Is deal imminent? Did someone blink?
Rumors are that a deal’s a cookin’.
Rumors are it’s for $3 trillion in spending cuts, with revenue increases to be adopted later. Or to be adopted now. Or maybe not adopted at all.
As the Washington Post reports, that latter possibility has Senate Democrats up in arms:
After what was described as a rambunctious hour-long meeting with Senate Democrats, Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) announced that his caucus opposes what he called the “agreement, potential agreement” because the outlines so far do not include sufficient guarantees of increased tax revenues.
“There’s no agreement. They’re working toward an agreement,” he said, adding that he received a call from a White House official during the meeting that confirmed the president had not reached a final agreement with Boehner.
The meeting included a presentation by White House Budget Director Jacob Lew, who was pilloried by Democrats who contended that Obama was giving away deep cuts to entitlements without any agreement on taxes. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), while declining to address the specifics of Lew’s talks, said she opposed the White House direction and instead would continue to support the option offered by Reid and McConnell — a backup plan to raise the debt ceiling in three phases over more than a year.
Reid said his caucus would oppose any plan that did not include increased tax revenue, questioning whether Obama had gone back on his pledge to include “balance” in the final deal.
“The president always talked about balance, that there had to be some fairness in this, that this can’t be all cuts,” Reid said. “There has to be a balance. There has to be some revenue and cuts. My caucus agrees with that. I hope that the president sticks with that. I’m confident that he will.”
I wish I could say that I was as confident as Reid claims to be.
On the other hand, Grover Norquist has made an interesting statement to the Post editorial board, stating point blank that a deal allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire would not be considered a tax increase and thus not in violation of the pledge taken by so many Republicans.
“Not continuing a tax cut is not technically a tax increase,” he said.
So does it violate the pledge?
“We wouldn’t hold it that way.”
The Post has released an audiotape of the discussion, just to ensure that there’s no doubt about what Norquist said. And there isn’t.
Later, though, Americans for Tax Reform did a moonwalk on those statements:
“ATR opposes all tax increases on the American people. Any failure to extend or make permanent the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003, in whole or in part, would clearly increase taxes on the American people. It is a violation of the Taxpayer Protection Pledge to trade temporary tax reductions for permanent tax hikes.”
So who the hell knows?
I do know I’m going fishing next week and will be totally out of touch with the real world beginning Saturday. When we come off the river July 30, I guess we’ll see what’s left standing.
– Jay Bookman
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488 comments Add your comment
oldguy
July 21st, 2011
10:28 pm
Hey recon,
Greetings,
As long as we are dragging things out of the back room, Have a nice British SMLE Mark 3 .303 with an original 1907 Bayonet and scabbard hallmarked royal arsonal Ipswitch. Purchased both in the 1950s for the princely sum of $20 mail order dalivered with 20 rounds of ammo!
Ah, the old days!!
Bruno
July 21st, 2011
10:29 pm
Scout @ 10:24–One of your usual cut-n-paste jobs, but a great message. Though the Libs like to keep harping on the income disparity from the top to the bottom, the fact is that by any objective measure we live an incredibly luxurious existence compared to 99.99% of all the inhabitants who ever roamed this earth.
RW-(the original)
July 21st, 2011
10:29 pm
Is deal imminent?
Is this news from 2010? Deal’s already taken office or did I miss something?
josef
July 21st, 2011
10:30 pm
BRUNO
Gotcha, sorta….
AmVet
July 21st, 2011
10:30 pm
B, I saw Stephen Marley Tuesday night at the Loft.
The crowd, about half white and half black, was such a groove. One world.
One thing that I can’t figure out though, is this dumbass blunt thing the bros do. Between that and the dirt weed, it’s pretty funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkJxcjSrclI
@@
July 21st, 2011
10:31 pm
Bruno:
Don’t tell @@ lest she accuse me of touting my conquests, but I did manage to have lunch with the 20 year old I’m smitten with.
I’m betting on the fact that she’s rapidly tiring of the 20-something guys she’s been hanging around with.
So she’s opting for an old guy going thru a mid-life crisis? Younger women date older men because they’re looking for stability. I know, I found it.
Based on what you’ve revealed, stability isn’t your strong suit.
Another short-lived is my guess.
Winfield J. Abbe
July 21st, 2011
10:36 pm
Here is what will likely happen at the last minute: They will increase the debt limit as usual. There will be claims of cuts but none verifiable and none will materialize after they raise the credit card limit. Smoke and mirrors lies as usual. Foreign aid will continue to be paid. Meaningless wars bankrupting the country will continue. More unnecessary weapons of mass destruction will be ordered. The country goes further and faster down the cesspool of self destruction without a shot being fired. The dollar becomes worth less and less and less. Seniors continue to get shafted with fixed interest rates at zero percent in order to be forced to take risks in the NY Stock Exchange to benefit the stock speculators. Nothing will change at the secret, corrupt Federal Reserve Bank.
And remember most of these good for nothings are college graduates too! And these corrupt good for nothings will continue to receive special retirement and health plans different than ordinary citizens.
Those running Amerika today follow this motto: “I promise to do my best to help myself and cheat the rest”. The inmates have taken over the asylum. They are so ignorant they have never read the final speech of five star general and former president Eisenhower where he warned of the dangers of the military industrial complex or of General Smedley Butler’s book “War is a Racket” either.
Americans love to be fooled. They have been brainwashed by fixed “sports” entertainment and advertising for so long, they don’t know up from down. They deserve their fate.
josef
July 21st, 2011
10:36 pm
left wing, Mr. B…
It’s my job, Man! Not to come off TOO arrogant, but one of those little things on my curriculum vitae is a translation of a book on 16th Century Polish Heraldry…hey, it was a nice little paycheck, but talk about a pain in the Arsch to do!
Uncle Jed
July 21st, 2011
10:37 pm
Jay Bookman: Is deal imminent? Did someone blink?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Probably more appropriate to ask: Did someone wink?
Paulo977
July 21st, 2011
10:37 pm
Oh wow Borders in my area is closing!!!!!
oldguy
July 21st, 2011
10:39 pm
Bruno
Excellent observation and spot on!!!
Heard someone today bitching because they had to walk from their front door to their car without AC!!
Uncle Jed
July 21st, 2011
10:41 pm
Hey recon,
Greetings,
As long as we are dragging things out of the back room,
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Nothing here quite as impressive, although I do have my Great Uncle Holt’s WWI bayonet with date stamped in blade along with U.S. and my younger brother has his uniform and medical kit.
oldguy
July 21st, 2011
10:43 pm
Hey Josef,
How about translating my Gibbons “Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire” 3 vol into modern English terminology!! Ha ha
Paulo977
July 21st, 2011
10:44 pm
Left wing management
July 21st, 2011
9:12 pm
My advice to all Democrats and progressives is:
Do not support the weasel in ‘12.”
Any advice on who we should support????!!!!!!!!
oldguy
July 21st, 2011
10:47 pm
Unc,
Have my ex’s great uncle’s WW1 wool blanket with a 1917 tag. My ex was using it to wrap old gardening tools!!! Would love to have his old uniforms that were thrown out in the 1980s!!
Uncle Jed
July 21st, 2011
10:47 pm
LANCASTER, Ohio — About 65 children attending summer camp at the Robert K. Fox Family Y were told Tuesday to lower their bathing suits so counselors could visually inspect the suits after feces was found in the swimming pool.
Might be a little late to inspect AFTER the Baby Ruth was ejected
(CaddyShack)
oldguy
July 21st, 2011
10:50 pm
Paulo977
Book stores are closing everywhere because of the electronic books thing, sad. To sit and browse was always a fun thing and I always found something unexpected the I wanted to buy!!
1811/0311
July 21st, 2011
10:51 pm
oldguy:
And a lot of the kids around here have scooters just like we did ………… but with engines.
No wonder they never get any exercise.
Uncle Jed
July 21st, 2011
10:52 pm
@oldguy
July 21st, 2011
10:47 pm
+++++++++
I bet you would. Too bad somebody didn’t think about asking around first. The uniform is a pretty cool piece of memorabilia. I went and looked at the bayonet: 1917 Remington.
Bruno
July 21st, 2011
10:54 pm
So she’s opting for an old guy going thru a mid-life crisis?
Mid life crisis has been over for a few years, @@. If you want to know the unvarnished truth, I prefer younger women simply because I’ve found that I’m going to have to put up with the same level of BS form whatever woman I date, so might as well get the younger body out of the deal.
Based on what you’ve revealed, stability isn’t your strong suit.
I think you’re smart enough to know that people often take on a blog persona which is different from their “real life” personality. In your case, we can only hope……..
RW-(the original)
July 21st, 2011
10:59 pm
In your case, we can only hope……..
Clinical psychologists should latch onto that one as the new textbook definition of projection.
Uncle Jed
July 21st, 2011
11:00 pm
Gallup Daily: Obama Job Approval
They have him today at 49% disapprove to 43% approve. Long time ’til 11/12, but…
oldguy
July 21st, 2011
11:02 pm
Bruno,
Younger women….less baggage…. and they appreciate someone who is interested in them. guys their age all seem to be tied up in themselves all the time. (an observation, of course, having raised 2 daughters and aged 3 years for every calander year)!!
Bruno
July 21st, 2011
11:03 pm
One thing that I can’t figure out though, is this dumbass blunt thing the bros do. Between that and the dirt weed, it’s pretty funny.
Growing up, we used to laugh at the bro’s who would huddle around one thin pin joint, 6 or 7 at a time. They couldn’t believe the size of the fatties we would roll.
Digging the groove, my friend.
Bruno
July 21st, 2011
11:08 pm
(an observation, of course, having raised 2 daughters and aged 3 years for every calander year)!!
LOL, old guy. I don’t think I could survive having daughters, knowing what I do about the male psyche. The shotgun would remain loaded at all times.
josef
July 21st, 2011
11:11 pm
old guy
on “Decline…
And the electronic readers…I have one, but it’s just not the same comfort as a “real book.”
oldguy
July 21st, 2011
11:12 pm
believe me Bruno,
Girls are almost as interested as boys! (don’t let the secret out!)
Bruno
July 21st, 2011
11:12 pm
Clinical psychologists should latch onto that one as the new textbook definition of projection.
This coming from a guy who isn’t even smart enough to get a rabbit into a cage without getting bit??
Uncle Jed
July 21st, 2011
11:13 pm
I heard that Speaker Boehner called the Limbaugh radio program today and spoke about the “deal”. Here is a copy of what was said. Please don’t jump my mule about posting something from Rush Limbaugh. The point here is to read what the Speaker said, not where it was said. I am not suggesting you believe him or even take him at his word. I realize he is a politician and that we are all being played like a rusty harmonica by our respective sides in the eternal game of tag.
Besides, I am going upstairs to get a Dr. Pepper and watch something on the DVR. Good night.
Speaker Boehner Calls the Show, Says There is No Deal on Budget
July 21, 2011
BEGIN TRANSCRIPT
RUSH: We’re so happy to have with us the Speaker of the House, John Boehner. I’m glad that we had a chance to talk to you here, Mr. Speaker, because people are confused with all of these leaks as to what’s going on.
SPEAKER BOEHNER: Well, Rush, there is no deal. No deal publicly. No deal privately. There is absolutely no deal. Our focus –
RUSH: Are you talking about a deal, though?
SPEAKER BOEHNER: Pardon me?
RUSH: Are you talking about a deal in secret?
SPEAKER BOEHNER: Our focus right now is getting the Senate to follow us in the House and pass Cut, Cap, and Balance. I believe that we’ve got to act to prevent a default and to prevent a downgrade of our nation’s credit rating, and the best way to do that is to enact Cut, Cap, and Balance. But let me be clear: I believe that is the best course of action. I’ve said all the way along that we’ve gotta keep the lines of communication open. That’s why Leader Cantor and I have talked with Mitch McConnell. We’ve talked to Nancy Pelosi. We’ve talked to the president. We talked about fallback options if in fact Cut, Cap, and Balance does go down; and I do think it’s our obligation to have a fallback plan if that doesn’t work.
RUSH: Well, but that’s what everybody is worried about: What is the fallback plan? A congressional aide is out there today saying that the deal’s been struck. He’s unnamed, he’s on Fox, he’s saying, “It’s $3 trillion of cuts with no tax revenue.” National Journal says three trillion in cuts with “insignificant” tax revenues. So a lot of people out here are of the opinion that Obama is the one who ought to be caving. He’s the one that doesn’t have a plan. He’s forcing you to compromise with yourself. He’s done great damage to the economy, and people want it to stop.
SPEAKER BOEHNER: I understand. I’m concerned about the nation defaulting on its credit rating. I’m concerned about us not doing anything about our debt, which will cause our credit rating to fall — and which then would mean everybody’s interest rates go up. I think that’s irresponsible. Frankly, we’ve looked at a half a dozen fallback plans. None of which, none of which, are all that appetizing. That’s why we continue to support Cut, Cap, and Balance.
RUSH: So you’re convinced that a default would make us unable…? We were to be unable to service our debt if there’s a default?
SPEAKER BOEHNER: I’m concerned that we’re getting into uncharted territory that could wreak great havoc on our nation, and I don’t think it’s necessary to get into that unknown zone and take the chance — and I, frankly, believe that we’ve gotta find a way to cut our budget deficit, cut our debt, and balance our budget.
RUSH: Why is it not Obama’s responsibility to do that? He’s the one that’s put us in this position.
SPEAKER BOEHNER: It would have been nice if the President would have put a plan to the table months ago, but the President has refused to put any plan on the table. It’s obviously been driving me right up a wall.
RUSH: He wants you to take the heat for whatever happens.
SPEAKER BOEHNER: Yeah, but I think at the end of the day he knows that he’s the commander-in-chief, he’s the president of the United States, and HE will take the heat.
RUSH: Well, a lot of people are concerned that you are his lifeline to reelection and that that’s how he sees you, and that if he can get you to act in any way that can be portrayed as a cave that he wins, and that’s what people are deathly afraid of.
SPEAKER BOEHNER: Rush, I’m trying to do what I taught my kids to do; the same thing my parents taught me to do: You do the right things for the right reasons, good things will happen.
RUSH: All right, Speaker Boehner thanks much.
SPEAKER BOEHNER: Thank you, Rush.
RUSH: I wish we had more time, but we don’t. Thanks very much for the time here.
END TRANSCRIPT
oldguy
July 21st, 2011
11:14 pm
Josef,
It has no “feel” and it bothers my eyes!
Paulo977
July 21st, 2011
11:14 pm
Rumors are it’s for $3 trillion in spending cuts, with revenue increases to be adopted later. Or to be adopted now. Or maybe not adopted at all.”
SH**!!!!!!
Dusty
July 21st, 2011
11:18 pm
Well, this blog is Winkin, Blinkin and Nod. I won’t even mention the windbags.
What’s going to happen when Bookman is on vacation? Will the faithful die from lack of nourishment? Will the morning crew languish without the usual back pats?
So who cares about Washington? Wink or stink or stay on the brink???
The big question: Who will cover for Bookman?? Will RedNeck be available? He tells better lies than most.
But in case you haven’t heard: THE BRAVES WON TODAY 9 TO 6. Now that is good news. You folks just don’t know what is important!!
josef
July 21st, 2011
11:21 pm
Paulo
I didn’t know you knew such words!
@@
July 21st, 2011
11:22 pm
Bruno:
All women operate at the same level of bullsh*t?
Do tell, Bruno…do tell.
I think you’re smart enough to know that people often take on a blog persona which is different from their “real life” personality.
So your conquests aren’t real?
Bruno, I am the same here as in real life. Why mislead?
@@
July 21st, 2011
11:24 pm
Oops!
I’m outta here.
RW-(the original)
July 21st, 2011
11:25 pm
I guess they could also do a case study in deflection.
RW-(the original)
July 21st, 2011
11:32 pm
Bruno, I am the same here as in real life. Why mislead?
I am too and at first in my blogging life I took people at face value, but I’ve learned over time what phonies some can be in an anonymous format even if they are trying to be part of a digital community. I can’t even count anymore how many that have either been exposed or accidentally exposed themselves. The fact that we now have people either bragging about being a phony or using that as an excuse for their behavior is somewhat remarkable.
Dusty
July 21st, 2011
11:34 pm
Ah yes, RW. That is the question. To deflect or not to deflect? (?????)
Excuse my defect. I reflect that I have missed the direct-ion here.
1811/0311
July 21st, 2011
11:34 pm
Bruno:
ANOTHER GREAT “CUT AND PASTE” ………………….
America – a Christian nation?
Posted July 3, 2011
by Holy Host.
“Very few statements will provoke such intense feelings (positive or negative) from Americans as the statement; “America is a Christian nation.”
This primarily derives from the fact that most people believe their worldview is the correct worldview and the whole of the United States should follow their every word and ideal willingly and happily. This is just ugly pride.
But strangely enough, this is exactly what the founding fathers of your great nation were fighting against – religious tyranny and the right to worship (or not worship) as they pleased.
The biggest problem with the statement: “America is a Christian nation”, is the arrogant and exclusionary way in with which it is often stated.
It seems to imply only Christians are welcome or only Christians built America or only Christians should have a say in the laws or future direction of the United States.
If you think those statements are true, you can be a Christian but you can’t be a true American, and sadly you will miss the intent of why your founding fathers fought so hard not for Christianity but for liberty.
Americans are governed by the Constitution of the United States; the Bible governs Christians, and while one could argue there is a certain harmony between these documents, confusion or intermingling of the two could prove quite problematic to both Christians and Americans alike.
And although the US is 3/4s Christian it is made up of many different religions so you can be American and not be Christian. Also, there are Christians all over the world so you can be a Christina and not be American. This may sound simple and obvious to you but you would be surprised how many people believe Christian and American to automatically be synonymous.
So if you are the type of person who believes America is a Christian nation and that means; only Christians are welcome or only Christians built America or only Christians should have a say in the laws or future direction of the United States – you’re wrong.
But, if you believe there is a special inseparable bond between the United States and the concept of God in general or even Christianity specifically – you are right.
This bond was so potent it was obvious even to observant visitors like the 19th century French historian, Alexis de Tocqueville. In his 1835 work, Democracy in America, Tocqueville wrote about his impressions of American religion and how it intermingled with the national culture:
Pg 331 (New York: A.S. Barns & Co., 1851)
“Moreover, almost all the sects of the United States are comprised within the great unity of Christianity, and Christian morality is everywhere the same. In the United States the sovereign authority is religious, and consequently hypocrisy must be common; but there is no country in the whole world in which the Christian religion retains a greater influence over the souls of men than in America, and there can be no greater proof of its utility, and of its conformity to human nature, than that its influence is most powerfully felt over the most enlightened and free nation of the earth.”
He goes on to write…
Pg 332 (New York: A.S. Barns & Co., 1851)
“The Americans combine the notions of Christianity and of liberty so intimately in their minds, that it is impossible to make them conceive the one without the other; and with them this conviction does not spring from that barren traditionary faith which seems to vegetate in the soul rather than to live.”
Tocqueville recognized the bond between the United States and Christianity because it was immersed throughout almost all parts of this young country.
John Witherspoon, signer of the Declaration of Independence, a 6-year member of the Continental Congress and a minister, felt mixing Christianity and politics was important.
“It is the man of piety and inward principle, that we may expect to find the uncorrupted patriot, the useful citizen, and the invincible soldier. – God grant that in America true religion and civil liberty may be inseparable and that the unjust attempts to destroy the one, may in the issue tend to the support and establishment of both.” (John Witherspoon, The Works of the Rev. John Witherspoon – Philadelphia:William W. Woodward, 1802, vol.III, p. 46)
The founding of American education, believe it or not was rooted in Christianity.
One of the first laws regarding the public education of children was enacted in 1642 in Massachusetts and later in 1647 in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
This law titled the “Old Deluder Satan Law” was enacted for the sole purpose to ensure that young students would be able to read the Bible.
All the earliest and major institutions pointed to Christianity as their focus.
The official motto of Harvard was “For Christ and the Church” with many of its early president ordained ministers.
Yale too came from Christian beginnings and was founded in 1701 in Connecticut by 10 Congregational ministers.
In 1746 Presbyterians founded Princeton, the official motto was “Under God’s Power She Flourishes.”
As a matter of fact, 106 of the first 108 American colleges were built upon Christianity.
Throughout history every President of the United States professed some form of Christianity and although it is uncertain just how many Presidents ended the oath with the words “so help me God” many of them recited the presidential oath with their right hand in the air and their left hand on the Bible some swearing the oath on two Bibles and some even kissing the Bible after.
If you look at the history and you are honest about it you can only conclude, that America’s discovery, first colonies, first governments, first schools and early laws were all heavily influenced by Christianity.
Again, does this mean only Christians are welcome or only Christians built America or only Christians should have a say in the laws or future direction of the United States? Absolutely not! That is against the very beliefs for which it stands.
But to say Christianity did not play a huge roll in the foundation of the United States of America is just ignorant. America is at its heart a Christian culture.”
Bruno
July 21st, 2011
11:39 pm
All women operate at the same level of bullsh*t?
Pretty much, @@. I think it’s hard-wired. Here are the common elements, in case you didn’t recognize them:
Vanity–Women are vain by nature and crave constant attention.
Insecurity–Underneath the vanity, there tends to run an undercurrent of insecurity. In your case, it’s pretty much a rip tide.
Need for excitement–Because most women have difficulty entertaining themselves, they look to the man to provide the spark. Motorcycle rides seem to do the trick for you.
Need to Nurture–Okay by itself, but translates into women never being happy with their man completely, always an insidious need to “train”, “mold”, and ultimately “control”.
Does that make things any clearer??
Dusty
July 21st, 2011
11:42 pm
Awww Scout,
I agree with the premise of your article. (But it is too long. How about an abbreviated summary?)
Bruno
July 21st, 2011
11:45 pm
Bruno, I am the same here as in real life. Why mislead?
I am too
The truly sad part is that neither of you realize how pathetic that comes across, “@@” and “RW-(The Original)”.
The even sadder part is what a great emotional investment both of you place in an anonymous blog.
Dusty
July 21st, 2011
11:48 pm
Well, BRUNO, your comments were directed to @@ but I’ll add my 2 cents worth anyway.
What you need is a dog, not a woman. A dog will come when you call, lick your hand, listen when you read physics and doesn’t mind being trained. They don’t talk back either. Give it a thought!!
1811/0311
July 21st, 2011
11:49 pm
Pepper Spray? How About a Bullet !
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/28627294/detail.html
1811/0311
July 21st, 2011
11:50 pm
Dusty:
If you really want to learn the truth it takes effort and homework ………………………
Size matters !
Left wing management
July 21st, 2011
11:51 pm
I don’t know paolo. I’m at a loss.
Bruno
July 21st, 2011
11:51 pm
Don’t care for dogs, Dusty. Too clingy and needy. I prefer cats, and of course, bunny rabbits. A few pats and they’re on their way!!
RW-(the original)
July 21st, 2011
11:53 pm
Dude, I won’t even attempt to get the last word since I know this is your life, but if you knew the history “RW” is just my initials and since the earlier AJC blogs allowed any and all vile namejacking to take place I added “the original” to make it pompous enough to slow things down. I rarely agree with Jay B, but his rules would have made that needless.
Goodnight
Dusty
July 21st, 2011
11:59 pm
Scout,
There are some basic truths I am certain about and have been for some time. But it is always good to read the thoughts of others. The best thoughts for me on a blog are condensed conclusions.
You know. So many thoughts!! So little time!!
Dave R.
July 21st, 2011
11:59 pm
“I do know I’m going fishing next week and will be totally out of touch with the real world beginning Saturday.”
Jay, Jay, Jay, don’t limit yourself.
You’re out of touch with the real world pretty much 24/7 . . .
josef
July 22nd, 2011
12:01 am
G’night…
1811/0311
July 22nd, 2011
12:02 am
Dusty:
I hear you but that’s part of what’s wrong out there ………….. “sound byte” type stuff !
Our forefathers were so much more well read and learned than we are …………. it’s very shameful really.
Dusty
July 22nd, 2011
12:07 am
Ah yes, BRUNO, I have a great opportunity for YOU.
My daughter has three black kittens at her abode. She’d be glad to find them a happy home. I’m sure you would love all of them. (She’s already twisted the arm of every family member & friend and gotten three adoptions.) The mother cat was a stray who donated SIX without an invitation. Here’s your CHANCE!!!
Bruno
July 22nd, 2011
12:10 am
Does your daughter come with the kittens, Dusty??? From what you’ve said, she’s extremely bright, and I’m sure she’s attractive, being your offspring.
moonbat betty
July 22nd, 2011
12:14 am
Enter your comments here
Dusty
July 22nd, 2011
12:14 am
scout
I am thankful that our forefathers were well read and intelligent. Just think what might have happened if they had radio, TV and the internet. I’m kinda glad they didn’t. But I am sure Benjamin Franklin would loved every bit of it. He was a man of many interests. We are a most fortunate nation.
moonbat betty
July 22nd, 2011
12:15 am
give it up Bruno.
Enter your comments here:
Bruno
July 22nd, 2011
12:15 am
If you look at the history and you are honest about it you can only conclude, that America’s discovery, first colonies, first governments, first schools and early laws were all heavily influenced by Christianity.
Scout–Many great points in your latest CNP. Explains well why the notion that we are a “Christian Nation” is not only offensive, but runs counter to the ideals we share as a free nation.
Per your (true) statement that most of our founders were professed Christians, I can’t deny the point. At the same time, it means little to me for two reason. (1) I don’t place much value in history. (2) Our founders also believed in slavery and denied many basic human rights to women. As such, I can only guess that their brand of Christianity is slightly different from what the label stands for today.
moonbat betty
July 22nd, 2011
12:17 am
no one knows what happens when you pass…
FAITH is all there is.
Bruno
July 22nd, 2011
12:20 am
give it up Bruno.
Sure you don’t want to join me for a dance, betty:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMc8naeeSS8
Dusty
July 22nd, 2011
12:23 am
Woooo, thanks for the compliment, BRUNO. Yep, my daughter is very intelligent, well rounded, and “easy on the eyes”. I’m sure she would enjoy your esteemed company Unfortunately, she is quite busy and her husband likes for her to be home nights. But now the kittens, they have a lot of time.
Bruno
July 22nd, 2011
12:28 am
No problem, Dusty. See the section on “Vanity” in my 11:39.
Bruno
July 22nd, 2011
12:31 am
Well, gotta run. Gotta put some more Genesis up as my swan song tonight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUEAx1ngnf0
Many too many have stood where I stand
Many more will stand here too,
I think what I find strange is the way you built me up
Then knocked me down again.
The part was fun but now it’s over,
Why can’t I just leave the stage?
Maybe that’s because you securely locked me up
Then threw away the key.
Dusty
July 22nd, 2011
12:42 am
Goodnight, BRUNO
Vanity is not just for women. Omnia vanitas! “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” Oh yes…
Gandalf the Wise
July 22nd, 2011
12:54 am
Duckcheney got a funny name, gwb does not
Gandalf the Wise
July 22nd, 2011
12:56 am
“Do you have a degree in economics?”
Dumbest interview question ever, this Brewer girl is a dumbassi queen!
Gandalf the Wise
July 22nd, 2011
12:56 am
Jay, do you have a degree in Journalism?
I love rocknroll
July 22nd, 2011
1:13 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3T_xeoGES8
Jm
July 22nd, 2011
5:39 am
Waiting for that bookman headline declaring melodramatically that Dems are pulling the trigger on the US economy. Whatever. Jay, wake up. Both parties have sizable extremist wings, not just the republicans, no matter what say to the contrary.
stands for decibels
July 22nd, 2011
5:49 am
Mornin, Bookmaniacs.
If I read Jay right, we’ll get a Friday Night Drive + sign-off before he’s gone for a week.
For the record, I intend to spend that time contemplating what kind of ironic eternal end Grover Norquist awaits in Hell.
stands for decibels
July 22nd, 2011
5:54 am
How much of an idealist am I? I’m such an idealist that I’d like to think that the Uppity Community Organizer was wondering when and where his supposed progressive legislators were going to grow a pair and turn against his Middle-Man persona.
(I don’t actually believe that to be the case, but as Hemingway once elected to close with, “isn’t it pretty to think so?”)
stands for decibels
July 22nd, 2011
5:57 am
Our forefathers were so much more well read and learned than we are
By the way, a question for the early morning crowd:
Just how repulsive do you find the right wing deification, and fictionalization, of the guys who happened to be around and rose to power at a point in history when the British colonies decided to revolt?
Jm
July 22nd, 2011
6:09 am
Sfd – I find your view of the world repulsive
Jm
July 22nd, 2011
6:12 am
By the way does Andrew Ross workin still work for the NY times or has he just decided to capitalize on his book by becoming a very annoying, permanent, CNBC talking head?
USinUK
July 22nd, 2011
6:26 am
“For the record, I intend to spend that time contemplating what kind of ironic eternal end Grover Norquist awaits in Hell.”
if there is any justice, it will be the same one this person is currently experiencing: http://bit.ly/4Bxexu
USinUK
July 22nd, 2011
6:27 am
funny thing about the Bookman Bot …
it moderated the name of the person mentioned in the wiki (above) …
but doesn’t moderate wankers.
ahhhhh … priorities.
USinUK
July 22nd, 2011
6:32 am
dB – I don’t find it any more revolting than the story of GW and the cherry tree. fictionalization (I like to think of it as the Paul Bunyan-ization) of the FFs and the Minute Men has been happening to them and others like them for thousands of years.
the only thing I do mind (based on a blog convo I had here a couple of weeks ago) is that they seem to think that the American forces never did ANYthing bad … that there were no cases of rape or looting or theft. I think that, if there’s one thing we’ve all learned, is that innocence is the first victim of war – and that these things have happened in every conflict.
Jm
July 22nd, 2011
6:41 am
Keep bashing America libs. It’s a sure path to political victory. Not to mention an indication of cluelessness.
America’s not perfect by a long shot. But it’s better than any other major nation out there, excepting a few socialist programs run amok.
Gandalf the Wise
July 22nd, 2011
6:45 am
Morning ExPAT!
How ya doing?
USinUK
July 22nd, 2011
6:46 am
G’morning GTW – hope you’re well!!
life here is good – finally see some SUN after 2 weeks of rain!
Normal
July 22nd, 2011
6:47 am
Good Friday morning all y’all…
This is probably true…
http://news.icanhascheezburger.com/2011/07/21/political-pictures-getting-spooky-in-here/
and…
http://icanhascheezburger.com/2011/07/21/funny-pictures-escher-cats/
USinUK
July 22nd, 2011
6:48 am
jm – the only one who is clueless is you if you think we’re bashing America.
nice try.
flail.
Gandalf the Wise
July 22nd, 2011
6:48 am
EXPAT,
We could use a bit here. Tomatoes plants and grass are getting burnt. They don’t call it HOTlanta for nothing.
Chip Chip Cheerio
Gandalf the Wise
July 22nd, 2011
6:50 am
EXPAT,
wasn’t it your Winston Chruchhill who put it best?
“Democracy is the worst form of Goverment, except for all the rest”
USinUK
July 22nd, 2011
6:50 am
I dunno Normal … I like this one
http://icanhascheezburger.com/2011/07/21/funny-pictures-the-dogs-story/
USinUK
July 22nd, 2011
6:51 am
GTW – indeedy, he did.
and I wish we could split up the weather a bit – we’d love some WARM SUN here … been too much rain -
USinUK
July 22nd, 2011
6:56 am
btw … for anyone who likes the Calder in front of the High Museum, you’ll like today’s Google Doodle
Normal
July 22nd, 2011
7:07 am
USinUK,
I nearly picked that one, but I went for surreal…