redd, this is pretty scary stuff, the president thinks he is the usher of armageddon and the rapture
you should do a piece on that because there is plenty of evidence that suggests he is actually trying to bring the prophesy to fruition
me to me |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 8:49 am | #
More lives lost senselessly because a JAR of 33% demands action.
These fucking monsters need to be stopped. Can we please organize a damn protest. Please!
Jay |
03.16.06 - 8:50 am | #
BUT CHILDREN LIVE THERE, IDIOTS!
NCJim |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 8:50 am | #
Link to Survey USA's latest poll released today. More bad news for Clusterfuck!
rwcole |
03.16.06 - 8:51 am | #
My default state anymore is "sick with dread at what these murdering psychos will pull next to further destroy our nation and the world"
Sharkbabe |
03.16.06 - 8:54 am | #
36% overall JAR from Survey USA- they break down the results by state- here are the gooperiest states (those with JAR ratings at 40% or above):
1 Utah Bush 55% 42% 13% UT KSL-TV
2 Wyoming Bush 52% 45% 7% WY
3 Alabama Bush 51% 46% 5% AL WKRG-TV
4 Idaho Bush 50% 47% 3% ID
5 Mississippi Bush 49% 47% 2% MS
5 Nebraska Bush 49% 48% 1% NE
5 Oklahoma Bush 49% 47% 2% OK KFOR-TV
8 Alaska Bush 47% 49% -2% AK
9 Arizona Bush 44% 52% -8% AZ KPNX-TV
9 Kansas Bush 44% 52% -8% KS KWCH-TV
9 Montana Bush 44% 49% -5% MT
9 North Dakota Bush 44% 52% -8% ND
13 Georgia Bush 43% 51% -8% GA WXIA-TV WTLV-TV
14 South Carolina Bush 42% 54% -12% SC WCSC-TV WLTX-TV
14 South Dakota Bush 42% 55% -13% SD
16 North Carolina Bush 41% 57% -16% NC WTVD-TV WFMY-TV
16 Texas Bush 41% 55% -14% TX WOAI-TV KEYE-TV
18 Indiana Bush 40% 57% -17% IN
rwcole |
03.16.06 - 8:54 am | #
Iraq is a mess and now they are doing their "thing" about turning up the rhetoric on Iran.
General Pace probably got his a*% chewed because he sees the handwriting on the wall with these Neocons and knows we do not have the resources.
"Hate" is a terrible word, but I have been using it quite a bit lately regarding this administration.
Watch out for an Israeli first strike that drags us in without the need for Congressional authorization
Apple Canyon 2 |
03.16.06 - 8:55 am | #
Here are the states with the LOWEST approval ratings for Clusterfuck:
37 Arkansas Bush 34% 62% -28% AR KTHV-TV
37 Ohio Bush 34% 64% -30% OH WKYC-TV WYTV-TV WCPO-TV
37 Pennsylvania Kerry 34% 64% -30% PA WCAU-TV
40 California Kerry 33% 63% -30% CA KABC-TV KPIX-TV KXTV-TV KGTV-TV
41 Connecticut Kerry 32% 66% -34% CT WABC-TV
42 Michigan Kerry 30% 68% -38% MI WDIV-TV WZZM-TV
43 Delaware Kerry 29% 69% -40% DE WCAU-TV
43 Maryland Kerry 29% 68% -39% MD WMAR-TV WUSA-TV
43 Vermont Kerry 29% 67% -38% VT
46 Maine Kerry 28% 71% -43% ME WCSH-TV WLBZ-TV
46 Rhode Island Kerry 28% 70% -42% RI WLNE-TV
48 New York Kerry 27% 69% -42% NY WABC-TV WNYT-TV WGRZ-TV WHEC-TV
49 Massachusetts Kerry 26% 71% -45% MA WBZ-TV
49 New Jersey Kerry 26% 70% -44% NJ WABC-TV WCAU-TV
rwcole |
03.16.06 - 8:56 am | #
Encouraging to see Arkansas and Ohio in the list of anti Clusterfuck states- the 26% figure in New Jersey is radioactive.
rwcole |
03.16.06 - 8:58 am | #
Since our attack is in the heart of the Sunni triangle, I guess this is meant to placate the Shia into NOT retaliating. I don't mean to defend it, I'm not.
John Casper |
03.16.06 - 9:00 am | #
I don't see the problem. We are doing what Ann wants.
Coulter - "I think the government should be spying on all Arabs, engaging in torture as a televised spectator sport, dropping daisy cutters wantonly throughout the Middle East and sending liberals to Guantanamo."
california_reality_check |
03.16.06 - 9:01 am | #
From shock and awe to shucks and awes, the mayberry Machiavellis are looting the coffers, shredding the constitution, and laying waste to anythin in their way.
This nation is ready for a declaration of moral bankruptcy.
May God have mersy on us for tolerating these war criminals.
-GSD
Granite State Destroyer |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 9:03 am | #
I am crying for Minnesota. Bush has a 39% approval rate in this state. Tied with Kentucky. And only 10 points lower than Mississippi. What in the world is wrong with Minnesota.
No need to answer, I am just crying for my state. And Country. And Iraq. And well... whatever else Bush has destroyed on his way to being a dictator.
GrandmaJ |
03.16.06 - 9:04 am | #
anchor: do you think this will impact the carnage we see around baghdad?
asshat-- this is carnage.
angie |
03.16.06 - 9:04 am | #
from last thread
rwcole | 03.16.06 - 8:48 am |
rw, what Iraqi troops ?!?!?
and from your survey usa link in this thread -
am i reading correctly ? Idaho disapprove jumped 5 points in less than a month ? that would be almost a 10% swing -
I assume today's action will temporarily bump that up, but 10% ?!?!
and I was thinking of you on Keith last night when he showed the
50% Dems (generic)
37% Rep
for Congress #'s (1st time either party had hit the 50% figure) jeeebulus . . .
cbl |
03.16.06 - 9:04 am | #
For those who looked at the "long term plans" for the Iraqi military- and what the US has been doing for the last few years- what's happening now should be no surprise..
There have NEVER been plans to form an Iraqi air force, armoured group, or artillery component. There has been ongoing construction of "permanent" US military bases..
The plan all along is to substitute Iraqi boots on the ground for US boots- but leave the Iraqis dependent on the US for everything else. The permanent US bases are there to protect the oil- FROM THE IRAQIS. If they decide to do some things with their oil that the US doesn't approve of- they are going to get a steel toe up their backsides in short order..
We are only now admitting what we had planned to do all along.
rwcole |
03.16.06 - 9:06 am | #
Yes, and the democratic pols answer is the swell slogan:
WE CAN DO BETTER
Jeez that sux. At least have something to attract the religious voters. Something like:
JESUS TO THE FORE;
SKINS OR NOT
Oilfieldguy |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 9:07 am | #
Jeesh..sorry about all the typos on that last post. I can't even see straight anymore.
This is just the beginning of the end......It is so sad to see that our nation has been reduced to a steaming sack of shit with a band of frothing warmongers at the helm and one of the few brave men in the nation being left to slowly twist in the wind as though he were the villain.
-GSD
Granite State Destroyer |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 9:08 am | #
"what Iraqi troops?"
All the news reports I have seen so far mention "Iraqi troops."
I very strongly suspect that these are "Shia" units loosed into the center of the Sunni triangle.
John Casper |
03.16.06 - 9:09 am | #
GSD -- I've had to stop my coffee -- the stomach acid from all my digust today is just too much. Blergh.
ReddHedd |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 9:10 am | #
OT
Quick legal question. Abramoff is apparently attempting to get his friends to write letters of reference to Paul C. Huck, the sentencing judge that Abramoff will be appearing in front of on Mar 29.
Question: (1) Are such letters actually a consideration in this kind of sentencing? and (2) if they are considered, are letters taking the opposite position also allowed/considered?
Let me be absolutely clear. At this time, I am NOT advocating any kind of letter writing campaign to Judge Huck -- nor any activity that might possibly be interpretted as interference. I am only asking if such input is allowed, is it considered and is it effective?
From my perspective, we are all victims of Abramoff's crimes, and should have some kind of representation at his sentencing.
Oilfieldguy - Yep, we got a bunch of dem eunichs. Where is the sense of outrage except for Russ? I'm ashamed of em. We got to fix it. Don't know how. I just do what one person can do. Ask questions, call, write, contribute, pay attention. I don't know what it will take short of storming Wash.
california_reality_check |
03.16.06 - 9:13 am | #
Iran is scheduled to open their Euro-denominated oil bourse on Monday. I've been looking forward to this weekend with a feeling of dread.
shargash |
03.16.06 - 9:14 am | #
Grandma--Minnesota and Wisconsin are both in the middle of a slight conservative swing- which has been noticable for some time- they are important states for dems..
On the other hand- Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada-(and several others) are in the middle of a swing to the LEFT.
rwcole |
03.16.06 - 9:14 am | #
Ed N Sted - Don't know about this Judge but the duke had Father Joe and Duncan Hunter say he was really a good guy. That and his military service and a plea got a reduction. So, I believe one can avoid the max if you don't spit in the Judge's eye. That sort of thing. We are talkin about reduction in months. They say jail is not fun so if one can avoid a few days, it is preferred.
california_reality_check |
03.16.06 - 9:18 am | #
Every now and again I have to trot this one out. it's cathartic:
X
"I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts"
The facts we hate: we'll never meet.
walking down the road. Everybody yelling
"hurry up!" "hurry up!" But i'm waiting
for you, I must go slow. I must not
think bad thoughts. Wheat is this
world coming to? Both sides are
right but both sides murder. I
give up; why can't they? I must
not think bad thoughts. The civil
wars and the uncivilized wars.
conflagrations leap out of every
poor furnace. The food cooks
poorly and everyone goes hungry.
from then on it's dog eat dog, dog
eat body, & body eat dog. I can't
go down there. I can't understand it.
I'm a no good coward & an american too.
a north american, that is not a south
or a central. Or a native american.
oh i must not think bad thoughts. I'm
guilty of murder of innocent men,
innocent women, innocent children,
thousands of them! My planes, my guns,
my money, my soldiers, my blood on ny
hands, it's all my fault! I must not
think bad thoughts. I must not think
bad thoughts. The facts we hate:
you'll never hear us....
punaise |
03.16.06 - 9:18 am | #
cbl
On Idaho
Last month Idaho showed:
55% approval and 43% disapproval for a net positive approval of 12%
This month the numbers are 50% approval 47% disapproval for a net approval rating of 3%.
Pretty big swing- although the "n" in the sample from Idaho is probably pretty small- so the margin of error is probably fairly large.
rwcole |
03.16.06 - 9:19 am | #
Ed N Sted - There is also a "Friend of the Court" process. I suppose someone could do that. Lawyers?
california_reality_check |
03.16.06 - 9:19 am | #
Why do I have a sinking feeling that this is being done for one or more of the following reasons:
1) Bush's poll numbers are falling too fast and the terra threats need to wait until October.
2) Gotta get the news focused on Iraq again to keep their minds off those pesky dems and their censure nonsense.
3) Rummy's just clearing the area so Israel can get a clear shot in on Iran.
4) Israeli special forces need to secure the area to help with reconissance efforts in Iran.
Now where did I put that Armageddon clock I got at the dollar store?
Zergle |
03.16.06 - 9:19 am | #
a coworker's 20 yr old brother is back from deployment in Iraq. He was told be his superiors, the next destination for him is Iran.
moe99 |
03.16.06 - 9:20 am | #
People accused Bush of being politically tone deaf on the ports deal. The same can be said for the Dems who have not offered support for the censure.
Certainly one would need some time for the decision making process, like about a nanosecond. Which, BTW, is to a second, what a second is to 32 years.
Oilfieldguy |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 9:20 am | #
punaise-- i feel so damned guilty. that made me cry.
zergle-- something like that.
angie |
03.16.06 - 9:23 am | #
Ed N. Sted -- such letters are normally disregarded by the Judge, as ex parte communications and as, frankly, not exactly reliable. Instead, the judge usually relies on the presentence investigation and report done by the Federal probation officer, which summarizes the charges, discussions with Abramoff, acceptance of responsibility for the crimes, and a whole host of other issues, including some interviews of various people involved on all sides.
ReddHedd |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 9:24 am | #
Terror firmer.
-GSD
Granite State Destroyer |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 9:24 am | #
Hmmm this latest episode in Iraq has shades of Cambodian bombing; started with a Gulf of Tonkin type fabrication--it's deja vu all over again...
Dadhusker |
03.16.06 - 9:24 am | #
Well you know you've got to bomb someone every once in a while otherwise threats agaisnt other countries are not considered credible. This is just a show of force in order to get the Iranian Mulluhs to stop laughing at us so hard.
Paul Dirks |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 9:26 am | #
"GSD -- I've had to stop my coffee -- the stomach acid from all my digust today is just too much. Blergh.
ReddHedd"
I have given up on tuna and powdered milk on prinicipal. The only reason Leavitt mentioned those products is because he has stock holdings in Bumble Bee and Carnation.
Sad, but that is the level of disgust I now hold the government in.
I have a bad feeling about this weekend too.
Hope I am wrong, but there is something in the air.
-GSD
Granite State Destroyer |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 9:28 am | #
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - An attempt to resume state spending on birth control got shot down Wednesday by House members who argued it would have amounted to an endorsement of promiscuous lifestyles.
Missouri stopped providing money for family planning and certain women's health services when Republicans gained control of both chambers of the Legislature in 2003.
But a Democratic lawmaker, in a little-noticed committee amendment, had successfully inserted language into the proposed budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 that would have allowed part of the $9.2 million intended for "core public health functions" to go to contraception provided through public health clinics.
AP
This story is pretty interesting- taken in concert with the SD abortion ban- it shows just how extreme the goopers are on reproductive rights- and Missouri is only a mildly gooper state. Stand back- somethins gonna blow up!
rwcole |
03.16.06 - 9:30 am | #
John Casper | 03.16.06 - 9:00 am
or
John Casper | 03.16.06 - 9:09 am
Which is it ?
rwcole, sorry to sound so thick on this, I don't disagree w/ what you said about plans all along
BUT!, have been a good little blogger and tried to read as much as I can and from everything I read, there's tribal/local militias,and al-Sadr in the south, so per their plan, just where are they going to get the Iraqi boots on the ground ? is it their plan to parcel out driblets of Iraqi oil revenue to these groups in exchange for providing boots on the ground ?
cbl |
03.16.06 - 9:30 am | #
this just in from Mullah Omar in Afghanistan-- what have we wrought?
This new (probably not so new actually) strategy reminds me once again of their creed articulated at the beginning of Bush Adm. (am paraphrasing from memory so not word for word)
-- we create a reality which the dems will analyze, criticize, and organize against, as they are apt to do, and we will move to a reality and they will start a new analysis, and new criticisms against the new reality.
And so we analyze what they have been doing for the last 4 years and organize to censure for it, they create new crimes against the world for us to analyze, criticize, and organize against.
When one is willing to ignore all human, national, and world laws to enable ones financial and political goals, who is to stop them. Who? The world is the answer. Not just America, but the world will stop Bush. Not in time to keep this country from total ruination politically and morally, but it will happen. that is my belief.
However, in the meantime, we must fight. Somehow. And others will too. Noboby is giving up.
GrandmaJ |
03.16.06 - 9:33 am | #
cbl--Not sure that I'm understanding you. There are currently 200,000 Iraqis in the Iraqi military.. They are described as "untrained"- which is of course bullshit- since it only takes 12 weeks to train a "troop".
What they are is "undisciplined". They have been described by some observors as "shiite militias on steroids"..
The problem is not finding or training a military- the problem is finding one that will do what the US wants it to do.
rwcole |
03.16.06 - 9:34 am | #
Apple Canyon 2 | 03.16.06 - 8:55 am
just a quick note, didn't see your comments about basketball until late, late last night
there's actual blogsmack over at Gillard's if you need a fix
We're All Finegolds Now
cbl |
03.16.06 - 9:34 am | #
Scotty just said we are laying the foundations of peace by carpet bombing. Don't it just make ya proud to be an American?
california_reality_check |
03.16.06 - 9:35 am | #
Punaise 9:18
Thank you.
Apple Canyon 2 |
03.16.06 - 9:35 am | #
angie | 03.16.06 - 9:23 am | #
yes, unfortunately it is our fault - collectively - because it's our government. whether or not we agree with it doesn't matter to those being bombed to smithereens.
punaise |
03.16.06 - 9:36 am | #
Grandma---
Bottom line is:
As long as goopers control every branch of govt- there is NO way of stopping them..
If the dems congress- there MAY be a chance- although it's far from a lead pipe cinch..
It's worth a shot- cause it's the only shot we have.
rwcole |
03.16.06 - 9:36 am | #
Doesn't sound like we're leaving anytime soon, either.
Iraq: Permanent US Colony
By Dahr Jamail
t r u t h o u t | Perspective
Tuesday 14 March 2006
Why does the Bush Administration refuse to discuss withdrawing occupation forces from Iraq? Why is Halliburton, who landed the no-bid contracts to construct and maintain US military bases in Iraq, posting higher profits than ever before in its 86-year history?
Why do these bases in Iraq resemble self-contained cities as much as military outposts?
Why are we hearing such ludicrous and outrageous statements from the highest ranking military general in the United States, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace, who when asked how things were going in Iraq on March 9th in an interview on "Meet the Press" said, "I'd say they're going well. I wouldn't put a great big smiley face on it, but I would say they're going very, very well from everything you look at."
I wonder if there is a training school, or at least talking point memos for these Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, because Pace's predecessor, Gen. Richard Myers, told Senator John McCain last September that "In a sense, things are going well [in Iraq]."
General Pace also praised the Iraqi military, saying, "Now there are over 100 [Iraqi] battalions in the field."
tom -- chicago |
03.16.06 - 9:37 am | #
Helen calling Scotty out
Does the president know that he violates international law with preemption
Can we organize a little lovefest for Helen - I'm thinking snail mail of nice cards - she deserves flowers every day
siun |
03.16.06 - 9:38 am | #
siun i heart helen ; watching her now.
angie |
03.16.06 - 9:38 am | #
And Bush reaffirms the premptive strike doctrine. What timing.
Millineryman |
03.16.06 - 9:39 am | #
cbl--Not sure that I'm understanding you. There are currently 200,000 Iraqis in the Iraqi military.. They are described as "untrained"- which is of course bullshit- since it only takes 12 weeks to train a "troop".
What they are is "undisciplined". They have been described by some observors as "shiite militias on steroids"..
The problem is not finding or training a military- the problem is finding one that will do what the US wants it to do.
rwcole | 03.16.06 - 9:34 am | #
OMG: RW, that is so true. Of course, it makes no sense that we can't train an army in 3 years. We can't train a puppet army and probably never will be able to over there.
tom -- chicago |
03.16.06 - 9:39 am | #
Bush's new war strategy:
Kill every human being in Iraq and declare victory.
cathy |
03.16.06 - 9:39 am | #
My letter to the editors this morning -
----
Our Peter Principle President, the arrogant, preening Enfant Terrible-in-Chief, draws ever closer to achieving his penultimate career failure, and is
apparently determined to take the entire world down with him. This year we have the opportunity -- and the moral imperative -- to remove a sufficient number of his equally dangerous enablers from office.
Just do it. Enough is enough. Time is short.
_
BobbyG |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 9:40 am | #
a coworker's 20 yr old brother is back from deployment in Iraq. He was told be his superiors, the next destination for him is Iran.
moe99 | 03.16.06 - 9:20 am | #
This is so sick. It's the Onion's cover story: US Plans to Exit Iraq -- Through Iran.
rwcole-
I have heard that those Iraqi troops are unarmed because they can't be trusted with weapons. If that's the case, it makes it hard to defend anything.
cathy |
03.16.06 - 9:42 am | #
We need a goddam coup.
The Spineless Coward Dems we have 'on our side' in Congress can't be trusted to do anything. And Operation FUBAR is threatening to destroy the world as we know it.
Lord - or rather, Flying Spaghetti Monster - help us.
jed |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 9:42 am | #
Punaise 9:18
Thank you.
Apple Canyon 2 | 03.16.06 - 9:35 am | #
if you're not familiar with the actual song, it's excellent. the printed lyrics speak for themselves, but the song is haunting: a quiet, driving lament that builds to a crescendo of angst all within a fairly narrow band of subdued musical intensity.
(and there's nothing quite like the off-kilter harmonizing of Exene and John Doe...)
punaise |
03.16.06 - 9:43 am | #
The Iraqi military is also described as "poorly equipped".
This is true- they are moved about in pickup trucks- they have virtually no heavy weapons- only surplus AK47s.
There is good reason for this- no one trusts these guys with tanks and 50 calibre machine guns- let alone artillery pieces..
They may attack US troops
They may engineer a coup
AT the VERY least- they will move to totally wipe out ethnic groups other than their own..
That's the TRAINING problem
rwcole |
03.16.06 - 9:43 am | #
tom-- chicago
Abizaid himself said just that the other day.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States may want to keep a long-term military presence in Iraq to bolster moderates against extremists in the region and protect the flow of oil, the Army general overseeing U.S. military operations in Iraq said on Tuesday.
While the Bush administration has downplayed prospects for permanent U.S. bases in Iraq, Gen. John Abizaid told a House of Representatives subcommittee he could not rule that out.
There is a march against the war planned for Chicago on Saturday - looks like a good time to go. Any Chitown FDL folks who would like to meet up and march together, email me at christina_siun at mac dot com
Check indymedia.org in your area for local demos.
siun |
03.16.06 - 9:45 am | #
Legal observers said the new drive to hunt down Vietnam deserters is designed as a deterrent for soldiers being sent to Iraq. "They're really hardcore about this," Ms Abney said. "I think there have been a lot of these young guys now trying to get refuge in Canada, and they decided they were going to set an example."
click here
Gyro Gear Lose |
03.16.06 - 9:45 am | #
rwcole | 03.16.06 - 9:34 am
thanks. guess I'm gonna wear the Obtuse Gal jacket today - I dispute the figure
there may in fact have been 200,000 Iraqi signatures or names on some 'sign up' list, but can't at this point believe there are 200K trained - disciplined or undisciplined
do appreciate your response though
cbl |
03.16.06 - 9:46 am | #
Bush said he was going to bring democracy to Iraq.
And by god (his god) he is doing it-- even if it means killing every last Iraqi to do it.
Do only bloggers get it that this president is not only incompetant but totally out of control.
Pull the troops out and let Iraq settle it's own battles. We removed Saddam, let them get on with their own nation building.
aquarius2 |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 9:46 am | #
Bobby- yep- it's the only game in town- get rid of enough of em to eliminate the rubber stamping.
rwcole |
03.16.06 - 9:46 am | #
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate voted Thursday to allow the national debt to swell to nearly $9 trillion, preventing a first-ever default on U.S. Treasury notes.
The bill passed by a 52-48 vote. The increase to $9 trillion represents about $30,000 for every man, woman and child in the United States. The bill now goes to President Bush for his signature.
The measure allows the government to pay for the war in Iraq and finance Medicare and other big federal programs without raising taxes.
----
"Without raising taxes"?
Hahahahahahahahaha...
Overtly, perhaps, but the funds WILL in fact be extracted from our hides in myriad ways less visible. What fucking crap.
_
BobbyG |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 9:47 am | #
The permanent bases have been built and identified for quite a while - this strategy has been clear for quite a while - it simply has not been publicly discussed until Abazaid's comments yesterday.
Remember that the "Civil War" in Iraq is the civil war that the US has worked very hard to instigate and flame to justify staying ... as usual see markfromireland's briefings on this
and remember in your thoughts and prayers our colleague Du who is in Afghanistan now
siun |
03.16.06 - 9:48 am | #
Tweety- when discussion the upcoming action against Iran- said (something like)--"won't people think he's CRAZY- I mean seriously- people will think he (Bush) is NUTS".
Interesting moment- Buchanan didn't respond as I recall.
rwcole |
03.16.06 - 9:49 am | #
siun - Can't we organize a march on Wash? I mean that's where we need to be. We need to choke the city let the thugs put a few of us in jail, etc.
california_reality_check |
03.16.06 - 9:50 am | #
"what Iraqi troops?"
All the news reports I have seen so far mention "Iraqi troops."
I very strongly suspect that these are "Shia" units loosed into the center of the Sunni triangle.
John Casper | 03.16.06 - 9:09 am | #
According to an account I heard a few days ago (Wesley Clark was one of the speakers, but I don't remember if it was him), we/they have stopped even keeping track of which region or tribe recruits come from when assigning them to units. In Afghanistan, some success has been achieved by making sure military units are mixed, so they're loyal to the government and not to factions. In Iraq we/they are basically putting uniforms on militias and calling it an army.
Redshift |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 9:51 am | #
Bobby-- Yeah it's an old game- reduce taxes and pay for it with inflation. Only some pay taxes- but EVERYONE pays for inflation- so it's a sort of democratization of pain.
rwcole |
03.16.06 - 9:52 am | #
In order to be "reliable troops" the Iraqis need to take an order to move into a certain city and waste it.
Imagine that you are in the National Guard- living in LA- and you are ordered to go to Fresno and destroy it- along with yer aunties who live there.
BobbyG - I'm trying to put a balance sheet up in my mind re: clinton and chimp. Any input is appreciated.
Clinton
Lies
No war
Surplus
environment good
education good
foreigh policy good
chimp
Lies
War
defecit
environmental hell
education hell
foreigh policy - what is that?
california_reality_check |
03.16.06 - 9:56 am | #
There is something else that could be going on with the all out bombing of Iraq -- theU.S. planes could be flying near, on, or every so slightly into iranian territory. Trying to get them to shoot down a plane or 2.
That will give them the righteous anger of the American people to back up Bush again. The ploy did not work with iraq because Saddam knew these American leaders all too well. But will Iran's leaders have the option of not responding if one of our planes 'accidentially' flys over Iran?
All the bombing could also be covering serious overflights of Iran to get intel. Although Iran would certainly know about this and so straight for the microphones. they are not communications dummies in Iran and they play a mean game of political chess.
GrandmaJ |
03.16.06 - 9:56 am | #
OT, but Crooks and Liars is reporting, via www.firedupmissouri.com that the House Republicans in Missouri have voted to ban county health clinics from providing family planning services.
Did anyone actually believe that birth control would not be the next target of the GOP?
I can't tell you how angry this makes me.
Anne |
03.16.06 - 9:58 am | #
A question......
Is it another one of those news-blackout, info-dom operations?
.
____
Could you imagine if it was your town, and you found out what this thing was being called by the people who were perpetrating it?
RossK |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 9:58 am | #
GrandmaJ - Iran will be another monumental mistake. They don't fear us for a reason. The US is rattling an empty scabbard.
california_reality_check |
03.16.06 - 9:59 am | #
Some of the very best reporting out of Iraq is currently being done by Tom Lasetter of Knight-Ridder. This story was filed one month ago out of Samarra. Read it, it is excellent.click here
Here's some more of his work out of Iraq, read his report out of Kurkik on the Iraqi army there.click here
Gyro Gear Lose |
03.16.06 - 9:59 am | #
california_reality_check,
Bless yer sun-baked heart, but this is the doomsday-bunker strategy...gettin ta look more an more like 1973-74 Washington/Saigon er 1945 Berlin. They wanna take it all down with 'em...create absolute anarchy and declare total war. If we don't get hit with a nuke-terror attack by Monday, there will be more'n enough folks jumpin on Fiengold's Censure bandwagon. The problem is gettin' ta Monday, hold on and...
KEEP THE FAITH AND MAYBE THEY WILL BLOW THEMSELVES UP!!!
NorskeFlamethrower |
03.16.06 - 9:59 am | #
There was an article a couple of days ago claiming that Bush is focusing solely on Iraq and the 2006 elections, and delegating everything else. ("Delegating" in the Bush sense of ignoring completely, as opposed to the reality-based sense that all presidents delegate most things.)
This is immediately followed by an obsessive focus on Iran. Since, no matter how much their sound bites say otherwise, the way they're dealing with Iran doesn't have anything to do with solving problems in Iraq, I guess it must fall into the category of "2006 elections."
Redshift |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 9:59 am | #
OK, now I am REALLY depressed. When circumstances look darkest, my Irish family (having faced famine, the murderous Brits (sorry, all you UK types out there), the repressive Church, and execreby bad cuisine) took to black humor.
I live in Los Angeles County, home to monster trucks, SUV's that could house an African village, and a Hummer on every block. I'm thinking of getting bumper stickers made up and slapping them on every vehicle with a clearance that a 2 year old could walk under: HOW MANY DEAD IRAQI BABIES DOES IT TAKE TO FILL YOUR TANK?
I'm proposing a betting pool (for all the basketball-impaired types): Describe how the Iran War will start. Send in your entry, along with $5. After the invasion, entries will be judged by an impartial panel and the winner whose description most closely resembles the actual events will be awarded the proceeds, along with citizenship to Canada.
I have a delightful daydream: All the pissed off US citizens, on a day to be announced, grab a backback, a hiking stick and a sturdy pair of walking shoes...oh, and a long blue hooded cloak...and take to the road, headed for Washington DC. Equally pissed-off citizens along the routes, who can't walk because of work, kids, elderly parents, etc., provide peanut butter sandwiches and front lawns to bed down in. Pretty soon, pissed-off, blue-cloaked pilgrims begin trickling into DC and camping (sans permit) in front of the Lincoln Memorial. They get jailed. More blue-cloaked pilgims pour in. The jails get filled. We hand out blue cloaks to the police....
Eclaire |
03.16.06 - 10:02 am | #
OT....but important via HuffPo and AOL News
"WASHINGTON (March 16) - Halliburton Co. failed to protect the water supply it is paid to purify for U.S. soldiers throughout Iraq, in one instance missing contamination that could have caused "mass sickness or death," an internal company report concluded.
The report, obtained by The Associated Press, said the company failed to assemble and use its own water purification equipment, allowing contaminated water directly from the Euphrates River to be used for washing and laundry at Camp Ar Ramadi in Ramadi, Iraq."
Somehow, I am not really surprised by this. Halliburton is run with the same compassion and efficiency as our Federal Government.
sonate |
03.16.06 - 10:03 am | #
The dumb lead the dumb.
Have "they" not been there long enough? Can they read?
This is not a "war" anymore, now it is a colonial occupation, in which case the primary task is to reduce violence and gain acceptance by reaching out to "hearts and minds" and that means minimum force! What the hell can we expect with a fuckwit in the DoD and a couple of draft dodgers in the WH?
andrew |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 10:04 am | #
Bush - the new Baghdad Bob
A local talk radio guy here has started comparing Bush to "Baghdad Bob" - that hilarious Iraqi Information Minister who was always proclaiming victory on television even as you could see the American tanks rolling in behind him. Leno did that skit where he's ranting away and then the statue falls on him.
If you compare the news from Iraq with Bush's recent statements - it's basically reached the same ludicrous level of comical denial of the obvious truth.
But "Baghdad Bush" doesn't sound as good to my ear - maybe "Georgetown George"?
obsessed |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 10:04 am | #
cnn am digging those air assaults.
bkny |
03.16.06 - 10:06 am | #
Don't forget that Conyers and 29 supporters in the House are calling for impeachment investigations.
The flights over Iran have been going on - and Israel I believe is involved - I'll refind that data
on Clinton and foreign policy - good only if you approve daily bombing raids and the starving of Iraqi children.
siun |
03.16.06 - 10:07 am | #
NorskeFlamethrower - They are insane. Maybe someone will disobey a nuke order. You know, "You are insane Sir. I refuse"
california_reality_check |
03.16.06 - 10:07 am | #
BobbyG - I'm trying to put a balance sheet up in my mind re: clinton and chimp. Any input is appreciated.
...
california_reality_check | 03.16.06 - 9:56 am | #
I dunno, I think putting "lies" in both columns is kinda like comparing someone who shoplifted a candy bar to someone who embezzled millions from a charity and marking both as "stealing."
Here's my balance sheet, which I first formulated back in the Reagan administration:
Ever notice how Democratic scandals are about personal failings and minor financial misdeeds, and Republican scandals are about undermining the workings of our democracy?
cbl, 8:55
Thank you for the heads up at Gillard's. I do need a fix and I have the Okla.-U.W. Milwaukee game on right now.
Go Feingold!
Apple Canyon 2 |
03.16.06 - 10:08 am | #
Do we all have faith that the american people will not follow this president as he bombs Iran? Do we have faith in the dem leaders who have made many comments regarding Iran's nuclear threat?
Redshift - Just trying to be objective. He did lie. I don't like it and it didn't mean anything to me but there it is.
california_reality_check |
03.16.06 - 10:11 am | #
Redd and GSD....
Out with it; tell us more about your feelings of dread about this weekend. I've been having them myself for about a month, about this weekend specifically.
MarcLord |
03.16.06 - 10:13 am | #
well at least the retired generals and other 'experts' are getting a nice chunk o' change-- talking bobbleheads. i heard one say that there were no leaks about this in dc-- he sounded very impressed.
angie |
03.16.06 - 10:14 am | #
29 days in office left for Bush. Tops.
ccmask |
03.16.06 - 10:16 am | #
new thread: "screw the poor"
John Casper |
03.16.06 - 10:16 am | #
Okay Redshift. This better?
Clinton
Lies re: blow job
No War
surplus
environment good
education good
foreign policy good
chimp
Lies re: everything
War
corruption
torture
deficit
environmental hell
education hell
foreign policy - what is that?
california_reality_check |
03.16.06 - 10:17 am | #
new thread, with pillow
punaise |
03.16.06 - 10:20 am | #
Not to add to the feelings of dread others are having, but.....
has anyone noticed an arrogance lately that is atypical even for this administration? From the crazy look that Bush perpetually wears, to a new confidence in Scotty McLiar? A new wave of ridiculous pronouncements by Rummy and other Pentagon brass? The seemingly absurd political positions taken lately? McCain's new found love of all that is Bush only really makes sense if we become mired even deeper in the muck of Iran/Iraq. His posiition just doesn't make sense if there looks to be even gradual disengagement.
I worry that they all know about a course of action that they feel will make all of the political considerations moot. I have become very afraid.
sonofslothrop |
03.16.06 - 10:21 am | #
OT (somewhat)...
The American Research Group poll...
"Do you favor or oppose the United States Senate passing a resolution censuring President George W. Bush for authorizing wiretaps of Americans within the United States without obtaining court orders?
3/15/06 Favor Oppose Undecided
All Adults 46% 44% 10%
Voters 48% 43% 9%
Republicans (33%) 29% 57% 14%
Democrats (37%) 70% 26% 4%
Independents (30%) 42% 47% 11%
Based on 1,100 completed telephone interviews among a random sample of adults nationwide March 13-15, 2006. The theoretical margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points, 95% of the time."
A 46-44 plurality with only Russ and two others. What could these numbers look like if the rest of the Dems acted with both brains and backbone?
sonate |
03.16.06 - 10:21 am | #
Punaise,
You really know your music.
A couple of weeks ago, I responded to Siun on a question and started the first part of "There's something happening here..." and before long, we were all into the song lyrics, could not remember the artist, but that was quickly solved by the FDL community.
I really like all types of music and will take a serious look at this one.
Again, Thank you.
p.s. Skippy site this morning did one about the song "Waltzing Matilda," with a bit of history and the lyrics. I found it very interesting, especially the story in lyrics.
Apple Canyon 2 |
03.16.06 - 10:21 am | #
29 days in office left for Bush. Tops.
ccmask | 03.16.06 - 10:16 am | #
please let it be true. I'm dying to know - is it your uncanny intuition, or is there a scenario behind this?
and while you're at it, can you channel me some winning lotto numbers, too? I'll make it worth your while. :-)
punaise |
03.16.06 - 10:22 am | #
But will Iran's leaders have the option of not responding if one of our planes 'accidentially' flys over Iran?
--------------------------------------------------
---------
Frankly, I think Iran would tolerate even a few "accidental" bombs. It would be better PR. But in this day and age, even if they shoot down a plane that "veered" into their airspace, I don't think most Americans would start demanding a war against Iran. They'd be pissed, for sure, but a lot a people have (or have at least seen) cars with GPS systems that show exactly where you are. Our military should be at least as knowledgable about the locations of its warplanes.
Frank Probst |
03.16.06 - 10:24 am | #
I love the Tom Waits recording of Waltzing Mathilda.
Pachacutec |
03.16.06 - 10:29 am | #
Twitty's got his tit in a ringer: click here
Gyro Gear Lose |
03.16.06 - 10:29 am | #
A couple of weeks ago, I responded to Siun on a question and started the first part of "There's something happening here..." and before long, we were all into the song lyrics, could not remember the artist, but that was quickly solved by the FDL community.
Apple Canyon 2 | 03.16.06 - 10:21 am | #
that was a great exchange based on the iconic Buffalo Springfield (Stephen Stills) song "For what it's Worth".
a similar moment occured a week or two ago, when I posted lyrics from "Lake of Fire", a song I knew only via Nirvana's Unplugged in NY album. I soon learned that the original version was by the Meat Puppets, a band I know of by name only.
it's interesting how often a discussion, quote, or news item will bring to mind a particular song. guess it's a function of cultural context: the music we grow with stays in us. of course, grabbing someone else's work and posting it isn't particularly creative....
punaise |
03.16.06 - 10:31 am | #
I love the Tom Waits recording of Waltzing Mathilda.
Pachacutec | 03.16.06 - 10:29 am | #
and the entire Mule Variations album
punaise |
03.16.06 - 10:32 am | #
They'd be pissed, for sure, but a lot a people have (or have at least seen) cars with GPS systems that show exactly where you are. Our military should be at least as knowledgable about the locations of its warplanes.
They know where all of them are. Flying over Iran would not be accidental. (It might be accidentally-on-purpose, which is not at all the same thing.) Military-level GPS is accurate to inches.
P J Evans |
03.16.06 - 10:35 am | #
obligatory EPU, . . .I am the Dowager Empress after all
cbl |
03.16.06 - 10:48 am | #
you had to expect something like this- it's the opening weekend of the NCAA basketball tourney, the only weekend of the year in which 18-50 year old white males have their eyes glued to network television.
it worked for the original invasion, right?
d. |
03.16.06 - 10:50 am | #
The Talons last throes... How sad. How miserably, incredibly sad...
thepoetryman |
Homepage |
03.16.06 - 11:24 am | #
Smart bombs?
You have all seen the video games of smart bombs flying into windows. What we rarely hear about is that the bombs do fly into the wrong window of the wrong house. I guess the bomb can't see through walls yet. Or you have the guy on the joy stick not wanting to see what is in there. Never mind the mental collateral damage to the residents in the same block as a bomb goes off. War is hell , and there are never any clear winners. Scars last a lifetime as soldiers are now discovering. Memories are hard to remove once they are singed into the brain. Or branded as it were. Noticed how the Republicans are dropping bombs all over America right into state houses. Anti abortion bombs.
Raising the deficit in Washington D.C. up into the stratosphere of criminal insanity.
I got a little pleasure yesterday as Russert ate crow while ranting off the fact that democrats are ahead of republicans by 13 points in the new NBC poll. Now he has been subpeoned. Loyalty is strong because he will have another republican sweep on Sunday's meet the press. What underlying connections are we not seeing?
blue generalist |
03.16.06 - 11:32 am | #
