tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633818606546643872024-02-02T08:32:08.936-05:00Regime TurnoverJP Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796725364997136448noreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-61214536722369368762008-10-26T20:50:00.004-04:002008-10-26T21:54:48.447-04:00I'm sorry, did you have a question?For a taste of what's going on in FL, see this Joe Biden "interview" conducted by Orlando's own Barbara West, news anchor at ABC affiliate WFTV channel 9. (When I was in Orlando, there was another woman at WFTV who, by contrast, made Barbara West seem quite moderate and sane.)<br /><br />It's not so much an interview, as a list of statements phrased as questions. It's obvious that West is more interested in making these statements than in eliciting information.<br /><br /><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 17px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-08531606335577142 visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/sQXcImQfubM&hl=en&fs=1"></a><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sQXcImQfubM&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sQXcImQfubM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />If you visit this video on YouTube you'll find some bizarre commentary ("Biden Angered By Tough Questions") from the person who posted it. You'll also find some video replies from various people who evidently took West's semi-rhetorical questions the way I did - as a week attempt to put weird words in Biden's mouth.<br /><br />By "weird words" I mean like something taken out of a McCarthy-era novel. I don't see an "angry Biden" here; I see a guy who's bemused by questions that sound as though they fell through a time warp from the 1950s. They're "tough" in the sense that it's hard to have a 21st-century conversation about 20th-century concerns. They're "questions" in the sense that they are punctuated with question marks.<br /><br />Biden answered the less-crazy questions about ACORN (which have already been asked and answered in nationally-broadcast interviews and debates) without any problem, and as for the crazier ones that weren't really questions... you know, I wish he'd actually shown more anger. Barbara West can do all the red-baiting she wishes, but she doesn't need to have Biden there while she does it, and he doesn't need to waste his time listening to it.<br /><br />I don't know if she was <span style="font-style: italic;">trying </span>to make him lose his temper, but to do so would have required some skill. West's questions were clearly intended to manipulate, but they weren't very artful.<br /><br />Incidentally, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_West_%28TV_news_anchor%29">Barbara West</a> is married to Republican strategist <a href="http://news.spreadit.org/barbara-west-wftv-husband-wade-westgop-media-consultant/">Wade West</a>.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12840640280453062353noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-15982062265770347352008-10-13T12:19:00.003-04:002008-10-13T12:54:01.888-04:00Even the Sports Media is Biased!Just when you thought there was nothing MORE ridiculous they could get upset about than a photo that wasn't retouched, I bring you football. Specifically, an NBC program called "Football Night in America". On this show, they recap the games of the day with ESPN style glib commentary. As an example, kicker Kris Brown kicked a game winning field goal as time expired. The commentary? "What can Brown do for you? With a nice FedEx sign in the background." You get the idea. Pop culture and one-liners mix with football. So, why would the right get upset? Because one of the commentators is Keith Olbermann. And what did he say? He was responding to a Buffalo Bills player getting knocked out of the game with a concussion. "They had to cart Edwards off. He was OK otherwise, but he said 'I can see Russia from here.'"<br /><br />Pretty innocuous, right? A little bit anti-Palin, but hardly earth shattering. I certainly don't think it called for a Michelle Malkin <a href="http://michellemalkin.com/2008/10/05/pds-on-nbcs-sunday-night-football/">rant</a>. Of course, nothing really calls for one of her rants. But I can't get out of my head how out of proportion the screeching is over this. Google "palin olbermann football" and see how many hits you get.briweihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813008258703324798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-4188794371437971802008-10-11T15:38:00.000-04:002008-10-11T15:38:00.898-04:00Fox Tackles the Important Questions<p>Like whether or not Sarah Palin's photo is retouched on the cover of Newsweek this week.</p> <p>This is not an argument about whether Newsweek altered a photo to give Sarah Palin buck teeth, or added nose hair, or pimples. This is about whether they <em>didn't</em> retouch her photo to make her look like a model.</p> <p>Here's the video, but I don't necessarily suggest you watch it:</p> <p><object xmlns="" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YInuTc3C3jM&hl=en&fs=1"/><param name="wmode"/><embed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YInuTc3C3jM&hl=en&fs=1" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"/></object></p> <p>What the Fox?</p>JP Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796725364997136448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-19965255665638588932008-10-03T08:35:00.000-04:002008-10-03T08:35:00.936-04:00Dick Cheney Impersonator<p><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/drmomentum/SOYRA09lRGI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/beybDs982CQ/winkypalin.JPG" style="DISPLAY: inline; FLOAT: right" height="360" alt="winkypalin.JPG" width="185"/></p> <p>Governor Palin, do you have something stuck in your eye, or is that your best Dick Cheney impression?</p> <p><img src="http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/courses/ed253a/cheney.jpg" alt="http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/courses/ed253a/cheney.jpg" height="137" width="144"/></p> <p>You know, that's not strictly part of the job of vice president. Although <a href="http://www.foxcarolina.com/politics/17611748/detail.html#-" target="_blank">you apparently favor a more Cheneyized role for the VP</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>"I'm thankful the Constitution would allow a bit more authority given to the vice president if that vice president so chose to exert it in working with the Senate and making sure that we are supportive of the president's policies," Palin said.</p> </blockquote> <p>Somebody should tell McCain, though, since <a href="http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/06/mccain_vp_checks_pulse_does_fu.html" target="_blank">his view is more limited</a>:</p> <blockquote style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px" dir="ltr"> <p>"The vice president has two duties. One is to inquire daily as to the health of the president, and the other is to attend the funerals of Third World dictators. And neither of those do I find an enjoyable exercise."</p> </blockquote> <p>On the basis of her Dick Cheney impersonation alone, she has what it takes to be VP.</p> <p xmlns="" class="zoundry_raven_tags"> <!-- Tag links generated by Zoundry Raven. Do not manually edit. http://www.zoundryraven.com --> <span class="ztags"><span class="ztagspace">Technorati</span> : <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/cheney" class="ztag" rel="tag">cheney</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/palin" class="ztag" rel="tag">palin</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/politics" class="ztag" rel="tag">politics</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/vp+debate" class="ztag" rel="tag">vp debate</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/wingnuts" class="ztag" rel="tag">wingnuts</a></span> </p>JP Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796725364997136448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-63231313258027956452008-09-30T14:32:00.003-04:002008-09-30T14:39:05.564-04:00Gotcha!Have you all heard the latest out of McLame? Palin responded to a reporter's question in the exact same way as Obama did during the debate. The problem is, Maverick chided Obama for his answer. But that's ok. It wasn't Sarah's fault. <blockquote>McCain, who sat with Palin, said in Monday's interview that he understands "the day and age of 'gotcha' journalism. ... In a conversation with someone who you didn't hear the question very well, you don't know the context of the conversation. Grab a phrase. Gov. Palin and I agree that you don't announce that you're going to attack another country."</blockquote> So, it is now considered 'Gotcha!' journalism to ask a candidate a policy question. It is THEIR fault that the candidate does not know her partners stances on these subjects.briweihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813008258703324798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-34286651361344825682008-09-27T15:27:00.001-04:002008-09-27T15:31:35.501-04:00Debate With Destiny!<p>I want to remind people that this is a good place to just post goofy shit about the election. If I don't have you guys to amuse me, I'm going to start to go a little bonkers.</p> <p>I had this song in my head after last night's multiple references to Henry Kissinger (warning, it's not quite kid safe):</p> <p><object xmlns="" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fYDo9BIeNHg&hl=en&fs=1"/><param name="wmode"/><embed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fYDo9BIeNHg&hl=en&fs=1" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"/></object></p> <p>If you saw the debate, then you know that the advantage we were told McCain had on national security was exaggerated. At best.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2008/09/27/MNFI136BAT.DTL&o=0" target="_blank"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/drmomentum/SN6JLE0H8SI/AAAAAAAAAu0/2COJn2BOqnQ/ba-usa-politics__0499208806.jpg?imgmax=576" alt="ba-usa-politics__0499208806.jpg" height="432" width="526"/></a></p> <p>I'd ask you to caption that image, and you can if you like, but I want to point out that it is representative of one aspect of the night. McCain does not like Obama. McCain has a hard time concealing his dislike. It's no wonder he's not a poker player. As far as I could tell, he never looked Obama in the eye. I assume he was trying to contain his emotions.</p> <p>Here's my caption.</p> <p>Obama: "Good debate, John. I think we really got our positions across to the American people."</p> <p>McCain: "What's that? I hear a voice but I don't see anyone. Oh S--T! It's Barack Obama!"</p>JP Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796725364997136448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-14634387383199566902008-09-21T18:05:00.001-04:002008-09-21T18:05:29.580-04:00ABC's Harsh Criticism<p>I was surprised to see such blunt criticism of McCain's recent behavior when I watched "this week with George Stephanopoulos" on ABC this morning.</p> <p><object xmlns="" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Xzc0re_3hQw&hl=en&fs=1"/><param name="wmode"/><embed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Xzc0re_3hQw&hl=en&fs=1" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"/></object></p> <p xmlns="" class="zoundry_raven_tags"> <!-- Tag links generated by Zoundry Raven. Do not manually edit. http://www.zoundryraven.com --> <span class="ztags"><span class="ztagspace">Technorati</span> : <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/mccain+economy+abc+stephanopoulos" class="ztag" rel="tag">mccain economy abc stephanopoulos</a></span> </p>JP Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796725364997136448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-86733228297023762212008-09-17T16:45:00.001-04:002008-09-17T16:45:32.544-04:00Truth in Labeling<p><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/drmomentum/SNFsa1uHskI/AAAAAAAAAuw/_yxOKd6kcaI/zrclip_001n5f053bd7.png?imgmax=288" height="190" width="260"/></p> <p>When I look at this picture, I have to wonder: is McCain's campaign putting his name on all his clothing? And does that help him get dressed quicker in the morning? I'm wondering if I should try this.</p> <p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/16/mccains-very-bad-day_n_126854.html" target="_blank">Source</a></p>JP Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796725364997136448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-58816895486728412232008-09-16T21:05:00.002-04:002008-09-16T21:13:10.738-04:00LOLitics ... Back From the DeadThe crap and the hate that gets flung around every election has run it's usual course and soured me to Americans in general, so I'm doing what I normally do - go "off the RADAR screen" politically, do my homework and vote when the time comes.<br /><br />But I'll still take part in the funny stuff. So maybe we can once again become LOLiticians and take a hack at this pic of the two candidates from last week's memorial at Ground Zero in New York...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mccainblogette.com/postings/091208_1049/19.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.mccainblogette.com/postings/091208_1049/19.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-21787619451550260912008-09-03T11:47:00.006-04:002008-09-03T11:53:05.326-04:00God's WillSarah Palin gives a brief sermon in June 2008 and asks parishioners to pray for a new pipeline.<br /><br /><blockquote>"I think God's will has to be done in unifying people and companies to get that gas line built, so pray for that."</blockquote><br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/02/palins-church-may-have-sh_n_123205.html">Palin's Church May Have Shaped Controversial Worldview (with video)</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-40518255756041617952008-08-30T09:58:00.001-04:002008-08-30T09:58:51.160-04:00Welcome, Sarah Palin!<p>Welcome to the campaign, Sarah Palin -- the most bestest choice to lead the country!</p> <p><object xmlns="" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6UojMnCgqVA&hl=en&fs=1"/><param name="wmode"/><embed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6UojMnCgqVA&hl=en&fs=1" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"/></object></p> <p>Dear Romney, Pawlenty, Rice, Powell, Ridge, Lieberman, Whitman, Jindal, Hutchison -- McCain found someone more experienced to lead the country should something happen to him. Now go campaign your little hearts out!</p> <p xmlns="" class="zoundry_raven_tags"> <!-- Tag links generated by Zoundry Raven. Do not manually edit. http://www.zoundryraven.com --> <span class="ztags"><span class="ztagspace">Technorati</span> : <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/mccain" class="ztag" rel="tag">mccain</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/palin" class="ztag" rel="tag">palin</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/republicans" class="ztag" rel="tag">republicans</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/sarah+palin" class="ztag" rel="tag">sarah palin</a></span> </p>JP Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796725364997136448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-38515880557489172008-08-27T09:17:00.001-04:002008-08-27T09:17:20.250-04:00Not Sarah Palin<p><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/drmomentum/SLVT3nby6-I/AAAAAAAAAt8/9b6x_7DP1w0/NotSarahPalin.jpg?imgmax=400" style="DISPLAY: inline; FLOAT: right" height="400" alt="NotSarahPalin.jpg" width="286"/></p> <p>For the record, Sarah Palin is not Hillary Clinton. And neither is she a model.</p> <p>To the right, you see a picture of the Overstock.com model Sabine Ehrenfeld. That's why this post is entitled "Not Sarah Palin." Sarah Palin is the governor of Alaska, and there are rumors she is on the short list for McCain's VP pick. Not credible rumors, mind you, but this is the right-wing blogosphere we're talking about.</p> <p>I found this picture on the following blog:</p> <p><a href="http://futuremd.blogspot.com/2008/05/remembering-sarah-palin.html">http://futuremd.blogspot.com/2008/05/remembering-sarah-palin.html</a></p> <p>... which also has placed Gov. Palin in Alabama instead of Alaska. And is asking "So, is this the face of the next candidate for Vice-President of the United States?" That's an easy question to answer, considering Ms. Ehrenfeld is unlikely on McCain's veepstakes list. Although a "McCain taps Ehrenfeld" headline might elicit some snickers, it's even less likely than McCain picking Gov. Palin.</p> <p>Keep on keepin' on, right wing blogosphere!</p> <p>Some say Palin would be a good VP choice because Hillary supporters would flock to a McCain/Palin ticket, just to see a woman VP. Whatwhatwhat-now? If you need anything to prove to you what a low (and confused) opinion Republicans have of female voters and Hillary supporters, look no further than the Sarah Palin for VP supporters.</p> <p>Back in the real world:</p> <p>Hillary Clinton made it clear last night that she's supporting Barack Obama and you should, too. I was especially impressed with her references to people she met on the campaign trail. She took that familiar stump speech rhetoric and turned it into support for Obama by asking the Democrats to decide whether the campaign was about her or about the people she met on the trail who would certainly suffer under a dangerous McCain presidency that would be as risky as four more years of our current Republican leadership. Do we want to turn from the perilous course our country has been on for 8 years? If not, Hillary clearly gave her answer: Obama.</p> <p>Hillary is on board. And tonight we'll see Bill throw his support behind this effort in typical fashion.</p> <p>And the country will see a unified Democratic Party. To withstand the strength of the democrats pulling in one direction, the Republicans are going to need more than the Overstock.com model.</p>JP Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796725364997136448noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-5391476542273146942008-08-26T11:36:00.000-04:002008-08-26T11:36:00.648-04:00Republican Rep. Speaks in Denver; You Probably Diddn't Hear About It<p>Former Representative of Iowa, Republican Jim Leach endorsed Obama last night at the convention, and unlike when Zell Miller's eyes bugged out on the Republican podium 4 years ago, <a href="http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2008_08/014414.php" target="_blank">this didn't really make the news</a>.</p> <blockquote style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px" dir="ltr"> <p>"As a Republican, I stand before you with deep respect for the history and traditions of my political party. But it is clear to all Americans that something is out of kilter in our great republic.... Seldom has the case for an inspiring new political ethic been more compelling. And seldom has an emerging leader so matched the needs of the moment.... I stand before you proud of my party's contributions to American history but, as a citizen, proud as well of the good judgment of good people in this good party, in nominating a transcending candidate, an individual whom I am convinced will recapture the American dream and be a truly great president: the senator from Abraham Lincoln's state -- Barack Obama.... This is not a time for politics as usual.... Obama will recapture the American dream and be a truly great president."</p> </blockquote> <p xmlns="" class="zoundry_raven_tags"> <!-- Tag links generated by Zoundry Raven. Do not manually edit. http://www.zoundryraven.com --> <span class="ztags"><span class="ztagspace">Technorati</span> : <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/convention" class="ztag" rel="tag">convention</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/denver" class="ztag" rel="tag">denver</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/election" class="ztag" rel="tag">election</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/iowa" class="ztag" rel="tag">iowa</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/jim+leach" class="ztag" rel="tag">jim leach</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/republican" class="ztag" rel="tag">republican</a></span> </p>JP Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796725364997136448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-15948093086789848392008-08-23T13:10:00.001-04:002008-08-23T13:12:13.397-04:00It's Biden<p>Hi, I'm a conservative blogger.</p> <p>For weeks, I've had two posts prepared for today. I had plenty of time to write them.</p> <p>The first post was a long diatribe about how Obama's choice weakened his ticket because it reinforced his weaknesses with a too-young running mate who appealed to his core of supporters but didn't deliver enough depth. I was going to laugh about how stupid he was to alienate the American people. I was really pulling for Tim Kane (or equivalent) so I could use this essay. Tim Kane was especially fun, because I was going to crow about how Obama isn't going to win Virginia anyhow.</p> <p>The second essay was kinda lame, but I think it'll still gain some traction. In it, I state that Obama's choice is "more of the same in Washington" and "undercuts his change message" and "shows that experience matters." I was really hoping I could go with the first essay, because choosing someone like Biden strengthens his ticket by answering some of his critics. If the VP choice is the first important choice of a nascent presidency, a solid, practical choice reassures voters that Obama is not all pie-in-the-sky and is not afraid to bring someone in who has long-established strong opinions and credibility.</p> <p>Since I have to go with the second essay, I really hope nobody notices how lame it is. And that Obama never said experience doesn't matter. And that Obama is clearly not planning an insular presidency, but rather will bring in the best people to help make good policies.</p> <p>Damn, I really wish I could have gone with the Tim Kane essay.</p>JP Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796725364997136448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-21853021008672128202008-08-15T09:30:00.001-04:002008-08-15T09:33:03.281-04:00You Got My Song In Your Obnoxious<p>Sometimes, in your rush to be a jerk, you also run afoul of the law.</p> <blockquote> <p><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN1442775720080815" target="_blank">Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne is suing Republican presidential nominee John McCain and the Republican party for using his song "Running on Empty" in a recent TV commercial</a>. [...] Browne claims McCain and the party did not obtain permission to use the song for an ad in which "Senator McCain and the Republicans mock Democratic candidate for president Barack Obama for suggesting that the country conserve gas through proper tire inflation."</p> </blockquote> <p>I'm sure the RIAA want their crack at McCain, too. Don't hold your breath.</p> <p>They'll blame some staffer who chose the song, but remember: McCain's voice is on that ad saying "I approve this message."</p>JP Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796725364997136448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-50052440514945821642008-07-29T22:11:00.002-04:002008-07-29T22:43:32.194-04:00Uncoherent Denver<blockquote><span style="font-style:italic;">A group of <a href="http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jul/28/anarchists-offer-dnc-deal-to-denver/">self-described anarchists</a> threatening to <a href="http://dncdisruption08.org/">disrupt the Democratic National Convention</a> is promising to go away if the $50 million federal grant that Denver received to pay for convention security is invested in the community instead.<br /><br />"Spending $50 million on weaponry to attack people voicing their opinion and flooding the streets with riot police while schools close down, children go without health care and people lose their homes is exactly the problem with the corrupt two-party system we're opposing this August."</span></blockquote><br />Hey...assclown...you oppose all "systems"...you're an anarchist...maybe you should look that up. And whatshisnameinthevideo's talk of anarchists being for a "grass roots democracy in the streets" is equally asinine in a country of 300 million people. Or 3000 people for that matter.<br /><br />Personally, I think none of you got any <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=yarbles">yarbles</a> and you're all a bunch of narcissists who aren't bent on doing anything but talking about how unhappy you are.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-64817446856605526262008-07-28T13:27:00.001-04:002008-07-28T13:28:09.236-04:00Justice Department Can't Hire You Because Your Wife's A Liberal<p>The Justice Department found that under hack appointee Alberto Gonzales, hirings put political affiliation above other considerations.</p> <blockquote> <p>Monday's report singles out the department's former White House liaison, <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/g/monica_m_goodling/index.html?inline=nyt-per" title="More articles about Monica M. Goodling.">Monica Goodling</a>, for violating federal law and Justice Department policy by discriminating against job applicants who weren't Republican or conservative loyalists.</p> <p>''Goodling improperly subjected candidates for certain career positions to the same politically based evaluation she used on candidates for political positions,'' the report concludes.</p> </blockquote> <p>The <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Justice-Politics.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin#" target="_blank">NYT story here</a>.</p> <p>This hack administration is putting liberal conspiracy theory blogs out of business by filling the news with more outrageous stuff than any moonbat could come up with. Except <em>with</em> investigations and evidence.</p> <p xmlns="" class="zoundry_raven_tags"> <!-- Tag links generated by Zoundry Raven. Do not manually edit. http://www.zoundryraven.com --> <span class="ztags"><span class="ztagspace">Technorati</span> : <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/check+with+your+political+officer" class="ztag" rel="tag">check with your political officer</a></span> </p>JP Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796725364997136448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-84569850940432841092008-07-24T22:17:00.004-04:002008-07-24T22:28:37.613-04:00Obama = FDR = Mussolini = Der Fuehrer?In case you haven't been around since, oh, forever, <a href="http://mediamatters.org/items/200807240001?f=h_latest">Ben Stein has completely "lost the plot"</a>.<br /><br /><object width="320" height="335"><param name="movie" value="http://mediamatters.org/static/flash/mmfaplayer.swf"></param><param name="flashvars" value="config=http://mediamatters.org/tools/flash/config?id=462673"></param><embed src="http://mediamatters.org/static/flash/mmfaplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="config=http://mediamatters.org/tools/flash/config?id=462673" width="320" height="335"></embed></object><br /><br />I shouldn't be surprised, but really - is that all you've got? Large, enthusiastic crowds at your acceptance speech makes you a nazi/fascist?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-68152220934427251452008-07-22T14:53:00.001-04:002008-07-22T14:53:40.942-04:00McCain's Goofy Gaffy Map<p>McCain was hoping and praying that Obama's trip to Iraq would result in some sort of gaffe that he could capitalize on to gain some traction in the American press. Up to now, McCain's campaign has been dead boring. His policies are warmed over from the Bush Administration and do not connect with a population asking to change the horrible course we've been on. And McCain just seems generally out of touch when he chooses advisers who have no compassion for the plight of the citizen who is now feeling the crunch of a struggling American economy.</p> <p>Instead of a gaffe, Obama got statements from Malaki indicating that 16 months was a good target for withdrawal -- basically <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/boost-for-obama-over-iraq-withdrawal-873769.html" target="_blank">endorsing Obama's position on Iraq</a>. Despite "clarifications" encouraged by the Bush administration, Malaki's claim was that he who wants the quicker withdrawal understands the Iraq situation better.</p> <p>Worse for McCain, he's the one making foreign blunders while he putters around here in the states.</p> <p>He's referred repeatedly to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/21/mccain-owns-first-foreign_n_114013.html" target="_blank">nonexistent countries and a nonexistent border between Pakistan and Iraq</a>.</p> <p>McCain supporters who are complaining that Obama is getting more coverage (if it were true) <em>should consider it a <strong>blessing</strong> for McCain</em>.</p> <p>I am encouraged by Republican complaints of media bias (<a href="http://www.spokesman-recorder.com/news/article/article.asp?NewsID=89597&sID=4&ItemSource=L" target="_blank">pull the plank out of your eye, dudes</a>) because to me, it sounds like they're preparing their excuses before a crushing defeat. Bring on the language of losers, even if it is a little early.</p> <p>Conservatives crying foul because the New York Times didn't publish McCain's attack against Obama can have their moment of whining, but <a href="http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/21/the-times-and-the-mccain-op-ed/" target="_blank">the fact is that the New York Times offered the forum to McCain if only he'd actually define his own position in more concrete terms, rather than airy fist-shaking</a>. Instead of respond with an Op-Ed, they put the crayons away and ushered in Fox and Drudge to do their "liberal bias" song and dance.</p> <p>Yeah. In a time of crisis, that's more of what America needs. Some leadership, that.</p>JP Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796725364997136448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-43796164130010712342008-07-22T10:35:00.002-04:002008-07-22T10:37:38.961-04:00Gas prices are Obama's faultAt least, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/21/AR2008072102636.html">according to McCain</a>. <br /><br />WTF? Sometimes I can't believe the stuff these people try to pass off as logic, but what's more unbelievable is the people who swallow it.<br /><br />Witch hunt. Bah.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-76813051577285815162008-07-21T15:43:00.000-04:002008-07-21T15:46:39.270-04:00What If Tool<p>The Boston Globe has a "What If" tool for playing with the different demographics in the presidential election. Here I've embedded just one aspect of it in which you can play with the effect of the black vote. Check it out. You can look at other demographics (in combination).</p> <p><embed src="http://www.boston.com/multimedia/politics/2008/calc/embed_simple.swf" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash" name="bostonsimple" width="425" height="450" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" base="http://www.boston.com/multimedia/politics/2008/calc/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="demo=blacks"/></p>JP Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796725364997136448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-68408167235632112712008-07-16T15:39:00.001-04:002008-07-16T15:40:43.833-04:00That Stink of Desperation<p>Deep down, Republicans who can't face up to how they've screwed the country are lashing our and trying to justify holding on to executive power.</p> <p>The stink of desperation is never attractive. Republican supporters this year are like the boyfriend who, when you've finally come to your senses and decided to leave him tosses away the façade of affection and throws the kitchen sink of fear and ominous pronouncements at you -- never quite threatening but you get the message just the same.</p> <table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"> <thead> <tr> <th>Republicans</th> <th> <p>Translation into <br/>creepy boyfriend-ese.</p> </th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>If you elect a Democrat, the terrorists will attack!</td> <td>"Nobody will keep you safe like I will."</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Liberals are not patriotic!</td> <td> <p>"He will never love you like I love you."</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>"That's not change you can believe in!"</td> <td>"You want someone new? I can get a haircut!</td> </tr> <tr> <td>"It's only a <em>mental</em> recession."</td> <td>"We don't have any problems, baby. Our relationship is great!"</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>They are freaking out (see <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/2008/07/15/billboard-displaying-burning-twin-towers-reads-please-dont-vote-for-a-democrat/" target="_blank">this outrageous billboard for an example</a>), and it's not going to get better for them any time soon.</p> <p xmlns="" class="zoundry_raven_tags"> <!-- Tag links generated by Zoundry Raven. Do not manually edit. http://www.zoundryraven.com --> <span class="ztags"><span class="ztagspace">Technorati</span> : <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/creepy+boyfriend" class="ztag" rel="tag">creepy boyfriend</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/desperate" class="ztag" rel="tag">desperate</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/republicans" class="ztag" rel="tag">republicans</a></span> </p>JP Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796725364997136448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-35240136711240202902008-07-11T12:03:00.003-04:002008-07-11T12:06:38.199-04:00World's Biggest Something<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/2277298/President-George-Bush-%27Goodbye-from-the-world%27s-biggest-polluter%27.html">President George Bush: 'Goodbye from the world's biggest polluter'</a><br /><blockquote>The American leader, who has been condemned throughout his presidency for failing to tackle climate change, ended a private meeting with the words: "Goodbye from the world's biggest polluter."<br /><br />He then punched the air while grinning widely, as the rest of those present including Gordon Brown and Nicolas Sarkozy looked on in shock.</blockquote>Beyond words, really. Send the asshole to Gitmo.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-11525444306482643632008-07-10T05:48:00.003-04:002008-07-10T06:13:10.880-04:00My Loss of Rights... Let me showz you them.Dear Everyone as Bewildered as I am,<div><br /></div><div>Wow. It's been a huge day of loss <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=5341118&page=1">[1]</a> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Terrorist-Surveillance.html?_r=1&oref=slogin">[2]</a> <a href="http://www.aclu.org/safefree/general/35928prs20080709.html">[3]</a>. In 2002 we couldn't have expected it to get this bad, could we have? Today, when I was on a run, and I couldn't help be hearing a prediction of the future from Boy Sets Fire (one of my favorite bands):</div><div><br /></div><div></div><blockquote><div>The constitution burns to ash in front of you,</div><div>the people know what you are up to</div><div>Your sins, will come back on you <a href="http://www.lyricsspot.com/boysetsfire-eviction+article-lyrics-1070467.html">[1]</a>.</div></blockquote><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Eviction Article</span> on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Tomorrow Comes Today </span>(released in 2002 <a href="http://www.notpopular.com/lyrics/1228/Boy-Sets-Fire/Tomorrow-Come-Today">[album lyrics]</a>). They are a very politically charged band, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">TCT</span> is their most politically charged album. I know my musical tastes don't mesh with many people, but I highly recommend this album. If you like polito-scream-core.</div><div><br /></div><div>And it's depressing that effectively the government has said "i'm in ur constitutionz, fuxing with ur rightz" <a href="http://www.reddit.com/info/6r1jp/comments/">[1]</a> . It's depressing, and offensive. The US has sent me to Taiwan, which they consider a "developing country" - as in not yet developed. You know, that country where all of our electronics and most basic items comes from? Yah, that Taiwan. </div><div><br /></div><div>Taiwan's people and government are more developed than the US. Today, Taiwan declared PEACE <a href="http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/20080708_taiwan_declares_peace_on_china/">[1]</a> <a href="http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080721/scheer">[2]</a>. While the US is in the middle (early stages?) of a war-based occupation, and on the verge of declaring a new war. Probably because these countries have names that are so similar, they have to be the same... right?</div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote>Mission accomplished, bitches.<br />-G.W.</blockquote></div><div>obamabetterbeeverythingwehopedfor,</div><div>-Derek</div>DRockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17182571403784814820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163381860654664387.post-37607688168892748842008-07-09T10:42:00.002-04:002008-07-09T10:50:40.626-04:00McCain's first wifeSome dirt about McCain:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1024927/The-wife-John-McCain-callously-left-behind.html">The wife John McCain callously left behind</a><br /><br />I just skimmed it to learn about his first wife. I hesitated to post such an opinionated story but his backstory hasn't been publicized much elsewhere and I doubt it will be.<br /><br />Speaking of backstory, this <a href="http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/07/a_look_at_the_presidential_can.html">Big Picture post</a> has some compelling photographs, including the moment McCain was captured in Vietnam. That <a href="http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/">Big Picture</a> weblog is amazing if you haven't already checked it out.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0