The latest blatant hypocrisy of John Boehner

By GottaLaff

Here is a statement from Glowy McFauxTan that clearly demonstrates how very bipartisan and open to civil discussion the GOP is:

Statement by Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) on the Proposed Feb. 25 Health Care Summit

Washington, Feb 13 - House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement regarding the health care summit being planned by congressional Democrats and the White House for February 25:

"A productive bipartisan discussion should begin with a clean sheet of paper. We now know that instead of starting the 'bipartisan' health care 'summit' on Feb. 25 with a clean sheet of paper, the president and his party intend to arrive with a new bill written behind closed doors exclusively by Democrats -- a backroom deal that will transform one-sixth of our nation's economy and affect every family and small business in America. They will then engage a largely handpicked audience in a televised 'dialogue' according to a script they have largely pre-determined. They will do this as a precursor to embarking on a legislative course that Democratic congressional aides acknowledge has also been pre-determined -- a partisan course that relies on parliamentary tricks to circumvent the will of the American people and engineer a pre-determined outcome. It doesn't sound much like bipartisanship to me."

NOTE: House Republicans' alternative solutions to make health care more affordable and accessible can be found at HealthCare.GOP.gov.

Here is a link to their so-called solutions.

Where do I start?

For one thing, The Boehner seems to forget that those very same "tricks" were used ad nauseam by Boy Georgie. And that it's because of the stubborn obstructionist tactics by his own party that the Dems might, and should, resort to circumventing the endless, and unprecedented, number of filibusters.

Oh, and BoehnHead? When it comes to "pre-determined scripts", you might want to 1) Look in the mirror (with sunglasses on, lest your artificial coloring blind you), 2) Check out this post on ReadHand McCribNotes' insistence on pre-screened questions, and 3) Walk down Memory Lane long enough to recall that BushCo pre-determined everything from hand-picked audiences to fraudulent wars against sovereign countries.

But using the word "Democratic", instead of "Democrat", is duly noted.

H/t: _ccm, Coopster04

Tiger Woods Says Car Accident Is His Fault, but Private

By GottaLaff

John Raboux/Associated Press

The Florida Highway Patrol went to the gated community where Tiger Woods lives, but investigators were told he was unavailable.

Tiger Woods must realize that by dragging this out and creating a bigger mystery, he just invites more speculation, rumors, and negative publicity:

The golfer Tiger Woods on Sunday said that the car accident that sent him to the hospital early Friday morning was his fault and “has become embarrassing” to him and his family.

Gee, ya think?

He could put those rumors to rest. Pesky legal issues must be getting in his way.

Just before his statement was published, the Florida Highway Patrol announced in an e-mail message that Mark Nejame, a lawyer, had contacted officials to say that he was representing Woods and that the interview the troopers had scheduled with Woods had been canceled.

Like I said...

A few details about the four minute 911 call from a neighbor:

“A car has hit the pole” with his “neighbor lying on the ground.”

In his statement Sunday, Woods said: “I have some cuts, bruising and right now I’m pretty sore.”

I'll bet Mrs. Woods is pretty sore, too.

No press conference is planned, and Tiger is not obligated to speak with the police.

Tiger had not been given a breath test or a blood or urine test, but that wasn't unusual because there was no alcohol found in the car, nor did he have the smell of alcohol on his breath, said the highway patrol spokesman.

He was unconscious for some time (just under 5 minutes), according to the incident report, but left the hospital in good condition.

Here is the entire statement via his website:

As you all know, I had a single-car accident earlier this week, and sustained some injuries. I have some cuts, bruising and right now I'm pretty sore.

This situation is my fault, and it's obviously embarrassing to my family and me. I'm human and I'm not perfect. I will certainly make sure this doesn't happen again.

This is a private matter and I want to keep it that way. Although I understand there is curiosity, the many false, unfounded and malicious rumors that are currently circulating about my family and me are irresponsible.

The only person responsible for the accident is me. My wife, Elin, acted courageously when she saw I was hurt and in trouble. She was the first person to help me. Any other assertion is absolutely false.

This incident has been stressful and very difficult for Elin, our family and me. I appreciate all the concern and well wishes that we have received. But, I would also ask for some understanding that my family and I deserve some privacy no matter how intrusive some people can be.

No matter what he posts on his site, the rumors will continue to fly. Unfortunately, by not putting out a statement earlier, he opened a door that gets harder and harder to close.

As for privacy, sadly that seems to be a lost cause.

Refreshingly strong statement from DNC: Republicans have "no boundaries, no shame"

By GottaLaff

Via our pals at The Mudflats. If only more of our representatives were this direct and forceful:

"The Republican Party has thrown in its lot with the terrorists — the Taliban and Hamas this morning — in criticizing the President for receiving the Nobel Peace prize. Republicans cheered when America failed to land the Olympics and now they are criticizing the President of the United States for receiving the Nobel Peace prize — an award he did not seek but that is nonetheless an honor in which every American can take great pride — unless of course you are the Republican Party. The 2009 version of the Republican Party has no boundaries, has no shame and has proved that they will put politics above patriotism at every turn. It’s no wonder only 20 percent of Americans admit to being Republicans anymore – it’s an embarrassing label to claim."

They not only described the Rushpublics, they described every tantruming two-year-old I've encountered at an airport or dentist's office.

Statement from President Obama on the passing of Walter Cronkite

By GottaLaff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 17, 2009

STATEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT ON THE PASSING OF WALTER CRONKITE

For decades, Walter Cronkite was the most trusted voice in America. His rich baritone reached millions of living rooms every night, and in an industry of icons, Walter set the standard by which all others have been judged.

He was there through wars and riots, marches and milestones, calmly telling us what we needed to know. And through it all, he never lost the integrity he gained growing up in the heartland.

But Walter was always more than just an anchor. He was someone we could trust to guide us through the most important issues of the day; a voice of certainty in an uncertain world. He was family. He invited us to believe in him, and he never let us down. This country has lost an icon and a dear friend, and he will be truly missed.

And sadly, that's the way it is.

President Obama's statement about the Tiller murder

By GottaLaff

Here is President Obama's statement on the death of George Tiller:

"I am shocked and outraged by the murder of Dr. George Tiller as he attended church services this morning. However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence."

UN Security Council Nations Agree to Condemn N. Korea's Rocket Launch

By GottaLaff

A message to L'il Kim:

Key Security Council nations reached agreement Saturday on a statement that would condemn North Korea's rocket launch and toughen sanctions against the reclusive communist nation, council diplomats said.

The five permanent veto-wielding members -- the U.S., China, Russia, Britain and France -- and Japan met after Tokyo backed down from a demand that the Security Council adopt a new resolution, the strongest response from the U.N.'s most powerful body.

A presidential statement is considered a weaker reaction by the council. The draft statement condemns North Korea's April 5 rocket launch and makes clear that it was a violation of a Security Council resolution adopted after the North conducted a nuclear test in 2006 which bans any missile tests by the country, the diplomats said.

The statement calls for freezing the assets of companies or organizations involved in transactions related to the import or export of missiles, nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, the diplomats said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the negotiations took place behind closed doors

China and Russia, the North Koreans' strongest allies, refused to go along with a new resolution, which the United States was also seeking. But while Japan kept insisting on a resolution, the U.S. indicated it would also accept a strong presidential statement from the council, the diplomats said. [...]

North Korea has warned that any move to censure it at the U.N. could prompt its withdrawal from the nuclear disarmament talks, which involve China, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the U.S.

A presidential statement must be approved by consensus, meaning that all 15 council members must approve it before it is read at a formal council meeting by its president. It becomes part of the council's official record, unlike a press statement. The U.S. and others argue that presidential statements, like resolutions, are legally binding. [...]

Under the draft, the Security Council committee monitoring sanctions against North Korea would be given two weeks to agree on the companies, material and technologies to be banned, the diplomats said. If the committee failed to come up with a list, the Security Council itself would then come up with its own list, the diplomats said.

President-elect Obama criticizes Blagojevich's appointment of Roland Burris to U.S. Senate

By GottaLaff

President-elect Obama's statement, criticizing Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's decision to appoint Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate:

"Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it. I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy," said President-elect Obama.

There you go.

Obama statement on Bush bailout

By GottaLaff

That post title is lifted from First Read, and now that I've re-read it, it reads as if Bush is the one getting the bailout. That's not far from the mark.

Obama:

"Today's actions are a necessary step to help avoid a collapse in our auto industry that would have devastating consequences for our economy and our workers. With the short-term assistance provided by this package, the auto companies must bring all their stakeholders together -- including labor, dealers, creditors and suppliers -- to make the hard choices necessary to achieve long-term viability. The auto companies must not squander this chance to reform bad management practices and begin the long-term restructuring that is absolutely required to save this critical industry and the millions of American jobs that depend on it."

UPDATE:

In addition to his choices for Labor (Hilda Solis), Transportation (Ray LaHood) and U.S. Trade Representative (Ron Kirk), Obama will announce Karen Mills as his choice to head the Small Business Administration at his news conference later today.

Mills:

Mills is a venture capitalist and a founding partner of the New York-based equity firm Solera Capital. She has been an adviser to Maine Gov. John Baldacci on economic matters. She's also president of the MMP Group in Brunswick.

Pastor Warren's statement on Obama invitation

By GottaLaff

Because we're so, ahem, fair and balanced here, I'm posting Rev. Rick's statement:

"I commend President-elect Obama for his courage to willingly take enormous heat from his base by inviting someone like me, with whom he doesn't agree on every issue, to offer the Invocation at his historic Inaugural ceremony.

Hopefully individuals passionately expressing opinions from the left and the right will recognize that both of us have shown a commitment to model civility in America.

The Bible admonishes us to pray for our leaders. I am honored by this opportunity to pray God's blessing on the office of the President and its current and future inhabitant, asking the Lord to provide wisdom to America's leaders during this critical time in our nation's history."

Have at it.

Obama responds to the bailout's defeat

By GottaLaff

Here is Obama's statement:

"I am disappointed that the Senate could not reach agreement on a short-term plan for the auto industry. I share the frustration of so many about the decades of mismanagement in this industry that has helped deliver the current crisis. Those bad practices cannot be rewarded or continued. But I also know that millions of American jobs rely directly or indirectly on a viable auto industry, and that the beginnings of reform are at hand. The revival of our economy as a whole should not be a partisan issue. So I commend those in Congress as well as the Administration who tried valiantly to forge a compromise. My hope is that the Administration and the Congress will still find a way to give the industry the temporary assistance it needs while demanding the long-term restructuring that is absolutely required."

Howard Dean calls for Blagojevich to step down

By GottaLaff

Getty

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement today calling on Gov. Rod Blagojevich to resign:

“The arrest of and complaint against Gov. Blagojevich raises serious concerns about his ability to effectively represent the people of Illinois. The conduct alleged represents a disgraceful abuse of the public trust. In the interest of the people of Illinois and all Americans, he should resign immediately. If he does not, I hope the Illinois legislature will take action.”

Think Blago's getting the message?

Ann Romney Diagnosed With Early Stage Breast Cancer, Treated

By GottaLaff

Here is her statement:

Last week, following my annual mammogram at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, I was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Sutu (DCIS). While this is commonly referred to as early stage breast cancer, it is technically not cancer but rather pre-cancer, as it has not become invasive. Today, I have had a lumpectomy. This procedure does not require hospitalization. Mitt and I feel fortunate to have caught this so early. And, it reminds us how important it is for women to have regular mammograms. As in all cases of cancer, early detection is critical. Many families are facing medical hardships–our hearts go out to all of you and also our wishes for healing holidays.

It sounds like she'll be fine, hopefully, which, of course, is a wonderful thing. And she's right: early detection is critical. Pay attention.

President-elect Obama's first statement on Mumbai terrorist attacks

By GottaLaff

Here's the statement I referred to earlier:

"Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the American citizens who lost their lives in the outrageous terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and with all who have been touched by this terrible tragedy.

"These terrorists who targeted innocent civilians will not defeat India's great democracy, nor shake the will of a global coalition to defeat them. The United States must stand with India and all nations and people who are committed to destroying terrorist networks, and defeating their hate-filled ideology.

"There is one president at a time. I will continue to closely monitor the situation on the ground in Mumbai, and am grateful for the cooperation of the Bush Administration in keeping me and my staff updated. We fully support the Bush Administration's efforts to protect American citizens and assist the government of India during this tragic time," said President-elect Obama.

The previous statement was not from him directly, but via a spokesperson.

Can IWRC* Palin wink her way out of this one?

By GottaLaff

(sorry to keep using this photo, but it always seems to fit the posts)

The news about Alaska panel finding that IWRC* Palin abused her power in firing Walt Monegan was a Friday night drop. But it wasn't too late to make it to Rachel Maddow's show, Larry King, and others.

Over the weekend, it will brew, or stew, or smolder, or whatever culinary term we can think of. There are still e-mails to be examined, and details of TrooperGate to be discovered, studied, and rehashed by the media.

There aren't that many days left until November 4th. This was great timing. And all the "you betchas" and winks in the world can't deflect this one.

As I type this, Larry King just announced the Gramm-pa McCain Official Spin:

The governor acted properly, blah blah, but it was a partisan inquiry run by Obama supporters, blahblah. The Legislative Council overreached, made a tortured argument, blahblah. Palin will continue to cooperate.

Continue to cooperate?

Oh, and it's all Obama's fault. He's a terrorist, he held her at knife point and he made her do it.

*"In What Respect, Charlie?"

Elizabeth Edwards' statement

By GottaLaff

Elizabeth Edwards posted the following at Daily Kos:

Our family has been through a lot. Some caused by nature, some caused by human weakness, and some – most recently – caused by the desire for sensationalism and profit without any regard for the human consequences. None of these has been easy. But we have stood with one another through them all. Although John believes he should stand alone and take the consequences of his action now, when the door closes behind him, he has his family waiting for him.

John made a terrible mistake in 2006. The fact that it is a mistake that many others have made before him did not make it any easier for me to hear when he told me what he had done. But he did tell me. And we began a long and painful process in 2006, a process oddly made somewhat easier with my diagnosis in March of 2007. This was our private matter, and I frankly wanted it to be private because as painful as it was I did not want to have to play it out on a public stage as well. Because of a recent string of hurtful and absurd lies in a tabloid publication, because of a picture falsely suggesting that John was spending time with a child it wrongly alleged he had fathered outside our marriage, our private matter could no longer be wholly private.

The pain of the long journey since 2006 was about to be renewed.

John has spoken in a long on-camera interview I hope you watch. Admitting one’s mistakes is a hard thing for anyone to do, and I am proud of the courage John showed by his honesty in the face of shame. The toll on our family of news helicopters over our house and reporters in our driveway is yet unknown. But now the truth is out, and the repair work that began in 2006 will continue. I ask that the public, who expressed concern about the harm John’s conduct has done to us, think also about the real harm that the present voyeurism does and give me and my family the privacy we need at this time.

I thank DKos for posting that, and hope it's okay that I copied and pasted it in its entirety.

John Edwards Statement

By GottaLaff

Here you go:

In 2006, I made a serious error in judgment and conducted myself in a way that was disloyal to my family and to my core beliefs. I recognized my mistake and I told my wife that I had a liaison with another woman, and I asked for her forgiveness. Although I was honest in every painful detail with my family, I did not tell the public. When a supermarket tabloid told a version of the story, I used the fact that the story contained many falsities to deny it. But being 99% honest is no longer enough.

I was and am ashamed of my conduct and choices, and I had hoped that it would never become public. With my family, I took responsibility for my actions in 2006 and today I take full responsibility publicly. But that misconduct took place for a short period in 2006. It ended then. I am and have been willing to take any test necessary to establish the fact that I am not the father of any baby, and I am truly hopeful that a test will be done so this fact can be definitively established. I only know that the apparent father has said publicly that he is the father of the baby. I also have not been engaged in any activity of any description that requested, agreed to or supported payments of any kind to the woman or to the apparent father of the baby.

It is inadequate to say to the people who believed in me that I am sorry, as it is inadequate to say to the people who love me that I am sorry. In the course of several campaigns, I started to believe that I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic. If you want to beat me up - feel free. You cannot beat me up more than I have already beaten up myself. I have been stripped bare and will now work with everything I have to help my family and others who need my help.

I have given a complete interview on this matter and having done so, will have nothing more to say.