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Karzai: 'Afghanistan Will Not Be Able To Sustain A Force Of That Nature With Its Own Resources'
Commented Dec 13, 2009 at 09:37:43 in World
“The lyrics of an old song* come to mind:
"You made me what I am today.
"I hope you're satisfied.
*Opening lines of "The Curse Of A Broken Heart".”
"You made me what I am today.
"I hope you're satisfied.
*Opening lines of "The Curse Of A Broken Heart".”
The Next Credit Crisis Will Involve Private Equity, Says Author Josh Kosman
Commented Nov 30, 2009 at 18:21:45 in Business
“The word 'crisis' has been so devalued by economic/political pundits that it now carries a denotation roughly equivalent to 'inconvenient'.”
Big Pharma Raises Prices 10% Even As It Promises To Cut Nation's Drug Costs
Commented Nov 16, 2009 at 06:52:27 in Business
“Lest we forget, the first duty of corporate managers is, by law, to the corporation's owners -- not to the customers. With the exception of specifics such as anti-trust laws and food and drug regulations, corporations have no responsibility to the customer other than those imposed by the hurly-burly competition of the market itself.
To excoriate an industry for acting within its legal mandate is part and parcel of political polemics, but capitalism remains capitalism never the less.”
To excoriate an industry for acting within its legal mandate is part and parcel of political polemics, but capitalism remains capitalism never the less.”
schatsie replied on Nov 16, 2009 at 07:43:40
“The corporattions charters can be REVOKED...
Icon A5: "Plane Of The Future" Folds Up To Fit Into Garage
Commented Oct 19, 2009 at 06:46:37 in Technology
“There has always ben a 'plane of the future' ... in the future.
Where is Popular Mechanics now that we need it?”
Where is Popular Mechanics now that we need it?”
Frank Rich: Goldman Can Spare You A Dime
Commented Oct 18, 2009 at 08:32:30 in Business
“The inflated salaries in the world of finance are made possible by bubbles.
Presently, with the recent housing and derivitives bubbles deflated, Washington is filling the gap and, through generous contributions, insuring the health of the wallets of those perched in the aeries of Wall Street. The flow of the 'campaign contributions' river has increased dramatically.
A conversati
Presently, with the recent housing and derivitives bubbles deflated, Washington is filling the gap and, through generous contributions, insuring the health of the wallets of those perched in the aeries of Wall Street. The flow of the 'campaign contributions' river has increased dramatically.
A conversati
BigBagel replied on Oct 18, 2009 at 09:08:35
“The current bubble is a liquidity bubble. Government stimulus and almost zero interest rates along with the nationalization of risk is what's keeping our DOA economy on life support.”
Met Opera BOOED: Richard Peduzzi's 'Tosca' Outrages Crowd
Commented Oct 07, 2009 at 07:30:51 in New York
“Sir;
Your piece is essentially a plea for a polite, respectful acceptance of new artistic endeavors. But bad art is also created every day.
Accepting the new because it is new short-circuits the winnowing process which ultimately defines the good as opposed to the bad.
The act of judging a new work is not the sole province of the professional critic. That section of the public which pays attention to [and supports] new works has a voice. When that voice proclaims 'Tripe!', loudly and with vigor, it might, just might, be correct.”
Your piece is essentially a plea for a polite, respectful acceptance of new artistic endeavors. But bad art is also created every day.
Accepting the new because it is new short-circuits the winnowing process which ultimately defines the good as opposed to the bad.
The act of judging a new work is not the sole province of the professional critic. That section of the public which pays attention to [and supports] new works has a voice. When that voice proclaims 'Tripe!', loudly and with vigor, it might, just might, be correct.”
LobbyBlog
Commented Sep 08, 2009 at 13:39:25 in Business
“"In Washington, September 8th, 2009."
"We, the corporations, in order to form a more easily controlled union, ..."”
"We, the corporations, in order to form a more easily controlled union, ..."”
CostaMesaJoe replied on Sep 08, 2009 at 13:41:16
“A reality we may soon face, which is not cool......
Pearlstein: Wall Street Hustlers Who Squandered Billions Are Back At It
Commented Sep 02, 2009 at 07:33:24 in Business
“It is not that unusual for those responsible for a debacle to be exempt from its effects.
A nice parallel can be found in MLB. The New York Mets are the second-highest paid team in baseball. They are also one of the -- how shall I put it? -- lesser lights in terms of on-field performance. A non-sports enthusiast would look at this unhappy situation and suggest that those people in the organization who are responsible for the selection of players and managers should be fired.
Go figure.”
A nice parallel can be found in MLB. The New York Mets are the second-highest paid team in baseball. They are also one of the -- how shall I put it? -- lesser lights in terms of on-field performance. A non-sports enthusiast would look at this unhappy situation and suggest that those people in the organization who are responsible for the selection of players and managers should be fired.
Go figure.”
ThePeoplesKey replied on Sep 02, 2009 at 08:52:10
“This comment could also apply to the Detroit Lions . . .”
Cameron Todd Willingham: Did Texas Execute An Innocent Man?
Commented Aug 31, 2009 at 08:37:56 in Politics
“It is interesting to consider capital punishment in Texas in conjunction with the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill.' There seems to be an interesting disconnect.”
How Conservatives Got The Facts Wrong On Their Latest Obsession: The "Death Book" For Veterans
Commented Aug 23, 2009 at 07:11:55 in Politics
“In my more speculative moments I wonder if the first conservatives were a small group of primates who felt that coming down out of the trees was a bad idea.”
peasantlear replied on Aug 23, 2009 at 09:57:46
“"And some said that even the trees had been a bad move, and that no one should ever have left the oceans."
Douglas Adams”
Douglas Adams”
JooJooMan replied on Aug 23, 2009 at 07:40:52
“That's deep”
KillgoreTrout43 replied on Aug 23, 2009 at 07:24:32
“LOL!”
White House Frustrated, Confused By Palin, Limbaugh And Hannity
Commented Aug 10, 2009 at 18:32:41 in Politics
“It's a matter of asymetrical warfare. The Administration is expected to make sense. There is no such requirement for the opposition.”
disgusted48 replied on Aug 10, 2009 at 18:46:56
“and it never has been a requirement. what is up with that?”
Dbos replied on Aug 10, 2009 at 18:44:39
“best comment of the mo.”
CalculatedRiskTaker replied on Aug 10, 2009 at 18:38:48
“The Bush Administration didn't ever make sense. This country has to stop home schooling, it's the chance we have as a country.”
US Prepares For Second Wave Of Swine Flu Virus
Commented Aug 10, 2009 at 09:27:39 in Home
“Wouldn't it be nice to see the members of Congress get in the same lines as the rest of us for their flu shots instead of bellying up to the 'Me First!' bar?
But then, some are created more equal than others, nu?”
But then, some are created more equal than others, nu?”
myscreennameistoolong replied on Aug 10, 2009 at 09:45:30
“you mean get in line with YOU because I won't be there.”
Krugman: What Do the Blue Dogs Want? Who Knows?
Commented Jul 27, 2009 at 10:02:18 in Politics
“The 'Blue Dogs', if I have understood correctly, are balking at the cost of the proposed and still changing legislation aimed at health care change.
We are apparently, as a nation, well-staffed with economists. They seem to be just about everywhere these days. Hardly a news broadcast passes without a reference to 'leading economists' or some such.
Which leads directly to a question.
Given the abundance of economists as a resource, why have we not explored in detail the reasons for US health care costing more than in other developed democratic countries?
It would seem to this poor old country mouse that knowing the reasons for the cost differential of the current system will provide the information needed to effectively reduce it in a modified system.”
We are apparently, as a nation, well-staffed with economists. They seem to be just about everywhere these days. Hardly a news broadcast passes without a reference to 'leading economists' or some such.
Which leads directly to a question.
Given the abundance of economists as a resource, why have we not explored in detail the reasons for US health care costing more than in other developed democratic countries?
It would seem to this poor old country mouse that knowing the reasons for the cost differential of the current system will provide the information needed to effectively reduce it in a modified system.”
EgbertSouse replied on Jul 27, 2009 at 10:32:07
“You don't read enough. The health problem has been studied eight ways from Sunday. Don't be lazy or use it as an excuse for ignorance.
It is now time for action.”
It is now time for action.”
IncredulousGeezer replied on Jul 27, 2009 at 10:18:40
“There is an obvious answer to the question why our healthcare bill is larger than in other countries, and it doesn't require an economist to find it.
When insurance companies extract one quarter to one third of the money devoted to healthcare in their paper shuffling and claim denials function as middlemen between patient and health provider, upon this adjustment we find our costs to be comparable to the next most expensive, Norway.
The next question is why our system is poorer in outcomes than Norway's, and 26 other countries?”
When insurance companies extract one quarter to one third of the money devoted to healthcare in their paper shuffling and claim denials function as middlemen between patient and health provider, upon this adjustment we find our costs to be comparable to the next most expensive, Norway.
The next question is why our system is poorer in outcomes than Norway's, and 26 other countries?”
viflyer replied on Jul 27, 2009 at 10:07:27
“What????”
Sotomayor Hearings (VIDEO, UPDATES): Day 3
Commented Jul 15, 2009 at 09:56:27 in Politics
“The hearings are completely predictable. The various people involved are following their scripts almost to the word.
I'm not sure why there is so much coverage of this non-event. It's less exciting than watching corn grow.”
I'm not sure why there is so much coverage of this non-event. It's less exciting than watching corn grow.”
Michele Bachmann Defies Critics, Introduces Bill To Curb Yearly Census Survey
Commented Jul 13, 2009 at 20:13:13 in Politics
“I'm not usually one for conspiracy theories, but it is a distinct possibility that Ms. Bachmann is in the pay of the Democrats.
How else can we explain her continued attempts to expose the GOP to ridicule?”
How else can we explain her continued attempts to expose the GOP to ridicule?”
NYT: Court May End Ban On Corporate Spending In Presidential Races
Commented Jul 06, 2009 at 15:51:53 in Politics
“Corporations, originally conceived as the useful creatures of individual states, are now reaching the end of their long battle to slip the traces. Their ability to influence government officials, presently somewhat limited, will dramatically exceed that of individuals if the law is overturned.
At that point, corporations will have equal or greater rights than individuals in every sphere but one: the right to vote. The fact that they have not pursued that specific right indicates that they see no point in obtaining it.”
At that point, corporations will have equal or greater rights than individuals in every sphere but one: the right to vote. The fact that they have not pursued that specific right indicates that they see no point in obtaining it.”
olmossy replied on Jul 07, 2009 at 12:52:27
“Corporations don't need to vote if they have bought and paid for the Politicians.”
plaidsportcoat replied on Jul 06, 2009 at 17:17:48
“The Supreme Court majority is Against Democracy.”
Michael Jackson's Death: King Of Pop Was Awash in Debt
Commented Jun 26, 2009 at 09:52:51 in Business
“It appears that Mr. Jackson's creditors may well be the people who will miss him the most.
It is a part of our make-up to imbue people whom we don't really know with characteristics we want them to possess. In the case of entertainers we assume -- no, we demand -- that they be more than just their visible talent. We fail to consider that some of them, like some of us, have fragile personalities.
It is also in the nature of things that those entertainers who are financially very successful can surround themselves with an entourage of enablers who are only too willing to let them do destructive things to themselves.
There are parallels aplenty.”
It is a part of our make-up to imbue people whom we don't really know with characteristics we want them to possess. In the case of entertainers we assume -- no, we demand -- that they be more than just their visible talent. We fail to consider that some of them, like some of us, have fragile personalities.
It is also in the nature of things that those entertainers who are financially very successful can surround themselves with an entourage of enablers who are only too willing to let them do destructive things to themselves.
There are parallels aplenty.”
State Senate Still Stuck In Neutral
Commented Jun 24, 2009 at 06:24:58 in New York
“We have conclusive, conclusive, I say, proof that our state senators are, to a man/woman, more concerned with party than state. That is to say, more concerned with themselves than with us.
They have also proved beyond discussion that they are not adults, but children.
They have, all and severally, shown their unsuitability for public office.
I shall vote against my incumbent senator in the next election.”
They have also proved beyond discussion that they are not adults, but children.
They have, all and severally, shown their unsuitability for public office.
I shall vote against my incumbent senator in the next election.”
Federal Government Spends Half A Million Dollars For Study On Why Men Hate Condoms
Commented Jun 21, 2009 at 06:29:16 in Style
“It is interesting to consider the cost of the study in terms of the possible benefits. Using condoms is one of the few proven ways to avoid contracting HIV/AIDS.
Let's do this as a 'fill in the blanks' exercise.
The cost of the study is ________.
The lifetime cost of treating a single HIV/AIDS patient is ________.
If the study provides information that results in ________ people avoiding HIV/AIDS, it will pay for itself in reduced treatment costs.”
Let's do this as a 'fill in the blanks' exercise.
The cost of the study is ________.
The lifetime cost of treating a single HIV/AIDS patient is ________.
If the study provides information that results in ________ people avoiding HIV/AIDS, it will pay for itself in reduced treatment costs.”
CityGardner replied on Jun 21, 2009 at 08:42:55
“Excellent, Torus. Someone is hoping to grow a this into a dumb, whiney anti-gummint controversy. Your plain good sense disposes of it instantly.”
Olbermann On Mancow Waterboarding: Hannity "Now Irrelevant" (VIDEO)
Commented May 24, 2009 at 13:27:02 in Media
“Mr. Hannity's courage is identical to the number of days he served in the military.
Btw, anyone able to name any conservative talk show host who served in the military?
My last search turned up only one talk show host with a military background. She was a liberal.”
Btw, anyone able to name any conservative talk show host who served in the military?
My last search turned up only one talk show host with a military background. She was a liberal.”
reggieb replied on May 24, 2009 at 13:57:21
“G.Gordon Liddy served in the Army for 2 years but never left the US. Of course he pled guilty to orchestrating the Watergate break in... oopsy! He got a 20 year sentence but only served 4 1/2 years.”
alumcreek replied on May 24, 2009 at 13:46:38
“Oliver North used to have a radiotalk show. Of course he was convisted of lying to congress with the conviction set aside by the court. Nontheless the man lied to congress and failed to uphold his oath taken when he joined the military and the oath taken when he was in the academy.
No matter anyone may say in his defense he is not now nor has he ever been a man of his word. North was a liar and is almost certainly one still. I can see no way to accept anything he says as being of value. In fact I find it hard to unearth any value in anything any of the right wing pundits and talk show hosts spew forth.”
No matter anyone may say in his defense he is not now nor has he ever been a man of his word. North was a liar and is almost certainly one still. I can see no way to accept anything he says as being of value. In fact I find it hard to unearth any value in anything any of the right wing pundits and talk show hosts spew forth.”
twistedknickers replied on May 24, 2009 at 13:41:11
“Randi Rhodes is an Air Force vet.”
Powell Planning To Answer His Right-Wing Critics On "Face The Nation"
Commented May 23, 2009 at 10:34:24 in Politics
“Mr. Powell represents that rare group -- conservative intellectuals.
They are, unfortunately, becoming increasingly hard to find, most notably within the Republican Party where, one would think, the need for them is rather obvious.”
They are, unfortunately, becoming increasingly hard to find, most notably within the Republican Party where, one would think, the need for them is rather obvious.”
Pinchy replied on May 23, 2009 at 10:51:02
“"Powell" and "conservative" should not be used in the same sentance. He said Americans are willing to pay higher taxes at a time when liberal California just voted down the opportunity to pay higher taxes.”
burt2009 replied on May 23, 2009 at 10:38:14
“Powell only represents his own self serving interests. Needs to be pampered.”
Obama Notre Dame Speech: VIDEO
Commented May 17, 2009 at 19:17:51 in Politics
“President Obama's speech and his tolerance of the free speech of the protestors proved to me once again that my four years of military service was justified.”
Mr-Mikey replied on May 17, 2009 at 19:26:42
“Thank you for your service for this country, for doing the task I am unable to do. Protecting your loved ones and mine.
Thank you”
Thank you”
CheshireCat2 replied on May 17, 2009 at 19:21:45
“That was the highlight, he wasn't dismissive or berating of anyone and called for the debate on the topic to continue.”
NewFacesOfTheGOP replied on May 17, 2009 at 19:19:39
“Superb post! Many thanks for your service!”
Bob Simon replied on May 17, 2009 at 19:19:07
“......his tolerance of the free speech ....
Then what are you doing here?”
Then what are you doing here?”
JiminNC replied on May 17, 2009 at 19:18:48
“And my eight ... agreed.”
Cycadeoidea replied on May 17, 2009 at 19:18:48
“Thank you for your service! :-)”
"Mark Levin" Guest Host Calls Maddow A "Little Boy", Perez Hilton A "Vile Sodomite" (AUDIO)
Commented May 15, 2009 at 06:46:25 in Media
“The intellectual base of conservatism is slowly emerging into view. Mr. Wilkow is the latest to come to our attention, along with 'Joe the Plumber' and, perhaps, Miss California.
Such brilliance. Such carefully-developed positions. Such impressive logic.
This poor little country mouse is simply overwhelmed.”
Such brilliance. Such carefully-developed positions. Such impressive logic.
This poor little country mouse is simply overwhelmed.”
Bank Lobby On Course To Gut Bankruptcy Bill
Commented Apr 29, 2009 at 13:53:34 in Politics
“It is interesting to note that judges have the power to negotiate mortgage payments when they occur in the bankruptcy of a business corporation but do not have that power in the bankruptcy of a private citizen.
The relative importance of corporations [legally, artificial persons] and private citizens [legally, real persons] is quite clear. That the Republican Party should stand in the way of making a private citizen equal, under the law, to a corporation is informative.”
The relative importance of corporations [legally, artificial persons] and private citizens [legally, real persons] is quite clear. That the Republican Party should stand in the way of making a private citizen equal, under the law, to a corporation is informative.”
freedomthrutruth replied on Apr 29, 2009 at 14:42:50
“To obtain a decent bankruptcy bill, the voters in the 2010 election must send an unforgettable message to both Democrats and Republicans in the Senate as well as to Obama. America is not ready to vote for a truly progressive presidential candidate. I don't regard Obama as progressive; he is a little left of center, which means he's likely listening to the banks and the plutocrats much more than he is listening to the people, and is therefore not interested in returning to the bankruptcy provisions which offered a fresh start to those who lost their jobs or became sick or worked as wage slaves and couldn't pay their bills. The people in mass numbers ought to start taking names and should vote against those Senators, whether Democrat or Republican, who vote against our interests. That means we'll have to find our own candidates to run for office, instead of allowing the plutocrats to pick them for us.”
bdl0715 replied on Apr 29, 2009 at 14:04:25
“Listening to Sen Durbin on the Senate floor yesterday, he said the bankruptcy judge is allowed to "cramdown" on farms, ranches and second homes, but not your primary home. That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.”
Michele Bachmann Links Swine Flu To Democrats, Gets History Wrong (VIDEO)
Commented Apr 28, 2009 at 18:42:46 in Politics
“Folks like Bachmann continiue to prove conclusively that anyone can become a national politician.”
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