And while I'm on the subject, I know I saw commentary earlier that security plans have to be shared with the port operator (only makes sense).
So either the administration's highly confident that al-Queda can't slip something or someone dangerous through our ports, or they're equally confident that DPW won't be penetrated.
They can't be cavalier enough to completely disregard the risk, if only because a nuke is an equal-opportunity armageddon.
Oh, and one more thing: it wouldn't necessarily have to be al-Q. What if Kim Jong-mentally-Il came calling with a weapon and megabucks on a contract hit? "Who could've imagined...?"
al-Scooter |
02.27.06 - 8:29 pm | #
this deal is dead or the gop is dead. both cannot survive.
if this deal goes through, november will be a bloodbath. postponing it only brings the showdown closer to elections, and let's not forget the primaries & special elections until then.
if they do manage to kill the deal, november will still hurt, because voters are not likely to forget how close the deal was, much less that it was seriously considered at all, but the gop may avoid a complete rout.
aarrgghh |
02.27.06 - 8:29 pm | #
jcb, left you steps at the end of the last thread.
zennurse |
02.27.06 - 8:31 pm | #
r-dub, thanks!
"Praise from Caesar is praise, indeed!"
al-Scooter |
02.27.06 - 8:31 pm | #
Due diligence in this Administration means counting the money before the bagman leaves.
Hugh |
02.27.06 - 8:32 pm | #
Just thinkin of an alternative for the generic scandal suffix ...'gate'. Replace with 'scam'
(last used, I think in Arabscam)
rw, last thread you said this would eventually go away, but there is then the issue of the Governors and the National Guard and the NSA spying scandal which the House wants addressed and the Senate isn't finished with. There's also impending charges for Cheney and the ongoing Abramoff mess.
Zenn- Oh yeah- the scandal frequency seems to be on the upswing- we haven't had THIS week's yet- have we?
rwcole |
02.27.06 - 8:36 pm | #
A survey, if anyone's interested:
Which of the two approaches below would you choose (if it were solely up to you to decide) as the strategy that the national Democratic Party should follow in 2006 (assuming that the party's goal is to do what is in the best interests of the United States of America and its people):
1. Keep kicking back and keeping quiet, in an attempt to "coast on in" to "victory" in November, as all the dirty deeds of Bush and Company bring the United States well and truly to its knees. [It's working so far poll-wise, and is thereby presumably forecasting November seat gains for the Democrats, isn't it? Or is this just what's best for the party, and not what's best for the country?]
OR
2. Fight like there's no tomorrow, by resisting at every turn, and in every way possible, the inflicting of more of said dirty deeds upon the United States and the world. And conduct that fight and resist those further destructive GOP acts loudly, angrily, passionately, in the name of our nation's Constitution and its people, regardless of short-term political brownie points and polls, and even at the risk of losing favor in some quarters before the November election.
I'm curious, because it's obvious to me now that the Congressional Democrats are completely committed to Choice #1 from here on out. And I know I would be completely committed to Choice #2, having taken the oath of office that they take. What do informed American bloggers think?
[This bears directly on Tuesday's P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act cloture vote in the Senate, as that is one example of a profound real-world action that is turned into a meaningless exercise by an overriding party strategy with which it conflicts.]
pow wow |
02.27.06 - 8:39 pm | #
Hugh: Like it. I hope some one is recording the wit and wisdom of FDL and its commenters.
I have been careful to not jump onto the furriners=bad, and the "arabs need not apply" tone of the wingnuts. I want to have an open mind that would be appropriate for the (rather over optimistic) hope of real Congressional oversight.
But it would be nice if FDL and liberal blogosphere goes over the all the security related negligence and sloppiness of BushCo wrt this deal very slowly over next month. And keep us alert to any rubber stamping done by GOPers in Congress.
I am fixated on finding links to reports that several Congresspeople warned WH repeatedly about problems with deal weeks ago but were blown off. Heard it on radio last night, but now cannot find story. I think that gathering all available evidence that WH always lies is now the patriotic duty of all citizens. Any one hear of this story?
Wesgpc |
02.27.06 - 8:40 pm | #
DAMASCUS (Reuters) - Syria's liberal opposition has said it will not accept money from a U.S. offer to fund democratic groups in the country, saying that its credibility would be damaged if it took the cash.
this is a mild qualifier, I think. I just read this, must have skimmed over it accidentally. I don't remember a time when a country or group would not take USD, does anyone else? this is how bad our name is internationally, and Bush is responsible.
zennurse |
02.27.06 - 8:41 pm | #
*Abramoff associate, Adam Kidan - Pled Guilty - To Be Sentenced March 1st for SunCruz fraud.
*I. Lewis Libby-Libby will make his pretrial motions February 24th, the Government will counter with their Opposition March 16th, and the Defense will reply March 31st.
*Pending indictment? Bob Ney - Named by Prosecutors as Unindicted Coconspirator.
*David Safavian - Indicted - Trial Set To Begin April 3rd
*Michael Scanlon - Pled Guilty - Status Conference Scheduled for March 1st.
*James Tobin - Found Guilty on Two Counts - Sentencing is Set for March 21st.
powwow, I am for resisting and challenging, because plenty of damage can be done over the remaining months before he election.
Here's another question. Do you think that when we have a Dem congress, the House will move forward with impeachment, and if so, will the Senate Dems support it? Or criminal complaint?
pow wow: maybe FDL could wrangle an interview with one of the mainstream Dem or DLC Great Minds and see if we can figure out what the heck they are thinking. Seriously. I thnk FDL could maintain for the length of an interview. (uh... right, FDL?)
Why chose to not say what you believe and hope you slide on by to victory on the back of GOP implosion? Bush will still be president, prolly one chamger still GOP, Supremes teetering on Bushite wingnutery. Dems will need to take some action. What cred will they have to do that if the act like jerks and effectively win by default. My self-righteous self says that is cowardly, shameful, and not with best interests of the country in mind.
And what if GOP can recover enogh to eek out a draw? Then two more years of mess.
Wesgpc |
02.27.06 - 8:47 pm | #
"Due diligence in this Administration means counting the money before the bagman leaves."
Almost PERFECT!!!
The length is perfect, but the message leaves out the sticky bombs --
"Due diligence for the Bush Administration and the GOP means counting the payoff money before bin Laden's Dubai bagmen leave the room."
Bush, the GOP, and bin Laden's bankers must be woven into the narrative.
If we can do that, what happened to the GOP in 1974 will look like a minor glitch -- Red State America will wash their hands of the GOP for a generation . . .
"All we need here is the appearance of due diligence."
Otto Man |
Homepage |
02.27.06 - 8:49 pm | #
"why is the stock-photo Lou Dobbs' hair whiter than real-time Lou Dobbs?"
because they're two different pictures taken with two different cameras processed by two different methods and photo-manipulated by two different people.
aarrgghh |
02.27.06 - 8:50 pm | #
I would like to see us really use this 45 days and build a campaign methodically, perhaps state by state as well as nationally.
Let's win this one and be seen as winning this one.
Lynn |
Homepage |
02.27.06 - 8:51 pm | #
zennurse | 02.27.06 - 8:41 pm | #
I'm pretty sure Cuba is NOT U.S. lease money for Guantanamo.
yogalinda |
02.27.06 - 8:51 pm | #
On PRI's Business Report, they said that Dubai Ports agreed to a 45 day review, but were still going to close the deal on March 2nd -- meaning, it's a done deal, and the GOP has 45 days to do pretend due diligence . . .
Damn, are these folks dumber than a box of rocks or what?
ck |
02.27.06 - 8:52 pm | #
Just read this on another thread (AMERICAblog). I would like to know the answer too.
"On Scarborough Country tonight, John Fund of The Wall Street Journal said he was at a security briefing today and was filled in on what UAE has done for the US since 9/11 but wasn't allowed to talk about it. Since when do journalists get to sit in on security briefings?"
susan |
02.27.06 - 8:54 pm | #
One thing is clear from watching Lou Dobbs tonight:
If Dubai Ports World is allowed to complete the purchase by March 2, it is a done deal. All indications are it will happen.
Then the 45 day review extension means zilch.
As it is, the agreement is so far gone, the U.S. government did not even have the right at this stage to ask for the 45 day delay. That is why the offer came from UAE. According to one of Dobb's guest, the only recourse available to the U.S. government to reverse the sale would be to sue and it can expect to be penalized with an astronomical financial settlement.
ceci |
02.27.06 - 8:54 pm | #
zennurse | 02.27.06 - 8:41 pm | #
oops, i meant. Cuba isn't cashing the lease checks from the U.S. for Guantanamo.
yogalinda |
02.27.06 - 8:55 pm | #
When gathering around the water cooler or any other public place, refer to Bush as "Dubai Dubya." Say it often. Make it stick.
Duktig Pojke |
02.27.06 - 8:56 pm | #
Since when do journalists get to sit in on security briefings?"
susan | 02.27.06 - 8:54 pm | #
Since this administration decided it could leak any info it wanted, or smear whomever they wanted, as long as it is for partisan political purposes. Fund is such a tool - is it any wonder he is a designated leakee? Douchebag for Liberty II.
narexbyrnes |
02.27.06 - 8:59 pm | #
ceci - nodding, saw that on Dobbs as well. The 45 days is just a front and the deal will close on March 2nd unless something happens fast.
I keep trying to sort out what this deal is really about - payback?kickback? pre-Iran attack mou? connection with Carlyle, Halliburton, who's getting the $$$ on this one?
siun |
02.27.06 - 9:04 pm | #
a basic question -
How could they possibly be as politically tone deaf this week, as Chimpy was last week ?
they were home when this story broke, mad as hell constituents everywhere, and still there !
Is what I'm seeing they think they can take the money and get re elected ?
this is not some progressive pipe dream and it's not going to go away for awhile, plus
it's not an 'act of god'
it's not something 'every major intelligence agency confirmed'
The Clenis didn't leave it, etc.
Here Repub. Congress, read it this time:
November Bloodbath Determined to Strike U.S.
please someone explain to me the mental gymnastics required on this one.
cbl |
02.27.06 - 9:05 pm | #
"Al Qaeda warned the government of the United Arab Emirates more than three years ago that it "infiltrated" key government agencies , according to a disturbing document released by the U.S. military. The warning was contained in a June 2002 message to UAE rulers, in which the terror network demanded the release of an unknown number of "mujahedeen detainees," who it said had been arrested during a government crackdown in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks."
brkily |
02.27.06 - 9:07 pm | #
you bet, yogalinda, lol
sconi, I think those comments are out there, but a lot of us come here specifically because the posts are strong and the opinions solid. I think every blogger has a few folks who may not like the method, but enjoy the information and perspective.
zennurse |
02.27.06 - 9:08 pm | #
what you need to remember is that this administration DOESN"T CARE if the government works.....they don't believe in government. They believe in power and free (sort of) markets. They don't care.
yogalinda |
02.27.06 - 9:09 pm | #
OT
Iraq's Deadly Surge Claims 1,300
Morgue Figure Eclipses Other Counts Since Shrine Attack
By Ellen Knickmeyer and Bassam Sebti
Washington Post Foreign Service
Tuesday, February 28, 2006; Page A01
(snip)
BAGHDAD, Feb. 27 -- Grisly attacks and other sectarian violence unleashed by last week's bombing of a Shiite shrine have killed more than 1,300 Iraqis, making the past few days the deadliest of the war outside of major U.S. offensives, according to Baghdad's main morgue. The toll was more than three times higher than the figure previously reported by the U.S. military and the news media.
Hundreds of unclaimed dead lay at the morgue at midday Monday -- blood-caked men who had been shot, knifed, garroted or apparently suffocated by the plastic bags still over their heads. Many of the bodies were sprawled with their hands still bound -- and many of them had wound up at the morgue after what their families said was their abduction by the Mahdi Army, the Shiite militia of cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
ceci |
02.27.06 - 9:11 pm | #
Hope for Jill Carroll.
"But the minister announced today that he's optimistic about her release."
If Dubai Ports World is allowed to complete the purchase by March 2, it is a done deal.
Very true -- except for one minor detail. The Great British company that is selling their ports operating contract to DPW failed to notify the appropriate American agencies that they were selling out to a foreign national.
Which means, the contract to operate the ports can -- and will be -- voided.
The most frightening thing about Bush's insane ports deal is that Dubai Ports is totally owned by the government of UAE. What happens when there is a "regime change" and a fundamentalist government takes over? Imagine Iran owning control of our ports.
JAY |
02.27.06 - 9:16 pm | #
zennurse and Wesgpc - Thanks for your input.
zennurse, that's the $64,000 question, isn't it? Remember that unlike the Democratic "opposition," Republican opposition screams like a banshee, nonstop. The GOP will have the media on their side, as well. And we can pretty much forget about Ben Nelson's "support" can't we? Along with that of a few, or a lot, more of the pretenders in the Democratic Party, post-November. I do believe that with control of the House, many Democratic chairs will immediately begin the investigations and oversight that the GOP rulers have completely abandoned. The GOP, with the backing of the White House, will fight them at every turn, however. The Senate will almost certainly still be a toss-up at best. So it almost seems that we'll back to a strategy of expose the beast but keep waiting for a chance to make progress, this time until 2008, by trying to wrest the beast out of office entirely. [And of course I'm discounting the major vote-counting issues at play, for the moment.]
The ongoing legal prosecutions may speed that process up somewhat (especially for the VP's position) -- but then we will start competing with something else: the return of the "sane" Republicans. They'll start trying to reclaim the "high ground" before the Democrats get around to it, and then all bets are off for 2008, probably.
Because it's so impossible to predict the future, though, all my instincts are simply to do the right thing, now, and let the future take care of itself. The fact is that right now in this country, doing the right thing for the right thing's sake also happens to be probably the most politically-rewarding 'strategy' as well. [That is, to FIGHT and defend the nation from all the ongoing and destructive internal attacks.] I don't think such a convergence comes along too often. And yet the Democrats are nowhere to be seen.
pow wow |
02.27.06 - 9:19 pm | #
OT - Last update concerning my grandson Cody, who was in a car accident last Wed. in which is mother, my daughter-in-law, was killed.
Cody is doing much better. He is out of intensive care and headed to rehab tomorrow. He is talking, complaining of the food, and complaining of having to pee in a bottle. That is just the end of shame for an 10 yr old boy. His head is completely shaved and has over 60 stiches crossing his forehead. No other marks or injuries on him.
His talk is slow and a bit mumbled, but he moves everything when asked, recognizes everyone, and has walked some.
and he knows about his mother. He never asked where she was, he just seemed to know. Strange. so now we prepare for the grieving. The funeral is still being delayed until Cody can attend.
thanks to everyone who shared kind words of sympathy, prayers, and good thoughts. Now we struggle to find the path forward, but I know, hopefully with grace, that we will.
GrandmaJ |
02.27.06 - 9:21 pm | #
cbl | 02.27.06 - 9:05 pm:
They're being tone deaf because they know that they can't cover up their crimes for much longer anyway. They are, and always have been about, stealing every nickle they can from the US. They know their porkfest is about to end, and so aren't nearly as worried about putting on a pretty front as they are about grabbing as many crackers as they can on the way out the door.
"Amateurs rob banks. Professionals go into politics."
optimisticpessimist |
02.27.06 - 9:23 pm | #
Thanks GrandmaJ. You and your family continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
John Casper |
02.27.06 - 9:24 pm | #
Grandma J, We are all with you as you are with us.
I wish I could be as relaxed about waiting for November as many of you seem to be...after all, elections have been stolen right before our eyes and few Democrats seem to be taking the Diebold issue seriously. And if Bush et al are not stopped now, I can imagine some very grim, and irreversible, scenarios taking place in the next eight months. Like our troops being caught in the middle of the coming Iraq civil war; like the bombing of Iran with almost certain retaliation; like still more of the country being sold to foreign powers who are quietly calling in their chips because the country is verging on bankruptcy.
I'm as frustrated with the feckless Democrats as I am incensed with the Republicans. Is there not a single solitary Democrat who will stand up and say ENOUGH? Who will rise in Congress and read the Constitutional requirements for impeachment..all of which have been met by this administration? Why should the Republican majority preclude this kind of public denunciation even if an impeachment resolution cannot pass?
I'm beginning to think that Americans are all taking some form of soma. Maybe if we didn't have blogs in which to vent our rage, we'd be venting it in the streets where it really mattered.
mgm |
02.27.06 - 9:29 pm | #
immanentize | 6:28 pm
Catching up very late from previous thread -- but thanks. And from your lips to the ears of the gods...
Stephen Parrish | 6:30 pm
Ah, yes, I'd seen that particular bit from Madsen about the EOP offsite storage...which leads me way, way back to the many threads here on FDL where the techie folks among us speculated about "lost" emails and redundancies and backup methodologies and the like.
I know I've read a USGOV policy that, if followed to the letter, would have indicated the entire custody of any backups and documented the orders under which there were any deviations from SOP on backups and storage. There's more information here that still hasn't surfaced. Like who signed for the outbound shipment, who ordered the shipment, who ordered the offsite storage...sound like a damned owl now. Who, who, who...
Abu G did a lot of damage in 12 hours. That's my bet.
GrandmaJ | 9:21 pm
Keeping you and yours in my thoughts, sending wishes for a strong recovery for your grandson. Thanks for sharing an update.
Rayne |
Homepage |
02.27.06 - 9:29 pm | #
GrandmaJ | 02.27.06 - 9:21 pm | #
I am so sorry for your loss and for Cody's. You and your family will be in our prayers as well.
yogalinda |
02.27.06 - 9:30 pm | #
This is confirmation of 2 very bad things I think:
1.Iran war is a go...baseing needs for the troops used to control the straites of Hormuz are the sheiks part of the deal
2. The true,darker agenda is showing itself.The admin. is acting as if the next elections dont matter...Which leads me to belive they have decide that the next election....may not happen.All out war/drafts/martial law/.... with the opening of the new Halliburton Detention facilites a lot more options are avalible to TPTB.
snuffy |
02.27.06 - 9:32 pm | #
I'm so glad to hear about Cody, Grandma! Hooray for all of you, especially for Donald who must be so relieved to see his son managing so well. Isn't it amazing how kids just "get it" sometimes? I've seen some truly amazing kids in my hospice work, have even taught them how to give mom or dad thier Morphine Concentrate if they wanted to learn. Not long ago, I had a 12 year old daughter helping me with a little bath for her mom, she did bathed and moisturized her hands and did her nails. cody has some bumps ahead, but there will be a social worker involved at the rehab and that will help.
are you doing ok, Grandma? Is your husband home yet? Or are you still sitting in dark rooms?
We're here, as you know, Mrs K8 left good thoughts last night for you, too. She's feeling better, too.
zennurse |
02.27.06 - 9:36 pm | #
Well, the Dubai deal sure provided a lot of cover for Deadeye Dick Cheney, didn't it? That story is off the radar already.
cosmo |
02.27.06 - 9:36 pm | #
Off topic: As a newbie blogger is it kewl to plug your own blog in these comments, or is that what is referred to as a "blogwhore?
Oilfieldguy |
Homepage |
02.27.06 - 9:38 pm | #
I vote for:
2. Fight like there's no tomorrow, by resisting at every turn, and in every way possible, the inflicting of more of said dirty deeds upon the United States and the world. And conduct that fight and resist those further destructive GOP acts loudly, angrily, passionately, in the name of our nation's Constitution and its people, regardless of short-term political brownie points and polls, and even at the risk of losing favor in some quarters before the November election.
neurophius |
02.27.06 - 9:39 pm | #
GrandmaJ, thanks for checking in - good to hear about Cody's continued recovery, keeping you and yours in our thoughts and prayers.
cbl |
02.27.06 - 9:39 pm | #
GrandmaJ - What strength you've shown.
I hope Cody keeps complaining - that's good to hear. And he knew without being told? Wow. I hope he can keep holding on to whatever that is.
I wish you the very best as your family tries to find its way forward.
pow wow |
02.27.06 - 9:40 pm | #
I'm trying to understand why there aren't any American firms that could handle the port management task. Never mind the security risks associated with giving the contract to an Arab country; isn't there a strong case to be made for employing American firms and American workers in a very large and presumably lucrative enterprise like managing 21 ports? I'm amazed that we aren't hearing this argument advanced more vigorously. Why aren't the Democrats shouting this from the rooftops?
islander |
02.27.06 - 9:40 pm | #
So that would be unkewl then.
Oilfieldguy |
Homepage |
02.27.06 - 9:45 pm | #
optimisticpessimist | 02.27.06 - 9:23 pm
your explanation makes as much sense as anything else being posited, and it's not like I'm gonna miss 'em, I'm just stunned they would give it all up so nakedly.
cbl |
02.27.06 - 9:46 pm | #
2. The true,darker agenda is showing itself.The admin. is acting as if the next elections dont matter...Which leads me to belive they have decide that the next election....may not happen.All out war/drafts/martial law/.... with the opening of the new Halliburton Detention facilites a lot more options are avalible to TPTB.
****************************
I just hope that there are enough sane people to stop what you may fear.
If they go for Iran then I believe they will declare martial law.
Because going for Iran will be the end of the game as we know it.
Be careful what you wish for, Islander, to the BushCos the only U.S. company capable of running the ports would be Halliburton
JAY |
02.27.06 - 9:47 pm | #
Dubai Dubya Harbours Terrorist.
Gee, I wonder why his polls are dropping quicker than a truckstop hookers panties?
Oilfieldguy |
Homepage |
02.27.06 - 9:50 pm | #
"re: the photo on the previous post...why is the stock-photo Lou Dobbs' hair whiter than real-time Lou Dobbs?"
uncle toby | 02.27.06 - 8:42 pm | #
The stock photo was taken before Lou started dyeing his hair.
neurophius |
02.27.06 - 9:50 pm | #
A draft...yes...democrats to the front, republicans man the supply lines. Talk about consolidating your base.
Oilfieldguy |
Homepage |
02.27.06 - 9:53 pm | #
GrandmaJ . keeping you in my prayers - Cody is lucky to have you in his life to help him as he moves forward.
Make sure you take care of yourself a bit in all of this and let us know if there is any way to help - the FDL virtual casserole crew is at the ready.
siun |
02.27.06 - 9:53 pm | #
Thanks zennurse, and everybody. Last couple of days have been a little rough, so no posting. I am divorced, but talk to the ex several times a day. But he lost his father at age 13 and so this has hit him hard and brought all sorts of fears for Cody. Which I totally integrated, naturally.
Still sitting alone in a dark house and now am worried about my son's health.. Am now worried about my son, his high blood pressure and bordeline diabeties. Thinking about going to the hospital just to see him and my son. It is a long trip for 1hr with my son and grandson. Then it is a 6 hr drive for the funeral. So, still deciding. I would be taking the trip diminish my fears, and not to be of any help to them. So it seems a bit selfish ...
GrandmaJ |
02.27.06 - 9:53 pm | #
Well gosh darn. I was going to edit that last comment down a bit, but it posted. Gremlins...
GrandmaJ |
02.27.06 - 9:54 pm | #
The port deal is the Bush family's Golden Parachute. This is good news because it is part of Dubya's exit strategery. Think carpetbagger: Iraq is imploding, his political capital is spent, and he's cramming valuables onto the back of an unhitched wagon.
Dubai's state hedge fund invested $8 billion into the Carlyle Group. Cash. A significant fraction of that amount should be destined for Dubya's pockets, so this deal will go through, GOP be damned. Also, the UAE has the only deep-water port in the Persian Gulf where we can park a fleet. Serious leverage.
(And come to think of it, isn't Dubai building a huge indoor theme park? "It's a small world after all.")
MarcLord |
02.27.06 - 9:57 pm | #
Off the radar of the Corporate Media, but not off the blogospnere radar and libs don't have to let it go during the election discussion, if they choose not to.
mgm, there are some dem reps who are doing the best they can in the minority with Hastert kicking them out of meetings and arm-twisting on the floor. Here are a couple of links for you to look inot:
I haven't been around much lately. How is your grandson doing?
MarcLord |
02.27.06 - 9:57 pm | #
GrandmaJ--Thank you for letting us know how Cody is doing. All my thoughts are for strength of body and spirit to you, Cody, and family.
dana |
02.27.06 - 9:58 pm | #
The focus of this argument against the port deal should be:
1. The DubaiPortsWorld is a state controlled company.
2. The UAE does not recognize Israel's right to exist.
3. Would you sell our ports to Hamas? What's the difference?
Alaskan Pete |
02.27.06 - 9:59 pm | #
GrandmaJ -- glad to hear about your grandson.
jane hamsher |
Homepage |
02.27.06 - 9:59 pm | #
GSD,
I wonder if the same 18% who still approve of Cheney are on board for the overt clamp-down you describe? My guess is they are.
Duktig Pojke |
02.27.06 - 10:01 pm | #
blank kludge | 02.27.06 - 8:34 pm | #
riffing on scam/gate
"I (sc)am what I (sc)am
Most m-f'ers don't give a damn"
Red Hot Chili Peppers
"Suck my Kiss"
(alas, the m-f word is one I'm sorry to see has entered the popular lexicon. just being crotchety, mind you)
punaise |
02.27.06 - 10:03 pm | #
Grandma, you go if your heart is saying you should. You and your son can have lunch, you will watch him eat and feel better. Take the time, this is a family crisis. I know I would, and my son is 2000 miles away.
and don't edit your notes to us, there is no need. (Sorry about the husband thing, I did know that he was an ex, you told us that last week)
zennurse |
02.27.06 - 10:04 pm | #
"Since when do journalists get to sit in on security briefings?"
susan | 02.27.06 - 8:54 pm | #
Didn't Judith Miller claim to have a security clearance?
neurophius |
02.27.06 - 10:05 pm | #
due diligence = dude, ill and gents
(Bush got sick drunk at a strip club)
punaise |
02.27.06 - 10:07 pm | #
"Please--not Brand US, Brand Bush."
Unfortunately the 2004 election ratified Bush as Brand US.
That's a fact Jack. A horrible fact, but hey, it shouldn't have even been close enough to steal.
"Since when do journalists get to sit in on security briefings?"
susan | 02.27.06 - 8:54 pm | #
Apparently there is a 101st Keyboard Battalion.
I am sure that Field Marshall William Kristol will be reviewing the troops before he leads them into the air conditoned green room for another briefing.
(And come to think of it, isn't Dubai building a huge indoor theme park? "It's a small world after all.")
MarcLord | 02.27.06 - 9:57 pm | #
Marclord, Dubai has a place where you can ski indoors, 20 stories tall with machine-made snow. My niece is married to an arab guy, his father is a surgeon and operated on the big general from Bush 41's action overseas, can't remember his name. He and his wife live in Dubai, and my niece and her husband go yearly. Extremely upscale with every amenity and all the high end shopping for the rich. I'm sure you can't get a hotel room for less than $1K.
zennurse |
02.27.06 - 10:10 pm | #
just seeing your earlier Cody updates: bon courage, GrandmaJ
punaise |
02.27.06 - 10:10 pm | #
Grandma J, Such good news, and I've been wondering how you are doing, too.
Years ago I worked on a rehab floor, and a young teen came back with his dad to visit us. He didn't remember ever being there. One of the doctors said, "The mind is kind."
Margot |
02.27.06 - 10:12 pm | #
punaise, you just amaze me with your linguistic virtuosity! I'd love to have such a wonderful talent.
zennurse |
02.27.06 - 10:13 pm | #
Alaskan Pete | 02.27.06 - 9:59 pm | #
great syllogism/linkage/deduction, or whatever the appriate term is
punaise |
02.27.06 - 10:14 pm | #
OfT: siun, really enjoyed your comment about eight threads ago about the U.N.'s Tim Wirth's talk about "sustainability." Thanks.
John Casper |
02.27.06 - 10:15 pm | #
"Is there not a single solitary Democrat who will stand up and say ENOUGH?"
zennurse: I'm aware of the sites you posted, but I thank you for responding. And I know the problems posed by a Republican majority, but I'm afraid the Democrats have lost their way, and their will as well. Their lack of leadership, lack of cohesiveness, and lack of message is exactly why the public mistrusts them as much as they mistrust Republicans. Look at the polls...Dems should be far out in front given the weeks and weeks of scandals.
Just a small example: despite the unfriendly media climate, why is the DNC not putting forth more people on Sunday news shows? And why, when the Dems are represented, do the same people appear time and again--Biden, for instance. There appears to be simply no strong, competent, effective Democratic leadership.
mgm |
02.27.06 - 10:19 pm | #
GrandmaJ-
If something is telling you to go to the hospital, then go, even though you think you are doing it out of your own need to diminish your own fears. It could be that you are needed there, just as much as you need to be there.
Sorry that came out so convoluted. Just follow the inner prompts and nudges, some of them may be coming from your son and grandson.
I hope you can feel the loving support from the community here.
persiflage & piffle |
02.27.06 - 10:19 pm | #
MarcLord - posted earlier in the thread that Cody was doing much better. He is out of intensive care and notwithstanding the shaved head with all those stictches marching across his forehead, not a mark on him. He is going to rehab. His speech is mumbled but is very clear mentally. Good news for Cody. Now we will deal with the tragedy of the death of his mother. Concern for Cody was holding off the grieving process, but now they will start that very long struggle, as will we all.
Zennurse, I want to go. It would be a 3 hr. drive by myself. And being disabled, I don't walk very well with my walker. Loooong walk from parking to rooms. But will I do it to see my son and grandson -- probably. There are 50 of her family there at any given time and I am not a large group kind of person, but my need to see my son is overwhelming.
GrandmaJ |
02.27.06 - 10:19 pm | #
Scientific poll reported on BBC, 35 countries say the war in Iraq was a mistake and had an unfavorable attitude about the US, thinking it has contributed to instability in the region. Majority felt the US does need to stay until things are calmer. The resolve to stay is also in other countries with troops in Iraq.
zennurse |
02.27.06 - 10:21 pm | #
GrandmaJ,
Sorry for asking after you'd already posted. Great to hear of Cody's improvement. If he's complaining about hospital food, he has the best of his senses about him and he should fully recover.
zennurse - some people are lucky enough to be blessed with meaningful talent; then there are those of us who just keep grasping at fleeting moments of tangential inspiration until someone is indulgent enough to throw a bone :-)
punaise |
02.27.06 - 10:21 pm | #
John Casper - yeah, Tim Wirth impresses me a lot. I've heard him speak twice and both times he was able to translate very revolutionary ideas into terms that a corporate audience got - and to convey the need for optimism even as we work to change the world. I've been working around the socially responsible investment/sustainability field for a while and there's a lot of good stuff going on under the radar that gives me much more hope than events in the govt/political space. Wirth is a good ambassador for those changes.
Have you heard him or have another connection there?
siun |
02.27.06 - 10:24 pm | #
In tomorrow's WaPo, Cohen has a column, "Bush, Speaking Up Against Bigotry," in which he begins,
"Just when you might expect him to issue a malapropian explanation, pander to his base or simply not have a clue about what he is talking about, he does something so right, so honest and, yes, so commendable, that -- as Arthur Miller put it in "Death of a Salesman" -- "attention must be paid." Pay attention to how he has refused to indulge anti-Arab sentiment over the Dubai ports deal."
snip
Then he says the deal "may not be perfect but it's a long way from a page one story."
end:
"Maybe because Bush is a Bush -- son of a president who got to know many Arabs -- or maybe because he just naturally recoils from prejudice, his initial stance on this controversy has been refreshingly admirable. Whatever the case, the president has done the right thing. Attention must be paid."
Oilfieldguy: I have no problem wilth you letting us know you have a blog. I thought "kittenstomper" was worth a look. Just don't be too insistent about it, or some of the people here won't be happy.
neurophius |
02.27.06 - 10:26 pm | #
Grandma, I do understand. I have chronic pain and the drive would also be hard for me, but if you stop and rest for 10 minutes or so every hour, you might do all right. And maybe your son could meet you at the door and park your car for you. I suppose it's too much to hope that they might have valet parking. Many places do these days. And you and your son can let the 50 relatives hang out with Cody while you have some time with Donald, then you get your turn. I'm a real proponent of limiting visitors to two at a time, too many is too exhausting for patients!!! I tell families this all the time, even at home. Nicely, of course.
zennurse |
02.27.06 - 10:28 pm | #
No, it was just your post.
John Casper |
02.27.06 - 10:28 pm | #
pow wow - I've been thinking about the choice you posed earlier for the dems and I think there's an inherent problem with the question. It reads as if laying low would be good for the party and speaking up would be right but bad for the party. I'd argue that speaking up is the only way to make the party relevant again or to gain votes - that nonvoters are not apathetic but disgusted with the lack of choice amongst the parties as they currently perform and would be drawn back into the process by a strong *opposition* voice. Not a "partisan" opposition voice (where party results matter more than constituent impact) but a voice for people's real life concerns and for common sense.
If the dems continue as they are (and have been), if the dems continue to ignore the historical moment and the need for outrage - when clearly the people are disgusted and opposed to W - then why have 2 parties at all or should I say, we don't have 2. Watching John Stewart on Larry King tonight he said much the same - "Dems have 49% of the vote and 3% of the power and maybe it's time for them to step up their game"
siun |
02.27.06 - 10:31 pm | #
Off-topic, but this video seems to demonstrate that Darth Cheney's 18% represents one percent for each foot he was from Harry Wittington's face.
Dover Bitch |
Homepage |
02.27.06 - 10:31 pm | #
""Maybe because Bush is a Bush -- son of a president who got to know many Arabs"...
bush is counting the days til he can join Carlyle and start raking in the millions in payback.
neurophius |
02.27.06 - 10:34 pm | #
GrandmaJ,
where do you live, and what kind of assistance would you welcome to go see your grandson and son?
MarcLord |
02.27.06 - 10:34 pm | #
Off topic: As a newbie blogger is it kewl to plug your own blog in these comments, or is that what is referred to as a "blogwhore?
Oilfieldguy | Homepage | 02.27.06 - 9:38 pm | #
If you contribute substantively, and link to further related writing on your blog, it's not blogwhoring and you're likely to generate some interest. If it's just "hey, look at my blog," then it's blogwhoring and a waste of time, because no one's likely to pay much attention.
Redshift |
Homepage |
02.27.06 - 10:35 pm | #
Just don't be too insistent about it, or some of the people here won't be happy.
I appreciate the advice. My intent is to add, not subtract.
Oilfieldguy |
Homepage |
02.27.06 - 10:35 pm | #
GrandmaJ - I'm glad to hear Cody is doing so much better! Thanks for keeping us posted.
Redshift |
Homepage |
02.27.06 - 10:36 pm | #
mgm, I completely agree. I think the media controls who gets on the shows like Meet the Press and the guests are overwhelmingly Republican. Biden is frustrating, isn't he? They likely invite him because he will pontificate and say very little reliably. I would like to see Russ Feingold and Louise Slaughter, perhaps Boxer having more airtime. Now is the time, and maybe as GOP folk are agreeing more with Dems about Bush, we will se a change. I don't watch these shows myself, I wait for them to bbe liveblogged or for the transcripts; the shows make me too tense.
zennurse |
02.27.06 - 10:36 pm | #
thanks John - when I saw Wirth do the sustainability thing and get the ovation I was so stunned. Later that day, there were cocktails for the attendees and I was chatting with a guy from NASA (I have astronomer envy!) and asked him what in the meetings that day had surprised him and he replied without a thought - that they applauded Tim Wirth! LOL! There was a video around of his CERES speech but I can't find it anymore - if I do, I'll add a link.
siun |
02.27.06 - 10:37 pm | #
GrandmaJ:
Do you have to go there by yourself? maybe you could corral a trusted friend or neighbor to accompany you? I'm sure there are people who want to offer you the support. Sometimes when we are in a painful place we don't recognize that those people are there.
Doing what makes you feel best is not "selfishness". It's just
taking care of yourself.
So glad to know Cody is healing. He's strong of heart, like you.
Thanks for asking, oilfieldguy, 5 points for courtesy here, always.
gratefully,
Miss Manners
( to those who were here last night, sorry for my bloviating crankiness)
zennurse |
02.27.06 - 10:44 pm | #
Great suggestions for Grandma, and I agree, let someone help you out.
zennurse |
02.27.06 - 10:45 pm | #
You aren't in MA are you?
zennurse |
02.27.06 - 10:46 pm | #
"This carrot-and-stick approach has dissuaded many other countries capable of building or buying nuclear arms from doing so, from South Korea to Turkey to Saudi Arabia. Now President Bush wants to carve out an exception for India. That's the worst possible message to send to other countries — Iran comes to mind — that America and its nuclear allies in Europe are trying to keep off the nuclear weapons bandwagon. Already, Pakistani officials are requesting the same deal for their country, although it is a request that is unlikely to be granted."
NYT Editorial on Bush in India
zennurse |
02.27.06 - 10:53 pm | #
Grandmaj, I posted for the first time (read FDL all the time) after I read your post about Cody. Don't know if you remember, I wrote that my son was hit by a car when he was 11. After reading every post by you it brought back so many memories bad, good and some very funny. I spent this past weekend hitting ctrl F in the comments and searching on grandma, looking for updates. Just got up out of bed to check one more time and here you were.... finally. I am so happy to hear your good news and sad when I realize he lost his mother at the same time. I am so sorry.
If your son is anything like me I held up great through it all and when things settled down and my son was in outpatient re-hab that is when I fell apart. If you feel you need to be there I say go. It is one of those things you may look back on and say to yourself, "why did I do the rational thing"?
Please keep posting and I will keep praying.
JMN |
02.27.06 - 10:53 pm | #
For some reason I seem to remember Grandma mentioning Minnesota...
shoephone |
02.27.06 - 10:54 pm | #
My sense is that many Americans are simply not engaged, as exemplified by our relatively low voter turnout. Also exemplified by the lack of demonstrations. During Viet Nam we marched, and I don't mean every once in a while when the weather was good. I mean there were demonstrations every single weekend until we became a collective presence that the government and the media just could not ignore. (Same with the Civil Rights movement.) That war didn't end because the government in its benevolent wisdom concluded it was a bad thing--it ended because the entire country was engaged in protesting it, and was making the governing process next to impossible.
There is little to none of that today. And Bush just keeps merrily rolling along..with NO consequences.
mgm |
02.27.06 - 10:55 pm | #
Hmmm. Wonder what our next Republican fiasco will be. I'm guessing it'll be something in India. If there aren't major protests, then Bush'll probably put his foot in his mouth by apologizing to the Indians for how poorly we treated them right after Columbus discovered America.
As for Dubai, I'm still just not seeing it happening. And what's this crap about the Coast Guard HAD concerns? Past tense? If those concerns were never addressed, then the Coast Guard HAS concerns. It's not like there was some paperwork glitch that's been worked through--we're handing over our ports to al Queda's bankers. I'm guessing they're still pretty damn concerned.
Frank Probst |
02.27.06 - 10:55 pm | #
what a lovely post, I can see you in that child's doorway, watching him sleep.
zennurse |
02.27.06 - 10:55 pm | #
Anyone else having problems getting to Christopher Allbritton at Back-to Iraq?
canucklehead |
02.27.06 - 10:58 pm | #
Off topic, but I LOVE the way Hillary yanked Rove's chain today. To all of those people who think she can't win the election, don't forget who she's married to. No matter how much of an evil genius Rove might be, there's no better politician than Bubba. And Rove knows that if Hillary wins, historians will say (correctly) that the Clinton family again had to come in and clean up the mess after another failed Bush presidency. It's little wonder they're trying so hard to take her down.
Frank Probst |
02.27.06 - 10:59 pm | #
GrandmaJ-- what a bright spot to hear that your grandson is improving. i actually said 'yay' out loud when i read he was complaining about the food.
there's a wide network of prayers and good wishes here for you and your family.
isis2 |
02.27.06 - 10:59 pm | #
Frank, I read that the Coast Guard report nevel left the Coast Guard, but then, when issues were raised, they evaluated the investigation and were reassured. I doubt it. If I close my eyes, I hear angry phonecalls and see arm-twisting by someone like Rove, or more likely Warner.It's all political, there is no concern for whether a bomb ot the instructions are tucked in a shipping container full of sneakers. It is just about who wins.
zennurse |
02.27.06 - 11:01 pm | #
Hi GrandmaJ,
Nice to hear from you again and to hear that your grandson is improving. Read you posts- understand that you are having trouble about whether or not to go visit your son.
Hard to give advice from afar- but seems right to go if you possibly can.
never left, not nevel (as in brothers).
zennurse |
02.27.06 - 11:02 pm | #
siun -
Yes, in my follow-up to zennurse I tried to point that out in my last paragraph. I agree with you. But I was trying to separate doing what's good for the party from doing what's good for the country in my 'survey' question, the way that I assume the Congressional Democrats see things. If both options are equally good for the party, the choice is certainly a lot easier for them. The problem, I think, is that the Democrats don't see your point. They DON'T think that Option #2 is as good, or as guaranteed good, for the Party as Option #1. If I'm making any sense...?
That's a GREAT line from Jon Stewart! Print that and pass it around... It really captures the reality of what we're discussing here.
The way I see it: the Democrats can squeak into a tiny, and pretty useless majority in one chamber this fall, by empty political rhetoric and campaign visuals a la John Kerry's, winning more or less, as Wesgpc's says, by default. OR they can trounce the Republican Party in a landslide this November, with a clear mandate and a legitimacy to pursue investigations from the voters, and with ideally less damage to undo, by starting to truly "oppose" now. The former is easy and takes no moral courage. The latter is difficult, hard work, and requires taking on the conventional wisdom of the media.
We aren't handed success on a silver platter. Any "victory" the Democrats achieve this November by following Option #1 will seem undeserved and grudgingly given by the voters, I imagine. And THEN the pressure will come to bear on the Democrats to actually DELIVER. How will they dodge the hard work then?
mgm is absolutely right: "irreversible" damage is the risk the Democrats are taking by laying low until November. Who will reward them for such crass political cowardice, going forward? I certainly won't.
And by my count here, we have yet to get a taker for Option #1 from the bloggers. 33% approval rating for Bush or not. Too bad lightweights like Rahm Emanuel and James Carville are calling all the shots for the Democrats. Because it's the country getting shot in the process.
pow wow |
02.27.06 - 11:03 pm | #
My wife and I were discussing Bush over dinner--
Things aren't going well for him at all- he's gotta be in the crapper emotionally--he probably half wishes that Kerry had won- and there is no sign of things getting any better for him..
He's like the boy who yelled "wolf" one too many times- and the damned thing is eating him..
rwcole |
02.27.06 - 11:05 pm | #
"And what's this crap about the Coast Guard HAD concerns? Past tense? If those concerns were never addressed, then the Coast Guard HAS concerns."
They HAD concerns until Rover told them, no, they didn't.
neurophius |
02.27.06 - 11:05 pm | #
I live in Minnesota. But if I decide to go, then I go, and I will find a way to do it. No second thoughts, and no stopping me.
GrandmaJ |
02.27.06 - 11:05 pm | #
canucklehead - I can't hit back to iraq either - worrying since he was near some of the heavy fighting the past few days. I'm assuming his stuff runs off a server here but don't know?
siun |
02.27.06 - 11:07 pm | #
Grandmaj, I posted for the first time (read FDL all the time) after I read your post about Cody. Don't know if you remember, I wrote that my son was hit by a car when he was 11. After reading every post by you it brought back so many memories bad, good and some very funny. I spent this past weekend hitting ctrl F in the comments and searching on grandma, looking for updates. Just got up out of bed to check one more time and here you were.... finally. I am so happy to hear your good news and sad when I realize he lost his mother at the same time. I am so sorry.
If your son is anything like me I held up great through it all and when things settled down and my son was in outpatient re-hab that is when I fell apart. If you feel you need to be there I say go. It is one of those things you may look back on and say to yourself, "why did I do the rational thing"?
Please keep posting and I will keep praying.
JMN |
02.27.06 - 11:07 pm | #
Frank Probst -- absolutely. I'm going to post on it tomorrow but it was a thing of beauty indeed.
jane hamsher |
Homepage |
02.27.06 - 11:09 pm | #
I am sorry, I am new to comments and I don't know what I did to make my rather long post show up twice.
JMN |
02.27.06 - 11:11 pm | #
Here's another idea about the dems.
Some say that the best way to get a job is to act as if you already have it.
Maybe the dems should start behaving as if they are governing. Sure they don't have the votes to get anything accomplished- but if they start weighing in on the issues- soberly and sensibly- and without undue rancor--I think the public will give em the job.
The latest Zogby poll shows that most people are vomitose over what they regard as petty political rhetoric- and they are worried-they need to know that there are answers to the problems we are facing..
People follow people who lead- so the dems need to start LEADING.
rwcole |
02.27.06 - 11:11 pm | #
JMN, just saw your post about your son. I am so glad you wrote that. It is exactly what my initial thoughts were after the accident and everyone rushed up there. I knew that Donald would be focused on one thing only. Cody. He was at his bedside continually, and the only purpose of his brother and sister being at his side was to make sure he slept, got food, and protected the door to the room. Upon orders from me!
It is in the coming months, as he faces sole parenting, that he will need all the additional emotional support. I will be there then. The initial adrenaline pump suffices only so long. Now he must grieve along side his son and daughter, as well as help Cody in recovery. Much to do yet.
But I need to hug him. And tell him myself, his mother, that he is not alone.
GrandmaJ |
02.27.06 - 11:15 pm | #
pow wow - sorry I missed that originally ... bit sleepy brained here. I really like your point about choice #1 leading to resentment on the part of voters ... it sure is hard to see how much political spine it takes to speak out about a prez at 34% but there you go.
If you have a chance and if it's replayed, check out the discussion on cspan from yesterday with Belafonte and Mosely - brilliant stuff and Mosely goes into some very good stuff about potential coalitions of black voters with others disenfranchised now.
siun |
02.27.06 - 11:16 pm | #
History is closing in fast on this presidency. Bush has done everything he can think to do in the past few months- but he's still in the toilet. There is evidence that he has begun a downward spiral emotionally..It doesn't look good for him from here on out- mistakes lead to lies and temper tantrums- and that leads to further mistakes- when things start to unravel like that- it's very difficult to turn them around. It's very nearly time to consign this presidency to the ages.
rwcole |
02.27.06 - 11:16 pm | #
Maybe they thought this deall would go through quietly and:
1 Several cronies get loads of cash
2 Terrorists get chance to slip dirty bomb into major port, say Boston with its LPG facilities, just in time for 2006 elections. Or we see that martial law thing happen.
Just remember this: One of the most frustrating incidents occurred in February 1999. U.S. officials received information that bin Laden was at a camp in the Afghan desert, located next to a hunting camp frequented by princes from the United Arab Emirates. CIA Director Tenet testified that the strike never occurred because he didn't trust the intelligence, adding, "You might have wiped out half the royal family in the UAE in the process."
Wesgpc: I am fixated on finding links to reports that several Congresspeople warned WH repeatedly about problems with deal weeks ago but were blown off. Heard it on radio last night, but now cannot find story.
I heard it about Peter King of NY, but I think it was DHS who blew him off, rather than the WH. But I can't turn up about a link right now.
Redshift |
Homepage |
02.27.06 - 11:20 pm | #
-------------------------------------- "I am sorry, I am new to comments and I don't know what I did to make my rather long post show up twice."
Don't worry about it. You may have accidentally hit "publish" twice. Happens to a lot of us every so often.
Allso; speling and grammer get messd up to. Its not a bigdeal.
susan |
02.27.06 - 11:21 pm | #
"vomitose..."
Feel free to coin new words.
susan |
02.27.06 - 11:23 pm | #
This flavor of the week in the news routine is getting rather tiresome. Someone else besides those who are genuinely concerned about the policies of the Junta is determing the agenda and the talking points in the press. It's not right. The Junta and their PR flunkies should not be permitted to change the subject.
In comparison to all the really important issues arising from the Junta's policies, the fact that Cheney's got a gun or that a Dubai firm has bought a port in America from a British firm is just not all that important. Believe me!
alank |
02.28.06 - 5:39 am | #
Patrick Mulloy, a member of the government-appointed U.S.-China trade commission and a critic of the approval process, said that Treasury officials throughout the Clinton and Bush administrations have routinely ignored the 1993 language [about the 45-day review].
"The culture of the department is to oppose [the longer review] as an impediment to foreign investment," he said.
Doesn't exactly seem appropriate to a post-9/11 mindset, does it now?
RT |
02.28.06 - 7:59 am | #
Did you hear yet about the Dubai Customs Department's 'Office for the Boycott of Israel?' -- while Bush is whining about 'bigotry against Arabs', Dubai Ports World boycotts Israeli goods.
Detailed over at my place.
drindl |
Homepage |
02.28.06 - 9:24 am | #
