I didn't know Limbaugh was still in legal jeopardy, which cheered me up greatly, and Jeralyn makes a fascinating point that his defense (based on various privacy aspects of the Bill of Rights) would likely be shot down by Alito if the case reaches the Supreme Court. My heart warms at the thought of Alito being the swing vote that puts Limbaugh in the Big House. A small victory in a losing war, but ...
obsessed |
Homepage |
11.12.05 - 11:51 am | #
Yeah Rush is still under the gun- but he's done a pretty good job of stringing the thing out.
Don't really care if they convict him or not. If it were anyone but Rush, I'm not sure that we would support what the prosecution is doing in the case.
In any event- Rush's major punishment is already in place. He's stuck with being Rush.
rwcole |
11.12.05 - 11:55 am | #
Sadly, you and I have something in common, Jane: senators who have let us down. This is something we can't blame exclusively on Red states. I'm not surprised at Lieberman actually...he rarely passes up a chance to fuck things up lately.
I'm sorry to hear of Ron Wyden's vote. You've got to be feeling a little bummed about that.
Bob Adams |
Homepage |
11.12.05 - 12:08 pm | #
It surprises me that Lieberman is still among us (but not that he would vote this way now that it turns out he's still here).
Haven't seen his weaselly face for quite some time. Recently I started to comment that someone should stuff him in a closet 'til after 2006 -- but then started to wonder if someone HAD stuffed him in a closet already.
So what's he up to these days, when he's not using the Constitution as so much discarded kleenex?
Just shuffling paper at the "Committee on the Present Danger"?
Mrs. K8 |
11.12.05 - 12:21 pm | #
Great link to the questions about oil refineries discussed in the previous thread.
rwcole |
11.12.05 - 12:21 pm | #
Hate to see dems voting for this crap- now is not the time to take them to the woodshed.
Once dems have a sizable majority- we'll get rid of em.
rwcole |
11.12.05 - 12:24 pm | #
From my post today to the Multnomah County (Portland) Democrats e-mailing list:
According to the New York Times,
"Josh Kardon, chief of staff to Senator Ron Wyden . . . suggested that Mr. Wyden was also looking for a compromise to make the Guantánamo tribunal process more accountable to the Senate and 'ensure the fair and humane treatment of detainees.'"
The damage is already done. If the Democratic
Party can't get it together on something as basic as this, then no wonder the polls are showing that people don't perceive Democrats as having strong, clear alternatives. I'd much rather vote FOR someone, rather than against morally bankrupt Republicans.
These five certainly haven't left Senate
Democrats in any position to "ensure the fair and humane treatment of detainees." More power to Sen. Wyden if he can pull it off. I hope he's doing all he can, and working with Sen. Bingaman to salvage something from this wreckage.
oregondave |
11.12.05 - 12:24 pm | #
re joe lieberman
a thinly disguised neo-con, i a still nausiated at the memory of he and hillary giving the prez' 2003 state of the union a standing ovation
they were friggin' beaming
throw them in the same pit with the wh, do not mistake them as true blue
mack |
11.12.05 - 12:24 pm | #
Wh'sup, rwc? -
Just got back from hoops, came back early to watch the 'Bama/LSU game.
Tyrone Nesby was there this morning, along with Gerald Paddio. Shit, Tyrone left before I could get a game with/against him. Dude is SO big! He was ruling the floor. Yikes!
I gotta start getting there earlier.
OK, Roll Tide.
Back on topic:
"..."Do we need all those lawyers going down there to hear their complaints? It seems a little extreme to her. After all, we're talking about enemy combatants...."
WTF? Of course, we know incontrovertibly that EVERYONE we detain is GUILTY. Why do they need ANY of this wimpy due process?
In fact, why don't we simply kill everyone we capture? Save a LOT of trouble. Given that we put ourselves above any sort of international law, why even bother with prisoners, except perhaps to first torture them for whatever we can get out of 'em, and then kill 'em and throw 'em in mass graves.
Off topic...I just took a bath in Clorox extra strenght after watching Chalabi's conference at the Neo Con hell AEI!
YUCK!
Pattylou |
11.12.05 - 12:30 pm | #
As an Oregonian, I'm completely disgusted by Wyden's complicity in this. Why did he do it?
He's never been a strong advocate in Washington and rose to power in Oregon on issues affecting the elderly. ( Worthy issues - but can't we do more than one thing at once?) Wyden really should challenged and replaced by someone who would be a strong, courageous and progressive voice in the Senate. Further, I hear that Wyden no longer spends much time in Oregon because of his marriage to a New Yorker.
justwondering |
11.12.05 - 12:31 pm | #
Mrs. K8, when he's not busy torturing Muslims, he wears the banner of "Family Values"; he's known as "Senator V-Chip", and he seems to think the biggest problem facing today's youth is the violence in video games. He grasps for cheap headlines and easy topics. Forget actually solving any problems.
What bothers me about Joe is that his ambition is causing him to lose sight of Democratic values. He didn't used to be like this; nowadays it wouldn't surprise me if he'd sell out the party for a shot at the White House.
Bob Adams |
Homepage |
11.12.05 - 12:32 pm | #
Thanks rwcole got it. Have to dig out the ecomomist articles on this as well when I get back, Do you have any thoughts on the anti-US (not anti-American) stuff that I was posting. I'm a vet and travel a lot in EU and south America for business. First time I've ever encountered such vehement anti US feeling.
pat |
11.12.05 - 12:33 pm | #
Kos has raised an interesting argument -- "Realignment not Impeachment"
He maintains that impeachment would give the thugs the chance to undergo a (purely cosmetic) "cleaning" of their party, a fake "reform" which might convince enough voters that they "really mean it."
Instead he recommends using Bush radioactivity to push the GOP off a cliff for a very, very long time.
It's an interesting argument, and the debate on that thread is pretty good reading.
Mrs. K8 |
11.12.05 - 12:34 pm | #
Thank you for translating "habeas corpus" correctly in your title!
Dean |
11.12.05 - 12:34 pm | #
Wyden has been consistently disappointing. He's big on bipartisanship. He keeps his name in the papers with lots of noise about lesser issues such as tobacco liability, while never showing any leadership on anything major.
John Emerson |
Homepage |
11.12.05 - 12:37 pm | #
If you can't beat them, join them.
Why resist Cheney? Let's take his lead and apply it.
Yeah, I know about Holy Joe's favorite "issues." I just wonder why, after he stuffed his face in front of every microphone he could find last year, he's now laying low.
I can see that last year he was busy sabotaging the Democratic Party with oodles of cable teevee appearances. But now he seems very, very quiet.
This makes me suspicious. Like he's up to no good somewhere. Or is it possible he started to get an inkling of how hated he is?
He's got the proverbial snowball's chance of attaining the Oval Office. For lots and lots of reasons.
Mrs. K8 |
11.12.05 - 12:40 pm | #
Melting the Skin Off of Children [GRAPHIC]
by Hunter Wed Nov 09, 2005 at 06:03:24 PM PDT
=========
I HOPE YOUR VALUES INCLUDED HALTING THE SLOW BURNING TO DEATH OF CHILDREN IN AN ILLEGAL WAR FOR OIL AND WAR PROFITEERS.
I AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING LETTER POSTED BY AN OUTRAGED KOSSACK:
My letter to the Senate Armed Forces Committee Honorable Senators Warner, Levin and Clinton:
There are increasing reports emerging from Italy that white phosphorus (WP) was used against the city of Fallujah, Iraq by U.S. military forces.
These reports suggest that WP was:
used as an incendiary
used as a form of chemical weapon (distributed arially to affect human respiration)
used in an area known to contain civilians
may have been intended to cause mass casualties regardless of the nature of the targets
Published reports also include video of WP in use; there are many anecdotes from reporters, military personnel and other eyewitnesses, some including photos of victims killed by products suggesting WP.
This may constitute violations of conventions to which the U.S. is a signatory or those under which U.N
members are expected to operate, as well as crimes against humanity.
I ask for an investigation to be launched by the Senate Armed Forces Committe immediately.
I further ask for a review of the use of WP by U.S. military as well as a reeducation of all troops in the
appropriate use of WP.
I further ask for an audit of all contracts for the production of WP by any contractors or vendors supplying WP to the U.S. military, to determine whether the products supplied are within the terms of conventions and military regulations under which the U.S. military is supposed to operate.
Thank you very much.
cc: All members of the Senate Armed Forces Committee
Bobby- Welcome back- I'm about to go to a local dem club meeting where we will thrash about and conclude that we don't have a chance of filling Randy "Duke" Cunningham's seat. Hope to see you here in gooperland soon.
Pat- I'm very familiar with European attitudes. It DOES actually have lot to do with Bush-
Most europeans loved Clinton and hate this little monster- but then me too.
Heard a nice talk with the author of a new book on NPR the other day discussing Powell's last discussion with Clusterfuck before he bailed out.
The author says that Powell read him the riot act about the current state of international relations and the need for diplomacy.
Clusterfuck just said "I get it"- meaning- "that's enough- shut up" but Powell wouldn't stop.
Europeans have plenty of problems of their own. They need to shed a few pounds of their social net-and we could stand to gain a few.
Once the Clusterfuck presidency is over, I suspect that things will change.
rwcole |
11.12.05 - 12:44 pm | #
http://www.dailykos.com/story/20...1547/
468~Senate Passes Blatantly Unconstitutional
Amendment
by Gillon
Fri Nov 11, 2005 at 01:15:47 AM PDT
"The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or
Invasion the public Safety may require it."
Does Afghanistan qualify as a rebellion? Does the War on Terror qualify as an invasion of America? I
think not. Apparently, the Senate thinks otherwise. Actually 49 senators think otherwise. Because today,
49 senators joined together to vote for one of the most sickening pieces of legislation I have ever heard of.
And what's more - 5 DEMOCRATS voted for the bill. Goddamn it.
You are a braver woman than I. I wouldn't watch Chalabi at that den of iniquity, AEI, if you paid me. My doctor would forbid it on account of the danger of a precipitous BP spike.
Did you learn anything, other than that he's scummier than scum? I saw a headline indicating he's pushing for a "harder line with Iran." Great, just great.
Mrs. K8 |
11.12.05 - 12:45 pm | #
There are increasing reports emerging from Italy that white phosphorus (WP) was used against the city of Fallujah, Iraq by U.S. military forces.
And if you want to understand what WP does to humans, then check a post I made about it, here.
PRESIDENT'S APPROVAL RATING FALLS TO RECORD LOW; SIXTY-EIGHT PERCENT OF AMERICANS DISSATISFIED WITH DIRECTION OF COUNTRY / FIFTY-TWO PERCENT BELIEVE VICE PRESIDENT PART OF CIA LEAK COVER-UP /MAJORITY BELIEVES BUSH 'WON'T BE ABLE TO GET MUCH DONE FOR THE REST OF HIS SECOND TERM'
rwcole |
11.12.05 - 12:51 pm | #
That was the latest Newsweek Poll posted above. No good news for clusterfuck fans.
rwcole |
11.12.05 - 12:52 pm | #
Grrr...
Why did Haloscan redirect the link back here?
Stupid piece of...
The link is here here.
LJ/Aquaria |
Homepage |
11.12.05 - 12:52 pm | #
oh, this makes me sick. I can't tolerate any more shit stains on the constitution like this.
Want some 'humor' to lighten the mood?
Cruise on over to the dartboard. Few new posts up with graphics taboot.
Most worrisome for the White House: the base seems to be cracking. When asked whether anyone in the administration “acted unethically” in the case involving the leak of CIA agent Valerie Plame’s name, a 54-percent majority of Americans said they did—and 30 percent of Republicans said they did. And 45 percent of Americans believe someone in the “Bush administration broke the law and acted criminally”—including 22 percent of Republicans.
During the 2000 election, every time someone slung something at Joe, he'd whine about how "disappointed" he was. Well, he should be turned out in his next primary by disappointed CT residents. What a complete tool.
blogenfreude |
Homepage |
11.12.05 - 12:58 pm | #
Mrs. K8,
Arianna can fill you in on the Chalabi/ AEI love fest.
Since it's comprised of crackpots, who's surprised?
susan |
11.12.05 - 1:01 pm | #
During the 2000 election, every time someone slung something at Joe, he'd whine about how "disappointed" he was. Well, he should be turned out in his next primary by disappointed CT residents. What a complete tool.
blogenfreude | Homepage | 11.12.05 - 12:58 pm | #
Believe me - we're gunning for Lieberman - and he probably knows it. We're also focusing on Christopher "I'll go which ever way the wind blows" Shays - as well. There's a lot of political activism in Connecticut and people are hopping mad.
dab |
11.12.05 - 1:02 pm | #
Mrs. K8, yeah it doesn't surprise me Lieberman is lying low these days; he's up again in '06, and I guess he realized his public persona wasn't helping him here in the Nutmeg State. Look for him to retool when it comes time to campaign.
The one thing he has going for him is the fact that Connecticut is a True-Blue state; there's probably not a Republican who can defeat him anywhere on the radar.
Not to mention that just last year we ran our mind-bendingly corrupt Republican governor out of office (Rowland), and the stench is still fresh in the voter's noses. I doubt that even Jesus could be elected if he ran as a Repug.
Bob Adams |
Homepage |
11.12.05 - 1:04 pm | #
I happen to disagree with this statement from Bowers on dKos:
"Now that we have passed 60% disapproval, there are no more numeric goals when it comes to Bush's disapproval."
I mean, c'mon guys, let's shoot for 70%!
Then 80%!
OK, we can never hit 90, or even 85 -- roughly 1 out 6 (about 17%) people in this country is wingnut, i.e. fuckwit -- but 80% is doable!
JohnGabriel |
11.12.05 - 1:07 pm | #
Hi Mrs K8, the only thing I learned was he was more evil than I had originally thought. He smiled while lying thru his teeth. Korn, and Shuster slammed him but he wouldn't answer the questions. The other reporters were basically BushBot Stenographers giving him softball questions. AEI should be ashamed for having him, but what could we expect from those IDIOTS! He was incredibly smug. As I said it took 2 martini's and a clorox exttra strength bath to get over it!
Pattylou |
11.12.05 - 1:08 pm | #
Our teriffic FDL contributor, Evil Parallel Universe, posted a most excellent entry last night under the "Budget a No Go" thread. It concerned the meaning of "anome" and laid out in clear logical terms exactly why the fascist wingnuts are ultimately doomed.
Everybody who got involved in the discussion rightfully praised the piece, which was pretty lengthy (but not a wasted word in it!), and there were suggestions that it be re-posted again today, since many folks don't hang around the blog on a late Friday night. And it really deserves a look-see.
Since I didn't see it re-posted today, thought I should mention it and urge everybody who missed it to go on down to the aforementioned thread and scroll or do a string search for "Evil Parallel Universe" or "anome". It's well-thought out, eloquent, and actually quite heartening in the larger scheme of things.
Mrs. K8 |
11.12.05 - 1:10 pm | #
Pattylou --
Brave, brave woman. I would have been tempted to put the clorox in the martini glass. ;-)
Do you read Steve Clemons at thewashingtonnote.com? He's been hammering like crazy on Chalabi all week, dogging his wretched footsteps, and inciting folks to show up to demonstrate at any events hosting the Evil Clown.
Mrs. K8 |
11.12.05 - 1:14 pm | #
Just read this in Newsweek about Alito. If our senators oppose this nomination, I am going to be DAMN mad!
"The public is split (42 percent approve; 42 percent disapprove) on Bush’s nominations. The good news for the White House is that 40 percent think Samuel Alito should be confirmed. Twenty-six percent oppose Alito and 34 percent remain undecided."
susan |
11.12.05 - 1:16 pm | #
"If our senators oppose this nomination, I am going to be DAMN mad!"
Gads, I meant to write: if our senators DON'T oppose this nomination....
Must remember to read before posting!
susan |
11.12.05 - 1:19 pm | #
Huh?
I oppose Alito's nomination, and I'm sure others do as well.
Susan, why would you be mad if our senators opposed it?
I wrote to all the Dem senators and told them how shameful their votes are. I also reminded them that the last line of the pledge of allegiance is: "with liberty and justice for ALL." How ironic that the last line is now inoperable after so much outrage over the "under god" dispute.
Also, how ironic that on Vet's day when our troops are dying so that we can bring frredom and justice to Iraq, we're killing it at home.
Finally, for Leiberman I added that his has dishonored his ancestors because there was no access to the courts for Jews in Nazi Germany. Now we have our own system for Muslims, we just depend on Cheney to call them "enemy combatants. I have never been so ashamed of any Democrat.
Dick (no, not that one) |
11.12.05 - 1:31 pm | #
Valley Girl,
EPU's post is excellent. Thanks for the link.
susan |
11.12.05 - 1:46 pm | #
MrsK8, actually my brother was one of the protesters outside of AEI that day. I read Steve all the time. They were sneaky at AEI about protecting that traitor Chalabi. I still cannot believe that CondiLiar met with him. Although I am sure you read that she is on a lying tour these days .
Pattylou |
11.12.05 - 1:57 pm | #
MrsK8,
I am going to hear M. Albright give a lecture in a few weeks. There will be a question session and I am going to ask her if under the same conditions she would have met with that traitor Chalabi, and I will follow up with a question asking her what SHE thinks about the fact that CondLiar met with him!
Pattylou |
11.12.05 - 2:00 pm | #
Lieberman ran to the right of Weicker to get into the senate - his true colors have been clear for a very long time and yet Dems merrily supported him for VP.
While I really relish the fall of the BushCo crew, I sure don't see the dems as a strong alternative - they bought into the whole mess, and enabled it over and over - but now that the numbers are against W, they'll suddenly discover a little moral outrage - yet we spend our time trashing the MSM and cheering for the likely return of the dems in left blogistan.
I'd like to see a move to vote out every single pol who supported the Iraq war - every single pol who did not demand an end to torture - every single pol who does not call on the world court and the UN to investigate the US use of WP/chemical weapons. We continually give the Dems another chance, believing some delusional fantasy that they actually represent an alternative but how many among them actually stand for anything besides re-election.
siun |
11.12.05 - 2:08 pm | #
I heard rumors of Lowell Wiecker rising up from the political graveyard to take on Joey Poo as an independant. That would be a great revival to throw out the man who threw him out. Wiecker was a maverick Republican who was more liberal than Joe.
As for Wyden, I guess I am surprised, here is where I feel a little stupid. I felt that he was more progressive because he sort of looked like Paul Wellstone. I guess I won't use the "lookalike rule" in politics anymore.
Also, what gives with Minnesota. Wellstone was replaced with one of the most odious cretins in Washington. Norm "Cosmetic surgery" Coleman. That guy carries more water for Bush than AirForce One.
Interesting too, my NH delegation have been veering a little leftward as of late. Both Bass and Bradley were against the ANWR drilling and I believe they also helped to scupper(I like that word from used on BBC often) the spending cuts.
But, it is time for NH's all Republican delegation to get a little bluer.
-GSD
Also, I know it is not nice to make fun of sick folks, but, is it me or did Arlen Specter durn into F. Murray Abraham?
Granite State Destroyer |
11.12.05 - 2:10 pm | #
as sent to joe lieberman:
the notion that ANY democrat would condone the right to TORTURE for any reason whatsoever is repugnant beyond comprehension.
the senator should be ashamed to be associated with despicable, vile, warmongering thugs the likes of herr cheney and his neocon ss.
we will all remember this come election day. and the good lord will remember the nazi jew of conneticut when he appears at the pearly gates for admission.
anonymous |
11.12.05 - 2:17 pm | #
liebermann = the nazi jew
anonymous |
11.12.05 - 2:21 pm | #
First, Lieberman didn't support torture. There were only 9 senators who supported torture, and they were all Republican.
Lieberman supported limiting the right of habeas corpus to US citizens. So did 48 other senators. VBery disappointing, yes, but not a vote for torture.
Second, I, and I'm sure many others, find the phrase 'nazi jew' extremely offensive. You should be ashamed of yourself, using the holocaust to defame him.
JohnGabriel |
11.12.05 - 2:33 pm | #
GSD - It would be grand to hear from Weicker again - I had a chance to meet with him and work with his staff several times back in the late 80s and I was impressed by that team and forced to think a lot about my inbred party assumptions.
Having just moved from NH to the great third coast of Obama and Fitz, I hear you on the odd pols of NH. Of course, NH repubs have had a tendency to vote a wee bit environmental in the past - and I'd love to see a challenge to the whole NH slate that draws on the live-free-or-die style of the state. A feisty lefty with some guts could probably do quite well - a Dean sort but he'd need to drive a pickup if you know what I mean.
siun |
11.12.05 - 2:38 pm | #
JohnGabriel - Lieberman is the offensive one. He's supported right wing initiatives from cultural censorship to his current attack on habeas corpus all along - and the reason we do not want to "show the body" is that then the world would see the results of torture in the flesh. I find the naming of JL as a nazi quite appropriate but I also hope that we name them all - from W to Hilary at the same time.
I'd suggest folks take another look at the White Phosphorus photos if you think this is Godwinism.
siun |
11.12.05 - 2:42 pm | #
What a bitch Snowe's spokeswoman is and evidently Snowe herself. We know that not all the people in the gulags are enemy combatants. That's something we know for sure. So why can't even the innocent be released. Imagine: people from Maine and the rest of the U.S.A. telling people from all over the world they must remain anonymous, uncharged prisoners indefintiely because that's our business.
Quentin |
11.12.05 - 2:55 pm | #
Second, I, and I'm sure many others, find the phrase 'nazi jew' extremely offensive. You should be ashamed of yourself, using the holocaust to defame him.
JohnGabriel | 11.12.05 - 2:33 pm | #
Suin - I'm with JohnGabriel. I don't see how your communication could be the least bit effective because 1) it's inaccurate and 2) your characterization of Lieberman was unfortunate
I dislike Lieberman and will work my tush off to defeat him - but it's beyond the pale to call him a Jewish Nazi.
dab |
11.12.05 - 3:09 pm | #
"You should be ashamed of yourself, using the holocaust to defame him."
I completely agree. Part of the reason I like this blog is that the level of conversation is intelligent, interesting and courteous.
Calling Joe Lieberman a Nazi Jew is an ugly slur which doesn't belong here; or anywhere else, for that matter.
susan |
11.12.05 - 3:12 pm | #
siun: "I find the naming of JL as a nazi quite appropriate..."
My God, doesn't anyone have a sense of scale, gradations, shades of gray instead of black and white, or as Bush would put it, you're either with us or agin' us?
Lieberman is a center-right Democrat. I don't much like the positions he takes, and I'm surprised to be defending him here, as I hold no personal brief for him.
But a Nazi? To call JL a Nazi is just plain offensive, on a par with Rove tactics. And it's ridiculous.
Has Lieberman ever called for genocide? Is he responsiblew for, or has he called for, the deaths of, not just thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, but millions?
Even Bush isn't a Nazi -- more of an ineffective third rate fascist if you ask me.
Stalin, Pol Pot, Mao during the purges, Turkey during the Armenian genocide, the KKK's ideology -- these can be compared to Nazis.
But Lieberrman? That's just resorting to pathetic and inaccurate name-calling.
And yes, this is Godwinism.
JohnGabriel |
11.12.05 - 3:16 pm | #
Pattylou --
If you're still around, sorry I didn't respond sooner. I took a nap; didn't sleep so well last night, so I needed a 90 minute sleep cycle of refreshment.
That's better. Even had a good dream; oddly enough, about community organizing (!).
Anyway -- good for your brother! And good for you! Please do report back on the results of questioning Ms. Albright. Is she speaking at a university?
Mrs. K8 |
11.12.05 - 3:22 pm | #
i live in ct. i detest joementum lieberman. he is offensive, his votes are all wrong, he is also a coward, but he is not a nazi. you diminish your arguments by using ad hominem ones
hester reik |
11.12.05 - 3:27 pm | #
"Even Bush isn't a Nazi."
Maybe not, but it seems that he is doing his best to push us toward fascism. Here are the characteristics of a fascist regime:
Powerful and Continuing Nationalism
Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, songs, and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.
Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights
Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of “need.” The people tend to look the other way or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc.
Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause
The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial, ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.
Supremacy of the Military
Even when there are widespread domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.
Rampant Sexism
The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Opposition to abortion is high, as is homophobia and anti-gay legislation and national policy.
Controlled Mass Media
Sometimes the media are directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media are indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in war time, is very common.
Obsession with National Security
Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses.
Religion and Government are Intertwined
Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the major tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed to the government's policies or actions.
Corporate Power is Protected
The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power, creating a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite.
Labor Power is Suppressed
Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely, or are severely suppressed.
Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts
Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education, and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts is openly attacked, and governments often refuse to fund the arts.
Obsession with Crime and Punishment
Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses and even forego civil liberties in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations
Rampant Cronyism and Corruption
Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions and use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders.
Fraudulent Elections
Sometimes elections in fascist nations are a complete sham. Other times elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against or even assassination of opposition candidates, use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.
susan |
11.12.05 - 3:31 pm | #
Lieberman is from my home town, and was always a putz.
He was supposed to buoy the Gore ticket in Florida, and we know how that turned out.
He pushed for FEMA integrating in Homeland Security, and we know how that turned out.
He grilled Mike Brown for all of 33 minutes in his confirmation hearing, and we all know how THAT turned out.
Now, he breaks party line, AGAIN, on something so morally represhensible.
I was looking forward to having a democratic Senator of national prominance from CT, now I'm looking forward to working on the "anybody but Lieberman" campaign.
justin |
11.12.05 - 3:37 pm | #
One thing that gets me about Lieberman:
He knows he is deeply reviled by most everyone in the party, but it doesn't bother him in the teensiest bit.
Mrs. K8 |
11.12.05 - 3:49 pm | #
for the record - I did not post the anonymous bit that named Lieberman a "nazi jew" only the comment which I signed which said that calling him a nazi was appropriate as long as we also name the rest of the wargang.
siun |
11.12.05 - 3:52 pm | #
On Lieberman: by supporting limiting the right of habeas corpus to US citizens, couldn't that actually be classified as torture?
ccmask |
11.12.05 - 4:59 pm | #
I'm glad Cantwell and Murray didn't vote for it. I'm already tickedat them for not taking that ,"Bridge to Nowhere, " PORK away from Stevens in Alaska to help rebuild in New Orleans.
Kathi |
11.12.05 - 5:04 pm | #
EPU - loved your well-reasoned and very convincing post. When I've have plenty of rest and good food I dare to join you in that same hope.
But if think about repugs when I'm tired or hungry, I remember what happened about a year ago. I was so damn sure we had them beaten last election. We were at the official Dem gathering and, for a moment, the big screen television actually flashed that Kerry had won. It's hard to shake the feeling of what happened next.
Still, I think what you're saying make a huge amount of sense and will choose hope over paranoia any day.
justwondering |
11.12.05 - 5:57 pm | #
It's what the fundies call heavenly corpus. M
mandt |
Homepage |
11.12.05 - 7:07 pm | #
Gee, look at that. How many of those particular Vichy Democrats who voted for this shit are part of the "Gang of 14". Three of the five.
And people wonder why the Democrats always appear to have their collective head shoved up their collective ass. As long as they've got people like Nelson and Lieberman gumming up the works, they're never going to get the respect they so desperately need if they're going to ever regain power.
UhClem |
11.12.05 - 11:26 pm | #
