Pope Admits Mistakes with Holocaust Denying ‘Bishop’

Religion • Views: 2,958

In an unusual letter to the world’s Catholic bishops, Pope Benedict has acknowledged Vatican mistakes in the case of Holocaust denier Richard Williamson.

Benedict said the controversy resulted from an “unforeseen mishap” that made his efforts of “mercy” toward the excommunicated bishops seem like a repudiation of reconciliation between Christians and Jews.

“That this overlapping of two opposing processes took place and momentarily upset peace between Christians and Jews, as well as peace within the church, is something which I can only deeply deplore,” he wrote.

Benedict wrote that he was saddened that even who should know better “thought they had to attack me with open hostility.”

Here’s the full text of the Pope’s letter…

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668 comments
1 Bubblehead II  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:17:45am

Next time Google or Yahoo the person before you make a decision.

2 Big Steve  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:18:27am

I give Benedict an "A" for being honest about the mistake, but he still fails the test.

3 rawmuse  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:18:42am

Get it front of the damage, own it, apologize, remedy the hurt, and move on.
That is what responsible adults do.

4 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:19:07am

Charles, why do you hate Christians?
////

5 screaming_eagle  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:19:20am

Mistakes?
Jeez.

6 Opinionated  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:20:27am

I'm waiting for Obama's letter acknowledging mistakes with......everything.

7 pat  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:20:32am

I don't think he anticipated the evil persistence of this loon.

8 fatdaddy  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:21:11am

A step forward

9 bnichols10  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:21:16am

The Obama team did the vetting for the Pope...

10 Desert Dog  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:21:26am

re: #7 pat

I don't think he anticipated the evil persistence stupidity of this loon.



FTFY

11 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:22:42am

re: #1 Bubblehead II

Next time Google or Yahoo the person before you make a decision.

With his money you'd think he'd have a good IT department in the Vatican.

12 MJ  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:24:07am

Chas Freeman is blaming the Israel Lobby for this reversal.

13 Ward Cleaver  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:25:18am

re: #1 Bubblehead II

Next time Google or Yahoo the person before you make a decision.

Yeah, they've indicated that they learned that.

14 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:25:30am

re: #11 MandyManners

With his money you'd think he'd have a good IT department in the Vatican.

Its not a question of money - its a question of age ...
Their website is quite pretty.

Its just that there aren't so many Cardinals, never mind the Pope, who are used to googling etc ...

15 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:25:33am

The problem is easy to solve. Boot him out. The apology is nice but it's a little hollow without correcting the problem.

16 nyc redneck  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:25:58am

re: #6 Opinionated

I'm waiting for Obama's letter acknowledging mistakes with......everything.

don't hold your breath waiting for o to apologize to america for anything.
he's too busy apologizing to all our enemies while they laugh in his face.

17 Opinionated  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:26:14am

re: #12 MJ

Chas Freeman is blaming the Israel Lobby for this reversal.

Wouldn't you be curious to know Freeman's opinion about the Holocaust.

18 Spare O'Lake  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:26:42am

Someone gonna let the Pope know next time Charles opens registration?

19 Ward Cleaver  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:27:16am

re: #11 MandyManners

With his money you'd think he'd have a good IT department in the Vatican.

Change comes slowly there. But you can bet that next time, somebody will be doing some Web searches.

/and no, don't use that commie google site

20 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:28:06am

re: #14 yma o hyd

Its not a question of money - its a question of age ...
Their website is quite pretty.

Its just that there aren't so many Cardinals, never mind the Pope, who are used to googling etc ...

He needs to get with the times!

21 Sharmuta  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:28:36am

I'm glad to see this. Humility is a virtue.

22 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:28:51am

re: #17 Opinionated

Wouldn't you be curious to know Freeman's opinion about the Holocaust.

I wonder if he blames antisemitism on the Jews as Soros does.

23 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:29:32am

re: #19 Ward Cleaver

Change comes slowly there. But you can bet that next time, somebody will be doing some Web searches.

/and no, don't use that commie google site

Use whatever is available to investigate things.

24 sffilk  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:29:33am

Some people will never learn. He's one of them.

Oh, and with regard to his upcoming visit to Jerusalem: if he really wanted to do the proper thing, he'd go to Yad Va'shem, and while he's there, he should go to places like Lochamei Haghetaot and Yad Mordechai (both are kibbutzim whose names are WW2-based - the first one means "the ghetto fighters," the second is named in honor of Mordechai Anilewicz, one of the leaders in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising).

25 Bubblehead II  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:30:39am

re: #11 MandyManners

re: #13 Ward Cleaver

Yup, they need to take lessons from some the Lizards here who are strong in the ways of G**gle/Yahoo Fu.

OT, just for a bit, but it looks like the ISS had a close call today.

Orbiting Junk Causes Space Station Evacuation

26 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:30:45am

re: #22 MandyManners

I wonder if he blames antisemitism on the Jews as Soros does.

[Link: www.fpp.co.uk...]

27 Ward Cleaver  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:31:26am

re: #15 Killgore Trout

The problem is easy to solve. Boot him out. The apology is nice but it's a little hollow without correcting the problem.

The guy's not a bishop, he's just a layman (since his SSPX consecration was illicit). His idiotic conspiracy theories are his own opinion. Just because he's an asshole doesn't mean he can't receive communion. The purpose in restoring the four bishops' ability to receive communion was to draw the SSPX followers back into full communion with the Church, which required that they all renounce SSPX-related beliefs.

28 DistantThunder  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:31:53am

I do think this pope is well-intentioned and willing to wade into unpopular territory. Holocaust denial is just plain nuts - but so are the Loose Change allegations and that has been viewed on line 100million times. This last 911 it was played on a Russian TV station, and then they had an audience discussion as if it were true. With half the globe dependent on visual media due to literacy deficits - these idiot denier types are playing with fire.

29 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:32:33am

I've said this in a thread below, but shall repeat it:

For the RC Church, which is very slow and deliberate in its communications, this letter of apology is very fast indeed.
It also ought to be applauded that Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged his error, acknowledged that he could have known better had he used modern technology, apologised, and said he'd learn from this.

Now name me any living politician who has done such a thing as acknowledging current mistakes and apologising for them! Current mistakes, that is - not something which happend decades before they were even a twinkle in their grandparents' eyes!

30 daledog  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:32:50am

re: #24 sffilk

Sffilk,
I'm pretty sure that he has forgotten more than you know. You privy to the goings on between the Vatican and Jewish leaders? Please enlighten the rest of us.

Daledog

31 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:32:52am

I hope Myrddin Emrys rears its fugly head.

32 lostlakehiker  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:33:09am
I have been told that consulting the information available on the internet would have made it possible to perceive the problem early on. I have learned the lesson that in the future in the Holy See we will have to pay greater attention to that source of news.


A point well taken. There is probably someone somewhere who knows what you need to know. But how do you find him? How does he find you? The internet makes this sort of exchange of information possible. It's full of lies and delusional claims, so one must filter carefully, but it's not full of discrete silence. Discrete silence has its place, but that place is not at the edge of a cliff, as the leader is about to walk off.

Fauxtography scandals, throbbing memos, webs of connection to neo-nazis? LGF-it, and you may learn something. This is said not in the spirit of gloating. We're actually happy to be of service, bringing information to the attention of men of good will who, for lack of all-seeing eyes, walked in ignorance, even as we walk blind from time to time.

33 Ward Cleaver  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:33:19am

re: #31 MandyManners

I hope Myrddin Emrys rears its fugly head.

So we can knock it off.

34 DaddyG  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:33:21am

re: #14 yma o hyd

Its just that there aren't so many Cardinals, never mind the Pope, who are used to googling etc ...

Does the vow of celebacy prevent googling?

//

35 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:33:26am

re: #27 Ward Cleaver

The guy's not a bishop, he's just a layman (since his SSPX consecration was illicit). His idiotic conspiracy theories are his own opinion. Just because he's an asshole doesn't mean he can't receive communion. The purpose in restoring the four bishops' ability to receive communion was to draw the SSPX followers back into full communion with the Church, which required that they all renounce SSPX-related beliefs.

How's that working for the pope?

36 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:33:54am

re: #20 MandyManners

He needs to get with the times!

He will - he said so - if the Pope says this has to happen, it will.
He's a bit like an autocrat, is a Pope ...

37 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:33:59am

re: #28 DistantThunder

I do think this pope is well-intentioned and willing to wade into unpopular territory. Holocaust denial is just plain nuts - but so are the Loose Change allegations and that has been viewed on line 100million times. This last 911 it was played on a Russian TV station, and then they had an audience discussion as if it were true. With half the globe dependent on visual media due to literacy deficits - these idiot denier types are playing with fire.

This joker's also a troofer.

38 Ward Cleaver  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:34:14am

re: #32 lostlakehiker

A point well taken. There is probably someone somewhere who knows what you need to know. But how do you find him? How does he find you? The internet makes this sort of exchange of information possible. It's full of lies and delusional claims, so one must filter carefully, but it's not full of discrete silence. Discrete silence has its place, but that place is not at the edge of a cliff, as the leader is about to walk off.

Fauxtography scandals, throbbing memos, webs of connection to neo-nazis? LGF-it, and you may learn something. This is said not in the spirit of gloating. We're actually happy to be of service, bringing information to the attention of men of good will who, for lack of all-seeing eyes, walked in ignorance, even as we walk blind from time to time.

In the case of Williamson, looking up what he himself had said would suffice.

39 HelloDare  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:34:18am

Good. Now if he would only send Cardinal Law back to Boston and take away his promotion.

40 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:34:24am

re: #33 Ward Cleaver

So we can knock it off.

WHACKAMOLE!

41 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:34:38am

re: #34 DaddyG

Does the vow of celebacy prevent googling?

//

I'm sure there are lay people who can google on the Vatican's behalf.
/

42 DaddyG  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:34:50am

re: #31 MandyManners

I hope Myrddin Emrys rears its fugly head.


It has already swept the bottom 10 comments.

43 Ward Cleaver  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:34:52am

re: #35 MandyManners

How's that working for the pope?

Huh?

44 DistantThunder  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:34:54am

I met a man, 92, who liberated one of the camps in Germany. He was having dinner at my friends when I dropped by to return a book. He said he saw 20,000 bodies stacked 6 feet high. He said, they were pulling the bodies out of the ovens when the US soldiers arrived. He said that another VET friend liberated another camp. A skeletal man walked up to this man, threw his arms around him, to thank him for rescuing them, and collapsed and died.

45 CyanSnowHawk  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:35:29am

re: #6 Opinionated

I'm waiting for Obama's letter acknowledging mistakes with......everything.

Even Weyerhaeuser could not supply enough paper.

46 Bubblehead II  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:35:36am

re: #31 MandyManners

Feeling ornery today?

47 quickjustice  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:35:54am

In a religious flock of hundreds of millions, there are bound to be a few crazies. Time for the Pope to discipline and denounce this guy.

48 Opinionated  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:36:00am

re: #22 MandyManners

I wonder if he blames antisemitism on the Jews as Soros does.

Likely all he thinks about the Jews and their history he learned at the knee of Abdullah the Saudi.

49 Ward Cleaver  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:36:27am

re: #36 yma o hyd

He will - he said so - if the Pope says this has to happen, it will.
He's a bit like an autocrat, is a Pope ...

Now if he could wield some more authority against LLL bishops...

50 DistantThunder  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:36:35am

re: #35 MandyManners

How's that working for the pope?

For promoting positions as some kind of faux leader, is reason enough to have communion withheld I would think.

51 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:36:51am

re: #27 Ward Cleaver

Just because he's an asshole doesn't mean he can't receive communion.


That's a serious flaw in the system. People who vote for "pro-choice" laws can be denied communion. Same for condom use. Abusing the cracker can get you thrown out. Support gay marriage of married priests? That's an excommunication. I know they have have their dogma to protect but maybe they should be more concerned with real world matters.

52 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:37:39am

re: #34 DaddyG

Does the vow of celebacy prevent googling?

//

Ahem - not that I'm aware of!
But if you've never used a PC all your grown life, and you're now say 60/70/80 years old - googling might perhaps be a bit of a novelty ...
Especially if you have the astronomically vast resources of the Vatican Library at your fingertips - books, I know, very old-fashioned!

:-)

53 Sharmuta  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:37:57am

re: #29 yma o hyd

I've said this in a thread below, but shall repeat it:

For the RC Church, which is very slow and deliberate in its communications, this letter of apology is very fast indeed.
It also ought to be applauded that Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged his error, acknowledged that he could have known better had he used modern technology, apologised, and said he'd learn from this.

Now name me any living politician who has done such a thing as acknowledging current mistakes and apologising for them! Current mistakes, that is - not something which happend decades before they were even a twinkle in their grandparents' eyes!

It's refreshing to see, and I find it a little inspiring to have such an example of humility come from the Vatican.

54 DistantThunder  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:38:57am

re: #52 yma o hyd

Ahem - not that I'm aware of!
But if you've never used a PC all your grown life, and you're now say 60/70/80 years old - googling might perhaps be a bit of a novelty ...
Especially if you have the astronomically vast resources of the Vatican Library at your fingertips - books, I know, very old-fashioned!

:-)

No, that's kanoodling, that you can't do if you are celibate - not googling.

55 DaddyG  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:39:16am

re: #44 DistantThunder Change the age and that could have been my Great Uncle, a US medic at Buchenwald during the liberation. Never spoke about it much- but he would be horrified to know that in 50 short years so many people would be denying the atrocities that he witnessed with his own eyes.

I cannot imagine what the survivors and their families are going through when these terrible lies are spread about the cruel and needless deaths of their loved ones. Even worse the fear that it could happen again if the wrong people gain enough power.

56 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:39:27am

re: #42 DaddyG

It has already swept the bottom 10 comments.

It's been replaced.

57 Desert Dog  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:39:52am

re: #45 CyanSnowHawk

Even Weyerhaeuser could not supply enough paper.

Never happen.....he'd just issue a giant "MY BAD" and go back to screwing us all again

58 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:40:10am

re: #43 Ward Cleaver

Huh?

Has Williamson utterly and completely revoked his beliefs?

59 Ward Cleaver  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:40:42am

re: #50 DistantThunder

For promoting positions as some kind of faux leader, is reason enough to have communion withheld I would think.

Communion can be withheld from someone who publicly lives in a state of mortal sin, or someone who publicly and actively promotes things in direct conflict with Church teaching, like abortion. The problem is, some liberal bishops and priests will give them (Kennedy, Pelosi, et al) communion regardless. How do you stop that? I don't know, short of the pope taking direct action, like taking priestly faculties away from priests and bishops who persist in doing it.

60 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:40:52am

re: #46 Bubblehead II

Feeling ornery today?

No more than usual.

61 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:41:36am

re: #48 Opinionated

Likely all he thinks about the Jews and their history he learned at the knee of Abdullah the Saudi.

He's a parasite to the oil ticks.

62 Ward Cleaver  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:41:44am

re: #58 MandyManners

Has Williamson utterly and completely revoked his beliefs?

Supposedly, but I seriously doubt he was sincere. But then, that's between him and God.

63 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:42:04am

re: #50 DistantThunder

For promoting positions as some kind of faux leader, is reason enough to have communion withheld I would think.

I don't know much about that.

64 DaddyG  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:42:06am

re: #56 MandyManners

It's been replaced.

I have trouble telling one pile of excrement apart from another.

65 DistantThunder  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:42:22am

re: #59 Ward Cleaver

Communion can be withheld from someone who publicly lives in a state of mortal sin, or someone who publicly and actively promotes things in direct conflict with Church teaching, like abortion. The problem is, some liberal bishops and priests will give them (Kennedy, Pelosi, et al) communion regardless. How do you stop that? I don't know, short of the pope taking direct action, like taking priestly faculties away from priests and bishops who persist in doing it.

Clearly, it's tolerated from the top, and the Catholic church allows itself to be used to provide cover for these politicians who do not publicly adhere to catholic principles.

66 rabidsquirrel  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:42:48am

re: #51 Killgore Trout

Support gay marriage of married priests?

Gay marriage of married priests may be a bridge too far for the Vatican, though I suspect you meant "gay marriage or married priests"...

67 godfrey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:42:55am

Hooray for Benedict XVI!

68 Bobblehead  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:43:13am
69 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:43:31am

re: #62 Ward Cleaver

Supposedly, but I seriously doubt he was sincere. But then, that's between him and God.

And his boss, the pope?

70 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:43:39am

re: #31 MandyManners

I hope Myrddin Emrys rears its fugly head.


Isn't that the Holocaust denying piece of shit from yesterday or the day before?

71 subsailor68  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:43:56am

Sorry to go OT this early - but:

Justice Dept. Investigates Arizona Sheriff for Enforcing Immigration Law

From the article:

The investigation focuses on Sheriff Joe Arpaio and dozens of officers under his command who were trained through the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Agreements of Cooperation in Communities to Enhance Safety and Security (ACCESS), which partners federal and local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws.

And,

The press release goes on to say that 20 percent of inmates in the Maricopa County Jail are illegal aliens and that of those, 2,000 illegal aliens - 70 percent - were arrested for felony crimes.

Those felony crimes committed included the following: forgery, 12 percent; kidnapping, 10 percent; aggravated assault, 7 percent; driving under the influence, 7 percent; drug charges, 27 percent; robbery, 3 percent; murder, 3 percent; and theft, 4 percent.

So, the Sheriff's folks were trained by Homeland Security, to implement a program - which they did - and now they're being investigated?

Hey asshats. These law enforcement folks appear to be about all that's standing between the citizens and a complete collapse of law and order.

72 chicagodudewhotrades  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:44:09am

I have read that the Pope was horrified by the sexual abuse scandal, for all the pain and trauma it caused and the bad image the Church got for some of the covering up of priest's actions. He learned hard lessons from this, so it isn't surprising he is a bit quicker with the 'Mea Culpas' on behalf of himself and the Church.

73 Ward Cleaver  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:44:26am

re: #51 Killgore Trout

That's a serious flaw in the system. People who vote for "pro-choice" laws can be denied communion. Same for condom use. Abusing the cracker can get you thrown out. Support gay marriage of married priests? That's an excommunication. I know they have have their dogma to protect but maybe they should be more concerned with real world matters.

Well, his opinions about the holocaust, 9/11, etc., don't pertain to a matter of Church doctrine, so he can't be excommunicated for them, only repudiated and reviled.

74 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:44:37am

re: #64 DaddyG

I have trouble telling one pile of excrement apart from another.

Bwohlgemuth and Cognito are all over that.

75 Spare O'Lake  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:44:38am

re: #51 Killgore Trout

Abusing the cracker

LOL. Is that like chewing the chalice?

76 DaddyG  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:44:48am

re: #62 Ward Cleaver

Supposedly, but I seriously doubt he was sincere. But then, that's between him and God.

My version of eternal justice:

"Welcome to Heaven my son- but first theres 6 million of my beloved children here who would like you to join them for a small history lesson."

77 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:45:09am

re: #71 subsailor68

You see the NY Times re : Maxine Waters?

Congresswoman With Ties to Bank Helped Seek Funds

78 subsailor68  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:45:34am

re: #70 Creeping Eruption

Isn't that the Holocaust denying piece of shit from yesterday or the day before?

Don't know about Holocaust denying, but he was taking the position that the Ohio Nazi should be left alone because he was old, it happened a long time ago, and that most of the "victims" were holding a grudge.

It went downhill from there.

79 Fabio P.Barbieri  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:45:41am

Kilgore Trout - I know you hate the Church, but it also looks as though you might not know a whole lot about it. Nobody can "throw the Pope out". Only one Pope resigned in 2000 years of history. But don't let that hold you back in the exercise of your fantasies.

Personally I severely criticized the Pope at the time - [Link: fpb.livejournal.com...] [Link: fpb.livejournal.com...] and [Link: fpb.livejournal.com...] ; but I have to say that this long, thoughtful and considerate letter does much to take the sting from the decision in my view. It makes it clear that the Lefebvrite bishops are still not part of the Church, that the Lefebvrite organization has no canonical status, and that the problems to be dealt with are problems of doctrine - that is to say, of the highest seriousness. Incidentally, the doctrinal differences include the status of Jews. The Lefebvrites reject the decrees of the Second Vatican Council - in spite of the fact that Lefebvre himself was present and signed them - and these include the specific denial, in the constitution Nostra Aetate, of the infamous doctrine of "replacement theology". This states that when the Jews rejected, and indeed caused the death of, God, they lost their status and the promises of God passed to the Christian Church. To the contrary, Nostra Aetate states that the promise of God to the Jews is irrevocable and that the charge of Deicide cannot be applied to them. In other words, all the pseudo-Christian justifications for Jew-bashing (which the Church had never accepted in the first place, and which had been implicitly rejected by both Gregory the Great and Thomas Aquinas) have been explicitly wiped out. Now, go to the SSPX (the Lefebvrites)'s website, and you will find a nice, fat, explicit statement of - Deicide and replacement theology. The Lefebvrites will have to lose their Jew-bashing tradition explicitly before they are allowed canonical status.

80 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:46:25am

re: #49 Ward Cleaver

Now if he could wield some more authority against LLL bishops...

The way this works is that Bishops hve to come on a regular visit to the pope, can't remember if its every five years or so.
He'll see and grill them personally, and give them advice.
Pope Benedict has been in Office for only four years - so he won't have seen everybody. But I believe that he's got the personal authority to make them see the error of their ways, not just as Pope but as person.
I've read a brief account by someone who attended a seminary in rome last October, when the Pope had the chair.
He said it was like being in a seminar with a very strict professor - no waffling or dozing off allowed. The Pope is over eighty - but anybody who has watched him on TV will have noted his sharp eyes. Can't put anything past that man - not for nothing was he known as the 'rottweiler of God'.

81 Bubblehead II  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:46:36am

re: #68 Bobblehead

That was hilarious. Upding!

82 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:46:37am

re: #78 subsailor68

Don't know about Holocaust denying, but he was taking the position that the Ohio Nazi should be left alone because he was old, it happened a long time ago, and that most of the "victims" were holding a grudge.

It went downhill from there.

Same difference in my book.

83 Ward Cleaver  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:46:38am

re: #76 DaddyG

My version of eternal justice:

"Welcome to Heaven my son- but first theres 6 million of my beloved children here who would like you to join them for a small history lesson."

Ding!

84 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:46:48am

re: #70 Creeping Eruption

Isn't that the Holocaust denying piece of shit from yesterday or the day before?

I don't recall it denying the Holocaust, just that Demjanjuk should be prosecuted. You know, we're all just a bunch grudge-holding idiots.

85 subsailor68  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:47:26am

re: #82 Creeping Eruption

Same difference in my book.

Yeah, overall, pretty much so. He just didn't specifically say so.

86 DistantThunder  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:47:43am

re: #68 Bobblehead

OT Mt Rushmore: Presidents Welcome Obama

Y'all HAVE to see this.

87 Ward Cleaver  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:47:45am

re: #80 yma o hyd

The way this works is that Bishops hve to come on a regular visit to the pope, can't remember if its every five years or so.
He'll see and grill them personally, and give them advice.
Pope Benedict has been in Office for only four years - so he won't have seen everybody. But I believe that he's got the personal authority to make them see the error of their ways, not just as Pope but as person.
I've read a brief account by someone who attended a seminary in rome last October, when the Pope had the chair.
He said it was like being in a seminar with a very strict professor - no waffling or dozing off allowed. The Pope is over eighty - but anybody who has watched him on TV will have noted his sharp eyes. Can't put anything past that man - not for nothing was he known as the 'rottweiler of God'.

Yeah, they're called "ad liminum" visits, basically a performance review.

88 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:48:04am

re: #78 subsailor68

Don't know about Holocaust denying, but he was taking the position that the Ohio Nazi should be left alone because he was old, it happened a long time ago, and that most of the "victims" were holding a grudge.

It went downhill from there.

Beat me to it.

89 Kosh's Shadow  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:48:07am

re: #39 HelloDare

Good. Now if he would only send Cardinal Law back to Boston and take away his promotion.

Not back to Boston. We don't want him back, either (although I'm not Catholic).
I suggest he be made privy captain. That is, put in charge of the privy.
Oh wait, he might be looking for those with a wide stance.

90 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:48:08am

re: #84 MandyManners

we're all just a bunch grudge-holding idiots.

I'll gladly accept that mantle - especially with regards to the Holocaust.

91 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:48:45am

re: #58 MandyManners

Has Williamson utterly and completely revoked his beliefs?

I don't think so - it would have been splashed all over the papers here in the UK. The last I heard was that he was staying with that well-known Holocaust denier David Irving.

92 subsailor68  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:48:58am

re: #88 MandyManners

Beat me to it.

Oops. Sorry. Did I leave anything important out?

;-)

93 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:49:22am

re: #82 Creeping Eruption

Same difference in my book.

That's why I'd like to see it pop up here.

94 guest77  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:50:00am

It takes a big man - with a big hat - to admit when he's wrong.

95 RonPaul  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:50:26am

If the Pope is infallible - how can he apologise?

(Just askin')

96 godfrey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:50:46am

Killgore, you sound just like a Reformation-era Protestant. Maybe you should look into those splinter groups. You might find something you like!

97 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:51:17am

re: #69 MandyManners

And his boss, the pope?

As you can see from that letter - the Pope and the Church work and deliberate behind closed doors, not in the MFM>
They take heir time - but then decide.
I'd be surprised if tehhe weren't things going on right now which we won't hear about until Williamson either publicly and totally recants - or is publicly excommunicated again.

98 jorline  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:51:22am

Why does this not surprise me?

Justice Dept. Investigates Arizona Sheriff for Enforcing Immigration Law

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an investigation of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in Arizona following requests by congressional Democrats and allegations by liberal activists that the department has violated the civil rights of illegal aliens.

Reps. John Conyers (D-Mich.), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), and Robert Scott (D-Va.) requested the investigation, and activists groups such as National Day Laborer Organizer Network and ACORN launched petition drives and rallies in support of the probe.

Our country is ass backwards at the current time.

99 DistantThunder  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:51:55am

Mr DT and I were in Manhattan Tuesday at the Sirius/XM radio building where we were interviewed on the Judith Regan show for half and hour. We were there with an author of a book called Emergency - Mr DT is in several chapters on urban escape and evasion. Anyway, I had NO idea that I would be part of the interview -and it was really fun - Judith is a hoot. She published Rush's books, and Howard Stern, and tried to publish the book by OJ - which did get published, just not by her. I used to watch her late night TV show on Fox.

100 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:52:29am

re: #91 yma o hyd

I don't think so - it would have been splashed all over the papers here in the UK. The last I heard was that he was staying with that well-known Holocaust denier David Irving.

Peas in a pod.

101 Racer X  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:52:29am

Recession is when your neighbor loses his job.
Depression is when you lose yours.
And recovery is when Obama loses his.

102 HelloDare  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:53:11am

Somebody needs to explain the Birds and the Bees to Bill Clinton.

Gupta: Let’s talk about something you talked a lot about in the early part of your presidency, stem cells. There was an order today providing federal money for embryonic stem cell research. First of all, let me just ask you, as someone who studied this, is this going to always be as divisive an issue as it is now? Is this going to be the abortion of the next generation? Or are people going to come around?

Clinton: I think - the answer is I think that we’ll work it through. If - particularly if it’s done right. If it’s obvious that we’re not taking embryos that can - that under any conceivable scenario would be used for a process that would allow them to be fertilized and become little babies, and I think if it’s obvious that we’re not talking about some science fiction cloning of human beings, then I think the American people will support this….

Gupta: Any reservations?

Clinton: I don’t know that I have any reservations, but I was - he has apparently decided to leave to the relevant professional committees the definition of which frozen embryos are basically going to be discarded, because they’re not going to be fertilized. I believe the American people believe it’s a pro-life decision to use an embryo that’s frozen and never going to be fertilized for embryonic stem cell research….

103 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:53:12am

re: #68 Bobblehead

OT Mt Rushmore: Presidents Welcome Obama

ROTFLMAO. This is so going to piss off my moonbat mates and family. I LOVED it

104 DistantThunder  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:53:14am

re: #98 jorline

Why does this not surprise me?

Justice Dept. Investigates Arizona Sheriff for Enforcing Immigration Law

Our country is ass backwards at the current time.

The enemy is in charge. Obama's agenda is to radically alter the United States of America. His targets are the best, the brightest, and the most productive. and that would include Joe.

105 Bobblehead  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:53:18am

re: #101 Racer X

Recession is when your neighbor loses his job.
Depression is when you lose yours.
And recovery is when Obama loses his.

Excellent analysis!

106 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:54:19am

re: #87 Ward Cleaver

Yeah, they're called "ad liminum" visits, basically a performance review.

Thanks - am not a catholic, meself, thus not well versed in their technical terms!

;-)

107 DistantThunder  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:54:25am

re: #102 HelloDare

Somebody needs to explain the Birds and the Bees to Bill Clinton.

Gupta: Let’s talk about something you talked a lot about in the early part of your presidency, stem cells. There was an order today providing federal money for embryonic stem cell research. First of all, let me just ask you, as someone who studied this, is this going to always be as divisive an issue as it is now? Is this going to be the abortion of the next generation? Or are people going to come around?

Clinton: I think - the answer is I think that we’ll work it through. If - particularly if it’s done right. If it’s obvious that we’re not taking embryos that can - that under any conceivable scenario would be used for a process that would allow them to be fertilized and become little babies, and I think if it’s obvious that we’re not talking about some science fiction cloning of human beings, then I think the American people will support this….

Gupta: Any reservations?

Clinton: I don’t know that I have any reservations, but I was - he has apparently decided to leave to the relevant professional committees the definition of which frozen embryos are basically going to be discarded, because they’re not going to be fertilized. I believe the American people believe it’s a pro-life decision to use an embryo that’s frozen and never going to be fertilized for embryonic stem cell research….

Boggles the mind. Not eggs you idiot. Embryos.

108 HelloDare  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:55:08am

re: #101 Racer X

Recession is when your neighbor loses his job.
Depression is when you lose yours.
And recovery is when Obama loses his.

But how does that help Michelle's children?

109 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:55:37am

re: #95 RonPaul

If the Pope is infallible - how can he apologise?

(Just askin')

He is only infallible when he pronounces on Church dogma, from the catheder.

Otherwise, he is not.

110 HelloDare  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:55:45am

re: #107 DistantThunder

Imagine if Palin had said that.

111 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:55:50am

re: #104 DistantThunder

The enemy is in charge. Obama's agenda is to radically alter the United States of America. His targets are the best, the brightest, and the most productive. and that would include Joe.

The bastard did say that he was going to Fundamentally Change America. And 52% of us said okey dokey.
There are no words to express my disgust.

112 Fabio P.Barbieri  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:55:53am

Ron Paul: Catholics are tired of explaining that "infallibility" means that he is mystically protected from teaching error in matters of faith and morals. That does not mean that he cannot make mistakes. If the Pope were infallible in the sense you mean, nobody in the world could run a lottery, because each holder of the Chair of Peter in turn would guess the right numbers and use them to finance the Church.

113 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:56:38am

re: #100 MandyManners

Peas in a pod.

Yep - great surprise, that.
NOT!

114 HelloDare  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:56:40am

re: #109 yma o hyd

He is only infallible when he pronounces on Church dogma, from the catheder.

Otherwise, he is not.

He speaks from a catheter?

115 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:57:33am

re: #102 HelloDare

Somebody needs to explain the Birds and the Bees to Bill Clinton.

Gupta: Let’s talk about something you talked a lot about in the early part of your presidency, stem cells. There was an order today providing federal money for embryonic stem cell research. First of all, let me just ask you, as someone who studied this, is this going to always be as divisive an issue as it is now? Is this going to be the abortion of the next generation? Or are people going to come around?

Clinton: I think - the answer is I think that we’ll work it through. If - particularly if it’s done right. If it’s obvious that we’re not taking embryos that can - that under any conceivable scenario would be used for a process that would allow them to be fertilized and become little babies, and I think if it’s obvious that we’re not talking about some science fiction cloning of human beings, then I think the American people will support this….

Gupta: Any reservations?

Clinton: I don’t know that I have any reservations, but I was - he has apparently decided to leave to the relevant professional committees the definition of which frozen embryos are basically going to be discarded, because they’re not going to be fertilized. I believe the American people believe it’s a pro-life decision to use an embryo that’s frozen and never going to be fertilized for embryonic stem cell research….

Let me tell you!


116 CyanSnowHawk  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:57:35am

re: #82 Creeping Eruption

Same difference in my book.

Not really. One denies it happened, the other refuses to punish the perpetrator. The troll from yesterday did the later.

117 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:57:50am

re: #114 HelloDare

He speaks from a catheter?

Yma made a cardinal spelling error.....
:)

118 HelloDare  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:58:16am

re: #112 Fabio P.Barbieri

I could see Ron Paul as a Pope. Pope Ron the Surly.

119 Wild Knight  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:59:26am

re: #109 yma o hyd

He is only infallible when he pronounces on Church dogma, from the catheder.

Otherwise, he is not.

Cathedra. Seat/Chair. Latin.

120 nyc redneck  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 11:59:34am

re: #102 HelloDare

Somebody needs to explain the Birds and the Bees to Bill Clinton.

Gupta: Let’s talk about something you talked a lot about in the early part of your presidency, stem cells. There was an order today providing federal money for embryonic stem cell research. First of all, let me just ask you, as someone who studied this, is this going to always be as divisive an issue as it is now? Is this going to be the abortion of the next generation? Or are people going to come around?

Clinton: I think - the answer is I think that we’ll work it through. If - particularly if it’s done right. If it’s obvious that we’re not taking embryos that can - that under any conceivable scenario would be used for a process that would allow them to be fertilized and become little babies, and I think if it’s obvious that we’re not talking about some science fiction cloning of human beings, then I think the American people will support this….

Gupta: Any reservations?

Clinton: I don’t know that I have any reservations, but I was - he has apparently decided to leave to the relevant professional committees the definition of which frozen embryos are basically going to be discarded, because they’re not going to be fertilized. I believe the American people believe it’s a pro-life decision to use an embryo that’s frozen and never going to be fertilized for embryonic stem cell research….

what inexcusable ignorance.
facts just aren't important to libs.

121 HelloDare  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:00:00pm

re: #120 nyc redneck

what inexcusable ignorance.
facts just aren't important to libs.

And the reporter said nothing.

122 chicagodudewhotrades  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:00:07pm

re: #118 HelloDare

How about 'Pope Ron the Annoying'?

123 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:00:18pm

re: #112 Fabio P.Barbieri

Ron Paul: Catholics are tired of explaining that "infallibility" means that he is mystically protected from teaching error in matters of faith and morals. That does not mean that he cannot make mistakes. If the Pope were infallible in the sense you mean, nobody in the world could run a lottery, because each holder of the Chair of Peter in turn would guess the right numbers and use them to finance the Church.

I didn't know either.

Thanks for the explanation.

124 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:01:54pm

re: #114 HelloDare

He speaks from a catheter?

Erm, 'ex cathedra' - thats what it is?
Isn't that a catheter, or what?
What?

HELP!

125 HelloDare  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:01:55pm

re: #122 chicagodudewhotrades

How about 'Pope Ron the Annoying'?

His Flatulency, Pope Ron the Most Annoying.

126 Sharmuta  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:03:03pm

re: #118 HelloDare

I could see Ron Paul as a Pope. Pope Ron the Surly.

We have a poster by the nic of PopRonPaulII. He gave me an indulgence.

127 Sharmuta  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:03:41pm

re: #126 Sharmuta

Er- PopeRonPaulII. PIMF

128 Joan Not of Arc  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:03:55pm

re: #27 Ward Cleaver

The guy's not a bishop, he's just a layman (since his SSPX consecration was illicit). His idiotic conspiracy theories are his own opinion. Just because he's an asshole doesn't mean he can't receive communion. The purpose in restoring the four bishops' ability to receive communion was to draw the SSPX followers back into full communion with the Church, which required that they all renounce SSPX-related beliefs.

Bingo.
The purpose of Benedict's drawing Williamson back into the Church was in hopes that he was repentent for his prior sins of pride and disobedience. The fact that Williamson's views on the Holocaust are noxious and wrong was just something played up by the press (as if the Hamas-sympathetic media could care about the Holocaust!). Furthermore, it shouldn't be up to outside influences to dictate what Benedict XVI does. He must act according to his conscience and the laws of the Church. He should never have apologised for (correctly) pegging the Muslims being violent, nor should he halt his attempts on correcting Williamson simply because it upsets others. If Williamson really wants back into the Church, he has to act like it and not be a twit. If the Holy Father makes a move only to please others, that, too, is wrong.
Just my thoughts.

129 godfrey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:04:07pm

I'm reading Niall Ferguson's The Ascent of Money and enjoying it very much. FWIW. Highly recommended.

130 Racer X  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:04:10pm

Pope Ron Paul the Whiney.

131 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:05:31pm

re: #79 Fabio P.Barbieri

Kilgore Trout - I know you hate the Church,

Fuck you. I didn't even make it through the first line of your post. If you're going to insult me just make it short. Don't waste your time.

132 Russkilitlover  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:05:31pm

re: #98 jorline

Why does this not surprise me?

Justice Dept. Investigates Arizona Sheriff for Enforcing Immigration Law


Our country is ass backwards at the current time.

I think the good Sheriff of Maricopa county can handle it. Have you ever heard him interviewed? I can see him handing their asses to them on a plate and booting them out the door with a flea in their ear.

133 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:06:27pm

re: #116 CyanSnowHawk

Not really. One denies it happened, the other refuses to punish the perpetrator. The troll from yesterday did the later.

I understand the practical difference. However, any cocksucker who minimizes the impact that the Holocaust has had, and claims that its victims essentially need to "get over it," is truly a denier in my book. It minimizes the memory of the dead, the living, concepts of justice . . . Brushing it into the dustbin of history lends credence to those who perpetrated it, and those who allowed it to happen. Even in the United States, there is no statute of limitations for murder of one single individual. This pile of shit advocates such a thing for someone involved in the murder of 29,0000. Refusing to punish the perpetrator denies the gravity of the crime, and in my book, denies that it was a really a crime in the first instance. Ho hum, just a little thing that went on in the last century.

134 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:07:00pm

Either this is a dinosaur, or they've captured Charles!

[Link: break.com...]

135 MJ  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:07:57pm

OT:

Well, not the most important story of the day except that the Left will eat up:

Alaska Gov. Palin's Daughter, Boyfriend Break Up

NPR.org, March 11, 2009 · The engagement is off for the teenage daughter of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and the father of her baby.

Levi Johnston told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he and Bristol Palin mutually decided "a while ago" to end their relationship. The 19-year-old Johnston declined to elaborate....

[Link: www.npr.org...]

136 chicagodudewhotrades  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:08:33pm

re: #129 godfrey


I saw him interviewed about his book on C-span's Book TV 'In depth' program. I read his 2-book history of the Rotchschield family banking empire. That is also very good. I'll get around to 'ascent of money' soon.

137 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:08:33pm

re: #134 Ben Hur

Either this is a dinosaur, or they've captured Charles!

[Link: break.com...]

That is Charles's 2 week old off spring.

138 joncelli  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:08:36pm

re: #134 Ben Hur

Quick! Somebody check the nitrogen-filled chamber beneath Denver International!

139 jcm  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:10:06pm

re: #134 Ben Hur

Either this is a dinosaur, or they've captured Charles!

[Link: break.com...]

FREE CHARLES!

140 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:10:16pm

re: #129 godfrey

I'm reading his book The War of the World. A fascinating look at the history of the 20th century from the perspective of an economic historian.

141 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:10:37pm

re: #131 Killgore Trout

((((((Kilgore))))))

142 Wild Knight  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:11:19pm

re: #124 yma o hyd

Erm, 'ex cathedra' - thats what it is?
Isn't that a catheter, or what?
What?

HELP!

ex. Latin preposition meaning "out of". The idea actually implies "motion out of". However, this is is Classical Latin. Mediaeval Latin (whence Ecclesiastical Latin) was a good deal rougher grained. Thus ex in Ecclesiastical Latin can be used to mean "From". The preposition ex takes the ablative. The ablative of Cathedra is Cathedra. Hence Ex Cathedra = From the Chair (in Ecclesiastical Latin; for Cicero, it would have meant = [getting] out of the chair). As a student of Classical Languages, the phrases Ex Ufficio (same principle) and Ex Cathedra always make me pause for a moment of orientation as their modern meaning is almost opposite to what an classical Greek/Roman would have understood.

The phrase "Ex Cathedra" in Ecclesiastical terminology refers to the privilege of the pope of speaking infallibly on matters of morals and dogma. Basically, when the Pope pronounces ex cathedra (here cathedra is referring to the Papal Throne, i.e. the Papal Office) that x is a sin, then he is infallibly right. Likewise, when he pronounces ex cathedra that x is an essential element of belief which a Catholic must assent to, then he is infallibly right. The Ex Cathedra privilege is used very sparingly. The most recent one that I know of is the establishment of the Marian Dogma of the Assumption in 1950.

NB. Apparently, Church Councils can exercise infallibility too. How and in what circumstances, I don't know.

143 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:11:20pm

re: #134 Ben Hur

Either this is a dinosaur, or they've captured Charles!

[Link: break.com...]

That's a lot of shoes.

144 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:11:48pm

re: #135 MJ

OT:

Well, not the most important story of the day except that the Left will eat up:

Alaska Gov. Palin's Daughter, Boyfriend Break Up

NPR.org, March 11, 2009 · The engagement is off for the teenage daughter of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and the father of her baby.

Levi Johnston told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he and Bristol Palin mutually decided "a while ago" to end their relationship. The 19-year-old Johnston declined to elaborate....

[Link: www.npr.org...]

Entire battalions of dogged journalists will be flying up there to uncover the details on another Republican scandal.........
Guess there won't be anyone left to cover Obama......but dammit, sometimes you just have to put the need to inform the American people - first.
/

145 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:12:04pm

re: #129 godfrey

Check out this speech by Ferguson on the economic crisis:

‘There will be blood’

146 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:12:30pm

re: #135 MJ

OT:

Well, not the most important story of the day except that the Left will eat up:

Alaska Gov. Palin's Daughter, Boyfriend Break Up

NPR.org, March 11, 2009 · The engagement is off for the teenage daughter of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and the father of her baby.

Levi Johnston told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he and Bristol Palin mutually decided "a while ago" to end their relationship. The 19-year-old Johnston declined to elaborate....

[Link: www.npr.org...]

Asshole.

147 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:12:31pm

A new righteous rant from Pat Condell.....
A word about the soldiers

148 godfrey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:12:37pm

From the Pope's letter:

An episcopal ordination lacking a pontifical mandate raises the danger of a schism, since it jeopardizes the unity of the College of Bishops with the Pope.

Although not serious enough for Killgore, schism is a serious matter for the church.

The remission of the excommunication was a measure taken in the field of ecclesiastical discipline: the individuals were freed from the burden of conscience constituted by the most serious of ecclesiastical penalties.

i.e. the individuals here were exonerated of Lefebvre's ecclesiastical wrongdoing. Now follow closely: in order for them, Williamson included, to be disciplined by the church on other matters, they have to have standing under canon law. Hence

This disciplinary level needs to be distinguished from the doctrinal level. The fact that the Society of Saint Pius X does not possess a canonical status in the Church is not, in the end, based on disciplinary but on doctrinal reasons. As long as the Society does not have a canonical status in the Church, its ministers do not exercise legitimate ministries in the Church.

Which again is a rather serious blow, if you're Catholic. The Pope continues:

There needs to be a distinction, then, between the disciplinary level, which deals with individuals as such, and the doctrinal level, at which ministry and institution are involved. In order to make this clear once again: until the doctrinal questions are clarified, the Society has no canonical status in the Church, and its ministers even though they have been freed of the ecclesiastical penalty do not legitimately exercise any ministry in the Church.

He asks important questions that are applicable to any self-segregating, dissident group:

Should not civil society also try to forestall forms of extremism and to incorporate their eventual adherents to the extent possible in the great currents shaping social life, and thus avoid their being segregated, with all its consequences? Can it be completely mistaken to work to break down obstinacy and narrowness, and to make space for what is positive and retrievable for the whole? ... Can we simply exclude them, as representatives of a radical fringe, from our pursuit of reconciliation and unity? What would then become of them?

Benedict is not a "containment" sort of thinker. He moves toward the close with typical thoughtfulness:

Dear Brothers, during the days when I first had the idea of writing this letter, by chance, during a visit to the Roman Seminary, I had to interpret and comment on Galatians 5:13-15. I was surprised at the directness with which that passage speaks to us about the present moment: Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you are not consumed by one another. I am always tempted to see these words as another of the rhetorical excesses which we occasionally find in Saint Paul. To some extent that may also be the case. But sad to say, this 'biting and devouring' also exists in the Church today, as expression of a poorly understood freedom. Should we be surprised that we too are no better than the Galatians? That at the very least we are threatened by the same temptations? That we must always learn anew the proper use of freedom? And that we must always learn anew the supreme priority, which is love?

But there will always be people who remain unmoved by such things.

149 Desert Dog  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:12:43pm

re: #98 jorline

Why does this not surprise me?

Justice Dept. Investigates Arizona Sheriff for Enforcing Immigration Law

Our country is ass backwards at the current time.

This is the latest attack on our Sheriff. All I can say is "good luck" with that Feds. Sheriff Joe is a grandstander and a media-whore, BUT, he is usually right on when it comes to legal things. This type of investigation is the only tool they have left to stop him from actually enforcing the laws the Feds refuse to enforce. If they are hoping he caves and stops his way of doing business, they are in for a rude awakening.

The illegal alien problem is Phoenix and Arizona in general is pretty bad. Social services are overwhelmed, schools are being hurt accommodating all of the "non-English" speaking student, and forget about the crime problems that come along with with massive influx. Love him or hate him, Sheriff Joe is actually arresting and getting prosecutions against people here illegally using state laws. That is something the Justice Department cannot say....they all seem to ignore this problem in Washington.

My only concern is the Justice Department will use "whatever means necessary" to shut him down. This has nothing to do with civil rights or human rights, it's all about political power. The Dems are in bed with the radical La Raza types and this is what you get.

150 UberInfidel67  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:12:48pm

re: #137 Erik The Red He lookos like Big Gustav from the movie "Primevil". (Supposed to be true, too)

151 Fabio P.Barbieri  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:12:50pm

Kilgore Trout: you have no idea what a pleasure it is to debate with such well informed and well mannered opponents.

152 Sharmuta  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:12:53pm

re: #129 godfrey

I'm reading Niall Ferguson's The Ascent of Money and enjoying it very much. FWIW. Highly recommended.

Just started The Conscience of a Conservative. I already love it.

153 godfrey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:14:19pm

re: #136 chicagodudewhotrades

Chidude! And Kenneth too -- yes, I'm looking forward to buying all of his books. He has a knack in Ascent for explaining principles with good stories. Reading his account of the bond market's development was as entertaining as any good novel.

154 Racer X  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:14:39pm

re: #131 Killgore Trout

Hello, waiter? Can we get a new bowl of Cornflakes for my friend? Someone peed in this one.

155 MJ  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:15:08pm

re: #144 LGoPs

Entire battalions of dogged journalists will be flying up there to uncover the details on another Republican scandal.........
Guess there won't be anyone left to cover Obama......but dammit, sometimes you just have to put the need to inform the American people - first.
/

Yeah, you're right.
It will be used on MSNBC and the DailyKos and other sites to trump how hypocritical Republicans are.

156 CyanSnowHawk  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:15:33pm

re: #133 Creeping Eruption

I understand the practical difference. However, any cocksucker who minimizes the impact that the Holocaust has had, and claims that its victims essentially need to "get over it," is truly a denier in my book. It minimizes the memory of the dead, the living, concepts of justice . . . Brushing it into the dustbin of history lends credence to those who perpetrated it, and those who allowed it to happen. Even in the United States, there is no statute of limitations for murder of one single individual. This pile of shit advocates such a thing for someone involved in the murder of 29,0000. Refusing to punish the perpetrator denies the gravity of the crime, and in my book, denies that it was a really a crime in the first instance. Ho hum, just a little thing that went on in the last century.

You were conflating the two. Calling out 'Same Difference' on it was dismissive.
As I watched the melee unfold yesterday, I did wonder this however, in the American criminal justice system murder has no statute of limitations, does accessory to murder? I would think not, and since Germany is charging this guy with 29,000 counts of accessory to murder, it would seem that they have no statute of limitations on it either.

157 Sharmuta  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:16:06pm

re: #147 Killgore Trout

Short but still awesome.

158 Van Helsing  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:16:13pm

I'm not Catholic but I admire his treating Pelosi as if she were irrelevant and wrong in her 'interpretation' of Catholic doctrine.

159 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:17:03pm

re: #157 Sharmuta

He also switched things up and instead of ending with "peace" he just says "goodbye".

160 SFGoth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:17:06pm

You mean the Pope's just another dude in a funny hat?

161 Sharmuta  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:17:50pm

re: #159 Killgore Trout

Kind of hard to end with "peace" when ranting about soldiers returning from war.

162 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:17:54pm

re: #151 Fabio P.Barbieri

Kilgore Trout: you have no idea what a pleasure it is to debate with such well informed and well mannered opponents.

(clearly he hasn't met all of us yet...heheh)

163 MJ  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:18:10pm

re: #144 LGoPs

By the way, I think it's very interesting this story appears on NPR.
Predicable, but interesting.

164 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:19:30pm

re: #134 Ben Hur

Either this is a dinosaur, or they've captured Charles!

[Link: break.com...]

Dinosaur - Charles in uncapturable!

165 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:19:48pm

re: #153 godfrey

If you have time, check out the video I posted. He has some pretty good wit and makes some interesting observations.

On buying government of UK bonds: "Return free risk!"

166 godfrey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:20:12pm

re: #145 Kenneth

Excellent so far, really interesting. He's talking about the end of "leverage," and the numbers from Lehmann certainly bear that out. lol

167 Fabio P.Barbieri  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:20:50pm

kenneth: Oh, I have, I have. I lurked for months before the opportunity to sign in opened. That is how I knew what to expect from the delightful Mr.Trout.

168 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:21:07pm

re: #164 yma o hyd

That video was faked, this is the real Charles.

169 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:21:18pm

re: #156 CyanSnowHawk

You were conflating the two. Calling out 'Same Difference' on it was dismissive.
As I watched the melee unfold yesterday, I did wonder this however, in the American criminal justice system murder has no statute of limitations, does accessory to murder? I would think not, and since Germany is charging this guy with 29,000 counts of accessory to murder, it would seem that they have no statute of limitations on it either.

You are correct on both accounts. I would rather spend more time watching Janet Reno and Donna Shalala jello wrestle than give more than a dismissive "FUCK YOU" to the individual whom we are discussing. Some things are just not worth my time.

Responding to you however, is worth my time, if only to let you know that my conflation-dismissal was not accidental.

Re: accessory? I do not know. I cannot think of a jurisdiction that would have a statute of limitations on murder, but one you get away from first degree intentional homicide, many states start the slide down that slippery slope. It would be a state-by-state thing.

170 SummerSong  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:21:25pm

For those who may have missed it - From the fish to footballs thread-

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

171 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:21:54pm

re: #161 Sharmuta

I think Pat and the rest of the Brits have just about had it with the Islamists. The BNP is gaining ground and capitalizing on the situation. They were touring Luton yesterday as a publicity stunt. I'm a little worried about things getting a little out of hand. The Islamists are really just helping the BNP. This is very bad.

172 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:21:59pm

re: #142 Wild Knight

Phew - thanks!
Learned something new today.
Thats another reason for hanging about on LGF: learning new things ...

173 CapeCoddah  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:22:28pm

Thats one heck of a mistake.

On a much lighter note, we have an awesome story here today. On Monday, a gas leak caused an explosion at a local animal hospital. Three cats and a dog died, but a vet and a neighbor managed to free all the other animals. One pup ran off to the woods surrounding an adjacent grass airport and had dozens of people looking for him round the clock. This morning, they found Little Dutch safe and sound, using a playmate to draw him out. Great story:
[Link: [Link: www.capecodonline.com...]...]
(I posted this by accident on the previous thread, did not see this one yet)

174 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:23:01pm

re: #167 Fabio P.Barbieri

I was just joking that not all of us are always well mannered.
Welcome & pleased to make your acquaintance.
Are you in Italy?

175 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:23:15pm

re: #167 Fabio P.Barbieri

What was your previous LGF nic?

176 Russkilitlover  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:23:21pm

re: #151 Fabio P.Barbieri

Kilgore Trout: you have no idea what a pleasure it is to debate with such well informed and well mannered opponents.

It is also a pleasure to argue with folks who DO NOT open their commentary with a gross presumption and personal attack.

You, my friend, are the one who needs to learn some manners.

177 Spare O'Lake  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:23:59pm

re: #73 Ward Cleaver

Well, his opinions about the holocaust, 9/11, etc., don't pertain to a matter of Church doctrine, so he can't be excommunicated for them, only repudiated and reviled.

When it comes to holocaust denial we are not talking about a matter of opinion. We are talking about vicious and blatant Jew-baiting anti-Semitism. If there is nothing in Church doctrine which forbids Church officials from engaging in such conduct then that is really too bad.

178 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:24:27pm

re: #171 Killgore Trout

I think Pat and the rest of the Brits have just about had it with the Islamists. The BNP is gaining ground and capitalizing on the situation. They were touring Luton yesterday as a publicity stunt. I'm a little worried about things getting a little out of hand. The Islamists are really just helping the BNP. This is very bad.

Isn't it the only game in town until the Tories get their shit together?

179 Wild Knight  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:25:49pm

re: #172 yma o hyd

Phew - thanks!
Learned something new today.
Thats another reason for hanging about on LGF: learning new things ...

Welcome...

180 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:25:52pm

re: #163 MJ

By the way, I think it's very interesting this story appears on NPR.
Predicable, but interesting.

Using my tax dollars to make sure they root out any evidence of Republcan scandal......*Snort*
"So many republican scandals....so few reporters"
- Lament of the MFM
Bastards.

181 Big Steve  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:26:00pm

re: #151 Fabio P.Barbieri


Major Mobey Alert here!

182 Sharmuta  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:27:01pm

re: #171 Killgore Trout

The Islamists are really just helping the BNP.

Indeed. Why- you can see evidence of this at robert's site, as we discussed last night. Very disturbing symbiotic relationship going on there.

But I agree it seems the Brits are reaching their breaking point. Reine linked to this story this morning, did you see it? Note the involvement of muslim women.

183 CyanSnowHawk  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:27:44pm

re: #180 LGoPs

Using my tax dollars to make sure they root out any evidence of Republcan scandal......*Snort*
"So many republican scandals....so few reporters"
- Lament of the MFM
Bastards.

The MFM is lamenting?

Did I miss the "Crush the Liberals, see them driven before us" part?

184 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:28:02pm

re: #170 SummerSong

For those who may have missed it - From the fish to footballs thread-

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

I just went over to their blog. Great blog!

This story is pretty disturbing:

Nation Of Islam Fascism On The March “We’re going to make war for Elijah, in our nation!”

185 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:29:04pm

re: #149 Desert Dog

This is the latest attack on our Sheriff. All I can say is "good luck" with that Feds. Sheriff Joe is a grandstander and a media-whore, BUT, he is usually right on when it comes to legal things. This type of investigation is the only tool they have left to stop him from actually enforcing the laws the Feds refuse to enforce. If they are hoping he caves and stops his way of doing business, they are in for a rude awakening.

The illegal alien problem is Phoenix and Arizona in general is pretty bad. Social services are overwhelmed, schools are being hurt accommodating all of the "non-English" speaking student, and forget about the crime problems that come along with with massive influx. Love him or hate him, Sheriff Joe is actually arresting and getting prosecutions against people here illegally using state laws. That is something the Justice Department cannot say....they all seem to ignore this problem in Washington.

My only concern is the Justice Department will use "whatever means necessary" to shut him down. This has nothing to do with civil rights or human rights, it's all about political power. The Dems are in bed with the radical La Raza types and this is what you get.

Sadly, it might work. The good news is that Joe Arpaio won't fold and sign a consent decree, so any case will go to trial. The bad news is that profiling cases are sometimes unwinnable for the defendants. The plantiffs are often able to win by blowing enough smoke at the jury. Too many Americans have been indoctrinated to believe profiling hysteria. How the ends will likely turn on the people's ability to see through the smoke.

Lastly, it needs to be said that Maricopa County will be hurt no matter how this turns out. These sorts of investigations divert a great amount of time and money into fighting them. Localities often fold because they can't afford to fight.

186 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:29:15pm

re: #153 godfrey

Chidude! And Kenneth too -- yes, I'm looking forward to buying all of his books. He has a knack in Ascent for explaining principles with good stories. Reading his account of the bond market's development was as entertaining as any good novel.

Now you all have done it!
Now I've gotta get those books as well!
I've only read his 'The Pity of war', about WWI, and that was outstanding.

(I think I need a speed-reading course, to keep up with all those recommendations ...!)

187 godfrey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:29:24pm

Ferguson:

"the fiscal policy of a world war, without the world war"

Analogies to the New Deal are bunk.

188 Fabio P.Barbieri  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:29:53pm

Kenneth: I am an Italian who lives in London but keeps in touch with his family in Rome, so you may hear me comment on both countries (and the Vatican - a few family members and friends are involved with various Church bodies). Anyway I am still waiting to hear why mr.Trout thinks that to say that he hates the Church is an insult. It may be a mistake - though I doubt it - but plenty of people hate the Church without being either morons, m****rf***ers or dimwits. So why is he offended?

189 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:30:42pm

re: #166 godfrey

Excellent so far, really interesting. He's talking about the end of "leverage," and the numbers from Lehmann certainly bear that out. lol

I've read some interesting short pieces by Ferguson, but if I recall correctly he also is one of these Brit thinkers who can't help but call the US an "empire", even if he thinks that's (kind of) a good thing. I think it's a lazy intellectual crutch, that causes a profound misunderstanding of the United States.

190 CyanSnowHawk  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:30:44pm

re: #186 yma o hyd

Now you all have done it!
Now I've gotta get those books as well!
I've only read his 'The Pity of war', about WWI, and that was outstanding.

(I think I need a speed-reading course, to keep up with all those recommendations ...!)

Use Charles link to Amazon, he gets paid for it.

191 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:30:53pm

re: #183 CyanSnowHawk

The MFM is lamenting?

Did I miss the "Crush the Liberals, see them driven before us" part?

Yeah. I want to hear the lamentation of their wymyn......

192 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:30:57pm

re: #184 NJDhockeyfan

I just went over to their blog. Great blog!

This story is pretty disturbing:

Nation Of Islam Fascism On The March “We’re going to make war for Elijah, in our nation!”

Put green headbands on them and it could be hamas

193 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:31:13pm

re: #181 Big Steve

Major Mobey Alert here!


What did I miss?

I just see a post about being tired about explaining infallibility.

194 J.S.  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:31:23pm

re: #169 Creeping Eruption

Canada has a 25 year statute of limitations on murder (there was an interesting case a year or so ago -- it involved a (iirc) former 60s Black Panther -- he was accused of murdering a police officer -- somehow he escaped to Canada -- he became a research librarian, worked his way up -- had a house, kids, family, etc -- then, for some reason was discovered, his fake identity was found out, along with his true identity -- but over 25 years had gone by -- by Canadian standards, he would have been free -- but in the States, different story -- so (iirc) he was extradited to the States...

195 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:31:29pm

re: #158 Van Helsing

I'm not Catholic but I admire his treating Pelosi as if she were irrelevant and wrong in her 'interpretation' of Catholic doctrine.

Pelosire: #167 Fabio P.Barbieri

kenneth: Oh, I have, I have. I lurked for months before the opportunity to sign in opened. That is how I knew what to expect from the delightful Mr.Trout.

Go back to lucking asshat

196 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:31:42pm

re: #178 MandyManners

I think so. Brits really don't have anywhere else to turn.

197 Sharmuta  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:31:49pm

re: #188 Fabio P.Barbieri

Being critical of something doesn't equate with hating it.

198 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:32:01pm

re: #168 Kenneth

That video was faked, this is the real Charles.

See - I knew it!
Charles would never ever let himself be caught, I was right.

199 pingjockey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:32:41pm

re: #196 Killgore Trout
Isn't the BNP associated with some of those neonazi shitheads?

200 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:33:02pm

re: #170 SummerSong

For those who may have missed it - From the fish to footballs thread-

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

Awww ....

201 Sharmuta  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:33:17pm

re: #199 pingjockey

Not "associated". They ARE neonazi shitheads.

202 godfrey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:33:33pm

re: #189 Occasional Reader

I haven't read his account of the British empire yet. Perhaps he uses the term loosely? He's talking about "Chi-merica" in this lecture video, so he has a penchant for cleverness.

203 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:33:34pm

re: #196 Killgore Trout

I think so. Brits really don't have anywhere else to turn.

I bet some miss Thatcher.

204 Desert Dog  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:33:43pm

re: #185 Dark_Falcon

Sadly, it might work. The good news is that Joe Arpaio won't fold and sign a consent decree, so any case will go to trial. The bad news is that profiling cases are sometimes unwinnable for the defendants. The plantiffs are often able to win by blowing enough smoke at the jury. Too many Americans have been indoctrinated to believe profiling hysteria. How the ends will likely turn on the people's ability to see through the smoke.

Lastly, it needs to be said that Maricopa County will be hurt no matter how this turns out. These sorts of investigations divert a great amount of time and money into fighting them. Localities often fold because they can't afford to fight.

That is what I am worried about as well. He tangled with our former Governor, the lovely Miss Napolitano, all the time....this time though, they will have the President and the Justice Department going against him.

205 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:33:49pm

re: #196 Killgore Trout

I think so. Brits really don't have anywhere else to turn.


I don't know about that.

My Brit friends who are very proud of their culture and history, etc, constantly warn me about the BNP and their hijacking of the counter-Jihad.

206 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:34:04pm

re: #151 Fabio P.Barbieri

re: #195 Erik The Red

Go back to lucking asshat

This was meant for Fabio P.Barbieri
Sorry Lizards

207 SummerSong  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:34:12pm

re: #184 NJDhockeyfan

I just went over to their blog. Great blog!

This story is pretty disturbing:

Nation Of Islam Fascism On The March “We’re going to make war for Elijah, in our nation!”

I've bookmarked the site, haven't looked around yet. Thank you for the heads up on this piece.

208 Kosh's Shadow  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:34:23pm

re: #184 NJDhockeyfan

I just went over to their blog. Great blog!

This story is pretty disturbing:

Nation Of Islam Fascism On The March “We’re going to make war for Elijah, in our nation!”

The seeds of 0bama's civilian security force are right there.
Some of my thoughts of what might need to be done would get me banned, so [deleted].

209 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:34:25pm

re: #202 godfrey

He's talking about "Chi-merica" in this lecture

Meaning... we're part Chinese? Or we're a chimera? Or we're a nation of wind chimes?

210 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:34:44pm

re: #206 Erik The Red

re: #195 Erik The Red


This was meant for Fabio P.Barbieri
Sorry Lizards


Oh.

I thought you were reposting to correct your spelling!

HAHAHAHA!

211 J.S.  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:35:21pm

re: #199 pingjockey

The British National Party founders were neonazis. It's a "whites" only, racist party.

212 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:35:44pm

re: #199 pingjockey

yup. They are adopting the model of Vlaams Belang and hiding their antisemitism to gain popular support as an anti-jihad movement.

213 godfrey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:35:54pm

Ferguson has hilarious slides.

214 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:36:12pm

re: #208 Kosh's Shadow

The seeds of 0bama's civilian security force are right there.

No. Not gonna happen.

I'm sorry, but this "Obama brown shirt civilian security force Fruit of Islam!" stuff is just... out there. I must object every time I see it, because, no offense intended, Kosh, but it looks like Nirther-level stuff.

215 Cato the Elder  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:36:33pm

Any sign of Winston? I notice he stopped commenting after his forced time-out following his last anti-Catholic/anti-religion meltdown.

216 CyanSnowHawk  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:36:45pm

re: #211 J.S.

The British National Party founders were neonazis. It's a "whites" only, racist party.

They found that the "whites" only multicultural party had limited effectiveness.

217 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:36:55pm

re: #205 Ben Hur

The BNP had pretty big gains in the last election. I'm sure a lot of people are still wary but the BNP is still gaining ground.

218 Desert Dog  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:37:11pm

re: #214 Occasional Reader

No. Not gonna happen.

I'm sorry, but this "Obama brown shirt civilian security force Fruit of Islam!" stuff is just... out there. I must object every time I see it, because, no offense intended, Kosh, but it looks like Nirther-level stuff.

They would be severely out-gunned by the resistance if that sort of nonsense ever did come about....

219 jaunte  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:37:31pm

re: #206 Erik The Red

That's ok; we're all long-time luckers, here.

220 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:38:03pm

re: #171 Killgore Trout

I think Pat and the rest of the Brits have just about had it with the Islamists. The BNP is gaining ground and capitalizing on the situation. They were touring Luton yesterday as a publicity stunt. I'm a little worried about things getting a little out of hand. The Islamists are really just helping the BNP. This is very bad.

From what I see, the BNP is getting the votes of disgruntled Labour voters - not many, enough to worry on general principle, but not enough to upset the apple cart.
Great Britain have had it with the islamists for some time, its just that the MFM are slowly getting round to the fact and actually reporting it.
They are reporting it ebcause even the dumbest journo can now see and hear from the whispers in london that the next general electio will be won by the Tories - and they are jumping on the bandwagon.
Expect more of this, its not a sudden awakening, its been going on for a while but has been below the horizon of the Beeb and thus of the international meeja.

One thing is certain - there will not be a BNP MP in the House of Parliament.
Great Britain is not going to turn fascist.

221 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:38:07pm

re: #217 Killgore Trout

The BNP had pretty big gains in the last election. I'm sure a lot of people are still wary but the BNP is still gaining ground.

True.

222 Desert Dog  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:38:11pm

re: #219 jaunte

That's ok; we're all long-time luckers, here.

I'm shit outta lurk these days...luck too

223 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:38:18pm

re: #215 Cato the Elder

I haven't seen him since his time out. Did he ever make it back? I think he's traveling to DC now so he might be on the road.

224 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:38:36pm

re: #219 jaunte

That's ok; we're all long-time luckers, here.

You'd better ask yourself just one, simple question: "Do I feel lucker?"

Well, do ya?

PUNK?

225 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:38:53pm

re: #210 Ben Hur

Oh.

I thought you were reposting to correct your spelling!

HAHAHAHA!

I dont speel to good. Foregive me. Bad engilish

226 Van Helsing  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:39:00pm

re: #195 Erik The Red

Go back to lucking asshat

What did I do? I liked his quote about Islam and the sword, too. I'm not Catholic, doesn't mean I can't admire the Pope's attitude.

227 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:39:00pm

Lucking asshat is an artform, IMHO.

228 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:39:08pm

re: #189 Occasional Reader

Ferguson redefines the term "empire" for modern use. He points out that every great empire was different in various ways: the Roman Empire was different from the Persian Empire which was different from the Russian or British versions. He is an unabashed admirer of the British Empire. He also points out that although the Tsars and Commissars have come and gone, the Russian empire lives on.

229 jaunte  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:39:39pm

re: #222 Desert Dog

re: #224 Occasional Reader

Obama luck you long-time.

230 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:39:39pm

re: #225 Erik The Red

I dont speel to good. Foregive me. Bad engilish

You just made OR crap his pants!

231 Sharmuta  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:39:42pm

re: #219 jaunte

That's ok; we're all long-time luckers, here.

Tomorrow is Friday the 13th- we might be unluckers.

232 MrSilverDragon  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:40:06pm

re: #219 jaunte

That's ok; we're all long-time luckers, here.

I tend to feel luckerless nowadays, especially with all the crap going on in our government. :/

233 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:40:25pm

I will give Obama some credit for being hawkish on Pakistan.....
Pakistan: 11 killed in suspected U.S. drone attack

234 godfrey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:40:28pm

lol

"return free risk"

235 Racer X  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:40:32pm

Luck You!

236 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:40:35pm

re: #214 Occasional Reader

No. Not gonna happen.

I'm sorry, but this "Obama brown shirt civilian security force Fruit of Islam!" stuff is just... out there. I must object every time I see it, because, no offense intended, Kosh, but it looks like Nirther-level stuff.

Doesn't mean we can't keep our eyes and ears open. Obama did say that he wanted a civilian security force that rivaled the Defense Department.......
Nobody in 1932 saw the SA coming either.........

237 jaunte  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:40:39pm

re: #231 Sharmuta

Uh-oh, and someone has madoff with my lucky penny.

238 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:40:53pm

re: #193 Ben Hur

I disagree that Fabio is a moby. He seems straight forward to me, even if he takes strong issue with Kilgore. He'll settle in just fine.

239 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:41:08pm

re: #156 CyanSnowHawk

CSH - are we cool? I don't want you to think I was pissing in your Cornflakes (to borrow a phrase from another Lizard).

240 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:41:09pm

Motherlucking snakes on a plane!

241 freetoken  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:41:19pm

re: #220 yma o hyd

Extreme political parties (xenophobic, etc.) would be expected to grow as economic conditions worsen, no?

Speaking of which, the weekly unemployment insurance claims came out this morning (usual Thursday statistics), showing new claims up, and the 4-week average still up. As long as the 4-week insurance claims average increases, one can reasonably expect overall unemployment to be increasing.

242 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:41:22pm

re: #178 MandyManners

Isn't it the only game in town until the Tories get their shit together?

The Tories ahve had their shit together for some time now - they won the last by-elections (when a MP dies) hands-down - even in a seat held by a huge Labour majority for decades.
Don't expect the Beeb to report on that - don't expect the MFM,e specially the inernational ones, to report on that.

You haven't heard much from the Tories in the last two weeks because the oldest child of Dave Cameron, their leader, died, and he took two weeks off work.

243 CyanSnowHawk  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:41:33pm

re: #237 jaunte

Uh-oh, and someone has madoff with my lucky penny.

He plead guilty today. Judge sent him directly to jail. Didn't even get to pass Go.

244 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:41:42pm

re: #227 Ben Hur

Lucking asshat is an artform, IMHO.

Ben Sorry was not directed at you. I hit the wrong comment to quote and did no preview.:( sorry

245 joncelli  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:42:12pm

re: #242 yma o hyd

When do they have to call the next election?

246 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:42:19pm

re: #228 Kenneth

But I think a sine qua non of an "empire" in the political-historical sense is direct or indirect rule over the subject people, and extraction of tribute in one form or another. We don't do either. So the word itself becomes unhelpful. It's a little bit like the leftists using the word "fascist" to mean "anything I think is bad".

247 jaunte  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:42:20pm

re: #243 CyanSnowHawk

Thanks, I've had my head down working; any word on recovery of the money he stashed overseas?

248 Racer X  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:42:28pm

re: #233 Killgore Trout

I will give Obama some credit for being hawkish on Pakistan.....
Pakistan: 11 killed in suspected U.S. drone attack

I give him no such credit.

The grease that set those strikes in motion stopped flowing 2 months ago. The gears are still wet, but I expect them to dry out soon.

249 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:42:39pm

re: #242 yma o hyd

The Tories ahve had their shit together for some time now - they won the last by-elections (when a MP dies) hands-down - even in a seat held by a huge Labour majority for decades.
Don't expect the Beeb to report on that - don't expect the MFM,e specially the inernational ones, to report on that.

You haven't heard much from the Tories in the last two weeks because the oldest child of Dave Cameron, their leader, died, and he took two weeks off work.

Well, the MFM are great at hiding it.

250 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:42:47pm

re: #233 Killgore Trout

I will give Obama some credit for being hawkish on Pakistan.....
Pakistan: 11 killed in suspected U.S. drone attack

State sponsored terrorism.

GWB is no longer President.

What branch of government, or international body, gave The One the authority to attack inside a sovereign Pakistan.

Mind you, I don't give a shit.

But Pakistan is The One's Cambodia.

If we were to hold the left to their own standards, of course.

251 Kosh's Shadow  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:43:00pm

With this discussion of the BNP, I think it is time for a musical commentary on them:
Waiting For the Worms

252 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:43:00pm

re: #240 MandyManners

'Fess up, you were Samuel Jackson's dialogue coach for that flick, weren't you?

253 Desert Dog  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:43:04pm

re: #228 Kenneth

Ferguson redefines the term "empire" for modern use. He points out that every great empire was different in various ways: the Roman Empire was different from the Persian Empire which was different from the Russian or British versions. He is an unabashed admirer of the British Empire. He also points out that although the Tsars and Commissars have come and gone, the Russian empire lives on.

Meet the New Boss, same as the Old Boss

254 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:43:08pm

re: #226 Van Helsing

What did I do? I liked his quote about Islam and the sword, too. I'm not Catholic, doesn't mean I can't admire the Pope's attitude.

Sorry to you also PIMP

255 MrSilverDragon  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:43:11pm

re: #240 MandyManners

Motherlucking snakes on a plane!

My goodness but that was one AWFUL movie. LOL.

256 CyanSnowHawk  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:43:14pm

re: #239 Creeping Eruption

CSH - are we cool? I don't want you to think I was pissing in your Cornflakes (to borrow a phrase from another Lizard).

Oh yeah, we're fine. My hackles went up, they're smooth now.

257 J.S.  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:43:20pm

re: #216 CyanSnowHawk

I watched that "Young, Nazi and Proud" video produced (under cover) a couple of years back...(from Wiki:

"The 2002 Channel 4 documentary Young, Nazi and Proud featured hidden-camera footage of the then BNP youth leader Mark Collett stating his admiration for Adolf Hitler, ... It also featured footage of visitors to the party's annual 'Red White and Blue' festival, some of whom wore the legend "88" (code for HH, "Heil Hitler").")
258 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:43:24pm

re: #238 Kenneth

I disagree that Fabio is a moby. He seems straight forward to me, even if he takes strong issue with Kilgore. He'll settle in just fine.

I didn't see anything either.

259 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:43:59pm

re: #190 CyanSnowHawk

Use Charles link to Amazon, he gets paid for it.

I do when the books are not available here in the UK, otherwise, being on a small pension, I have to use the UK store, saves on postage.

260 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:44:01pm

re: #209 Occasional Reader

He was referring to the symbiotic financial relationship between China & America. Over the past decade the expanding public & private US line of credit has been financed by Chinese savings. The US & China need each other. For that reason, the Chinese will continue to buy US bonds.

261 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:44:28pm

re: #252 Occasional Reader

'Fess up, you were Samuel Jackson's dialogue coach for that flick, weren't you?

You know it!


262 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:44:29pm

re: #236 LGoPs

Doesn't mean we can't keep our eyes and ears open. Obama did say that he wanted a civilian security force that rivaled the Defense Department.......
Nobody in 1932 saw the SA coming either.........

Not true. The SA had existed for years by 1932 and they were visible. What people did not see coming was the Reichstag Fire and the Enabling Law.

263 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:45:05pm

re: #244 Erik The Red

Ben Sorry was not directed at you. I hit the wrong comment to quote and did no preview.:( sorry


Oh, I know.

We're cool, bru.

264 Sharmuta  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:45:05pm

re: #254 Erik The Red

Sorry to you also PIMP

Preview Is My..... Pimp? My Lucking Pimp?

265 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:45:09pm

re: #255 MrSilverDragon

My goodness but that was one AWFUL movie. LOL.

I wouldn't know. I don't got to the theatre.

266 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:45:14pm

Apaches Engage Insurgent Rocket Team And Their Trucks With 3 Hellfire Missiles In Iraq

"Bongo truck"

267 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:45:15pm

re: #238 Kenneth

I disagree that Fabio is a moby. He seems straight forward to me, even if he takes strong issue with Kilgore. He'll settle in just fine.

He forgot to mention that we are erudite too.........
I was mildly miffed over that.
:)

268 Van Helsing  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:45:30pm

re: #250 Ben Hur

State sponsored terrorism.

GWB is no longer President.

What branch of government, or international body, gave The One the authority to attack inside a sovereign Pakistan.

Mind you, I don't give a shit.

But Pakistan is The One's Cambodia.

If we were to hold the left to their own standards, of course.

Oxymoronic. Standards (for most of us) imply and invariable set of rules. The commies, not so much.

269 Sharmuta  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:45:47pm

It must be Erik typo day.

270 CapeCoddah  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:45:52pm

re: #188 Fabio P.Barbieri

Kenneth: I am an Italian who lives in London but keeps in touch with his family in Rome, so you may hear me comment on both countries (and the Vatican - a few family members and friends are involved with various Church bodies). Anyway I am still waiting to hear why mr.Trout thinks that to say that he hates the Church is an insult. It may be a mistake - though I doubt it - but plenty of people hate the Church without being either morons, m****rf***ers or dimwits. So why is he offended?

Pal, Sometimes we have words with each other like all friends do. You don't want to be coming in here a newbie and attack one of our friends right off the bat. As I said, we disagree with each other a at times, but you will find that we will come to the defense of a friend when someone attacks them, especially someone who is unknown. It will not go well for you if you continue to jump on KT. Just some friendly advice.

271 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:45:56pm

re: #256 CyanSnowHawk

Oh yeah, we're fine. My hackles went up, they're smooth now.

Good. I was trying to inject a little levity with the Janet Reno/Donna Shalala jello wrestling comment, but it just did not seem to set right.

272 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:46:04pm

re: #262 Dark_Falcon

Not true. The SA had existed for years by 1932 and they were visible. What people did not see coming was the Reichstag Fire and the Enabling Law.

I stand corrected on my history....
*Bows*

273 CyanSnowHawk  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:46:08pm

re: #247 jaunte

Thanks, I've had my head down working; any word on recovery of the money he stashed overseas?

I only skimmed the article in WSJ when he plead. They are covering pretty extensively.

274 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:46:32pm

re: #233 Killgore Trout

I will give Obama some credit for being hawkish on Pakistan.....
Pakistan: 11 killed in suspected U.S. drone attack

It would be interesting to check if the MSM used "suspected US drone attack" when carried out by the Bush REGIME, or if they just said, "US drone attack."

275 CyanSnowHawk  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:47:42pm

re: #259 yma o hyd

I do when the books are not available here in the UK, otherwise, being on a small pension, I have to use the UK store, saves on postage.

Okay.

276 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:48:22pm

re: #264 Sharmuta

Preview Is My..... Pimp? My Lucking Pimp?

LOL PIMF. Damn I am terrible tonight. 10 thumbs. And little brain cells :)

277 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:48:33pm

re: #246 Occasional Reader

You have a point, but like I said, he uses a different definition. Check out his website for more. I haven't read his book, Colossus: The Rise and Fall of the American Empire which is where he expounds the idea. The point is, he's very pro-American, hardly a leftist.

278 Sharmuta  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:49:50pm

re: #276 Erik The Red

We all have moments or days like that.

279 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:50:28pm

re: #245 joncelli

When do they have to call the next election?

They have to call it, at the latest, next May.
Everybody who knows anything about politics, everybody who has any connecions to Whitehall and the Civil servants, knows that Gord cannot hang on for vey long, and we expect an election this summer or autumn.
Whispers have it that Gord needs this coming G20 conference to make out he's the big leader - but his mnions are already scrabbling for ways out, for posts somewhere else - and the civil servants, who are, by law, obliged to give he same departmental briefings to the Tory shadow Cabinet as to the Gord cabinet, are telling journalists that they are pretty impressed with Dave's people.
Its going to happen soon - the groundswell is rising, there have already been calSs in the TIMES for Gordon to call an election.

280 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:51:07pm

re: #188 Fabio P.Barbieri

You will need to use the scroll wheel on you mouse. Not every argument is worth having.

281 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:51:07pm

re: #278 Sharmuta

We all have moments or days like that.

I'm having a decade like that.......
:)

282 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:51:11pm

re: #278 Sharmuta

We all have moments or days like that.

FCBBHO is having four years like that.

283 lawhawk  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:51:16pm

OT:
Obama foreign policy strikes again. 11 killed in suspected UAV airstrike in Pakistan.

A suspected U.S. missile attack killed 11 people Thursday in northwest Pakistan, an official said.

Six others were wounded, according to Arshad Majeed, an official in the Kurram region, where the attack occurred.

The missiles are believed to have been shot by a drone and Majeed said the attack targeted suspected militants. No other details were immediately available.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said he didn't know anything about the attack and wouldn't comment if he did.

Gibbs finally said something smart for a change.

284 godfrey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:51:16pm

Kenneth, thanks for the link to that Ferguson lecture. Why is it that our politicians are so utterly incapable of producing this level of presentation?

285 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:51:19pm

re: #266 Killgore Trout


That reminded me of the scene from The Life of Brian when the Romans come to search the Judean People's Front's hideout and they "hide" by putting blankets and lampshades on their heads.

286 scottishbuzzsaw  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:51:38pm

re: #278 Sharmuta

We all have moments or days like that.

Speek four yorsef, hun...sum of us r purfict.

287 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:51:41pm

re: #278 Sharmuta

We all have moments or days like that.

Sharm I am going on years here. I will take days anytime. :)

288 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:51:59pm

re: #280 Kenneth

You will need to use the scroll wheel on you mouse. Not every argument is worth having.

Prevert.

289 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:52:35pm

re: #276 Erik The Red

LOL PIMF. Damn I am terrible tonight. 10 thumbs. And little brain cells :)

TO many fingers of the Durban sh*t.

290 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:52:44pm

re: #287 Erik The Red

Love the avatar.

291 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:53:01pm

re: #285 Ben Hur

Lol.

292 Van Helsing  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:53:04pm

re: #266 Killgore Trout

We go way too far on the caution side with our ROEs. I suppose it's for the best, but it is frustrating.

My son said that one of the best changes they made was to do with the requirement that they identify explosives in the hands of someone before engaging, even if it was 0 dark-thirty and they were digging a hole in the road.

IED attacks went way down in their AO with the change to shoot if they're digging holes in the road in the dark.

293 chicagodudewhotrades  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:53:22pm

re: #279 yma o hyd

So are all the Gordon-ites who wanted Blair to make way for Gordon happy now, or are they pretty quiet?

294 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:53:34pm

re: #249 MandyManners

Well, the MFM are great at hiding it.

Aren't they just!
They have been in the tank for NuLab for such a long time, they are still in denial, especially the Beeb.

295 CyanSnowHawk  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:53:52pm

re: #271 Creeping Eruption

Good. I was trying to inject a little levity with the Janet Reno/Donna Shalala jello wrestling comment, but it just did not seem to set right.

Janet Reno/Donna Shalala jello wrestling?

That's comedy gold right there, how could that have gone wrong?

296 Kragar  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:55:04pm

re: #295 CyanSnowHawk

Janet Reno/Donna Shalala jello wrestling?

That's comedy gold right there, how could that have gone wrong?

Helen Thomas interrupted the match and all hell broke loose when her thong broke.

297 opnion  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:55:08pm

It was reported in the papers this morning, that Obama is strongly advising G20 leaders to follow his lead & do "Stimulus"
Geithner is already over there & speculation is that Obama plans to use bullying tactics.
I do hope that they tell him to go screw himself.

298 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:55:14pm

re: #292 Van Helsing

We go way too far on the caution side with our ROEs. I suppose it's for the best, but it is frustrating.


It's very interesting but also frustrating to watch. It looks like most of the guys got away and the missile launched all because of delays of just a few seconds.

299 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:55:29pm

re: #295 CyanSnowHawk

Janet Reno/Donna Shalala jello wrestling?

That's comedy gold right there, how could that have gone wrong?

Go back and read my 169 response to you.

300 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:56:42pm

re: #296 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Helen Thomas interrupted the match and all hell broke loose when her thong broke.

*whackwhackwhack*

301 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:57:00pm

re: #276 Erik The Red

LOL PIMF. Damn I am terrible tonight. 10 thumbs. And little brain cells :)

Don't worry, mun!
At least you don't have the terrible habit of correcting a typo and making things even worse.

I do ...

:-((

302 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:57:07pm

re: #296 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Helen Thomas interrupted the match and all hell broke loose when her thong broke.

Lord . . .What did I start?!

303 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:57:10pm

re: #298 Killgore Trout

It's very interesting but also frustrating to watch. It looks like most of the guys got away and the missile launched all because of delays of just a few seconds.

Should'a used a bigger bomb.

304 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:57:55pm

re: #296 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Helen Thomas interrupted the match and all hell broke loose when her thong broke.

Damn you. I'm eating lunch!
LOL........

305 Sunlight  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:58:04pm

Down farther in the letter is an interesting line:

The Church's teaching authority cannot be frozen in the year 1962 this must be quite clear to the Society. But some of those who put themselves forward as great defenders of the Council also need to be reminded that Vatican II embraces the entire doctrinal history of the Church. Anyone who wishes to be obedient to the Council has to accept the faith professed over the centuries, and cannot sever the roots from which the tree draws its life.

What does that mean? That the pre-Vatican II anti-semitism has to be kept as the "root" of the Catholic church? This pope makes me a little nervous. When I was growing up, Vat II was put forward as a revising out of doctrine that caused damage to others or themselves... Now he is saying that they're keeping all those "roots"?

306 godfrey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:58:06pm

Putin at Davos

"There was a serious malfunction in the very system of global economic growth -- namely, when one regional center endlessly prints money and reaps the benefits"

"the excessive dependence on what is basically the only reserve currency [i.e. the dollar] is dangerous for the world economy. So it would be reasonable to stimulate a process of getting a number of strong reserve currencies"

"the unipolar pattern of the world economy that is completely outdated by now must be replaced by a new system based on cooperation of several big centres"

"Let us be frank: provoking military-political instability and other regional conflicts is also a convenient way of deflecting people's attention from mounting social and economic problems. Regrettably, further attempts of this kind cannot be ruled out"

Ferguson thinks he's bluffing because if Putin continues to spend oil revenue at his current rate to prop up his currency, he'll run out of oil reserves in 14 months.

307 CyanSnowHawk  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:58:54pm

re: #296 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Helen Thomas interrupted the match and all hell broke loose when her thong broke.

You bastard, you just couldn't leave it alone. Just look the mess in my cubicle, gray matter everywhere.

308 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:59:00pm

I would have one question for Helen Thomas.

Dorito, Landing Strip, or Sphinx?

AAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH!

bbl

309 Jack Burton  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:59:15pm

re: #296 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Helen Thomas interrupted the match and all hell broke loose when her thong broke.

Well I was just about to eat lunch. Guess I'll hold off on that one now.

310 jorline  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:59:21pm

re: #132 Russkilitlover

I think the good Sheriff of Maricopa county can handle it. Have you ever heard him interviewed? I can see him handing their asses to them on a plate and booting them out the door with a flea in their ear.

Sorry for the delay.

Yes I have seen him interviewed and I wouldn't want to be the US attorney that had to cross examine the Sheriff.

311 albusteve  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 12:59:52pm

re: #298 Killgore Trout

It's very interesting but also frustrating to watch. It looks like most of the guys got away and the missile launched all because of delays of just a few seconds.

they should have moved up to engage with canon fire as soon as truck stopped...a waste of a Hellfire if you ask me....

312 godfrey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:00:09pm

"Except for US Treasuries, what can you hold? Gold? You don't hold Japanese government bonds or UK bonds. US Treasuries are the safe haven. For everyone, including China, it is the only option."

--- Luo Ping, a director-general at the China Banking Regulatory Commission, February 11, 2009

313 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:00:13pm

re: #283 lawhawk

OT:
Obama foreign policy strikes again. 11 killed in suspected UAV airstrike in Pakistan.

Gibbs finally said something smart for a change.

Well - at least it wasn't a wedding in a kindergarden today, it was only 'militants' who were killed!

/////


Btw - I'm getting really cross with the MFM calling murderers and terrorists 'gunmen' and 'militant's - I loathe this namby-pamby way of wriggling out of the truth.

314 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:00:54pm

re: #289 Ben Hur

TO many fingers of the Durban sh*t.

In my younger days it would have been too many yards/kilos.

Durban Poison has a name in the world for a reason.

315 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:01:21pm

re: #311 albusteve

Yeah, it seems the 30mm gun would have been the right tool for the job.

316 CapeCoddah  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:01:37pm

re: #296 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Helen Thomas interrupted the match and all hell broke loose when her thong broke.

Gawd, I'm gonna need therapy and medication to get that image out of my head.

317 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:01:45pm

re: #290 MandyManners

Love the avatar.

Thanks. I pinched it from some where. :)

318 Van Helsing  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:01:45pm

re: #298 Killgore Trout

I wonder where that missile ended up.
A good video to show next time some murthafucker (or somesuch) starts talking about air-raiding villages and killing innocent civilians.

Damn, where did hear that? It sounds so familiar...
Oh, yeah, our Commander-in-Cheat Chief.

319 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:01:49pm

re: #314 Erik The Red

In my younger days it would have been too many yards/kilos.

Durban Poison has a name in the world for a reason.

A misnomer

320 yesandno  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:01:52pm

re: #208 Kosh's Shadow

Farrakhan has a nation-wide, grown-up military called the Fruit of Islam, a Brown Shirt-like paramilitary group.

The seeds of 0bama's civilian security force are right there.
Some of my thoughts of what might need to be done would get me banned, so [deleted].

The Fruit of Islam always appears as rotten. That which stays on the tree falls when overripe and is foul. That which remains on the tree never matures.

321 Van Helsing  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:02:22pm

I must correct myself. He only hires tax cheats.

322 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:02:36pm

re: #293 chicagodudewhotrades

So are all the Gordon-ites who wanted Blair to make way for Gordon happy now, or are they pretty quiet?

Pretty damn quiet, and all, not just them, desperately looking for their next job - secretly.

Not that they ahven't a pretty big nest-egg, in way of gold=plated, non-contributive pensions ...

323 itellu3times  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:03:00pm

re: #17 Opinionated

Wouldn't you be curious to know Freeman's opinion about the Holocaust.

Nope.

324 albusteve  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:03:15pm

re: #313 yma o hyd

Well - at least it wasn't a wedding in a kindergarden today, it was only 'militants' who were killed!

/////

Btw - I'm getting really cross with the MFM calling murderers and terrorists 'gunmen' and 'militant's - I loathe this namby-pamby way of wriggling out of the truth.

it's just bullshit...gunmen, mortermen, rocketmen, IDFmen ect.

325 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:03:53pm

re: #323 itellu3times

re: #17 Opinionated

Wouldn't you be curious to know Freeman's opinion about the Holocaust.

Nope.

I'm guessing he'd say the Nazis were "overly cautious".

326 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:03:54pm

re: #284 godfrey

Why is it that our politicians are so utterly incapable of producing this level of presentation?

That's a puzzle. Being a successful politician means knowing what NOT to say more than knowing what to say. That's why they are reduced to pointless speeches full of predictable platitudes. They are terrified of saying some terrible truth the voters don't want to hear. Or worse, that the politicians don't want the voters to hear.

For example, could you imagine Obama saying this:

"We Democrats screwed up when we forced banks to give subprime mortgages to people who could not afford to meet the payments leading to the collapse of the global credit market"


Or would John McCain ever say,

"We Republicans screwed up by deregulating the financial industry to the point where highly leveraged credit swaps and hedge funds spread the mortgage crises into a truly global economic disaster."

No, I don't believe we will ever hear that kind of honesty from our politicians,

327 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:04:29pm

re: #297 opnion

It was reported in the papers this morning, that Obama is strongly advising G20 leaders to follow his lead & do "Stimulus"
Geithner is already over there & speculation is that Obama plans to use bullying tactics.
I do hope that they tell him to go screw himself.

Gord will follow his lead - but apparently Sarkozy, Merkel and Berlusconi wwon't be playing along.

Someone had a link, upthread ...

328 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:04:33pm
329 albusteve  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:04:34pm

re: #315 Killgore Trout

Yeah, it seems the 30mm gun would have been the right tool for the job.

out of range probably, but they were pinned and they could have moved up...armchair general here

330 Kragar  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:04:42pm

re: #300 MandyManners

*whackwhackwhack*

re: #304 LGoPs

Damn you. I'm eating lunch!
LOL........

Why thank you, though I normally take care of that myself.re: #316 CapeCoddah

Gawd, I'm gonna need therapy and medication to get that image out of my head.

re: #309 ArchangelMichael

Well I was just about to eat lunch. Guess I'll hold off on that one now.

All in all, a good peice of work I must say.

331 CyanSnowHawk  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:05:41pm

re: #325 Occasional Reader

I'm guessing he'd say the Nazis were "overly cautious".

Casting the Holocaust as the precautionary principle in action? WTF?

332 Van Helsing  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:06:00pm

re: #330 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

All in all, a good peice of work I must say.

I'm thinking 'new diet plan'.

333 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:06:37pm

re: #313 yma o hyd

Well - at least it wasn't a wedding in a kindergarden today, it was only 'militants' who were killed!

/////


Btw - I'm getting really cross with the MFM calling murderers and terrorists 'gunmen' and 'militant's - I loathe this namby-pamby way of wriggling out of the truth.

We oughta call them what they are - newsreaders and pencil jockeys. And nothing more.
Calling them journalists and reporters is an insult to the English language.

334 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:06:37pm

re: #331 CyanSnowHawk

Casting the Holocaust as the precautionary principle in action? WTF?

I'm just alluding to his comments on the Chinese massacring their people in Tianamen.

335 CyanSnowHawk  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:07:16pm

re: #328 Iron Fist

=

Man, that was a mental image I could have gone the rest of my life and never thought of and my life would have been the richer for having not thought it.

Damn you!

Keep reading, Kragar made it worse.

336 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:07:17pm
337 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:08:16pm

re: #333 LGoPs

We oughta call them what they are - newsreaders and pencil jockeys. And nothing more.
Calling them journalists and reporters is an insult to the English language.

You're right!
Cog the pencil jockey has a very nice ring to it.

;-)

338 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:08:17pm

re: #327 yma o hyd

Gord will follow his lead - but apparently Sarkozy, Merkel and Berlusconi wwon't be playing along.

Someone had a link, upthread ...

I have an inkling that Merkel is not a fan of CBBHO.

339 'Nam Grunt  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:08:39pm

Look what I found!

I still despise that MOFO, and I hope the liberal bastard that leaked the previous thread about charging Vet's for health care is lashed in a public square with a cane!

340 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:09:03pm

re: #337 yma o hyd

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

341 chicagodudewhotrades  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:09:26pm

re: #327 yma o hyd

I had posted this article yesterday in the spin off links:


[Link: www.ft.com...]

342 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:09:36pm

re: #306 godfrey

"If you ask Congress to spend $780 billion, you are in effect asking a group of alcoholics to run the hotel bar and somewhat predictably the priorities that they have chosen for the expenditure correlate closely to political expediency rather than to economic rationality." - Niall Ferguson

343 rabidsquirrel  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:09:40pm

re: #305 Sunlight

Down farther in the letter is an interesting line:


What does that mean? That the pre-Vatican II anti-semitism has to be kept as the "root" of the Catholic church? This pope makes me a little nervous. When I was growing up, Vat II was put forward as a revising out of doctrine that caused damage to others or themselves... Now he is saying that they're keeping all those "roots"?

I don't the Pope was inferring that anti-semitism was among the "roots" that must be kept as part of historical Catholic doctrine.

344 Kosh's Shadow  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:09:40pm

I hope it doesn't mean anything that my iPod picked "The End of the World As We Know IT" to play now.
/just a random thought

345 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:09:51pm
346 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:09:59pm
347 eschew_obfuscation  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:10:07pm

re: #326 Kenneth

No, I don't believe we will ever hear that kind of honesty from our politicians,

O.K....please help out here....

I thought Credit Default Swaps were essentially insurance issued largely by AIG to cover the not-easily-quantifiable risk inherent in mortgage backed securities that were purchased from the likes of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Am I completely confused? or is there some semblance of correctness to that?

348 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:10:09pm

re: #330 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

All in all, a good peice of work I must say.

You've certainly stimulated the Therapist industry.
I'm going to need extensive psychological counseling to deal with that image you planted in my head..........I may never recover.
Hope you feel proud about yourself.

349 albusteve  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:10:17pm

re: #334 Occasional Reader

I'm just alluding to his comments on the Chinese massacring their people in Tianamen.

I remember seeing a bootleg tape of that aftermath of that...very chilling, bodies and debris everywhere...it truly was a massacre....I don't think anybody there thought the Reds would do it

350 Kosh's Shadow  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:10:40pm

re: #346 Iron Fist

I found that. Went to go puke. I need to go home, take my brain out, and soak it in a mixture of Everclear, Mexican Brown Heroine, and curare.

For at least an hour.

Gah!

That will pollute your precious bodily fluids.
Stick to rainwater and grain alcohol.
--Gen Jack D. Ripper

351 Kragar  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:10:41pm

re: #335 CyanSnowHawk

Keep reading, Kragar made it worse.

worse......or better?

352 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:10:46pm

re: #338 MandyManners

I have an inkling that Merkel is not a fan of CBBHO.

She's got to be as fiscally conservative as possible, she has elections coming up, in May, I think.
Would be dreadful if the Socialists won again - thats the party of Gerald Schroeder, the one who campaigned being against Pres Bush to win.

353 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:11:15pm

re: #337 yma o hyd

You're right!
Cog the pencil jockey has a very nice ring to it.

;-)

I didn't know Cog was one of those? That explains a lot on his worldview.

354 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:11:24pm

re: #335 CyanSnowHawk

Keep reading, Kragar made it worse.

But Ben Hur's comment takes the cake. Er... no (horrifying) pun intended.

355 albusteve  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:12:26pm

re: #353 LGoPs

I didn't know Cog was one of those? That explains a lot on his worldview.

Cognita is that freaky pencil guy with the frozen smile

356 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:12:42pm

re: #339 'Nam Grunt

Look what I found!

I still despise that MOFO, and I hope the liberal bastard that leaked the previous thread about charging Vet's for health care is lashed in a public square with a cane!

Which story is true?

357 Desert Dog  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:13:08pm

re: #336 Erik The Red

Durban Poison

Don't smoke that, bro, 'cause you'll get 30 days in the hole!

358 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:13:13pm

re: #346 Iron Fist

Mexican Brown Heroine

One of these?

359 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:13:26pm

re: #346 Iron Fist

I found that. Went to go puke. I need to go home, take my brain out, and soak it in a mixture of Everclear, Mexican Brown Heroine, and curare.

For at least an hour.

Gah!

Does this help?

360 Taqiyyotomist  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:13:45pm

re: #349 albusteve

I remember seeing a bootleg tape of that aftermath of that...very chilling, bodies and debris everywhere...it truly was a massacre....I don't think anybody there thought the Reds would do it

G_d damn Communists.

361 Kragar  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:13:47pm

re: #348 LGoPs


Hope you feel proud about yourself.

I do.

362 albusteve  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:13:52pm

re: #357 Desert Dog

Don't smoke that, bro, 'cause you'll get 30 days in the hole!

oh man....nice catch!

363 MrSilverDragon  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:14:00pm

re: #308 Ben Hur

My brain is now a liquified pool after that.

Well, more liquified than before.

364 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:14:05pm

re: #359 MandyManners

Does this help?

Cures all ills.

365 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:14:07pm
366 MJ  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:14:24pm

More Democratic corruption:

Congresswoman With Ties to Bank Helped Seek Funds

WASHINGTON — Top banking regulators were taken aback late last year when a California congresswoman helped set up a meeting in which the chief executive of a bank with financial ties to her family asked them for up to $50 million in special bailout funds, Treasury officials said.

Representative Maxine Waters, Democrat of California, requested the September meeting on behalf of executives at OneUnited, one of the nation’s largest black-owned banks. Ms. Water’s husband, Sidney Williams, had served on the bank’s board of directors until early last year and has owned at least $250,000 in stock in the institution.

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

367 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:14:41pm

re: #352 yma o hyd

She's got to be as fiscally conservative as possible, she has elections coming up, in May, I think.
Would be dreadful if the Socialists won again - thats the party of Gerald Schroeder, the one who campaigned being against Pres Bush to win.

I remember that weinie.

368 A Man for all Seasons  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:14:47pm

Good Afternoon Lizards! How everyone is well today..
I have the coolest link today for you..A street artist that draws 3d chalk art..Check it out:
[Link: www.jokersvillage.com...]

369 WriterMom  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:15:18pm

LOL. I just read Ed Anger calling Obama the Teleprompter Jesus.

370 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:15:26pm

re: #308 Ben Hur

I would have one question for Helen Thomas.

Dorito, Landing Strip, or Sphinx?

AAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH!

bbl

I concede defeat. While I thought my comment about Janet Reno and Donna Shalala Jello wrestling was a true masterpiece, I am humbled by your depravity.

371 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:15:26pm

re: #293 chicagodudewhotrades

Some lefty UK journalists are pissed at Gordan and NuLab for not being sufficiently "progressive"

372 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:15:31pm

re: #357 Desert Dog

Don't smoke that, bro, 'cause you'll get 30 days in the hole!

I love you Lizards. Where the hell did you find that? LOL

373 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:15:47pm
374 A Man for all Seasons  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:16:24pm

re: #368 HoosierHoops

Good Afternoon Lizards! How everyone is well today..
I have the coolest link today for you..A street artist that draws 3d chalk art..Check it out:
[Link: www.jokersvillage.com...]


PIMF..I post one time today and I can't get it right..jeez

375 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:16:26pm
376 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:16:45pm

re: #368 HoosierHoops

Good Afternoon Lizards! How everyone is well today..
I have the coolest link today for you..A street artist that draws 3d chalk art..Check it out:
[Link: www.jokersvillage.com...]

I have seen that before and am truly in awe at this guys talent. Unbelievable.

377 Kragar  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:17:03pm

re: #308 Ben Hur

I would have one question for Helen Thomas.

Dorito, Landing Strip, or Sphinx?

AAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH!

bbl

I believe she uses the term "Amazon" to describe it. A thick triple canopy of growth the light never pierces.

378 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:17:06pm

re: #369 WriterMom

LOL. I just read Ed Anger calling Obama the Teleprompter Jesus.

"Blessed are the poop!"
[squints at teleprompter]

"Poor! Sorry... 'poor', that makes a lot more sense."

379 opnion  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:17:12pm

re: #327 yma o hyd

Gord will follow his lead - but apparently Sarkozy, Merkel and Berlusconi wwon't be playing along.

Someone had a link, upthread ...

I hate to say this about an American President, but I hope that Obama gets a dose of humility.
The Stimulus is theft & the Euros should not buy into it.

380 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:17:17pm

re: #365 Iron Fist

I keep trying to convince my girlfriend that the key to health and longevity is to keep my blood alcohol level high enough to kill any bacteria that sneaks into my system. So far, she ain't buying it.

IT WORKS.

381 eschew_obfuscation  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:17:34pm

re: #368 HoosierHoops

Good Afternoon Lizards! How everyone is well today..
I have the coolest link today for you..A street artist that draws 3d chalk art..Check it out:
[Link: www.jokersvillage.com...]

Heh... I can't tell where the drawing stops and reality starts. Oh, and the pictures are nice too.

382 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:17:37pm

re: #363 MrSilverDragon

My brain is now a liquified pool after that.

Well, more liquified than before.

At least it's not liquefied potato. Many lizards here think that's the most odorous smell known to man.........
Be thankful you're not Mr. PotatoHead.

383 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:17:58pm

re: #356 Erik The Red

Which story is true?

I've looked at this - and its full of self-congrtulatory phrases, blaming Pres Bush for proposed cuts over he next five years, praising PB0 for sticking more money in, but saying at the same time that this is not secure yet and times are hard.
Its politics, ist wishy-washy, its leftie propaganda.
Looks like damage limitation to me.
Wouldn't trust it.

384 Van Helsing  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:18:12pm

re: #366 MJ

More Democratic corruption:

Congresswoman With Ties to Bank Helped Seek Funds

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

Played the race card right quick there, didn't they?
Someone needs to give them a new deck. One that has 'corruption' cards.

385 albusteve  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:18:14pm

re: #360 Taqiyyotomist

[Video]

G_d damn Communists.

I will not comment further

386 joncelli  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:18:35pm

re: #359 MandyManners

Does this help?

Oh yes that helps. But as a gentle reminder, some of us are at work.

387 WriterMom  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:18:35pm

re: #378 Occasional Reader

Heh.

388 essayons7  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:18:52pm

re: #95 RonPaul

If the Pope is infallible - how can he apologise?

(Just askin')

The Pope is only infallible in matters of Dogma. He can be just as wrong as any of us when it comes to worldly matters.

389 Desert Dog  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:18:59pm

re: #372 Erik The Red

I love you Lizards. Where the hell did you find that? LOL

Back in the days when I sought "herbal remedies" for my well being, I often sought, but never found Durban Poison. I got something at the Bulldog in Amsterdam in the early 80's that I was told was Durban Poison, but I do not know if it was...If my kids only knew what kind of party animal their dear old dad was, they would faint....ha ha

390 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:19:04pm

re: #347 eschew_obfuscation

Yes, that is my understanding. And when the inevitable happened, widespread default on the subprime mortgages, the underlying equity of those financial instruments evaporated. The 30 times leverage they were using turned around and worked in reverse, taking down bank after bank. The politicians built a house of cards and then a down turn in the economy pulled the bottom card (subprime mortgages) out.

391 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:19:05pm

re: #366 MJ

More Democratic corruption:

Congresswoman With Ties to Bank Helped Seek Funds


[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

Isn't she the idiot who wanted to "socialize" the economy?

392 WriterMom  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:19:25pm

re: #361 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Hey Kragar, has your sleeplessness settled down?

393 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:19:32pm

re: #373 Iron Fist

Better than nothing. I can never remember if herion inds in an "e" or not. Screws with my catalog orders something fierce :-)

Even more confusingly, in Spanish, the two are spelled exactly the same (heroína).

That's why there are no Latina female superheroes. They keep getting shipped off to the Guadalajara Cartel.

394 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:19:42pm

re: #373 Iron Fist

Better than nothing. I can never remember if herion inds in an "e" or not. Screws with my catalog orders something fierce :-)

Be careful not to order heron. You may end up with a bunch of feathers and a fowl odor.........

395 Desert Dog  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:19:48pm

re: #378 Occasional Reader

"Blessed are the poop!"
[squints at teleprompter]

"Poor! Sorry... 'poor', that makes a lot more sense."

But, he would say "poop" in a soaring and inspiring way....

396 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:19:52pm

re: #369 WriterMom

Quality journalism!

397 yesandno  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:20:01pm

re: #356 Erik The Red

Which story is true?


Is it possible they both are? On the one hand, this is a discussion of the 2010 budget. It is possible that increased $s will come from a increase in benefits paid from outside insurance? This is how the double-speak often works. The increase in budget...is that to structure, services, or medical care? And with returning vets likely to be in great numbers for a while, does this represent a real improvement in actual monies or just keeping up?

Would be great if indeed it is true....but one must be skeptical when everyone is playing games.

398 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:20:24pm

re: #382 LGoPs

At least it's not liquefied potato. Many lizards here think that's the most odorous smell known to man.........
Be thankful you're not Mr. PotatoHead.

There's a dirty joke in there about Ms PotatoHead but I ain't making it.

399 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:21:00pm

re: #386 joncelli

Oh yes that helps. But as a gentle reminder, some of us are at work.

She's not naked!

[Link: www2.victoriassecret.com...]

400 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:21:17pm

re: #378 Occasional Reader

"Blessed are the poop!"
[squints at teleprompter]

"Poor! Sorry... 'poor', that makes a lot more sense."

"What did he say?"
"Something about 'Blessed are the cheesemakers.'"

401 UFO TOFU  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:21:35pm

re: #358 Occasional Reader

For some reason I was expecting something different when I clicked on that.

402 MJ  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:21:37pm

re: #384 Van Helsing

Played the race card right quick there, didn't they?
Someone needs to give them a new deck. One that has 'corruption' cards.

Yup.
Waters has always played the race card. She makes Al Sharpton look like an amateur when it comes to playing the race card.

403 WriterMom  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:21:38pm

re: #396 Kenneth

Damned straight.

404 Kragar  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:21:46pm

re: #392 WriterMom

Hey Kragar, has your sleeplessness settled down?

Been a lot better, actually falling asleep and staying that way throughout the night. I haven't noticed much of a difference but my wife has said I seem a lot calmer and let irritable.

405 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:22:06pm

re: #389 Desert Dog

Back in the days when I sought "herbal remedies" for my well being, I often sought, but never found Durban Poison. I got something at the Bulldog in Amsterdam in the early 80's that I was told was Durban Poison, but I do not know if it was...If my kids only knew what kind of party animal their dear old dad was, they would faint....ha ha

I have 2 girls 11 and 9. I Pray that my "life stories" don't come out. My wife is a "Nun" compared to me.

406 WriterMom  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:22:12pm

re: #400 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

For they shall inherit my girth.

That's how it goes, right?

407 joncelli  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:22:37pm

re: #399 MandyManners

Well, I work for a notoriously liberal bunch. But you're right.

408 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:22:43pm

re: #399 MandyManners

She's not naked!

[Link: www2.victoriassecret.com...]

My company servers think she is. They keep blocking her.......

409 eschew_obfuscation  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:22:50pm

re: #390 Kenneth

Yes, that is my understanding. And when the inevitable happened, widespread default on the subprime mortgages, the underlying equity of those financial instruments evaporated. The 30 times leverage they were using turned around and worked in reverse, taking down bank after bank. The politicians built a house of cards and then a down turn in the economy pulled the bottom card (subprime mortgages) out.

That's about what I thought.... I don't understand the "30 times leverage" reference though. Who was doing the borrowing there, and against what 'asset'?

410 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:22:51pm

re: #405 Erik The Red

My wife is a "Nun" compared to me.

Me too, but I still give her shit because I have never been arrested and she has.

411 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:22:52pm

re: #368 HoosierHoops

Good Afternoon Lizards! How everyone is well today..
I have the coolest link today for you..A street artist that draws 3d chalk art..Check it out:
[Link: www.jokersvillage.com...]

WOW!

That is amazing!

412 WriterMom  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:22:54pm

re: #405 Erik The Red

Better get the "how I met your mommy" story solid now!

413 reine.de.tout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:23:13pm

Interesting, from a friend of mine who is in the know about these things:

Thanks, ___.
I have a lot of respect for Benedict, but in some ways he's living in an era of 50 years ago. I read in the past few days that he just shook up a number of Curia positions. The speculation is that they have not kept him properly informed, etc. As his letter says, this thing has terribly pained him. He did not consult as he should have and his advisors did him a grave injustice - partly because of their incompetence and lack of savy about how to access pertinent info. This is sad and a terrible reflection on the Vatican. Thanks for sending this.

414 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:23:20pm

re: #399 MandyManners

She's not naked!

I'll get to work on that.

415 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:23:37pm

re: #400 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

"What did he say?"
"Something about 'Blessed are the cheesemakers.'"

And of course everybody in the related dairy industries.......

416 MJ  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:23:40pm

re: #391 MandyManners

Isn't she the idiot who wanted to "socialize" the economy?


That's her.
Maxine Waters Wants To "Socialize" Oil Companies

417 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:23:45pm

re: #336 Erik The Red

Durban Poison

That was my kind of porn.

Like this:

[Link: www.ggdub.com...]

418 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:23:48pm

One of my favorite holidays from my childhood.....
Holi, Festival of Colors( Pics)

Holi, also called the Festival of Colors, is a popular Hindu spring festival observed in India, and many other countries around the world. Holi, is celebrated by people throwing colored powder and colored water at each other.

The entire country turns into a water balloon fight with colored die. It's a riot.

419 chicagodudewhotrades  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:24:05pm

re: #391 MandyManners


Close. she wants to nationalize the oil industry

420 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:24:33pm
421 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:25:09pm

re: #391 MandyManners

Isn't she the idiot who wanted to "socialize" the economy?

Isn't she also the one that screeched "No justice, no peace".....?

422 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:25:10pm

re: #371 Kenneth

Some lefty UK journalists are pissed at Gordan and NuLab for not being sufficiently "progressive"

There are always some - everywhere.
I bet there are some moaning already about PB0 not being 'progressive' enough ...

423 WriterMom  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:25:27pm

re: #399 MandyManners

BOOOOOOBIES! PANTIES! MARY JANE! OH MY!

424 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:25:28pm

re: #418 Killgore Trout

The entire country turns into a water balloon fight with colored die

RACIST!

425 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:25:30pm
426 A Man for all Seasons  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:25:40pm

re: #391 MandyManners

Isn't she the idiot who wanted to "socialize" the economy?


Yes Mandy..That's her..She said it on Meet the Press awhile back.
She is an embarrassment

427 Van Helsing  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:25:57pm

re: #421 LGoPs

Isn't she also the one that screeched "No justice, no peace".....?

I'm guessing that her idea of 'justice' and man are going to be completely different.

428 Racer X  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:26:24pm

re: #391 MandyManners

Isn't she the idiot who wanted to "socialize" the economy?

Yes.

Maxine Waters is also the idiot who chastised Republican lawmakers for wanting to place regulations on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. She called the investigation a "lynching" of Franklin Raines. This was in 2003, iirc.

429 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:26:28pm

re: #420 buzzsawmonkey

Or at least get her own palm greased.

No, thats the husband.

430 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:26:31pm

re: #421 LGoPs

Isn't she also the one that screeched "No justice, no peace".....?

Before the Rodney King riots?

431 WriterMom  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:26:49pm

ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

432 Van Helsing  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:27:33pm

re: #427 Van Helsing

I'm guessing that her idea of 'justice' and man mine are going to be completely different.

my fingers are not my friend today.

433 WriterMom  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:27:44pm

No new comments?

I may have to start singing showtunes.

434 Kosh's Shadow  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:27:55pm

re: #378 Occasional Reader

"Blessed are the poop!"
[squints at teleprompter]

"Poor! Sorry... 'poor', that makes a lot more sense."

Sure it wasn't "Blessed are the cheesemakers?"

435 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:28:16pm

re: #272 LGoPs

I stand corrected on my history....
*Bows*

It's all good. Your point was well taken. Corrections to help the point be made are what friends do. Sorry I'm not posting much. I'm at my parent's house helping my dad with some things.

436 WriterMom  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:28:19pm

re: #432 Van Helsing

That sounds like some crazy Emu haiku line.

437 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:28:25pm

re: #427 Van Helsing

I'm guessing that her idea of 'justice' and man are going to be completely different.

My recollection is that her statement were made in conjuction with the Rodney King incident that eventaully led to riots and 50+ dead here in LA. And she still has her seat. Only in America.
/

438 eschew_obfuscation  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:28:59pm

re: #433 WriterMom

No new comments?

I may have to start singing showtunes.

Comment
Comment
Comment
Comment
Comment
Comment
.
.
.
.
Dis ole comment go on and on and end some time in May
/Bugs Bunny

439 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:29:01pm
440 A Man for all Seasons  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:29:11pm

re: #433 WriterMom

No new comments?

I may have to start singing showtunes.


Clang Clang Clang goes the trolley...

441 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:29:14pm

re: #425 Iron Fist

Oh, I've had heron at my house before. They are quite prolific around here.

Believe it or not, I've seen heron right smack in the middle of Washington, DC. (Somewhat easy to say, since Rock Creek Park runs right, smack through the middle of the city.) (No pun intended with the "smack".)

442 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:29:28pm

re: #431 WriterMom

ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

There is a lot to ew about here, which is it?

1. Janet Reno and Donna Shalal Jello wrestling
2. Helen Thomas' thong breaking
3. Speculation on the Brazilian wax Ms. Thomas may or may not sport
4. The stench of rotting potatoes, or
5. Maxine Waters' husband's greased palm?

Did I miss any?

443 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:29:29pm

From Wiki.

Waters was included by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington ("CREW") among its 2005 list of the thirteen "Most Corrupt Members of Congress" list[18] and on the 2006 list[19] for "her exercise of this power to financially benefit her daughter, husband and son." She was not included on subsequent lists.[20][21][22]


[edit] KTLA licensing opposition
After the Los Angeles Times published allegations of nepotism against Waters, Waters filed a request with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deny a renewal of the broadcast license for KTLA-TV, a station owned by the newspaper. Claiming that "The Los Angeles Times has had an inordinate effect on public opinion and has used it to harm the local community in specific instances," Waters requested that the FCC force the paper to either sell its station or risk losing that station's broadcast rights.[23] Such challenges, according to Broadcasting & Cable Magazine, "raise the specter of costly legal battles to defend station holdings. ... At a minimum, defending against one would cost tens of thousands of dollars in lawyers' fees and probably delay license renewal about three months."[24] Waters' petition was ultimately unsuccessful.[citation needed]


[edit] Los Angeles riots of 1992
During the Los Angeles riots of 1992, Waters appeared on television as a commentator. In defense of the people that looted stores and damaged property, Waters said "If you call it a riot it sounds like it was just a bunch of crazy people who went out and did bad things for no reason. I maintain it was somewhat understandable, if not acceptable. So I call it a rebellion."[25]


Fucking lunatic.

444 scottishbuzzsaw  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:29:36pm

re: #433 WriterMom

No new comments?

I may have to start singing showtunes.

"So if you care to find me, look to the western sky. As someone told me lately, everyone deserves the chance to fly! And if I'm flying solo, at least I'm flying free!"

445 godfrey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:30:00pm

Will someone please take these twins off my hands?

446 WriterMom  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:30:13pm
447 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:30:16pm

re: #434 Kosh's Shadow

Sure it wasn't "Blessed are the cheesemakers?"

Reminds me, I really have to add Life of Brian to my Netflix queue. Believe it or not, I've never seen the entire flick.

448 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:30:29pm

re: #370 Creeping Eruption


Oh yes, young Padwan.

449 opnion  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:30:43pm

re: #391 MandyManners

Isn't she the idiot who wanted to "socialize" the economy?

At least the automotive industry. She stumbled & fumbled before she finally said "Nationalize."

450 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:30:48pm

re: #434 Kosh's Shadow

Sure it wasn't "Blessed are the cheesemakers?"

He might say that in Wisconsin, though. ;)

451 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:31:09pm

re: #412 WriterMom

Better get the "how I met your mommy" story solid now!

This is for MY GIRLS.
RULES FOR DATING MY DAUGHTER

Rule One:
If you pull into my driveway and honk you’d better be delivering a package, because you’re sure not picking anything up.

Rule Two:
You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter’s body, I will remove them.

Rule Three:
I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don’t take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, infact come off during the course of you date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.

Rule Four:
I’m sure you’ve been told that in today’s world, sex without utilizing a “Barrier method” of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrrier, and I will kill you.

Rule Five:
It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is: “early”

Rule Six:
I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.

Rule Seven:
As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process than can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of just standing there, why don’t you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?

TBC

452 CapeCoddah  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:31:13pm

Rep. Maxine Waters Helped Bank Whose Stock She Once Owned
[Link: online.wsj.com...]
An interesting tale.

453 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:31:16pm

re: #425 Iron Fist

Oh, I've had heron at my house before. They are quite prolific around here. They look weird as hell standing out of water. It took me a minute to figure out what that was standing in my yard.

You're not a heron addict, are you?
:)

454 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:31:20pm

re: #418 Killgore Trout

One of my favorite holidays from my childhood.....
Holi, Festival of Colors( Pics)

The entire country turns into a water balloon fight with colored die. It's a riot.

Pagan :)

455 UFO TOFU  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:31:29pm

re: #443 MandyManners

Wow. What a piece of shit.

456 Van Helsing  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:31:41pm

re: #436 WriterMom

That sounds like some crazy Emu haiku line.

My fingers are not
My friend today and my brain
Does not help either

457 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:31:45pm

Rule Eight:
The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden tool. Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to introduce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka - zipped up to her throat. Movies with a strong romantic or sexual theme are to be avoided; movies which features chain saws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks homes are better.
Rule Nine:
Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged, dimwitted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house.
Rule Ten:
Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy near Hanoi. When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveways you should exit the car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The camoflaged face at the window is mine.

458 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:32:03pm

re: #446 WriterMom

Berlin funds Ant-Grump initiative.

I hate grumpy ants.

459 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:32:15pm

re: #418 Killgore Trout

One of my favorite holidays from my childhood.....
Holi, Festival of Colors( Pics)

The entire country turns into a water balloon fight with colored die. It's a riot.

But the white people live?
/

460 Racer X  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:32:36pm

Did someone say Brazilian Wax?

Cheeky kid.

461 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:32:43pm

re: #446 WriterMom

Berlin funds Ant-Grump initiative.

Legalize weed.

Problem solved.

462 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:32:59pm

re: #409 eschew_obfuscation

You can have $100,000 of equity in your house, and use that to borrow maybe 5 times the amount in a mortgage. These brainiacs figured that by pooling thousands of mortages, they were spreading out the risk, and therefore diluting it, and then could borrow at even greater leverage ratios.

Institutions with $10 billion in assets were insuring other institutions for 30 times that amount, $300 billion. These institutions were in turn using default credit swaps to lend other institutions $10 trillion, and so on. There were huge amounts of virtual money passing back and forth. They convinced themselves they had the correct mathematical formulae for evaluating risk and therefore were safe. They forgot that the underlying assets, mortgages included some very unsound subprime mortgages. The house of cards collapsed.

Leverage works in both directions. When the debts were called in, the banks had no only 1/30th of the assets to cover their obligations. And so it all came tumbling down.

463 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:33:23pm

re: #447 Occasional Reader

Reminds me, I really have to add Life of Brian to my Netflix queue. Believe it or not, I've never seen the entire flick.


OK.

That's it.

I'm coming to DC.

YOu have to see all their fliks.

464 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:33:24pm

re: #446 WriterMom

Berlin funds Ant-Grump initiative.

Ha! That's going to be a tough project for the Germans. They're only happy when drunk.

465 opnion  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:33:26pm

re: #449 opnion

At least the automotive industry. She stumbled & fumbled before she finally said "Nationalize."

I'm wrong, it was the Oil companies.

466 joncelli  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:33:26pm

re: #446 WriterMom

So how do you cheer up ants, anyway?

/Scurries away rapidly.

467 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:33:54pm

re: #455 UFO TOFU

Wow. What a piece of shit.

Don't insult shit, please.

468 Desert Dog  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:34:01pm

re: #464 Killgore Trout

Ha! That's going to be a tough project for the Germans. They're only happy when drunk.

AND/OR INVADING FRANCE

469 Van Helsing  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:34:09pm

re: #464 Killgore Trout

Ha! That's going to be a tough project for the Germans. They're only happy when drunk.

And the problem is...?

470 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:34:24pm

re: #454 Walter L. Newton

Pagan :)


Polytheist!

471 Kosh's Shadow  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:34:40pm

re: #439 Iron Fist

The meek shall inherit the earth. After the strong are through stripmining it.

The meek shall inherit the Earth. The rest of us will go to the stars.
I forgot wher eI read that.

472 jaunte  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:34:49pm

re: #464 Killgore Trout

Ha! That's going to be a tough project for the Germans. They're only happy when drunk.

Good news for the breweries.

473 Oh no...Sand People!  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:34:56pm

re: #470 Killgore Trout

Polytheist!

You rang?

/sort of...

474 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:34:59pm

First they came for Grumpy, and I said nothing, for I was not Grumpy.
Then they came for Dopey, and still I was silent, for I was not Dopey.

475 loppyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:35:08pm

Greetings Lizard Nation....

Happy to be home after a day filled with endless encounters with hacks.

476 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:35:13pm

re: #413 reine.de.tout

Interesting, from a friend of mine who is in the know about these things:

Thanks, ___.
I have a lot of respect for Benedict, but in some ways he's living in an era of 50 years ago. I read in the past few days that he just shook up a number of Curia positions. The speculation is that they have not kept him properly informed, etc. As his letter says, this thing has terribly pained him. He did not consult as he should have and his advisors did him a grave injustice - partly because of their incompetence and lack of savy about how to access pertinent info. This is sad and a terrible reflection on the Vatican. Thanks for sending this.


Hiya, {reine}

Interesting that - but I see this differently.
It would have been a sad and terrible reflection on the Vatican if there had been a continuous silence.
That Pope Benedict has apologised, in no uncertain terms, and without the weasel words we're used to hear from our politicians, is something which I find admirable.
I also think that we'd have to seek far and wide to find a corporation of comparable importance as the Vatican to come out with such a clear admission of mistakes made.

477 Desert Dog  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:35:41pm

re: #474 Occasional Reader

First they came for Grumpy, and I said nothing, for I was not Grumpy.
Then they came for Dopey, and still I was silent, for I was not Dopey.

Are you sure about that? You are kinda goofy......

478 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:35:46pm

re: #462 Kenneth

You can have $100,000 of equity in your house, and use that to borrow maybe 5 times the amount in a mortgage. These brainiacs figured that by pooling thousands of mortages, they were spreading out the risk, and therefore diluting it, and then could borrow at even greater leverage ratios.

Institutions with $10 billion in assets were insuring other institutions for 30 times that amount, $300 billion. These institutions were in turn using default credit swaps to lend other institutions $10 trillion, and so on. There were huge amounts of virtual money passing back and forth. They convinced themselves they had the correct mathematical formulae for evaluating risk and therefore were safe. They forgot that the underlying assets, mortgages included some very unsound subprime mortgages. The house of cards collapsed.

Leverage works in both directions. When the debts were called in, the banks had no only 1/30th of the assets to cover their obligations. And so it all came tumbling down.

And these were educated MBA's no doubt that came up with those schemes. So educated they were stupid. And we're paying the price.

479 itellu3times  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:35:49pm

re: #347 eschew_obfuscation

O.K....please help out here....

I thought Credit Default Swaps were essentially insurance issued largely by AIG to cover the not-easily-quantifiable risk inherent in mortgage backed securities that were purchased from the likes of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Am I completely confused? or is there some semblance of correctness to that?

Well, that's one way of looking at it. The more generic statement is that CDS is a way to monetize, share, and transfer the risk on any kind of underlying instrument. What I didn't realize is that once the CDS is issued, even the CDS itself is aggregated and sold off to fourth, fifth, and sixth parties in additionally leveraged ways.

AIG apparently issued lots and held onto it, without reserves in hand, and it killed them, but there's trillions more of it still floating around.

All ought to be liquidated and cancelled, IMHO, the underlying concepts have proved not just faulty, but malignant.

480 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:36:23pm

re: #473 Oh no...Sand People!

You rang?

/sort of...

You're a polytheist? Ye gods!

(get it?)

481 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:36:29pm

re: #470 Killgore Trout

Polytheist!

Not me brother.

482 Ojoe  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:36:49pm

From Pope Benedict's letter:

The real problem at this moment of our history is that God is disappearing from the human horizon, and, with the dimming of the light which comes from God, humanity is losing its bearings, with increasingly evident destructive effects.
"Leading men and women to God, to the God who speaks in the Bible: this is the supreme and fundamental priority of the Church and of the Successor of Peter at the present time. A logical consequence of this is that we must have at heart the unity of all believers. Their disunity, their disagreement among themselves, calls into question the credibility of their talk of God. Hence the effort to promote a common witness by Christians to their faith ecumenism is part of the supreme priority. Added to this is the need for all those who believe in God to join in seeking peace, to attempt to draw closer to one another, and to journey together, even with their differing images of God, towards the source of Light this is interreligious dialogue. Whoever proclaims that God is Love 'to the end' has to bear witness to love: in loving devotion to the suffering, in the rejection of hatred and enmity this is the social dimension of the Christian faith...

483 jaunte  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:37:12pm

Maisey is a polly theist.

484 eschew_obfuscation  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:37:21pm

re: #462 Kenneth

You can have $100,000 of equity in your house, and use that to borrow maybe 5 times the amount in a mortgage. These brainiacs figured that by pooling thousands of mortages, they were spreading out the risk, and therefore diluting it, and then could borrow at even greater leverage ratios.

Institutions with $10 billion in assets were insuring other institutions for 30 times that amount, $300 billion. These institutions were in turn using default credit swaps to lend other institutions $10 trillion, and so on. There were huge amounts of virtual money passing back and forth. They convinced themselves they had the correct mathematical formulae for evaluating risk and therefore were safe. They forgot that the underlying assets, mortgages included some very unsound subprime mortgages. The house of cards collapsed.

Leverage works in both directions. When the debts were called in, the banks had no only 1/30th of the assets to cover their obligations. And so it all came tumbling down.

Thanks for that!

That was a piece I was missing...

485 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:37:21pm

re: #474 Occasional Reader

First they came for Grumpy, and I said nothing, for I was not Grumpy.
Then they came for Dopey, and still I was silent, for I was not Dopey.

But then they came for Pissy, and I raised my hand and said "That's me!"

486 OldLineTexan  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:37:32pm

re: #463 Ben Hur

OK.

That's it.

I'm coming to DC.

YOu have to see all their fliks.

He's NOT the Messiah. He's a very naughty boy!

487 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:37:43pm

re: #477 Desert Dog

Are you sure about that? You are kinda goofy......

I'll warn you, I'm not Bashful about defending myself. If I wind up to swing, you'd better Doc.

488 scottishbuzzsaw  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:37:51pm

re: #483 jaunte

Maisey is a polly theist.

LOL!

489 Desert Dog  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:38:08pm

re: #478 LGoPs

And these were educated MBA's no doubt that came up with those schemes. So educated they were stupid. And we're paying the price.

Don't worry, the government backs it all up....and, it just so happens they own several printing presses that can make new shiny dollars at a moments notice! And, if they need more, I hear Zimbabwe has a few that are speedy as well.

/

490 OldLineTexan  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:38:12pm

re: #480 Occasional Reader

You're a polytheist? Ye gods!

(get it?)

Watch your phraseology, young lady.

/

491 Oh no...Sand People!  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:38:26pm

Dude...my browser froze and double posted...

492 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:38:39pm
493 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:38:40pm
494 godfrey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:38:58pm

The G7 is no more. Now there is a G20.

495 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:38:58pm

re: #463 Ben Hur

OK.

That's it.

I'm coming to DC.

YOu have to see all their fliks.

Well, Netflix can set me up with that. But drop me a line (so to speak), when you hit the town, we'll shoot stuff and get drunk.

496 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:39:14pm

re: #451 Erik The Red

Thank you for posting that, I needed it. So funny it hurts.

497 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:39:16pm

re: #483 jaunte

Maisey is a polly theist.

WHAT?

498 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:39:17pm

re: #486 OldLineTexan

He's NOT the Messiah. He's a very naughty boy!

Ah! THat reminds me.

How long are we Republicans required to wander in the wilderness?

499 loppyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:39:40pm

re: #495 Occasional Reader

Well, Netflix can set me up with that. But drop me a line (so to speak), when you hit the town, we'll shoot stuff and get drunk.

That sounds fun!

Can I come?

500 scottishbuzzsaw  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:39:41pm

re: #490 OldLineTexan

Watch your phraseology, young lady.

/

"You couldn't be clearer if you were a button hook in the well water....yezz."

501 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:39:42pm

re: #482 Ojoe

From Pope Benedict's letter:

The real problem at this moment of our history is that God is disappearing from the human horizon, and, with the dimming of the light which comes from God, humanity is losing its bearings, with increasingly evident destructive effects.
"Leading men and women to God, to the God who speaks in the Bible: this is the supreme and fundamental priority of the Church and of the Successor of Peter at the present time. A logical consequence of this is that we must have at heart the unity of all believers. Their disunity, their disagreement among themselves, calls into question the credibility of their talk of God. Hence the effort to promote a common witness by Christians to their faith ecumenism is part of the supreme priority. Added to this is the need for all those who believe in God to join in seeking peace, to attempt to draw closer to one another, and to journey together, even with their differing images of God, towards the source of Light this is interreligious dialogue. Whoever proclaims that God is Love 'to the end' has to bear witness to love: in loving devotion to the suffering, in the rejection of hatred and enmity this is the social dimension of the Christian faith...

Very true. I am really glad that man is Pope. He has made some mistakes, but overall he does very well.

502 itellu3times  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:39:52pm

re: #489 Desert Dog

Don't worry, the government backs it all up....and, it just so happens they own several printing presses that can make new shiny dollars at a moments notice! And, if they need more, I hear Zimbabwe has a few that are speedy as well.

/

I hear North Korea makes an especially fine $100 bill.

And for a small extra fee, you can get the customized version with your avatar on it.

503 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:39:53pm

re: #494 godfrey

The G7 is no more. Now there is a G20.

Why not just let everyone in & make it a G200-something?
/how many countries are there?

504 debutaunt  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:40:04pm

re: #264 Sharmuta

Preview Is My..... Pimp? My Lucking Pimp?

hahahahahahhahaahhahaaaa

505 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:40:04pm

It's past my pillow time. See you on the LNDT.

506 jorline  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:40:16pm

Question

How do these two banks report a profit when they they're receiving TARP money?

$15,000,000,000 Bank of America Corporation
$3,000,000,000 Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
$25,000,000,000 Citigroup Inc.
$10,000,000,000 The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
$25,000,000,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co.
$10,000,000,000 Morgan Stanley
$2,000,000,000 State Street Corporation
$25,000,000,000 Wells Fargo & Company
$10,000,000,000 Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
$17,000,000 Bank of Commerce Holdings
$16,369,000 1st FS Corporation
$298,737,000 UCBH Holdings, Inc.
$1,576,000,000 Northern Trust Corporation
$3,500,000,000 SunTrust Banks, Inc.
$9,000,000 Broadway Financial Corporation
$200,000,000 Washington Federal Inc.
$3,133,640,000 BB&T Corp.
$151,500,000 Provident Bancshares Corp.
$214,181,000 Umpqua Holdings Corp.
$2,250,000,000 Comerica Inc.
$3,500,000,000 Regions Financial Corp.
$3,555,199,000 Capital One Financial Corporation
$866,540,000 First Horizon National Corporation
$1,398,071,000 Huntington Bancshares
$2,500,000,000 KeyCorp
$300,000,000 Valley National Bancorp
$1,400,000,000 Zions Bancorporation
$1,715,000,000 Marshall & Ilsley Corporation
$6,599,000,000 U.S. Bancorp
$361,172,000 TCF Financial Corporation

Bank of America
Expects to Post Full-Year 2009 Profit

Do I smell another Ponzi Scheme?

507 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:40:23pm

re: #495 Occasional Reader

Well, Netflix can set me up with that. But drop me a line (so to speak), when you hit the town, we'll shoot stuff and get drunk.

Guns, right?

Because smack scares the shit out of this pothead.

508 Oh no...Sand People!  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:40:37pm

re: #491 Oh no...Sand People!

Dude...my browser froze and double posted...

Wait..never mind...somehow it showed the thread go to 480 and then restarted at 450...but upon a refresh it fixed itself...

509 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:40:39pm

re: #443 MandyManners

From Wiki.

Waters was included by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington ("CREW") among its 2005 list of the thirteen "Most Corrupt Members of Congress" list[18] and on the 2006 list[19] for "her exercise of this power to financially benefit her daughter, husband and son." She was not included on subsequent lists.[20][21][22]


[edit] KTLA licensing opposition
After the Los Angeles Times published allegations of nepotism against Waters, Waters filed a request with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deny a renewal of the broadcast license for KTLA-TV, a station owned by the newspaper. Claiming that "The Los Angeles Times has had an inordinate effect on public opinion and has used it to harm the local community in specific instances," Waters requested that the FCC force the paper to either sell its station or risk losing that station's broadcast rights.[23] Such challenges, according to Broadcasting & Cable Magazine, "raise the specter of costly legal battles to defend station holdings. ... At a minimum, defending against one would cost tens of thousands of dollars in lawyers' fees and probably delay license renewal about three months."[24] Waters' petition was ultimately unsuccessful.[citation needed]


[edit] Los Angeles riots of 1992
During the Los Angeles riots of 1992, Waters appeared on television as a commentator. In defense of the people that looted stores and damaged property, Waters said "If you call it a riot it sounds like it was just a bunch of crazy people who went out and did bad things for no reason. I maintain it was somewhat understandable, if not acceptable. So I call it a rebellion."[25]


Fucking lunatic.

What are you.....a RACIST?
Don'cha know that Republicans are the corrupt ones.
VEE tink, maybe you need to be re-educated.......
/

510 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:40:57pm

re: #492 Iron Fist

A couple of years ago, there was a Black Bear seen just down the road from where my girlfriend lives. I saw one on my way home from work one day. I saw this big black dog laying beside the road, and as I got closer he got bushier and bigger. When I was right on him he yawned, opening about a mile of sharp teeth. It wasn't a dog, it was a bear.

Deer are everywhere. Deer are dangerous animals. If you hit one with a car it can kill you. We've got hawks, turkeys, fox, and possums. Beaver here and there, some cleanly shaved, others unshaven...

SMACK! Sorry about that, and I did upding you, but I couldn't let that go entirely.

511 lawhawk  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:41:04pm

re: #480 Occasional Reader

You're a polytheist? Ye gods!

(get it?)

What the frak are you looking at? /BSG

512 redstateredneck  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:41:06pm

re: #499 loppyd

That sounds fun!

Can I come?


Girls are not allowed.

513 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:41:23pm

re: #499 loppyd

That sounds fun!

Can I come?

F*ck yeah.

Have you done your lunges yet today>

514 OldLineTexan  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:41:29pm

re: #498 Ben Hur

Ah! THat reminds me.

How long are we Republicans required to wander in the wilderness?

This entire generation will have to pass.

/it's going to a loooooong millenia.

515 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:42:05pm

re: #492 Iron Fist

there was a Black Bear seen just down the road

If I'm not mistaken, Black Bear have been sighted in the upper reaches of Rock Creek Park (not in the city, AFAIK). I've got some 12 ga. rifled slugs on hand just in case they come into town and get too frisky.

I, personally have seen coyote in RC Park, as well as fox, owls, and the more mundane raccoon, opossums, and (of course) a bizillion white tailed deer. That's something I love about this city.

516 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:42:17pm

re: #496 Kenneth

Thank you for posting that, I needed it. So funny it hurts.

I don't know who is more scared. My wife or my girls. I can't wait until their first date at 35.

517 debutaunt  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:42:20pm

re: #286 scottishbuzzsaw

Speek four yorsef, hun...sum of us r purfict.

PIRP

518 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:42:32pm

re: #499 loppyd

That sounds fun!

Can I come?

A girl? In OUR treehouse?! I dunno...
/

519 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:42:51pm

re: #512 redstateredneck

Girls are not allowed.

Is that a young Barney Frank on the right?

520 Ojoe  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:42:59pm

re: #501 Dark_Falcon

The RCC is an anchor in these lost times.

521 loppyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:43:00pm

re: #513 Ben Hur

F*ck yeah.

Have you done your lunges yet today>

Of course!

522 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:43:14pm

re: #506 jorline

$1,400,000,000 Zions Bancorporation

AHA!

523 itellu3times  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:43:19pm

re: #506 jorline

How do these two banks report a profit when they they're receiving TARP money?
...
Do I smell another Ponzi Scheme?

Not necessarily.

First, it seems a lot of the banks were coerced into accepting money they didn't really need!

Second, most of the funds went to shoring up their capital structure.

Say you go to work every day and get paid, and show a profit for the year, ... while termites eat your home. Well, the TARP money went to repair termite damage. Sort of.

HTH.

524 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:43:27pm

re: #515 Occasional Reader

If I'm not mistaken, Black Bear have been sighted in the upper reaches of Rock Creek Park (not in the city, AFAIK). I've got some 12 ga. rifled slugs on hand just in case they come into town and get too frisky.

I, personally have seen coyote in RC Park, as well as fox, owls, and the more mundane raccoon, opossums, and (of course) a bizillion white tailed deer. That's something I love about this city.

The dumpsters outside my apartment have been frequented by raccoon, opossums & even vultures - very creepy looking birds!

525 redstateredneck  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:43:27pm

re: #519 MandyManners

Is that a young Barney Frank on the right?

Could explain the woman haters thing.

526 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:43:43pm

re: #507 Ben Hur

Guns, right?

Because smack scares the shit out of this pothead.

Compromise; we'll shoot up heron.

527 Jack Burton  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:43:43pm

re: #451 Erik The Red

If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process than can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge.

This is why you always tell your date, girlfriend, or wife that everything starts a half hour to an hour earlier than it actually does.

Movie starts at 8pm: "Hun we have to be there by 7"

We are hardly ever late to anything.

528 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:43:43pm

re: #478 LGoPs

I bet it made perfect sense to them, in Manager speak ... like this:
Corporate babble

I'm sorry to hit you with this, but can you help me make sense of this ad - for a job (I think) with Transport for London. Inserted by the Office of the Mayor of London (a Tory, for heaven's sake), it has been appearing in a number of national publications:

Director of Programme and Project Management London - Competitive salary + excellent benefits

“Our IM service offering is undergoing a period of change and our newly created ‘Your IM' team now supports TfL's business requirements and provides strategic direction and implements common policies/initiatives to integrate our data. Spearheading this change, you'll prioritise business IM improvement initiatives and ensure the alignment of projects with overall business strategies. Managing a dedicated implementation team you'll also investigate and develop new initiatives, always ensuring successful governance, delivery assurance and financial control mechanisms are in place. Experience of leading multiple projects/programmes simultaneously and managing change as well as considerable commercial acumen (with £75m+ budget responsibility) and first class influencing skills are all essential as is PRINCE and MSP accreditations and ITIL and ISO20000 knowledge.”

So many acronyms. So little meaning. Have you the least idea what the job actually entails? Baffled, I followed the internet link and was plunged into an even bigger torrent of corporate babble: a prospectus in which the word “strategy” or “strategic” appeared 16 times, yet with no hint of what the strategy was.

The following bit was my favourite: “cross-portfolio leadership in a cross-modal, multi-functional, matrix managed IM organisation, whilst promoting the IM Vision and directing as necessary to ensure the directorates goals are achieved inline with IM strategy and objectives...”.

Applications close on March 27.

Yes, Rory, we are indeed all doomed.
[Link: www.timesonline.co.uk...]

529 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:43:57pm

re: #478 LGoPs

It goes back to the Black–Scholes model. These were the 2 PhD economists who figured it all out. Won the Nobel Prize for economics too.

530 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:44:02pm

re: #526 Occasional Reader

Compromise; we'll shoot up heron.

Is there a recipe in the cookbook?

531 Sunlight  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:44:06pm

re: #343 rabidsquirrel

I don't the Pope was inferring that anti-semitism was among the "roots" that must be kept as part of historical Catholic doctrine.

What do you think he means, then?

Vatican II says (scroll down on the link to Fourth Period, Nostra Acete):

...the Jews should not be presented as rejected or accursed by God... ...decries hatred, persecutions, displays of anti-Semitism, directed against Jews at any time and by anyone.

Given that Catholic teachings have often perpetuated these beliefs, resulting in actions (which is why they put it in in the first place), then for the pope to say that all past theologies are to be retained:

...need to be reminded that Vatican II embraces the entire doctrinal history of the Church. Anyone who wishes to be obedient to the Council has to accept the faith professed over the centuries, and cannot sever the roots from which the tree draws its life.

The pope seems so involved with these intricacies and so focused on the well being of the "491 priests". He doesn't seem to realize what his coddling of at least one of them who gave a gas-denying interview on public tv does not match the presentation of Vatican II presented when I was a kid. He "deplores" the controversy, but not so much the interviewed priest. He doesn't even say anything about the content of the priest's words. It's nothing personal toward the pope... it's just a practical fear because of the sheer number of people following him...

532 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:44:08pm
533 loppyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:44:30pm

re: #512 redstateredneck

Girls are not allowed.

Ha!

I never hated boys. Probably because I was the only girl in my neighborhood growing up....

534 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:44:34pm

re: #503 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

Why not just let everyone in & make it a G200-something?
/how many countries are there?

With things going the way they are, I'm more tempted to invest in a G3.

535 reine.de.tout  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:44:46pm

re: #476 yma o hyd

Hiya, {reine}

Interesting that - but I see this differently.
It would have been a sad and terrible reflection on the Vatican if there had been a continuous silence.
That Pope Benedict has apologised, in no uncertain terms, and without the weasel words we're used to hear from our politicians, is something which I find admirable.
I also think that we'd have to seek far and wide to find a corporation of comparable importance as the Vatican to come out with such a clear admission of mistakes made.

I don't disagree with you. My concern is this: When the Pope speaks, even when he simply voices his own opinion, he is viewed as speaking for all Catholics. Ill-conceived statements reflect poorly on the Church as a whole. I hope this is the last time we have to have such a letter from him. I think he is a good man, trying to do right. But he does need to choose the best possible advisors, and ones who are savvy as regards up-to-date technology.

536 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:44:50pm

re: #515 Occasional Reader

If I'm not mistaken, Black Bear have been sighted in the upper reaches of Rock Creek Park (not in the city, AFAIK). I've got some 12 ga. rifled slugs on hand just in case they come into town and get too frisky.

I, personally have seen coyote in RC Park, as well as fox, owls, and the more mundane raccoon, opossums, and (of course) a bizillion white tailed deer. That's something I love about this city.

There's a lot of white-tailed dears on Dupont Circle.

And as a side not, that Metro station there is REALLY far underground and that escalator there is enough to make you sick to your stomach.

I rode that a few times when I was in town for the DOE. You can get into the middle of that escalator and you cannot see either end and the vertigo is dangerous IMHO.

537 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:44:52pm

re: #522 Ben Hur

So that's where our Zionist checks come from!

538 chicagodudewhotrades  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:45:03pm

re: #502 itellu3times


Americans may need to go out to the hardware store and buy a wheelbarrow soon. So we can haul loads of dollars around to buy a loaf of bread. Goodie, I want to live like Weimar Germany.

539 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:45:09pm

re: #530 Creeping Eruption

Is there a recipe in the cookbook?

It's the recipe after the one for hash.

540 Kosh's Shadow  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:45:47pm

re: #515 Occasional Reader

In central Mass, we see deer, coyotes, turkeys, and we've seen bear tracks in our yard (but no actual bear). And I've heard fishers, but haven't seen one, except the stuffed one at the vet.
Anyone know when bears come out of hibernation?

541 OldLineTexan  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:45:52pm

re: #532 Iron Fist

The Koreans knew how to handle the riots. It is amazing how quickly someone will decide that they don't have a problem with you, not one at all when you pull a gun on them.

If that doesn't work, shoot them a couple of times and they'll sit right down. Their closest friends and relatives that were just around egging them on will get right scarce about then, too.

It's almost magical :-)

Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

/some sci-fi writer
/not L. Ron Hubbard, tho

542 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:45:55pm

re: #527 ArchangelMichael

This is why you always tell your date, girlfriend, or wife that everything starts a half hour to an hour earlier than it actually does.

Movie starts at 8pm: "Hun we have to be there by 7"

We are hardly ever late to anything.

I am very lucky. My wife is always ready before me.

543 A Man for all Seasons  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:46:01pm

re: #508 Oh no...Sand People!

Wait..never mind...somehow it showed the thread go to 480 and then restarted at 450...but upon a refresh it fixed itself...

uh ha..mmm..So..How did that make you feel?
/I learned that from watching the Today show and the in-depth reporting.

544 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:46:13pm

re: #532 Iron Fist

The Koreans knew how to handle the riots. It is amazing how quickly someone will decide that they don't have a problem with you, not one at all when you pull a gun on them.

If that doesn't work, shoot them a couple of times and they'll sit right down. Their closest friends and relatives that were just around egging them on will get right scarce about then, too.

It's almost magical :-)

Was Reginald Denny disabled for life?

545 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:46:19pm

re: #538 chicagodudewhotrades

Americans may need to go out to the hardware store and buy a wheelbarrow soon. So we can haul loads of dollars around to buy a loaf of bread. Goodie, I want to live like Weimar Germany.

I used to collect Weimar notgeld. At least they were colorful & interesting.

546 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:46:27pm

re: #520 Ojoe

The RCC is an anchor in these lost times.

Not for everyone. I imagine it does a lot of good for certain people, and then again, I imagine it is a terror to some who have had to deal with certain issues.

547 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:46:29pm

re: #539 MandyManners

It's the recipe after the one for hash.

In the stock pot section?

548 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:47:05pm

re: #542 Erik The Red

I am very lucky. My wife is always ready before me.

LOL!

You are lucky!

549 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:47:09pm

re: #516 Erik The Red

My daughter (aged 14 going on 20) is currently putting me through hell on the subject of boys. You have no idea how much I needed that. Printing it out now.

550 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:47:09pm

re: #503 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

Why not just let everyone in & make it a G200-something?
/how many countries are there?

190, according to a PB0 minion ...

551 OldLineTexan  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:47:10pm

re: #547 Creeping Eruption

In the stock pot section?

No, crock pot.

552 UncleRancher  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:47:14pm

re: #540 Kosh's Shadow

The grizzlies are out and about now. A couple of weeks a go I think when it was warm they woke up. Now they're hungry.

553 Ojoe  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:47:34pm

re: #546 Walter L. Newton

I used to despise it. Now I don't.

554 Kosh's Shadow  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:47:34pm

re: #528 yma o hyd

Sounds like a job that Dilbert's boss would fit perfectly.

555 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:47:38pm

re: #545 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

I used to collect Weimar notgeld. At least they were colorful & interesting.

Ha, I was just throwing away some of that crap today, I was cleaning out some of my collectibles.

556 OldLineTexan  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:47:44pm

re: #549 Kenneth

My daughter (aged 14 going on 20) is currently putting me through hell on the subject of boys. You have no idea how much I needed that. Printing it out now.

No dating until after you're married.

557 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:48:06pm
558 eschew_obfuscation  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:48:24pm

re: #506 jorline

Question

How do these two banks report a profit when they they're receiving TARP money?

$15,000,000,000 Bank of America Corporation
$3,000,000,000 Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
$25,000,000,000 Citigroup Inc.
$10,000,000,000 The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
$25,000,000,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co.
$10,000,000,000 Morgan Stanley
$2,000,000,000 State Street Corporation
$25,000,000,000 Wells Fargo & Company
$10,000,000,000 Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
$17,000,000 Bank of Commerce Holdings
$16,369,000 1st FS Corporation
$298,737,000 UCBH Holdings, Inc.
$1,576,000,000 Northern Trust Corporation
$3,500,000,000 SunTrust Banks, Inc.
$9,000,000 Broadway Financial Corporation
$200,000,000 Washington Federal Inc.
$3,133,640,000 BB&T Corp.
$151,500,000 Provident Bancshares Corp.
$214,181,000 Umpqua Holdings Corp.
$2,250,000,000 Comerica Inc.
$3,500,000,000 Regions Financial Corp.
$3,555,199,000 Capital One Financial Corporation
$866,540,000 First Horizon National Corporation
$1,398,071,000 Huntington Bancshares
$2,500,000,000 KeyCorp
$300,000,000 Valley National Bancorp
$1,400,000,000 Zions Bancorporation
$1,715,000,000 Marshall & Ilsley Corporation
$6,599,000,000 U.S. Bancorp
$361,172,000 TCF Financial Corporation

Bank of America
Expects to Post Full-Year 2009 Profit

Do I smell another Ponzi Scheme?

My understanding is that they're making a profit (now), but not nearly fast enough to make up for their capital losses from their stock and the collapse of the mortgage market.

559 Desert Dog  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:48:33pm

re: #502 itellu3times

I hear North Korea makes an especially fine $100 bill.

And for a small extra fee, you can get the customized version with your avatar on it.

They offer free ICBM delivery now too

560 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:48:44pm

re: #515 Occasional Reader

If I'm not mistaken, Black Bear have been sighted in the upper reaches of Rock Creek Park (not in the city, AFAIK). I've got some 12 ga. rifled slugs on hand just in case they come into town and get too frisky.

I, personally have seen coyote in RC Park, as well as fox, owls, and the more mundane raccoon, opossums, and (of course) a bizillion white tailed deer. That's something I love about this city.

Heck, coyotes are everywhere these days. I've even seen one skulking around the edges of a deer herd in a forest preserve clearing near where I live. The deer were taking no chances though, and kept their fawns in the middle of their formation and had multiple eyes on the coyote at all times.

561 OldLineTexan  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:48:52pm

re: #559 Desert Dog

They offer free ICBM delivery now too

30 megatons or it's free!

562 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:48:54pm

re: #553 Ojoe

I used to despise it. Now I don't.

That's good for you, I'm glad you have found something in the RCC that fills a need for you.

Myself, I wouldn't go near them for any money in the world.

563 UncleRancher  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:48:54pm

re: #556 OldLineTexan

No dating until after you're married.

...and have children of your own.

564 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:49:14pm

re: #536 Walter L. Newton

And as a side not, that Metro station there is REALLY far underground and that escalator there is enough to make you sick to your stomach.

I rode that a few times when I was in town for the DOE. You can get into the middle of that escalator and you cannot see either end and the vertigo is dangerous IMHO.

Ah, you amusing out-of-towners. (BTW, you're not supposed to "ride" it; when in Rome, do as Romans do, and walk on it. As Jerry Seinfeld noted about folks who come to a dead stop on airport people movers, "it's not a Disney ride... animatronic pirates aren't about to pop out.")

565 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:49:19pm

re: #538 chicagodudewhotrades

Americans may need to go out to the hardware store and buy a wheelbarrow soon. So we can haul loads of dollars around to buy a loaf of bread. Goodie, I want to live like Weimar Germany.

Money!

566 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:49:30pm

re: #528 yma o hyd

I am a manager and I sit in meetings where I hear this kind of gobbledygook all the time. I'm convinced that 99% of the people listening haven't the slightest idea of what it means. It's just made up language to provide what my wife call 'jobs for the boys'.
She lived in England for a number of years and said that was a common term to describe bullshit jobs.

567 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:49:34pm

re: #549 Kenneth

My daughter (aged 14 going on 20) is currently putting me through hell on the subject of boys. You have no idea how much I needed that. Printing it out now.

Dude I am scared shitless. I have my guns.(Will have to buy new ones when I get back to the US) and they will need a cleaning on the days my girls go on a date.

568 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:49:40pm

re: #555 Walter L. Newton

Ha, I was just throwing away some of that crap today, I was cleaning out some of my collectibles.

Throwing it away? I got some good money selling mine on Ebay.

569 loppyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:50:00pm

My crush on the Jakester deepens.

(part 1 of 2)

Today's Qs for O's WH - 3/12/2009

March 12, 2009 3:20 PM

GIBBS: Jake, happy birthday.

TAPPER: Thank you. Yesterday, in an interview with a bunch of regional newspapers, President Obama suggested that congressional Republicans needed to do more than just say no to what the president and Democrats were proposing. They needed to present alternatives when it comes to stimulating the economy. How does the president reconcile that with the meeting he had with bicameral, bipartisan congressional leaders in, I think, January where House Republicans gave the president a list of ideas and the president said, "I don't see anything crazy on this list," but few of them, if any, were incorporated into the stimulus. It seems that there's a disconnect.

GIBBS: Is this -- are you talking about the meeting that we went to before the president was sworn in, in early January?

TAPPER: Whenever he told Congressman Cantor..(crosstalk)....Cantor gave him a list of -- of things and said -- of suggestions, things they wanted to see in the stimulus. The president said, "I don't see anything crazy on this list," but the Republicans say none of them were -- or few of them were incorporated into the stimulus bill.

GIBBS: Right. I do think -- I think, if you go back and look at the bill, I do think, as you just mentioned, some of their ideas were incorporated. The earlier meeting that we did on Capitol Hill had -- had the same congressman, Eric Cantor, suggesting that, in order for the American people to see transparently what the administration was spending the taxpayer money on for economic recovery, that a Web site be created so that the public could track that funding. That's exactly what the administration has done. And I made a similar argument here yesterday, not just on recovery, but on the budget. We have members of Congress rightly concerned about the growth of deficits and debt, yet at the same time the -- one of the primary drivers of a deficit and a debt are our obligations to Medicare, and Medicaid, and health care spending.

If they're concerned about the deficit, the best way to exercise that concern, if you're critical of what the administration has proposed, would be to come up with, as I said yesterday, an honest budgeting document that pays for both wars, that pays -- takes into account natural disasters or future money for economic and financial stability, and does so in a way that demonstrates clearly for the American people that you're putting this country back on a path towards fiscal responsibility and fiscal sustainability. Certainly the president would welcome looking at -- the administration, I'm sure all of Congress would welcome looking at a document very similar to that.

My disdain for the Dough Boy, Gibbs, also deepens.

570 Kosh's Shadow  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:50:33pm

re: #552 UncleRancher

The grizzlies are out and about now. A couple of weeks a go I think when it was warm they woke up. Now they're hungry.

Thanks. I'd guess the black bears are awake or waking up soon. That means I have to be careful taking the dogs outside.
I don't think we have any grizzlies in Mass, except for taxpayers looking at our governor's plans.

571 OldLineTexan  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:50:56pm

re: #568 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

Throwing it away? I got some good money selling mine on Ebay.

I'd give you something for it. My son collects foreign currency (sort of), and I guess currency from a defunct country counts, right?

572 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:51:08pm

re: #557 Iron Fist

Might be Authur C. Clark. Might be Larry Niven. Might even be Heinlein, but i don't think so. I've read the quote before, but I don't remember who it was.

I think it was Asimov.

573 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:51:12pm

re: #547 Creeping Eruption

In the stock pot section?

OLT beat me to it.

574 NYCHardhat  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:51:22pm

re: #567 Erik The Red

Dude I am scared shitless. I have my guns.(Will have to buy new ones when I get back to the US) and they will need a cleaning on the days my girls go on a date.

I think I will buy some ammo tonight.

575 loppyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:51:29pm

Part 2 of 2


TAPPER: If the president incorporated some of -- if the Democrats on Capitol Hill and the president incorporated some of the Republican ideas, Why would the president say the Republican Party is a party of no -- no ideas?

GIBBS: Well, I -- I do think you've heard, certainly, recently a lot more criticism than you've heard suggestions. I think you've -- I think the obligation of anybody involved -- I'll quote my friend, Warren Buffett, again, that he certainly made mention of the fact that Democrats and Republicans, because of the gravity of the situation and the many challenges that we face, should work together. I think working together would include sharing ideas on -- on both sides of the aisle about what has to be done. There's, you know, co-equal branches of government. I think it's important that everybody be involved in a healthy debate about the solutions that might surround a recovery plan and how to get our economy growing for the long term.

Oh and Happy Birthday Jake!

576 chicagodudewhotrades  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:51:40pm

re: #545 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

Interesting. I guess there were enough around for a while. Any collector's value in them now?

577 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:52:04pm

re: #571 OldLineTexan

I'd give you something for it. My son collects foreign currency (sort of), and I guess currency from a defunct country counts, right?

I collect foreign currency. If you have ANY Euros, I will be glad to get take them off you hands, free, it won't even cost you, I'll send postage.

578 WriterMom  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:52:19pm

re: #458 MandyManners

LOL. Typos are MAH FRIEND!

579 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:52:33pm
580 WriterMom  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:52:34pm

re: #575 loppyd

LOPPAH!

581 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:53:11pm

re: #567 Erik The Red

The first and last line of defense in protecting your daughter from predatory boys is your daughter's attitude. Talk to her about it now and lead with a good example.

G'nite all.

582 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:53:21pm

re: #572 Occasional Reader

I think it was Asimov.

"What about Ray Bradbury?"
"I'm aware of his works."
/obscure Simpsons quote

583 opnion  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:53:32pm

re: #560 Dark_Falcon

Heck, coyotes are everywhere these days. I've even seen one skulking around the edges of a deer herd in a forest preserve clearing near where I live. The deer were taking no chances though, and kept their fawns in the middle of their formation and had multiple eyes on the coyote at all times.

Coyotes just don't seem to retreat from their habitat. As we move in they just adapt.
The other morning I let the dog out, forgot about it & went to work.
Her screaming, got my wife downstairs on the run. Two coyotes had her cornered on the deck (They were still at the bottom)
The dog flew through the door & the coyotes just skulked away.
I now go out with the dog.

584 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:53:38pm

re: #577 Walter L. Newton

I collect foreign currency.

Don't bother with the Canadian stuff - it's completely loonie.

585 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:53:41pm

re: #535 reine.de.tout

I don't disagree with you. My concern is this: When the Pope speaks, even when he simply voices his own opinion, he is viewed as speaking for all Catholics. Ill-conceived statements reflect poorly on the Church as a whole. I hope this is the last time we have to have such a letter from him. I think he is a good man, trying to do right. But he does need to choose the best possible advisors, and ones who are savvy as regards up-to-date technology.

He does indeed, and I think he'll now get them.
Mind - he is of a generation not exactly internet-savvy, nor can I see his cardinals being especially tech-geeky!

One thing we can bank on - 'Twitter' the Pope will not!

586 Ben Hur  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:53:54pm

re: #575 loppyd

I'll quote my friend, Warren Buffett, again, that he certainly made mention of the fact that Democrats and Republicans, because of the gravity of the situation and the many challenges that we face, should work together

.

The man just lost 16+ BILLION dollars of his wealth.

LEarn when NOT to quote someone.

587 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:53:58pm
588 OldLineTexan  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:54:02pm

re: #577 Walter L. Newton

I collect foreign currency. If you have ANY Euros, I will be glad to get take them off you hands, free, it won't even cost you, I'll send postage.

I think he probably has about 3-4 Euros total that his sister brought home in change from a brief trip to Europe. He has NT (Taiwan), RMB (China) and Hong Kong dollars from my trip, along with a single 20,000 Vietnamese Dong note that is worth maybe a buck.

589 MandyManners  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:54:19pm

re: #575 loppyd

I bet Gibbs has to ice his tongue after those stumbles.

590 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:54:26pm

re: #584 Occasional Reader

Don't bother with the Canadian stuff - it's completely loonie.

I leaf through it sometimes, not much to see.

591 Ward Cleaver  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:54:40pm

re: #538 chicagodudewhotrades

Americans may need to go out to the hardware store and buy a wheelbarrow soon. So we can haul loads of dollars around to buy a loaf of bread. Goodie, I want to live like Weimar Germany.

If we get bored, we can always go to the Cabaret.

592 Kosh's Shadow  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:54:49pm

One night, I had the dogs outside and a coyote howled. The largest dog with me, a 55-lb standard poodle, ran to the door and whimpered.
It is our small dogs that would get in trouble.

593 WriterMom  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:55:02pm

re: #495 Occasional Reader

I'm gonna be pretty pissed if I don't get an invite.

594 NYCHardhat  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:55:18pm

re: #586 Ben Hur

.

The man just lost 16+ BILLION dollars of his wealth.

LEarn when NOT to quote someone.

He certainly has buyers remorse.

595 loppyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:55:22pm

re: #580 WriterMom

LOPPAH!

WRITAAAAH

596 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:55:23pm

re: #583 opnion

Her screaming, got my wife downstairs on the run. Two coyotes had her cornered on the deck (They were still at the bottom)
The dog flew through the door & the coyotes just skulked away.
I now go out with the dog.

Someone on a thread a while back told a story of a friend who went out walking with his Rottweiler in the woods, and a pack of coyotes attacked it and, despite the Rottie taking out two of them, killed it. Makes me wonder if they wouldn't do the same to us.

597 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:55:46pm

re: #581 Kenneth

The first and last line of defense in protecting your daughter from predatory boys is your daughter's attitude. Talk to her about it now and lead with a good example.

G'nite all.

They are in an all girls school here. Not a big deal yet. Will be going to a co-ed school when we get back to the US in June. Then the fun begins.

598 WriterMom  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:55:48pm

re: #475 loppyd

Hacks are better than environmental diverShitty happy lesbo and hetro beyotches.

599 albusteve  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:55:56pm

re: #583 opnion

Coyotes just don't seem to retreat from their habitat. As we move in they just adapt.
The other morning I let the dog out, forgot about it & went to work.
Her screaming, got my wife downstairs on the run. Two coyotes had her cornered on the deck (They were still at the bottom)
The dog flew through the door & the coyotes just skulked away.
I now go out with the dog.

cornered your wife?....coyotes are opportunistic sissies...tell your wife to go kick one in the face next time

600 loppyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:56:12pm

re: #589 MandyManners

I bet Gibbs has to ice his tongue after those stumbles.

He may be more Porky Pig than Dough Boy.

601 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:56:33pm
602 LGoPs  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:56:33pm

re: #529 Kenneth

It goes back to the Black–Scholes model. These were the 2 PhD economists who figured it all out. Won the Nobel Prize for economics too.

I hear you and admittedly, I'm out of school on this but I become immediately skeptical of complex schemes like this. If a reasonably educated man can't understand it, then I smell danger and opportunities rife for manipulation, gimmicks and schemes that can't be detected. It becomes the realm of sophisticated con men and even if my analysis is wrong, we are living and paying for the end result.
And the common sense I picked up, being a Summa cum Laud graduate of the 2nd grade, which taught me that there ain't no free lunch should've warned off all these smart people that these magical housing prices can't just go on rising astronomically forever.
Damn them.

603 UncleRancher  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:56:34pm

re: #596 Occasional Reader

Someone on a thread a while back told a story of a friend who went out walking with his Rottweiler in the woods, and a pack of coyotes attacked it and, despite the Rottie taking out two of them, killed it. Makes me wonder if they wouldn't do the same to us.

Put your tennies on so you can run a bit faster than whoever is with you. Make sure someone is with you. Problem solved.

604 OldLineTexan  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:57:53pm

re: #603 UncleRancher

Put your tennies on so you can run a bit faster than whoever is with you. Make sure someone is with you. Problem solved.

Or carry a pound of poisoned hamburger.

605 loppyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:58:03pm

re: #598 WriterMom

Hacks are better than environmental diverShitty happy lesbo and hetro beyotches.

Absolutely. And I don't have to work with the hacks....just wait on hold for what seems like an eternity to be told a different answer to the same question I asked the day before.

606 albusteve  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:58:08pm

re: #596 Occasional Reader

Someone on a thread a while back told a story of a friend who went out walking with his Rottweiler in the woods, and a pack of coyotes attacked it and, despite the Rottie taking out two of them, killed it. Makes me wonder if they wouldn't do the same to us.

ah no...maybe he should have joined the fray and his dog would be alive today...nobody in NM backs down from one or ten coyotes...jus sayin

607 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:58:28pm

re: #554 Kosh's Shadow

Sounds like a job that Dilbert's boss would fit perfectly.

Its pure bullsh*t - and the idiots who put such ad in the papers have been told this is what will them get top candidates!

Thast why there are idiots everywhere, and thats why the economy is in the state it is in: nobody understands anything because all use words and expressions without any meaning or connection to reality.

608 Sunlight  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:58:40pm

re: #579 ploome hineni

he writes

that is the blood libel, that Jews killed/were responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus

Ploome - pls look at 531 and see what you think...

609 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:58:56pm

Have a good night, Lizards!

610 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:58:59pm

re: #603 UncleRancher

Put your tennies on so you can run a bit faster than whoever is with you. Make sure someone is with you. Problem solved.

Nah, better way to thwart a coyote attack is to quickly paint a big, black tunnel entrance on the side of a large rock, and then run into it. They can't follow.

611 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:59:26pm

re: #610 Occasional Reader

Nah, better way to thwart a coyote attack is to quickly paint a big, black tunnel entrance on the side of a large rock, and then run into it. They can't follow.

Using ACME paint , of course.

612 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:59:35pm
613 loppyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:59:40pm

re: #609 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

Have a good night, Lizards!

You too BDVM!

614 OldLineTexan  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 1:59:45pm

re: #610 Occasional Reader

Nah, better way to thwart a coyote attack is to quickly paint a big, black tunnel entrance on the side of a large rock, and then run into it. They can't follow.

What I want to know is where those bastidges get the money for their ACME crap. I smell a bail-out.

615 MrSilverDragon  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:00:00pm

re: #587 Iron Fist

Needles used to bother me. Not so much anymore. Not that I'm shooting smack or anything, it's just that needles don't freak me out the way they used to.

You can get used to about anything.

It's funny, but I have no problems with needles when it comes to giving blood, but when it comes to getting a injection of something, all bets are off.

616 Erik The Red  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:00:03pm

re: #609 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

Have a good night, Lizards!

Later Beer. I am also gone,

617 Van Helsing  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:00:17pm

re: #572 Occasional Reader

I think it was Asimov.

Clarke. Trust me.

618 SixDegrees  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:00:57pm

re: #506 jorline

Question

How do these two banks report a profit when they they're receiving TARP money?

$15,000,000,000 Bank of America Corporation
$3,000,000,000 Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
$25,000,000,000 Citigroup Inc.
$10,000,000,000 The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
$25,000,000,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co.
$10,000,000,000 Morgan Stanley
$2,000,000,000 State Street Corporation
$25,000,000,000 Wells Fargo & Company
$10,000,000,000 Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
$17,000,000 Bank of Commerce Holdings
$16,369,000 1st FS Corporation
$298,737,000 UCBH Holdings, Inc.
$1,576,000,000 Northern Trust Corporation
$3,500,000,000 SunTrust Banks, Inc.
$9,000,000 Broadway Financial Corporation
$200,000,000 Washington Federal Inc.
$3,133,640,000 BB&T Corp.
$151,500,000 Provident Bancshares Corp.
$214,181,000 Umpqua Holdings Corp.
$2,250,000,000 Comerica Inc.
$3,500,000,000 Regions Financial Corp.
$3,555,199,000 Capital One Financial Corporation
$866,540,000 First Horizon National Corporation
$1,398,071,000 Huntington Bancshares
$2,500,000,000 KeyCorp
$300,000,000 Valley National Bancorp
$1,400,000,000 Zions Bancorporation
$1,715,000,000 Marshall & Ilsley Corporation
$6,599,000,000 U.S. Bancorp
$361,172,000 TCF Financial Corporation

Bank of America
Expects to Post Full-Year 2009 Profit

Do I smell another Ponzi Scheme?

There's a difference between profit (still to be realized, by the way) and failure to meet Federal capitalization requirements. You can easily turn a profit (revenue exceeds expenditures) while failing to has sufficient assets on hand to satisfy these regulations. In fact, you can turn a profit with no assets at all.

And as it turns out, many banks that have received TARP funds are now looking to pay them back early or unused, with interest. I don't know if Citi or BoA are among these, but if proposed changed to mark-to-market accounting are implemented, look for many more banks to suddenly be flush with regard to capital requirements thanks simply to this accounting change.

619 OldLineTexan  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:01:04pm

re: #612 Iron Fist

I had a woman set a dog on me once. Dogs don't like knives, especially big, damned near short sword knives. I invited the bitch to get her dog, or I was going to cut off its head. That got the point across.

[/Overkill is everything]

I'm not as tough as you. I once punted a chihuahua back to its "mommy". Got away with a bloody sock and a very self-satisfied mood.

620 Sunlight  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:01:15pm

re: #585 yma o hyd

He does indeed, and I think he'll now get them.
Mind - he is of a generation not exactly internet-savvy, nor can I see his cardinals being especially tech-geeky!

One thing we can bank on - 'Twitter' the Pope will not!

I constantly tell my kids that anything they do will end up on the internet FOREVER. So I can't figure out how the Vatican hasn't figured out how to use the internet to find out what has been going on with their people.

621 opnion  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:01:29pm

re: #596 Occasional Reader

Someone on a thread a while back told a story of a friend who went out walking with his Rottweiler in the woods, and a pack of coyotes attacked it and, despite the Rottie taking out two of them, killed it. Makes me wonder if they wouldn't do the same to us.

They are definitely pack hunters & really good at it. In good weather with the windows open at night we can hear the noise when the pack makes a kill.
Often it is a raccoon which is a fighting animal, but they overwhelm it with numbers. The screaming is blood curdling.
Our dog is a Portuguese Water Dog, they are not fighters & she would have been a quick, easy kill.

622 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:01:48pm

re: #612 Iron Fist

Dogs don't like knives

Really? I'm surprised... I'd have thought the knife just sort of wouldn't register with a dog (unless/until one actually had to use it).

623 Kosh's Shadow  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:02:01pm

re: #610 Occasional Reader

Nah, better way to thwart a coyote attack is to quickly paint a big, black tunnel entrance on the side of a large rock, and then run into it. They can't follow.

Or train a road runner to run off a cliff, turn around, and then get back on the cliff. When the coyote turns around, the road runner points down.

We've had coyote droppings on our doorstep, but I won't get too concerned until I start seeing empty Acme boxes.

624 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:02:01pm
625 eschew_obfuscation  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:02:03pm

re: #566 LGoPs

I am a manager and I sit in meetings where I hear this kind of gobbledygook all the time. I'm convinced that 99% of the people listening haven't the slightest idea of what it means. It's just made up language to provide what my wife call 'jobs for the boys'.
She lived in England for a number of years and said that was a common term to describe bullshit jobs.

I love the use of "leverage" in every sentence as well.....

"We will leverage our technology to achieve outstanding results!"

.....so you're going to borrow a bunch of money using your technology as an collateral? OH! You meant USE our technology..... my bad.

626 OldLineTexan  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:02:05pm

re: #621 opnion

They are definitely pack hunters & really good at it. In good weather with the windows open at night we can hear the noise when the pack makes a kill.
Often it is a raccoon which is a fighting animal, but they overwhelm it with numbers. The screaming is blood curdling.
Our dog is a Portuguese Water Dog, they are not fighters & she would have been a quick, easy kill.

Oh, dear, keep an eye on it for Obamites. Worse than coyotes.

627 loppyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:02:05pm

re: #596 Occasional Reader

Someone on a thread a while back told a story of a friend who went out walking with his Rottweiler in the woods, and a pack of coyotes attacked it and, despite the Rottie taking out two of them, killed it. Makes me wonder if they wouldn't do the same to us.

USMC RECON?

I think it was his story.

628 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:02:17pm

re: #617 Van Helsing

Clarke. Trust me.

PITT THE ELDER! [pow]

629 Racer X  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:02:28pm

re: #612 Iron Fist

I had a woman set a dog on me once. Dogs don't like knives, especially big, damned near short sword knives. I invited the bitch to get her dog, or I was going to cut off its head. That got the point across.

[/Overkill is everything]

*never bring a dog to a knife fight.

630 Creeping Eruption  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:02:52pm

re: #624 Iron Fist

I have to do it five or six times a day. It's not so bad, really. Very little pain.

Ever tried a pump? My brother has one. It's pretty cool.

631 OldLineTexan  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:03:11pm

re: #629 Racer X

*never bring a dog to a knife fight.

Michael? Michael Vick? Izzat you?

/

632 DaddyG  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:03:23pm

re: #560 Dark_Falcon

Heck, coyotes are everywhere these days. I've even seen one skulking around the edges of a deer herd in a forest preserve clearing near where I live. The deer were taking no chances though, and kept their fawns in the middle of their formation and had multiple eyes on the coyote at all times.

I fear one of our house cats may be Coyote Kibble after he decided to explore the great outdoors while we were bringing in groceries. He's been missing for a week. He's just dumb enough and likes our dogs enough that he may have thought they were playmates.

633 horse  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:03:24pm

re: #147 Killgore Trout

A new righteous rant from Pat Condell.....
A word about the soldiers

[Video]

LOL, that was a total burn like only the British can provide. Even their cuss words sound like melodies with that accent and delivered with a controlled voice.

634 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:03:36pm

re: #615 MrSilverDragon

It's funny, but I have no problems with needles when it comes to giving blood, but when it comes to getting a injection of something, all bets are off.

I'm the other way around.

635 astronmr20  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:03:40pm

Obama:

Weapons free!

Afghanistan drone attack

636 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:03:51pm
637 WriterMom  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:03:58pm

re: #627 loppyd

The web hotty!

638 albusteve  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:04:01pm

re: #621 opnion

They are definitely pack hunters & really good at it. In good weather with the windows open at night we can hear the noise when the pack makes a kill.
Often it is a raccoon which is a fighting animal, but they overwhelm it with numbers. The screaming is blood curdling.
Our dog is a Portuguese Water Dog, they are not fighters & she would have been a quick, easy kill.

get a good stout Shepherd next dog...the next best critter to take on coyotes is a llama

639 debutaunt  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:04:04pm

re: #538 chicagodudewhotrades

Americans may need to go out to the hardware store and buy a wheelbarrow soon. So we can haul loads of dollars around to buy a loaf of bread. Goodie, I want to live like Weimar Germany.

The wheelbarrows have odd or even numbers - what's that all about?

640 Kosh's Shadow  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:04:08pm

re: #626 OldLineTexan

Oh, dear, keep an eye on it for Obamites. Worse than coyotes.

I thought this was the new 0bama dog.

641 DaddyG  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:04:58pm

re: #567 Erik The Red

Dude I am scared shitless. I have my guns.(Will have to buy new ones when I get back to the US) and they will need a cleaning on the days my girls go on a date.


A good buddy of mine filmed his daughters each shooting his Glock at the range. When their dates came to the house he would eagerly share the video with them and tell him how proud he was that each of his daughters were very good shots.

642 eschew_obfuscation  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:04:59pm

re: #618 SixDegrees

Have you seen any serious discussion/proposals to return to net present value?

643 opnion  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:05:08pm

re: #626 OldLineTexan

Oh, dear, keep an eye on it for Obamites. Worse than coyotes.

I do not want them to have a Water Dog. All of his admirers will want one.
That will spawn puppy mills & ruin the breed.

644 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:07:11pm
645 yma o hyd  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:07:26pm

re: #620 Sunlight

I constantly tell my kids that anything they do will end up on the internet FOREVER. So I can't figure out how the Vatican hasn't figured out how to use the internet to find out what has been going on with their people.

The younger priest are sure to have - but you know what its like in a very hierarchical organisation, led by people who are no spring chickens.
I'm not ageist here, but all those Cardinals certainly never had to use the internet when they started out, and nor did the Pope.
Its a slow process, and knowldge takes time to trickle uo.
At least they're now aware that they need to move into the 21st century.

646 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:07:36pm

re: #630 Creeping Eruption

Ever tried a pump? My brother has one. It's pretty cool.

I have one; Mossberg 590.

/

647 OldLineTexan  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:08:30pm

re: #646 Occasional Reader

I have one; Mossberg 590.

/

Is that the thing from Sweden you keep in your sock drawer?

/

648 Occasional Reader  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:09:12pm

re: #647 OldLineTexan

Is that the thing from Sweden you keep in your sock drawer?

/

"I told you, baby, that isn't mine!"

-A. Powers

649 opnion  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:09:46pm

re: #638 albusteve

get a good stout Shepherd next dog...the next best critter to take on coyotes is a llama

This dog I actually got for my daughter. Before her I had a 120 lb male Golden Retriever. The dog was a flat out thug, but when he caught the scent he would not go in the yard without me.
Coyotes are not big , but as you know really accomplished pack hunters.
I am keeping a baseball bat by the back door. If the dog gets in a jam I am taking batting practice.

650 Macker  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:10:29pm

re: #104 DistantThunder

The enemy is in charge. Obama's agenda is to radically alter the United States of America. His targets are the best, the brightest, and the most productive. and that would include Joe.

I have an inside source at Sheriff Joe's office and he was only too happy to confirm those allegations of racial profiling and civil rights violations as complete and total bullshit!

651 UncleRancher  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:11:18pm

re: #610 Occasional Reader

Nah, better way to thwart a coyote attack is to quickly paint a big, black tunnel entrance on the side of a large rock, and then run into it. They can't follow.

If Mr, Coyote is carrying a package from Acme you really don't have to worry.

652 Empire1  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:18:54pm

re: #524 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

The dumpsters outside my apartment have been frequented by raccoon, opossums & even vultures - very creepy looking birds!

Vultures -- oh, the thermal finders I use when flying my model gliders! Love 'em, I do. Though it sometimes confuses them when I have the motor on and am climbing when they know there aren't any thermals there ...

653 lurking faith  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:26:57pm

re: #617 Van Helsing

Clarke. Trust me.

For anyone who trusts, but wants to verify: Clarke's three laws of prediction

654 Wild Knight  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 2:43:14pm

re: #572 Occasional Reader

I think it was Asimov.

Arthur C. ClarkeClarke's Three Laws

655 [deleted]  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 3:13:05pm
656 Ateam  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 3:29:55pm

re: #588 OldLineTexan

I think he probably has about 3-4 Euros total that his sister brought home in change from a brief trip to Europe. He has NT (Taiwan), RMB (China) and Hong Kong dollars from my trip, along with a single 20,000 Vietnamese Dong note that is worth maybe a buck.

A monetary serious Q:
If your 1 buck measured by PPP according inflation/deflation + gross/downhill revenue per capita - how really worth 1 buck?

657 Kenneth  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 4:04:11pm

re: #602 LGoPs

The big blind spot in the financial industry was about the true nature of the subprime morgages. The formula was based on certain assumptions, like the assumption that no bank would be fool enough to lend $400,000 to somebody with no credit rating, no money down and insufficient income to meet the payments, let alone hundred of thousands of these toxic mortgages.

The campaing to force banks to make these insane loans was orchestrated by ACORN and other leftist activist groups. A young lawyer by the unlikely name of Barrack Obama worked for them in a lawsuit against Illinois banks. He even helped train ACORN in "community organizing" techniques.

This sounds exactly like a Cloward-Piven strategy to overload the mortgage finance system and create a crisis. It worked like a charm.

Obama studied political science at Columbia University in the mid 1980's. Interestingly, Professor Richard Cloward taught in that department at that time. After getting his law degree from Harvard, Obama went to work as a community organizer in Chicago. One of the first projects he got involved in was thre Motor Voter campaign. Richard Cloward was one of the leading supporters of the Motor Voter project.

658 J.S.  Thu, Mar 12, 2009 5:58:41pm

re: #579 ploome hineni

Strictly speaking it's the charge of deicide, as opposed to a "blood libel"...

/pedantic mode on

659 Sacred Plants  Fri, Mar 13, 2009 4:15:17am

Memo to internet: Just that the Pope fails to you doesn´t mean you´re infallible.

660 Fabio P.Barbieri  Fri, Mar 13, 2009 7:23:36am

Sunlight: you are quite wrong. The Catholic Church has NEVER accepted "replacement theology" in its large body of doctrines and dogma. To the contrary, the Creed states that Jesus "was crucified under Pontius Pilate" - a Roman death penalty and a Roman governor. And Thomas Aquinas, the greatest of all the Western Doctors of the Church, specifically ruled against any persecution of Jews, because they retain the first promise of God. You may quote this or that priest who has on some occasion said this or that, but if you say that the Church ever endorsed the notion of Deicide, you are grossly wrong. There are half-a-dozen encyclicals and bulls in existence from various Popes, threatening severe penal sanctions including excommunication against anyone who published the blood libel. And if that does not convince you, how about this: do you know where the most ancient Jewish community in the world can be found? In Rome, the city that was continuously ruled by the Popes from about 570 to 1870. That is not casual. Pope Gregory I the Great, who is for all practical purposes the founder of the Papal monarchy in Rome, decreed with a specific decree entitled Sicut Iudaeis that the Jews should be left in peace unless any actual criminal charge could be brought against any individual one; should, that is, not be subject to group accusations or to group punishment. As a result, there are families in the Jewish quarter in Rome who can reckon their descent, father to son, to nearly 1800 years back, to the time of the Roman Empire. Of course Catholic theology has never particularly appreciated Hebraism, and plenty of criticism of Jewish views and attitudes can be found. But the Church as such has consistently rejected Jew-bashing and blood libels. If you want to find someone who is thoroughly guilty of it, try Luther.

661 Sissy Willis  Fri, Mar 13, 2009 10:22:53am

Pathetic that some of the commenters don't recognize a friend of freedom and truth when they see him.

662 sffilk  Fri, Mar 13, 2009 11:48:38am

re: #30 daledog

What I do know is that he's avoiding going to Yad Vashem because of something regarding Pope Pius's lack of work to save Jews being killed in Europe during that period.

663 odorlesspaintthinner  Fri, Mar 13, 2009 12:54:54pm

I'm biased, but this is one more example that demonstrates:

This Pope's got class.

664 Salamantis  Fri, Mar 13, 2009 1:52:44pm

Let me paraphrase the Papal letter:

Oops! We didn't look closely enough, and we messed up. We're sorry about this, and will try to do better in the future, while trying to make the best of the bad situation we inadvertently created.

665 Fabio P.Barbieri  Fri, Mar 13, 2009 3:14:31pm

sffilk: and if Yad Vashem libelled your own people, would you visit it? The "Hitler's Pope" trash is a pack of lies from beginning to end, and, what is more, it is by now well known to be a pack of lies invented and spread on purpose by none other than the KGB. Ion Pacepa knows chapter and verse about it. Visit the archives of Frontpage Magazine and find out. That a monument of that importance should accept such a repulsive lie - a genuine anti-Catholic version of the blood libel - is not just repulsive but infinitely, infinitely sad.

666 Petra  Fri, Mar 13, 2009 4:22:41pm

New York Times and Revisionism:

“The voice of Pius XII is a lonely voice in the silence and darkness enveloping Europe this Christmas..He is about the only ruler left on the Continent of Europe who dares to raise his voice at all”. (Editorial, the New York Times, Dec 25, 1941).

“A full explanation of Pope Pius’ conduct is needed..It now falls to John Paul and his successors to take the next step toward full acceptance of the Vatican’s failure to stand squarely against the evil that swept across Europe” (Editorial, the New York Times, Mar 18, 1998).
[Link: www.al-bushra.org...]

Pius XII saved 860,000 Jews at one time or another. That is if you believe Jews like Pinchas E. Lapide (an Israeli diplomat), Golda Meir, and Jeno Levai. Albert Einstein: “Only the Catholic Church protested against the Hitlerian onslaught on liberty” Jewish historian Rabbi David Dalin of New York: “Pius saved more Jews than even Oscar Schindler”. Pope Pius even opened the cloistered convents and monasteries for the first time ever in order to hide the Jewish people. These nuns and monks who were cloistered hadn't even seen their own families in decades.

Most of the accusations of our saintly Pope Pius can be traced to a single originating source: “The Deputy”, by Rolf Hochhuth’s 1963 play that created an image of Pius as a moral coward.

I'm glad our good Pope Benedict isn't visiting Museum. Why on earth should he be expected to endorse a lie?

667 cichco  Fri, Mar 13, 2009 4:41:43pm

667

*puts on halo*

668 Petra  Fri, Mar 13, 2009 5:31:08pm

Catholics and Jews must stand together in the face of Islamism
[...]
THE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA, fresh from attacking Israel's war on Hamas, decided to "restore the balance" by stirring up feelings of anti-Catholicism. But the pathetic advisers to the pope, who were "unaware" of Williamson's renowned anti-Semitism (despite the fact that it was on the front page of The Catholic Herald last year), made it far too easy. After coming dangerously close to rolling back 20 years of progress in Catholic-Jewish relations, they should be sacked.
[...]
[Link: www.jpost.com...]

The article was written by a young Catholic who blogs for the Catholic Herald.
[Link: www.willheaven.co.uk...]

I'm a conservative Catholic and believe the progressivists inside the Vatican knew about Williamson and let it happen to embarrass the Pope. They're the people who thought they'd be next in line to be promoted when the old hippie guard died off but they now see where B12 is going and they're pissed. There's a lot more going on and B14 is doing a good job despite what you read in the MSM and the enemies within. He's for sure pro-Jewish and not unaware of the threat we're facing with Islam. I agree with the article, we must stay united or we're done for...


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