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The Blue State Bandit Journal - Archives
Since 2004, the world has known the dirty little (not so little) secret of the Bush regime's torture programs. We were shown horrible and humiliating pictures. Naked men stacked like cords of lumber, cowering before froth-mouthed K-9's, and the infamous hooded man, seemingly wired to an electrical circuit. These pictures shocked the world.
Since that day -when the United States lost it's moral standing following the release of the original Abu-Ghraib photos- we have lost more military men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan than civilians lost on 9/11. Most of those lost since the torture revelations dies at the hands of militants and suicide bombers who sat on the fences till they saw those pictures.
Since that day, we watched the Bush administration slowly spiral into the gutter of world opinion, and drag America down with them. 4 years later, we have witnessed the most dramatic political shift in recent American history.
We know the crime was committed. We know that Bush, Cheney, and their neo-con pals orchestrated this horrific policy. And we now know, that America have started down the long path of redemption with the election of Barack Obama, and his release of the Bush OLC documentation "justifying" these atrocities.
So why the fuck do we need to see more? Why do we need to relive the suffering of those poor souls unfortunate enough to be swept up into that hellish program? Are we that fucking sick, that we crave the gratuitous? What about the victims? Do you really think that Iraqi's want there neighbors to see their humiliation? In a culture that puts the female victims of rape do death in honor killings, hunts down and murders homosexuals, where one's honor is everything... Do we really think that publishing pictures of him simulating sex with another male detainee on the cover of the NYT a good thing?
I'll tell you what will happen. He will seek to regain his honor in the only way left to him, martyrdom.
How fucking sick are we? The cat is out of the bag, we know the crimes, and the players, and the costs. Yet we want more? This is nothing but the same violent, voyeuristic bullshit that made Bush and Cheney think that America would understand, and I will have no part of it.
Fact: The torture policy of the Bush administration made America less safe.
Fact: The actions of President Obama since his inauguration to end the practice, and come clean about that dark time has begun to make us safer.
Opinion: Releasing more pictures now, after all that has transpired since 2004, is the worst possible course of action Obama could take. It will do nothing but add to the ranks of our enemies, to the funerals Americans, and everyone's sorrows.
I accept Obama's consideration of release as enough to satisfy me. I accept Obama's actual release of Bush administration documentation of the torture program as proof enough of his intent.
I would support offering legal remedies to those in the picture, I would support releasing it to them, if they so chose, to defend themselves from forced confessions in court. But that is as far as I would go, and anything more, in my mind, is self gratification take way to far.
You want your fix, go rent a Hostel.
Edit (A-G photos)
So I was a bit curious as to how well the "Tea Party" would do in my home town. As I walked out my door, I was met by the bite of cold rain and wind. I thought to myself "this can't be good teabagging weather". I got down to Love Park around 11:15 am. At that time, there were about 100 teabaggers, and probably half that number I would describe as organizers. These organizers, I tagged as people exiting Lincoln Town Cars on the corner of JFK, hovering around under the tent, or moving back and forth from the line of FOX News trucks lining the 15th street side of the park. Since I was early, and freezing my butt off, I decided to go down to the Wendy's two blocks south on 15th and Chestnut. As I walked in, I saw a gentleman donning an InfoWars "Tyranny Response Team" tee and hat, speaking with two ladies. So I ordered my food and proceeded to have a seat next to them. While eating my food, I kept my ears open. The "TYT" member (not to be confused with a Young Turk) from what I gathered, was non-partisan. He was eloquent in his explanation of his position, and was quick to point out that Obama is not his "boogieman". The gentleman then began to give a warning to the two ladies as to who to "watch out for". "Yea, Cavuto too, but it's that nut job, what's his name? He's doing the tea party in San Antonio. Not Limbaugh... um..." and I couldn't keep my mouth shut. "Glen Beck, right?" I blurted out. "Yup, that's him." he responded". He then began to tare into the faux partners that he clearly didn't trust. It was hard not to smile a bit by his declaration, and that I was able to help sow discontent by just providing the name on the tip of his tongue. After lunch, around 11:50, I returned to the douche teabagger rally with a clearer understanding of the mechanics of the gathering. I noticed that the Philadelphia Police Civil Affairs Corp had arrived and were taking up positions around the perimeter. As one was walking by me, he shot me a glance, so I commented, "this ought to be interesting"? And wouldn't you know, I got a good chuckle out of the guy. I stayed till around 12:30, circling the park to get a feel for the numbers. I would estimate the rally drew about 300 people. Anybody who knows the layout of Love Park would understand this; there was still plenty of room for skateboarders to enjoy themselves, that is, if it wasn't raining. So, I hope they liked the loose tea leaves stuck in their teeth from their iced-tea party! I'll check back later, I have a meeting. ______________________________________________________________________ Update: A quick addition that I just remembered. The guy at the Wendy's had referred to a website promoting the "Tea Party" in which was a list of "unacceptable signage" for the teabaggers to bring. His words were, "they keep talking about free speech, but how is listing what is unacceptable speech free?" I agree, what does Beck, Cavuto, and Rush know about free speech? Let them speak their minds. And if you do, we will quickly find out that the teabaggers don't all drink from the same "batch of sweet tea". Not good for their corporate sponsors. Crossposted at DKos.
Now I know that this will not be popular here, but I feel that the situation demands it.
Early on, in the winter of 2007, when it became public knowledge that the Bush administration had set up a domestic eavesdropping program, many here were not surprised. I for one had been pulling my punches, choosing my words very carefully, out of a justified fear that I could become a target of political prosecution or persecution.
Does anyone else see a correlation between the political capabilities of the republican party before and after the public disclosure of the warrantless wiretapping programs? They have been off message ever since that bombshell.
In my critiques of these programs, I have always felt, and occasionally expressed, that I would have less of a problem with such programs if I felt that I could trust my government not to missus such capabilities. Such programs, buttressed with proper oversight and durable safeguards, are an unfortunate necessity in my eyes considering the security challenges America faces.
But the threats that I see today are far greater that simply just the external threat posed by Al-Qaeda; the Bushies "justification" for these programs.
Since the election of Barack Obama, there has been a growing internal threat to this country. From financial crimes costing us trillions of dollars, and war profiteering, to right-wing militias and vague threats of violent uprisings by sore losers and media pundits, we (and by we, I mean factions within our own communities) have become just a much of a threat to ourselves as could any other external force; be they state or non-state actors.
Who here thinks that a traditional wiretap warrant could be kept secret from any target of the former PNAC? How about keeping it from Karl Rove?
When you have Glen Beck reading from the same script as Newt Gingrich, and Bush/Cheney moles roaming the halls of the DoD and the DoJ, how do we propose saving our republic from the barbarians who are already past the gates?
If anyone here ever wants to see these people frog marched for crimes like treason, domestic propaganda, political prosecutions, perjury, torture, blackmail, ect... we need to give Obama some leeway here.
They call us commie. They call us socialists. They call us totalitarians. They call us fascists. Many of the reasons promoted by these crazies are the laundry list of projects and policies put in place by their beloved Bush administration and the republican party leadership, and promoted by the think tanks and pundits that now proclaim that they are all doomed to be the victims of "our fascist tendencies".
Disagree with me if you like, I'm man enough to take the heat. But I'm not ready for Obama to give up these capabilities... yet.
As the blood of America boils over the AIG bonuses, we seem to be witnessing a rift in the space/time continuum over what happened and how to deal with it. That is, if you listen to all of the cross-faded reactions from the right. Now that the whole story is finally begun to come to light, the Republicans seem to have tripped over their own argument. I'd be rolling on the floor pissing myself with laughter if it wasn't so fucking serious. Argument One- Someone at Treasure, assumingly at the behest of the White House and Geithner, went to the Conference Committee and expressed fear that the Stimulus Bill would be overturned in the courts if the portion regarding the bonuses was seen as "ex post facto"; a retro-active measure. So the Republicans cry fowl and claim that Democrats secretly inserted a "loophole" to allow AIG to give out bonuses. Jed Lewison over at Daily Kos lays it out pretty well in his diary.
With or without the stimulus bill, AIG would have been allowed to pay its failure bonuses. In fact, at no point in time was there ever a law barring the bonuses.
Given that the bonuses were never illegal, there was never any need to create a new loophole to allow them. They were allowed all along.
What actually happened was that the stimulus bill put new restrictions on bonuses, but only applied those restrictions on bonuses that were given out after the legislation passed.
Early drafts of those new restrictions were retroactive...
If they were not illegal in the first place, it's not a loophole. And as the Constitution points out, retro-active legislation is a big no-no. Argument Two- Now that AIG has given out these bonuses, Democrats on the hill have decided to tax these bonuses in an attempt to get that money back into the Treasury. Now I admit, it may not be the best idea, but I do understand the sentiment. And since this money was just given, or will in short order be given to AIG employees, these bonuses will fall under the 2009 tax code. It's a bit shaky, but since they won't be filing until next January, this is still not retro-active as long as it is signed by the President before the end of 2009. (Note that the bill still got more Republican votes than anything I've heard of coming from this House with republican 85 yeas verses 87 nays). So on one hand, the Bush TARP bill that specificly allowed the bonus contracts is forgotten, but when the Obama administration and the Democrats attempt to legally deal with this outrage, they are blamed for not acting unconstitutionally via retro-active legislation, and then rail against them for trying to recover the money in a tight wire legislative action. My head is about to explode! Could somebody please teach some civics to these heathens? (Updated with snip from Jed's diary)
As explained by Liddy, the "retention" bonuses being paid out to the Financial Products division was to keep them at their desks so that they could "un-wind" their individual books of business.
After they complete this task of untangling there part of the business, they then receive their "retention" bonuses. The thinking is, as I understand it, was that they know their portion of the problem better than anybody else. To have others come in and try to do this task would take longer and risk AIG's ability to get out from under this mess in a timely fashion.
Well I have a better idea.
If they stay on to close out their books, they will be given a reduced sentence if any of their so called "books of business" reveal wrong doing including the use of ill acquired mortgages within their financial products. Heck I would be OK if they were given some kind of limited immunity from prosecution if they do an outstanding job. Maybe we can give them a small bonus if, in the course of their work, they assist in the prosecution of those involved in predatory lending of mortgages within their portfolios
"Untangle this mess, and the Justice Department won't throw the book at you! Walk away, and risk jail time".
How's that for a bonus?
"But the anger is real; it is powerful; and to simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding..." BHO
Anyone who didn't see such a thing coming was not listening to Barack Obama before the election. He made it plain as day that he would reach out to the evangelical community. Such a task would be impossible to accomplish without such a move.
I understand that the GLBT community may not be pleased with the decision to have Warren speak at the inauguration, but some of the vitriol aimed at Obama is unwarranted hyperbole. Obama is not denying the GLBT community "a seat at the table". Anyone who honestly believes this is fooling themselves, and giving up their own seat. This can not happen. The GLBT community needs to be the counterweight on Obama's side. Walking away is what they (the whole right wing) would have done under Bush.
Yes. Warren is a bigot. But he's not a full Palin. And he has opened the door for Obama to inject change into the evangelical community at-large. This is an opportunity to wrest a huge chunk of moderate evangelicals from the clutches of the most venomous aspects of the theocratic fundamentalists that run that show. Believe me, there are way worse (Hagee, Parsley, hmm...) out there.
This will be known as "Classic Obama". Disarming his opponents. Getting his way in the end.
Rick Warren is taking just as much heat from the right as Obama is from the left. But the bulk of Warren's followers will now be open to the suggestions of an Obama Administration on many issues that would normally be blindly opposed if offered by any other Democrat. Warren's acceptance of this offer by Obama is a catalyst for change.
Here begins the de-fanging of the religious right. It will not happen over night, and it requires such a bold, and politically dangerous move to instigate such a change. Obama has made it clear that he stands with the GLBT community. Rick Warren has no sway over him on this issue. Civility disarms the discussion.
Warren is a means to an end. And that end includes isolating the radical fundamentalists within the evangelical movement. The opposition I'm hearing over this is no different from the cries I heard from the right over Obama's willingness to hold talks with the leadership of Iran. Where is the GLBT's righteous indignation over that? Iran actually executes gays. But do we not all agree that there is more immediate issues that needs to be settled first to allow that discussion to take place. And in such diplomatic exercises, agreement breeds agreement. If Obama can get the evangelical community on-board with climate and the fiscal responsibility of big business, it would be harder to continue the hard line opposition to GLBT equality. And those who cling to their hatred will be marginalized.
Rick Warren is one of MANY SPEAKERS at the inauguration, and will not be the only pastor to offer prayers at this event. But you can join me in turning my nose at him, or however you would be pleased to tell him yourself, just what you think of him... from The Mall.
And let us not forget, he just nominated an openly gay man, William White from the Intrepid Museum, to be the Secretary of the Navy. Not some honorary cabinet position, or a wedding singer gig at Woody's, an openly gay military leader. Something impossible to even conceive before Obama. And something which may someday lead to a lucrative notch for more "Village People" wedding cover bands.
Barack Obama is showing the GLBT community that he has not forgotten them. Don't be so blinded with disgust that you miss the bigger picture, and your places in the group portrait. Will we lose everything because we inherited our oppressor's worst traits: blind hatred, and an unreasonable sense of moral certitude? You have to knock down some walls if you want to change the country.
"“For the want of a nail, the shoe was lose; for the want of a shoe the horse was lose; and for the want of a horse the rider was lost, being overtaken and slain by the enemy, all for the want of care about a horseshoe nail.” Ben Franklin
So I was yelling at my inter-tubes machine last night when I got home from work, and it seemed to rhyme. So I thought I would share it with you good folks. It is write in a hip-hop lyric format. So feel the beat, and enjoy.Dear John, We’re sorry. Your just not change enough. Ok. We get it ... You’re a Maverick. But you’re bringing the wrong stuff. You had your shot, You blew it. It’s time to hang it up. 'Cause thanks to you, And your cronies, More Americans must rattle the cup. (imagin a short sampled brass phrase scratched to taste and follow the jump) Back in the day, You say, You bucked the corrupt cabal. Now it’s sad, To see, The great straight shooter fall. You shoot from the hip. So did Bush, Now see where we at? Our people suffer, Cause your buddies, Run the show like they’re on crack. So it’s time for change, And that Barack, We’re giving him the ball. We’re votin’ hope, And justice, To arrest our country’s fall. Ok. We get it, You’re different, We know you got the gall. But your just not change enough, And that just ain’t change At all. P.S. Remember last night, when you were talking about Pakistan, the "Failed State"? You said "I won’t repeat the mistake that I regret enormously", after the Soviet invasion. "...we washed our hands of the region, and the result was the Taliban and al-Qaeda". Well just in case you forgot... You already did. Now it's our turn. Peace, The Blue State Bandit. 
“My goal is to cut government in half in twenty-five years, to get it down to the size where we can drown it in the bathtub.”
Grover Norquist Time to retire your old trusty tin-foil hats. There's no need for it anymore. This is no longer a theory. We now have a pretty good idea what Grover Norquist was plotting in his "Wednesday Meetings". They wanted to bankrupt the U.S. Government so that he and his fellow sycophants could "...drown it in a bathtub". This was partially accomplished in New Orleans. In a brilliant diary by Dr Squid over at Daily Kos, he laid out a reasonable cure to our economic woes. What this post, combined with "Ben Stein almost lets out the Big Secret" (Inky99), reminded me of my opening quote by Norquist. And I almost choked on my short-ribs. The crisis occurred (to greatly oversimplify) because the financial system allowed entities to place bets on whether or not those mortgages would ever be paid. You didn't have to own a mortgage to make the bets. These bets, called Credit Default Swaps, are complex. But in a nutshell, they allow someone to profit immensely - staggeringly - if large numbers of sub-prime mortgages are not paid off and go into default.
The profit can be wildly out of proportion to the real amount of defaults, because speculators can push down the price of instruments tied to the sub-prime mortgages far beyond what the real rates of loss have been. As I said, the profits here can be beyond imagining. (In fact, they can be so large that one might well wonder if the whole sub-prime fiasco was not set up just to allow speculators to profit wildly on its collapse...)
These Credit Default Swaps have been written (as insurance is written) as private contracts. There is nil government regulation of them. Who writes these policies? Banks. Investment banks. Insurance companies. They now owe the buyers of these Credit Default Swaps on junk mortgage debt trillions of dollars. It is this liability that is the bottomless pit of liability for the financial institutions of America.
Ben Stein If you smell fish, your not alone. Now let's do the math. If Grover Norquist said “My goal is to cut government in half in twenty-five years, to get it down to the size where we can drown it in the bathtub.”, and held meetings with the same Conservatives who are directly involved with the deregulation that led to this crisis, and then tries to force-feed the U.S. Government it's only way out, what does that tell you? And for those history buffs out there, I have a curious little link to some early 20th Century shenanigans. Remember "The Business Plot"? The attempted coup against FDR led by JP Morgan, Remington Arms and the Du Ponts. Now, it seems that the only organizations to truly win if our Congress folds to the pressure is Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs. And now it seems that Morgan Stanley will be one of the biggest winners of the bailout. And if anyone wants to flame me as a "conspiracy nut" or recommend me for the dungeon, I have a quote for y'all: "Fool me once, shame on.. shame on me. Fool me twice... I... I won't be fooled again".
George W(illful Traitor) Bush. It is now my belief that this administration is compatible to a cornered rat. They now want to hold this over our heads in an attempt to blackmail us. If they can't have the country, they will burn it to the ground, leaving Barack Obama and hi campaign with the morbid task of being the pole-bearers of a dead economy, and a failed state. Now if this does not rise to the level of treason for all involved in the "Wednesday Meetings" and the "Starve the Beast" strategy of the Bush/Norquist/Fascists in Conservative clothing zealots in the eyes of our leaders, then our country will not last through the next few years. Makes you want to brush up on your Mayan Calendar "Prophecies" I would think. I dare all to put this up on the big board!
Over the past few weeks, and especially in the past few days, the McCain campaign has been in engaged in a two prong campaign of “character introductions. On one front, they have been trying to “create” Sarah Palin as a maverick reformer that in no way represents some of the worst attributes of the modern Republican Party.
In their efforts to accomplish this, they have lied constantly about her record regarding earmarks (Bridge to Nowhere), foreign relations experience (I can see Commies from my back yard), US foreign policy (Dr. Bush’s world view), separation of powers (Troopergate), and her view of constitutional rights (Bonfires for Idiocracy).
At the same time, the McCain campaign has been trying to turn Barack Obama into the Boogieman. In recent days we have seen the McCain campaigns accuse Obama of wanting to teach sex to kindergarteners, calling Palin a ‘Pig”, of being misogynistic, and a threat to national security.
Then there was the 9/11 tribute/snuff film, and the abject disrespect of community service shown at the Republican National Convention.
If this all seems a bit childish to you, then we should call it like we see it. And here’s how I think this could work.
"We just want to give America the great and substantive policy debate they deserve, and all McCain and his people want to do is tell you a children’s story they made up about some mythical beast that sounds strait out of Jason and the Argonauts. I mean come on? When will they start telling you that the Senator Obama has razor sharp teeth and eats young maidens?
If they want to try to make him seem like some sort of monster, "he's misogynistic", or "he's attacking women", make them sound childish. Accuse the McCain campaign of making up nursery rhymes. Tell everybody who asks that the McCain campaign is so unable to challenge Obama on substantive issues, that they are resorting to an attempt to turn Barack Obama into the "Big Bad Wolf". "Oooowwww!"
“This is not some schoolyard game Mr. McCain; this is a contest that will decide the course of this nation and the fate of the entire world. So when you’re done telling bedtime stories, let us know so we can get back to helping American’s who are suffering from the true horrors of foreclosures, outsourced jobs, and the real monsters planning attacks against us in the Afghanistan/Pakistan boarder region.”
All of the sudden, we just made them look like a kid who's blaming the dog for eating his homework.
God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" Exodus 3.14 It was believed in many ancient cultures, that to know the name of your enemy, is to have power over him (and on occasion, her). It is believed by many scholars that this is the reason God gave his name as Yaweh (I Am) to Moses, was to deny him the ability to hold power over God. It was believed that, by knowing the true name of someone perceived as powerful; a god, or other deity, you could reduced the power that such a being would have on you. Knowing that name would grant you access to knowledge, protection, and a sense of self-empowerment (a good googling metaphor if I do say so myself). So I was quite baffled at the sudden outbreak of Palin-phobia that has spread through the Blogosphere in the past few days; especially on Daily Kos. Let me explain. I have, since the RNC’s attempted criminalization and denigration of “Community Organizers” by insinuation, and the condescending laughter that followed said remarks, attempted to inform my fellow Democrats of a sure fire rebuttal to what was a clear opening left on the Republican flanks. A clean shot to the solo-plexus of their misguided ideals of patriotism propagated over the past 8 years by the spinsters who brought you new definitions to classic words like “Liberal” and “Torture”, or groupings like “Clean Coal” and “Compassionate Conservative”. Allow me to present to you here, the crux of my argument: Our Second President, John Adams, was a community organizer. John Hancock and Paul Revere were as well. They were just two leaders of many that formed a loose coalition named “The Sons of Liberty”. This organization consisted of chapters up and down the eastern seaboard. From Boston to the Georgia, these groups were the advocates for the people of the 13 colonies to the Crown in England. Even after their defining moment of defiance, The Boston Tea Party, they worked within the existing government structure to advocate for the welfare of the colonists. But they were the first incarnation of the American Patriots/Community Organizers, and they never forgot who they represented. All of these patriots had other priorities in their lives, yet they still served their communities selflessly, and at great risk to themselves and their families. When I was 8 years old, it was discovered that the asbestos that was used in the construction of schools in Philadelphia caused cancer. When nothing was done by the city to safeguard me and my classmates from this poison, a community organizer by the name of Michael Di Bernidinis and his group, Kensington Joint Action Council (KJAC) stepped in and organized a walk out. We shut the schools down until the city removed the hazardous material. If it wasn’t for this selfless community organizer, I would most likely have mesothelioma. Heck, half the city my age would probably have it. In 1963, a charismatic community organizer had a dream. And that dream gave a voice to the civil rights movement. Dr Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister from Atlanta, gave his life for that dream. On Wednesday September 3rd, 2008, great patriots like this, and the communities they organized and served, were insulted, laughed at, and dismissed as unworthy. Susan B. Anthony, community organizer, along with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott led the long march for Women’s Suffrage. Last night, without even the thought of this grand contribution to women across this country, indeed the world, a woman who would be Vice-President, rejected the sacrifices these women offered forth in the defense of these fundamental freedoms. "I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ‘community organizer,” quipped Senator John McCain’s unorthodox choice for a running mate, Governor Sarah Palin, “except that you have actual responsibilities,". In 1992, a young community organizer, Barack Obama, went to the South Side of Chicago and gave 150,000 people a voice in their city by registering them to vote. 150,000 voters registered in a matter of 6 months between April and October: a Herculean task for anyone fresh out of college. On the 3rd night of the RNC, this accomplishment was trivialized by the surrogates a political opponent. Most notably one surrogate, whose total accumulated votes (186,163 votes total in 3 elections) over the course of her 12 year political career, could barely equate. I must ask. Is it not the responsibility of anyone who would take an oath of elected office, or as a member of our Armed Forces, to make the protection of freedom for those citizens whom they serve, their personal responsibility? Is not the oath to defend and protect the Constitution of the United States thee most prescient manifestation of such responsibilities? So what about those citizens who are not elected, who do not sign up for the military, which are not granted a position of trust within our governing bodies: those who take such responsibilities of their own accord? Are they not equally patriotic for taking up such a task? I would argue that such people, in going beyond the call, in embracing the role of their brothers’ and sisters’ and neighbors’ keepers, rank beyond those elected, or appointed. These patriots belong along side those heroes, the selfless men and women who would offer their very lives in the defense of their neighbors and freedoms, of God and Country. And some have paid in full that honor with their lives. Far too many dreams stolen. Far too many heroes lost. John McCain was not the deliverer of this Community Organizer swipe. Thou his silence, as the alleged leader of the Republican Party, does portray his embracement of this screed. It was his surrogates. First was Rudy Guliani. But he has not repeated that line to my knowledge since the convention. "What's her name", on the other hand, continues to repeat it at every one of her whistle stops since the convention. That nameless taboo, has stolen the title of every Good Samaritan, of every advocate for those of diminished fortunes, of all those who would provide aide and comfort to our neighbors, and those in our care. The title of patriots and soldiers, of founders and friends, of heroes and heroines, and of the lost who strive to amend, will be nobodies wiping pole! She has taken this title and thrown it on the floor and invited the throngs attending that Convention in St. Paul Minnesota to stomp it and kick it and smash it until it could no longer be identified; a mere ghost of its former grandeur and respect. Yet some among us chose to cede our greatest weapon to her. They dare not mention “What’s her Name’s” name. I for one am not willing to cede such a fundamental weapon of truth. I will not let her wield such power over me and my compatriots. It's tantamount to agreeing that being a community organizer is a worthless venture, and has no place in their version of "civil society". I will not be silent; I will say her name. I WILL SAY HER NAME! So this is what I propose. One simple question. When they denigrate the works of Community Organizers, when they laugh at Senator Barack Obama’s early years as a community activist, when they steal those words and attempt to distort and redefine this noble title held by our patriots and founders, and friends, and neighbors. First ask them, “why are communities activists so bad?” And when they answer with their “Sideway Cheney” and a chuckle, you say this: Let’s not forget that our second president, John Adams, and many of our Founding Fathers including John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Ben Franklin, were community organizers in a loose organization called The Sons of Liberty.
These community organizers, not unlike Barack Obama led a social movement that eventually led to the formation of the United States.
So if you would like to truly compare Barack Obama's experience organizing a movement that has propelled him one step from the White House, I would ask you one simple question:
What great social movement has (insert thugs name here) organized? I personally prefer to use Sarah Palin name. And as a matter of fact, I do have a few possible answers you can supply for those who seem to be at a loss for words to this question... -Maybe the AIP takeover of the Alaska State Government. -How about the sellout of our national infrastructure security by assisting TransCanada to waste our natural gas reserves in the production of ultra pollutant oil sands that would be consumed by the U.S. at an inflated price. -I know, convincing Hillary Clinton holdouts to rally behind Barack Obama and kick her ass! Why are we not using this? We don't even have to question anybody's patriotism! But we can show people what it means to "be" a patriot! Note that it is not necessary to even say anything after the question its self. The republican base is not the ultimate target here. Our targets will be those listening for the response. We all know that the moderate Republicans are flaking away like old paint on a rusty car. This would justify such an outrage within the Duty, Honor, Country mindset of many Republicans on the fence, those who serve or have served our nation honorably; those who still believe in the core ideals of America's promise. This argument ultimately leads to the doorstep of Senator John McCain. It will highlight his judgment and lack of control that he wields within his own party. It will lead right back to McCain’s inability to lead anything beyond his very own Senate office. His VP candidate and surrogates demean Community Organizers, while he is asking people to be Community Organizers. His VP candidate and surrogates demean Community Organizers, and he allows this to continue even after his call for Community Organizers during his acceptance speech. He picks a VP candidate that demeans Community Organizers without understanding the quintessential role of Community Organizers in the founding of the very country that they wish to lead. All of this leads back to one point; is John McCain fit to lead this country? Is he fit to lead if those who he would employ to enact his policies don't even understand the basic principals behind our nation's origins? And the question of the highest importance; can he even control them? This goes way beyond "A Bush Third Term" if you think about it. At least Bush had the Neo-Pentecostal Dominionists on a relatively short leash, as was chronicled by David Kuo in his book “Tempting Faith: An Inside Story of Political Seduction”. Imaging what will happen if McCain wins in November, and some unforeseen misfortune befalls him. It would be Armageddon on steroids. They will have their Rapture, come hell and high water! Community organizing is one of the most patriotic of American endeavors. People who have undertaken such tasks are responsible for some of the most prescient moments in our history. What is a union? Is it not a community organization? Community organizing led to the birth of our country, but I guess the participants of the Republican National Convention don’t care about that. How about all of the community outreach groups that span our nation? Are they not led by community organizers? The Ministers at the soup kitchens? The lawyers at the Women’s Law Project? The volunteers at the local retirement home? The thousands of people sending the comforts of home to our brave soldiers on foreign battlefields? Is there work not worthy of there respect? This plague of Palin-phobia must end! Of course we should tread carefully. And I am in absolute agreement with Senator Barack Obama’s denunciation of attacks on the families of candidates, and of their perceived patriotism. But that does not mean that we should cower and banish her name from our tongues. There will be plenty of time for that when she is exposed as the fraud and zealot that she is. In closing I would like to leave you with a passage that every community organizer should keep in mind in these last 2 months of the campaign. “Lulled by a period of stability which had seemed permanent, they (The Democratic Party Apparatus) find it nearly impossible to take at face value the assertion of the revolutionary power (The Republican Party Apparatus) that it means to smash the existing framework. The defenders of the status quo therefore tend to begin by treating the revolutionary power as if its protestations were merely tactical; as if it really accepted the existing legitimacy by overstated its case for bargaining purposes; as if it were motivated by specific grievances to be assuaged by limited concessions. Those who warn against the danger in time are considered alarmists; those who counsel adaptation to circumstance are considered balanced and sane (and you know who you are)…. But it is the essence of a revolutionary power that it possesses the courage of its convictions, that it is willing, indeed eager, to push its principles to their ultimate conclusion.” Dr. Henry Kissinger “A World Restored” 1957, Former Secretary of State, Friend of the Bush family, and Attendee of the 2008 RNC St. Paul Minnesota. This is a battle of inches, and we are in the red zone. At stake is nothing less than our very existence. The albatross has a name, it is Sarah Palin, and it is our task to hang her around John McCain’s neck like an iron shackle. Obama-Biden ’08 for Humanity’s Sake!  P.S. This has been a work inprogress for a couple of days, so if sections ring bells, this is why.
Note: This is a repost from GDP with an updated title. I crossposted at Dkos and was taken to task over the original title by someone who didn't read the whole diary first. All links will be listed at the end. The Body has not been altered other than a minor post script. Thank you.Update Note: It seems that my original title caused many to think that this post is meant as a head to head "Mayor v. Community Organizer" death match post. I understand, sort of, but this is not the premise. (From DKos post) We have a precedent that needs to be made clear to all. Our second President was a community organizer. I was reading this ProSense post at DU and followed the link to the comments on Jim Wallis' blog. Now I've been trying to scream this (electronically) to anyone who would listen, but I guess my voice just got lost in the roar. Barack Obama would not be the first community organizer to ascend to the Presidency. And to denigrate such experience, is an affront to the very foundation of our nation. Let my comment explain what I think should be our "One Simple Question". Let us not forget that our second president, John Adams, and many of our Founding Fathers including John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Ben Franklin, were community organizers in a loose organization called The Sons of Liberty.
These community organizers, not unlike Barack Obama led a social movement that led to the formation of the United States.
So for anyone who would like to truly compair Obama's experience organizing a movement that has drafted him one step from the White House, I would ask one simple question:
What movement has Sarah Palin organized?
As a matter of fact, I do have a few possible answers you can supply for those who seem to be at a loss for words to this question... -Maybe the AIP takeover of the Alaska State Government. -How about the sellout of our national infrastructure security by assisting TransCanada to waste our natural gas reserves in the production of highly polluting oilsands that would be consumed by the U.S. at an inflated price. -I know, convincing Hillary Clinton holdouts to rally behind Barack Obama and kick her ass! Why are we not using this?We don't even have to question anybody's patriotism!But we can show people what it means to "be" a patriot!The republican base is not the ultimate target here. It will be those listening for the response. We all know that the moderate Republicans are flaking away like old paint on a rusty car. This would justify such an outrage within the Duty, Honor, Country mindset of many Republicans on the fence. Those who serve or have served our nation honorably. Those who still believe in the core ideals of America's promise. This is a battle of inches. And were in the red zone.We need to use our best arguments to fight back. Rec this up so everybody knows the One Simple Question! Cross Posted at Daily Kos and My.BarackObama.comOriginal post here in GDP.
We have a precedent that needs to be made clear to all. Our second President was a community organizer. I was reading this ProSense post and followed the link to the comments on Jim Wallis' blog. Now I've been trying to scream this (electronically) to anyone who would listen, but I guess my voice just got lost in the roar. Barack Obama would not be the first community organizer to ascend to the Presidency. And to denigrate such experience, is an affront to the very foundation of our nation. Let my comment explain what I think should be our "One Simple Question". Let us not forget that our second president, John Adams, and many of our Founding Fathers including John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Ben Franklin, were community organizers in a loose organization called The Sons of Liberty.
These community organizers, not unlike Barack Obama led a social movement that led to the formation of the United States.
So for anyone who would like to truly compair Obama's experience organizing a movement that has drafted him one step from the White House, I would ask one simple question:
What movement has Sarah Palin organized? As a matter of fact, I do have a few possible answers you can supply for those who seem to be at a loss for words to this question... -Maybe the AIP takeover of the Alaska State Government. -How about the sellout of our national infrastructure security by assisting TransCanada to waste our natural gas reserves in the production of highly polluting oil-sands that would be consumed by the U.S. at an inflated price. -I know, convincing Hillary Clinton holdouts to rally behind Barack Obama and kick her ass! Why are we not using this? We don't even have to question anybody's patriotism! But we can show people what it means to "be" a patriot!Rec this up so everybody knows the One Simple Question!
  I've got to say, I'm warming up to the idea!
I have been following the "civil" discourse here at DU and over at DKos regarding the passing of "Meet the Press" host and MSNBC GM Tim Russert. It seems to me, an ardent Obama supporter and life long Philly Democrat that things are getting a little bit out of hand. Flames are 'a blazing in the threads and in the OP's over such topics as journalistic integrity, proper time to mourn, and even his actual credentials. But one post at DKos has really produced a combustible situation. The post, titled Russert Failed Us, has leaped from the virtual pages of DKos, and may end up a subject of tomorrow's "Worst Persons in the World". One of the early on this post was none other than Keith Olbermann. And with in his response is a point that I believe those who wish to critique Tim Russert's career, and can't seem to understand why they are meeting resistance to this idea, might want to heed. Keith Responded twice: "This doesn't embarrass you? Seriously?"
To which he later commented poignantly:
"Yes. (There will be a time for this) When it's appropriate. When I am not in mourning for a friend.
May whoever or whatever you believe in, forgive you your incredible bad taste."
(note: context added) Well, after being roundly smacked in his first OP, he came back for more. In a questioned attempt to reset the stage for his first OP, he posted this thermodynamic thread titled An Open Letter to Keith Olbermann. And though I see his point, sorta, I'm still shaking my head as to why this is even necessary. Let me make 3 points to which you can do with as you will. It seems that perspective, and a bit of compassion is in order here (and when I say here, I'm referring to this moment in time). <b>1) MSNBC is nothing like FAUX! </b>
All but FAUX News (the musician’s amplifier) were played like fiddles in the lead up to Iraq, but at least MSNBC, under Russert, admitted to their role and have strived to atone.
<b>2) For Tim to do his job, he had to stand in the middle. </b>
It is the legacy of Tim Russert that MSNBC has become the closest thing to an honest broker in the MSM. Though I wish he would have reported the story alluded to by the OP, one must keep in mind that the quickest way to ruin a career in journalism is to become the story. I thank him for providing the environment that has elevated Keith Olbermann, Dan Abrams, Chris Mathews (for the Philly perspective), and Rachel Maddow. Our country has a fighting chance thanks to this legacy.
<b>3) As distasteful as it may be, sometimes you must play the tyrant’s game, if your goal is to temper his sword. </b>
Or you can choose to shout impotently from outside the gates. I look forward to the time when we can discuss the OP’s critique. I believe that Tim Russert would expect it of us all. Until then, the heartfelt sympathy of my family and this call for a bit of compassion and understanding, on both sides, is all I have to offer to the Russert family, MSNBC, and our precarious 4th estate. Let them mourn their friend. And if he is the man they say he is, they will be duty bound to take on the issues some may have, be the valid or not, about Tim Russert and his legacy.
the appetite shown for the perceived damage to "National Unity" was expounded as the reason for "closing the book" in such cases of alleged high crimes and treason. The investigations stop, like BCCI, Iran/Contra, and Iraq-Gate. These are pre-cursors to the ills befalling our world at present; Al-Qeida, Iran, the financial ruin of our country, ect. Hell, the shear multitude of Enron's, and wars, and fallen leaders that have befallen our country under the foot of three+ consecutive generations of this schemeish, crooked band of robber barons can been understood as tantamount to the thousand little cuts that subvert our Fore Fathers dreams.
I applaud your resolute stance for imperial proof, but in light of the truly perilous situation our country, and our world faces, would you bet your life that you are right, and I am misinformed?
Even in a court of law, a circumstantial case is not beyond the judgment of the prudent.
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