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appleknocker

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"Appeasement": Guilt-By-Analogy... When Guilt-By-Association Isn't Enough

Please, someone, refresh my memory. When bin Laden declared his fatwa against the US, didn't he state as his principal grievance the presence of American troops in Saudi Arabia? And didn't Bush, shortly after 9/11, remove those troops? Coincidence or "appeasement? posted 05/16/2008 at 15:05:35

McCain Was in Favor of Talks with Syria, Despite Saying they Were "Sponsoring and Harboring Terrorists"

"Talk with terrorists?" Never! why should we, when our tough-guy approach is serving the country so well? posted 05/16/2008 at 15:08:21

Electing Sweetie

'"The truth is we know about her - and we know very little about Obama." Well, yes - and that is the best reason for picking Obama. She is definitely a Republicrat and he might not be. posted 05/17/2008 at 11:53:40

Talking with Terrorists? Happens All the Time

Equating "talking with terrorists" to "appeasement" seems especially silly to those of us old enough to remember the same kinds of people saying the same kinds of things about the godless Soviet Union. And as for "Red China" . . . posted 05/16/2008 at 15:19:57

John McCain Trades Straight Talk for Unadulterated Fantasy

McCain's promises aren't TOTAL bullshit. The "size of the army and marine corps" will undoubtedly be increased. posted 05/16/2008 at 14:58:10

Specter: Patriots' Spying Wider Than Admitted

You can always count on good ol' Arlen for an uncompromising stand on an uncontroversial issue. posted 05/14/2008 at 20:10:00

You Broke It, You Own It -- Obama Style

Obama may very well lose because of Republican lies. But they could beat Clinton by telling the truth. (Not that they'd resort to that.) posted 05/14/2008 at 20:18:27

Even The Racists Are Deserting Hillary

Let's see: You don't understand the difference between a vote in a swing state and one in a safe state? Or the difference between voting in a primary and voting in the general election? And you still don't know what a Republicrat is?
What can I say? posted 05/15/2008 at 13:17:03

Since when is casting a protest vote racist? If I had been voting in WVA, I would have voted for Edwards simply to indicate my dissatisfaction with a choice between a known Republicrat and a suspected one. When one's vote cannot affect the outcome, the only thing it does is register an opinion. (Not that our opinions matter. ) Since I do not live in a swing state, I will probably vote for Nader again in November. If I lived in Ohio, I would vote for Obama. ( I can't even imagine living in Florida.) posted 05/14/2008 at 20:00:28

An American Center for Cures?

A "Center for Cures"? Wonderful! Who can be against cures? But the involvement of Al "DLC" From makes me suspect that this is another of those "public/private partnerships" with public-borne costs and privatized profits.
I also suggest that those who believe that "everything can be cured" - and should be - examine their assumptions. The fact is that you're gonna die. Period. And the longer you live the the greater the probability of a lingering demeaning death. So you might want to be a little selective in deciding what to cure.
Personally, I'd prefer a Center for Palliative Care. With a Department of Voluntary Euthanasia. posted 05/10/2008 at 20:24:48

Study: "Daily Show" Very Similar To "O'Reilly Factor"

" Al Queda "wasn't really interested in Iraq"? I thought they wanted to knock off Saddam, because he was running a secular state and they wanted an Islamist one - which Bush has enabled them to achieve. Or is my memory faulty? posted 05/08/2008 at 20:29:29

Why Women Gladly Date Ugly Men (And Probably Even Prefer Them)

I've only seen the show once, but isn't the Kevin James character stupid as well as ugly? If so, how does that fit into your hypothesis? posted 05/15/2008 at 12:58:52

So Like Candy

Were you perchance on drugs during those "halcyon" years? Or are you being facetious now? That laugh he shared with fellow-thug Yeltsin was at the expense of the American , Russian and Iraqi peoples. posted 05/11/2008 at 15:49:45

Who Will Nominate A Woman To The U.S. Supreme Court?

Correct. And this court will almost inevitably side with any employer against any employee, regardless of gender, race or the merits of the case.
. posted 05/06/2008 at 15:30:41

The Times' Michael Gordon: A "Message Force Multiplier?"

"Raw cynicism"? As Molly Ivins said, "No matter how cynical you get, it's hard to keep up." posted 05/06/2008 at 15:36:12

McCain is a Lousy Candidate: He Will Be Clobbered in November

Given the Republican expertise in election stealing (voter suppression, Diebold machines, etc.) The Democrats need a landslide to win at all. And there is no sign that's going to happen. posted 05/04/2008 at 20:20:58

Bob Barr! For President! Bob Barr!

The "Ron Paul moment" may or may not have passed, but he surely could pull more votes than Barr, who is less attractive to just about anyone, and has less name recognition to boot. posted 05/04/2008 at 20:27:14

Bullies and Pulpits

I would have a lot more respect for Obama if he had defended Wright, whose biggest sin was discussing the elephant(s) in the room. To that extent, this non-issue is relevant. posted 05/02/2008 at 15:02:24

You Own It -- You Broke It

It's the coalition of Republicans and Republicrats which controls Congress. Actual Democrats are an impotent fringe group. posted 05/02/2008 at 14:54:20

Questioner Dragged Out Of McCain Town Hall Talks To OffTheBus

Isn't one president with Alzheimer's enough? posted 05/02/2008 at 19:59:02

Joe Andrews: Clinton Destroying Party, Lacks Principle

If Andrews is so concerned about the fate of the Democratic Party, why didn't he object when Bill was transforming it into the reality-based wing of the Republican Party? posted 05/01/2008 at 14:05:16

Reading The Pictures: American Bombing Of Sadr City: Like Qana, But Without The Attention?

No difference. Americans and Israelis are, by definition, Good; therefore, whatever slaughter they perpetrate is also Good. posted 05/01/2008 at 14:10:09

Economic Slowdown in U.S. Creates Opportunities Overseas for Americans

6. And who knows - once you get used to living in a civilized society, you might to make it permanent. posted 04/30/2008 at 16:58:28

What Exactly is Rev. Wright Saying?

Could you be a little more specific? Precisely what did Wright say that was "utterly bizarre"? I just finished reading the transcript of his NPC speech and didn't find anything that meets your description. I think his unforgiveable sin is discussing the elephant(s) in the room. In our present political and cultural climate, speaking unpleasant truths strikes many Americans - and almost all MSM commentators - as not only bizarre but outrageous. posted 04/30/2008 at 23:10:31

In 2004, as in 1972, 1984 and 1996, the American people didn't have to "foresee the evil that men do." They reelected presidents who had shamelessly been doing very conspicuous evil for 4 years.
Most of these reelections were by landslides. posted 04/30/2008 at 23:00:37

America: #1 in Bibles. #37 in Infant Mortality

We're not merely first in bible-reading. Among First-World countries, we're also #1 in homicide and teenage pregnancies. posted 04/30/2008 at 16:07:54

Do We Really Want a Bowler-in-Chief? Remember Nixon!

The question in my mind is: why did Obama go out of his way to demonstrate that he had never bowled before? What was he thinking? posted 04/27/2008 at 14:35:49

DNC Iraq McCain Ad Sparks Controversy: Watch Video

What McCain meant was that he'd stay in Iraq for 100 years or until he learned to distinguish Sunni from Shiite, whichever came first. posted 04/28/2008 at 15:30:12

Arianna Discusses The Right Wing's "Lunatic Fringe" On ABC's 20/20

The right wing does not have a "lunatic fringe." It has a lunatic center. posted 04/27/2008 at 14:38:37

US Ship Fires On Iranian Boats, Oil Prices Rise

Right now, they're just practising. The real deal goes down in October. posted 04/25/2008 at 17:28:19

Flag Pins: Who Wears 'Em?

The flag-pin non-issue could be put to rest by listing the most conspicuous - or should I say notorious? - flag wearers. It all started, as I recall, with Nixon and Agnew and was subsequently adopted by a wide array of crooks and demagogues (Tom Delay, Duke Cunningham, et al) who, with uncanny frequency , were forced to resign in disgrace. I also recall being shocked when I noticed the pin on Eliot Spitzer, who at the time was considered a paragon of rectitude. I now assume that anyone wearing such a pin is PROBABLY hiding something; but I wish someone would do an actual study of the politicians of the last 40 years who found it necessary to flaunt their "patriotism." posted 04/23/2008 at 16:58:41

Richard Quest, CNN Reporter, Arrested On Drug Charges

I've never seen Quest on CNN, but is he the guy that used to be on BBC news and knocked me out with his resemblance to a Monty Python Twit -of-the-year? posted 04/18/2008 at 20:20:05

Debate Questions I'd (Still) Like To Ask

Here's one I'd like both candidates to answer: Are you willing to re-examine the doctrine of American global domination, including a rigorous cost/benefit analysis, or do you unquestioningly accept the principle that America must forever rule the world at any cost? posted 04/16/2008 at 17:29:16

Hillary Clinton On Southern Working Class Whites In 1995: "Screw 'Em"

Now that Clinton and Obama have rendered each other unelectable, the decent and responsible thing for them to do would be to deliver their delegates to John Edwards who might have a shot. But of course I'm dreaming. posted 04/16/2008 at 17:37:16

The Man Who Would Be Bush

Why would anyone who voted for Bush in 2004 NOT vote for McCain? Is there anything known now that wasn't obvious then? posted 04/16/2008 at 17:14:51

O'Reilly's 'Soros' Smear of Obama

Why do you dignify O'Reilly with a rebuttal? His audience is not amenable to reason and wouldn't know George Soros from Boy George. So why bother? posted 04/15/2008 at 19:12:05

Why Wall Street Socialism Will Fail

If, as seems to be the case, people of faith have a higher birth-rate than people of reason, it is difficult to see how "humanity will grow up." posted 04/15/2008 at 18:51:26

'The Harvest of Shame'

You're ignoring the existence of a large pool of extremely desperate people. Check out Ricardo's "iron law of wages." posted 04/15/2008 at 19:05:54

Obama's Not Running For Sociologist-In-Chief

The worst thing an American politician can do is state an obvious and unpleasant truth. As for elitism, there was more of that in Cheney's "So?" than in Obama's entire speech. posted 04/13/2008 at 21:11:42

Buchanan On McLaughlin: Fifty-Fifty Chance We Bomb Iran By Fall

What's even scarier is that when the bombing starts, the "democrats" will rally 'round the flag. As Jon Stewart once said, we're in big trouble when the voice of reason is Pat Buchanan's. posted 04/13/2008 at 21:05:44

What Will a Hillary Clinton Presidency Look Like?

You mean "What WOULD a Hillary Clinton presidency look like?" posted 04/13/2008 at 21:14:27

Here We Go Again

The last 20 years? You're not counting Reagan?

Nitpicking aside, it is ironic that the people who are being most injured by the power elite (where is our contemporary C. Wright Mills?) can be made to direct their antipathy at those whose "elitism" consists of pointing out unpleasant truths. posted 04/12/2008 at 15:27:55

We Can't Afford This War Anymore

How about a cost/benefit analysis of the American Empire as a whole? With particular emphasis on who's paying the costs and who's reaping the benefits. The costs should include not only the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the "war in terror" . And the costs of stationing U.S. troops in 100-odd countries. And, oh yeah, the upcoming costs of "liberating" Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and whoever else is on the neocons' list. posted 04/12/2008 at 15:45:06

Why A Woman In The White House?

The question is: Why another Clinton in the WH? posted 04/11/2008 at 17:10:02

Obama Calls for Checks on Executive Pay

What is truly remarkable is there should be any controversy about the owners of a business having a say in the pay of their employees. posted 04/11/2008 at 17:33:44

AFL-CIO Survey Turns Politics of Health Care Reform Upside Down

The "obvious" ain't necessarily so. Clinton's plan would do nothing for the "Marie" in the story, who (technically) has coverage. It would, on the other hand, force people to buy the kind of fraudulent coverage that is exploiting Marie. And if you think that regulations or the existence of a government-sponsored alternative will prevent this abuse, forget it - those things will be negotiated away in the triangulation process.

As I see it, Clinton's current proposal, like the one she offered in 1994, is designed to protect the private insurance industry, by heading off meaningful reform (i.e. single-payer) while still pretending to "do something." posted 04/11/2008 at 17:29:46

Let Them Wear Scarves

I have read ( and don't ask me to document this) that in the Muslim ghettos of France "voluntary" scarf-wearing does in fact mean compulsory scarf-wearing because girls who refuse to wear them are brutalized by fundamentalist thugs. Gang-rape, it seems, is a favorite tactic. If this is true, then the issue is more complicated than the author or most of the posts suggest. posted 04/10/2008 at 19:30:52

The Way Out of Iraq

Has it occurred to anyone to let the Iraqis decide when we leave? A few years ago, we were told that they were now a "sovereign nation." If in fact it is impossible to hold a referendum five years after the "liberation" then we should at least stop deluding ourselves. It's just possible that the Iraqis know more about the situation there than all the bloviators put together. posted 04/10/2008 at 19:18:29

Bush Gets Emotional Tuesday, Talks About Drinking On Wednesday

Who's Oreilly? He's the comic who does a parody of the Colbert Report. posted 04/09/2008 at 22:00:34

If he had remained a harmless drunk, the world would certainly be better off. posted 04/09/2008 at 21:51:02

John McCain Repeats Al-Qaida Shiite Confusion

It worked for Reagan. posted 04/08/2008 at 16:53:11

I'm afraid it's McCain's mind that is boggled - literally. posted 04/08/2008 at 16:51:02

John McCain Goes For A Physical: "I'm as Healthy as the Economy!"

"...a panel of his doctors"? How about a panel of non-partisan doctors - including a neurologist? posted 04/07/2008 at 14:56:28

How can I face my parents if I say McCain is too old to be president?

The problem of "age-discrimination" could be avoided if ALL candidates were required to submit to neurological testing, with the results made public. This might also catch other forms of brain-damage, such as that caused by heart attacks or prolonged substance abuse.

A potential Army enlistee is presumably subjected to some kind of testing to determine his fitness to serve. But one applying for the job of commander-in-chief can bullshit his way into office while concealing his cognitive impairment as a "private" matter. (And lately, McCain hasn't done a particularly good job of concealing his - if, in fact he actually is impaired and not just a Republican ideologue.) posted 04/06/2008 at 20:00:07

Democracy Calling

"Famously pragmatic American electoral"? Unless "pragmatic" is a Brit euphemism for "mindless", you can't be referring to my fellow Americans, who "famously" and consistently vote against their own interests. What pragmatist, for example, would consider gay marriage a relevant political issue? Or be swayed by a flag pin? The "arguing" you refer to is empty verbiage and trash talk having nothing to do with serious issues. This election, like every other, will be a personality contest. posted 04/07/2008 at 14:42:50

George Bush Gets His Way: Letting History Judge

HIstory is written by the winners; and the cultural war between faith and reason will probably be won by the faithful simply by virtue of their higher birth rate. So I'm afraid Bush may very well be judged favorably by "history" - at least the mainstream, best-selling variety.

As for Vietnam, haven't you noticed that the hawks are already trying to rewrite that history? It was a noble cause, see, that we could have won if it weren't for all those commies, liberals and hippies. It will be interesting to see how that plays out. posted 04/04/2008 at 12:48:04

Heading Toward the American Derailment

About 1% of the population is rich enough to be satisfied with status quo. The other 18% aren't paying attention. posted 04/04/2008 at 12:52:05

Huge Job Losses Set Off Recession Alarms

So? posted 04/04/2008 at 11:53:06

Tibet Isn't a Buddhist Litmus Test

I admit to almost complete ignorance of Tibet, but I have a hunch that many of those commenting on it are suffering from Shangri-La Syndrome. It seems the term "the Tibetans" is used as synonym for "Tibetan monks", who, for all I know, may very well have their own agenda. What do ordinary
non-privileged Tibetans think about all this? posted 04/02/2008 at 15:44:58

Bush's Vision, Luck and Historical Legacy

"...even if the Middle East is better twenty years from now..."

Better than what? Better than it is now or better than it used to be? And better for who - the masses, the local elites, or western corporations? posted 04/01/2008 at 14:05:37

Rapists in the Ranks

If American soldiers are raping their female colleagues, what do you suppose they're doing to Iraqi women? posted 03/31/2008 at 19:30:26

Ageism and John McCain: A Personal View

Age is not the only cause of cognitive impairment. Prolonged substance abuse (Bush), heart attacks (Cheney), serial concussions (Jack Kemp) can all cause brain damage. But whenever I suggest that all presidential and vice-presidential candidates undergo neurological screening, it's treated as a joke. Why? posted 03/31/2008 at 19:49:16

Rice: Zimbabwe President a `disgrace'

Even Mugabe can't be ALL bad. Not if Rice denounces him.
\ posted 03/30/2008 at 16:39:47

Shiite Leader Al-Sadr Defies Iraq Gov't

It's all Iran's fault, silly! posted 03/29/2008 at 18:33:38

Criminal, yes. Stupid, no. They wanted a permanent occupation of Iraq, and they're getting it. posted 03/29/2008 at 18:31:35

I envy your certitude. Especially about something none of us can possibly know. posted 03/29/2008 at 18:26:50

Hillary And Bill: We Aren't Going Anywhere

Clinton didn't "beat the Repubs", he channeled them. posted 03/29/2008 at 15:45:26

Obama-Bloomberg Ticket? McCain-Romney Ticket?

It's hard to imagine Bloomberg playing second fiddle to a mere millionaire. posted 03/28/2008 at 18:40:28

Why the Administration Won't Define Success in Iraq

Or, as they were saying 4 years ago, these are the death throes of the insurgency. posted 03/28/2008 at 18:25:15

U.S. Digital Deficiency Jeopardizes 'Super Power' Status

No more Superpower? What a shame! posted 03/28/2008 at 18:31:31

25% of Anti-Obama Dems Think He's a Muslim

The percentage should increase when they see the cover of this week's Newsweek:
When 'Barry' Became Barack posted 03/27/2008 at 20:56:11

Obama's Grandmother In Al Jazeera Interview: Watch

Jeez! His grandmother's a terrorist too????? posted 03/27/2008 at 20:02:35

US Embassy Personnel In Baghdad Told Not To Leave 'Reinforced Structures' Due To Incoming Insurgent Fire

And not only that - he's got us taking off our shoes in airports! posted 03/27/2008 at 21:16:11

John McCain, Iraq, and the Eyewitness Fallacy

The VIPs are right - there are parts of Iraq that are peaceful. It's only the inhabited areas that are violent. posted 03/27/2008 at 15:44:08

Time Mag Cover: "How Al Gore Could Save The Democrats"

Time mag is the LAST place anyone should look for advice. posted 03/27/2008 at 20:00:30

Just Who Do These Rich Clinton Donors Think They Are?

Bauersox: Your comment does not constitute a refutation, nor does it make any point whatsoever. Why do you bother? posted 03/27/2008 at 21:11:12

"all the good that Clinton did"? Please refresh my memory. Are you referring to the 500,000 Iraqi kids' lives taken by the sanctions that "we think are worth the price"? The conversion of the Democratic party into the reality-based wing of the Republican party? NAFTA? Welfare "reform"? posted 03/27/2008 at 20:17:32

Reverend Wright: Raw and Un-Cut

I'm totally mystified by the furor over Wright's statement that 9/11 was America's chickens coming home to roost. Does any reasonable person, who is not totally ignorant of US involvement in the Middle East, disagree with that in private? I realize, of course, that politicians and MSM pundits feel constrained to pretend otherwise in public. posted 03/27/2008 at 16:04:27

Excerpt from Free Ride: John McCain and the Media

Nyhan: "He's eloquent, as only a prisoner of war can be." Huh??? And does that apply to
"detainees"? posted 03/27/2008 at 21:04:00

What Hillary Really Learned in the White House

The curious thing is that she lied about something totally irrelevant. Even if she had "dodged sniper fire" , that wouldn't have increased her qualifications for the presidency any more than McCain's five years in prison qualifies him.

It may be unfair to condemn the politicians. The real problem lies in the 12-year-old mentality of the American public, which seems to require stories like these. posted 03/26/2008 at 19:39:31

Hillary Clinton: Truth or Consequences

Please refresh my memory. What are some those "many admirable qualities"? Ruthless ambition? self-righteousness? Hubris? posted 03/30/2008 at 16:44:55

Those Hidden Costs

As an elderly white American, I agree with this writer but think he actually understates his case. The roots of the problem go back farther than Reconstruction to slavery itself; and even though we didn't cause the problem, we have benefited from it. The profits from slavery provided much of the capital that made possible the industrialization of America, which in turn made our comforts possible. So yes, we owe the slaves and therefore their descendants.

Furthermore, I well remember that when I entered the labor force back in the 1950s, I didn't have to compete with blacks; decent jobs were reserved for whites. Because my black peers didn't have my opportunities, their children didn't have the same breaks as mine. And therefore neither did their grandchildren. And on and on. So it is disengenuous to say "Oh, that's history." posted 03/26/2008 at 20:05:43

A New Divinely Ordained President: The Hand of God or the Silence of the Press?

I'm not surprised by Florida. posted 03/28/2008 at 18:16:41

Apparently, these people think they can realize Plato's Republic, but they're a most unlikely bunch of philosopher-kings. I mean - James Inhofe? posted 03/28/2008 at 18:13:54

You're right , of course, but why do you bother replying to this noise? posted 03/28/2008 at 18:09:35

Thanks for the link. Verrrrry interesting! posted 03/28/2008 at 18:03:33

Was THAT supposed to constitute a rebuttal? posted 03/28/2008 at 17:56:22

Was that supposed to constitute a rebuttal? posted 03/28/2008 at 17:53:30

Somewhere in there I think you have some valid points. I only wish you had expressed them coherently. May I respectfully suggest that next time you take a few deep breaths, type slowly, and read over what you've typed before you click "post"? No offense intended. Seriously. posted 03/28/2008 at 17:50:58

You imply that candidates should NOT "submit their religious beliefs to scrutiny so voters can be aware of how their mentors influence their political convictions." And you ask: To what end?
But you answer that question in your own last sentence. Or have I misconstrued you?
In any case, I don't think proselytyzing is an issue. These guys are more interested in excluding the hoi polloi than they are in recruiting. posted 03/28/2008 at 17:40:15

Government Benefit Programs in Trouble

You're right except that the one we read about is actually the intermediate one. But none of them can be taken seriously since they are based on assumptions regarding unpredictables. Even if the 2041 forecast somehow came to pass, the system would still be able to pay 78% of benefits; so paying full benefits would require an increase in the payroll tax form 12% to 16%. Hardly the end of the world. posted 03/25/2008 at 23:05:49

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