By GottaLaff
The resemblance to Cheney is uncanny:
(click on image to enlarge)
I wonder if he shot anyone in the face.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Halloween PhotOh! Robert Gibbs as Darth...Cheney?
(click on image to enlarge)
PhotObama: Halloween edition
By GottaLaff
Boo!
(click on image to enlarge)
They look great no matter what they're wearing.
Cheney Could Not Recall Key Events About His Role in CIA Leak
By GottaLaff
That's just a nibble. Go devour the whole piece here.A month before Valerie Plame Wilson's covert status as a CIA operative was revealed, Vice President Dick Cheney told his then-chief of staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, and his press secretary, Cathie Martin, that Plame Wilson worked at the spy agency.
But according to a 28-page summary of Cheney’s May 8, 2004 interview with the special prosecutor probing the leak, Cheney did not recall having that conversation.
"Cheney has no recollection of Cathie Martin entering his office at some point while Scooter Libby was present and advising both of them that [Plame Wilson] was employed by the CIA," states the interview summary, released late Friday by the FBI after a lengthy court battle between the Bush and Obama administrations and the government watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). [...]
Cheney described the CIA's decision to dispatch Ambassador Wilson to Niger as "amateur-hour" and he disparaged the CIA's handling of Iraq intelligence, which Cheney, Libby and others in the Office of the Vice President pressured agency analysts to manipulate in an attempt to portray Iraq as posing an immediate threat.
Cheney said he could not recall playing any role in the campaign to attack Wilson. But former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan wrote in his memoir, What Happened: Inside The Bush White House and Washington’s Culture of Deception, that the White House’s behind-the-scenes campaign to discredit Wilson heated up in June 2003. “The vice president and Libby were quietly stepping up their efforts to counter the allegations of the anonymous envoy to Niger...," McClellan wrote. [...]
In fact, Cheney stated that he did not recall more than two-dozen key events he was involved in [...]
And after you do, you won't have an appetite for days.
Joe Lieberman feels relevant
By GottaLaff
But Lieberman laughed off the critics' attempts to "psychoanalyze" him.
"I feel relevant,'' Lieberman said in a conference call with a handful of Connecticut reporters this afternoon.
How sensitive of him to laugh off the millions who have died, and continue to die, because Big Insurance yanks their lives out from under them.
And I'm so happy for T.J. and his new found relevance. After all, this is all about him.
What about the more than 60 percent of state residents that back a government-run insurance option, according to a Quinnipiac University poll last month?
Some of those respondents are confused about what such a plan entails, Lieberman said.No, actually, they're not confused at all. They know they've been screwed over by people like you and your donors for decades. You must be confusing the respondents for yourself.
And he added, "you can't make a decision like this based on polling,'' he said. Ultimately, he he said he has to do "what I think is right and hope in the end the people of Connecticut will respect me for that.''
Um, Traitor? You used the wrong R word. Nobody Respects you, but hopefully, the people of Connecticut will Retire you.
H/t: Think Progress
GOP VIDEO: Dems running to replace Kennedy are scary
By GottaLaff
This video is brimming over with bad:
The video takes aim at the four Democratic candidates for [Ted Kennedy's] seat, making them out to be characters in a horror film and giving them nicknames like "Cap and Trade Capuano" and "Call My Sister Overseas Coakley.
A high school audio visual techie could do better.
::whisper:: I see unskilled Rushpublic people!
PhotOh! TPC Makeover Fundraiser + Laffy photo incentive!
We need your help. If we didn't, I promise you, we wouldn't have had to dig up this widget:
Yet, I have a sneaking feeling you need some incentive to donate. Well, we'll fix that. Here's one of the photos the person who puts us over our goal will receive:
(Laffy at 9 with her airedale Mike)
Meanwhile... We are redesigning the site as we speak. Hopefully, it will be chock full o' newness and splendor and toys. I just saw a few templates, and I am stoked! It won't be a drastic change, but it will have a few things to make it easier to navigate.
We will be at ThePoliticalCarnival.net. But first, we have to pull it all together and make it usable and pretty.
If you are inclined and able, please donate through the above widget or the direct PayPal button at the upper right. Paddy and I really do appreciate it immensely.
We love what we do and want to keep on bringing you the bestest snark, ongoing stories, and breaking news. Any donation from $5 to a trazillion dollars is more than welcome.
If you'd like to contribute by check or money order, feel free to email us at the political carnival at gmail dot com. We want to again mention the fact that we know things are really tough out there and sincerely appreciate even the smallest donation.
Thanks so much for putting up with our fundraisers, but think about it: If we earn enough from you, then those Pammy Anderson ads will no longer be necessary.
"Right-wing women rock", lefties have "hairy legs"
By GottaLaff
A so-called columnist at the Calgary Sun has a remarkably sexist thing or two to say about right wing v. left wing women. I'd forgotten people like this existed in the 21st century:
The recent election of Danielle Smith as leader of the Wildrose Alliance reminded me that among the many things I love about the libertarian/right wing are the women.
Could be our slogan: Come for the culture war ... stay for the chicks.
Right-wing women rock.
"Stay for the chicks." No, that's not anachronistic at all. If this column isn't tongue-in-cheek, then Ian Robinson has RDD: Severe respect deficit disorder.
Not for us the sturdy, honest calves of the New Democrat/Green Party female, honed on eco-tourist rainforest hikes.
Those legs are often on unfortunate display, extending from a knee-length tweed skirt as hairy as the legs themselves, and end in a pair of Birkenstocks.
Apprently, all that excessive nose hair ego is interfering with what's left of his mind.
The only sensible footwear you'll find in a right-wing woman's closet are the Nike cross-trainers that go with her gym membership.
Everything else has a three-inch heel. Minimum.
What is up with conservatives and their fetishes? I wonder if Ian's into diapers, too.
Basically, the world economy depends on right-wing women buying shoes.The world economy? Really? That's some mess-o'-new shoes! What are those high-heeled wingiewomen tromping around on, cut glass?
A right-wing woman wants to get elected, she runs for office.
If she wins, great. If she loses ... well, there's always more shoe shopping.
Campaign slogan: Elect right-wing women! They're not only losers, they're barefoot losers with way too much time on their hands!
A right-wing woman hits the gym, swings past Sobey's and has dinner on the table by the time you get home ... while her left-wing counterpart is still stuck in traffic listening to Sarah McLachlan on her iPod and feeling morally superior about her carrot choices.
And when that plate of food is put in front of you by the right-wing hottie you had the good sense to marry, it will be 100% tofu-free. If you're lucky, she just remembered to buy steak and forgot about the carrot entirely.
So that's his idea of scoring a big win (odd juxtaposition of Hasselbeck and a game she'd mistake for a collection of salt and pepper shakers). He should stick to checkers.And in case you're not convinced, to indicate the utter superiority of the right-wing woman over the left-wing variant ... just turn on The View.
The left has Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg.
We've got Elisabeth Hasselbeck.
Checkmate.
H/t: Pete
Obama Ditches Another Bush Rule
By GottaLaff
Scrubbing out another Bush stain. GObama!
The latest rule to get the boot was finalized in December 2008 and upped the number of hours truckers could stay behind the wheel, despite safety concerns about driver fatigue. [...]That BushCo, always looking out for their fellow Americans.
They issued the same rule three times [3], even though the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., struck it down in both 2004 and 2008.
VIDEO- Bachmann to America: Roam halls of Congress, "pay house call on Pelosi"
By GottaLaff
"This is our liberty and tyranny moment."
Great idea, Michele! America, and of course Congress members, will thank you, because this should go over BIG:
Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) is urging Americans to come to Washington, D.C., next week to roam the halls of Congress and lobby lawmakers against the House Democrats' healthcare reform plan. [...]There's just not enough chaos on Capitol Hill. They need someone just like Michele Bachmann to encourage more irrational behavior, because, you know, we just haven't had enough of that lately.
She said the plan on Thursday afternoon will be to walk through the House office buildings to look for lawmakers: "We can walk through Cannon, Longworth and Rayburn [office buildings], walk through the Capitol ..."
Private business: Yay!! Obama: Booo! at elementary school
By GottaLaff
Yes, a wholesome speech by our wholesome president about wholesome goals became a negative talking point. However, I betcha you haven't heard Word One about Time Inc.'s fundraising company QSP visiting one of the same schools that fretted over the Indoctrinator in Chief.
Yes, boys and girls, it's time for the annual school fundraiser assembly, "kicking off a couple of weeks of good, capitalist behavior by our country's youngest army of salespeople":
Go read the rest here. Then come on back to Comments and discuss the so-called Values Party.Private employee to captive students: "Who's ready for more prizes?!"
President of the United States to students, many of whom are not allowed to listen:
"I'm here today because I have something important to discuss with you. I'm here because I want to talk with you about your education and what's expected of all of you...."
Private employee: "How many of you would like to get out of school for a show?" (The motivator describes a BMX show that will come to the school for certain sales numbers.) "The top 25 sellers of the school will sit in a special VIP section and get autographs."
President: "But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world – and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities."
Private employee: "Who wants to get out of school ... and ride in a limo?! YAY!" The kids scream madly. (Top-selling kids get a lunchtime limo ride to a pizza place.)
President: "[S]how up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents, and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed."
(The author of the article is Betty Buehler, who has taught sixth-grade writing in Las Vegas since 2001.)
Scozzafava Drops Out of NY-23 Race
By GottaLaff
Dede Scozzafava (R) announced "that she is suspending her campaign for the 23rd Congressional District and releasing all her supporters," the Watertown Daily Times reports. [...]It's a Rushpublic district, and until Scozzafava dropped out, there was a chance that Owens could pull off a win. Now? Not so much.
A new Siena poll this morning found the race too close to call between Owens at 36% and Hoffman at 35% with Scozzafava falling way back to 20%.
A Public Policy Polling survey still in the field also had Scozzafava trailing the pack at just 17%.
Additionally, it will be interesting to watch the Conservapubs continue to cause a split in the Rushpublic party. Popcorn, anyone?
Gasp, President Obama is punctual!
The tone of this blurb of an article on President Obama bothers me a bit. I guess "Democrats" don't worry about middling things like being on time.
Obama has embraced ideas and hired former advisers to Bill Clinton, while distancing himself from George W. Bush on issue after issue. But Obama is more like his Republican predecessor in one regard: He tends to be punctual when traveling, sometimes getting so far ahead of schedule that aides, security agents and reporters scramble to adjust.
Clinton was notorious for falling hours behind schedule, as he spun yarns at fundraisers or played cards with friends. But Obama sometimes seems as eager to get home as Bush, who disliked sleeping in strange beds.
On a recent visit to Florida and Virginia, Obama left his Miami hotel 12 minutes ahead of schedule and virtually raced through his busy day. By mid-afternoon -- after two plane rides, two helicopter rides, several motorcades and a solar energy event -- he arrived nearly an hour early in Norfolk for the Deeds campaign rally.
Obama spoke for about 20 minutes, but still got back to Washington more than an hour ahead of schedule.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Poll: Florida voters opposed to a public health care option
I was going to go all "What's the matter with Florida", but I know better. Most of Florida is rural Alabama south, with small areas of Sun City Retirement Communities, so you have yokels who don't believe in government vs doddering elders afraid their government entitlements will be taken away. Gah.
TALLAHASSEE -- In a state where 20 percent of the population is uninsured, Florida voters are opposed to a major Democratic plan to provide more health care coverage, according to a Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times/Bay News 9 poll.
About 47 percent oppose the so-called "public option," while 40 percent support the proposal to provide a government-run insurance plan.
Voters opposed the public option in every area of the state except one: South Florida. There, 54 percent favor the proposal and only 37 percent are opposed. The area with the strongest opposition: Southwest Florida, where 30 percent support the proposal and 50 percent oppose it.
TPC Makeover! Fundraiser + Laffy on radio alert!
For those who asked me to post a heads up, I'll be on the Radio Machine with the absolutely wonderful Angie Coiro (on San Francisco's progressive station Green 960)at 6:45 pm Pacific. Follow the links to stream it live. I'll post a YouTube of it in the next day or two.
Meanwhile:
We need your help. If we didn't, I promise you, we wouldn't have had to dig up this widget:
As a special enticement, as soon as I can, I'll post a photo of me when I was 9. Whoever brings us over our goal will get a copy, plus one more of me as a wacky little baby. Can't beat that, huh?
We're also redesigning the site as we speak. Hopefully, it will be chock full o' newness and splendor and toys. I just saw a few templates, and I am stoked! It won't be a drastic change, but it will have a few things to make it easier to navigate.
We will be at ThePoliticalCarnival.net. But first, we have to pull it all together and make it usable and pretty.
Here's a treat for you, just for listening:
If you are inclined and able, please donate through the above widget or the direct PayPal button at the upper right. Paddy and I really do appreciate it immensely.
We love what we do and want to keep on bringing you the bestest snark, ongoing stories, and breaking news. Any donation from $5 to a trazillion dollars is more than welcome.
If you'd like to contribute by check or money order, feel free to email us at the political carnival at gmail dot com. We want to again mention the fact that we know things are really tough out there and sincerely appreciate even the smallest donation.
Thanks so much for putting up with our fundraisers, but think about it: If we earn enough from you, then those Pammy Anderson ads will no longer be necessary.
"They cut all over my private parts." But the evidence is suppressed
By GottaLaff
For four years now, I have been following the fates of the hundreds of men who have been -- and the 200 plus men who still are -- being held at Guantánamo Bay, and, the record is now clear, most of whom have been tortured. But until this week I had never actually heard such a single man's actual voice. [...]The most common argument against revealing this kind of information is that it will fan the flames of hatred of those who already hate us. To me, that's redundant and isn't a good enough reason to interfere with democracy.
No one is permitted to talk to them. Prisoners in the US have many rights to speak, even from prison; but silencing the Guantánamo detainees has been a key to maintaining a working injustice, as well as a key to manipulating US popular opinion. [...] But if the perpetrators are to continue to spin America, the prisoners' voices have to continue to be silenced. [...]
Recently I have been in touch with Binyam Mohamed, who is the UK resident who was released from Guantánamo in February -- after seven years' captivity without charges -- and who last Friday won a major victory when a British court ruled that the US and the UK could not continue to conceal from the public seven paragraphs in documents that describe the horrific torture of Mr Mohamed in 'black sites' and at Guantánamo. He is also suing Boeing for its part in rendering him to 'black sites.' [...]
[O]fficials have told reporters that one action that the paragraphs describe is the cutting of genitals with a razor; waterboarding, this official said dryly, is well down on the list of atrocities Mr. Mohamed suffered.
President Obama has sought to keep these seven paragraphs under seal. Hillary Clinton has also. Joe Lieberman drafted an amendment to a bill to conceal photographs relating to this abuse.
Why are our leaders still trying so desperately to cover up what Mr. Mohamed's record will show?
Physicians for Human Rights have fully confirmed that prisoners were often violated anally with objects. [...]See that, Judy Miller? Waterboarding is not the only form of torture, and it did not stop after the first few months. As for our policies...
As Mr Mohamed told the UK Daily Mail, "they cut off my clothes with some kind of doctor's scalpel. I was totally naked.... One of them took my penis in his hand and began to make cuts. He did it once, and they stood still for maybe a minute, watching my reaction.
"I was in agony, crying, trying desperately to suppress myself, but I was screaming.... They must have done this 20 to 30 times in maybe two hours.... They cut all over my private parts."
This form of torture, Mr. Mohamed told David Cole of the Daily Mail, was repeated many times over the next 15 months.Here comes the part I really, really don't like to report:
Mr Mohamed said further that when he was later taken into direct US custody, a female official was sent in daily to photograph his intimate wounds, saying that the photos were "for Washington." These photos are almost certainly among the images that President Obama, Lieberman and Mrs Clinton are seeking to suppress.
His lawyer, Clive Stafford Smith of the UK rights organization Reprieve, was threatened with six months in prison by the US -- Obama's team -- for writing a letter to President Obama describing what had happened to his client.This is exactly what I have been telling you since my first post about Fayiz al-Kandari. This is the evidence innocent detainees need for their own defense.
In a masterpiece of perversity, the US classified the torture used against the prisoners -- so that IF THEY TELL THEIR OWN STORIES they are illegally releasing 'classified information.'
Oh, and about inflaming Muslim anger? Naomi agrees with what I said earlier:
The US's argument has been that if the paragraphs and photos of this particular torture emerge, it will inflame Muslim anger against us. It is no secret in the Muslim world, though, what happened to Mr. Mohamed and others situated like him. And as for here in the West? Well, that argument doesn't hold water any more: I just told a million people what is in the seven paragraphs, and in at least some of the photos.Please, please read the rest of Naomi's piece here.
Next excuse?
H/t: Mark Karlin at BuzzFlash
*****
Lt. Col. Barry Wingard is a military attorney who represents Fayiz Al-Kandari in the Military Commission process and in no way represents the opinions of his home state. When not on active duty, Colonel Wingard is a public defender in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
All my previous posts on this subject matter can be found here; That link includes one specific to only Fayiz al-Kandari's story here. Here are audio and video interviews with Lt. Col. Wingard, one by David Shuster, one by Ana Marie Cox, and more. My guest commentary at BuzzFlash is here.
If you are inclined to help rectify these injustices: Twitterers, use the hashtag #FreeFayiz. We have organized a team to get these stories out. If you are interested in helping Fayiz out, e-mail me at The Political Carnival, address in sidebar to the right; or tweet me at @GottaLaff.
If you'd like to see other ways you can take action, go here and scroll down to the end of the article.
Then read Jane Mayer's book The Dark Side. You'll have a much greater understanding of why I post endlessly about this, and why I'm all over the CIA deception issues, too.
More of Fayiz's story here, at Answers.com.Transparency Watch: Here they are, the White House visitor records
By GottaLaff
This unprecedented level of transparency can sometimes be confusing rather than providing clear information.A lot of people visit the White House, up to 100,000 each month, with many of those folks coming to tour the buildings. Given this large amount of data, the records we are publishing today include a few “false positives” – names that make you think of a well-known person, but are actually someone else. In September, requests were submitted for the names of some famous or controversial figures (for example Michael Jordan, William Ayers, Michael Moore, Jeremiah Wright, Robert Kelly ("R. Kelly"), and Malik Shabazz). The well-known individuals with those names never actually came to the White House. Nevertheless, we were asked for those names and so we have included records for those individuals who were here and share the same names.
VIDEO- Bill O'Reilly "I don't push a point of view"
By GottaLaff
O'Reilly: Obama is "fighting us harder than the Taliban."
Maybe because ClusterFox has done more to harm this country than they have.
VIDEO- Michael Moore: "Are we an insane country?"
By GottaLaff
The anti-war drumbeat is getting louder:
We already know this country's at least partly insane. See: Party, The Republican.
Liveblog- Alan Grayson on the radio: "The cost of delay is death, I don't want blood on my hands"
By GottaLaff
He's been saying things such as:
What we can do: Donate, show the courage of OUR convictions, let the Democrats who aren't sure, know we're behind them.Now, on Randi's show, he is saying:
"The cost of delay is death, I don't want blood on my hands"..."People Power".
He suggests that those in Connecticut find out who those are who died because of lack of insurance, and bring them to the attention of Joe Lieberman.
I've heard I'm stupid, crazy, and ugly. On the radio, you can't tell the difference. This is another of the Republicans' weapons of mass distraction. They're the Party of No, soon to be the Party of Nobody.Randi:
I think this party will disintegrate. They're talking about bizarre distractions and death panels. They take these positions because of their paymasters in the insurance industry. There is one party that is bought and paid for: The Republican party.
It goes on on both sides. [She's right] They're now calling themselves "conservatives", they don't want to be called Republicans any more. Republicans want to be called "Independents"...Alan:
Dems have to show people a better way. Go to CongressmanWithGuts.com. I sit in on Democrats' meetings, we try to figure out way to improve people's lives.Randi:
Public option: You get a choice. But if the Republicans ran Baskin Robbins, it would be strawberry only, not 31 flavors.Alan:
The Dem would say this: The public option is taking the Medicare provider network, which is expensive, and the Republicans say that's socialism. The Dems say it's only been used by 1/8 of the population, already been paid for, so let's use it, make it available, promote competition. The Republicans would say, that's communism.Randi:
They pick out words and make them into bad words. Liberalism socialism, etc. They're incapable of thinking about what people need in their lives. They can't think outside of themselves. Their answers are always the same: Socialism.
Aren't they fascists, corporatists?Alan:
Worse than that, they want to take money out of taxpayers' pockets and give it to corporations.Randi:
They're screaming today on the radio about how we're socialists AND fascists. They can't pick one.Alan:
They took us to brink of bankruptcy, took us into two wars. They should say I'm sorry, they say nothing.Randi:
Even when they're gone from Congress, they go down the street and become lobbyists. Dick Armey, for example. How do they rectify these conflicts? The money is insane, plowed into Capitol Hill.Alan:
It's all about how do you come up with money for campaigns. I'm not gonna do that. We're trying to set up a model based on People Power. We've raised $500K this month! They care about education, health care, real things in people's lives. If you have cojones, people will support you! I want to show people in Congress, you don't have to sell out to get re-elected.
The money goes to the media. It's expensive. This is how you end up spending millions on a race.
We're finally talking about this in a human way. Every day people die, 122 deaths. The bill's not going to get hugely better if we take another 3 months to do it. They delay and delay. Now people recognize, delay means death.
VIDEO: Colbert signs petition to "Close Gitmo Now"
By GottaLaff
Thank you, Stephen Colbert, thank you thank you thank you.
Last night, Roseanne Cash promoted the cause on The Colbert Report, where she successfully got the host to sign a petition calling for the closing of the prison at Guantanamo Bay.
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| We Got the Beating - Rosanne Cash | ||||
| ||||
You already know where I stand on this (see below).
*****
Lt. Col. Barry Wingard is a military attorney who represents Fayiz Al-Kandari in the Military Commission process and in no way represents the opinions of his home state. When not on active duty, Colonel Wingard is a public defender in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
All my previous posts on this subject matter can be found here; That link includes one specific to only Fayiz al-Kandari's story here. Here are audio and video interviews with Lt. Col. Wingard, one by David Shuster, one by Ana Marie Cox, and more. My guest commentary at BuzzFlash is here.
If you are inclined to help rectify these injustices: Twitterers, use the hashtag #FreeFayiz. We have organized a team to get these stories out. If you are interested in helping Fayiz out, e-mail me at The Political Carnival, address in sidebar to the right; or tweet me at @GottaLaff.
If you'd like to see other ways you can take action, go here and scroll down to the end of the article.
Then read Jane Mayer's book The Dark Side. You'll have a much greater understanding of why I post endlessly about this, and why I'm all over the CIA deception issues, too.
More of Fayiz's story here, at Answers.com.Mandatory viewing: VIDEO- Deliciously brutal Jon Stewart smacks down Fox
By GottaLaff
Double dee-lish!
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| For Fox Sake! | ||||
| ||||
As I watched this last night, I kvelled. I am so proud of Jon Stewart and his unique ability to report real news couched in snark.
A real plus about using comedy as a vehicle is that it's memorable, people are attentive, and it delivers a message in short, digestable gulps. In this age of social networking and text messages, that works.
Truth, it's not just for breakfast any more!
Top Republican says health bill will 'ream' Americans
By GottaLaff
A ream is a wish your heart makes....
The House Democratic healthcare reform bill is going to "ream" the American people, according to Energy and Commerce ranking member Joe Barton (R-Texas.)Just keep ignoring the reaming we've gotten up to this point, and the reaming we'll continue to get, times infinity, if we don't get a strong public option. Ream on, Rushpublics...
"Nineteen hundred and ninety pages, that's about four reams of paper, I can say that the people who are getting reamed are the American people," Barton said at a press conference surrounded by fellow top-ranking House Republicans.Oh, the cleverness of Barton! It hurts! Ya see what he did there? He oughta be on Leno. What a wit!
As Progressive Pam said on Twitter:
GOP released new hcr plan on one tweet: 1. Tax cuts for the rich. 2. Tort reform for the poor. 3. Beg for charity.Short and tweet.
Robert Gibbs: "Our critics haven't been so right"
By GottaLaff
Darn, I missed his comments about the suppression of the torture photos.
The stimulus jobs report is what we expected.
Our critics didn't think the plan would help the recovery grow... our critics haven't been so right.
Helen: Critics don't want President to succeed.
A: They're playing a political game instead of addressing reform.
Helen: Call them what they are.
A: President has done quite a bit of that.
Chuck Todd: Iranian govt. negotiating in good faith?
A: We're waiting for detailed response to IAEA. President's time is not unlimited. It's about reaching an agreement that seemed to be something the Iranian's wanted.
Todd: H1N1... anything you could have done differently to speed up vaccine?
A: There are 26.2 million doses now available. We had delivery problems, but now 26.2 million more than we had 2 days ago. President is frustrated... won't be satisfied until all have the vaccinations if they want them. Manufacturing took 6 mos. or so, but not as fast as we were told/hoped.
Mark Knoller: Anyone in White House reading House health care bill?
A: I'm sure many are.
Major Garrett is pushing hard on economy numbers. Long back and forth, and finally:
A: Economy is growing for the first time in a year based on your figures?
Major: Yeah.
The Dow is down 234 as I type this.
GOP candidates' Twitter accounts hacked
By GottaLaff
Direct Messages are private Tweets between two people that are similar to "messages" on MySpace or Facebook, that only you and the sender can read, as opposed to open Tweets that can be read by everyone.
A couple of unlucky Republicans got hacked:
Two Republicans on Thursday became the latest victims of a "phishing attack" that has inconvenienced a number of Twitter users this week.
Followers of Florida senatorial candidate Marco Rubio were greeted for a portion of this afternoon by tweets advertising a Web site that sells colon cleansing products. Some subscribers of Tennessee gubernatorial candidate Zach Wamp's Twitter feed similarly received direct messages that them to visit a colon cleansing-related Web site.
I could make any number of tasteless jokes, but I hesitate to bring up the rear by making these two unfortunate Tweeple the butt of my craptastic jokes. So I'll butt out now, before I make an ass of myself.
Quickie: Lieberman Says He'll Stump For Republicans in 2010
By GottaLaff
Yesterday, Lieberman said he's planning a repeat performance on the congressional campaign trail in 2010.Lieberman, from an interview with ABC News:
"I probably will support some Republican candidates for Congress or Senate in the election in 2010. I'm going to call them as I see them."
Let us call you as we see you: Toast.
That was today's Quickie. Will you still respect me in the morning?
Mid Day Distraction & Fundraiser Thread
If you are inclined and able, please donate through the above widget or the direct PayPal button at the upper right. Gotta and I really do appreciate it immensely.
We love what we do and want to keep on bringing you the bestest snark, ongoing stories, and breaking news. Any donation from $5 to a trazillion dollars is more than welcome.
If you'd like to contribute by check or money order, feel free to email us at the political carnival at gmail dot com. I want to again mention the fact that we know things are really tough out there and sincerely appreciate even the smallest donation.
INCENTIVE! If we make it past $900 today, Gotta will post an absolutely adorable baby pic of herself, that I have seen and can verify will make you squee and "Awwww" at the same time.
Republican Guide to Undermining Health Care Reform
Shorter Frank Luntz strategy- Make sure the D's screw it up because the nation wants it and it's the right thing to do. Via Taegan-
GOP strategist Frank Luntz briefed Republican lawmakers this week "on his new plan for undermining Democrats' health-reform without making the GOP look bad," reports Mike Allen.
Luntz's 8-page memo is a fascinating read. He notes Republicans "still need to acknowledge the need for reform." He also says President Obama "is right: what Americans want is a solution, not continued political bickering."
However, Luntz says that once Republicans have "articulated the goal of bipartisanship, it is fair game (and according to our polling, supported by independents) to level a sharper attack on those who control Congress: 'The Democratic Party controls a 77 seat majority in the House and almost 20 seats in the Senate, along with the White House. If they cannot get a bill passed with such overwhelming control of Washington, it says there's something wrong with the legislation. Rather than forcing a bill through with only limited support, they should keep working until they can get a bill that represents the opinions of most Americans.'"
Here's the memo via Politico:
Study Blames 17,000 Deaths On No Insurance
How is even one death "acceptable"? If 17k kids were being killed each year in faulty school buses, wouldn't the Congress be screeching and pulling their hair out to outdo each other in the righteousness of reform?
Researchers said in a news release that a lack of health insurance might have contributed to the deaths of 17,000 hospitalized children in the U.S. over 20 years.
Johns Hopkins Children's Center doctors looked at 23 million hospital records from 37 states and compared death rates for children with insurance and those without.
Uninsured children in the study were 60 percent more likely to die in the hospital than those with insurance.
(snip)
"Can we say with absolute certainty that 17,000 children would have been saved if they had health insurance? Of course not," said investigator David Chang "The point here is that a substantial number of children may be saved by health coverage."
Mitch Daniels Insists He's Not Running in 2012
Really no upside to him running that I could see. Too many state flame outs with his name on them.
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) was asked about possible presidential aspirations in 2012, the Herald Bulletin reports. However, he insisted once again that he has no intention of running.
Said Daniels: "No. There's only one way you can spell it."
Surgeon General Nominee Regina Benjamin Confirmed
Considering we're in the middle of a pandemic, this was probably a good idea.
The Senate, by voice vote, confirmed Dr. Regina Benjamin as the nation’s surgeon general amid a national emergency over the swine flu outbreak. Earlier in the day, the majority leader, Senator Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada, had taken to the floor to complain that Republicans were holding up her nomination over an unrelated dispute. Dr. Benjamin is well known for founding the Bayou La Batre Rural Health Clinic in Bayou La Batre, Ala., and for keeping that clinic running during two hurricanes.
Note To Lawrence O'Donnell
Dear Mr O'Donnell-
If one of these days you should decide to take Joe Scarborough by the scruff of the neck and face plant him into the sidewalk in front of 30 Rock, I'm pretty sure there are people out here in the blogotubes who would be more than happy to help out with bail money.
Just sayin',
Paddy
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Obama Signs Law Authorizing Suppression of Torture Photos
By GottaLaff
Among other things in the Homeland Security appropriations bill President Obama signed into law yesterday is a provision that authorizes the Defense Department to continue to conceal photos of the torture and abuse of detainees by U.S. forces. [...] The exemption signed, however, is much broader than simply the photos sought in the lawsuit. It would apply to any other photos taken between Sept. 11, 2001 and Jan.22, 2009 that the Secretary of Defense has certified would, if released, endanger U.S. citizens, servicemen, or employees overseas. [...]Those photos are needed as evidence, both for individual hearings (See Fayiz al-Kandari references below) and as proof of what BushCo did in our name.
Still, it’s not clear if passage of the new law will necessarily moot the pending court case. The lawyers could still try to challenge the new legislation or the Pentagon’s right to invoke it.
*****
Lt. Col. Barry Wingard is a military attorney who represents Fayiz Al-Kandari in the Military Commission process and in no way represents the opinions of his home state. When not on active duty, Colonel Wingard is a public defender in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
All my previous posts on this subject matter can be found here; That link includes one specific to only Fayiz al-Kandari's story here. Here are audio and video interviews with Lt. Col. Wingard, one by David Shuster, one by Ana Marie Cox, and more. My guest commentary at BuzzFlash is here.
If you are inclined to help rectify these injustices: Twitterers, use the hashtag #FreeFayiz. We have organized a team to get these stories out. If you are interested in helping Fayiz out, e-mail me at The Political Carnival, address in sidebar to the right; or tweet me at @GottaLaff.
If you'd like to see other ways you can take action, go here and scroll down to the end of the article.
Then read Jane Mayer's book The Dark Side. You'll have a much greater understanding of why I post endlessly about this, and why I'm all over the CIA deception issues, too.
More of Fayiz's story here, at Answers.com.BREAKING: Bayh will not vote against cloture, will not filibuster
By GottaLaff
Rachel Maddow is breaking news that she says is exclusive to her:
Earlier, Bayh released this statement:
"Senator Bayh will support moving forward to a health care debate on the Senate floor, where he will work hard to address his concerns and craft affordable legislation that reduces the deficit and lowers health care costs for Indiana families and small businesses."He'll allow it to come to the floor.
But... he says his position is not same as Lieberman's, and he would NOT filibuster health reform. He "can't think of a set of circumstances that he'd vote against cloture."
So, Lieberman stands alone. As Rachel calls him, "Joe Lonely".
Bayh's office calls this a "clarification". He does not want to be seen as an obstacle.
VIDEO: "Those who would sell their body ...reflect a desperate need for attention"
By GottaLaff
Yesterday I posted Barbie McLipSchmutz's response to Levi Johnston's eyebrow-raising interview. One of the quotes I highlighted was this one:
Consider the source of the most recent attention-getting lies -- those who would sell their body for money reflect a desperate need for attention and are likely to say and do anything for even more attention."The hypocrisy was laughably obvious, but in case you needed more proof, Taegan provided it:
Booby prize for swine flu "bra mask"
By GottaLaff
Hey, wait a minute... Do 38D's get more protection against the H1N1 virus than 32A's? Let's hear it for bra mask equality! I'm calling for a million booby march! It could be led by Cleavage Jones.
So where do you buy one of these, at Victoria's Clinic?
Do they make push-up masks? That would be like an instant face-lift. Oh, the possibilities!
More fun details here.
So where do you buy one of these, at Victoria's Clinic?
Behold the bra-mask -- a brassiere that in an emergency can be turned into a pair of protective face masks.This gives a whole new meaning to making a pass. If a guy touches your face mask, is that considered out of line?
Bodnar's invention won the Ig Nobel Prize, given by Annals of Improbable Research magazine for achievements that "first make people laugh and then make them think."Yep, think... but don't touch. That would be like going to 5th...and 6th... base.
Do they make push-up masks? That would be like an instant face-lift. Oh, the possibilities!
More fun details here.
TPC Makeover! Fundraiser
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Judge Dismisses Orly Taitz Birther Suit
By GottaLaff
(click on image to enlarge)
This time at bat, she continued to insist that President Obama show documentation to prove he was born in the U.S. Seriously. Still. If he didn't, she wanted the government shut down and an election held.
Planet Orly must be a very special place.
Stee-rike threeeee! (or is it four... or five?)
A U.S. District Court judge has dismissed one of Orly Taitz's birther lawsuits, saying it would be unconstitutional for the courts to "effectively overthrow a sitting president."
You don't say.
Judge David O. Carter:
"Plaintiffs have attacked the judiciary, including every prior court that has dismissed their claim, as unpatriotic and even treasonous for refusing to grant their requests and for adhering to the terms of the Constitution which set forth its jurisdiction," Carter wrote. "Respecting the constitutional role and jurisdiction of this Court is not unpatriotic."
Suh-nap!
Ruling in its entirety here.
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