My views on politics, current events and history. I'm tired of the spin, and I've decided it's time for someone who's not a right wing whacko and who does have a military background (me) to share his views.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Associated Press Hearts McCain
Apr 28, 7:10 PM EDT
RNC demands networks yank McCain ad
MIAMI (AP) -- The Republican National Committee demanded Monday that television networks stop running a television ad by the Democratic Party that falsely suggests John McCain wants a 100-year war in Iraq.
Note the Associated Press perspective here. They state as fact that the Democratic ad is false. In addition, they state as fact that the Democrats "falsely" claim that John McCain "wants a 100-year war in Iraq."
In truth, the ad DOES NOT say that McCain wants a "100-year war in Iraq." The ad DOES include a clip of McCain speaking in January. In the clip, McCain responds to a question about President Bush's suggestion that the US military could be in Iraq for 50 years:
"Maybe 100. As long as Americans are not being injured or harmed or wounded or killed, that'd be fine with me, and I hope it would be fine with you, if we maintain a presence in a very volatile part of the world where al-Qaida is training, recruiting, equipping and motivating people every single day."
So, the ad is TRUE -- it says McCain suggested staying in Iraq for a hundred years, and it includes McCain actually saying he suggests staying in Iraq for a hundred years. In addition, the ad does not say McCain wants a "100-year war" in Iraq, as the AP claims.
With news outlets bending over backwards like this for McCain as a matter of habit, I really don't see how anyone can seriously argue that the problem with "the media" is that it has a "liberal bias."
I will listen to Gen Petraeus given the experience he has accumulated over the last several years. It would be stupid of me to ignore what he has to say. But it is my job as President, it would be my job as Commander in Chief to set the mission. To make the strategic decision in light of the problems we’re having in Afghanistan, in light of the problems we’re having in Pakistan, the fact that al-Qaeda is strengthening as our national intelligence estimates have indicated and I have a whole host of tasks and I have to worry about the military has no strategic reserve right now…
Bush always tries to act like it's not him that's setting the course in Iraq, but "the generals on the ground." Well, that is until they cross him and he fires them. Wallace asked Obama if he’d confirm Petraeus as CENTCOM commander and Obama said yes. Obama also pointed out that if he becomes President, HE, not Petraeus, is Commander in Chief and determines the strategic objective -- not "the Generals."
I hate giving credibility to Fox "News," but if that's what it takes to get the message out...
In 1994 McCain voted against funding the commission established to encourage all states to recognize the King holiday.
Despite all this, as you'll see in the video, McCain claims to have voted against the MLK holiday 1983, but changed to support it "a very short time after that."
I'd say there are two reasons here to justify not supporting McCain. First, he was against the MLK holiday for a very long time. Second, he's lying about it.
I'll vote for Obama if he's the nominee, on the grounds that any Democrat is better than any Republican. He doesn't bother me as much as his supporters do. To me, his most hardcore backers seem to be taking on all the trappings of a personality cult. I find that troubling. If Obama is nominated, he'll have to do better than this if he wants to win the general election.
"...Chris spent his early childhood in a row house, before the family moved to Somerton, a leafy neighborhood at Philadelphia’s northeast tip. The boys went to Catholic schools and took family trips to a summer house on the Jersey shore..."
"...Matthews returned after two years (with the Peace Corps in Swaziland) and in 1974 ran for Congress in northeast Philadelphia. He lost in the Democratic primary, but it started what became an exhaustive job search that landed him on Capitol Hill and then in the White House as a speech writer for President Carter. He parlayed the White House job into a series of positions on Capitol Hill that would culminate at the side of Speaker Tip O’Neill during the 1980s..."
“I don’t think people look at me as the establishment, do you?” Matthews asked me. “Am I part of the winner’s circle in American life? I don’t think so.”
"...Matthews, who is said to earn more than $5 million a year..."
"...Chris Matthews, the MSNBC shouter, and wife Kathleen Matthews, the WJLA anchor, have bought a $4.35 million home on the tony Massachusetts island..."
Gee, Chris, why would anyone think you're part of the "establishment" or the "winner's circle?" Maybe it's because you make 135 times the average US personal income of $37,000? Maybe it's because your SUMMER HOUSE is worth more than most Americans will make in their lifetimes?
U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis, a Hebron Republican, compared Obama and his message for change similar to a "snake oil salesman."
He said in his remarks at the GOP dinner that he also recently participated in a "highly classified, national security simulation" with Obama.
"I'm going to tell you something: That boy's finger does not need to be on the button," Davis said. "He could not make a decision in that simulation that related to a nuclear threat to this country."
As for Obama's Democratic rival, McConnell said U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York seems to be "teetering on the brink."
"I hear she hasn't been this worried since a new Hooters opened" near her home with former President Bill Clinton, McConnell said, prompting laughs from the 400 Northern Kentucky Republicans.
I say we ought to condemn BOTH of them, and they ought to be reprimanded by their respective houses of Congress. Instead, what will likely happen is that the media will not give this story the attention it deserves, McConnell and Davis will offer insincere "apologies" ("I'm sorry if you were offended," which means "why are YOU so thin skinned?"), and the whole thing will be quickly forgotten.
I threw in a little history at the top. The Geoff Davises of the world would do well to pay attention to it.
UPDATE:
Davis has apologized. Amazingly, it doesn't sound like the usual "I'm sorry if you were offended" fake apology.
"My poor choice of words is regrettable and was in no way meant to impugn you or your integrity," Davis wrote in a letter that was delivered to Obama's Senate office. "I offer my sincere apology to you and ask for your forgiveness."
Amidst all the hand-wringing by Obama's supporters about Hillary's staying in the campaign and hurting the Democratic Party, one sometimes forgets to notice the obvious.
With 10 states left to vote, Obama has the chance to increase his lead in both delegates and votes and, thus, make his claim to the nomination even stronger.
In short, this is a major opportunity for Obama to clinch the nomination. So why all the storm und drang?
This is unbelievable. How can anyone think Saint Barack Obama the Innocent is above the fray and running a positive campaign when he has supporters like these?
There was an ugly verbal attack on Jews this week by a so-called religious leader in the Los Angeles area who also happens to be a high profile Obama supporter. Let me state at the outset that Eric Lee, the man who launched this verbal tirade, was not acting at the behest of Barack Obama. But we are seeing a troubling trend. The number of batshit crazy pastors–Jeremiah Wright, Michael Pfleger, James T. Meeks–coming out in favor of Barack is alarming.
Just watch this:
Daphne Ziman also has sent out an email recounting the experience:
Last night I was honored by Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, for my work with Children Uniting nations with African American children who are living out of home care. I have dedicated my life to saving these children from abuse, neglect and a life of crime. We created ‘adoption day’ and “Day of the child” determined to recruit caring adults to be mentors and life savers for our at risk children in the inner cities.
The mayor was present and City council member Bernard parks, assemblyman Mike Davis Senator Mark Ridely Thomas etc. I was introduced as a children advocate and a leader in the Jewish community. I began my speech by talking about how I woke up in the morning and listened to Hillary clinton’s speech, in the spirit of Dr. King from Memphis, that moved me so deeply. I expressed to the crowd how grateful I was to listen to Sen. McCain apologize to the community for mistakes he has made in the past. I acknowledged Sen. Obama’s speech from the campaign trail about Dr. King’s mentorship.
After I spoke and thanked the fraternity and their members, Rev. Eric Lee, pres. and CEO of Southern Christian Leadership Conference of greater Los Angeles, was introduced as the key note speaker.
He began his speech by thanking Jesus for Obama, who is going to be the leader of the world. He continued by referring to other leaders Like Dr. King,being that this was the moment of celebrating Dr. King’s spirit on the anniversary of his assasination, and Malcolm X.
It was right after the mention of Malcolm X that he looked right at me and started talking about the African American children who are suffering because of the JEWS that have featured them as rapists and murderers. He spoke of a Jewish Rabbi, and then corrected himself to say “What other kind of Rabbis are there, but JEWS”. He told how this Rabbi came to him to say that he would like to bring the AA community and the Jewish community together. ” NO, NO, NO,!!!!” he shouted into the crowd, we are not going to come together. “The Jews have made money on us in the music business and we are the entertainers, and they are economically enslaving us.”
He continued as to how now the salvation has come and the gates have open for African Americans to come together behind Barack Obama, because now is the time to show them.(meaning the Jews).
He continued to speak about ‘ White supremecy’ vs the talents and visionaries in the core of African Americans. He demeaned being given freedom, by saying “To what?” to a country that kills women and children.
I could no longer be polite and sit in front of the crowd, so I walked out.
Members of the fraternity ran after me as did my staff, I was not able to contain my tears and I cried.
I cried for me and my family, who have tried so hard to help the African American community, because we adopted children from the same realities and wanted to give back to other children and people. We have been completely color blind, for us it was only helping those children in need. I cried for our beloved country and the division that Barack Obama has caused with his Rev. Wright opening the gates to ‘hate’ against the Jews and whites. I grew up so looking at America as the land of Freedom. I was honored to receive my citizenship accompanied by members of the Kennedy family. Now, I’m afraid for Israel because Barack sat there for 20 years listening and not standing up for what’s right, why would he standup for Israel?
I cried for the Jewish community who are so blind that they can’t see that there’s a movement here that will destroy us.I cried because for the first time in my life I was afraid of the future.
I cried for our world that is moving backwards and not forward. Everyday, I see children so lost, and so deserving of hope and love. I look into their eyes, knowing that it is their lives that are in our hands.
I’m crying now, so I’m going to stop writing because it is so painful.
I just had to share this experience with you,
Thank you,
Daphna
What BULLSHIT!
This woman made a very nice speech about what? HOPE AND CHANGE! One of her HOSTS then proceeded to humiliate and mock her and pretty much call into question why she was selected to receive their award in the first place. And those hosts are all Obama supporters, whether official or unofficial.
It’s just BULLSHIT that these guys think those anti-Jewish views are correct and should be repeated. it’s worse that Obama is relying on guys like that to propel him. It’s worse STILL that the media doesn’t call Obama on this. I think you’ll all agree that only ONE candidate gets scrutinized AT ALL, and it’s not Obama.
It just PISSES ME OFF that Kappa Alpha Psi USED this woman the way they did. And look at the list of people who were in the audience — have you heard that the Mayor of LA or the city councilman who used to be the police chief condemned this “minister” for his actions and words? Me, either.
And worse yet, people in the audience told this woman that the guy slamming her was RIGHT and that she was getting what she deserved. It’s just fucking ungracious. You invited her to attend so you could give her an award in front of her peers and subordinates, so be polite and SHUT THE FUCK UP.
Do Obama and his supporters think they can go on doing this straight through to November? If so, they are totally deluded — the media might let them get away with it until the general election campaign starts, but once those reporters start pushing their real choice, McCain, the kid gloves treatment Obama is used to is GONE.
The reason every single top blog has had it with Hillary is because she already lost the nomination, she knows she already lost, and now is throwing a Hail Mary pass that threatens to divide our party and jeopardize our chances against John McCain in the fall. You have to wonder how well Hillary's staff is sleeping at night, knowing they lost this thing two months ago, and are now simply doing the Republicans' bidding. I suspect most Hillary staffers are good Democrats, simply doing their job. But at some point, your loyalty to the party, to the cause, needs to kick in. They're not just wasting their time, they're hurting their own party and all of us. And that's nothing to be proud of.
These calculations still leave Barack Obama more than 100 delegates short of the total needed for the nomination. So let’s go to the superdelegates.
At present, 315 superdelegates are still up for grabs. Using our Delegate Calculator, it becomes clear that Obama would need to win just 33%, or 104, of the remaining 315 superdelegates to get over the top.
So, even if these calculations are correct, what's the guarantee that Obama will get 33%? There isn't one. Therefore, Clinton still has a chance to win the nomination. Since she still has a chance, why should she drop out?
How about if from now on we end baseball games after seven innings, football games after three quarters, hockey games after two periods, 100 meter dashes after 80 meters, and the Daytona 500 after 498 miles? Of course, this new "Obama Rule" only applies when the team or person YOU'RE rooting for is ahead.
"...All of this explains why Clinton is the decided underdog. But does it also mean that she should simply accept defeat now and end her candidacy? Absolutely not..."
Move On pissed me off by endorsing Obama before the Democrats have chosen a candidate, an act that infuriated me because Obama voted to condemn Move On in the "Betray Us" ad controversy, while Clinton defended the organization. This video just raised Move On a little in my esteem.
"General [David] Petraeus is a career military officer. Ambassador [Ryan] Crocker is a career diplomat, a foreign service officer. It's not as if they're political appointees by the Bush administration in which they can sort of, you know, roll up their sleeves and really go after them."
Are you kidding me? Ambassadors and four star generals and admirals are appointed by the president and confirmed by the senate. Of COURSE they're political. In fact, these two particular appointees got their jobs precisely because they were loyal to President Bush.
Ryan Crocker, a veteran Middle East diplomat who is the U.S. ambassador to Pakistan, is expected to be nominated by Bush to replace Khalilzad in Baghdad, two senior administration officials told CNN.
Ryan Crocker was confirmed as Ambassador to Iraq on March 7, 2007.
In September 2004, President Bush conferred on him (Crocker) the personal rank of Career Ambassador, the highest in the Foreign Service.
Bush named Petraeus to replace Casey as part of a revamping of his top military and diplomatic officials in Iraq and the Middle East.
The Senate today confirmed Army Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus for promotion to general and assignment as commander of Multinational Force Iraq.
Since this information is well known and easily obtainable, I have to conclude that Blitzer is lying.
Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr.'s endorsement of Barack Obama last week -- "I believe in this guy like I've never believed in a candidate in my life" -- recalled another dramatic moment in Democratic politics. In the summer of 1992, as Bill Clinton solidified his control over the Democratic Party, Robert P. Casey Sr., the senator's father, was banned from speaking to the Democratic convention for the heresy of being pro-life.
The elder Casey (now deceased) was then the governor of Pennsylvania -- one of the most prominent elected Democrats in the country. He was an economic progressive in the Roosevelt tradition. But his Irish Catholic conscience led him to oppose abortion. So the Clintons chose to humiliate him. It was a sign and a warning of much mean-spirited pettiness to come.
Gerson started off this column with a lie that has been repeatedly debunked. In fact, Governor Casey was not allowed to speak at the 1992 Democratic convention because he would not endorse Bill Clinton, the party's nominee for president. Further, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Senators. John Breaux and Howell Heflin (D-AL), and five other governors who agreed with Casey on the abortion issue did address the convention in 1992.
While discussing Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) during MSNBC’s Hardball last night, host Chris Matthews asked Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO): “Let me ask you about how he — how’s he connect with regular people? Does he? Or does he only appeal to people who come from the African-American community and from the people who have college or advanced degrees?”
So now African-Americans aren't the same as "regular people?" Gee, I wonder what it is that makes them irregular?
Matthews clearly hates women, especially Hillary Clinton. A reasonable observer can now conclude that he's also a racist. And that's ON TOP of his uninformed, illogical, biased and always incorrect "analysis" of politics and current events.
Honestly, how does Matthews manage to keep from being fired?
Member of National Guard for over 26 years. Deployed to Iraq in 2004-2005. Awards include Combat Action Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal.
