Leebot's Comments (54)

“This type of amorphous phrase "black frame of mind" strikes me as being in a similar category as Glenn Beck's "white culture." The speakers throw the phrase out there -- hinting at but never actually providing a definition. This conveniently allows listeners to fill in the blank with their own prejudices and attitudes. While an effective (and despicable) rhetorical device, I do believe that is reveals more about Rush personally than anyone he's talking about. Just like the phrases "these people" or "you people" or "I'm not a racist BUT" -- they are deal-breakers as far as getting me to tune in further to the subsequent message.”

“Faved!”

“I'm not going to support a female politician JUST because of similar plumbing.

I did not support Hillary and I'm not "crying now," though I can easily acknowledge she is a far more viable candidate than Palin will ever be.

You're viewing the political landscape through the very narrow lens of your brand of feminism. Sorry I can't get on board.”

“Oh Bob, there is no shortage of posters who rush to post vapid comments proves your point.”

“And both willing to exploit their children in the pursuit of personal fame.”

“Thank you. Our legislators need to understand the full human cost of their inaction.”

“They did not scoop these stories.”

“Precisely, and in tandem with that -- I think a good Geek Project would involve finding stories Fox breathlessly scooped about malfeasance and questionable characters in the Bush Administration.”

“(No offense to Comedy Central)”

“"What the situation required was sarcasm, irony, a little humor."

Agreed. I think the White House could have made their point in a humorous way by offering full press credentials and access to Comedy Central. Faux News could follow the self-proclaimed Fake News in rotation. At press conferences, seat their correspondents next to each other.”

“Huffpo, please fix your broken link. Thanks.

Eric, good article. I especially thought your description of the insularity of the right-wing echo-chamber was well-stated. However, I question your opening statement and wonder if Rush or Glenn have "learned" anything, since they filter all of this through the lens of the victim, where any malfeasance is someone else's.”

“I recommend John Dean's book "Conservatives Without a Conscience." He has some interesting thoughts about people who subscribe to an authoritarian mindset and style of governance, and how that manifests in the public square. The Cheney Complex seems to dovetail with those descriptions quite aptly.”

“Yes, the politics of personality does seem oddly emphasized at times. I think there are biases at work at least with some, and I also think there is some jealousy and resentment at his popularity. We can worship our big screen and TV stars, our sports figures, but for some to actually like and appreciate an elected leader can only be some misguided neurosis, and "cult of personality" and "Dear Leader" references become the Dittos of the day.”

“Thinking about Narcissus of classical mythology -- he was the one who was so enraptured by his own reflection in the pond that he could not tear himself away, completely oblivious to the real love waiting nearby in the form of the besotted Echo.

One can be possessed of self-regard along a wide spectrum, perhaps to the point of being vain or having an inflated ego in the eyes of some, yet that's a far cry from true "narcisissism" at least from a clinical perspective. I think that word is being used a bit casually and Obama's detractors are eager to conflate personality traits with policy differences. From what I've seen he places a premium on maintaining loving, healthy relationships with his family, he has the ability to empathize and connect with others, so no, he has an inclusive approach (sometimes to his detriment, I think) so I would not say he's a narcissist.

I could name numerous members of the GOP and related punditry that I personally believe display dysfunctional behaviors, but that's probably a whole 'nother thread. Suffice it to say a psychoanalyst might see some interesting examples of Freudian projection from that quarter.”

“Thank you very much for your perspective. I enjoyed reading "American Vertigo" and your appearances on GPS. The world really has become more "flat" and Obama understands that we are more of a global community; I appreciate his perspective that the well-being of all citizens are inextricably connected. The American exceptionalism and jingo-ism from the previous Administration is SOOO yesterday, and I think what we're seeing from the Right is a lot of panic that their construct of world order simply will not hold.”

“Well said, thank you.”

“Thanks for this. I have in-laws living in Ireland and Wales. Spoke to Irish brother-in-law this morning who said that Obama's speeches about international affairs, particularly his latest U.N. speech - have really resonated and had a positive impact in his neck of the woods. I think too many Americans are oblivious to anything that isn't on their immediate radar screen. As for those who actively despise Obama, well, that is a whole different thread and there have been many on that subject. Suffice it to say the U.S. is a big country, and thank goodness, diverse.”

“Sure, there's the SNL reference, and thanks to Tina Fey the word "rogue" is rendered very cute indeed, but I think the word will also appeal to those Republicans who are already idealizing the thought of revolution, even secession. Palin can continue to dog whistle AND capitalize on her physical appeal at the same time. She's not just Caribou Barbie, she's We Don't Need No Stinkin' Gubmint Tea Party Barbie.”

“I live in the Portland area and I can tell you the community was outraged at the jury's findings in this case. Evidently the defendants' ingrained religious beliefs and how it affected their thinking was afforded a weight that would not have been extended to killers acting out of a different (non-religious) motivation. Clearly the problem also exists with a hyper-extended view of how far we should tolerate religious "freedom."

What I don't understand is how this particular religion can be so convinced of the merits of faith-healing when little Ava rests in the company of numerous other children from this particular sect. I don't mean to sound disrespectful of faith in general, but I think that would be enough to make one tell God to go pound sand.”

“Or perhaps Chris Wallace sealed his fate with his recent starry-eyed interview with Dick Cheney. He came off as a writer for "Tiger Beat" with his incredible leading questions. The White House must have taken a leaf from that page when he signed off by thanking Cheney for putting up with an interview "from the likes of me." If he cannot or will not take himself seriously and act like a journalist instead of a right-wing Lapdog, then why would he expect the White House to take him seriously?”

“I for one never expected Obama to be a magic savior; in fact one aspect of his philosophy that was so encouraging to me was his focus on an inclusive approach. That in fact did work brilliantly for the campaign. I volunteered as a canvasser and was mightily impressed with the ground operation and the online interactive tools.

I agree with another poster who said every day life and concerns can be a juggling act. I think a lot of us dedicated personal time and financial donations to the campaign to a degree that isn't sustainable over time, but that doesn't mean civic spirit and a desire to be included is a flash-in-the-pan or dependent on a "personality." As a former city government employee I can guarantee that is far from the case, but it IS crucial that the organizational leadership has to stay on top of its game and be pro-active in capitalizing on the talents and resources of those of us who want to be involved in our communities.

As Mr. Hughes deftly stated, I don't want to be viewed as a piggy bank to fund media spots or a name to be solicited to sign petitions, especially if there is lack of clarity as to the strategy/goals. I do think Pres Obama needs to get more starch in his spine when it comes to standing up to the Republicans and corporate interests.”

“I will, thank you.”

“Thanks for the chuckles. I would have loved to see video footage of the formidable Gillian McKeith ("You Are What You Eat") set loose on that crowd, yet the appalling state of our overall health is obvious no matter the venue.

We discuss reform in terms of INSURANCE at the expense of actual health CARE, food politics etc. Those who emphasize "personal responsibility" would suddenly cry foul if the "free market" system were to drop them like a hot potato for being couch potatoes, or tailor their rates by the pound. Perhaps that happens already -- I wouldn't be surprised. Yet poor lifestyle choices lead to so many chronic health conditions, and juvenile diabetes is on the increase.

Insurance companies are often penny wise and pound foolish (pun not intended). For example, years ago I had a mystery ailment that was still unresolved after expensive scans, ultrasounds x-rays and biopsy. My doctor finally decided to recommend surgery even without a solid diagnosis. I first saw an alternative practitioner who correctly diagnosed the problem as a particular mineral deficiency, helped me revise my diet and take supplements which ultimately solved the problem. The insurance company wouldn't cover the cost of this "alternative" treatment. Luckily I was able to afford to pay out of pocket, but that's not always an option for others. It's just one example of how ridiculously short-sighted the whole system is.”

“Well stated.”

“And you could bet if it were McCain, there would be a percentage of people protesting with signs referring to him as aged and infirm, as they did during the campaign. And it would be just as wrong, and it would be just as effective in overshadowing the legitimate policy debate.”