Palin/McCain rally: "I'm real disappointed they didn't talk about the Mexicans overrunning Arizona."

By GottaLaff

J.D. Hayworth, Russell Pearce (R-Mesa), Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Andrew Thomas (Maricopa County Attorney)
(about a month ago)

The poster reads, "McCain/Palin betray the Tea-Party"
Mesa, AZ rally


The video of Ron Paul war protesters is a little shaky, but at least you get a glimpse.

My dear Twitter pal Tiggrr1 attended the Mesa, Arizona Palin, er, McCain event. That would be the very same event where a heckler got roughed up for practicing free speech.

He e-mailed me with some observations of that, and a couple of other things.

Tiggrr got to the Mesa rally just as the police released the two kids who had been forced out.

He grabbed a quick snapshot (see above) before the crowd started looking, er, askance at him.

He took some video (I'm not sure if I'll be able to get my hands on it), but one included a man with a sign that said, "Pull your head out Sarah". [Added note: Tiggrr tells me that the guy at the beginning of the video was the one holding the sign, including a slash through his McCain picture.]

He also shot some footage of Ron Paul supporters protesting the Afghan war (above).

Other video moments included a few pro-forced pregnancy advocates at a nearby Catholic church.

Tiggrr also encountered some anti-immigration protesters who decided to spontaneously blurt out their feelings to him. They were disappointed with Speaky McHellNo, and were angry that she is backing, as they call it, "pro-immigrant McCain". And he quotes:

"I know that Palin doesn't want these illegals in our country."

That from a man who was carrying a Going Rogue book.

Another said:

"I'm real disappointed they (McCain & Palin) didn't talk about the Mexicans overrunning Arizona."

Tiggrr decided to ask some of the Tea Baggers who they considered to be their Arizona hero. The answers: Pearce, Thomas, Arpaio, and J.D. Hayworth... for standing up to illegal immigration (see top photo)

As Tiggrr tells it, he "has lived in Arizona for 50 years, growing up with Hispanic immigrants in Mesa. There was a farming town in which many immigrant children were born, and are U.S. citizens."

But, he goes on, now these same hard working people are portrayed as "illegals, dope dealers, and gang members by the GOP and the Tea Baggers." He wonders "how many Hispanics have they been around? My guess is they don't see American Hispanics as equals."

As we all know, one of the next big issues pending in Congress is immigration.

It's going to be a very long year.

ENTIRE VIDEO: President Obama speaks to troops in Afghanistan

By GottaLaff

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Of course, the video fails to show the love Prez O got on his way in.

Tuh-WEET! There goes another right wing talking point

By GottaLaff

Via Andrea Mitchell just now n Twitter:


There you go, GOP, right there in black, white, and color screen grabs: The troops like President Obama. Imagine that.

Another talking point down the drain.

Liveblog: Obama speaks to troops in Afghanistan

By GottaLaff

I pulled a few screen grabs off the ol' Tee Vee Machine:



Liveblogging President Obama:

The U.S. is a partner, but our intent is for Afghans to provide for their own security.

We salute the members of the Afghan national army who are fighting along side you.

It's a privilege to [be here, see you all]. Thank you.

We're here to help the Afghan people forge a hard-won peace.

Everybody back home is grateful, proud of you, understands your sacrifices...

I know it's not easy. You're far away from home, miss your family, friends... for some of you, this is 4th tour of duty.

If I thought for a minute that Amerca's vital interests were not served, I would order you home right away. But ... your services are absolutely essential to America's safety and security. We are relying on you.

We did not choose this war, or us wanting to expand influence. We were attacked viciously on 9/11. 1000s were killed. This is where Al Qaeda still bases their leadership.

If this region slides backwards, if Taliban retakes this country, Al Qaeda can operate with impunity... The world would be less secure. I'm not gonna let that happen. That's why you are here.

I anguish in thinking about the sacrifices you make. That's why I promise I will never send you out if not necessary... but when it is, you will be backed up by a clear mission, right strategy, and have support to get job done. I am confident you will get the job done here in Afghanistan. [cheers]

That's why I ordered more troops... forged new strategy... pushed our allies to pony up more resources...

Our mission: Disrupt, dismantle defeat Al Qaeda and its allies. Deny them safe haven, strengthen Afghan forces AND government.

Military effort to fight Taliban ... also a civilian effort to combat corruption, partnership with Pakistan. ... We need to succeed on both sides of the border.

We've seen increase in support stateside. With our partners, troops to push Taliban out, we changed the way we operate w/ Afghan people... new partnerships... increase their security.

Pakistan is mounting offensives. They're worried about their own safety.

We are going to keep them on the run, that is what is required for security back home.

Thanks to you, there's been progress. Difficult days ahead... setbacks... We face a determined enemy.

U.S. does not quit once it starts on something [cheers]. We will prevail. I am absolutely confident of that. [cheers]

We'll do right by you back home: Take care of families. Michelle visited with military families, makes sure their needs are met. Child care, support. We'll be there for you when YOU come home. PTSD/brain injury care.

Post 9/11 G.I. Bill moving forward. Increase V.A. budget biggest in 30 years.

You've been there for us tour after tour, year after year. That's why you've inspired your fellow Americans, me... you've earned your place next to the very greatest generation. You represent virtues and values that America needs right now... honor, decency...

I see your sense of purpose. Your willingness to serve in time of danger. Your courage, heroism...

You're protecting your fellow citizens from danger.

I know sometimes when you watch TV the politics back home look messy, yelling, hollering.. There's NO daylight when it comes to supporting all of you. That brings us together. We are ALL incredibly proud, honor what you do. You show us what is possible when people come together... succeed together as one people...

This fight matters to us, to the Afghan people...

The Taliban have no respect for human life... They offer fear, you offer hope. The entire country stands behind you.

The U.S. will always stand up for the security of nations, the dignity of human beings...

Much has happened to our country/world since 9/11, but w/ men and women like you, I'm confident our nation will endure... better days lie ahead.

VIDEO: Obama makes surprise trip to Afghanistan

By GottaLaff

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

There is supposed to be live feed of the president soon. I'll try to post it when it comes in.

KABUL - Getting a firsthand look at the 8-year-old war he inherited and dramatically escalated, U.S. President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to Afghanistan on Sunday, telling President Hamid Karzai and his cabinet that they must do more to rein in rampant corruption.

After a brief meeting with Karzai at the presidential palace in Kabul, Obama praised recent steps in the military campaign against insurgents, but said Afghans needed to see conditions on the ground get better.

President Obama invited Karzai to visit him in May. Spring and summer is the time of the year during which violence increases, mainly because of improved weather conditions.

A White House official said Obama also wanted to get an "on the ground update" about the war from Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the U.S. and NATO commander, as well as Karl Eikenberry, the U.S. ambassador.

The ever increasing number of casualties isn't the kind of news Americans want to hear. However, the support for the efforts in Afghanistan has increased rather dramatically:

The latest Associated Press-GfK poll at the beginning of March found that 57 percent of those surveyed approved his handling of the war in Afghanistan compared to 49 percent two months earlier.

Things are going "in the right direction", per officials, according to MSNBC just now, despite the fact that the praise of Karzai as a "partner" was, well, tepid. But images of Obama "walking the carpet" with him shows confidence in the relationship.

VIDEO- GOP Congressmen: Iraq War a "horrible mistake...Everybody" thinks so.

By GottaLaff

You know that little bloodbath in Iraq we've been in for the past 8 years or so? The one that so many of us knew was wrong before it even began? The one the GOP fought tooth and nail for? The one that was a result of unrelenting fear-mongering? The one that made you a traitor to your country and a terrorist if you dared to breathe a word against it? The one that resulted in torture and maiming and 4,385 American deaths?

Yeah, that one.

Surprise! It turns out it was just a big ol' Rushpublic oopsie!




Too little too late doesn't even begin to say it:

In a panel at the Cato Institute on conservatism and war, U.S. Reps. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) and John Duncan (R-Tenn.) revealed that the vast majority of GOP members of Congress now think it was wrong for the U.S. to invade Iraq in 2003.

Isn't hindsight special? Then again, Rushpublics have always been a little backwards:

ROHRABACHER: [...] All I can say is the people, everybody I know thinks it was a mistake to go in now. [...]

NORQUIST: Of Republicans in Congress, who would agree with the general analysis here that it was a mistake and/or we should go in.

MCCLINTOCK: I think everyone would agree Iraq was a mistake.

NORQUIST: Two hundred percents. Ok, we’re going to average these.

MCCLINTOCK: And, you know, again, I think virtually everyone would agree going into Afghanistan the way we did was a mistake.

After Rohrbacher said everybody he knows thought it was a mistake, he got laughter.

Laughter.

I didn't realize 1000s of unnecessary deaths as a result of a fraudulent war was funny.

GAO blocks contract to Blackwater to train Afghan police

By GottaLaff



Here's an idea. Block Blackwater, period:

Federal auditors on Monday put a stop to Army plans to award a $1 billion training program for Afghan police officers to the company formerly known as Blackwater, concluding that other companies were unfairly excluded from bidding on the job.

DynCorp International Inc. protested because they weren't allowed to submit bids when training management went from State to the Army. Hey, somebody had to protest, and it's about time somebody was acknowledged.

Anybody. For any reason. At this point, the more blockage the better until these guys are blocked out of e-Xe-stence.

Now the bidding will begin again, and Blackwater will get another shot. Too bad.

But Carl Levin, who happens to be chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is speaking out. Kudos to him:

Levin cited a history of allegedly abusive behavior by the contractor's employees, including misappropriation of government weapons and hiring of workers with criminal records that included assault and drug offenses. He also accused managers of the private security company of lying to win lucrative jobs in Afghanistan.

And yet they're still allowed to be part of the bidding process.

"If this contract is re-bid and Blackwater is among the bidders, I hope that the Defense Department will take a close look at the company to determine if it is a suitable contracting partner for the U.S. government," [Levin] said.

Let's hope that starts the ball rolling on why we have anything dealings with these thugs. State Department, are you listening? Hillary?

Bueller?

VIDEO: Rep. Patrick Kennedy rips into 24/7 scandal coverage

By GottaLaff

Patrick Kennedy going off on the House floor:

From C-SPAN coverage of the House floor 3/10/10, Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) remarks on withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan. He references the press gallery and ex-Rep. Eric Massa (D-NY).

"We're talking about Eric Massa 24/7 on the TV?!"

Bingo.

House liberals force vote on pullout from Afghanistan

By GottaLaff

As Dana Carvey used to say as Bush 41, "Nah g'a'n doit". This will be a no go:

Liberals in the House, who have spent much of the past year complaining that other congressional Democrats and the White House are insufficiently progressive, will get a chance this week to vent about one of their biggest concerns: the war in Afghanistan.

House leaders will allow three hours of formal debate, probably Wednesday, on an antiwar resolution written by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (Ohio), one of the leading antiwar voices in Congress. The resolution, which has 16 co-sponsors, calls for the United States to remove all of its troops from Afghanistan in 30 days -- or by the end of the year, if it is determined that trying to do so in a month would be too dangerous.

Peace. Yeah, sounds reasonable.

Nah g'a'n happen:

Whether or not it would have any legal force if enacted, the resolution has almost no chance of being approved in the House, where nearly all Republicans and many Democrats support maintaining or increasing troop levels.

Toldja so.

Pakistani officials: Key Taliban leader likely killed in airstrike

By GottaLaff

A Pakistani helicopter gunship attacked, and most likely killed, a pretty big fish, Maulvi Faqir Mohammed, an al-Qaeda-linked commander of the Pakistani Taliban:

Pakistani officials said Saturday that a top Taliban leader was probably killed in an airstrike in the northwest, dealing another blow to a militant group that fighters say has been leaderless since January. [...]

Analysts said that Mohammed's death, coming amid stepped-up military operations and U.S. drone strikes, would help reduce the Pakistani Taliban to something more like the patchwork of local insurgencies that it was before it grew into a lethal umbrella group. Mohammed had been considered a candidate to lead the national organization.

"They're shellshocked," Aftab Sherpao, a former Pakistani interior minister, said of the Taliban. "Pakistan is on the front foot right now."

Good. Can we leave now?

Kucinich to Introduce Troop Withdrawal Resolution Next Week

By GottaLaff

Here comes Dennis:

Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) is offering a resolution calling for a swift withdrawal from the [Afghan] war. His office confirmed the Ohio Democrat will introduce his resolution March 4 with the goal of setting up a three-hour debate and vote on March 10.

This is not something that will pass. But it will be interesting to see who hops on the bandwagon, and who doesn't.

Fireworks?

Peace.

Major Taliban Operative Captured

By GottaLaff

Once again, President Obama proves what a hindrance he is to national security:

Mulvi Kabir, the former Taliban governor in Afghanistan's Nangahar Province, and a key figure in the Taliban regime was recently captured in Pakistan, two senior US officials tell Fox News. Kabir, considered to be among the top ten most wanted Taliban leaders, was apprehended in the Naw Shera district of Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province by Pakistani police forces.

And once again, one has to ponder BushCo's inability to accomplish in eight years what this administration has in one year.,

Pakistan, U.S. Intel Capture 2 Top Taliban Figures, Militant Chiefs

By GottaLaff

President Obama has accomplished more in a year than BushCo did in eight:

KABUL — Pakistani authorities, aided by U.S. intelligence, said Thursday they have apprehended more militant chiefs following the capture of the Afghan Taliban's No. 2 figure — arrests that together represent the biggest blow to the militant organization since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001.

The Rushpublics can ignore, twist, and distort our president's track record all they want, but it won't change the facts.

News Alert: Secret Joint Raid Captures Taliban's Top Commander

By GottaLaff

This just arrived by e-mail:

Secret Joint Raid Captures Taliban's Top Commander

The Taliban's top military commander was captured several
days ago in Karachi, Pakistan, in a secret joint operation by
Pakistani and American intelligence forces, according to
American government officials.

The commander, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, is an Afghan
described by American officials as the most significant
Taliban figure to be detained since the American-led war in
Afghanistan started more than eight years ago. He ranks
second in influence only to Mullah Muhammad Omar, the
Taliban's founder, and was a close associate of Osama bin
Laden before the Sept. 11 attacks.

Mullah Baradar has been in Pakistani custody for several
days, with American and Pakistani intelligence officials both
taking part in interrogations, according to the officials.

Read More:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/16/world/asia/16intel.html?emc=na

Hmm, I wonder why BushCo couldn't do that.

Hillary Clinton: US has no interest in 'occupying' Afghanistan

By GottaLaff

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Photo: AFP Source: AFP

Hillary speaketh:

"The United States has no interest in occupying Afghanistan. We also have no intention of abandoning Afghanistan," she told the US-Islamic World forum in Doha.

"When international forces leave Afghanistan, our civilian presence will continue, so that we can foster a long-term partnership between Afghanistan, the United States, and other nations, that is based on shared responsibility for our common security," she added.

Whateth exactly doth that meaneth? Mayhaps there will no longer be a military presence when our troops cometh home (good!), but when will that be?

And why am I speaking Eth?

Gen. McChrystal: Situation in Afghanistan is no longer deteriorating

By GottaLaff

Boyoboy, Democratic administrations are just the worst at foreign policy and national security. We really need more Rushpublics calling the shots:

The top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan said Thursday that security there is no longer deteriorating, a view that represents his most optimistic assessment yet.

Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, meeting with reporters in advance of NATO talks here, pointed to signs of stability that, while difficult to quantify, indicate that Afghans also see improvements in many areas of commerce and daily life.

That's bad news.

For the GOP.

"I feel differently now," McChrystal said. "I am not prepared to say we have turned the corner. The situation is serious, but we [made] significant progress in setting conditions in 2009 and we will make real progress in 2010."

Think they'll listen to the commander on the ground?

Me neither.

That said, when can we get out of there?

Jesus Guns, the Sequel: "Uncle Sam had seen fit not to give us a 'pussy 'Jewzzi'"

By GottaLaff

(Via. Click to enlarge)

Remember the Jesus Guns? Weren't they special? Well, now we have the sequel:

And what they will never tell you on Fox "News", and probably not even on CNN or MSNBC, etc. is contained in the following three emails sent to Mikey Weinstein of the Nobel Prize-nominated Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), following an ABC News exposé last week on the bible versus that are encoded on the rifle scopes made by Trijicon, Inc., and used by our military serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

You'll have to follow the link to read the e-mails, but I'll give you some nasty, hate-filled, bigoted, startling little details from the weevils who need to be exposed right out loud:

The soldier shares an appalling alleged account of his superior officer's description [of the Jesus Gun] [...] All the better, said the officer according to the soldier, than what they might have received since "Uncle Sam had seen fit not to give us a "pussy 'Jewzzi' (combination of the word 'Jew' and Israeli made weapon 'Uzi')"."

Jewzzi SIR! Yes SIR!

To be more specific:

[T]he senior NCO said that the private's rifle was also something else; that because of the biblical quote on the ACOG gunsight it had been "spiritually transformed into the Fire Arm of Jesus Christ" and that we would be expected to kill every "haji" we could find with it.

You can read the rest here.

Meantime, I would like to dedicate this post to those who saw nothing wrong with a few innocent little Biblical inscriptions that would never really cross the line or even see the light of day.

And if all this doesn't convince the doubters, imagine substituting the name Jesus Christ with Allah.

Still poo-pooing us "alarmists"? How's about this:

He said that the enemy no doubt had quotes from the Koran on their guns but that "our Lord is bigger than theirs because theirs is a fraud and an idol". [...]

This senior NCO was apparently also the head person of a conservative, crazy Christian group called the "Christian Military Fellowship" and made a big deal about the importance of joining to everyone. He told us all that we MUST read a book called "Under Orders" in order to make it through this combat deployment and said he had many copies for everyone.

Nope. Nothin' wrong with that. He was just bein' neighborly, doing unto others, and loving his fellow man.

Marine Corps "Concerned" About "Jesus Guns"

By GottaLaff

(Via. Click to enlarge)

For background on prayers being secretly inscribed onto military weapons, see my previous post.

How nice to know the Marine Corps is concerned. Are they drumming up a few prayers for Jesus Guns out of that concern? Maybe they can have something special inscribed on the next batch:

"We are aware of the issue and are concerned with how this may be perceived," Capt. Geraldine Carey, a spokesperson for the Marine Corps, said in a statement to ABC News. "We will meet with the vendor to discuss future sight procurements." Carey said that when the initial deal was made in 2005 it was the only product that met the Corps needs.

Now, now, what's wrong with militarizing religion... or religionizing the military?

Wait for it...

However, a spokesperson for CentCom, the U.S. military's overall command in Iraq and Aghanistan, said he did not understand why the issue was any different from U.S. money with religious inscriptions on it.

Just FYI, Trijicon, who makes the sights, has a $660 million multi-year contract for up to 800,000 sights.... for the Marines and the Army.

U.S. military rules specifically prohibit the proselytizing of any religion in Iraq or Afghanistan and were drawn up in order to prevent criticism that the U.S. was embarked on a religious "Crusade" in its war against al Qaeda and Iraqi insurgents.

Rules, schmules.

Maj. John Redfield, spokesperson for CentCom:

"This does not constitute proselytizing because this equipment is not issued beyond the U.S. Defense Department personnel. It's not something we're giving away to the local folks."

Ohhhh, well then! Our bad.

But ABC News was able to find repeated references to the Biblical citations in on-line discussions of the gun sights.

Oops. What's the opposite of our bad? Our good?

Back in 2006, on a self-described "Armageddon Forum," a number of users discuss the Bible references. "Seems there's a different verse on each model," writes Mr45auto. "They chose some whoppers too!"

And here's one from a 2006 thread on a gaming forum:

"DoD contractor puts bible verses on it's (sic) products."

There were more like this, even on YouTube, where a video about the verses got nearly 20,000 hits. Here are a couple of comments from that very page:

"I love it. I love it. Yes, Trijicon, those guys are Christians. On all of their different sights they have verses on there."

"For those of you who aren't Christians, well, you know, get over it."

It's good to know how concerned everyone is. I feel somehow comforted and no longer feel the need to worry one whit about the separation of church and state.

U.S. Military Weapons Inscribed With Secret 'Jesus' Bible Codes

By GottaLaff

(Via. Click on image to enlarge)

Jesus saves! Love your fellow man! Then shoot 'em with Guns for Jesus:

Coded references to New Testament Bible passages about Jesus Christ are inscribed on high-powered rifle sights provided to the United States military by a Michigan company, an ABC News investigation has found.

The sights are used by U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and in the training of Iraqi and Afghan soldiers. The maker of the sights, Trijicon, has a $660 million multi-year contract to provide up to 800,000 sights to the Marine Corps, and additional contracts to provide sights to the U.S. Army.

U.S. military rules specifically prohibit the proselytizing of any religion in Iraq or Afghanistan and were drawn up in order to prevent criticism that the U.S. was embarked on a religious "Crusade" in its war against al Qaeda and Iraqi insurgents.

One of the citations on the gun sights, 2COR4:6, is an apparent reference to Second Corinthians 4:6 of the New Testament, which reads: "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

There are more references cited here.

Whatever happened to separation of church and state? Remember that?

According to "Mikey" Weinstein of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, an advocacy group that seeks to preserve the separation of church and state in the military, this violates the Constitution.

Weinstein, an attorney and former Air Force officer, said many members of his group who currently serve in the military have complained about the markings on the sights. He also claims they've told him that commanders have referred to weapons with the sights as "spiritually transformed firearm[s] of Jesus Christ."

He said coded biblical inscriptions play into the hands of "those who are calling this a Crusade."

That should go over well.

Official Army History: BushCo Neglected Afghan War, Diverted Resources to Iraq

By GottaLaff

Global Research, January 1, 2010

Heh. As if we needed more proof:

Contradicting Rove and Rumsfeld, the historians blame the Iraq war for the lack of resources in Afghanistan, as well as top Bush officials and the president himself:

The historians say resistance to providing more robust resources to Afghanistan had three sources in the White House and the Pentagon.

First, President George W. Bush and Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld had criticized using the military for peacekeeping and reconstruction in the Balkans during the 1990s. As a result, “nation building” carried a derogatory connotation for many senior military officials, even though American forces were being asked to fill gaping voids in the Afghan government after the Taliban’s fall. [...]

Third, the invasion of Iraq was siphoning away resources. After the invasion started in March 2003, the history says, the United States clearly “had a very limited ability to increase its forces” in Afghanistan.

The historians also note that, as was the case in Iraq, Bush officials had neglected to properly plan for what to do after the government fell.

Think Progress has a whole lot more, but that's the gist of it.

Please see my last post for commentary. It would be redundant to post it all again. I will add that this just compounds BushCo's problems and um, "complicates" their legacy.

Then again, BushCo would find a way to diminish and demean the conclusions of even the most credible sources. The one thing they excelled at was ignoring vital information and plowing ahead with whatever nefarious plans they were hatching. Nothing has changed in that respect.