Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,171 comments Add your comment
Ted Kennedy
July 27th, 2009
10:20 am
Ugh…what a weekend. I need a drink to get my day started. Anyone know where that gallon of Mr Boston is?
Paul
July 27th, 2009
10:22 am
Well, well, well. After a few days to coordinate and get the Administration policy straight on whether or not we’ll ‘allow’ Iran to get a nuke (in spite of statements made during the campaign), our SecState had this to say on Sunday:
” U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Sunday that Iran would not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon and reiterated Washington’s commitment to protect close ally Israel from any threat posed by Tehran.
“We are going to do everything we can to prevent you (Iran) from getting a nuclear weapon. Your pursuit is futile,” she told NBC’s “Meet the Press” program, adding that Iran did not have the right to develop a nuclear weapon.”
So, the US decides what it will ‘allow’ another country to do.
The US is committed to do ‘everything’ we can to keep them from getting a nuke. “Every” thing. That means there is not anything we won’t do.
Do you see the implications?
Report/Whine, if I may borrow a line from you: “Is Bush looking pretty good about now?”
Ted Kennedy
July 27th, 2009
10:24 am
Hillary Clinton is a non-Ivy league pain in the rumpus. Pass the vodka and pay her no mind.
I Report :-) You Whine :-(
July 27th, 2009
10:30 am
Look at the tiny little house that Gheithner paid 1.6 million for and now can’t sell-
http://www.houlihanlawrence.com/vp/ListingServlet?SITE=HLAWNY&ScreenID=LISTING_DETAIL_P&EXCEEDLIMIT=null&numRecordsToShow=25&totalFound=0&cd_MLS=441162
What a bozo, some financial “genius” this guy is.
I pray for you America.
Scooter
July 27th, 2009
10:32 am
Paul,what is your opinion on how the Iran mess will unfold? I’m lost!
Turd Ferguson
July 27th, 2009
10:32 am
Gates is a jackass and this incident shows you can take a man out of the ghetto but cant take the ghetto out of the man.
Dusty
July 27th, 2009
10:34 am
Paul,
Bush has been looking good for a long time.
Thanks for your reasonable comments. They bring some stability to prejudiced political propaganda so often presented here as factual..
Normal
July 27th, 2009
10:41 am
We was “Bushwhacked” for eight years!!!!
G-d, I love to stir the pot, haha.
TnGelding
July 27th, 2009
10:44 am
Paul
July 27th, 2009
10:17 am
Judicial activism on the Supreme Court? Yeah, like no one would notice. The Ricci case was overturned on another 5-4 decision. Not exactly cut and dried.
Dusty
July 27th, 2009
10:45 am
Dear Normal,
You’ve been sitting on the pot long enough. Time to move on.
Scooter
July 27th, 2009
10:46 am
You will be hearing somthing soon Normal! ARRRRG
TnGelding
July 27th, 2009
10:48 am
Paul
July 27th, 2009
10:22 am
Bush was paralyzed. He looks good right now, far from the decision making process. The coin-flipping days are over.
Doggone/GA
July 27th, 2009
10:48 am
“Judicial activism on the Supreme Court? Yeah, like no one would notice. The Ricci case was overturned on another 5-4 decision. Not exactly cut and dried.”
AND they introduced an element into the judgement that was not in the precedent used by the justices, of which Sotomayor was only one, that affirmed the lower court decision.
TnGelding
July 27th, 2009
10:51 am
I Report
You Whine 
July 27th, 2009
10:30 am
Location, location, location!
Did you notice the estimated taxes?
Gandalf, the White! (Mufti of Gwinnesia!)
July 27th, 2009
10:52 am
Is it Soda-my-ear or Soda-my-oar? If Jay’s out does that mean no more threats? He’s really on a Job Interview! Just sayin’!
Normal
July 27th, 2009
10:55 am
But Dusty, I love you…
Dusty
July 27th, 2009
10:59 am
TnG,
You were addressing Paul but I can’t help but notice your blind comment that Bush was paralyzed.
Bush revived this country after 9/11 and moved it forward. He took every step he thought would provide protection for us from future attacks. He had enough foresight to see that the MidEast was headed for a total involvement in terrorism.
Bush can take credit for diminishing much of the threat of terrorism. It is not totally gone, just diminished. Now Obama is following the plans of Bush, something he said he would never do.
Bush was honest and effective in our defense. If you do not want to protect or fight for your country, then you do not understand the policies of Bush.
TnGelding
July 27th, 2009
11:00 am
I Report
You Whine 
July 27th, 2009
10:30 am
Pray all you want, but America is in good hands:
U.S. new home sales rise sharply in June
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Sales of new single-family homes in the United States rose more than expected in June, while the inventory of homes for sale fell to a more than 11-year low, government data showed on Monday.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090727/bs_nm/us_usa_economy_newhomes_3
Dusty
July 27th, 2009
11:01 am
Normal,
Fickle lover!!
TnGelding
July 27th, 2009
11:08 am
Dusty
July 27th, 2009
10:59 am
Welcome to the fray.
I meant he was paralyzed on what he could do with Iran, and in fact did nothing but include them in his axis of evil. Bush implemented Obama’s plan in Iraq and now Obama is trying to correct the mistake of neglecting of Afghanistan.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0304/p01s03-wosc.html
Look for some breaking news on UBL at any minute.
Dave R.
July 27th, 2009
11:10 am
Gelding, you need to read a bit more into that figure.
“That was 11 percent above the upwardly revised May rate of 346,000, but 21.3 percent below the June 2008 estimate.
Sales prices fell however, suggesting builders have been cutting prices to clear inventory. The median sales price fell to 206,200 from 219,000 a month earlier. And the median length of time homes were on the market was a record 11.8 months.”
It was up from an ESTIMATE of new home sales. That doesn’t mean any recovery is in place. And prices were DOWN more than 6%. We assuredly aren’t in good hands.
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
July 27th, 2009
11:14 am
Well, I see somebody called the little old lady that decides how the stock market does and told her to sell out. The market is down even tho new home sales went up 11%. We need a new little old lady. Or maybe she heard about how this Obama is going to spend us into bankruptcy and decided to get out while the getting’s good.
Glad to see Sister Dusty is back. While she was gone things were just too peaceful around here. Bookman didn’t even kick anybody off of the blog and things were so peaceful he decided to take a week off and go fishing. Even the Whiner was peaceable. Now she’s getting into it with Normal and it won’t be long till she’s at it with somebody else.
Have a good day everybody.
I Report :-) You Whine :-(
July 27th, 2009
11:15 am
You know, if enough of you libs whined about, I’m sure the AJC blog moderater would put up a fresh thread, just sayin…
USinUK
July 27th, 2009
11:16 am
Paul –
Iran is a signatory of the NPT, so actually YES, we and the other signators have a right to say that they aren’t allowed to develop nukes.
and, yes Bush is looking great – in the rear-view mirror. that’s the best view of him EVER.
md
July 27th, 2009
11:24 am
” The hostage rescue failed because of a combination of bad luck and poor planning by the military leaders. Not Jimmy’s fault.”
Sorry, but this is flawed logic.
Jimbo was the CIC, responsible for appointing the “military leaders” and therefore responsible for their actions. Same with any manager, they are held accountable for those they manage – dispense of the weak link or suffer the consequences.
Dusty
July 27th, 2009
11:24 am
TnG,
Bush implemented Obama’s plan??Did you really write that?
Obama was implementing his plans to get elected and said whatever his audience wanted to hear while Bush was calling Iran eactly what has proven to be true this day. Iran is a theocrtic non-democratic country building nuclear bombs and calling it something else. It is also suppressing it’s freedom seeking citizens. What has Obama done? Nothing but impressing them with butterfly diplomacy.
Our troops in Afghanistan who have never left must appreciate your total rejection of them. We have never withdrawn all our fighting forces from Afghanistan. They have been working quietly and not advertising their moves. What would you have them do? Tell Osama exactly where and what to expect? You do know that Afghanistan has it’s OWN GOVERNMENT not controlled by the Taliban? You do know that Iraq has it’s OWN DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT, don’t you?
You surely can overlook a LOT. What makes you so blind?
USinUK
July 27th, 2009
11:25 am
Dave –
“It was up from an ESTIMATE of new home sales. That doesn’t mean any recovery is in place. And prices were DOWN more than 6%. We assuredly aren’t in good hands.”
every time the monthly numbers are released, they are a preliminary estimate and are revised one way or the other the following month. however, even if prices were down 6%, down 6% is still better than nothing – ask any builder. clearing inventory – that’s the name of the game right now.
or bulldozers. but I think most builders would agree that selling houses at a discount beats bulldozing.
Paul
July 27th, 2009
11:27 am
Scooter 10:32
I wish I had a crystal ball.
It will be destabilizing. Not just for us, not just for Israel. For Iraq. For Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Syria.
Russia doesn’t see them as a threat (a view I find interesting, given their experiences with terrorism and the tension in the former Republics).
It’s a long way from detonating a device to constructing a weapon. A very long way. But the fundamentalist regime in Iran seems determined. Will they use it as an item to get respect or deter adversaries (altho in the last thirty years the only ones they’ve come to blows with have been the Iraqis)? I have my doubts if they’ll be all that ‘live and let live.’ Just last week Ahmadinejad wanted to appoint a top advisor but the ruling cleric told him to pick someone else. Seems a year ago the guy said “Iran is a friend to all countries – even Israel.” When a comment like that gets you booted from a gov’t job…
There are just too many ways this could go. But three separate signals last week on America’s intent does not help us. Seems the Administration is going the verbal warning route, leaving it up to the Iranians to decide just how we’ll follow through if they proceed. How they view us is key –
TNGelding
So, what’s your opinion of the Eminent Domain case? Allowing local gov’ts to take homes and low income business so a developer can bring in more taxes?
Dusty,
Sometimes, ‘facts’ are in the eyes of the beholder!
Doggone GA
[[AND they introduced an element into the judgement that was not in the precedent used by the justices, of which Sotomayor was only one, that affirmed the lower court decision.]]
Wasn’t a big element of the Court’s decision that fear of a lawsuit is not adequate to cite disparate impact? Also, didn’t Ricci, et al, bring up extenuating factors that Sotomayor ignored that the Court considered?
Regardless of the answers or opinions to the above, a concern now is, does Judge Sotomayor have the caliber of legal mind necessary for the Court? Of course, Chief Justice Warren elicited the same concerns -
Paul
July 27th, 2009
11:30 am
USinUK
[[the other signators have a right to say that they aren’t allowed to develop nukes.]]
Consequences?
I’ve a feeling that’s what Iran’s considering – what’s the risk with this Administration? They already know the risk posed by nearly every other country – nil.
Doggone/GA
July 27th, 2009
11:30 am
“Wasn’t a big element of the Court’s decision that fear of a lawsuit is not adequate to cite disparate impact?”
No. The Supreme Court said they would have to prove they would LOSE the lawsuit.
catlady
July 27th, 2009
11:30 am
I think Professor Gates was NOT going to be told what to do by some high school graduate making $35,000 per year. That he was white merely fed into the Prof’s stereotypical thinking.
We DO have cops who are prejudiced black/white or white/black. We also have quite a few folks, black and white, who have NO intention of doing what they are told by a person in authority.
Re: John Prine. I like “Sam Stone” awfully well–”while his kids ran around wearing other people’s clothes”.
catlady
July 27th, 2009
11:34 am
I like to scroll up from the bottom and read a person’s comments before I see who wrote them. Much of the time I can identify the writer. Dusty, you are the easiest. (Hopefully no man has ever said that to you or someone you love)
USinUK
July 27th, 2009
11:36 am
Paul -
“I’ve a feeling that’s what Iran’s considering – what’s the risk with this Administration? They already know the risk posed by nearly every other country – nil.”
actually, didn’t China recently come out against Iranian nukes, as well?? fact is, oil prices will rise again – can Iran afford to alienate all its buyers? I think a military strike would be the worst possible solution for any country, but especially the US. jaw-jaw is always better than war war (if that’s good enough for Churchill, that’s good enough for me)
Normal
July 27th, 2009
11:36 am
Paul
July 27th, 2009
11:27 am
Scooter 10:32
Russia doesn’t see them as a threat (a view I find interesting, given their experiences with terrorism and the tension in the former Republics).
I think Russia thinks of Iran as economic competition and gives that view because they would like nothing else than to see Iran eliminated
from the oil playing field. As always, Russia looks out after Russia…
catlady
July 27th, 2009
11:37 am
That last comment was NOT tied directly to Dusty, BTW.
From Sam Stone: “climbing walls while sitting in a chair.”
Doggone/GA
July 27th, 2009
11:41 am
“can Iran afford to alienate all its buyers?”
Best guess: yes, they can. Because if demand for oil continues to rise, there will be someone else along soon to buy it instead.
Personally, I think we are DRIVING them to create a nuclear weapon by stating they “can’t have one.” I think their original intent WAS peaceful nuclear power plants…so they could sell more of their oil by not having to use some of it at home.
Gandalf, the White! (Mufti of Gwinnesia!)
July 27th, 2009
11:42 am
EXPAT You are thinking rationally (well, as rationally as you do
) and assume that Iranians do too! They don’t! They want to see the West fall!
Kamchak
July 27th, 2009
11:43 am
“There’s a hole in daddy’s arm where all the money goes
And Jesus Christ died for nuthin’ I suppose.”
Paul
July 27th, 2009
11:43 am
DoggoneGA
Good clarification.
The city threw out the test results because they were afraid of a lawsuit.
The Court said they could take that path only if they could show there was a strong basis in ‘evidence’ they’d be liable.
http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/07-1428.ZO.html
Future city – any city – actions will be interesting to watch, no matter the level of pressure local activists bring to bear, as happened in this case. From the concurring opinion:
” As initially described by the dissent, see post, at 2–12, the process by which the City reached the decision not to accept the test results was open, honest, serious, and deliberative. But even the District Court admitted that “a jury could rationally infer that city officials worked behind the scenes to sabotage the promotional examinations because they knew that, were the exams certified, the Mayor would incur the wrath of [Rev. Boise] Kimber and other influential leaders of New Haven’s African-American community.” 554 F. Supp. 2d 142, 162 (Conn. 2006), summarily aff’d, 530 F. 3d 87 (CA2 2008) (per curiam).
This admission finds ample support in the record. Reverend Boise Kimber, to whom the District Court referred, is a politically powerful New Haven pastor and a self-professed “ ‘kingmaker.’ ” App. to Pet. for Cert. in No. 07–1428, p. 906a; see also id., at 909a. On one occasion, “[i]n front of TV cameras, he threatened a race riot during the murder trial of the black man arrested for killing white Yalie Christian Prince. He continues to call whites racist if they question his actions.” “
Normal
July 27th, 2009
11:43 am
Dusty, you said,
You do know that Afghanistan has it’s OWN GOVERNMENT not controlled by the Taliban? You do know that Iraq has it’s OWN DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT, don’t you?
Part of that problem is Afganistan’s Government can’t or won’t help the outlaying populas, the local governments are mostly corrupt and operate on the bribe. The reason the Taliban has been able to florish there
is because they offer law that works, even if it is barbaric. A drowning man will grasp any straw…
USinUK
July 27th, 2009
11:43 am
doggone –
“Personally, I think we are DRIVING them to create a nuclear weapon by stating they “can’t have one.” I think their original intent WAS peaceful nuclear power plants…so they could sell more of their oil by not having to use some of it at home.”
they’re not teenagers.
they’re not trying to build nukes out of pique because mom said they couldn’t have the car this weekend.
“Because if demand for oil continues to rise, there will be someone else along soon to buy it instead.”
even though China and India have a growing population of car owners, I think that India would definitely respect a trade embargo (due to their proximity). and I think China would if Russia did.
Gandalf, the White! (Mufti of Gwinnesia!)
July 27th, 2009
11:46 am
We should drive them into the stone age by using nukes against them. I don’t like them very much anyway!
USinUK
July 27th, 2009
11:46 am
Hi GtG –
“EXPAT You are thinking rationally (well, as rationally as you do ) and assume that Iranians do too! They don’t! They want to see the West fall!”
please. Iran has an extremely westernized population, an extremely young population – they’re not ignorant peasants who blame the west for all their ills.
md
July 27th, 2009
11:46 am
” jaw-jaw is always better than war war (if that’s good enough for Churchill, that’s good enough for me)”
I think Poland circa ww2 would have a different opinion on how well all the backdoor jaw-jaw worked.
Normal
July 27th, 2009
11:46 am
DUSTY, forgot to finish. I’m gettin’ old, I guess. Yes Iraq has it’s government, but that won’t be enough to save it when we leave, but we have to leave and let it happen.
USinUK
July 27th, 2009
11:48 am
md –
“I think Poland circa ww2 would have a different opinion on how well all the backdoor jaw-jaw worked.”
and I think you’re conflating 2 unrelated issues. invasion of another country’s sovereignty /= breaking a nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
Dusty
July 27th, 2009
11:48 am
catlady,
It is a compliment to be easily identified by a liberal. That means I stay true to what I believe and have no politically correct views. They are just my own.
Paul,
You said “Facts are sometimes in the eye of the beholder.”
No, Paul, the interpretation of the facts is in the eye of the beholder. The facts stay the same.
Paul
July 27th, 2009
11:49 am
USinUK
Iran – I was referring to actions, not jawboning.
Scenarios gamed show no good outcomes and a lot of unintended consequences. But if the Administration finds that preferable…
maybe I will buy a hybrid, after all…
Normal
Now there’s an interesting theory. Get the ball rolling, stand back, watch someone else stop the ball.
DoggoneGA
[[Personally, I think we are DRIVING them to create a nuclear weapon by stating they “can’t have one.” I think their original intent WAS peaceful nuclear power plants…so they could sell more of their oil by not having to use some of it at home.]]
What’s the basis (in statements by Iran’s leaders?) for that? Didn’t Pres Obama, SecState Clinton, even before their current jobs, make their statements based on Iran’s actions and statements of intent? That, plus IAEA findings?
You don’t plan a program, build hardened facilities, import foreign assistance, buy materials, install and get working gazillions of centrifuges within a few months of someone saying “we really don’t want you to have a nuke.”
md
July 27th, 2009
11:50 am
“Personally, I think we are DRIVING them to create a nuclear weapon by stating they “can’t have one.””
Personally, I think their program would still be a secret if they hadn’t got caught. And furthermore, would probably be much further along.
md
July 27th, 2009
11:54 am
“and I think you’re conflating 2 unrelated issues. invasion of another country’s sovereignty /= breaking a nuclear non-proliferation treaty.”
I believe your post mentions “military strike”, which would be an “invasion of another country’s sovereignty”.
USinUK
July 27th, 2009
11:56 am
md –
“I believe your post mentions “military strike”, which would be an “invasion of another country’s sovereignty”.”
I referred to the US striking Iran. not Iran striking another country.
TnGelding
July 27th, 2009
11:57 am
Dave R.
July 27th, 2009
11:10 am
I read the fine print. But the trend is up. Inventory is coming down, even with all the bargain foreclosures on the market. I still don’t understand why someone would pay 3 times what it cost to build a home. But they did, and now we’re suffering the consequences.
I Report :-) You Whine :-(
July 27th, 2009
11:58 am
Nasty Pelosi is a San Franfreako skank-
Pelosi Vows Passage of Health-Care Overhaul
But I like her because she is destroying the democrat party.
An enemy of my enemies is a friend, er, uh, a friend of my enemies is an enemy, um, whatever.
Doggone/GA
July 27th, 2009
11:59 am
“The Court said they could take that path only if they could show there was a strong basis in ‘evidence’ they’d be liable”
You left out a step. The city negated the results, because under the law, the disparate results would be considered proof of the bias of the test…hence their fear of a minority based lawsuit.
The Supreme Court has put them in the place of “damned if you do, damned if you don’t.” Personally, I’m hoping the minorities DO sue…and WIN.
md
July 27th, 2009
11:59 am
“I referred to the US striking Iran. not Iran striking another country.”
Now why would the US strike Iran if Iran was not a threat at striking another country? Its not about Iran having nuclear weapons, its about Iran using nuclear weapons.
Doggone/GA
July 27th, 2009
12:00 pm
“they’re not teenagers.
they’re not trying to build nukes out of pique because mom said they couldn’t have the car this weekend”
Who said they were? What they ARE is a proud and ancient people, with different views on where pride should take them.
USinUK
July 27th, 2009
12:01 pm
md –
“Now why would the US strike Iran if Iran was not a threat at striking another country? Its not about Iran having nuclear weapons, its about Iran using nuclear weapons.”
actually, it’s about Iran HAVING nuclear weapons and breaking the NPT.
okay, my fine feathered folkses … I’m heading out to meet a friend for drinks and din – have a good evening!!!
@@
July 27th, 2009
12:06 pm
What I’m finding interesting is that the military components are beginning to act independent of the politics in both Pakistan and Iran. Pakistan’s, Zardari seems more than happy to let them. For the first time Pakistan’s ISI was invited to India’s negotiating table.
Netanyahu weighed in after Hillary’s “nuclear umbrella” comment. Iran is so riddled by internal conflict that they can’t find time or consensus on foreign policy. They’re lookin’ very weak and vulnerable right now. The IRGC is making their move — missile threats against Israel.
U.S. defense, intelligence and political officials will be holding a series of meetings in Israel this week focusing on Iran. An odd combo. Psychological?….or is something in the works?
Gunfight at the O.K., you asked for it, corral. It’s “High Noon” or “Tombstone”?
High Noon — my brother’s all-time favorite. Tombstone — RW’s.
Dusty
July 27th, 2009
12:07 pm
Dear Normal,
I see you have no faith in the building of a democracy. Have you forgotten our own history? Were we one complete nation without upstarts, tribes, loyalists, etc. after the Revolutionary War? We worked on it a long time and still do. We made some mistakes but perfection is impossible. Iraq is in the early stages. Afghanistan is less farther along with tougher problems.
I do not believe that human beings ever want a barbaric government. You see I haven’t lost the belief that people forever desire freedom from oppression. I’d give you a line or two from the Star Spangled Banner but truly, I believe we have a great country because we are FREE. You’ve heard all that before and fought for it, but it is still worth remembering..( No one should be afraid to be patriotic!)
TnGelding
July 27th, 2009
12:08 pm
Redneck Convert (R–and proud of it)
July 27th, 2009
11:14 am
The day is young. Let’s see how the markets close. I would say down, but who knows?
md
July 27th, 2009
11:24 am
It was a flawed mission, but the weather sealed it:
http://www.weather.com/multimedia/videoplayer.html?collection=257
(Scroll down to the last entry, Opeation Eagle Claw.)
Gandalf, the White! (Mufti of Gwinnesia!)
July 27th, 2009
12:12 pm
EXPAT: HAD an extremely westernized civilization. Now they are theocratically controlled by the Ayatollahs. My neighbor is part of that generation of westernized Iranians that left in the late 70’s. He tells me all about it. They all need to rise up and revolt or face the consequences of thermal nuclear destruction.
Gandalf, the White! (Mufti of Gwinnesia!)
July 27th, 2009
12:14 pm
I love desert combat! It’s the best, well, if you have air superiority anywho…
Doggone/GA
July 27th, 2009
12:17 pm
“My neighbor is part of that generation of westernized Iranians that left in the late 70’s”
And that qualifies him to tell you what Iran is like NOW? Hate to tell you, and him, but it’s been 30 years since the late 70’s. A lot can change in 30 years. And having a “theocratically” controlled government is not mutually exclusive with haveing a Westernized society.
Pat
July 27th, 2009
12:17 pm
I’m enjoying seeing that the usual yahoos can windbag ad nauseum about Obama, liberals, criminal blacks and the standard selection of grievances with no impetus other than … a fish.
This could be fun for you, Jay. Every day, just put a photo of some random object online, and invite your naysaying chorus to pontificate. A real time-saver for you!
Rather than speculating how Gates might have behaved had the arresting officer been black (and guess what, one of them was), more productive would be to ask how the cops would have reacted had the homeowner been white. Imagine, if you will, the following picture …
Officers in Johns Creek respond to a suspected break-in in one of the burb’s wealthy subdivisions, armed only with the info that the perp is a white dude. On arrival, they see an older white man, with greying hair and a cane, come to the door. They demand to see his I.D.
Irritated caucasian grandpa smarts off to them, but dutifully shuffles back and produces what they request. The officer still seems skeptical, and insists the homeowner come outside –
Gramps says “Why? This is my house.”
Argument ensues, older guy raises his voice in anger, and officer, not getting the amount of deference and obsequious groveling he believes his due, feels his manhood threatened and slaps on the cuffs, poste haste, in front of a growing crowd. The “suspect” is publicly humilated in front of his neighbors, driven downtown, gets his mugshot and tossed in the cooler. He makes bail, and is released.
It is then discovered that the “suspect”, turns out to be a well-known author and professor at an Ivy League university, and a close personal friend of many extremely influential and powerful people. The charges are quietly dropped, but as furor mounts over the arrest, the police department closes ranks and continues to insist the officers were in the right.
Ya think? No. Truth? This BS charge and arrest would NEVER have happened.
In said senario setup, officer would’ve confirmed the white older homeowner’s identification, apologized along these lines: “I’m sorry to interrupt your evening, sir, but we had a report of a break-in, so we had to check it out. I apologize for any inconvenience.”
Annoyed grandpa mumbles acceptance of apology, probably shuffles back to his dinner, book,
TV show, no escalation, no raised voices, no argument. If cops aren’t bright and throw their weight around and an arrest ensues … City and police officials would’ve realized they are screwed. They’d quickly see they’ve rattled the cage of someone with the contacts to create a PR nightmare for them, and a likely lawsuit. I’d venture angry homeowner gets a letter from the department with another apology, explanation that they’re especially sensitive to rising crime in the area, hope he understands and will join with his neighbors in helping police keep his neighborhood safe.
You can bet they wouldn’t be all over the media, trying to justify themselves. They’d be desperate to shut this up and make it go away, less said, the better.
I’m pissed at the prez too, for apologizing to the police after pressure from the right-wing nut media. Though “stupid” probably WAS a poor choice of words. “Arrogant” and “incompetent” would’ve been more accurate.
TnGelding
July 27th, 2009
12:19 pm
I think you confuse Iraq with Iran:
Afghanistan:
http://atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/FJ27Ag02.html
TnGelding
July 27th, 2009
12:21 pm
Dusty
July 27th, 2009
11:24 am
I think you confuse Iraq with Iran:
Afghanistan:
http://atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/FJ27Ag02.html
md
July 27th, 2009
12:23 pm
“actually, it’s about Iran HAVING nuclear weapons and breaking the NPT.”
Wrong, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion if the world wasn’t worried about them USING them.
Dusty
July 27th, 2009
12:25 pm
Slightly off topic but what topic?
What happened to the real RedNeck Convert? The current one is a big stuffy and doesn’t make good jokes. Maybe an understudy or something? Hit in the head by a golfball? Maybe there is a treatment for parodies and he got it! Ah the wonders of science! (Or maybe he married catlady! Now that would be a match made in heaven.)
Normal
July 27th, 2009
12:30 pm
Dusty,
Think of this, The difference in time and weaponry between 1776 and 2009 is great, don’t you think? If Iraq was only facing flintlocks, I’d give them a 50/50 chance. The main thing here, and the biggest thing here, is religion. The shia and Sunni are holding grudges that go back to the beginning of time and they won’t stop holding those grudges until the proper amount of murders and meyham have been paid. No Government or army will be able to stop it, either, because they are afterall, sunni and shia also. It has to happen, it is ordained.
I agree with you that no one wants a barbaric government. Most people, like us just want to be left alone and live our lives to the best of our abilities, pay our sou to Caesar, and try to save the rest, but the point is that no one in the whole of the middle east understands what “freedom” is. There has never been an instant, as far as I can remember, that each country hasn’t had a king. They have nothing to compare.
I’m glad you hold our way of life in such high esteem, but remember that we are the only country in the history of man to have this kind of life. We know it’s a good life and we want no other, but we can’t force it on others, they have to want it for themselves and we have to be a constant living example of how good our kind of life is. That is our challenge.
I think you might be just as big a peace-nik as I am…
TnGelding
July 27th, 2009
12:33 pm
Paul
July 27th, 2009
11:27 am
All of the Supreme Court cases are beyond my comprehension. I just find the 5-4 decisions perplexing.
Doggone/GA
July 27th, 2009
12:33 pm
“Rather than speculating how Gates might have behaved had the arresting officer been black (and guess what, one of them was), ”
No other officers were involved until AFTER Crowley left the house. Up until that time, he was the only officer Gates saw. Just to keep the discussion honest.
@@
July 27th, 2009
12:34 pm
Speaking as one?
July 27, 2009 0923 GMT
Israel’s defense minister Ehud Barak said July 27 that Israel is taking “no option” off the table regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Israel National News reported. Barak was speaking to reporters with visiting U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, who said the U.S. government’s attempt to engage Iran was “not an open-ended offer” and that the United States expects a response from Iran about its nuclear program by September.
Doggone/GA
July 27th, 2009
12:36 pm
“All of the Supreme Court cases are beyond my comprehension. I just find the 5-4 decisions perplexing.”
You should try reading the written opinions sometime. It can be VERY illuminating to read the dissenting opinions. It was in Bush vs Gore. I read them all, on both sides of the decision.
Dusty
July 27th, 2009
12:37 pm
No confusion, TnG
Our troops are in the process of leaving Iraq and are fighting extensively in Afghanistan to give support.. In the meantime, Obama and his Secretaries are playing footsie with Iran while playing poker with Israel and Russia.
You, in the meantime, approve any move by a Democrat. Maybe you are a bit confused about the meaing of budgets, trillions. and debt. Obama certainly does not seem to understand them. Neither does Geitner. Two lambs directing the wolves of dependence.
Paul
July 27th, 2009
12:42 pm
DoggoneGA 11:59
[[You left out a step. The city negated the results, because under the law, the disparate results would be considered proof of the bias of the test…hence their fear of a minority based lawsuit.]]
That’s what I thought, based upon what we hear so often. But it appears what the Court said wasn’t something new, but a restatement of what was supposed to have been:
” When an employer in a disparate-treatment case under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 claims that an employment decision, such as the refusal to promote, was based on a legitimate reason, two questions—one objective and one subjective—must be decided. The first, objective question is whether the reason given by the employer is one that is legitimate under Title VII. See St. Mary’s Honor Center v. Hicks, 509 U. S. 502, 506–507 (1993) . If the reason provided by the employer is not legitimate on its face, the employer is liable. Id., at 509. The second, subjective question concerns the employer’s intent. If an employer offers a facially legitimate reason for its decision but it turns out that this explanation was just a pretext for discrimination, the employer is again liable. See id., at 510–512.”
[[Personally, I’m hoping the minorities DO sue…and WIN.]]
Why? Sue for what? Can you imagine the results if that attitude was brought into an academic setting, particularly one where the number of minority/nonminority students is evenly split?
Pat
Except the officer never insisted the homeowner go outside. He said if the homeowner had any questions other than the one he kept repeating, which was answered twice previously, he’d be outside and would speak with him there.
@@
July 27th, 2009
12:43 pm
Normal:
Please don’t discount the Grand Ayatollah ali Al-Sistani’s influence in Iraq. Sunnis and Shias have through his edicts worked together. From day one he’s been instrumental in the successes within Iraq. He’s Persian and sees Khomeini as illegitimate. The only mistake he made, in my mind, was negotiating with Sadr.
How influential is Sadr now? Not very.
@@
July 27th, 2009
12:47 pm
he’d be outside and would speak with him there.
Paul:
CAN’T YOU SEE!!?!! GATES WAS SET UP!!!!!
(ISH)
@@
July 27th, 2009
12:49 pm
Cambridge police to release tapes in Gates arrest
Paul
July 27th, 2009
12:50 pm
I like the kid in the frame –
http://www.ibdeditorials.com/cartoons.aspx
Dusty
The June 24 (from the link above) strikes me as the kind of fact many don’t want to grapple with. Just easier to say ‘they’re uninsured.’ ‘Course now, Pres Obama’s speaking of Health INSURANCE Reform, so looks like that 1,000 pages is gonna need an addendum -
@@
July 27th, 2009
12:53 pm
Good grief! This site behaves like a sucker fish.
Dusty
July 27th, 2009
12:53 pm
Dear Normal,
I am a peacenik until it comes to defending our country. I think Bush had the foresight to see what might come out of the Middle East. You do not agree with his appraisal and his efforts at defending us. None of our presidents are perfect.(Who is?) But I could understand the efforts Bush made.
We also differ on freedom. You think it is an acquired trait. I think it is an essence born in the human personality. Many Europeans and the UK have Kings and Queen but they are figureheads. Even though I do not like their configuration of medical care and the resulting 50% tax rate that usually goes with it, I consider them free.
It is always nice to post with you. Your kind heart is hard to hide!
Finn McCool
July 27th, 2009
12:54 pm
OMG
Rwanda has 95% healthcare coverage!
post-genocide Rwanda making us look like idiots!
We gonter get us sum heth car wuna dees daise!
Dr. Watson
July 27th, 2009
12:55 pm
What great planning. Bookman’s on vacation, Wooten is semi-retired. All this before having l’il Kyle “Right” Wingfield and Cindy Tucker (NEVER gonna happen) blogging.
TnGelding
July 27th, 2009
12:59 pm
Dusty
July 27th, 2009
12:37 pm
I’ve been critical of Obama and think he made a mistake by increasing the stakes in Afghanistan. But unlike Iraq, at least a case can be made for it. But as I’ve said before, I ain’t got no quarrel with no Taliban. They need to get Osama and get out. But it looks like now it’ll take years to totally withdraw, and even longer if the decision is made to truly stabilize the country.
It wasn’t me that disrespected the troops in Afghanistan and elsewhere. It was Bush. He withdrew support and redirected it to Iraq, using the men to whom he was entrusted as bait to lure Jihadists that would otherwise be home making babies.
How does it differ:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iGt57UEU8-TJxH57Xn7wfmP1jV_g
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/iraq/index_campaign.php
Paul
July 27th, 2009
12:59 pm
DoggoneGA
Sorry, my 12:50 was for you.
@@ 12:34
[[srael’s defense minister Ehud Barak said July 27 that Israel is taking “no option” off the table regarding Iran’s nuclear program,]]
Same thing Pres Obama and SecState Clinton said.
Oh, and Pres Bush, too?
DoggoneGA 12:33
[[No other officers were involved until AFTER Crowley left the house. Up until that time, he was the only officer Gates saw. Just to keep the discussion honest.]]
Ummm, not exactly. Go to the bottom of the report, see what Officer Figueroa had to say:
http://www.amnation.com/vfr/Police%20report%20on%20Gates%20arrest.PDF
He was a witness inside the house
TnGelding
July 27th, 2009
1:01 pm
@@
July 27th, 2009
12:43 pm
Sadr is just laying low, as all the smart ones have been from the beginning. Wait until all U.S. troops are gone.
Gandalf, the White! (Mufti of Gwinnesia!)
July 27th, 2009
1:03 pm
Doggone, you really are a hoot! Yes it does let them tell me what it’s like now you silly old cooter you! THEY have family over there, that THEY talk to on a regular basis. THIER family isn’t muslim, so THEY have been persecuted. YOU obvoiously haven’t left your computer in months, so I doubt you even know your neighbors. IRAN is an evil place, full of evil people. We can’t afford to let them gain access to Thermo Nuclear weapons. Doggone, I wish you were well, not dog, but just gone!
Doggone/GA
July 27th, 2009
1:08 pm
“Doggone, I wish you were well, not dog, but just gone”
Don’t hold your breath.
Gandalf, the White! (Mufti of Gwinnesia!)
July 27th, 2009
1:09 pm
EXPAT: Britian’s done it, France has done it, Germany has done it, Russsia has too. What the big deal about invading? It’s an extension of the political process.
Normal
July 27th, 2009
1:19 pm
@@
July 27th, 2009
12:43 pm
@@, I hadn’t considered that and I hope you are right. And I agree about Sadr, thank you.
Dusty; You have a big heart too.
And remember that the European and English Kings and Queens weren’t always figureheads…
TnGelding:
If Sadr wants to be Iraq’s Khomeini, that is exactly what he’s doing…laying low and saving ammo. I hope what @@ suggests is right, or it’s going to get ugly real fast. We will have gone from a known devil(Saddam),whom we could have controlled, to an unknown devil who we may never be able to control.
Dusty
July 27th, 2009
1:22 pm
TnG,
ALL of our troops were NEVER withdrawn from Afghanistan. They were decreased. Then more troops were withdrawn from Iraq as it was stabilized. They were sent to Afghanistan. Did you really not know that or were you just guessing?
And Bush using “our troops as bait to lure jihadist that would be otherwise at home making babies”. you said about Afghanistan.. That is about the wildest thought I have seen posted in a long time.. That and your eager establishment that you have no quarrel with the Taliban.
I am leaving for a while. Maybe Osama will sent you a nice card of appreciation. He has no quarrel with the Taliban either.
You .
Dusty
July 27th, 2009
1:33 pm
Normal, before I leave,
The UN and the USA did not control Sadaam for ten years after the first Bush won a quick war. Why do you think a free but struggling Iraq might not have a better chance of ruling with justice? That dictators are easier to work with than a free country? I hope you are not influenced by your dislike of George W. Bush but it does appear that way sometimes.
There once was a time when we KNEW that dictators were evil as they have shown us time after time. When did that change?
Bye….
Doggone/GA
July 27th, 2009
1:35 pm
“There once was a time when we KNEW that dictators were evil as they have shown us time after time. When did that change?”
When we started making deals with them to maintain “stability.”
Paul
July 27th, 2009
1:43 pm
DoggoneGA
[[When we started making deals with them to maintain “stability.”]]
When have we, or any other country, not done so?
mm
July 27th, 2009
1:44 pm
I really can’t figure out why you wingnuts get on this blog. Do you really think you are going to convert someone over to the GOP?
Here’s a reality check for you. America voted you and your party out of power for a reason. And how does you party react? They move further to the right, being more stubborn and more obstructionist.
Good luck in the 2010 midterms. You certainly are going to need it, especially after using the health of Americans as a political stunt.
Palin 2012. (Cue Vincent Price’s laugh from the song “Thriller”).
Doggone/GA
July 27th, 2009
1:47 pm
“When have we, or any other country, not done so?”
Oh sure, it’s always happened…but you can’t really convince those “morally superior” types of that. But we DID get less inclined to get in wars against them, and start propping them up instead…when we could do it in the name of “fighting communism.” As long as they were left-leaning dictators and not right-leaning, they were less in danger of attack and more in “danger” of support. Though the “danger” was born more by their populace than by the dictator himself. (ever notice that dictators are almost always male?)
Paul
July 27th, 2009
1:49 pm
mm
[[And how does you party react? They move further to the right, being more stubborn ]]
Like Obama in Afghanistan?
Like Obama and indefinite detention?
Like Obama and wiretaps?
Like Obama and secret energy meetings?
Shall I continue?
Paul
July 27th, 2009
1:51 pm
DoggoneGA
My point is simply that nations will deal with some pretty unsavory characters if it advances their interests.
Always have, always will.
As far as male/female: it’s the nature of the power structure. In cases where the female comes to the head, they’ve generally been the equal, or surpassed, their male counterparts for toughness.
Witness our current SecState -
Gandalf, the White! (Mufti of Gwinnesia!)
July 27th, 2009
1:53 pm
mm, we know all you suffer, after all “Liberalism is a mental disorder”. We do feel sorry for you and hope you will seek treatment, but like all mentally ill people, we doubt that you shall. Until you realize your illness and commit to doing something about it, nothing much we can do. Point our your flawed logic does little good, but it teaches us patience.
david wayne osedach
July 27th, 2009
1:55 pm
Salt water or fresh? How about both? Good luck!