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RedditThe only thing more damaging to John McCain than Keating Economics is Bush Economics.
That's the idea behind a devastating new attack ad that the DNC launched Sunday. To kick off the last full week before the election, Democrats are stressing McCain's firm support for Bush's economic policies with a web ad featuring a fleet of senior McCain surrogates. Some took to the TV studios to tout McCain's Bush-like approach to taxes and growth, while others are shown, cornered and empty-handed, when asked to name a single economic issue on which McCain disagrees with the President. "McCain's own surrogates have repeatedly said that John McCain would continue President Bush's economic policies," explains the DNC, so the video just brought all the documentary footage together in one spot.
The ad's ending is priceless, as Gov. Mark Sanford flails and fails to offer a single contrast between McCain and Bush on the economy. Briefly and meekly, he floats NAFTA, but then concedes that example is more about "consistency." You almost feel for him, unless you recall that he only looks bad because he is awkwardly, consciously dissembling without a scrap of evidence. Just like his candidate.
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Gotta love the paradox...
GOP knows they can't win on "More Bushonomics"...
but can't distance themselves from it both for historical factuality...and depressing an already depressed base.
Posted by Maskdelta at 10/26/2008 @ 1:04pm
I think "Devastating" may be a little much in this case.
Posted by bleedingheart at 10/26/2008 @ 1:11pm
Yes, damaging might work... but, the damage is so out of control that this brings M/P one step closer to devastation...
Posted by georgewashingtonlincoln at 10/26/2008 @ 2:01pm
Speaking as someone from South Carolina, Gov. Mark Sanford ain't shit.
Posted by Darth_Vulgar at 10/26/2008 @ 2:18pm
Rather devastating, that ad, like the Bush economy itself.
Posted by sloper at 10/26/2008 @ 2:19pm
Actually, neither candidate can solve this economic tsunami. Capitalism inherently creates economic upheavals because industries rise and fall. This inherent growth and decay coupled with the neverending need to increase profits, leads to the upheavals. US leaders were able to hold off a crash since the 30's with deficit spending, the negative balance of trade, and the fact that oil is traded in dollars. But this had to come to an end and it has. This will be a historically huge depression. It's time to get back on the streets instead of relying on politicians who are indebted to Wall Street - see http://www.plp.org/pamphlets/election_pamphlet_2008.pdf
-maryredvine
Posted by maryredvine at 10/26/2008 @ 2:40pm
Speaking as someone from South Carolina, Gov. Mark Sanford ain't shit.
Posted by Darth_Vulgar at 10/26/2008 @ 2:18pm
I agree...he IS shit.
And I think most Americans would also agree.
Posted by FcukReagan at 10/26/2008 @ 2:56pm
I think "Devastating" may be a little much in this case.
Posted by bleedingheart at 10/26/2008 @ 1:11pm | ignore this person | warn this person
I guess you're sort of correct in that McCain's campaign is already so devastated, it's hard to imagine that such an accurate ad could possibly do any more damage!
Posted by FcukReagan at 10/26/2008 @ 3:02pm
You've got to admire the right wing posters here who consistently show up to defend their losing candidate, and general ideology, regardless of any facts or key details of a situation in question. Such undying loyalty! It must be difficult for those that accept the authority as truth, rather than the truth as authority!
Posted by FcukReagan at 10/26/2008 @ 3:07pm
I love an ad that dumps on BOTH Bush and McCain...makes me feel all warm inside. Hope they play that here in Minnesota!
Posted by ajk630 at 10/26/2008 @ 3:26pm
"I keep wondering how the Obama and the left are going to spin"
"This is just further evidence that it's about hatred rather than legitimate debate about differing approaches to problems."
Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/26/2008 @ 4:24pm
Love when there are hypocritical phrases in the same rant. Funny coming from the person who uses his go to phrase, typical leftist.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 10/26/2008 @ 4:50pm
You've got to admire the right wing posters here who consistently show up to defend their losing candidate, and general ideology, regardless of any facts or key details of a situation in question. Such undying loyalty! It must be difficult for those that accept the authority as truth, rather than the truth as authority!
Posted by FcukReagan at 10/26/2008 @ 3:07pm
Because, after all, you NEVER see that from anybody on the left-wing...
Right?
Posted by TexasFlood at 10/26/2008 @ 4:53pm
I keep wondering how the Obama and the left are going to spin (if they are even questioned on it by the media) that somehow Bush and McCain are responsible for all of the world's economies experiencing the same problem?
This is just further evidence that it's about hatred rather than legitimate debate about differing approaches to problems.
Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/26/2008 @ 4:24pm
Easy. The globalization of our economy. When the economy of biggest consumer nation (America) and the biggest debtor nation (America) in the world tanks what do you think is going to happen to the world economy?
If the national economies of the world were closed economies (as they used to be) the damage from Bush's economic policies would be primarily confined to us, but no he is responsible for fucking up the world economy.
Posted by Darth_Vulgar at 10/26/2008 @ 4:55pm
The economy waxes and wanes without regard which political party occupies the white house. The government has recently proven how little effect it can have on the economy. The reason the economy went south under bush is probably as much bad karma as it is bad policy.
karma can be a bitch
and there's more on the way
(for both sides)
Posted by bleedingheart at 10/26/2008 @ 5:52pm
"I keep wondering how the Obama and the left are going to spin (if they are even questioned on it by the media) that somehow Bush and McCain are responsible for all of the world's economies experiencing the same problem?
This is just further evidence that it's about hatred rather than legitimate debate about differing approaches to problems."
Coming from someone who believes the war in Iraq is great and that truly moral folks don't put economics in the way of a good war, I am not sure what would even fit as a legitmate debate.
Point: The Bush economic policies, really just Reaganomics on steroids, accelerated the decline of the world's superpower.
Counterpoint: Fuck economics. Bomb people!
Posted by onthehelm at 10/26/2008 @ 5:57pm
You folks need at least a passing acquaintance with reality.
Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/26/2008 @ 6:10pm
Didn't you claim to be a Pentecostal (same as Palin')?
Posted by seenile at 10/26/2008 @ 6:18pm
Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/26/2008 @ 6:30pm
LOL
That pretty much sums it up right there...
Posted by TexasFlood at 10/26/2008 @ 6:44pm
"So, Bush supposed de-regulated our banking and securities and that caused other nations to do the same? Thus, the Banks in Europe have experienced their same exposure to risk solely because of the US?"
There is no "supposed" about it he DID deregulate the industry. Last time I checked there were plenty of foreign companies buying into American stocks and vise versa. So when our markets went to hell so did theirs.
"Funny, I read that Europe instituted many of the same kinds of mortgage products as the US, but that is Bush's fault?"
They may have instituted many of the same kinds of mortgage products but I can tell you one thing, I have lived in Europe for two years and they police that shit closely.
"And the collapse of the Financial Systems in Russia and China is solely due to Bush?"
I don't know anything about the Russian financial system other than it is dominated by corrupt politicians and the Russian mofia. China's financial downfall came in two parts: 1) many Chinese companies bought stock in American companies and bought up American mortgage debt. 2) Chinese produced cheap (and deadly) products for American corporations trying to save a buck so the CEOs could stick it in their pocket.
"The global recession is solely due to Bush and even more crazy, McCain?"
Solely due to Bush ... no. Solely due Bush's economic policies ... yes. Lets not forget (by his own admission) McCain voted for Bush's policies 90% of the time.
"You folks need at least a passing acquaintance with reality."
My reality is this: I've busted my ass working since the age of 15, I'm now 39 and I'm no better off now than I was then. When rich bastards have earned their daily bread off the sweat of MY brow and I get fucking crumbs, I have a fucking problem.
Posted by Darth_Vulgar at 10/26/2008 @ 6:50pm
>>>I still await the rational explanation of how McCain who is a Senator with one vote manipulated the Senate, the House, and then overrode Bush to sign off bogus legislation or Executive Orders.
You folks need at least a passing acquaintance with reality.
Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/26/2008 @ 6:10pm<<<
I think the REALITY you are missing LVL is that McCain has the same "exact" trickle-down economics mindset as nearly all Republicans - including Bush. This mindset of letting business run wild with minimal regulation and oversight, and letting the wealthy off the hook in paying their fare share of taxes HAS BEEN AN ABSOLUTE DISASTER FOR THE ECONOMY AND ESPECIALLY DISASTROUS FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS!
History has shown that when you let business run wild, the executives that run these enterprises get stupid, greedy, and selfish. The destructive consequence of this is what we are experiencing now with the financial crisis, and the public is therefore correct to punish the Republicans at the polls for letting these businesses run wild.
Trickle-down has NEVER WORKED, as most rich folks - after a certain point - simply hoard their riches in some ego-driven desire to move up the list of who is considered the richest in America. The money never is spent and therefore the middle class and the poor never benefit. So again, middle class and poor Americans are correct for punishing McCain and Republicans for a trickle-down mindset that has proven to be a hoax to keep more money in the hands of the wealthy.
Posted by Metteyya at 10/26/2008 @ 6:51pm
When are we going to see the connections that go from "affordable housing" to subprime lending to FNMA to refusal to approve regulation to financial crisis.
With the Democrats at every point along the way.
The Republicans should be bringing this up in every election in the nation as apparently the mainstream press refuses to cover it.
Posted by RR55 at 10/26/2008 @ 7:21pm
A little light reading for those defending the "feed the rich" mentality
http://www.p2pnet.net/story/17375 (there are better articles, but the graph is worth it)
Posted by leftofcenter at 10/26/2008 @ 7:35pm
>>>Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/26/2008 @ 7:22pm
1. There has been no massive deregulation of business. We have more laws and regulations now than we had 10 years ago.
2. The wealthy not only pay their fair share, they pay the bulk of taxes. The top 1% pay 40% of all income tax. The Top 10% pay 90%.
3. Trickle down doesn't work? Who pays salaries? 90% of jobs are in small businesses in this country. If a small biz employer is successful, he can hire more. He doesn't hire more if you tax him and his profits more; or add more costly regulations to his business.<<<
Let me take these distortions one at a time:
1. Yes...there has been MASSIVE de-regulation of business, and McCain voted for the key de-regulation bill (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act that allowed commercial banks, investment banks, and insurance companies to take on more risky investments. And in 2004, under Bush's watch, with the approval of the Republican Congress, the SEC relaxed the reserve requirements from 12-1 for investment banks so they could take on more risk and debt with 40-1 reserve ratios. 3 out of the 5 investment banks that lobbied for this relaxation of reserve requirements are now out of business and the taxpayer has had to foot the bill.
2. The top 1% should be paying at least 75% of the taxes since they are the greatest beneficiaries. They get rich off the American worker and then when the government increases their taxes they get angry, and then the Republicans start doing their bidding by PROTECTING THE WEALTHY.
F... them!
3. Businesses do NOT necessarily hire more if they make more money...they often reward top executives with 10s of millions of dollars in bonuses while LAYING OFF MIDDLE CLASS WORKERS.
Like I said before, your supply-side trickle-down nonsense is ALL THEORY.
Posted by Metteyya at 10/26/2008 @ 7:46pm
"Then perhaps you should have done some evaluation of what you're doing and made changes. It's no one elses responsibility to make you change direction, nor is it anyone elses fault."
I got news for you, I do exactly that on a daily basis. I read boring ass tech manuals and whitepapers to increase my professional knowledge.
"Why do immigrants, especially from Asia come here and succeed when so many like yourself claim to be making no progress? It's all about effort, initiative, perseverance, team effort (as in family and/or friends if necessary), and sometimes just pure luck."
So now you're calling me a fat, lazy bastard? Well, I am fat and I am lazy but I show up to work early, work any overtime I can get, and may call in sick once every four or five years.
As far as my family goes; my mother paid my way back to school and car payments while I was enrolled. I only owe her 10k more on that before I have her paid back.
As far as my friends go; I have few friends because it IS NOT a title I give out easily. When I meet someone it usually takes them two to three years to reach friend status.
Posted by Darth_Vulgar at 10/26/2008 @ 7:48pm
Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/26/2008 @ 6:30pm
Speaking of percentages...
what percent of American Christians are pentacostals and/or charismatics?
Posted by Maskdelta at 10/26/2008 @ 7:57pm
Posted by Darth_Vulgar at 10/26/2008 @ 7:48pm | ignore this person | warn this person
nah, man...EVERYTHING SHITTY THATS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU IS ALWAYS YOUR FAULT!
ceo's NEVER pay themselves hundreds of millions of dollars for halfass work, politicians NEVER make lamebrained decisions influenced by mercenary lobbyists...
when that mac truck driver has a coronary and verrs into yer lane, crushing you into roadpaste...ITS ALL YER FAULT. YOU CHOSE TO GET IN THAT CAR AND DRIVE YOU LAZY BASTARD!!!!
LMAO!!!!
Posted by dexter666 at 10/26/2008 @ 8:06pm
Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/26/2008 @ 7:59pm
So if 38% of the 90% of American Christians are pent/chara...and 26% of Americans support George W. Bush...
wouldn't that mean there are some penta/charas who....are not on the same wavelength as you, politically?
Posted by Maskdelta at 10/26/2008 @ 8:11pm
"And the "rich hoard their money"? Sure, they never buy homes, boats, cars, never take vacations."
Yeah, they buy 5000 sq foot homes for 2 people to live in, a 30 foot yacth that they hardly ever use, a 50k car, and take vacations. All the while their employees are trying to figure out how to pay rent on a 1 bedroom apartment for 2 adults and 2 children, drive a $500 car that they can't afford to have the oil changed, and have never had a vacation in all their working lives.
Posted by Darth_Vulgar at 10/26/2008 @ 8:15pm
Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/26/2008 @ 8:15pm
Actually that was my point....
see given the conflation you always have with your religion and your politics...I find it interesting that those who share a similar theological perspective on Christianity with you (pentacostal/charismatic)....
that there CAN BE those who share your religion who don't share your politics.
Which means either there is no "God-inspired" or "God-dominated" politics (else your friends are going to Hell for voting Democratic)....
or it IS possible for a political stance that God would approve of (or not disapprove of)....that would be in opposition to YOURS.
In other words, when it comes to politics...."God is not on your side"...it's merely a matter of your personal opinion.
Posted by Maskdelta at 10/26/2008 @ 8:21pm
And just think how much more they could benefit if MORE people had the money to enjoy these same things?
Posted by Darth_Vulgar at 10/26/2008 @ 8:33pm
<i>Posted by Maskdelta at 10/26/2008 @ 8:21pm </i>
I think this is actually a really interesting issue. Generally, Democrats and Republicans don't disagree on the fundamental goals. Neither of them would want more people to be poor (contrary to some assertions here), and neither of them would want our country to be unsafe. Most of the disagreements tend to regard methodology, i.e. how those goods are to be balanced and what methods can be used to best achieve them. Though I would argue, for example, that there is a strong scriptural mandate to combat poverty by means that would be effective (which could, at least in theory if maybe not in practice, include BOTH individuals AND government action), there is legitimate and sustained disagreement between political persuasions as to what means would actually do that. Hence the popular Facebook slogan "God is not a Republican or a Democrat."
Posted by Thrawn at 10/26/2008 @ 8:50pm
inequality is an unavoidable aspect of life. some have power and wealth and some don't. and lets not even talk about relativity...
even in communist systems some have more than others...
regardless, not every wealthy person possesses sense nor moral responsibility commensurate with their fortune.
most everyone would love some more money, but most are also happy if they have some security, and if they know those who do have money and power are abusing such to the detriment of the weak...
thats when most get a tad pissed off...
but when ceo's pay themselves exhorbitant salaries and recompense while their employees DO NOT share the benefits of prosperity, what choice to the little people have but to organise and vote to redistribute ill gained riches?
socialism? how about enlightened self interest and justice?
Posted by dexter666 at 10/26/2008 @ 8:51pm
People don't go to hell for who they vote for.
Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/26/2008 @ 8:43pm
WELL THAT WILL BE A RELIEF FOR THE FOLKS IN PALESTINE.*
*yep, it's a country. ain't no other way. before you try to counter with some "argument", take a while to ponder how the aboriginal people of our countries interpret the idea of "free" lands.
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 8:52pm
god votes green, thrawn.
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 8:53pm
for almost 4 decades the median income of the american worker has gone down while the consumption habits of the same have gone up.
we seem to have gotten it in our arrogant heads that the growth rates of the 50's and 60's were the norm and not an abberation, and in order to maintain such unrealistic growth rates we have mortgaged our future.
year after year we kept spending more and more while making less and less (most of us, that is...)
first women entered the work force, a good thing, though it disguised the lesser individual incomes...then we stopped saving and spent everything we earned. finally we were extended and accepted absurd lines of credit...but still THE MEDIAN INCOME WENT DOWN, DOWN DOWN...
regardless of the specifics a reckoning was inevitable.
this irresponsibility was at every step enabbled and encouraged by those who profitted the most from our and their gluttony, whether by the incessant hypnotism of advertising, or by the prophets of satano-aynrando ideology peddled by thinktanks and pundits, or by the insidious extension of usurous credit...
and now its over. the futute must accept slower, saner, wiser growth rates and cannot depend solely upon the gluttonous appetites of us shaved apes, rich or poor.
obama-biden 08...
Posted by dexter666 at 10/26/2008 @ 9:12pm
there is a strong scriptural mandate to combat poverty by means that would be effective (which could, at least in theory if maybe not in practice, include BOTH individuals AND government action), there is legitimate and sustained disagreement between political persuasions as to what means would actually do that. Hence the popular Facebook slogan "God is not a Republican or a Democrat."
Posted by Thrawn at 10/26/2008 @ 8:50pm
no, but god charges taxes:
"If you give alms openly, it is well, and if you hide it and give it to the poor, it is better for you; and this will do away with some of your evil deeds; and Allah is aware of what you do."
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 9:15pm
i don't think god is going to be very happy with hank paulson:
"And if (the debtor) is in straitness, then let there be postponement until (he is in) ease; and that you remit (it) as alms is better for you, if you knew."
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 9:16pm
Sorry FZ, I don't find the connection in your post.
Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/26/2008 @ 8:57pm
look out the window.
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 9:17pm
and now its over. the futute must accept slower, saner, wiser growth rates and cannot depend solely upon the gluttonous appetites of us shaved apes, rich or poor.
obama-biden 08...
Posted by dexter666 at 10/26/2008 @ 9:12pm
with five titanium blades!
so much junk. i imagine every poster here could donate 50% of the possessions (by mass if you wish) in hisser house and live the exact same "lifestyle" the next day.
we'd still have jobs if we'd had sane monetary policy. jobs weren't priced out by wages and enviro controls,
inflation shooed them away.
since we've decoupled our concept of wealth from any earthly attachment,
our growth has become exponentially greedily dumb.
with a b!
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 9:23pm
Just a note to lvlib that in Gorky's pre revolutionary Russia, some police jurisdictions considered the possession of a New Testament as proof of anti -govt activity. One could be arrested for carrying one.! This in Czarist Christian Russia! I know you don't like to think about it, but that guy Jesus said some pretty incendiary things. Better keep those red letter bibles out of the hands of family & friends.
Posted by Sorelish at 10/26/2008 @ 9:26pm
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Eight die in US attack inside Syria: official media
6 hours ago
DAMASCUS (AFP) -- American helicopter-borne troops from Iraq launched an assault on Sunday on a building in a Syrian border village, killing eight civilians, official Syrian media reported.
The government has summoned the official US and Iraqi representatives in protest, state television and the official SANA news agency said.
In Washington the Pentagon said it had no comment.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 9:29pm
so, this becomes a problem ‘Ώ‘Ώ‘ΏTODAY!?!?!?
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 9:31pm
Your error is that Pentecostals/Charismatics represent a wide range of political and social beliefs. They are a much broader swath of Christianity than the Evangelical designation. They are part of liberal evangelicals, conservative evangelicals, a few African American Penecostals groups that line up with none of these, conservative Catholic Charismatics, and liberal Catholic Charismatics. I've never said anything to suggest otherwise.-----Posted by lvliberty1 at 10/26/2008 @ 8:40pm
No, but you've never specifically said THAT....which was what I wanted.
For the next time you conflate your religion and your politics (which you are wont to do)....we'll bring this up and ask "Why is it OTHER Pentacostals and Charismatics can see ______ (insert political issue) so differently?"
In other words....thanks. That post will prove quite useful in the future, I'm sure.
Posted by Maskdelta at 10/26/2008 @ 9:52pm
trick or treat,
fear fear fear,
now we know the end is near!
eek!
tick
.
.
.
.
tock
.
.
.
.
tick
.
.
.
.
tock
.
.
.
.
.
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 10:01pm
SOLANA SATISFIED OVER INDIRECT PEACE TALKS BETWEEN SYRIA, ISRAEL
08:58, October 23, 2008
Visiting EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana on Wednesday expressed satisfaction over the indirect peace talks between Syria and Israel through Turkey's mediation, local official SANA news agency reported.
"Our persistent position is to achieve a comprehensive peace in the region and the Europeans would like to be instrumental in this process," Solana was quoted as saying upon his arrival here on Wednesday evening.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
EARLY ELECTION LOOMS FOR ISRAEL AS LIVNI FAILS TO BROKER COALITION
Kadima leader blames religious right's demands
Decision leaves nation in a political limbo
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 10:12pm
Former Obama Adviser Meets Syria's Assad Ayman Abdel Nour 10.21.08, 12:00 AM ET
Dugg on Forbes.com The Promised Warrior ? Ron Paul Vs. Alexander Hamilton KBR gets military projects worth $197 million GPU Will Make Apple's Snow Leopard Purr Visit The Forbes.com Digg Channel
Syria's official media was keen to deliver special coverage of President Bashar Al-Assad's Oct. 16 meeting with Robert Malley, head of the Middle East program at the International Crisis Group and erstwhile informal adviser to U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama.
The lead story the next day in government newspapers reported that Al-Assad and Malley discussed Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon and prospects for peace in the Middle East, and that Malley explained the role the ICG would have in briefing the new U.S. administration about Syria's important role in the region.
What really attracted attention, though, was that on the same day a Web site closely associated with the government published a translation of a lecture Malley had delivered at Yale, offering effusive praise for it.
The site referred to Malley as a senior adviser to Barack Obama on the Middle East, even though the Obama campaign says Malley's role was never official. In any case, the campaign dropped him as too controversial after it was reported that he had met with Hamas officials. The Web site further stated that Malley's opinions would shape the next U.S. president's ideas about the Middle East, noting that, unlike the Bush administration, Malley supported a peace agreement between Syria and Israel--which would weaken Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas.
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 10:13pm
The site noted that Obama had twice echoed Malley in stating that the failure of the war in Iraq had strengthened Iran's influence. But if the Obama campaign has indeed severed its ties to Malley, it seems that Syrian officials are overestimating his influence. (Malley last met with the Syrian president in April 2007.)
The date for Al-Assad's latest meeting with Malley is no accident--the U.S. election is nearly upon us and, with the Syrian regime expecting an Obama win, it wanted someone it believes has Obama's ear briefed on the latest developments by the president himself. It is no coincidence that another Obama foreign policy adviser, Daniel Kurtzer, a career diplomat who served under George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush, also recently visited Damascus, where he met with Syria's foreign minister.
The general atmosphere in Damascus is one that sees these experts as genuine peace seekers and believes in what they are doing. These visiting diplomats want to meet all parties to any possible future peace negotiations in order to gain their confidence. I wish them success in their missions.
http://www.forbes.com/opinions/2008/10/20/syria-
malley-obama-oped-cx_an_1021abdelnour.html
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 10:14pm
What is odd is that the Bush administration did not behave that way when the infiltration of fundamentalist vigilantes from the Syrian side was a more significant problem.
I don't know if this is election politics on Bush's part, an attempt by Bush-Cheney to mire Obama down in a Syria conflict they started.
Or maybe the secular, Alawi-dominated Baath Party of Syria, always afraid of the Sunni fundamentalists, has grown so terrified of Fatah al-Islam that they gave a secret go-ahead to the US to hit the fundamentalists where they had intelligence on them.
The ruling clique in Syria, Alawis, are a kind of folk Shiites much despised by Sunni fundamentalists. The feuding between the two has been visible in nearby Lebanon, in the northern port of Tripoli.
juan cole.
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 10:15pm
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Today's Polls, 10/26
While there are a few surprises here and there, once again the theme of today's polls is stability in the race for the White House.
John McCain narrowed his gap significantly in today's Zogby tracking poll, drawing from 9.5 points behind to 5.3. As you probably know, I have a signifiacnt critique of Zogby's weighting mechanism, which assumes that the partisan identification breakdown will be roughly equal to 2004, when about the same number of Democrats and Republicans turned out for the election. Neverthless, McCain also improved slightly in the Research 2000, IBD/TIPP, and ABC/Post polls. On the other hand, Barack Obama gained a point in Hotline and the Gallup "Likely Voters II" model (though not Gallup's "traditional" likely voter model), and remains at his high-water mark in Rasmussen.
∞ - ∞ - ∞ - ∞ - ∞ - ∞ - ∞ - ∞ - ∞ - ∞ - ∞ - ∞
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 10:19pm
tiktok
bak n 4th
cocksure machete
we're all so sure
more hungry
more slaughtered
Posted by winyahn at 10/26/2008 @ 10:47pm
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 10:19pm
YAY QUOTING 538!!! (My new work addiction!)
Amazing that yet again in all of this Thrawn seems to be the most reasonable voice out there.
*I think this is actually a really interesting issue. Generally, Democrats and Republicans don't disagree on the fundamental goals.*
BINGO!!! The difference is how we go about achieving what is the best for our country.
Posted by yutsano at 10/26/2008 @ 11:20pm
i think the first step is for everybody to calm down....
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 11:50pm
On stardate 3018.2, the starship USS Enterprise, under the command of Captain James T. Kirk, explores the apparently lifeless planet Pyrus VII. A landing team consisting of Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott, Lt. Hikaru Sulu, and crewmember Jackson, has been sent down to explore the surface. The ship soon loses contact with Scott and Sulu; however, Jackson transports back to the ship and falls dead. From his open mouth, his lifeless body emits an eerie voice telling Captain Kirk that the Enterprise is cursed, and must leave the planet immediately, or everyone will die.....
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 11:53pm
"Captain Kirk... Captain Kirk... Captain Kirk..."
"Go back... go back... go back!"
"Remember the curse!"
"Remember the curse!"
"Wind shall rise..."
"And fog descend..."
"So leave here, all, or meet your end!"
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 11:56pm
"If we weren't missing two officers and a third one dead I'd say someone was playing an elaborate trick or treat on us."
"Trick or treat, captain?"
"Yes, Mr. Spock. You'd be a natural. I'll explain it to you one day."
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 11:56pm
"Spock. Comment?"
"Very bad poetry, Captain."
"A more useful comment, Mr. Spock."
"What we've just seen is not real."
"That's useful."
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 11:57pm
"What we've just seen is not real."
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 11:57pm
"That's useful."
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 11:57pm
FACTS/TRUTH '08
Cross Your Toes.....
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 11:58pm
TUVOK/T'POL '08
A Sensible Choice.
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/27/2008 @ 12:02am
YAY!
Highest Silicon Solar Cell Efficiency Ever Reached
ScienceDaily (Oct. 24, 2008) --
University of New South Wales' ARC Photovoltaic Centre of Excellence has created the first silicon solar cell to achieve the milestone of 25 per cent efficiency........
"Improvements in understanding atmospheric effects upon the colour content of sunlight led to a revision of the standard spectrum in April. The new spectrum has a higher energy content both down the blue end of the spectrum and at the opposite red end with, dare I say it, relatively less green.".......
ARC Centre Director, Professor Stuart Wenham said the focus of the Centre is now improving mainstream production. "Our main efforts now are focussed on getting these efficiency improvements into commercial production," he said. "Production compatible versions of our high efficiency technology are being introduced into production as we speak."......
The world-record holding cell was fabricated by former Centre researchers, Dr Jianhua Zhao and Dr Aihua Wang, who have since left the Centre to establish China Sunergy, one of the world's largest photovoltaic manufacturers. "CHINA WAS THE LARGEST MANUFACTURER OF SOLAR CELLS INTERNATIONALLY IN 2007 WITH 70 PER CENT OF THE OUTPUT FROM COMPANIES WITH OUR FORMER UNSW STUDENTS EITHER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OR CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICERS", said Professor Green.......
THE SUN. IT'S HOT!
better hurry up, america.
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/27/2008 @ 12:09am
Financial Times endorses Obama
see, larry, i told you.
the republicans are just bad fiscally. reputation and fact aren't always congruent.
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/27/2008 @ 12:16am
"Any serious Republican has to ask, How did we get into this mess?' " Newt Gingrich, the former Republican house speaker, said in an interview. "It's not where we should be, and it's not where we had to be. This was not bad luck. What the fuck is wrong with our karma?"
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/27/2008 @ 12:58am
"The closing argument will be amplified by Mr. Obama in a 30-minute prime time infomercial presented across the major television networks on Wednesday in a rare and expensive move by a presidential candidate."
HOSTED BY TONY LITTLE!
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/27/2008 @ 01:01am
frosty, your news of syria has made me physically ill. how many wars is this cowboy going to start before he's done? was there too much progress being made with syria? what the fuck?! i can't fucking believe this!
sickening as it is, thanks frosty. you always post lots of good stuff here.
Posted by loveloki at 10/27/2008 @ 01:52am
thanks, lokes...
hopefully, we'll have some hopeful news to post soon.
84 DAYS 21 Hrs 58 Min 36.4 Sec
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/27/2008 @ 02:01am
Barack, please make TV ads UNDERMINING these RNC commercials, use McCain=Bush ALSO in TV scare tactics, use Oct 04 footage to show McSame.
Posted by winyahn at 10/27/2008 @ 05:18am
In my opinion, much of the media is at least partially responsible for stoking the flames of hyper-partisanship in this country. However, in the final analysis, it is we, the voters, who have a responsibility to see through the "so thick you can cut it with a knife" biases of journalists and reporters, and still make the most informed and objective decisions possible about the candidates and the issues on Election Day. Unfortunately, I fear, many of us are not up to the task of becoming the informed citizenry.
www.doctorwascher.com
Posted by doctorwascher at 10/27/2008 @ 06:51am
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/26/2008 @ 11:57pm
Ahhh, Antoinette Bower....another hot babe of the 60s!
Posted by Maskdelta at 10/27/2008 @ 07:09am
You can always tell when the 'right wing lunatics' are losing. They start crying and whining like a bunch of babies. The RNC sends out it's trolls to try and stop the hemorrhaging of their rank and file stool pigeons who are fleeing for higher ground. What's the matter sheeple does the ad hit the nail on the head. For once the Democrats are getting aggressive and not playing the game on your terms. But, most don't like to admit that Reaganomic's has brought on two financial disasters in this country. It's easier to twist the facts to suit their own agenda than it is to admit Reagan didn't know s... about running a country!
Posted by ganddw42 at 10/27/2008 @ 10:35am
As a Canadian who has access to every satellite dish available , and who closely follows the U.S. political scene , I would offer these comments on some of the discourse I've read so far on this blog. There is validity in most of what is expresed re the economic disparities that exist across both our countries between the wealthy & those less fortunate . Statistics clearly show that for at least four decades 90 % of the people in both the U.S & Canada have had annual wages which have remained static or virtually unchanged . The wealthy of our countries have flourished in a rather disproportionate fashion , especially at the extreme upper end of the spectrum . Whatever the rationale used to assess this reality , it has to be acknowledged that this cannot continue without serious consequences occuring . Revolution is happening ; thankfully it is a peaceful form of citizen protest . Barack Obama is more than a Democratic candidate , just as every person is more than the sum of their individual spoken words & utterings . He IS however representative of the collective desire for a better , fairer , more inclusive form of governance than has been present for some time now in both our lands . Canadians too struggle with our national image & who we are as a people . I would urge those who fear the future to resist giving in to it with all your might . Fear is irrational for the most part & it seeks to destroy confidence in our capacity to solve problems & achieve success . America will overcome the economic crisis within 12 months I predict & will move in a new direction . Many are too close to the forest , they can't seem to see the trees , so let me simply note that all across the World people recognize the inner quality , strength & integrity of Barack Obama . Believe
Posted by northwind at 10/27/2008 @ 11:57am
In other words....thanks. That post will prove quite useful in the future, I'm sure.
Posted by Maskdelta at 10/26/2008 @ 9:52pm
Ah, I'm glad you followed up on my question to lvlib (I asked him about his Pentecostal association). You asked what I would have asked...
Posted by seenile at 10/27/2008 @ 12:30pm
lvliberty, how can someone like yourself who is a biblical literalist make the following accusation with a straight face "You folks need at least a passing acquaintance with reality."
Also, this "who is the real Obama" stuff stinks of old paranoid chestnuts like "What the Jews really want", "The secret plan of Negroes to dilute the purity of the white race", and "Unions are communist fronts brainwashing the American worker to be dupes for the Kremlin." This kind of crude reactionary hate has been shovel fed to rubes high and low for the past hundred years with great effectiveness. like Mr. Barnum said "There's one born every minute."
Posted by Suttree at 10/27/2008 @ 4:05pm
That's boggus, little snips that doesn't say anything! If you wnat to see something interesting that every American should see. Please see this! http://www.bercasio.com/movies/dems-wmd-before-iraq.wmv
Posted by nobonojo at 10/28/2008 @ 10:53am