I'MMA LET YOU FINISH
No comments?
well, some.
i'm still waiting for Soros paycheck you know!
Fuck Lieberman
OT, but again I point with incredulity to this post about wanker Cohen's piece about how we don't need no stinkin' math.
You have to read it to believe it.
Open link in new f i r e h o s e!
.
Billionaires for Bush must have something to say about this.
No Campaign Reform EVER disadvantages incumbency..ever...
no incumbent EVER votes to enact ANY reforms which MIGHT work enlarge the electorate, or loosen the restrictions that ed to their beig at the public trough...
.
I know, I'm coming in very late in this fracas regarding the WaPo's Abramoff reporting... but anyone wanna help refine my point?
I'm late 'cause the e-mail I got from Jim Brady yesterday just really started a brain itch that I so far have been unable to scratch to satisfaction.
.
Love the way that the anti-Lieberman crowd is lumped into the category of "anti-war activists."
Granted, probably most of the people who want Lieberman out are critics of the Iraq War to various degrees, but to reduce the dissatisfaction with Lieberman and support for Lamont as his challnger to just this position is highly inaccurate, and makes me suspicious that it might not be a convenient manner of marginalization.
I mean, it just ignores and glosses over so many reasons why Joe has made people want to get rid of him.
Jennifer--read it, and am writing a response to him.
When, oh when will the sheeple finally wake up and insist on public financing for all elections?
Al Francken has it right: in the long run, it will cost this democracy less.
OT, but again I point with incredulity to this post about wanker Cohen's piece about how we don't need no stinkin' math.
You have to read it to believe it.
Belive it or not, I DO think the blogs are having an effect on the media coverage. First Russert gets into it with Huffington and Media Matters, but then starts to aggresively questin repubs and have a more balanced roundtable panel. Next Matthews is starting to sound like a real reporter on Hardball. On this Week, Van Hueval froma the Nation will be in the round table. And Washington Post is seriously watching ist back after the ombudsman/Abromoff-Froomkin incidents. Truthfully, the dems need to buy a few media outlets, but at least the bitching is starting to pay dividends for you guys.
Check with Fat Tony. He can get out his Founder's Dictionary and give ya the real scoop.
Kate O"Beirne IS that stupid.
When, oh when will the sheeple finally wake up and insist on public financing for all elections?
Al Francken has it right: in the long run, it will cost this democracy less.
I dont think that it is a good idea. I think abetter idea is to cap off expenditures, andn ban lobbyist from giving money. Finally, cap off political donations at $200 per person/company.
*yawn*
Morning batties.
Its a beeyootiful day here in the bay area.
How's everybody?
Diane,
I agree completely. I'd like to see public financing spread more widely too. Most of the reason I voted Green in 00 was to see them get five percent.
Now, a lot of you have been engaging in idle speculation over how & why our beloved VP shot old man Whittington in the face.
I've now concluded my exhaustive investigation & want to share my finding with you. Apparently, Cheney was high on shrooms & thought Whittington was FDR.
Oh, and here's lots of our friends having fun.
I dont think that it is a good idea. I think abetter idea is to cap off expenditures, andn ban lobbyist from giving money. Finally, cap off political donations at $200 per person/company.
LfoD
The Supremes have already ruled that you can't ban lobbyists or their clients from contributing to campaigns because it is a violation of the First Amendment.
But some state and local governments are now working under "Clean Election" systems quite successfully.
WGG, doesn't Albuquerque have that system? If so, did it work?
Kate O"Beirne IS that stupid.
plantsman | Homepage | 02.18.06 - 1:17 pm | #
HOw does she do it everyday? No matter what BushCo does, she defends it. It was very interesting around how she skated around Matthews question about how she would feel about it if Gore shot someone then covered it up. This is why I dont argue with republicans. Most liberals, though I disagree with most of them, will at least attemtp to argue with consistency. The only thing that matters to repubs is winning the arguement, and they will make all kinds of excuses that make absolutley no sense. Witness how they changed positions from Roberts to Miers fliplopping back again for Alito. Dishonest people.
flory: How's everybody?
Finer'n frog hair. And you?
.
Totally and completely off-topic, but: http://www.kusa.com/acm_news.asp...47-
c589c01ca7bf
Record cold forces blackouts
Dan Werner Web producer
Created: 2/18/2006 10:27 AM MST - Updated: 2/18/2006 11:02 AM MST
DENVER - With record-cold temperatures dropping to 13 degrees below zero Saturday, Xcel Energy has implemented rolling blackouts to deal with the high energy demands.
Xcel Energy is conducting rolling blackouts throughout the Denver metro area.
Xcel says the blackouts should last about 30 minutes each, but several Xcel customers have told 9News that their blackout has lasted in excess of 90 minutes. The rolling blackouts affect a 15 to 20 block area at a time.
9News Meteorologist Nick Carter says Saturday's high temperature will only reach 15 degrees. And Sunday will only warm up to the low 20s.
With such low temperatures, Xcel energy is asking people to try to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid a more dire energy situation.
Is this unusual for the Denver area, these rolling blackouts?
"Slappy" Thomas: "Does 'dong' have the same connotation today as it did in 1776?"
The Supremes have already ruled that you can't ban lobbyists or their clients from contributing to campaigns because it is a violation of the First Amendment.
Well cap them off at $200 per firm.
Apparently, Cheney was high on shrooms & thought Whittington was FDR.
It makes as much sense as anything else they've spewed.
WGG, doesn't Albuquerque have that system? If so, did it work?
Diane | Homepage | 02.18.06 - 1:23 pm
nope...nothing even like it...
i think AZ operates their state-wide elections according to some similar set of rules, though...
I'm with LfoD.
Limit "who can give" to citizens eligible to vote, limit them to no more than a few thousand ($5K or less) per candidate/party/issue campaign.
The problems with public financing are several: first of all, who gets to decide who qualifies for money. In a public-financing scheme, it would be all too easy for the current parties to make it virtually impossible for other parties to run candidates.
That having been said, there's the flip side: I certainly don't want any (more, since we have limited public financing for pres. campaigns) of my tax dollars going to finance Republican candidates, nor do it want it going to Lyndon LaRouche.
Contributions from the public are one of the ways a candidate demonstrates adequate support to mount a campaign. Public financing simply can't address this particular issue.
NYMary - If I read every blog recommended in your link, I'd have to retire and stop making quilts. I'd not have enough time for anything else. Sheesh, I can just barely keep up around here.
Now, a lot of you have been engaging in idle speculation over how & why our beloved VP shot old man Whittington in the face.
My theory:
Dude was drunk and shot other dude in face and heart. Dude did not want it to come out that he was drunnk and having an affair, so they tried to see if they could cover it up completely. Too many people saw the accident, i.e. the SS, so they spun it the best way that they could. Dems as usual, let the whole incident go. All dems have to do is go up to a podium and ask what the repubs and the media would be demading if Gore shot someone and covered it up. Demand an investigation. Even if it never happens, dems could always refer to the cover-up. Then tie it to all the other cover-ups.
It's a sad statement on the state of political play here in 'Merka that one has to be a millionaire in order to have a shot at a federal-level elected office.
Pathetic, really.
and they will make all kinds of excuses that make absolutley no sense. Witness how they changed positions from Roberts to Miers fliplopping back again for Alito. Dishonest people.
LfoD
And when making excuses doesn't work, they'll just outright lie. Coulter recommended it in one of her books. That's why I've stopped arguing with wingnuts.
OT, but I can't let Woody's list go unresponded to
PERKS OF BEING OVER 50
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run--anywhere.
4. People call at 9 PM and ask, " Did I wake you?"
5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now won't wear out.
8. You can eat dinner at 4 P.M. .
9. You can live without sex but not your glasses.
10. You enjoy hearing about other people's Operations.
11. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
12. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
13. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.
14. You sing along with elevator music.
15. Your eyes won't get much worse.
16. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
17. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.
18. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
19. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.
20. You can't remember who sent you this list.
And you notice these are all in Big Print for your convenience!
WoodyGuthrie'sGuitar(aka
DOWNSIDES:
1. Because it's no fun hunting the sick and the lame.
2. Because you're dead.
3. Because you can't.
4. Because they don't understand insomnia.
5. They view you as terminally ill.
6. And it's too late to do you any good anyway.
7. Because you'll likely outgrow them at the waist first.
8. You have to or you won't sleep a wink and oh the gas.
9. Because sex is now meaningless without them.
10. Because it means other people are likely to die before you.
11. Having lost yours to a recently convicted corporate felon.
12. Because driving has become increasingly like sex.
13. Because some wrinkled old granny might mistake you for a player.
14. Because you liked the Clash (heard Should I Stay in a supermarket last week).
15. Because they can't whereas countenance can.
16. Now that the President's prescription drug plan is kicking in.
17. You mean plastic is sensitive to humidity?
18. And even if they could, no one would believe them now.
19..Just like your hair and your penis.
20. Or where you left the Viagra.
LfoD:
BINGO! For ReTHUGS gamesmanship seems more important than sound, solid policy. Winning is the only thing, even if it means the country goes down the shitter. That's the part that appalls me.
The problems with public financing are several: first of all, who gets to decide who qualifies for money. In a public-financing scheme, it would be all too easy for the current parties to make it virtually impossible for other parties to run candidates.
Jennifer
Jennifer,
I'm going to address only one of your several legitimate concerns.
Most of these plans require candidates to show their viability by the number of contributors, not the amount initially raised. One formula requires 3,000 contributors at $5 a piece.
After all, an election is theoretically decided by the number of votes, not the number of dollars raised. That means that even small-time contributors have an equal say with, for example, Halliburton in determining the candidate.
If candidates don't have to take money from mega-corps, they won't have to engage in pay-back with the earmarks which are bankrupting us.
They also would have to deal with press the flesh campaigns, meeting with their constituents and hearing their concerns instead of big Pharma, big Oil, MBNA, etc.
I'm going to repost something in a few seconds from the downstairs Wanker thread, because it's really important to me; thanks for your patience.
This campagin finance law is also known as the "don't let Theresa Hines spend more than a rethug" law.
ATRIOS:
Holy crap, I think the Wanker of the Day ultimately refers to me.
Here's what I just posted to MyDD:
Please don't hold this against me, but I think that Buetler's article was largely influenced by Little Old Me. Right before the Alito filibuster, I used a site I had just started called Vichy Democrats to marshall resources for people to use when making their phone calls, faxes, and emails. At five days old, the site boomed to 8,500 hits on that filibuster Monday. Buetler noticed, and asked to be added to my mailing list.
(Why did I connect the "Vichy" concept to the Alito fight? Because the Vichys were the ones who would sink a filibuster, and because the votes on the filibuster would, in my mind, be one measure of who was a Vichy and who wasn't.)
Fast forward to Feb. 8. I started making noises about mounting a similar phone-calling campaign on the NSA question. Buetler -- who, again, had asked to be on my mailing list and gets daily updates on what's posted -- highlighted that in Blogometer:
EAVESDROPPING: Are There Second Acts In American Political Movements?
Attention has temporarily swung away from the NSA wiretap debate (just as Plamegate fell off the radar yesterday) but Vichy Democrats -- launched in the wake [sic] of the failed filibuster of Samuel Alito -- is contemplating another campaign, this one aimed at getting Dems to put the screws to the Bush admin. Quoting a report from the conservative Insight, Vichy Democrats states that Rove "already is afraid that the Congressional investigations may ultimately result in impeachment proceedings, and is putting tremendous political pressure on Republicans to support the President no matter what, saying that any R Senator who deems warrantless wiretaps unlawful will be 'blacklisted' in the next elections." Another letter-writing/fax-faxing campaign is proposed: "So I'm considering launching a new Game Plan to encourage people to harangue the Dem members of Judiciary and Intelligence, the Dem Senate Leadership, and the more moderate or liberty-loving Republicans on the Committee, insisting that the Dems show a unified front if the hearings continue to show that crimes were committed, and that the Republicans place principle above politics, and honor their oaths of office, by calling a crime a crime."
The positions he's ascribing to "liberal bloggers" basically are positions I'm taking on VichyDems: pro-Lamont, pro-Ciro, pro-Pennacchio, critical of the Dem establishment's early blessing on centrist Dems, etc.
Your response to the above may be to publicize the obvious fact that my one blog doesn't speak for the whole community -- minimizing or even ridiculing it. I hope you don't. VichyDems isn't dangerous. I'm not a wild-eyed radical without political common sense. I want to regain the majority and am ...
Al Swearengen : Kudos !!!
Though long, definitely more enjoyable than a (fy) post!
... selective (and fairly democratic) about who I label a Vichy. My general thesis is that losing 2, 3 or 4 Vichy seats while re-asserting the Party's progressive message and infusing it with new blood will ultimately result in electoral gains that far outstrip those losses. That's not a dogmatic approach, but a practical one, even if it also is idealistic.
So I hope no one takes the anger at Beutler, or their own preference for a more centrist approach than mine, and uses it to smack my site down. I'm one of the good guys, I have the strong support of Glenn Greenwald and others, I seem to be doing some good in terms of galvanizing DIRECT grassroots advocacy (as distinguished from the organizational grassroots like MoveOn) -- and I'm just starting to get the site off the ground. If my little blog is having a disproportionate impact, then I'd love to do some aikido -- working constructively with the larger blogs to take the access to Beutler that I seem to have stumbled upon accidentally, and using it to advance the whole movement.
Now, I'm all ears.
Thersites of VichyDems
And when making excuses doesn't work, they'll just outright lie. Coulter recommended it in one of her books. That's why I've stopped arguing with wingnuts.
Yea I remember argueing with a wingnut that Bush lies baldly. He ask me for proof. I told him the Bush told reporters that we invaded Iraq, b/c Saddam would not let the inpectors in, and that that was a bald lie. The guy argued that Bush was right. I asked him who the fuck was Hans Blix and Mohammed El Bahardi(sp)? He said that Saddam kicked them out. This is how conservatives argue. Things are so bad that someone like Bob Barr is considered a normal person-even though he was a prick to Clinton.
LfoD: Belive it or not, I DO think the blogs are having an effect on the media coverage
True dat. I noticed a nice change in coverage from the treatment given Gore in 2000 to the recent election.
Re. public financing of elections, I believe it is absolutely necessary in order to maintain our democracy. Any loophole ultimately becomes big enough to drive a truck through & ends up completely undermining the set limitations.
For example, a common corporate practice is to require all people in management to contribute a set amount (depending on their salary level), for which they're reimbursed by bonuses at the end of the year, to the corporate lackey candidate. Thus, even a $200 contribution results in a corporation donating tons of money.
OT: Kate O'Bierne really is a mentally subnormal whore, isn't she? Wow!
Anyone whose main line of argument is "Mary Matalin says...." has no credibility.
LfoD :
Similarly, Islam frees the adherent from telling the truth to enemies. This little factoid could've come in handy in the Waw Own Terra.
Diane - you accomplish the same thing by limiting contributions to those individuals, eligible to vote, who are allowed to contribute up to a maximum specified amount per candidate/issue campaign/party. That route also cuts out the mega-corps and the lobbyists. It's my preferred idea of what the campaign finance laws should look like.
Don't worry everyone! I'm sure Schumer and Reid will help out their old buddy Lieberman any way they can if Lamont starts gaining any serious traction.
Day jes' don't come no skankier that that Mary Meddlin'.
Millionaire Amendment
Does the number of nonmillionaires in congress or running for congress outnumber the number of millionaires in congress or running for congress?
t2,
I don't have a problem with the term 'vichy democrat.' That isn't the issue. It's just the lazy journalist "liberal bloggers blah blah" when then puts the words of any random liberal blogger into, say, kos's mouth.
It's like me writing "Last month American magazine editors published thousands of graphic photos of people sodomizing each other." True, but it's not really an accurate characterization of the magazine industry generally.
I'm sure Schumer and Reid will help out their old buddy Lieberman any way they can if Lamont starts gaining any serious traction.
Speaking of which...
T2 -- Don't take it personally. You have to realize the whole point of the exercise is to perpetuate the meme that everyone except the netroots has the Democratic Party's best interests at heart... and by "best interests," I mean "keeping Dems who're GOP-subserviant in place."
It's a cottage industry. Well, it used to be, anyway.
.
Jeralyn Merritt: ... The ones I respect the most are Instapundit ...
What's up with that?
T2,
I didn't read Beutler's original, just the MyDD redaction, but it did strike me as odd that he copped your phrasing without attribution.
In my biz, we call that plagiarism.
Finer'n frog hair. And you?
.
Jeffraham Prestonian
That good, eh? I'm feeling pretty good meself, thanks.
BINGO! For ReTHUGS gamesmanship seems more important than sound, solid policy. Winning is the only thing, even if it means the country goes down the shitter. That's the part that appalls me.
That is why even though I disagree with most liberals, philosophically, they are the only ones that can turn this thing around-so I hold my nose and vote for them. This is the reason why I like Hackett, and Finegold though he is a liberal.. At least they have the guts to stand up and say what they really believe. I dont like Hillary-she voted for the war and will never win any red states. I dont like Kerry-he was weak and long winded. I dont like dems who stab dems in the back-which is why I wont vote for Biden (besides, I've already seen him enough times on Sunday's to last me a lifetime;imagine having to listen to him all day?) Joementum-need I say more? The only dems that I think have a chance and that I would vote for is Clark (he doesnt take any shit from anybody), and possibly Warner. Flame away.
Jeralyn Merritt: ... The ones I respect the most are Instapundit ...
Absinthe? Mouse Pruf? Tosser?
I think Gilliard was the first guy I heard use the term "Vichy Democrat"... I've always thought the term was right on the money, and should be used more often.
Used to go peyote hunting in south Texas (before someone put up a subdivision on the field),
Diane - you accomplish the same thing by limiting contributions to those individuals, eligible to vote, who are allowed to contribute up to a maximum specified amount per candidate/issue campaign/party. That route also cuts out the mega-corps and the lobbyists. It's my preferred idea of what the campaign finance laws should look like.
Jennifer
Not necessarily. If one person is wealthy enough to contribute $5,000 and another is only able to contribute $10, who is going to get more attention when bills come up?
Again, with our current system, lobbyists and big money organizations cannot be frozen out. The Supreme Court has already decided that issue.
Mary: It makes as much sense as anything else they've spewed
But, but...this was an exhaustive study & the definitive conclusion. Now your labeling it as on the same level as the others.
It's a fool's errand to try and take down a sitting Democrat. Are we nuts or so overcome with the desire for vengence against Lieberman that we are wasting all this time and money?
What if we wake up after the election and find we have missed taking back the Senate by one seat but have sucessfully ousted Lieberman? Will that feel great to everyone?
ql--When I saw that your response to NYMary's posting of another interesting blog was similar to mine (I bookmarked it, but when will I find time to read it??), I clicked on your homepage. What a treat to see all those photos/faces of some of the folks I've been reading in here! With all due respect to the cat/dog lovers in here, I subscribe to my friend's philosophy; NPWOP (No picutres w/o people!) Thanks!
Jeralyn Merritt: ... The ones I respect the most are Instapundit ...
What's up with that?
masculine_monica_nyc
First Draft was interviewed with these same questions. I don't know what the result was - IOW, I don't know if it will be published. However, I said I didn't trust any of the right wing blogs. IIRC, Holden gave them the same answer.
Maybe the interviewers don't like that answer -
Nigeria: A Nigerian militant commander in the oil-rich southern Niger Delta has told the BBC his group is declaring "total war" on all foreign oil interests....It recently blew up two oil pipelines, held four foreign oil workers hostage and sabotaged two major oilfields.
Venezuela: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has warned he could cut off oil exports to the United States if Washington goes "over the line" in what he has said are attempts to destabilize his left-leaning government...."Many countries ask us for more oil and we have had to tell many countries we can't send them more" because Venezuela, the world's fifth largest oil exporter, ships 1.5 million barrels of oil a day to the United States, he told supporters at the presidential palace.
Iran: China is hastening to complete a deal worth as much as $100 billion that would allow a Chinese state-owned energy firm to take a leading role in developing a vast oil field in Iran....The speed with which China and Iran are moving to conclude their agreement and begin development appears to signal China's intent to limit the U.S.-led drive for sanctions against Iran to curb what Washington describes as Iran's rogue effort to develop nuclear weapons.
Didn't Jerralynn Merritt used to show up as a legal pundit during the Kobe Bryant rape mess?
In my biz, we call that plagiarism.
NYMary
It doesn't count if you steal it off the internets.
Its a beeyootiful day here in the bay area.
Is there snow on Tam?
We're going to the City later - my wife's singing at a ministerial installation. Supposedly cold, with chance of thunderstorms later...
It's a fool's errand to try and take down a sitting Democrat. Are we--
Awwwwwwwwwwwww... a concern troll!
The cutest, most bestest trolls of them all!!!
It's a fool's errand to try and take down a sitting Democrat. Are we nuts or so overcome with the desire for vengence against Lieberman that we are wasting all this time and money?
So voters should consider a senate seat a lifetime appointment?
What if we wake up after the election and find we have missed taking back the Senate by one seat but have sucessfully ousted Lieberman? Will that feel great to everyone?
Liberman's voting record is so far in accord with that of the Republican majority that the theorized loss would effect only the relatively fewer "perks" of the minority party.
Didn't Jerralynn Merritt used to show up as a legal pundit during the Kobe Bryant rape mess?
Wasn't she all hot and heavy for Ahnuld in the recall (I could be wrong, so say so if I am)?
Cold here in Dallas. It's not supposed to get out of the 30s today, IIRC.
It's a fool's errand to try and take down a sitting Democrat. Are we nuts or so overcome with the desire for vengence against Lieberman that we are wasting all this time and money?
What if we wake up after the election and find we have missed taking back the Senate by one seat but have sucessfully ousted Lieberman? Will that feel great to everyone?
1) What is the point of having Joementum on your side, if all he does is lecture dems about what they should do on FOX. Why did Leiberman have stronger words for Clinon and Dean than he has for Bush?
2)Would repubicans tolerate a Joementum in their midst? I think not. Would they tolerate a red state repub, say Roberts, going on Air American saying that they need to be more liberal.
Bring a gun to a gun battle-not a sword.
My internal conflict is that, while I'm stunned that Beutler is taking my positions and ascribing them to "the netroots" in general (by which me implicates Atrios, Kos, etc.), I also have no desire to tell him how damn tiny I actually am.
If he considers me influential, and has access to the MSM and a big audience through the National Journal, and parrots my positions to an infinitely larger audience than I've got, then my inclination is to run with that ball. I want to do it in a responsible way, however, and in coordination with my elders, and in a way that advances the goal, which is the reestablishment of progressive government in America. How to do that...
Anyway, thanks, Atrios and the rest of you.
driveby to plantsman -
It seems like heresay to say it now because my opinion of her has changed. But Merritt was absolutely disgusting during the OJ Simpson trial. I was stunned to see her emerge as one of the good guys when I started paying close attention since 2004.
Wasn't she all hot and heavy for Ahnuld in the recall
She did support both the recall and the governator.
oops, I meant 2000.
What if we wake up after the election and find we have missed taking back the Senate by one seat but have sucessfully ousted Lieberman? Will that feel great to everyone?
What if you wake up tomorrow morning and find you've turned into a giant cockroach?
What if I learn how to turn back time?
What if the sky turns red and the ocean purple?
BINGO! For ReTHUGS gamesmanship seems more important than sound, solid policy. Winning is the only thing, even if it means the country goes down the shitter.
It more than just winning. They have specific goals in mind for after the win -- and we've seen them all.
Make sure the defense industry is propped up by at least one splendid little war.
Protect the oil industry profits at all costs.
Eliminate those pesky regulations interfering with profits in general.
Keep the peasantry frightened and cowed so monitoring them is easier.
Etc, etc etc.
They've been quite successful in their unstated policy goals.
What if you wake up tomorrow morning and find you've turned into a giant cockroach?
Is today a good day to discuss the abundant resource, mature technology, and economic viability of wind power?
Cuz Chimpy's going on a nukeyooler PR carousel next week -- and he still hasn't established how they'll keep folks away from that radioactive waste for thousands of years yet.
"What if we wake up after the election and find we have missed taking back the Senate by one seat but have sucessfully ousted Lieberman? Will that feel great to everyone?"
If it were that close, and he won reelection, HE WOULD CHANGE TO THE REPUBLICAN PARTY if it meant his buddy Bush wouldn't have to worry about investigations and hearings! Take that to the bank, and write a check, cuz it will clear!
She did support both the recall and the governator.
I think she was very upset over those "groping" stories that came out just before the election - as in "poor Ahnuld, how dare someone bring up his sexual harrassment!"
Is there snow on Tam?
We're going to the City later - my wife's singing at a ministerial installation. Supposedly cold, with chance of thunderstorms later...
dave©™
Don't think so. They were talking about 2000 foot snow levels, but I don't think it got cold enough when it was actually precipitating yesterday.
Diane - I completely disagree. $5K isn't enough to buy you a handshake.
But I'm not stuck on that as a limit, though a limit of $200 is probably too low. Limits have to be high enough so that candidates don't have to spend all their time raising money, but low enough that you have to have so many of them that no one donor becomes all that "special" in helping a candidate win. Under what I propose, they would definitely be raising and spending a lot less than they do now, which is fine - that's less money for swiftboating and just out and out fucking lying. But it still does cost money to run for office, and a $200 limit would make it probably too hard.
>What if we wake up after the election and find we have missed taking back the Senate by one seat but have sucessfully ousted Lieberman? Will that feel great to everyone?
a flock of wild canada geese will fly outta your ass sooner then the Dim/Dumbocraps will retake either House...
they are very, very comfortable being the 'nominal' (as opposed to an actual) opposition. they will do NOTHING to jeopardize their comfortable positions...
.
Plenty, If someone acts like a republican, votes like a republican, kisses up to Bush, need I say more, then he is a democrat in name only. Who needs him? There would be no reason to run an alternate if Lieberman was true to his party.
Dianne: Again, with our current system, lobbyists and big money organizations cannot be frozen out. The Supreme Court has already decided that issue.
The SC decision that money = free speech was one of the worst principles ever established by the SC. In effect, its saying MONEY TALKS. This decision needs to be overturned. The effect has been to sharply move the political system toward corporate interests & the wealthy (not that this hasn't been a persistent problem in our political system). All the corporate friendly legislation we've seen the past few years is a direct outcome of the money spicket.
What if you wake up tomorrow morning and find you've turned into a giant cockroach?
If you wake up one morning and find you've been turned into a giant cockroach, then you just might be - Kafka!
It doesn't count if you steal it off the internets.
So my students tell me.
They were talking about 2000 foot snow levels, but I don't think it got cold enough when it was actually precipitating yesterday.
I dunno - this morning I heard 1000 feet.
Well, we'll see!
What if I learn how to turn back time?
What if the sky turns red and the ocean purple?
Tena
(applause)
What if you wake up tomorrow morning and find you've turned into a giant cockroach?
Too good.
(/Bialystock)
So my students tell me.
Good grief. You're kidding me.
*sigh*
It will be impossible to take money out of politics. That doesn't mean you can't try to level the playing field. And when loopholes are discovered, you patch them. A shorter campaign season and a law requiring the networks and cables to give equal time to each side would go a long way to curing some of the ills.
"they will do NOTHING to jeopardize their comfortable positions"
I'm so glad other people understand this very important point.
They (lieb, et al) will stay very comfortable while our freedoms and incomes are destroyed. Why not at least take a chance on survival, instead of staying the same course which achieves nothing, and in fact may make things worse?
...a law requiring the networks and cables to give equal time to each side...
And in those ads, all they can do is sit there and talk. One camera, one person, 60 seconds, GO!
Good grief. You're kidding me.
*sigh*
The comic edge of this is they apparently think I don't know how to use Google.
(/Bialystock)
Under what I propose, they would definitely be raising and spending a lot less than they do now, which is fine - that's less money for swiftboating and just out and out fucking lying. But it still does cost money to run for office, and a $200 limit would make it probably too hard.
Jennifer
None of these proposals would eliminate bundling, which is how lobbyists and corporations exert their influence now. Abramholl only contributed the maximum $2000 himself. He was able to get the PM of Malaysia into the WH because he bundled over $100k from his corrupt buddies.
Same with corporations. The CEO bundles together donations from everyone in managment and give the campaign a check for $250k. That's influence.
The only way to avoid that pitfall is public financing.
And in those ads, all they can do is sit there and talk. One camera, one person, 60 seconds, GO!
What, no flags? No nuclear weapons? No wolves?!?
You're a madman!
I (heart) NYMary.
Just sayin. I'm in that kind of weird mood.
What, no flags? No nuclear weapons? No wolves?!?
Well, I didn't say no props!
If the guy wants to sit there with a wolf, what the hey!
whiskeyina
I don't really have a blog. Just someplace to display my quilts. I clicked on your's the other day, and your comment "I should be writing songs" (paraphrasing) next to your two adorable kids are who are probably taking up 110% of your time and creativity really resonated. The good news, you will eventually have time for yourself again.
What, no flags?
Remember the flag wars of '00 and '02, when the preznitial millionaire candidates would be on camera with increasingly more and bigger flags as the days elapsed?
"hat, no flags?"
They probably would let the Democratic incumbents have white ones.
The comic edge of this is they apparently think I don't know how to use Google.
NYMary
Aren't there super secret ultra powerful programs that teachers can use to check for plagiarism now? That's what all my college profs implied.
You're a madman!
Just call me Madman Mertz! I'm slashing prices to the bone!! Porklips, now 39 cents a pound!!!
Jennifer,
I don't think the argument has to be phrased in terms of limits in dollar amounts. The whole point is take campaigns and subsequent service out of the money raising mode.
You do raise important points, however. I guess that means I have to do more research and come up with better arguments. 
Now, however, I have to head on off to drink lunch with some liberal old broads from law school.
Awww, watertiger. You're a doll. Sure you won't visit next weekend?
We'll try to keep Rosie out of climbing in the shower with you, we promise.
I dunno - this morning I heard 1000 feet.
Well, we'll see!
dave©™
Cool. We haven't seen snow on the local hills for awhile now. That might even get some on the Berkeley hills.....
Couldn't Lieberman be moved to an honorary position where he travels about the country putting thousands of trees to sleep?
Hey pie,
Long time, no hear. Whats going on?
Liberman is the worst.
R2K
then you just might be - Kafka!
More likely that you just might be Gregor Samsa.
Marcia Brady ∞: Aren't there super secret ultra powerful programs that teachers can use to check for plagiarism now? That's what all my college profs implied.
Not even top secret, these days -- heard a piece on NPR about unis using something called (I think) TurnItIn.com... some of the profs even encourage the students to view the report their software gives on their papers, before submitting it to the prof.
.
What if you wake up tomorrow morning and find you've turned into a giant cockroach?
I drew a comic once, where, after having been bitten by a cockroach in my dirty New York apartment, I woke to find I'd turned into a halfwoman/halfcockroach--lengthwise--didn't help my crime-fighting abilities!
Diebold voting machines OK'ed in California
Surprise, surprise, Secretary of State Bruce McPherson is a Republican.
Hey, Flory - here's Mt. Tam yesterday!
Aren't there super secret ultra powerful programs that teachers can use to check for plagiarism now? That's what all my college profs implied.
Marcia Brady
Its called......
(looks around...nobody's listening)
.....GOOGLE!!!
NYMary,
My sister is leaving on Friday - let me see what my schedule looks like. Maybe I can take the day off.
Jennifer: Limits have to be high enough so that candidates don't have to spend all their time raising money
There's a very simple solution: Free TV & radio time for the candidates. Overwhelmingly, money raised goes for the airwaves. That's why the candidate with the most money invariably wins.
More likely that you just might be Gregor Samsa.
God damn you readers!
BTW, has anyone seen NTodd?
And in those ads, all they can do is sit there and talk. One camera, one person, 60 seconds, GO!
dave©™
If they had to sit and talk for sixty seconds while interns were attaching clothespins to their faces, that might be worth watching.
Or if everytime they said "9/11" they got a moderated electric shock.
Nabokov argued long and long that it isn't a cockroach that Samsa turns into, but another kind of beetle. He also argued long and long that that really makes a difference.
I guess this is why I'm not Nabokov - I can't see what difference it makes.
Must be mighty cool at Green Gulch Farm.
Surprise, surprise, Secretary of State Bruce McPherson is a Republican.
Appointed by Ahnuld after they pushed the elected Dem out over some fairly minor "scandal" - he, of course, was dead set against Diebold, and was forcing any company that provided machines to include all sorts of safety provisions.
Democrats today ought to be wary of doing anything that might succeed. Experts felt that danger lurked under every rock, while some people say the Democrats, doomed to failure, should be mature and accept their fate. Americans polled nationally said that Democrats are against all that is good. A small bird in Hong Kong successfully selected a Republican playing card instead of the Democratic granite boulder guarded by a tiger in two out of the total tries.
Hey, Flory - here's Mt. Tam yesterday!
dave©™
Cool!!!
It really didn't feel that cold yesterday. And the last report I heard was sleet in the Santa Cruz Mountains, not snow. And it did get into the Berkeley hills. I might have to wander on up to Tilden Park today.....
.....GOOGLE!!!
flory
I KNEW it. Damned implyers.
gods, we need public funding for campaigns, and mandated free broadcasting, a complete end to 'earmarks' and strong, clear and fair election laws and procedures.
but things are going to have to get a lot worse, and somehow the stories of the corruption and malfeasance has to get out of the hands of 'media' and into the minds of people.
yeah, today I'm not hopeful. Wondering if it's time to start looking for land in northern Minnesota now so when New Mexico dries up and blows away I have someplace near a major water resource to live in my old age.
Oh, if you're looking for an example how too much power corrupts absolutely, go read the entire pdf of the Prosecutors' Sentencing documents in the Duke Cunningham case.
It's up over at the TPM and what a read with my morning caffeine ritual, almost depressing reading about how greedy, selfish, reckless a man can become.
Out of control, obscene, arrogant and totally totally corrupt. That was Duke 'Top Gun' Cunningham's career as a Congressman.
not moderated, moderate. No moderators needed.
A beetle is totally different than a cockroach, and Kafka specifically says beetle.
Crap. Sorry, that link I posted about the Diebold machines is for the Sacramento Bee, which requires registration. But it's free, and it's worth it, I think.
Appointed by Ahnuld after they pushed the elected Dem out over some fairly minor "scandal" - he, of course, was dead set against Diebold, and was forcing any company that provided machines to include all sorts of safety provisions.
dave©™
I'm pretty sure there are still a couple of lawsuits going ahead though. Trying to require verifiable audit trails.
There's still some hope.
Of course, sending Ahnuld back to Beverly Hills would be the best solution.
I remember the Fairness Doctrine.
Damn that makes me old.
Nabokov argued long and long that it isn't a cockroach that Samsa turns into, but another kind of beetle. He also argued long and long that that really makes a difference.
Whatever it was, it was disgusting.
bitten by a cockroach in my dirty New York apartment,
hah, you probably inherited my old apartment.
Of course, sending Ahnuld back to Beverly Hills would be the best solution.
I disagree. Sending Ahnuld back to Austria sounds better.
I remember the Fairness Doctrine.
Damn that makes me old.
plantsman
A return of the Fairness Doctrine.
And a constitutional privacy amendment.
Seems like two simple policies the Dems could get behind, that would be very hard for 'thugs to oppose.
Which means it'll never happen.
Some article out just now about some of Hackett's own campaign staff complaining about what a bad candidate he was, because he would rather run his own campaign instead of being a spokesmodel.
NOTE TO LAMONT: Avoid any contact with staffers or aides supplied to you by the "friendly" Democratic Party.
This is the bit from the Bee article that really chilled my blood:
El Dorado County Registrar William Schultz said he was drawing up contingency plans before Friday to conduct a paper ballot election while borrowing from Sacramento County some machines accessible to voters with disabilities. But now he will purchase new Diebold machines to put in his county's 105 precincts.
"You can't imagine how relieved we are," Schultz said. "This has just been a real roller-coaster ride but now we can just get on with our business."
Whew, that's all solved. No more election difficulties here! Nothing to see...move along...
There's a very simple solution: Free TV & radio time for the candidates. Overwhelmingly, money raised goes for the airwaves. That's why the candidate with the most money invariably wins.
Carter | 02.18.06 - 2:05 pm | #
That's funny. My solution is NO campaigning on television (I'm not sure about radio). Let's make voters read & politicians come out and talk to us.
Spokesmodels????...............Cool!!!!!!!
I disagree. Sending Ahnuld back to Austria sounds better.
plantsman
Nah. Not really fair to Maria and the kids.
I'll settle for him living out his life getting botoxed and making increasingly lousy movies.
Some article out just now about some of Hackett's own campaign staff complaining about what a bad candidate he was, because he would rather run his own campaign instead of being a spokesmodel.
Oh for fuck's sake.
You know what I think? I think we're going to have to go after our own side with the pitchforks and torches.
What utter bullshit.
Actually, when I teach "The Metamorphosis," we talk a lot about what could have happened to him *instead* of the transformation: mental illness, drug addiction, homosexuality, alienation. A lot of things could cause that sort of response on the part of the self, the family, the wider community.
I'm old enough to remember when the Constitution actually meant something...
before there were "free speech zones."
before habeus corpus was just an ornate latinism.
before the requirement for probable cause was 'disappeared.'
before it was laissez majeste to say "The President is a lying cocksucker."
.
some of Hackett's own campaign staff complaining about what a bad candidate he was, because he would rather run his own campaign instead of being a spokesmodel.
Concern daleks go three-dee.
I'll settle for him living out his life getting botoxed and making increasingly lousy movies.
SciFi Saturday!
Didnt know that about the variable threshold. Next step would be to plug public financing into that formula somehow - more public awards as opponents' personal expenditures rise. Later there can be more reform. Seems like this has to be done incrementally or not at all.
One other Q. - what kind of voting machines does Connecticut use and who owns and operates them?
...that link I posted about the Diebold machines is for the Sacramento Bee, which requires registration.
That's why there's Bug Me Not!
If only Gregor Samsa had known...
That's why there's Bug Me Not!
If only Gregor Samsa had known...
Hey, don't make me laugh; it starts me coughing again. Meanie.
Okay, off for the day.
If you can arrange it, please have Dick incarcerated and w exiled to Crawford when I get back tomorrow.
4lg - we've begun picking up the pitchforks and torches against the V-Dems and their lackeys, that's what's upsetting the guys like Schumer.
and that's why I send back the requests from the DSCC and DCCC back with loving little notes like:
"20 of 45 Senators voted for cloture on the Alito nomination. I'll be looking to support individual candidates, not the ambitions of Sen Schumer to control which Democrats run for Senate".
The money requests that have the names of Carville or Hillary I just shred.
One other Q. - what kind of voting machines does Connecticut use and who owns and operates them?
Jack O'Roses
Jeebus. This shit scares me more than anything. This, plus the general shrug the issue gets from the press and the public. What the fuck is wrong with a piece of paper stuck into a locked box with a slot on top? Does everything we do have to have a whiz-bang technological solution?
If you can arrange it, please have Dick incarcerated and w exiled to Crawford when I get back tomorrow.
Will do, boss!
They'll both suck dims, why even waste your time with this chickenscratch nonesense?
You know what I think? I think we're going to have to go after our own side with the pitchforks and torches.
Or refuse to give any money to campaigns that hire *anybody* with DLC ties.
SciFi Saturday!
NYMary
I was thinking more Steven Segall. He can only invade SciFi Saturday if he's the one gets devoured every week.
OT, but for all you easterners, sunny California!
Jooc: Taxonomically, is a 'cockroach' actually of the same genera as 'beetle?'
If you can arrange it, please have Dick incarcerated and w exiled to Crawford when I get back tomorrow.
ql in ny
Aw, c'mon...its a holiday weekend. At least give us til Tuesday.
Please?
That's why there's Bug Me Not!
If only Gregor Samsa had known...
dave©™
Cool. Will that get you past the "TimesSelect" firewall? I miss Paul Krugman...
Neddy Boy...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ima...e:
Nedlamont.jpg
well, it's back to packing and sorting for the rest of the day, hope ya'll have a good one, no matter what meteorological conditions you are experiencing.
I really do suggest that if you have a few minutes to go read the Cunningham sentencing documents at TPM, it's pretty astounding at how blatant this guy became in demanding money, goods and bribes over the course of his career.
I see I missed the Birthday Thread below, dammit, because it's my birthday too! That's what I get for sleeping in late.
One way to reduce the US budget:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world...ast/
4726362.stm
The Palestinian Authority has agreed to return $50m (Ł28.7m) of American aid following a request from Washington.
I'm not sure why risking Palestine turning into more of a failed state than it already is is considered a good idea.
Yes, Hamas aren't very nice, but without funding (including the taxes to be with-held), the Palestinian government is going to collapse, and thats not going to be pretty.
Actually, when I teach "The Metamorphosis," we talk a lot about what could have happened to him *instead* of the transformation: mental illness, drug addiction, homosexuality, alienation. A lot of things could cause that sort of response on the part of the self, the family, the wider community.
I always thought that alienation was the whole point, but then, I'm not as well-educated as you are in literature. I never took any classes that covered Kafka.
I wish I could come audit your classes.
it's pretty astounding at how blatant this guy became in demanding money, goods and bribes over the course of his career.
NMRed - 2:28 pm
he'll STILL be doing his time at a club fed, won't he?
where he'll have a real supportive posse to watch his back...
buyt mebbe he'll get shanked, anyway...
the Palestinian government is going to collapse, and thats not going to be pretty.
Arkenor - 2:30 pm
but it's PRECISELY what the busheviks and their fascist allies in Tel Aviv hunger for...
but without funding (including the taxes to be with-held), the Palestinian government is going to collapse, and thats not going to be pretty.
You mean without American funding. Hamas was jump-started with Israeli help and there's always this complaint about Iranian money. This is a move to solidify the support base and to further Islamify Palestine.
I see I missed the Birthday Thread below, dammit, because it's my birthday too!
Hey, you're in good company. Happy b'day!
he'll STILL be doing his time at a club fed, won't he?
Ten years is a long time. I'm getting claustrophobic in the jury room.
Some article out just now about some of Hackett's own campaign staff complaining about what a bad candidate he was, because he would rather run his own campaign instead of being a spokesmodel.
Ah, Swiftboat II: Democratic Boogaloo. Fuckers.
Some article out just now about some of Hackett's own campaign staff complaining about what a bad candidate he was, because he would rather run his own campaign instead of being a spokesmodel.
Ah, Swiftboat II: Democratic Boogaloo. Fuckers.
Hey, kids.
It finally got above zero today (I think it's one right now).
et's make voters read & politicians come out and talk to us.
You can't make anyone read.
Ten years is a long time. I'm getting claustrophobic in the jury room.
pie -2:32 pm
not long enough by half...
i want that lying, cheating thieving motherfucker to die in prison, forgotten, sick, and lost...
Happy Birthday, beekabeck!
i want that lying, cheating thieving motherfucker to die in prison, forgotten, sick, and lost...
How old is old Dukestir anyway? And he may well die because of a lack of caviar and champagne.
Other birthdays today:
Toni Morrison, 75
Yoko Ono, 73
Cybill Shepherd, 56
John Travolta, 52
Vanna White, 49
Matt Dillon, 42
Molly Ringwald, 38
I really do suggest that if you have a few minutes to go read the Cunningham sentencing documents at TPM, it's pretty astounding at how blatant this guy became in demanding money, goods and bribes over the course of his career.
NMRed
"For us to live any other way was nuts. To us, those goody-good people who worked shitty jobs for bum paychecks and took the subway to work every day, and worried about their bills, were dead. I mean they were suckers. They had no balls. If we wanted something we just took it. If anyone complained twice they got hit so bad, believe me, they never complained again."
It finally got above zero today (I think it's one right now).
We're at -1.1, and a windchill warning in effect until 11am tomorrow. Finally, some real Vermont weather instead of this sissy "above freezing" crap.
Speaking of which, I gotta go warm up the car. Heading over to NTodd's Folks' to help NTodd's Pa with some stuff and to get free food.
he'll STILL be doing his time at a club fed, won't he?
You know, there is no reason that minimum security has to mean "luxury accommodations," so I don't get why the feds give white collar cons so many perks. They don't pass those out to the federal prison population as a whole, which to me seems discriminatory.
Our prison system is a total failure - top to bottom, federal, state - a total failure.
Thanks for the birthday wishes, y'all.
Thanks for the birthday wishes, y'all.
How old is old Dukestir anyway? And he may well die because of a lack of caviar and champagne.
pie - 2:36 pm
over 60, mebbe 64-65...
he'll lose the trophy wife, fer sher, and mebbe she'll clean him out...i hope so...
but the mutherfocker betrayed EVERYTHING he swore to uphold...
staking him out, slathered in bacon fat, over a red ant hill would be too easy a fate for him...
.
.
The old man is humiliated and disgraced. Does he have to die in prison 2 for you 2 be happy?
AP Headline:
"Two Marine helicopters crash off Djibouti
All troops aboard two transport craft that crashed are accounted for
AP Story:
NAIROBI, Kenya - The 10 U.S. troops missing after two Marine Corps transport helicopters crashed into the sea have been accounted for, the military said Saturday, but it did not specify whether they had survived the mishap.
The 10 other crew members were accounted for after rescuers searched the waters off Djibouti’s coast.
“Crew members have been accounted for from the crash of two CH-53E helicopters off the coast of Djibouti Friday,” according to a statement from the joint task force headquarters at Camp Lemonier, a French military base in Djibouti.
The statement said no further information about the crew’s condition would be released because “next-of-kin notifications are still ongoing.”
Is the AP just being obtuse here or are they being dishonest? "Next of kin notifications" is only necessary when American troops have died. Otherwise, they call their families themselves.
Oh look, dith learnt spelling from Prince.
Dith, yep.
Is the AP just being obtuse here or are they being dishonest? "Next of kin notifications" is only necessary when American troops have died. Otherwise, they call their families themselves.
Enslaved | 02.18.06 - 2:41 pm |
SU
not
US
The old man is humiliated and disgraced. Does he have to die in prison 2 for you 2 be happy?
dith | 02.18.06 - 2:40 pm
you fuckin betcha, shith-eel...
and if it's from AIDS, all the better...
Does he have to die in prison 2 for you 2 be happy?
I don't believe I wished for his demise, ditz.
Yes, he is humiliated and disgraced. Too bad he didn't think of the consequences before he acted. They say people don't do this sort of thing because they're smart.
Dukestir is a dumbass, all right.
At RigInt
As Bill van Auken notes, the language has been massaged so the enemy is no longer identified as "terrorists" but as "extremists" or "violent extremists." US forces are transitioning from "battle-ready" to "battle-hardened" to meet the "new strategic environment" in which the United States will not only be going to war with nations, but also "conducting war in countries we are not at war with." The Pentagon also intends to "provide US NORTHCOM with authority to stage forces and equipment domestically prior to potential incidents when possible."
The old man is humiliated and disgraced. Does he have to die in prison 2 for you 2 be happy?
dith
Oh dith - if he'd made all that money dealing heroin, would you still call him an "old man... humiliated and disgraced?"
He's a fucking thief and a conmen and he stole all kinds of money from people who actually have to work for a living.
massage my prostate, dith
Cocaine, Tena, la famigia Bush is into the cocaine.
"battle-hardened"
means they'll follow orders to shoot anyone they're told to shoot...
including their fellow citizens, if they're identified as 'dangerous extremists'...
Hey, today's Eli's one year blogoversary
Go over and say congrats......
What the fuck is wrong with a piece of paper stuck into a locked box with a slot on top? Does everything we do have to have a whiz-bang technological solution?
Buzz Bomb
Buzz, thanks for the Sac Bee article (and thanks dave©™ for Bugmenot)
This is really freaking me out too! I cant believe the denial so many people are in, in our camp.
http://www.markcrispinmiller.blo...r.blogspot.com/
http://www.archive.org/details/e...on2004-video-
CD
The latter site has an iso file you can download and burn CDs. It isan AWESOME organizing tool. The CD has video clips of MCM on S-span, and that's just the beginning: lots of stuff including raw footage evidence of Ohio's voting insanity. Not hard to make these CDs and send them to reps, Governors and Sec'ies of State.
MCM's Fooled Again has the goods.
Losing California to Diebold would be a catastrophe.
This is FUCKED, and it REALLY needs to get cracked open in a big way NOW.
I know y'all don't know shit about guns and hunting so here is an edumacational video for you.
http://www.infowars.com/
articles...tific_proof.htm
9,999.
.
Nobody wished for Dukestir's death -- just the location thereof.
dith:
Soft on crime.
I'm sure the dithstir would have no problem with locking up the guy who stole $20 from the Quickie Mart for 30 years or more.
Losing California to Diebold would be a catastrophe.
This is FUCKED, and it REALLY needs to get cracked open in a big way NOW.
Jack O'Roses
Unfortunately, anyone who cares passionately about this issue is easily painted as a "conspiracy nut." The general sense of apathy on this, of "Oh, I'm sure everything's fine" is really astonishing. People are more afraid of terrorists striking at their local mall than they are of having their vote tampered with.
Plus, I'm sure there are not a few GOP voters who secretly relish the idea of Diebold ensuring that their party remains firmly in control, all the while pooh-poohing the whole notion of electronic vote fraud as the fevered fantasy of the disgruntled, out-of-power left.
Not to be a bitch or anything, but we have ice on the roads today, I'm stuck at home, and you folks aren't keeping me entertained enough. I might have to go read or something.
Visitor 10K, from Downers Grove, Illinois.
.
I'm sure the dithstir would have no problem with locking up the guy who stole $20 from the Quickie Mart for 30 years or more.
Jennifer
Well...yeah! Poor Apu has been shot so many times. It's about time Snake got put away for a long time.
Eeek! I've been pimped!
Ooo, it tickles!
Surely a 3rd stolen election would lead to revolution? Or withdrawal from the Union or something?
Well, maybe not, but there must presumably be a breaking point.
http://www.infowars.com/
articles...tific_proof.htm
Well...yeah! Poor Apu has been shot so many times. It's about time Snake got put away for a long time.
"Yes, yes, I know the procedure for armed robbery. I do work in a convenience store, you know."
Well, maybe not, but there must presumably be a breaking point.
That would be when the Chinese liberate us. Say: Nee how?
Surely a 3rd stolen election would lead to revolution? Or withdrawal from the Union or something?
Well, maybe not, but there must presumably be a breaking point.
Arkenor
I don't think so. Not when roughly 50% of the voting public is perfectly satisfied with the results.
Congratulations, JP !!!!
That would be when the Chinese liberate us. Say: Nee how?
I'm getting a little nervous. Fortune cookies here now contain a new feature: *Learn a Chinese word.*
*gulp*
Heading out to spend my B-day hearing mr. beekabeck play some blues. Peace.
Heading out to spend my B-day hearing mr. beekabeck play some blues. Peace.
If watertiger's watching................O, now I get it.
Sheesh.
Hey, it looks like Republican Dirty Tricks aren't just for Texas and Ohio anymore.
Any Eschatonians from the plains states, or anyone who is partial to voting rights in general might want to email the Nebraska Secretary of State john.gale@sos.ne.gov and tell him that satellite voting should help everyone, not just his Republican buddies.
Plus, I'm sure there are not a few GOP voters who secretly relish the idea of Diebold ensuring that their party remains firmly in control, all the while pooh-poohing the whole notion of electronic vote fraud as the fevered fantasy of the disgruntled, out-of-power left.
Buzz Bomb
...as they scream about Dems trying to steal elections by having too many people vote. (Justifies strictly enforced registration rules...)
The really critical thing is that we need to resurrect exit polls - they are the only "control" left. Or at least that's the impression I get after reading MCM. But exit polls took a big hit in 04 - the root of the problem there again being the corporate media with their papal edict that the exit polls were wrong.
One other thing - isn't it convenient that these announcements always happen AT LIKE 5 PM ON A FRIDAY OR THEREABOUTS ?
plantsman: Congratulations, JP !!!!
Thanks. And on John Travolta's birthday, too!
Prob'ly wasn't an Atriot (no referring link), but at least it was to the WaPo article, instead of a silly cat photo.
.
I'd rather the Chinese liberate the Tibetans and themselves before they "help us out."
I'd rather the Chinese liberate the Tibetans and themselves before they "help us out."
plantsman
"We're from the People's Republic Of China and we're here to help."
A billion folks getting their first automobile is a lot to contemplate -- plus the SMOG!!!
I'm probably opening myself up to a fair bit of disagreement and witticisms; but with Valentine's Day taking hold in Iran, China, South Korea, and other places, it seems the notion of "romantic love"
has gained currency almost universally, and with little trouble.
Not when roughly 50% of the voting public is perfectly satisfied with the results.
Buzz Bomb | 02.18.06 - 3:00 pm |
Where do you get this idea that 50% of the voting public is perfectly satisfied? Close to 50% were satisfied in '04, but now the number people who support Bush is way way down.
I think people are concerned about e voting - but what do you expect from them? How would you even know if they just accept irregularities or if they want to see it changed? Seriously - how?
Just checking in. It is 7 degrees here, m inus 7 wind chill.
And I am feeling like Wonder Woman, since I just figured out why my vacuuming wasn't sucking the dirt off of my carpet!
I've said it here probably 100 times, but I'll say it again:
Cast every vote on paper. Count every vote by hand.
plantsman,
it was subtle.
and before I forget, and I apologize if it's already been whored, but ...
WHAT! THE! FUCK!
Where do you get this idea that 50% of the voting public is perfectly satisfied? Close to 50% were satisfied in '04, but now the number people who support Bush is way way down.
Actually, I don't think it's that far off. The voting public and the general public are very very different.
The thing is, the people who think Bush & Republicans are just hunky-dory turn out at a much higher percentage than everyone else, so that opinion polls don't give an accurate prediction of electoral outcomes.
KY's presentation of themselves as a single mental entity still creeps me out a little, but it's their barely contained hostility that actually worries me.
watertiger ~
What the fuck is right.
That upset me no end.
I've said it here probably 100 times, but I'll say it again:
Cast every vote on paper. Count every vote by hand.
Like every sparrow falling. Like every grain of sand.
KY's presentation of themselves as a single mental entity still creeps me out a little, but it's their barely contained hostility that actually worries me.
The thing I keep wondering is: If they ever came to an EschaCon (which I doubt), would they wear separate "kei" and "yuri" nametags, or would they both wear "kei & yuri" nametags?
Well color me shocking pink.
Dith, my metaphysical poet crush, responded to a post I made.
Fuck me silly, dith.
What the fuck is right.
That upset me no end.
And... the wife signed it, right?
Sweet Jesus.
plantsman,
it was subtle.
That it was. As you might have noticed, not my strong suit.
Hell, even if those *were* my "wifely expectations", I can't imagine ever putting something that nuts down on paper...
Today California Secretary of State Bruce McPherson issued this news release announcing he has granted conditional certification of Diebold's optical scan and touchscreen TSx voting systems. This news will bring some relief to counties using Diebold equipment which are anxious to upgrade their systems to meet the state voter verified paper audit trail requirement and federal disability access requirement.
The certification of this system was controversial because the Secretary of State discovered that there was interpreted code featured in these two voting systems that was written by Diebold and not evaluated by the federal testing authorities. The Secretary of State sent the code back to the federal testers and asked them to look at it; so far that request has not been fulfilled.
The Secretary of State also asked his Voting Systems Technology Assessment Advisory Board to look at the code in question. This committee is made up of computer scientists, including David Jefferson (one of CVF's board members) and David Wagner of UC Berkeley. The advisory board's report is not yet available online but the Secretary of State's announcement today summarizes the conditions that must be met by counties that will use the Diebold systems.
Based on the story, it sounds like the wife signed it.
Pray for that poor woman. She has serious self esteem issues if she's signing such a sick and lopsided document.
Good one, Eli!!
Happy Birthday to all good moonbats who were born on this day.
Based on the story, it sounds like the wife signed it.
She did not. I saw the story last night somewhere. But she kept the "contract".
Based on the story, it sounds like the wife signed it.
Actually, I re-read the Smoking Gun intro, and she didn't sign it.
But she STILL married the fucker!
I figured by post 254 the original topic would be lost.
And since I really have nothing to add to the original topic I'll just make a short statement concerning the Armstrong Ranch 'open season on 78 year old lawyers' festival.
You walk out of the car.
You aim at a tame bird.
You turn.
He hits you in the face and heart.
You fall.
He goes to the ranch and makes a cocktail.
Happy Birthday to all good moonbats who were born on this day.
Do blogs count?
Oh, so she didn't sign it? I just glanced at the article.
Still, why would you marry a man who wants to control you to that degree, and has the fucking audacity to put it in writing?
Sick.
WHAT! THE! FUCK!
watertiger au poivre
Dude's just begging for a nice little seasoning of shot. At very close range.
Are you kidding? I love K & Y's barely restrained hostility. They're the hot-pepper in the big gumbo we call Eschaton.
"We're from the People's Republic Of China and we're here to help."
Eli
this beegees lp is scratched what can I do?
first of all you have to realize the dalai lama scratched it with superstitious psychic powers. but the power of the people is always greater!
I drew a comic once, where, after having been bitten by a cockroach in my dirty New York apartment, I woke to find I'd turned into a halfwoman/halfcockroach--lengthwise--didn't help my crime-fighting abilities!
whiskeyina
I had a friend who lived off Broadway at 154th I think (is that possible?)
He rented an apt from an Orthodox church next door or nearby.
the roaches in his apt were the size of postage stamps. he shut his cat in the kitchen at night.
Prison remains, as Hawthorne said in 'The Scarlet Letter,' the black flower of our civilization. Why do we put people in prison?
If we do it to prevent crime, well, if the inmates are ever released, so much for that one.
If we do it so that, say, Cunningham gets the same torture (the only word that fits) as a black kid caught in a felony drug rap, well, in neither case is the torture justified.
If we do it to keep people off the streets who might otherwise endanger others, well, why not just shoot 'em between the eyes and be done with it?
I seriously doubt the American way of incarceration can stand up to any kind of ethical or philosophical scrutiny. It's become a money pit for contractors; it's often been remarked that one could underwrite a Harvard education for a year's incarceration and (mostly) eliminate homosexual rape. The system is a disgrace to what we call a democracy.
Where do you get this idea that 50% of the voting public is perfectly satisfied? Close to 50% were satisfied in '04, but now the number people who support Bush is way way down.
Actually, I don't think it's that far off. The voting public and the general public are very very different.
The thing is, the people who think Bush & Republicans are just hunky-dory turn out at a much higher percentage than everyone else, so that opinion polls don't give an accurate prediction of electoral outcomes.
Eli
What Eli said. I was careful to specify "voting public." The people who are eligible to vote, but don't, can certainly disapprove of Bush when asked in a poll. But they've pretty much forfeited their right to complain about vote fraud, since they obviously don't even give enough of a shit about voting to actually show up and cast their votes. (i.e. the people I know who are so convinced it's all a big con game - which it is becoming, no thanks to their cynical, apathetic asses!)
Actually, I don't think it's that far off. The voting public and the general public are very very different.
The thing is, the people who think Bush & Republicans are just hunky-dory turn out at a much higher percentage than everyone else, so that opinion polls don't give an accurate prediction of electoral outcomes.
Ok, so this is based on perceptions. I'll tell you mine - totally anecdotal, but I've had almost complete strangers remark to me that they don't trust e-voting. I've never had anyone tell me they like it.
That doesn't mean much, nor does this - the day after the election in '04, Mr. Tena came home from work and said everyone in the office was complaining about how the election had been handled. But it's what I've got to go on and I think Americans are generally unhappy with the whole shebang - from campaign to voting to how the winners have been behaving.
But it's what I've got to go on and I think Americans are generally unhappy with the whole shebang - from campaign to voting to how the winners have been behaving.
And I suspect you're right - but will they all still be pissed off enough to actually vote when the time comes? Or will they just shrug and say, "Why bother, my vote won't count anyway"?
Are you kidding? I love K & Y's barely restrained hostility. They're the hot-pepper in the big gumbo we call Eschaton.
Justathought
I adore kei & yuri. I love everything about them.
Surely a 3rd stolen election would lead to revolution? Or withdrawal from the Union or something?
Well, maybe not, but there must presumably be a breaking point.
Arkeno
There wasn't in Rome. It just slide down the wicked slope into Empire without much protest. Surely Moonbootica can elaborate for us.
Or will they just shrug and say, "Why bother, my vote won't count anyway"?
Eli
Who knows? We won't know that until the election.
The thing is, the people who think Bush & Republicans are just hunky-dory turn out at a much higher percentage than everyone else, so that opinion polls don't give an accurate prediction of electoral outcomes.
Eli
Opinion polls may not give as accurate a prediction as would otherwise be the case were left voting percentages higher, but exit polls do give a historically very high rate of accuracy and serve as the only reliable check of accuracy of results short of a hand recount. It is the best evidence we have of fraud in 04 IMO and is stronger than circumstantial by virtue of the extreme statistical anomalies demonstrated.
Been said before: paper ballots, hand counted is the ultimate answer.
Dont let the California proposal fool ya - paper ballots and/or receipts are of no avail when the central tabulator is riggable. The Repub candidate can always win by enough of a margin to avoid a recount. This is the hack shown by Bev Harris in the "Election Truth" CD-Rom. (Google it.) It can be accomplished by anyone who knows how to deal with a basic spreadsheet prog, and who has a laptop computer, and an internet connection.
They want a permanent majority and they will do anything to get it.
What's Lamont going to do when people start calling him cheapskate?
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