this trial on NPR and everyone just got to plead "national security" so that we couldn't figure out anything. Grr...
Can anyone explain why the terms "Vanessa Redgrave" and "son-in-law" have been leading dozens of people to blog today? Did the guy do something?
1watt,
yeah, that gunner seat is cool especially when the pilot goes a quick 180 to your side and tilts about 70+ degrees...you are actually hanging down by your lapbelt and hoping to hell it doesn't all of a sudden slip or break cause you don't have a parachute if it does.
regards
.
Tena,
Thanks for the confirmation!
I was thinking maybe I was that guy in the TV series who could open the newspaper and read about the future.
regards
.
Moad-Dib, luckily I didn't experience any hotdogging. But would have gone through it just to leave Tra Cue.
In a one sail protest to the fucking morons of the watch list, I am listening to Cat Stevens, as I write my Op-Ed today.
God, how many more men are locked up there, that are just like this poor man. Terrible.
1watt,
helios are fun, but you never know what living hell is until one breaks in mid-flight...then everything becomes a definite-maybe. Pilots are good and trained for all emergencies, but seems the ground is never cooperates to make the transistion easy.
regards
.
I've never been on a helicopter and I've never wanted to get on one.
Is it just me, or do they seem to crash more often than planes?
Just a curious question.
Did they mention the arab guy that was kidnaped in broad daylight in Milano and traced calls made from pay phones at the locale to Aviano AB at the time of the abduction?
That was part of the original news story about a month ago...seems there was more than just one person reported missing or having a story of being abducted by the US intel people.
regards
.
Samir - God, how many more men are locked up there, that are just like this poor man. Terrible.
A whole damned bunch and it is terrible. It is a crime against humanity. Whatever happened to that Canadian citizen who claimed to have been picked up, tortured and dumped out in the middle of nowhere? Anyone remember that?
I might be able to find it in archives at F-D - I think I blogged it. Back in a minute.
I've never been on a helicopter and I've never wanted to get on one.
Is it just me, or do they seem to crash more often than planes?
Tena
I'd imagine so, given that they are low-altitude and short-distance vehicles and thus (as Moad-Dib points out) are much more concerned with the willingness of the ground to cooperate.
New Pope's still catching hell in today's Independant.
Pope Benedict XVI has been accused of ignoring for seven years charges that Fr Marcial Maciel, the founder of the Legionaries of Christ, had sexually abused nine teenagers in his organisation - because Fr Maciel was a close friend of Pope John Paul II.
In 1997 the then Cardinal Ratzinger was prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican body which has the power to excommunicate priests guilty of sexual abuse, when Bishop John R McCann of New York forwarded him detailed charges of sexual abuse made by Fr Juan Vaca, a priest in Bishop McCann's diocese. The charges were in the form of a 12-page letter to Fr Marcial Maciel Degollado, who founded the Legionaries of Christ, a conservative Catholic evangelical order, in Mexico in 1941.
"Everything you did contradicts the beliefs of the Church and the order," Fr Vaca wrote in his open letter. "How many innumerable times did you wake me in the middle of the night and had me with you, abusing my innocence. Nights of fear, so many nights of absolute fear: so many nights of lost sleep, that on more than one occasion placed my own psychological health in jeopardy."
A whole damned bunch and it is terrible. It is a crime against humanity. Whatever happened to that Canadian citizen who claimed to have been picked up, tortured and dumped out in the middle of nowhere? Anyone remember that?
I believe he is suing.
My opinion of Ms. Rice has actually just gone up a little.
If Condi had paid as much attention to memos as Georgie does the guy would still be sitting in the prison.
Why did no one below Condi have the balls to say "We screwed up, now let him go." ?
New Pope's still catching hell in today's Independant.
Pope Benedict XVI has been accused of ignoring for seven years charges that Fr Marcial Maciel, the founder of the Legionaries of Christ, had sexually abused nine teenagers in his organisation - because Fr Maciel was a close friend of Pope John Paul II.
Marcial Maciel? They're accepting professional mimes as priests now?
Seriously, though, this is at once disgusting and unsurprising.
I myself am currently pursuing a liberal arts degree so that I can achieve my dream of becoming that most limited of all specialists, the well-rounded man.
Matt F | Email | Homepage | 04.23.05 - 3:27 pm | #
yeah, being awell-rounded manis all well and good but there is little money to put food on your family(spoken as a ture liberal arts degree holder)
I was just hoping the Jesus nut was on tight!
But I dearly loved the sound of those Cobra's and their miniguns, probably took me ten years to not tear up when I heard a heli pass over.
Well, you guys just convinced me. I will not volunteer for Iraq, and I will never, ever, ride in a helicoptor. Jesus, I'm breaking out in sweat just reading about it.
Thank you all very much. 
I was wrong. It looks like he's going to bring down the Canadian government instead. Good for him.
patriotboy - Oh, too cool. Thank you.
That is downright thrilling.
patriotboy/jesus' general sir, It's not arrar it's the sponsorship program, Arar doesn't hurt mind you, but stealing taxpayer money kinda fucks you over in this country
"'Or, "Bring it On.'
"Only a fool would use a phrase like than in a war zone and being ill-equipped to handle what they throw at you."
Moad-Dib 04.23.05 - 4:00 pm
And, only a moron would use it when addressing an unknown enemy. But then, heads of world superpowers have been known to use the phrase - go figure.
I won't be going to Iraq unless things really really deteriorate. I'm left over from lucking out on the Vietnam thing. I certainly wish everyone going into Iraq or Afghanistan the best and agree that constant caution would be in order.
And Tena - I was struck by what appeared to be suppression of tears when Jane Fonda was talking about the troops that she's known during and after the Vietnam conflict.
And since I'm on a roll - one thing that I've been impressed with here is the support offered to our service members despite opposition to their use. Almost as if the men and women of our armed forces were our brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers and friends and such. This is what really pisses me off about the radical right's ability to sell the idea that liberals/progressives hate the troops. And, on this note, don't even mention the Beast Coulter lest I have a stroke........
Tena,
They are relatively safe. They can go into an auto-roate mode that lets the blades act as wings and slows the decent. You "crash" but can pretty much walk away. The bird normally is too broken up to fly anymore.
In the Grand Canyon, the helo accidents are normally loss of lift, heat-which thins the air molecules, or shifting winds. Some are due to mechnical failure.
The main problem with helios is that when they break ...you go down. In an airplane or jet, you still have forward velocity and can still generate lift so you can find a landing site of some type.
Helio accidents all depend on terrain, winds, weather and height.
I would prefer a helio to a plane, but in a war-zone you best be armed to the teeth if you have to go down...the fights' just starting.
reagrds
.
rorschach - I'm heartened that people aren't just dropping to the knees and kissing the ring. I thought they would, judging by all the frooforah around JPII's death and this election.
I am getting a hint that this might not have been a really popular choice - Pope Ratzinazi.
At least he's alive and wasn't accidently shot to death-
Good thing they didn't send him to Texas.
I myself am currently pursuing a liberal arts degree so that I can achieve my dream of becoming that most limited of all specialists, the well-rounded man.
Matt F | Email | Homepage | 04.23.05 - 3:27 pm | #
yeah, being awell-rounded manis all well and good but there is little money to put food on your family(spoken as a true liberal arts degree holder)
And thus do so many of us wind up in law school.
good point T, although i am aiming for Journalism school, though writing the ALSATS have crossed my mind
I am getting a hint that this might not have been a really popular choice - Pope Ratzinazi.
Tena
I'm also getting the impression that a lot that was covered by J2P2's charisma and impending death (we all knew he was getting old) is not going to carry over to Benedict XVI.
The anger over the sexual scandals is just coming to a second boil, it would seem. Be interesting to see what the long-term consequences will be. A very different Pope after B-XVI, methinks.
rorschach - I'm heartened that people aren't just dropping to the knees and kissing the ring. I thought they would, judging by all the frooforah around JPII's death and this election.
I am getting a hint that this might not have been a really popular choice - Pope Ratzinazi.
Tena
I too am heartened by the reaction. Also, I've been reading that Ratzi is deemed to be a placeholder or transitional pope--the more liberal cardinals let him become pope as part of a plan to get a more liberal pope in a few years.
Could be bullshit, could be a miscalculation, but I find the notion hopeful.
What? The Nazi pope still is in the Vatican?
God doesn't exist.
And thus do so many of us wind up in law school.
Yeah, thats me in two years. It's a bit distressing that I'm pursuing such a stereotypical academic career. The things I do because I fooled myself into thinking I'm an intellectual...
I have sometimes wondered what would stop me from suddenly disappearing in this manner. Not much, maybe. So if I suddenly stop blogging, make a noise. Send chocolate ice-cream to the CIA prisons!
And thus do so many of us wind up in law school.
Tena
And when that doesn't work out, seminary.
And finally, a bookstore clerk, taking black Amex cards from eye surgeons (what the hell is a "black" Amex card? What does that represent?)
And thus do so many of us wind up in law school.
Tena
And when that doesn't work out, seminary.
And finally, a bookstore clerk, taking black Amex cards from eye surgeons (what the hell is a "black" Amex card? What does that represent?)
Rmj, Dynamic Swami | Email | Homepage | 04.23.05 - 4:38 pm | #
ah the cirlcle of life
For all the fighting keyboarders, in this morning's AZ Republic, 'Religion Briefs'
"Beth Sholom rabbi resigns, will aid troops
Rabbi Bonnie J. Koppell has resigned from her position from Temple Beth Sholom Congregation and has decided to provide religious support to troops overseas. She has served the Temple Beth Sholom Congregation for the past 18 years."
Happy Passover, Rabbi.
Re: Pope Rat ...
Not-Mister-Res' dad thinks he is not conservative enough and "Not the 'real' pope" because he has accepted (nominally) Vatican II.
Of course he is a Tridentine Catholic of the Mel Gibson variety.
Oy.
rorschach - yeah, I think that's about when I started to tear up.
I also loved the tirade she went on about Jesus - I was really pretty astonished at how moved I was by her.
Moad-Dib - I wouldn't get into any kind of aircraft to fly around on the edge of the Grand Canyon. I wouldn't do it for the same reasons I won't take the commuter jet between Denver and Gunnison. I know what the differences in altitude do to the air and it is not pretty. Brrrrrr!
Thanks for the explanation - I really do appreciate it because I hate being unnecessarily chicken about things. Despite my first paragraph.
OT--Another body blow to Bush's "faith based" denial of scientific fact:
An Italian expedition to the Antarctic has taken a sample of ice which is more than 900,000 years old and could give scientists evidence of past climate changes which would discredit global warming doubters.
The ice core, which is double the age of previous samples, will show how much carbon dioxide there was in the atmosphere during previous warm and cold phases in the climate and whether the current concentrations caused by burning fossil fuels are likely the lead to catastrophic global warming later this century.
The new core could be enough to discredit the fast diminishing band of climate sceptics, who have the ear of the Bush administration and who say that the climate has always fluctuated and man's destruction of forests and use of oil has nothing to do with the current rising temperatures and increased storminess across the world.
jimmiraybob,
I understand and apologise if I was too harsh. I just get a tad bit too fiesty at times with war cliches, especially those used by government officals that have no clue what they're talking about.
regards
.
GWPDA:
Nah, you can beat it back, same way I do. In fact, I'm rather proud at pointing out to my endocrinologist that I've been beating it back for the last 30 years and haven't yet been caught. It also means that I don't eat any of the sweeties I provide receipts to....
I'm working like hell - but its that last sentence that gives me trouble. Especially with all the bakers on this blog.
Tena:
Is it just me, or do they seem to crash more often than planes?
The nice thing about them is, courtesy of the mystical laws of physics, you can actually land one after you lose power. Tough to do with fixed wing.
The Canadian is Maher Arar and he is definitely suing.
what the hell is a "black" Amex card? What does that represent?
Status symbol these days, apparently- difficult to get, all the famous celebs and rappers have them, etc.
Maybe it lets you dial up what bills you want passed as well...
I have sometimes wondered what would stop me from suddenly disappearing in this manner. Not much, maybe. So if I suddenly stop blogging, make a noise. Send chocolate ice-cream to the CIA prisons!
I'll rescue you Mom!!
Never fear!! I shall send truckloads of chocolate ice cream and enlist legions of king cobras to your cause.
RMJ - black credit cards from eye surgeons? Is it someone's really twisted joke?
"black Amex cards from eye surgeons (what the hell is a "black" Amex card? What does that represent?)"
--Rmj, Dynamic Swami
There's a "black Amex card" now? Must be above my level. Never heard of it, not that I want it.
"Black AMex Cards" these match the balck helicopters one assumes
make sign that says "jesus was not a republican" go down to the local church corner, get your fair share of abuse...thats what i'm dong tomorrow am. i can't take this shit anymore without doing something.
Hey Robert - if the comments I've been leaving at your house are painfully banal, let me know.
I read and then comment and then leave and start thinking: " Robert already knows these things, you fuckwit." Your blog is so good and so not pitched to the lowest common denominator - I'm really glad you started it.
Way earlier in the day, someone asked if we were winning yet. GWPDA replied, no, but we are beginning not to lose. As I said on one of the lightening threads that was over before it bagan, that is the best description of where we are at I have heard or read in days. People are beginning to pay attention to what is going on and not liking what they see. Newspapers are beginning to report that the fundies only comprise 20-25% of the population, and other people of faith are beginning to get concerned about being associated with wingnuts. Stories are coming out, and w is not looking too good. Who knows what began to turn the tide. Schiavo, the economy, gas prices? Maybe w's insane devotion to stealing SS and transferring it to Wall Street. It is gradual though. Little, bitty baby steps, but it does feel like we are taking two steps forward now, and only one back.
Too bad it's five months too late.
make sign that says "jesus was not a republican" go down to the local church corner, get your fair share of abuse...thats what i'm dong tomorrow am. i can't take this shit anymore without doing something.
singe | Email | Homepage | 04.23.05 - 4:44 pm | #
or "JESUS WAS A LIBERAL" that will raise the ire of churchy lafemme
(what the hell is a "black" Amex card? What does that represent?)
Ooooooooooh, RMJ, did you touch it?
They cost, I believe, $50,000 a year to have. (Gold=75, Platinum=399) There are just a piddly little number of them. You have to be invited - and not by an Amex customer services rep. They are - well, think of it this way. If you had one, and one morning you wanted to, um, buy the United States? You could.
Hey Robert - if the comments I've been leaving at your house are painfully banal, let me know.
I read and then comment and then leave and start thinking: " Robert already knows these things, you fuckwit."
Tena--Do not heed your inner troll.
You, a fuckwit? Please.
There's a "black Amex card" now? Must be above my level. Never heard of it, not that I want it.
I don't want ANY credit cards. I don't care what color they are.
This whole torturing thing completely freaks me out. I can't believe this stuff is going on.
There's a "black Amex card" now? Must be above my level. Never heard of it, not that I want it.
Yet another small penis signifier invented by the marketing class for the consuming class.
(what the hell is a "black" Amex card? What does that represent?)
The coal-black heart of American consumer capitalism, perhaps?
American Express developed the black 'Centurion Card' for its very best customers. It is so exclusive that you won't even find details of it on the American Express website. It's available by 'invitation only' and reputedly requires card spending of US$5,000 per month.
This kind of spending brings plenty of benefits, including a personal travel counselor to handle all travel needs, and a personal concierge to help with anything from special occasion planning and selecting ideal gifts, to locating unusual items.
So all those rappers were right- it's got a damn concierge service! Oooh.
alright, I'm out for the evening, it's been a pleasure. Until next time...
Platinum AmeEx cards being passe for the superrich, black is the new Platinum. there is, basically, no upper limit on what can be charged on them,making them so very "exclusive" for our style-conscious masters.
olexicon - journalism school? Oh I bow in your general direction. I wish a bunch of people like you would consider doing that and try to rescue the media in this country. I would be wonderful.
(what the hell is a "black" Amex card? What does that represent?)
That's a get into heaven free card. They can be as greedy materialistic and piggish as they want, even deliberately run over your puppy, and they get into heaven anyway because God is a Republican swine too. At least, that's their theology. Your mileage may vary.
olexicon
"jesus was not a republican"
If you really want to get them riled, have the back-side say he wasn't a christian either, he was a jew.
regards
.
Platinum AmeEx cards being passe for the superrich, black is the new Platinum.
I'm holding out for the Ultraviolet Card, myself.
They cost, I believe, $50,000 a year to have.
Nobody who could get that much credit would be dumb enough to pay a membership fee, let alone $50,000.
Perhaps you were referring to the credit limit?
olexicon - journalism school? Oh I bow in your general direction. I wish a bunch of people like you would consider doing that and try to rescue the media in this country. I would be wonderful.
Tena | Email | Homepage | 04.23.05 - 4:49 pm | #
Tena--flaw in the slaw is that I'm a Canadian, but expat commie journalists are not a highly prized commodity in 'merica
Platinum AmeEx cards being passe for the superrich
I have a Platinum Visa card and I'm fucking poor.
They give those things to anybody.
Jay Carolina ...
Don't you have an exam for which you should be studying, young man?
"They cost, I believe, $50,000 a year to have."
--GWPDA, Irate Scholar
Are you kidding? Insanity gone wild.
AMERICAN EXPRESS INTRODUCES THE CENTURION CARD
MOAD-Lib, I was going tod add that to the JESUS WAS A LIBERAL as flipside butI thought that was over the top
Perhaps you were referring to the credit limit?
Nope.
I may be confused - but only as to whether it was $10,000 or $50,000. We thought it was pretty outrageous actually, and wondered who on earth would pick one up - but then, my section of Amex was Amex Technologies and we thought Blue was far more seriously kuhl.
AMERICAN EXPRESS INTRODUCES THE CENTURION CARD
Little Brøther | Email | Homepage | 04.23.05 - 4:52 pm | #
Very serious question. Would this keep you off the No Fly list?
what the hell is a "black" Amex card?
Cards useds to be "blue" (Visa), "green" Amex and so on. Then since having an American Express card supposedly had more "prestige" than Visa and MasterCard the "gold" card was invented. Later when the unwashed masses were getting "gold" cards the "platinum" card was thought up. At some point I think that someone tried a "titanium" card but it bombed because nobody knew what titanium was. I presently have a "platinum" and a "quantum" card in my wallet. They work just the same and are exactly as useful as plain old "blue" cards. The quantunm card is all black you can't easily see the magnetic strip so everybody gets to swipe it two or three times before they get it right. Progress!
I think the "black" Amex card is only given to really big spenders. You can't ask for it, Amex decides if you are worthy and then sticks you with some ridiculous yearly fee ($1,000 or something of that order)
QL - Yeah - I loved the way GWPDA phrased that. It's just perfect, as you said.
When I think how it was 2 years ago, versus where we are now - I can't believe how far we've come. Information is finally loosening up and moving around. It was totally locked down after 9/11. Now we've had some Repugs in Congress actually bucking their party on things. That was unheard of 2 years ago.
I agree it's 5 damn months too late, and the goddess knows what will be left standing after the locusts are finished. But there's a pushback. All week I read statements issued by religious leaders decrying the attack on the judiciary. This is progress.
This mistaken identity thing is like an early scene in Terry Gilliam's movie Brazil, where a typo results in a swat team scooping up an innocent citizen and torturing him to death. That movie was satire.
And now, the horrific reality.
Nope.
I may be confused - but only as to whether it was $10,000 or $50,000.
All of the rich people I've ever know are the cheapest bastards alive.
They don't like paying cab fare.
10,000 dollars for a credit card?
Who are they marketing it to? The two "rap moguls" stupid enough to pay?
Still though, if you can buy an airline ticket with it and stay off the no fly list I'm sure it would have many willing customers in the terrorist community.
RIL-
Hah. But the state intestacy statute has been near and dear to my heart today, despite the frequent (and often apropos-of-nothing) comments I've been dropping.
Internets will be the death of me...
Black AMEX card: Check.
Massive Hummer: Check.
Stash of Ann Coulter SM porn:
Overcompensated inferiority complex: Check.
Forgot to check the Coulter porn....Mistress Ann will be SO angry...i guess it's the funnel again for me....
Freedom from torture is an inalienable human right. The Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment, ratified by the United States and more than 130 other countries since 1984, forbids governments from deliberately inflicting severe physical or mental pain or suffering on those within their custody or control. Yet torture continues to be practiced around the world by rogue regimes whose cruel methods match their determination to crush the human spirit. Beating, burning, rape, and electric shock are some of the grisly tools such regimes use to terrorize their own citizens. These despicable crimes cannot be tolerated by a world committed to justice.
George W. Bush's statement to the United Nations
United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture June 2003
The criminal in chief describes his own rendition policy with those words "despicable crimes".
Congressman Ed Markey has a bill coming up for a vote in the House soon to end this shameful practice.
We should contact our reps about it.
Well Tena, I glad you agree. Frankly your sane head has helped over several dark periods. But this time, it really does seem to be happening. But not in a big, spectacular way that would send us all running through the streets cheering. It is almost like it is creeping up on us. I'll take it.
Real Fuckwits:
The Thomas More Law Center of Ann Arbor said it sent a letter to the Gull Lake Community School District's school board on behalf of two science teachers, Dawn Wendzel and Julie Olson, who had been barred by the district superintendent from teaching intelligent design alongside the theory of evolution in their seventh grade classes.
The letter written by Richard Thompson, the center's chief counsel, also protested the confiscation of 30 copies of the book "Of Pandas and People" the teachers had been using in teaching ID.
The center said future legal proceedings were possible and requested a response to the April 14 letter within 14 days.
from sciencedaily.com
Tena,
"All week I read statements issued by religious leaders decrying the attack on the judiciary."
Please clue me in? I would very much like to read those statements?
thanks !
regards
.
the "Upgrade" to the Concorde for Transatlantic flights, what a truly timeless feature of the Centurion card.
suckers.
freedom maybe on the march; but will there be anybody left alive to show it?
AP Cameraman Killed in Gunfire
Saturday, April 23, 2005
BAGHDAD, Iraq — A television cameraman working for The Associated Press was killed Saturday when gunfire broke out after an explosion in the northern city of Mosul. An AP photographer was wounded in the same incident. AP identified the victims as Associated Press Television News cameraman Saleh Ibrahim and photographer Mohamed Ibrahim, no relation to the deceased. Saleh Ibrahim was in his early 30s and was a father of five.The circumstances of the death and injury remained unclear.
.
Hey, another easy segue to my (shamelessly whored) podcast. I talk about Ann Coulter and Hummers! Umm, you know what I mean...
PodSquito
.
Internets will be the death of me...
Jay Carolina ...
OMG. Are you doing "the rule" this semester?
Who are they marketing it to? The two "rap moguls" stupid enough to pay?
Um - it's not being marketed. You can only have one if Ken Chenault (essentially) asks you to. Yes, that annual fee (whether 10 or 50k) is amazing. But look at the publicity....
You cannot qualify for a Gold Amex unless your income is 50K+/pa. You cannot get one if you've ever had a bankruptcy. You cannot get one if you've defaulted, or missed payments. For this you pay $75/pa and basically, you're good to go anyplace under the most absurd circumstances and the Company will bail you out. My goodness, one Christmas we re-adjusted the foreign exchange between most of South America and the US - can't say we weren't trying hard....
What Amex will do for a black card customer, I hesitate to think....
the "Upgrade" to the Concorde for Transatlantic flights, what a truly timeless feature of the Centurion card.
Wow. One of these might even cost 200 bucks.
Complimentary international cellular phones, which will be delivered directly to Centurion Cardmembers, who pay only the cost of the calls.
Overcompensated inferiority complex: Check.
Well, that, too... sure... but hey, give a guy a break!
For this you pay $75/pa and basically, you're good to go anyplace under the most absurd circumstances and the Company will bail you out.
Send lawyers guns and black Amex cards?
If I'm a troop in Iraq, can I get one of these and use it to pay my way out of my stop loss order?
Moad-Dib,
Completely understood. Actually, I didn't sense any undue harshness and can greatly appreciate your sensitivity to BS statements. I, of course, was mocking a certain "great" world leader.
Moad-Dib - Here's a post on the statement that was issued by a leading Presbyterian.
Atrios posted the first two, one of which was by the ADL.
Room upgrades, late checkout, complimentary use of fitness centers and other benefits through enrollment in Starwood Gold Preferred Guest program,
I get offered this crap by my expedia.com spam.
the reason I really love the BBC is because it tells you things the American press simply won't. Why, for example, is Russia selling advanced antiaircraft weaponry to the Syrians? a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/
4475445.stm">the BBC explains:
Mr Putin also dismissed concerns that short-range, anti-aircraft missiles sold by Moscow to Syria might be used by Palestinian groups or the Lebanese guerrilla group Hezbollah against Israel.
"(The weapons) cannot be transferred to terror organisations without someone finding out," he told Israeli television.
"We have the capabilities to monitor them."
Mr Putin then admitted that the missiles would make it difficult fly over Syria's presidential residence at low altitude.
"These systems can hit a target within the visibility range. They are mounted on vehicles and cannot be secretly passed on to terrorist organisations.
"But I am not sure that these flights are correct if all of us, including Israel acting in the interests of its own people, want to create a favourable atmosphere for the further peace process," Mr Putin was quoted as saying by Russia's Itar-Tass news agency.
OK. Now we're getting somewhere:
Each cardmember will be assigned a personal travel counselor to handle all travel needs,
I'm betting Nicholas Kristoff has one to help him pick out the hottest 13 year old Thai slave girls to "rescue".
If I'm a troop in Iraq, can I get one of these and use it to pay my way out of my stop loss order?
There was an occasion involving a hostage, yes.
They cost, I believe, $50,000 a year to have.
Nobody who could get that much credit would be dumb enough to pay a membership fee, let alone $50,000.
Perhaps you were referring to the credit limit?
I think you have to charge 50K or better a year to get or keep the black Amex card.
All of the rich people I've ever know are the cheapest bastards alive.
There are two types of "rich" people. Those who look and act like normal people but actually are more thrifty and those insecure souls who really want a big neon sign floating over their heads flashing "I AM RICH. AREN'T I WONDERFUL" The second type wants a black Amex card.
SWR is right. Platinum cards are as common as dirt now. The credit limits that they give people are also ridiculous. We have three cards and pay off the balances monthly when we use them. The total credit limits are now up to my yearly salary. We never asked for those credit limits they just kept increasing them. Just think about paying 18% interest per year on a debt equal to your yearly gross income. Miss one payment (on any card, utility bill etc.) and the interest rate goes to 29%)
olexicon
Not over the top...on the back.
Why just piss them off? Get them irrate as hell! They can't touch you and if they do, it a law suit...you have Constitutional protects still.
regards
.
Fortunately, RIL, this is just a big, slambang mulitple choice exam. Plays into my love of trivia and hatred for lawschool essay exams.
That said, four hours of wills and trusts is teh suck.
what's on your agenda?
No one is safe from our tyrannical despot anywhere, are they?
"If I'm a troop in Iraq, can I get one of these and use it to pay my way out of my stop loss order?"
Not sure about the Middle-East, but AMEX cards aren't accepted in Europe anymore. Might want to have a Master card or Visa as a back-up.
regards
.
I thought Jesus was a Communist? or am I confusing him with the economic practices of his followers for the first few centuries after his death?
They cost, I believe, $50,000 a year to have.
Whether its 10k or 50k, everything I've read so far - no spending limit, concierge service etc etc - you can get for your $75 gold card.
Yeessssh. Nouveau gone wild.
Tena:
The words "Tena" and "fuckwit" are never to be used in the same sentence. Ever.
what's on your agenda?
Jay Carolina ...
I'm polishing Family Law outline at the moment. Will print later, then 3 days of hard-core memorization.
Also ... finishing touches on paper about use of in terrorem clause in NY wills.
Two other classes to deal with, but that's for the rest of today.
Re "The rule" ... don't get stuck on "which life?" It's any life.
I'm not surprised. And that black AmEx sounds stupid. You should be getting out of debt, not getting in it.
flory - you haven't seen the comments.
But ok - I withdraw fuckwit and substitute dimwit.
There.
Fuck that pope Benny the Rat.
Fuck the Bush torture junta.
Luv the rich. My store is 1 mile from the richest area around here. The only customers I get from there are $3.00 Gallo winos with gold cards.
I thought Jesus was a Communist?
No, Joseph Smith was a communist. If you want to see something funny, ask a Mormon to explain Smith's "United Order." They'll go to great pains to explain that public ownership of the means of production isn't the same thing as communism.
There isn't a credit limit on several AmEx cards. There isn't one on our gold card. I never use it online for that reason.
Whether its 10k or 50k, everything I've read so far - no spending limit, concierge service etc etc - you can get for your $75 gold card.
Yeessssh. Nouveau gone wild.
If I were a paparazzi I'd kill to have my girlfriend working as a secretary in the billing department where they process these.
Or a would be kidnapper for ransom.
Then again, the records of asset managers for "high net work individuals" are pretty interesting and you could probably get to see them by getting a job as a temp.
Re "The rule" ... don't get stuck on "which life?" It's any life.
A great thing happened at the very start of class this semester. My prof said he's sick of teaching the rule and the students were sick of learning it.
"Y'all learned this in first year, right? Then what's the big deal? Next topic..."
Planning on shutting off the ol' computer in a bit and letting the NFL draft rock me to sleep. Then it's all trusts, all the time.
I have a client that has an auto policy covering $934,000 on 6 cars.
Another has approx $3.2M on 4 collector cars.
Fine arts and jewelry? Oy, don't let me start....
Hey, tomorrow's Justice Sunday! Where we either watch Frist slit his own throat or complete the destruction of America!
I think the "black" Amex card is only given to really big spenders. You can't ask for it, Amex decides if you are worthy and then sticks you with some ridiculous yearly fee ($1,000 or something of that order)
the only times i've seen a black amex card are on mtv. and it's been jessica simpson and rappers who love to wave it around.
I never use it online for that reason.
I had a Visa Debit card number stolen online once.
I had porn charges on it and I never use online porn (seriously I don't).
So I called the billing companay and they told me that since they had the three digit security code from the back I was lying. The card wasn't stolen. So I had to cancel the card, file a police report and have them do an investigation. I got all my money back the next day and they never questioned that it was fraud.
But come on, how many online stores ask for that three digit code. Lots.
Sharkbabe
I vote for door 1.
Hey, tomorrow's Justice Sunday! Where we either watch Frist slit his own throat or complete the destruction of America!
Or possibly both.
Hey, tomorrow's Justice Sunday! Where we either watch Frist slit his own throat or complete the destruction of America!
I'm betting my Amex Centurian card on the latter.
Hey, if you're a rich fag like David Geffen and the fundis start rounding up homosexuals and (simultaneously) closing the airport, will Amex get me to Canada?
Kevin Smith is going to talk about Pope Panzerfaust I sometime this hour on Air America. It might be pretty good.
the only times i've seen a black amex card are on mtv. and it's been jessica simpson and rappers who love to wave it around.
As I said, if you're a paparazzi, getting the billing records for those things would mean serious $$$ from the tabloids.
Track spending patterns and show up at the right place at the right time.
What kinda drugz?
Thanks, fourlegs. I knew I brought you up right!
I only have a green Amex card. They tried to force a Platinum one on me and I refused. I hate all that shit. Like the banks giving you better service if you have more money there. I hate it. Luckily, it won't be a problem for me long as I'm rapidly draining down my savings.
But seriously, it's disgusting to have this happen in the country which prides itself on having no social classes.
Hey, if you're a rich fag like David Geffen and the fundis start rounding up homosexuals and (simultaneously) closing the airport, will Amex get me to Canada?
Only if you have already signed up with one of the companies that offers "fractional ownership" of a corporate jet.
PS: Geffen probably left yesterday on his personally owned jet.
Only if you have already signed up with one of the companies that offers "fractional ownership" of a corporate jet.
Hey maybe we could lease an Atrio-jet. When the fundies take over it can fly around and get us all to Canada.
Fuckin eh, Echidne.. talk about banks!
I took a check from my employer to Citibank, thinking, "it's a Citibank check, no problem". Right? No, not right...
"I'm sorry, sir, this check is from out of state."
"Excuse me? It's a Citibank check."
"Well, yes, but it's from Citibank out-of-state. If it were from IL we could cash it for you."
"I'm sorry, did you just tell me to fuck myself and your Vaseline is ony for clients?"
"Basically, yes, sir. That's about the size of it."
The CIA did the same thing to another AQ suspect in Italy, kidnapped him off a boulevard in Milan and subjected him to torture at Aviano US AF base near Treviso.
Why the Italians didn't close down all our bases, I'll never do. Wait! I do...their fascist goverment. BTW Berlusconi is baaaack with two more fascist mofo's as ministers.
SWR - I used my Visa online - it has a limit and if something happened I'd cancel it.
I just don't use the AmEx, though AmEx is particularly good about it if your card is stolen. Mr. Tena prefers that I not, so I don't.
Hey Robert - if the comments I've been leaving at your house are painfully banal, let me know.
I read and then comment and then leave and start thinking: " Robert already knows these things, you fuckwit." Your blog is so good and so not pitched to the lowest common denominator - I'm really glad you started it.
Tena--
I really hope you get to see this (sorry, at work, hit or miss commenting today). No comments (except rude ones!) go unappreciated at my blog. It's amazing what I learn from people, especially those who think I "alread know that."
Usually, in fact, I don't. It's a big world.
Kevin Smith is going to talk about Pope Panzerfaust I sometime this hour on Air America. It might be pretty good.
That ought to be interesting. Smith is very into the real Jesus, i.e., the one who says you should care for the poor, "the first shall be last," and all the good stuff.
I walk away for five minutes to put some potatoes in the oven to bake for dinner. Another 40 comments. Lighten up, so I can keep up.
I just don't use the AmEx, though AmEx is particularly good about it if your card is stolen.
Amex is the only one I use online. Mostly cos I have the number memorized so its easier, but they are very responsive when you question charges. Take them off immediately, investigate and only repost them after the investigation.
I had a Visa Debit card number stolen online once.
As a former financial guy, I have always advised everyone to stay away from debit cards - Why would you let anybody take money directly out of your bank account? Just use a regular credit card and pay it off monthly.
If I have a disputed charge, it's between me and the vendor with the credit card company acting as arbiter. With a debit card, the money has already been taken out of your account, and you have to try and get it put back in.
Sentence Diagramming? On the Foreign Service Exam???
I was the king-hell sentence diagrammer of ALL northern Ohio for a couple of years...
Put me in for the Embassy in Amsterdam...i'll just stepo to the head of the pod...
If I were a paparazzi I'd kill to have my girlfriend working as a secretary in the billing department where they process these.
Or a would be kidnapper for ransom.
Then again, the records of asset managers for "high net work individuals" are pretty interesting and you could probably get to see them by getting a job as a temp.
Did I mention that when I worked for Amex my USA top secret and DOD atomic clearance were deemed insufficiently adequate for where I was placed in the Company?
And, btw - other than Blue/Optima, all charges on an Amex charge card are due and payable monthly.... As it was often said, 'Dammit, Jim, it's a charge card, not a credit card.'
Off to bake a ham - have fun.
Ooooooooooh, RMJ, did you touch it?
They cost, I believe, $50,000 a year to have. (Gold=75, Platinum=399) There are just a piddly little number of them. You have to be invited - and not by an Amex customer services rep. They are - well, think of it this way. If you had one, and one morning you wanted to, um, buy the United States? You could.
I swiped it through the card reader. I won't wash those fingers, now....
Figures it's valuable. The guy is a big time retina specialist here in town, apparently. Proof once again that medical care is screwed up in this country.
Tena:
Shorter RMJ - Nope, 'dimwit' doesn't cut it either.
I recall hearing about a card structured for online purchases. It is set up so that each purchase has to be authorized by the owner of the card prior to any purchase. Money would be shifted to the account for specific purchases and would not be available for anyone who might try and steal the number. Anyone know some more about it?
As a former financial guy, I have always advised everyone to stay away from debit cards - Why would you let anybody take money directly out of your bank account?
I sooooo agree with this. I've been making this argument since they first came out. And every time my ATM card expires I have to fight with BofA to NOT get one of their fucking debit cards.
"When you start requiring PINs to use the damn things you can give me one - until then just replace the damn ATM card."
RMJ
What book did the big time retina specialist buy?
But seriously, it's disgusting to have this happen in the country which prides itself on having no social classes.
Echidne of the snakes -5:23 pm
not to belabor the issue, goddess, but...
what country would you be talkin about?
certainly not the USA, where the rich wage war against the poor, and berate the poor for class warfare when they strike back?
the usa has a more rigid caste system than India's; only it's less visible...i have long maintained the REAL purpose of the US School Sustem is to ensure that no one--or at least the absolute, bare, minimum number necessary to keep alive the myth of social mobility-- escapes the socio-economic stratum into which they were born...
flory - Went through the same thing when BofA bought out my account at Nations Bank.
They sent me my new ATM card, except it said debit card on it. Immediately called the fuckers and told them I specifically wanted an ATM card that was pin protected. They went through there whole spiel, finally had to get blunt with them that it was an ATM card or I was getting a new bank.
Another thing, don't link your checking account with your savings for overdraft. Just move money if you need it over the computer. We had a check stolen a couple years ago and the woman forged our signature and bought a used car.
did everyone see that Media Matters picked up on Newsweek? I haven't heard the FCC go after Rush yet either. You gotta wonder......
http://mediamatters.org/items/20...ms/
200504210007
Ok - I take all back - the comments are dazzling.
On the subject of filthy rich doctors - ooh, do I know a pair. And they are icky - both of them.
chris/tx:
don't link your checking account with your savings for overdraft. Just move money if you need it over the computer. We had a check stolen a couple years ago and the woman forged our signature and bought a used car.
Ah, but there are (temporarily prolly) federal laws regarding check fraud. They can't ding you for more than $50, total, and they have to replace the money immediately. So the bank's out the amount of the fraud - not you. The laws don't apply to debit cards.
BTW, picking nits - Nations Bank bought out BofA not t'other way. They just changed the name.
Woody - the usa has a more rigid caste system than India's; only it's less visible...i
Woody, that can't stand. That simply isn't true. In India you stay where you were born. That's not true here, no matter what you think. Mr. Tena's boss grew up in a house with a dirt floor.
He is a billionaire now.
That does not happen in India; the pariah caste still is mostly people who sleep on the stairlandings in apartment buildings, and run errands for handouts. And there is not that much peace or movement between the other castes.
Woody, that can't stand. That simply isn't true. In India you stay where you were born. That's not true here, no matter what you think. Mr. Tena's boss grew up in a house with a dirt floor.
He is a billionaire now.
People always tend to speak about class in terms of the extremes. Some one can rise from poverty to become wealthy in any society.
But the reas question is how easily it is for large groups of people to rise more modestly within the class system.
My grandfather got out of the Marines after serving in the Pacific and went to college on the GI Bill. his parents were dirt poor Polish immigrants and he wound up in the upper middle-class. A lot of people did that. A lot of people *do not* rise to become billionaires. The number of people who do is so small as to be statistically irrelevent.
So what's the difference between now and New Deal America? Does it mean you can't become rich? Of course not. Some people will. Some people are good at sports or selling drugs.
But, is there a mass program like the GI bill that will let everybody go to college? Can they buy houses?
No.
flory - If someone does not check their balance regularly, someone can do quite a bit of damage if you have overdraft and a large savings account. Your right I would get all the money back. I just don't like making it easier for someone to defraud my bank via my account.
Also the bank never involved me when they took a $800 hit, but I think they would have if it would have been a $50,000 hit.
PS - Had forgotten that info on Nations and BofA.
Tena:
that's the genius of the system, the idea of the exception to the rule...
(Almost) nobody in the US pariah classes escapes, either...Mr.T's boss musta been born white, minimum, to have gotten out. We hear about the exceptions all the time, but its propaganda...we hear about the ones who don't make it, too: on tv news, where the faces of the dead have that peculiar grainy cast...their caste status in never in doubt...
Dirt floors? not sure what that signifies...at least one of the floors in the 300-yr-old adobe my parents bought in 1960 was made of ox-blood and mud...
Ok - I take all back - the comments are dazzling.
Well, yours are.
RMJ
What book did the big time retina specialist buy?
Local lawyer (ins. defense guy) self-published a legal thriller, here to sign copies.
Doc probably a business "friend."
Flory - True, things have changed. And true, my example was extreme. So take me. I grew up middle class in the extreme. My dad didn't finish high school.
I have moved into the professional class.
That may happen now in India, Woody, but from what I read - and that's what my opinion is based on, there is still strife between castes in India. And people still cannot move out of their castes with any ease, except perhaps the higher castes, who have always been able to move.
We are not born into a situation that has to remain the same, necessarily. That is also true of other countries - it isn't just us. Lots of Europe is like that. Hell, China is like that and a lot of the East.
What I am saying, I suppose, is that the Hindu Caste system was too extreme an example. It is a yoke that keeps India weighed down, IMO.
In re WGG-
Never argue with someone who has an education PhD. It's not worth your time. They're either dumb, idelological, or both.
Never argue with someone who has an education PhD. It's not worth your time. They're either dumb, idelological, or both.
Not exactly an argument itself free from either of those weaknesses.
They're either dumb, idelological, or both.
generalize much?
had been flown on a C.I.A.-chartered plane to the prison under a secret American program of transferring terror suspects from country to country for interrogation, officials said. At the prison in Kabul, Mr. Masri said, he was shackled, beaten, photographed nude and injected with drugs by interrogators who pressed him to reveal ties to Al Qaeda.
and he just wants an apology?... good luck and don't hold your breath.
One word "Guantanamo"
(Let me draw it here on a napkin for you. They should be about 12" tall, with wheels....)
Art Vanderlay | Email | Homepage | 04.23.05 - 2:36 pm | #
Art, can I raise a practical question here...
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do we do Stonehenge tomorrow night?
But, yeah, key graf in the article:
Ms. Rice's involvement suggests that the White House may have played a more hands-on role than was previously known. The officials who discussed the matter on Friday suggested that she had intervened as needed, but would not describe the extent to which national security officials at the White House were in charge.
Straight to the top, yessiree!
Ah, but there are (temporarily prolly) federal laws regarding check fraud. They can't ding you for more than $50, total, and they have to replace the money immediately. So the bank's out the amount of the fraud - not you.
If that's the case, then my bank screwed me.
Seven years ago I had a checkbook stolen and the thief wrote some checks for $220 in phone bills. They used a fake name and signature which didn't match my name on the check, yet the phone company cashed it and the bank paid on it.
When I brought it to the bank's attention they basically said tough shit, your loss. After I kicked and screamed enough they ate half of it.
I will bad-mouth this local bank to everyone for the rest of my life.
This guy's measured response is amazing. Maybe he's tired, or maybe he's a much better person than I am, but I'd have been ranting about suing the US for billions and billions right about then.
And, btw... if we were signatories to the International Criminal Court, I'd guess that some of our people would be on the hook for torturing this guy, no? Guess we know why Bush won't sign up for a perfectly reasonable international justice system -- we gots ta protect our criminals!
I was initially mortified to hear anything about a Jane Fonda apology, but I am loving the way that she is correcting everyone who dares say she is apologizing for having gone to N Vietnam! She brought Maher up short when she shredded his misinterpretation of her book!
rorschach
Oh, well - Maher thinks Viet Nam was a noble cause and was winnable.
Never mind that he wasn't over there getting shot at. Too young to be drafted.
I didn't like last night's show at all. Scarborough made me sick and Alan Simpson came off like he was Tom DeLay on acid. Doddering old fool!
Jon Stewart has it all over Maher.
Off topic, but I just read where the court in England ruled that an 18 month old child be allowed to die the next time she stops breathing.
This child was born way premature, only weighed a pound, is blind, deaf and severely brain-damaged. Her brain and other internal organs are so severely damaged that all she feels is constant pain.
The motion was filed by a group of doctors.
The parents, unbelievably, fought to keep this poor kid in her hell.
Call me cynical, call me a bitch, but why do I have the feeling that the parents don't want this child to be let go because there would an autopsy and maybe a reason why this child was born so early and with all the damge to her organs.
Something doesn't sound right!
If this kid was here in the US, the theofascist fucks would be on the warpath.
Jane Fonda has NO-fucking-THING for which to apologize...
you may take it up with me privately if someone would like to debate the matter.
i was there, from Dec '67-Mar '68.
there was nothing good about it. Not one fucking thing. Zero. Nada. Crap. Shit. Nothing...It was a racist, empeiralistic clusterfuck. Nothing else. Nothing.
And jane was absolutely correct about it. she was right to protest, she was right to go to Hanoi. she was one of the most courageous American of her generation.
In Vietnam, USers learned the fay arts of war criminality which we haves os spectacularly perfected lately in Iraq...murder, theft, rape, intimidation, coersion, all of it...
Invitation open, if ya wanna discuss it...
but if you're not over about 49, you got nuthin, no fuckin thing to say...
Hey, Woody, I hope us younger folks have at least learned something from it... so maybe we have something to say after all?
when i saw this on the news i could'nt believe someone finally said something.i had signed a petition months ago to have him released.its amazing how far in front of the public news media we have become
And just like that, whatever slim chances Rice had of running on the 2008 ticket abruptly vanished in a cloud of smoke. As if the evangelicals would ever support a black female, pro-choice, pro-affirmative action candidate, lol!
Scarborough made the comment that Gay-hating was not baised on the bible? I don't know what bible he reads, but the old testiment of the bible that I read gives the death penalty for male homosexuality.
I remember that on Scarborough's own show he made the comment that all of Clinton's Judical nomminees had gotten an up or do vote in the senate. Two big lies and nobody has called him on them...
...now, was his name Tuttle, or Buttle?
(hint: a reference to the movie "Brazil")
I sooooo agree with this. I've been making this argument since they first came out. And every time my ATM card expires I have to fight with BofA to NOT get one of their fucking debit cards.
"When you start requiring PINs to use the damn things you can give me one - until then just replace the damn ATM card."
Funny, Canada has had something *exactly* like what you describe for at least a decade.
Google "Interac".
PINs, dedicated lines, encryption, and I have access to all of my money.
I hate credit cards because, at a very basic level, it's nothing more than a loan, which means I ultimately *still* have to pay out of my bank account, possibly with interest if I don't pay everything off immediately.
Re: the main topic of this thread... some evidence has come out that the Canadian regime was more interested in any possible "intelligence" that could be gleaned from Maher Arar's torment than actually getting him out of trouble. Syria may make a great political hobby horse for the Busheviki when a large chunk of the Lebanese population decides *on their own* to rise against military occupation, but they sure make fast friends when some guy who doesn't have the holy European genetics needs to be tortured into confessions.
I have a strong urge to nail myself to the doors of the US consulate here in town. I'm sure the vampires and sadists currently running the US and its military would appreciate the blood.
Why, yes, I *am* completely disgusted with the thugs running "the land of the free" and the home of the slave.
The Terror of Error
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