Will Obama mirror Bush power grab?
Jacob Sullum, a senior editor at the libertarian Reason magazine, has a nice piece on the expansive, almost dictatorial powers the Bush administration tried to grant itself in the days after Sept. 11:
“Justice Department memos released last week paint a picture of a post-9/11 America where the military censors, searches, and seizes people at will. Explaining why he sought to rationalize something akin to martial law, John Yoo, the memos’ main author, says he was asked “unprecedented questions under the most severe time pressures” during a period when many people feared more terrorist attacks were in the offing.
Yet civil liberties do not mean much if they are abandoned whenever the government thinks it has a good reason to violate them. It is precisely in times of crisis, when politicians are most tempted to take legal shortcuts and the public is most inclined to go along, that constitutional protections are most needed. Although Attorney General Eric Holder claims to understand this, his embrace of Yoo-like rhetoric and reasoning suggests his differences with the former Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) lawyer may be a matter more of circumstance than of principle.”
Sullum’s suggestion that the Obama administration may be willing to seize such powers itself is more than a little strained, however, and is bolstered by no evidence. It reads like an effort to create an equivalency where none exists.
But hey, read it and judge for yourself.
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91 comments Add your comment
I Report/ You Whine
March 11th, 2009
7:08 pm
Yeah, we know, OneTerm would have probably surrendered on 9/11.
Check it out, none of this ever happened and Bookman’s cut and paste states that it was for a time that never came, because of the strengths of the Bush presidency, a time of more terrorists attacks.
Talk about the most perverted of navel gazing.
Don’t wanna talk about your boy, huh?
DB, Gwinnettian
March 11th, 2009
7:09 pm
A look at John Yoo’s legacy that includes a not-crazy, fairly measured criticism of some of the doors that the Obama administration seem to want to leave open.
Decent read. Thanks. I should probably have a peek at Reason more often–while I’m not on the same ideological page as they, any not-crazy criticism is worth a look.
DB, Gwinnettian
March 11th, 2009
7:11 pm
IR/YW, serious question.
Have you ever considered contributing from a desktop, laptop or handheld device that doesn’t have a “Post Something Retarded” button?
I Report/ You Whine
March 11th, 2009
7:12 pm
Oh, I know what it is, the libs are all depressed about their dud OneTerm “president” so let’s chow down on some old moonbat comfort food.
Makes the wittle inner libbie happy, do it?
No, you democrats didn’t want Bush to fail, did you?
Tank
March 11th, 2009
7:12 pm
Again Jay, your creativity and originality continues to amaze me. Also, I never felt my civil liberties were at risk. Any you liberals call conservatives paranoid.
RW-(the original)
March 11th, 2009
7:15 pm
Is having a lawyer spitball about potential legal situations really a Presidential administration trying to grant itself dictatorial powers?
I don’t think so. That’s like saying if you had a meeting to discuss how best to undertake some endeavor and you brought in multiple viewpoints, some good some bad, then you were automatically trying to take all the proposed actions which you clearly weren’t.
DB, Gwinnettian
March 11th, 2009
7:23 pm
“Again Jay, your creativity and originality continues to amaze me”
Tank, just how much original copy do you expect a typical newspaper-columnist-with-a-blog to produce?
Do you hang around Wooten’s joint complaining that he isn’t “original” enough? Or any other daily paper’s online comments threads? I only ask because you seem terribly concerned about this.
DB, Gwinnettian
March 11th, 2009
7:24 pm
Reason’s not-so-happy look at Eric Holder’s War On Terra II: Electric Boogaloo might be worth a look as well:
http://www.reason.com/news/show/131848.html
DB, Gwinnettian
March 11th, 2009
7:25 pm
“if you had a meeting to discuss how best to undertake some endeavor and you brought in multiple viewpoints, some good some bad, then you were automatically trying to take all the proposed actions which you clearly weren’t.”
Well, that’s what Pelosi says, essentially, when people accuse her of facilitating torture.
(And I’m not sure I buy her story either.)
Bud Wiser
March 11th, 2009
7:27 pm
From the Associated Press: BOSTON – More than one out of every five dollars of the $126 million Massachusetts is receiving in earmarks from a $410 billion federal spending package is going to help preserve the legacy of the Kennedys.
The bill includes $5.8 million for the planning and design of a building to house a new Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the Senate. The funding may also help support an endowment for the institute.
I could only hope that the new building will also house a swimming pool with free lessons for burgeoning politician wannabees.
That’s a lot of our tax money going to ‘honor’ a murderer and a drunk. I think a building housing an electric chair display with a bottle of Wild Turkey laying askew on the floor would be just as effective.
No wonder America loses more and more of its youth every day on the roads to driving while under the influence…the government honors in a way only a perversion like this that could be accomplished by naming a bunch of crap after a guy who killed a young girl while he was probably driving drunk.
Bud Wiser
March 11th, 2009
7:29 pm
BTW, President Liar signed this package today, this bill with more than 8000 earmarks, after promising to “ban all earmarks…” (1-06-09)
President Liar.
Character doesn’t matter.
The Liar you can believe in.
Morons.
I Report/ You Whine
March 11th, 2009
7:30 pm
It keeps getting more bizarre by the minute-
On another potentially controversial matter, the president also issued a “signing statement” with the bill, saying several of its provisions raised constitutional concerns and would be taken merely as suggestions. He has criticized President George W. Bush for often using such statements to claim the right to ignore portions of new laws, and on Monday he said his administration wouldn’t follow those issued by Bush unless authorized by the new attorney general.
Someone should make a list of everything the libs whined about Bush doing, if such an undertaking is even humanly possible, and check how many of them WonderDunce has done hisself in the first freaking month in office.
TnGelding
March 11th, 2009
7:30 pm
Let’s hope not.
What do you think, Corporal, indictable offense?
I’ve been disappointed the Justice Department has continued the Bush administration’s arguments in several areas. That should endear Holder to his critics, tho.
CommunistAJC
March 11th, 2009
7:35 pm
Bookman gets his blog subjects from strange sources. His next topic will come from UFO Today.
TnGelding
March 11th, 2009
7:35 pm
Bud Wiser
March 11th, 2009
7:27 pm
Now that’s really a stretch!
We might be morons, but we can recognize when conditions change and don’t see everything in black and white.
Let O! get settled in and then make your criticisms.
Michael Szedon
March 11th, 2009
7:35 pm
To IR/YW….
Liberals did NOT want Bush to fail. A failed Bush presidency would have resulted in massive job losses, severe loss of home values, a reduction of gov’t tax revenues, a crippled health-care system, the triumph of religion and dogma over science and learning, the over-extension of our military in exchange for little or nothing, the fostering of terrorist recruiting, a loss of our international reputation, and a loss of hope for millions of people.
Oh…………yeah.
Who in the world would cheer for that? RUSH LIMBAUGH!
GodHatesTrash, Superstar
March 11th, 2009
7:36 pm
Bookman, thanks for the last thread. It really separated the decent intelligent funny folks from the half-wit humorless chickenhawk whiners.
Anyhow, HBO tonight – gonna catch up on Big Love, and Eastbound and Down.
Ciao!
DB, Gwinnettian
March 11th, 2009
7:39 pm
Later, folks. Be excellent to one another.
CommunistAJC
March 11th, 2009
7:41 pm
Michael Szedon,
james carville wanted Bush to fail. As did Hillary, Bill and the rest of the democrats.
I Report/ You Whine
March 11th, 2009
7:41 pm
Michael Szedon March 11th, 2009 7:35 pm To IR/YW….Liberals did NOT want Bush to fail. A failed Bush presidency would have resulted in massive job losses, severe loss of home values
Home values under Bush went up 300% and then fell 15% from there.
Hmmmmm.
Oh yeah, you dumbas-s liberals bought in at the high end, I forgot.
never mind.
CommunistAJC
March 11th, 2009
7:42 pm
GodHatesTrash, Superstar aka Jeffery Dahmer, come on, tell us the truth. You have a klan meeting tonight. No way you’re into Big Love. Have fun with the cross burning!
RW-(the original)
March 11th, 2009
7:42 pm
DB,
Do you have a link to where Nancy Pelosi said she convened a meeting to discuss various options, among them torture, then formed some contrary viewpoint? It sounds more to me like you’re referring to where she was one of the viewpoints and hers was pretty harsh.
What a great standard that is though. You just go to a meeting and make some bizarre suggestion then claim the administration is doing it just because they allowed you to suggest it.
RW-(the original)
March 11th, 2009
7:44 pm
Commie,
I keep expecting Jay B to hit Pravda for a blog topic. It’s a goldmine when you don’t feel like writing anything.
fed up
March 11th, 2009
7:45 pm
Sounds sort of like Obama taking advantage of the economic crisis, huh?
I Report/ You Whine
March 11th, 2009
7:45 pm
Hahahahaha>
Trash, SuperSissy March 11th, 2009 7:36 pm Anyhow, HBO tonight – gonna catch up on Big Love
hahahahahaha
Big gay love: HBO’s Big Love has ignited debate about hetero polygamy, but polyamorous relationships are not news to the many gay men with multiple long-term partners. How do they fit in to our fight for visibility?
Aahhh, yes.
RB from Gwinnett
March 11th, 2009
7:46 pm
Jay, this one is a stretch even for you. Do you have any evidence of any civil liberties Bush actually took from you, me, and Aunt Bea? Are you really so naive to think the people responsible for this nations safety didn’t discuss things like this in the days following a 3,000 plus death attack on our nation? Don’t bother answering, Jay, we all know the answer. Hopefully, so does Julia.
On a day with so many things you could write about, you post this POS???
BTW, I noticed you didn’t answer my question from this morning. Why is it you always avoid answering tough questions posed to you, but swoon in and hurl childish insults at posters (your customers)? Do you have the ability to debate on this blog or don’t you? Can you defend your pathetically unsupported postings or not? Or are you so arrogant you think your writings are above question and you don’t need to defend them?
Bud Wiser
March 11th, 2009
7:55 pm
President Liar is already formulating plans for a secondary stimulus package?
What’s the matter…..wasn’t the 25 jobs created to date simply not enough to claim the trillions spent so far are a ’success’?
And Gelding, I’m not sure which part you were calling my criticisms – was it the institute honoring the drunken murderer, or the part about President Liar?
How long should I wait before criticizing President Liar again? Should I wait for his next Big Lie? How about when he appoints another tax cheat to a cabinet position? Or when his SecState pisses off another very important country? How about when the US dollar becomes worth less than the Argentine dollar, or the Mexican peso? What about when the Mexican drug wars spill over on to US soil and the drug lords start killing American citizens on our side of the border, while our Border Patrol sits and watches because they have ‘do not fire’ orders?
I really, really do not know.
I am so confused.
Please enlighten me.
Please enlighten us all.
While you’re at it, please also tell us how proud you are so far of the staggering stupidity and incompetence displayed to date by these rank amateurs. And also how much more O! will let your 401, IRA, etc., whatever, shrink in value because he and his trolls don’t know what the hell they are doing, but they’re sure having a great time spending all of your and my money.
Please, tell us….we so need to know.
jon
March 11th, 2009
8:10 pm
Hey, hey, O-B-A,
How many billions did you spend today?
steve
March 11th, 2009
8:26 pm
Get a grip Bookman, Bush isn’t President anymore!
G
March 11th, 2009
8:33 pm
Sen. David Vitter, Rushpublicant – Louisiana, (yes, he’s the “family values” guy who was supporting a bevy of prostitutes) railed mightily against taking earmarks.
Guess what? He’s gotten $249,000,000.00 worth of earmarks in the omnibus spending bill. Hypocrite.
No doubt the bulk of it will go to Hookers R Us.
oldmac
March 11th, 2009
8:40 pm
What size type are you planning to use for the “Obama renegs on “no to earmarks” campaign pledge?” Guess not…..
NM
oldmac
March 11th, 2009
8:43 pm
I’m looking for the “Obama renegs on “no more earmarks” campaign pledge headline.” Don’t see it anywhere…….
MN
oldmac
March 11th, 2009
8:44 pm
Duplicate post not my fault…..(inherited from Bush I guess.)
NM
TnGelding
March 11th, 2009
8:47 pm
Bud Wiser
March 11th, 2009
7:55 pm
I’m sorry, I was referring to linking Teddy Boy to teen alcohol abuse.
Terrific Tim seems to be gaining his footing. Let’s hope the markets are headed toward another multi-year gain that will equal the 400% during the Clinton era. Several leading business leaders have endorsed the stimulus package, but I agree with you. Enough is enough!
TnGelding
March 11th, 2009
8:49 pm
Oops! No wedding bells in Alaska after all. Bristol Palin devastated:
http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BRISTOL_PALIN?SITE=GACAT&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2009-03-11-19-59-00
Chad Harris
March 11th, 2009
8:55 pm
Another day and the irrelevant rethugs cryin’ on a blog while
Sen. John McCain is putting together a major economic plan that will be structured, in some ways, off of Newt Gingrich’s famous Contract With America.
In an email obtained by the Huffington Post, the Arizona Republican’s chief of staff, Marc Buse, asked an outside adviser for help with a “ten principles” program that the senator could use as a “definitive” platform.
“We are looking for some guidance on a definitive plan (aka contract with america style) on the economy…principles,” writes Buse. “Ten principles that JSM could point to on what MUST BE DONE to address the problems our nation faces.”
Buse doesn’t offer specific suggestions of his own, save “NO TAX INCREASES.”
In news in Alaska Redneck Bristol has ditched Baby Daddy who is now free to make mo babies.st
That report is also in contast with Faux flunkie and fired from CNN talkin head Gretta von Clueless.
Bristol, true to rethug values and most of the rethugs here, has not attempted to return to high school ’cause it’s real hard. She has found something at the school to fulFILLher um
needs. She is going into high school two days a week to help the high school’s new swimming coach, Matt Hanley, with his duties at the pool. She is signed in at the office as an “aide.”
RW-(the original)
March 11th, 2009
8:55 pm
Does anybody here subscribe to the AJC home delivery? I heard they have to weight it down with a rock to keep it in your driveway and wondered if it’s true.
RW-(the original)
March 11th, 2009
8:57 pm
Jay B.,
Why are you letting all this abuse get heaped on an 18 year old kid?
G
March 11th, 2009
8:57 pm
See there? Family values and market discipline are what everyone should have except for those who are in power. That is the GOP message.
How is it that conservative free marketeers are the ones who need government subsidies and bailouts?
How is it that conservative, Bible-thumping, family values-talking do-gooders are the ones whose kids get pregnant, get busted for drinking/drugs, and have questionable personal lives?
Give me a break from all this hypocrisy and sophistry.
It’s time for business and government and religion to part ways.
Time for the radical Christian right to step off.
TnGelding
March 11th, 2009
9:00 pm
SunTrust a good neighbor:
http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/stories/2009/03/11/suntrust_helps_homeowners.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab&cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab
Jenn
March 11th, 2009
9:00 pm
Poor Bristol.
Is Joe the plumber married?
jon
March 11th, 2009
9:01 pm
Here comes Porkulus II. Madame Pelosi has found a few constituents that didn’t get stimulated enough by Porkulus I, and is planning Porkulus II, since the first one was such a success.
Meanwhile the O-man continues to give lip-service to fiscal responsibility, while digging his hand deeply into the pockets of the few taxpayers that will remain in this country after his agenda is fully enacted.
Will the O-puppet stand up to his masters, Pelosi and Reid and insist on fiscal responsibility in Government? I wouldn’t bet a nickel on it.
Chad Harris
March 11th, 2009
9:07 pm
The wingnuts here don’t read newspapers–too hard.
G
March 11th, 2009
9:16 pm
Who would ever think that the Rushpublicant party could be such a huge laugh machine?
They ought to have their own channel.
SNL ought to be a riot this week, for sure!
Chad Harris
March 11th, 2009
9:20 pm
Republican PORKULUS alive and well:
Bashing Democrats on the day President Obama signed the $410 billion omnibus spending bill was the easy part for Republican leaders Wednesday.
But getting Rep. John Boehner and Sen. Mitch McConnell on the same page on earmarks will be a lot tougher.
At a joint press conference designed to present a united Republican front against Democratic spending habits, McConnell (R-Ky.) and Boehner (R-Ohio) appeared to diverge on earmark reform.
“I think the president missed a golden opportunity to really fulfill his campaign commitment to not sign bills that have a lot of wasteful spending and are overburdened with earmarks,” Boehner said. “If you look at the earmark reforms that he proposed, the question I have is, ‘Where’s the beef?”
McConnell declined to answer the question about earmarks.
The Amazing GodHatesTrash
March 11th, 2009
9:23 pm
Bookman, on the previous thread there are almost 300 consecutive posts without a single one from Whine&Whine.
That has to be a record.
G
March 11th, 2009
9:24 pm
Meghan McCain (John’s daughter) is talking with Rachel Maddow now.
She says she’s 24, but she sounds more like 14.
jon
March 11th, 2009
9:28 pm
When the slop hits the trough, all piggies (R&D) show up to eat. One elected official had the opportunity to stand up for all of America and refuse to sign the earmark laden budget bill. That was the O-man. What a hero he would have been to Americans if he had refused to sign the pork heavy budget!! But. alas, he dances on the strings of Pelosi, Reid, Carville, Begala, and various Clintonistas.
Chad Harris
March 11th, 2009
9:32 pm
Rethug Minority Whip Eric Cantor “GIMME LOTS MORE STIMULUS WHILE THE BOOKMAN WINGBUTTERS CRY ABOUT IT”
fed up
March 11th, 2009
9:32 pm
There’s not a D behind her name that’s why RW.
I Report/ You Whine
March 11th, 2009
9:35 pm
RW: Yes, I still get the old paper version of the Urinal, you cannot fully capture the essence of treason in the online “print edition.”
Of course, it is heaved off into my flowerbeds by a pair of female illegal immigrants, I know this for a fact, for one morning I stopped to “flirt” with them and after having fully gathered their attentions, I all of a sudden asked to see their green cards.
I’ve never seen a 1979 Toyota Corolla gather such speed as that one did hauling ass on it’s way.
Now all I see of them is four eyeballs looking nervously up my driveway as they race by, desperately trying to land the day’s Urinal in my driveway whilst doing 75 mph.
I guess I should tell them I’m not the law.
By the way, they appear to be less than one paycheck away from living in a tent city, if they don’t already do.
Apparently, some people like to whine but don’t do anything about it.
CommunistAJC
March 11th, 2009
9:38 pm
Chad Harris isn’t really a doctor but he plays one on AJC.
CommunistAJC
March 11th, 2009
9:41 pm
Chad Harris Palin Limbaugh, you do realize that the Democrats control congress, right? You can not blame the GOP for the countrys predicament.
By the way, how many malpractice suits did you deal with today, Dr. Nick?
RW-(the original)
March 11th, 2009
9:42 pm
fed up,
There’s not an R behind her name or Levi’s name either and the way bloggers around here treat them and the pressure that gets put on these kids, with Jay B’s acceptance and even encouragement at times, makes me sick.
The Corporal
March 11th, 2009
9:42 pm
AND YET ANOTHER ONE MIDORI !
HEADLINE: WASHINGTON: Charles Freeman Jr., President Barack Obama’s choice for a major intelligence post, has withdrawn his name and blamed pro-Israel lobbying groups for his decision, saying they had distorted his record and campaigned against him.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/03/11/america/intel.php
BIG P.S.
Have any of my “liberal” friends out there read “Dreams of My Father”? I am about half-way through it and would like your opinion ….
fed up
March 11th, 2009
9:54 pm
Good one CommunistAJC @ 9:38 p.m.
mike
March 11th, 2009
9:57 pm
Well gee, Jay. If you are looking for evidence, how about reading the whole article which you yourself cite instead of just cherry-picking the parts that you like:
“Yet Attorney General Holder has endorsed Yoo’s view that the U.S. is engaged in a never-ending, omnipresent War on Terror that justifies extraordinary measures such as preventive detention. He also has continued the Bush administration’s efforts to suppress lawsuits related to rendition and warrantless wiretapping on state secrecy grounds.”
fed up
March 11th, 2009
10:06 pm
Yet even Obama said during the campaign that “family was off limits and especially the children” but he said a lot of things during his campaign that aren’t panning out as he promised. I’m sure a lot of these bloggers who consistently and constantly go after Bristol Palin either have children that have had a child out of wedlock or they did themselves.
G
March 11th, 2009
10:08 pm
Communist @ 9:38, even you should be able to do better than that.
Still off your game, aren’t you?
CommunistAJC
March 11th, 2009
10:10 pm
G, well I wasn’t the only one who thought that was funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MvZiETp2Ww
TnGelding
March 11th, 2009
10:14 pm
CommunistAJC
March 11th, 2009
9:44 pm
A grade of 59 and approval rating of 60 don’t correlate, but mathematically they’re the same. It’s not tulips Tiny Tim is tiptoeing through while he holds his nose. Look for his grade to be going up dramatically.
“The economists, many of whom have been continually surprised by the depth of the downturn, also pushed back yet again their forecasts for when a recovery would begin.” Nobody knows the trouble we’re in!
The overall article really wasn’t that harsh on O!.
TnGelding
March 11th, 2009
10:16 pm
fed up
March 11th, 2009
10:06 pm
Bristol isn’t the story and you know that.
RW-(the original)
March 11th, 2009
10:37 pm
Gelding,
What is the freaking story? You’re gloating about a breakup between a couple of teenage kids that share a child together you sick jacka$$. Why are they fair game in your book?
Chad Harris
March 11th, 2009
10:51 pm
Chad Harris could easily make your purported wife “doctor” look like a scrub lady if it came to gettin’ it on in what to do in clinical situations–the everyday, the ER, internal med, pre or post or, and the complex and she knows it.
But you can jerk yourself off here as you do at home.
This blog was not designed to comment stupidly on people’s professions when you know zero about them.
And obviously since you can’t begin to keep up with Chad when it comes to grasp of politics, domestic or foreign policy since you have a Pali,n peanut brain, you com e up with stupidly fantasizing about what Chad does professionally.
You want to make a fool out of your so-callledg wife who is most of the time doinanyone who is not you, put her on and we’ll go one on one medical topic of HER choice you little cretin.
I’ll say one thing. If your wife is an MD–she’s married to the dumbest spouse I’ve seen in my entire career and I’ve seen some pretty bizarre MD marriages and mistresses and boyfriends hubby didn’t know about–that’s for sure.
We don’t care if you’re a pimp on the South Side of Chicago.
TnGelding
March 11th, 2009
11:03 pm
RW-(the original)
March 11th, 2009
10:37 pm
We’re not gloating. We strongly suspected the marriage would never take place. Why did they trot him onto the stage to begin with? The story is the family values crowd is just as suseptible to failure as the rest of us. Societal norms change and Bristol is lucky she wasn’t living 50 years ago. My heart goes out to her because I know the difficult road she is embarking on. She’s lucky to have a wealthy family to support her, and I respect them for that.
RW-(the original)
March 11th, 2009
11:16 pm
Gelding,
Families get trotted out on stage in campaigns all the time. Are Malia and Sasha fair game just because Obama used them as props? I don’t think so and frankly I had a little respect for you before tonight. No longer.
Now why don’t you try to explain why it’s some important story? You can’t and you won’t, but if I told you why Jay B would delete my comment and let you post away with your attacks on a couple of kids. He’s cowardly that way.
You should be ashamed of yourself. Are you?
Joe Matarotz
March 11th, 2009
11:20 pm
Jay Bookman – Master of Hindsight.
How soon we forget what it was like when smoke was still rising from the pile of rubble that was the North and South towers of the WTC. Had more attacks come, the uproar would easily have drowned out the noise being made over the Stimulus fiasco.
Since nothing else happened, Jay the almighty has chosen to parrot someone else’s writings (gee, that’s never happened before) and repeat what a lousy President Bush was. Maybe, just maybe, no other attacks happened because Bush had a pair and stepped up to the plate.
I don’t think that Obama has a pair, and I’m afraid that we made wake up to a mushroom cloud in Israel because some dirtbag tyrant decided to push the issue. And if that happens, $4.59 for regular will look like a bargain. And that’s the good news.
Then what will you write (or copy), Jay? Go back to reading The Little Engine That Could. You live in a fairy tale world.
Swami Dave
March 11th, 2009
11:33 pm
So…..the President is going to end the process of earmarks…..after he signs -this- Omnibus package that is loaded with earmarks……but sternly expects Congress to send him no more legislation with earmarks…..unless the earmarks happen to be of the more “acceptable” “public” type that go to states and municipalities… but definitely more close monitoring those earmarks that might go to private entities……just so Congress knows he is seriously opposed to earmarks……and will not be signing any more legislation with earmarks….after he signs this one with over 9000.
For extra credit: Obama is going to cut the deficit in half during his first four years……after he finishes signing the Omnibus package that increases government spending across the board 8%……at which time he will be focusing on fiscal responsiblity……during his first four years in which his administration will double the national debt built in the nations first two and a quarter centuries…….a feat that cuts in half (4 years) the amount of time (8 years) that it took the Bush administration to do……which Democrats and the Obama campaign excoriated the Bush administration for doing…..even though he is on pace to do it faster with less results to show for the money wasted.
Proof positive that elections have consequences as markets are responding to Carter-esque economic incompetence by this administration in its efforts to return us full-steam back on Carter-era economic stagflation. I honestly do not know what would be worse – that this administration is truly so ignorant and stupid to expect different results to their stagflating retro policies or, completely aware of the eventual consequences of their actions, they are doing so as their attempted means to acquire and buttress power.
Even more so sad will be the incredulous reactions from this administration’s mindless supporters who will express shock as the gap between the “haves” and “have-nots” will more quickly expand on Obama’s watch.
Oh well……another day – more muddled, muck-brained meanderings delivered as feigned attempts at leadership.
-Swami Dave
Chad Harris
March 11th, 2009
11:33 pm
Palin’s family is an important story because she and morons purport that she’s Presidential candidate material. It’s important because this country doesn’t need ignorant trailer trash uneducated individuals representing us. It’s important because putting Palin within reach of launch codes would be like throwing RW into a tertiary ER and telling him to fix ‘em all.
It’s important because your party had a number of people who were better candidates for VP although none of them have an ice cube in July’s chance of going anywhere vote wise.
Chad Harris
March 11th, 2009
11:34 pm
When Clinton’s wife ran for President, I recall seeing all the wingnuts including RW obsessed with talking about the BJs Clinton alledgely got from Lewinsky (probably substituting for the BJ’s they can’t get anywhere else).
mike
March 11th, 2009
11:39 pm
Chad Harris –
Yeah, because god knows that folks who spend their every waking second when not at work posting on blogs are real ladies men. LOL
RW-(the original)
March 11th, 2009
11:42 pm
Chadly @ 11:34,
Any chance you can back up what you’re accusing me of?
I didn’t think so.
Frederick Douglass
March 12th, 2009
12:08 am
James Carville didn’t need to wish for Bush to fail, Dubya did a pretty good job of that on his own. My gosh, the guy was a veritable pariah
to his own party—–but I digress, he isn’t the president now.
Chad Harris
March 12th, 2009
12:25 am
Mike are you a lady?
Again personal remarks are an index of your moronicity. None of you wingbutss dares to discuss an issue.
RW–I accused you of nothing except that you are wrong on issues and ocassionally take personal swipes like your other wingbutters because you get ticked off politically because your party is over.
If you would like to be specific about what you paranoia thinks I’ve “accused you of” I can deal with it.
All these thump your organ phallic bravado don’t mess with these posts are rather stupid on a comment section of a blog RW.
My info is your some kind of IT guy,. and I have the greatest respect for those. But my point was that neither you nor Palin would do well in an ER and I’ll stick to it. I would imagine you spend time with some servers or whatever that I don’t.
Why not try to stick to the issues?
All you math whizzes out there who ignore or don’t understand numbers:
1) Not all earmarks are bad, although avoiding competitive bidding is a Republican phoenom
2) The Republicans requested numerically and financially more earmarks.
3) EARMARKS ARE LESS THAN 1% of the Omnibus Spending Bill and the one the thugs whine about was Bush crafted last fall.
Swami Dave
March 12th, 2009
12:25 am
Tom:
The pattern continues. Unable to address / refute any philosophy / idea / point / contention, we see the repeated devolution to nonsensical and rude attacks against those whom you are unable to respond.
It is truly a ankle-deep belief that has only empty viscerals as its sole core of defense.
Have no fear though. I hold no grudge and humbly accept your surrender.
-Swami Dave
Chad Harris
March 12th, 2009
12:41 am
Chadly @ 11:34,
Any chance you can back up what you’re accusing me of?
I didn’t think so.
Try saying what you mean in English RWly LOL.
zeke
March 12th, 2009
1:03 am
Nothing like this has been seen since FDR! How people who claim to be Americans could possibly vote this socialist into office still amazes me! If his policies are implemented. the USA as we know it will be lost forever!
TnGelding
March 12th, 2009
1:25 am
zeke
March 12th, 2009
1:03 am
Bush has probably already seen to that, unless O! can reverse the slide.
TnGelding
March 12th, 2009
1:34 am
Joe Matarotz
March 11th, 2009
11:20 pm
He has a pair, a big testosterone full pair, as he showed against Hillary and McCain and the REPUBLICAN party. And the intellect and judgement to put them to good use. I don’t think it is a coincidence that the two attacks on the WTC were during the first year of new administrations, so yes, we are at more of a risk. But to give Bush credit for keeping us safe is a stretch since he got caught with his pants down around his ankles on 9/11.
TnGelding
March 12th, 2009
1:56 am
RW-(the original)
March 11th, 2009
11:16 pm
If Obama’s children were unmarried with child, yes. BUT TO MY KNOWLEDGE, NEITHER OF THEM ARE. But if and when they ever were, you can bet it would be covered by the media. But maybe our societal norms will have changed by then and it won’t be news.
You don’t bring further scrutiny on a private family matter by bringing the sperm “DONOR” of your pregnant unmarried daughter on stage. HE SHOULD HAVE REMAINED IN THE BACKGROUND UNTIL THEY WERE MARRIED. iT SENT THE WRONG MESSAGE TO OTHER IMPRESSIONABLE TEENAGERS. Why didn’t they just have them get married on stage instead of announcing a future date that anyone that has ever been involved in that type of situation knew would probably never come? Shot gun weddings used to occur ASAP.
But it’s not about Bristol, as I said. It’s also about sex education and the unrealistic abstinance only program that so many conservatives support and the choice of abortion which so many of them would take away. To their credit, Bristol and her mother chose to carry their babies full term. The governor embarked on a very difficult journey with her decision as well.
I have nothing to be ashamed about, and neither does Bristol. All I did was pass along the latest news, which is done often here. And since she’s been all over the media I don’t think it qualifies as gossip.
TnGelding
March 12th, 2009
2:17 am
CAPS unintended.
TnGelding
March 12th, 2009
2:19 am
The Corporal
March 11th, 2009
11:10 am
Then why don’t you enlighten me? Do you think the president’s life is any more valuable than yours or mine or a soldier’s killed in Iraq or Afghanistan due to Bush’s horrendous mistakes? Do you need to massage your ego because your JOB was to provide them protection?
Bush spent more time on AF1 or at his “ranch” or Camp David than he did in the Oval Office, and the country paid a tremendous price for it.
I’d like to see the AF1 fleet reassigned to bring the troops home in style from around the world, especially Iraq, S. Korea and Japan.
TnGelding
March 12th, 2009
2:24 am
Business Roundtable finally sees the light:
http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/H/HEALTH_VALUE_GAP?SITE=GACAT&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2009-03-12-00-48-21
TnGelding
March 12th, 2009
4:29 am
The Corporal
March 11th, 2009
11:10 am
Do you support spending $11.2 billion to replace the Marine One fleet of helicopters?
GodHatesTrash, Superstar
March 12th, 2009
5:58 am
Vitter needs another spanking…
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/11/david-vitter-throws-tantr_n_173834.html
steve
March 12th, 2009
6:25 am
When do we get to discuss Obama & Hillary Clinton’s gift giving ideas? That’s change I “believe” in!
Bud Wiser
March 12th, 2009
6:42 am
Good lord, someone must have turned the power back on in Lady Chadderly’s mom’s basement….I see his ignorance is back.
Taxpayer
March 12th, 2009
6:44 am
Obama has no choice but to mirror Bush’s power grab. A steady pull to the left for eight years should be sufficient to get the US back to center. All together now, PULL!
Copyleft
March 12th, 2009
8:38 am
It’s fun knowing that every self-proclaimed “libertarian” today has been exposed as a fraud and a liar. We told them they’d regret handing over unquestioned, dictatorial powers to the presidency–did they listen? Noooo….
Now Obama can do whatever he darn well pleases with those new, expanded powers–and the right-wingers are paralyzed with fear and anger over what THEIR BOY produced. Fortunately, Obama is a bit more honorable and a great deal smarter than the last dud. Here’s hoping he stays within the bounds of the Constitution (even though he doesn’t HAVE to–he’s a Unitary Executive and C-in-C, remember?).
The Corporal
March 12th, 2009
10:37 am
To TnGelding:
Everyone’s life is of equal importance before God but not necessarily of equal impact here on earth. I don’t think you realize the problem of losing a President (especially one at this time) through an assassination. Politically and economically it would be disasterous for the country. I don’t know where you got your “chip on the shoulder” on this one but you need to rethink your position. What kind of price would you put on that??
Regarding the HMX fleet (Marine One, etc.) I would have to study on that. Again, the real costs on those are sophisticated “electronic countermeasures” that are highly classified. Helicopters are very easy to bring down with the right munitions. Again, what do you think the econmoic impact would be to this country vs. the cost of upgraded helo’s?
Personally, I will leave that to the experts.
P.S. What you also don’t realize is that unlike a job you may have, it doesn’t matter where the President is. He is never “off duty” whether the Oval Office, Camp David or on AF-1. He gets the same briefings everyday, is constantly on the phone or having to make decisions, meet with people, etc. ……….. even on vacation. Again, I’m not trying to be harsh but you really have no clue on this.
TnGelding
March 12th, 2009
11:26 am
The Corporal
March 12th, 2009
10:37 am
Certainly the president should be protected, but to what extent? How many motorcycle policemen have been killed just escorting their motorcades? How much does it cost every time they shut down a freeway and inconvenience everyone else? If they’re in that much danger then they should stick close to their home base, especially in this communication age. Just flying in a helicopter is dangerous and should be avoided. They certainly shouldn’t be transported to every site the presidents visit. The Secret Service, like every government agency, has gone berserk. That’s why the budget is over $3 trillion. They all have their little fiefdoms to protect and expand.
They’re not indispensible, and let’s stop treating them like they are.
Yeah, Bush was constantly on the phone as he rode his bike for hours at a time and then went to bed with the chickens and Reagan was napping half the day.