The corrupt old reptile whose family ran Tunisia for many years, President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, has fled the country and Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi has assumed power. BBC has live updates on this page as events unfold: BBC News - Live: Tunisia turmoil.
2 |
Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:26:00am |
The corrupt old reptile whose family ran Tunisia…
I resent that remark, sir!
/
| 3 |
Charles Johnson Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:27:41am |
How long until the Shrieking Harpy starts gibbering about an Islamic supremacist takeover of Tunisia, I wonder?
| 4 |
Kronocide Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:28:33am |
Charles, his name is Mohammed. Like, duh. It’s a Muslim takeover!
| 5 |
What, me worry? Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:33:00am |
I’m not all that familiar with this particular conflict. (I was trying to follow George Clooney in the Sudan last weekend.)
The biggest question I guess I have is Ghannouchi any better? Generally with these rogue African states, the cure is worse than the disease.
| 6 |
lawhawk Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:33:26am |
re: #1 jamesfirecat
He’s been Prime Minister since 1999 and comes from an economics background. I’m not sure how much autonomy he had under Ben Ami so it’s an open question as to what he will do going forward. He seems to be more of a bureaucrat than a leader, although he has been taking a more active role since the crisis first erupted.
| 7 |
Lemon Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:33:36am |
It was just last week, I believe, that I was hearing about riots in Tunisia from globally rising food prices. That’s hardly the only factor in this news today I’m sure, but continuing food inflation has the potential to cause a lot of problems beyond Tunisia.
The steadily increasing crop failures around the world (a lot of them due to lasting droughts and heatwaves) do not bode well for a future in a hotter climate.
| 8 |
albusteve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:34:51am |
re: #7 Lemon
It was just last week, I believe, that I was hearing about riots in Tunisia from globally rising food prices. That’s hardly the only factor in this news today I’m sure, but continuing food inflation has the potential to cause a lot of problems beyond Tunisia.
The steadily increasing crop failures around the world (a lot of them due to lasting droughts and heatwaves) do not bode well for a future in a hotter climate.
ETHANOL!
| 9 |
Charles Johnson Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:36:32am |
It would be great if Tunisia could actually seize this opportunity to become a more open society, instead of trading one despot for another. But given the history of the region, the latter is far more likely.
Maybe they’ll beat the odds. I hope so.
| 10 |
Surabaya Stew Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:36:37am |
Another concern that we should have is for the remaining Jews of Tunisia Nearly all of them live on Djerba Island, home of an attack in 2002. I hope and pray that they remain safe during the turmoil.
| 11 |
What, me worry? Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:39:00am |
re: #10 Surabaya Stew
Another concern that we should have is for the remaining Jews of Tunisia Nearly all of them live on Djerba Island, home of an attack in 2002. I hope and pray that they remain safe during the turmoil.
Coolness. I love stories about Jews in weird places.
| 12 |
darthstar Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:39:16am |
re: #3 Charles
How long until the Shrieking Harpy starts gibbering about an Islamic supremacist takeover of Tunisia, I wonder?
On NPR this morning, the Tunisians were saying that they’re not extremists and wish to remain US Allies (as they were at least up until yesterday). They just want their president to get the fuck out of office and his offer to not run again in 2014 wasn’t apparently good enough for them.
| 13 |
iossarian Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:39:21am |
| 14 |
Kronocide Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:39:39am |
Harpy is claiming a victory in the Park 51 has named a new imam.
She’s like a 16 year old.
| 15 |
Killgore Trout Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:40:06am |
Pam Geller will claim it’s an islamist coup instigated by the Obama regime.
| 16 |
William of Orange Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:40:29am |
Dutch tourists have been pulled away from an, under normal circumstances ,otherwise nice holiday destination. I think this move is a right one. Doing nothing would certainly escalate the situation.
Now if only Robert Mugabe moved over….
| 17 |
Sol Berdinowitz Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:40:36am |
Interesting report on German radio, about our tendency in the West to label Middle East/African governments as “moderate” based on their foreign policies.
We came to view countries like Tunisia, Eqypt and Saudi Arabia as “moderate” because they support (or at least do not vehemently oppose) the West, but their domestic policies are incredibly repressive and extremist.
And once again, this we are seeing the tip of the iceberg: it has a relatively low birth rate and is relatively affluent compared to many other countries in the Arab world.
| 18 |
darthstar Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:41:03am |
re: #14 BigPapa
Harpy is claiming a victory in the Park 51 has named a new imam.
She’s like a 16 year old.
Sarah Palin should hire her as her spokesperson. Might actually be an improvement for the half-term Governor.
| 19 |
Big Steve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:41:37am |
re: #16 William of Orange
Dutch tourists have been pulled away from an, under normal circumstances ,otherwise nice holiday destination.
Good Lord…..nobody better fuck around with the Dutch and their holidays!
| 20 |
Vicious Babushka Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:42:10am |
re: #11 marjoriemoon
Coolness. I love stories about Jews in weird places.
Unless they’re getting killed.
| 21 |
albusteve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:43:02am |
| 22 |
Charles Johnson Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:43:49am |
Wikileaks is already trying to claim credit for this, even though the protests have to do with the economy and food shortages, and have been going on for quite a while. Some Wikileaks cables showed the corruption of the Ben Ali government, and may have contributed slightly to the unrest, but that would be a very minor contribution compared to, say, famine.
| 23 |
Sol Berdinowitz Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:44:03am |
re: #11 marjoriemoon
Coolness. I love stories about Jews in weird places.
Then check out this amusing work of fiction by Michael Chabon The Yiddish Policemen’s Union:
| 24 |
Sol Berdinowitz Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:44:22am |
re: #23 ralphieboy
with link:
[Link: en.wikipedia.org…]
| 25 |
Killgore Trout Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:44:29am |
Update: Police Describe Photos of Loughner Posing With Gun
Law enforcement officials said Friday they have multiple photos of Jared L. Loughner posing with a Glock 9mm gun next to his naked buttocks and dressed in a bright red g-string.The photos were turned over to the police by Walgreens, where Mr. Loughner had taken them to be developed. In some of the photos he is holding the gun by his crotch and in others, presumably shot in a mirror, he is holding the gun next to his buttocks, the police said.
| 26 |
Alexzander Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:44:59am |
The Wikileaks twitter account linked to an article in Foreign Policy suggesting that the cable leaks pushed Tunisia over the edge:
The First WikiLeaks Revolution?
I’m not really familiar with FT so I don’t know if its a crap news site or not. And I’m not agreeing with this perspective, just showing another angle on the events.
| 28 |
Vicious Babushka Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:45:04am |
| 29 |
Lemon Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:45:20am |
re: #13 iossarian
I can certainly see a valid complaint with the use of corn to make ethanol. With corn prices sharply increasing and shortages of corn around the world, it doesn’t make very much sense for the US to subsidize a corn-to-ethanol industry.
Putting that money into other, developing technologies like cellulosic ethanol production, using switchgrass or algae or what-have-you, seems to be the better choice.
I could be wrong, but corn ethanol is a losing proposition as far as I know, even with corn at reasonable prices.
| 31 |
Vicious Babushka Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:45:46am |
| 32 |
albusteve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:46:07am |
re: #17 ralphieboy
Interesting report on German radio, about our tendency in the West to label Middle East/African governments as “moderate” based on their foreign policies.
We came to view countries like Tunisia, Eqypt and Saudi Arabia as “moderate” because they support (or at least do not vehemently oppose) the West, but their domestic policies are incredibly repressive and extremist.
And once again, this we are seeing the tip of the iceberg: it has a relatively low birth rate and is relatively affluent compared to many other countries in the Arab world.
Tunisia has had a robust economy, one of the most healthy in all of Africa…they have attracted foreign investment and apparently have a favorable business climate…don’t know what their problem is
| 33 |
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:46:16am |
re: #25 Killgore Trout
well, if he was wearing a red thong then he must be gay and therefore a liberal…
//end wingnut logic
| 34 |
Lemon Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:46:40am |
| 35 |
webevintage Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:46:51am |
re: #31 Alouette
People still take film to Walgreens to be developed?
Really.
My son just said “he can afford a gun, but not a digital camera?”.
| 36 |
iossarian Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:48:24am |
re: #29 Lemon
This is certainly true.
If corn prices go through the roof, however, Iowa farmers will be less in need of subsidies (to the extent that they remain able to grow anything at all).
| 37 |
albusteve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:48:51am |
re: #29 Lemon
I can certainly see a valid complaint with the use of corn to make ethanol. With corn prices sharply increasing and shortages of corn around the world, it doesn’t make very much sense for the US to subsidize a corn-to-ethanol industry.
Putting that money into other, developing technologies like cellulosic ethanol production, using switchgrass or algae or what-have-you, seems to be the better choice.
I could be wrong, but corn ethanol is a losing proposition as far as I know, even with corn at reasonable prices.
ethanol is some dirty shit that will ruin your engine if you use too much of it….it does not burn clean, it’s just a gadget…hemp would be a far better alternative in the long run
| 38 |
Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:49:36am |
re: #25 Killgore Trout
BRAIN BLEACH! I NEED BRAIN BLEACH!
| 39 |
albusteve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:49:45am |
re: #34 Lemon
Now wait just one moment.
[Link: en.wikipedia.org…]
/
well, it does have it’s advantages
| 40 |
recusancy Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:50:19am |
re: #36 iossarian
This is certainly true.
If corn prices go through the roof, however, Iowa farmers will be less in need of subsidies (to the extent that they remain able to grow anything at all).
Iowa farmers may need less subsidies but it doesn’t mean they’re going to get less subsidies. Farmer’s are real murkins, remember?
| 41 |
albusteve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:51:10am |
re: #40 recusancy
Iowa farmers may need less subsidies but it doesn’t mean they’re going to get less subsidies. Farmer’s are real murkins, remember?
subsidies never end
| 42 |
wrenchwench Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:53:10am |
re: #22 Charles
Wikileaks is already trying to claim credit for this, even though the protests have to do with the economy and food shortages, and have been going on for quite a while. Some Wikileaks cables showed the corruption of the Ben Ali government, and may have contributed slightly to the unrest, but that would be a very minor contribution compared to, say, famine.
Your tweet has awakened The Barrett.
| 43 |
recusancy Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:53:14am |
re: #41 albusteve
subsidies never end
Not without a hellacious fight and a pol or two losing their jobs.
| 44 |
Sol Berdinowitz Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:53:51am |
| 45 |
CuriousLurker Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:54:36am |
re: #9 Charles
It would be great if Tunisia could actually seize this opportunity to become a more open society, instead of trading one despot for another. But given the history of the region, the latter is far more likely.
Maybe they’ll beat the odds. I hope so.
I hope so too. Lots of the tweets are in Arabic & French, so I can’t follow everything, but the ones I can follow are cheering the Tunisians on and hoping for Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Jordan to be next.
No doubt other dictators in the area are getting nervous.
Someone just said a few minutes ago that Ben Ali’s plane ride out of the country was courtesy of Qaddafi—don’t know if that’s true or just rumor.
| 46 |
Charles Johnson Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:54:39am |
re: #42 wrenchwench
Your tweet has awakened The Barrett.
Yeah, but I’m not interested in ever interacting with him again.
| 47 |
albusteve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:54:43am |
re: #44 ralphieboy
because we revere the Free Market (TM)
right, why not subsidize algae farmers out in the desert…they grow oil
| 48 |
albusteve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:56:02am |
re: #45 CuriousLurker
I hope so too. Lots of the tweets are in Arabic & French, so I can’t follow everything, but the ones I can follow are cheering the Tunisians on and hoping for Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Jordan to be next.
No doubt other dictators in the area are getting nervous.
Someone just said a few minutes ago that Ben Ali’s plane ride out of the country was courtesy of Qaddafi—don’t know if that’s true or just rumor.
I’ll bet he had some killer stewardesses for that flight
| 49 |
CuriousLurker Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:56:22am |
| 50 |
What, me worry? Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:56:39am |
re: #20 Alouette
Unless they’re getting killed.
Usually in weird places, they are always under threat.
I was referring to the unique cultures of Jews in Islamic countries, China, India, Africa, etc.
www.kulanu.org - Kulanu means “All of Us”
| 51 |
albusteve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:57:40am |
re: #46 Charles
Yeah, but I’m not interested in ever interacting with him again.
shunned, the ultimate protest
| 52 |
recusancy Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:57:41am |
re: #47 albusteve
right, why not subsidize algae farmers out in the desert…they grow oil
Get Arizona or NM to be a early presidential primary state.
| 53 |
What, me worry? Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:57:45am |
| 54 |
Surabaya Stew Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:58:34am |
re: #11 marjoriemoon
Coolness. I love stories about Jews in weird places.
It used to be normal; sadly, there has been a great loss in Worldwide Jewish diversity (in terms of living in different countries) since the beginning of the 20th century. So many anicent communities have been eliminated, forced out, or have shrunk to nearly nothing. :-(
| 55 |
Tumulus11 Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:59:22am |
. The Tunisian people starve but the tiger never misses a meal.
‘In a chatty account of a lavish dinner at the beachside villa of the president’s son-in-law, the American ambassador marvels at desserts flown in from St Tropez, the multitude of servants, and a pet tiger that ate four chickens a day. The host may be interested to know that while bragging about his clout he struck his guest as “demanding, vain and difficult”, with a limited knowledge of or interest in world affairs.’
// The Economist Dec. 10, 2010
| 56 |
albusteve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 11:59:39am |
re: #52 recusancy
Get Arizona or NM to be a early presidential primary state.
well, NM has a long history as a testing ground
| 57 |
Sol Berdinowitz Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:00:23pm |
re: #53 marjoriemoon
It starts out well, but kinda peters out at the end. But I also read that the Coen Brothers have options on the film rights, which I would be fascinated to see.
| 58 |
recusancy Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:00:46pm |
| 60 |
recusancy Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:01:59pm |
re: #58 recusancy
But it ain’t Iowa.
Point being I’m sick of Iowa’s and NH’s lock hold on the primary calendar.
| 61 |
albusteve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:02:08pm |
re: #58 recusancy
But it ain’t Iowa.
nah, we are way too isolated and quirky own here….like another planet
| 62 |
What, me worry? Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:05:27pm |
re: #54 Surabaya Stew
It used to be normal; sadly, there has been a great loss in Worldwide Jewish diversity (in terms of living in different countries) since the beginning of the 20th century. So many anicent communities have been eliminated, forced out, or have shrunk to nearly nothing. :-(
It’s not really horrible in the sense that many have moved to Israel. Since we have a place to go, they don’t have to languish in out of the way places.
My mother and I are absolutely fascinated with “Jews in weird places” as I like to call them and the unique cultures they have developed.
What’s frustrating to me, particularly with Iranian or Iraqi Jews, are those people who refused to go to Israel when they had the chance to do so. People get stuck in their own thing, their own cultures and don’t want to change, much to their own peril.
In better news, the Knesset just voted to bring in the remaining 7,232 members of the Bnei Menashe community left behind in India, which is very exciting. I have to find the link.
| 63 |
albusteve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:05:40pm |
re: #60 recusancy
Point being I’m sick of Iowa’s and NH’s lock hold on the primary calendar.
good point…too old and moldy, fertile for payola…all the grandstanding lends to an inflated, artificial sense of proportion…a state further west with a more diverse and changing demographic might be better….maybe Colorado
| 64 |
jamesfirecat Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:06:56pm |
re: #63 albusteve
good point…too old and moldy, fertile for payola…all the grandstanding lends to an inflated, artificial sense of proportion…a state further west with a more diverse and changing demographic might be better…maybe Colorado
Maybe we should rotate what state it is every election to prevent any one /pair of states from getting known as “that” state….
| 65 |
albusteve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:08:04pm |
re: #64 jamesfirecat
Maybe we should rotate what state it is every election to prevent any one /pair of states from getting known as “that” state…
that could work…unannounced until 6 weeks before the primary….rad, man
| 66 |
What, me worry? Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:08:09pm |
re: #62 marjoriemoon
It’s not really horrible in the sense that many have moved to Israel. Since we have a place to go, they don’t have to languish in out of the way places.
My mother and I are absolutely fascinated with “Jews in weird places” as I like to call them and the unique cultures they have developed.
What’s frustrating to me, particularly with Iranian or Iraqi Jews, are those people who refused to go to Israel when they had the chance to do so. People get stuck in their own thing, their own cultures and don’t want to change, much to their own peril.
In better news, the Knesset just voted to bring in the remaining 7,232 members of the Bnei Menashe community left behind in India, which is very exciting. I have to find the link.
[Link: ejewishphilanthropy.com…]
| 67 |
lawhawk Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:08:14pm |
re: #14 BigPapa
They’re bringing in another person, but Rauf and Khan will remain in significant positions with the center.
Meanwhile, across the river, Gov. Christie is set to nominate a Muslim lawyer who represented Muslim detainees after 9/11 to a Superior Court judgeship (trial court level).
SHARIA!!!! ////////////
| 68 |
Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:08:46pm |
re: #64 jamesfirecat
Was just thinking the same thing. Question for anyone: What’s the reasoning behind doing it the way it’s done now?
| 69 |
Big Steve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:09:14pm |
Tunisia Government Collapse
since when do tuna have their own country.
| 70 |
iossarian Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:09:24pm |
re: #68 Slumbering Behemoth
Was just thinking the same thing. Question for anyone: What’s the reasoning behind doing it the way it’s done now?
Anyone who suggests any change hasn’t a chance of getting past Iowa in the primary!
| 71 |
albusteve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:09:52pm |
re: #68 Slumbering Behemoth
Was just thinking the same thing. Question for anyone: What’s the reasoning behind doing it the way it’s done now?
tradition I think…like Ground Hog Day
actually, I don’t know
| 73 |
Big Steve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:10:56pm |
re: #64 jamesfirecat
Maybe we should rotate what state it is every election to prevent any one /pair of states from getting known as “that” state…
lets see……50 states times 4 years……each state will get their shot in the box every other century.
| 74 |
albusteve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:10:57pm |
re: #69 Big Steve
since when do tuna have their own country.
since we destroyed the Afrika Corp there in 1943
| 75 |
albusteve Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:12:38pm |
re: #73 Big Steve
lets see…50 states times 4 years…each state will get their shot in the box every other century.
we need to think long term to resolve our problems
| 76 |
Surabaya Stew Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:13:01pm |
re: #62 marjoriemoon
It’s not really horrible in the sense that many have moved to Israel. Since we have a place to go, they don’t have to languish in out of the way places.
My mother and I are absolutely fascinated with “Jews in weird places” as I like to call them and the unique cultures they have developed.
What’s frustrating to me, particularly with Iranian or Iraqi Jews, are those people who refused to go to Israel when they had the chance to do so. People get stuck in their own thing, their own cultures and don’t want to change, much to their own peril.
In better news, the Knesset just voted to bring in the remaining 7,232 members of the Bnei Menashe community left behind in India, which is very exciting. I have to find the link.
And thank goodness there is a place! However, the loss of the origional community is still there, plus the countries that lost/kicked out their Jewish minorities are all the poorer (culturally and skilled) for it.
As for returning to Israel, its a good thing that the option to do so is there. No doubt it is the best choice for most who have done so. However it should be freely chosen, not forced by an oppresive regime. It is that last part that makes me sad.
| 77 |
darthstar Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:18:19pm |
Fox Shoots Man (I guess “dog bites man” is no longer news…)
| 78 |
lawhawk Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:18:54pm |
re: #22 Charles
MSNBC had a throwaway line about wikileaks too in its coverage, but they framed it as the leaks vindicating the Tunisians who have complained for years about corruption.
So, the leaked documents talk about widespread corruption in Tunisia or other African countries. How shocking. //
The leaked documents have less to do with the current situation than the fact that peaceful demonstrators took to the streets over the rising food prices and a situation that was heading towards a Zimbabwe-type finish when Ben Ami’s forces started firing on the demonstrators causing riots.
| 79 |
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:19:17pm |
| 80 |
Varek Raith Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:19:22pm |
| 81 |
darthstar Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:20:24pm |
re: #79 Dreggas
Talk about taking to another level of stupidity. Next they’ll be using “holocaust” to describe town hall meetings by Democrats.
| 82 |
jamesfirecat Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:20:29pm |
re: #79 Dreggas
Wow they’re actually doing it.
Next up “We will not go silently into the gas chambers that Democrats are trying to shove us into to silence us politically!”
| 84 |
Varek Raith Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:21:05pm |
| 85 |
Glenn Beck's Grand Unifying Theory of Obdicut Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:21:14pm |
re: #79 Dreggas
Pogrom? What the holy fuck.
Can they just stop trying to appropriate atrocities that have occurred to Jews?
| 87 |
Varek Raith Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:22:30pm |
re: #85 Obdicut
Pogrom? What the holy fuck.
Can they just stop trying to appropriate atrocities that have occurred to Jews?
Sheesh. Just noticed that.
Pogrom
–noun
an organized massacre, esp. of Jews.
| 88 |
Ericus58 Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:24:05pm |
“The BBC’s Arab affairs analyst Magdi Abdelhadi says Mr Ben Ali’s demise will go down in history as the day that an Arab population rose and brought down a head of state they regarded as a dictator.
He says it may rattle the entire post-colonial order in North Africa and the wider Arab world.”
[Link: www.bbc.co.uk…]
| 89 |
Glenn Beck's Grand Unifying Theory of Obdicut Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:24:09pm |
Number of Republicans killed during this pogrom/blood libel:
0.
Fucking assholes.
| 90 |
Varek Raith Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:24:34pm |
re: #85 Obdicut
Pogrom? What the holy fuck.
Can they just stop trying to appropriate atrocities that have occurred to Jews?
That’s a dog whistle on the part of the Washington Times. No way they’d use that word otherwise…
| 91 |
jamesfirecat Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:26:34pm |
re: #90 Varek Raith
That’s a dog whistle on the part of the Washington Times. No way they’d use that word otherwise…
What’s it a dog whistle trying to say? Vote for us, we’re Jewish?
| 92 |
lawhawk Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:27:14pm |
re: #85 Obdicut
I’m waiting for the following terms to be used next:
Night of the Long Knives.
Krystalnacht
Shoah
Final Solution.
It’s only a matter of time and it is absolutely sickening to see these terms expropriated in this manner.
| 93 |
Glenn Beck's Grand Unifying Theory of Obdicut Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:27:55pm |
re: #91 jamesfirecat
No. It’s pandering to Christians who feel— somehow— persecuted. It’s comparing what they’re going through (nothing) to what’s happened to the Jews.
| 94 |
Varek Raith Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:28:12pm |
re: #93 Obdicut
No. It’s pandering to Christians who feel— somehow— persecuted. It’s comparing what they’re going through (nothing) to what’s happened to the Jews.
Bingo!
| 95 |
darthstar Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:28:26pm |
re: #91 jamesfirecat
What’s it a dog whistle trying to say? Vote for us, we’re Jewish?
I think it says they’re running out of metaphors.
| 96 |
Charles Johnson Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:30:34pm |
re: #78 lawhawk
MSNBC had a throwaway line about wikileaks too in its coverage, but they framed it as the leaks vindicating the Tunisians who have complained for years about corruption.
So, the leaked documents talk about widespread corruption in Tunisia or other African countries. How shocking. //
The leaked documents have less to do with the current situation than the fact that peaceful demonstrators took to the streets over the rising food prices and a situation that was heading towards a Zimbabwe-type finish when Ben Ami’s forces started firing on the demonstrators causing riots.
Agreed - Wikileaks may have added fuel to the fire, by confirming what Tunisians already knew, but suggesting the cables played a “key part” in the revolution (Andrew Sullivan just wrote that) is bad analysis.
| 97 |
TedStriker Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:43:06pm |
They’re doing a reverse Godwin…if Palin and the TPGOP have been “blood libeled” and are the subject of “pogroms”, then that means that anyone who is not a TPer Republican (read: Democrats) MUST be Nazis.
/or am I reading too much into it…
| 98 |
Killgore Trout Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:52:23pm |
Stormfront neoNazis praise Palin’s brilliant plot against the Jews….
Sarah Palin (By Her Own Design) Has Literally Made The Jewish Elite Turn Against One Another
This has also led Palin to respond the other day and as everyone knows, she used the phrase ‘Blood Libel’ in referencing the Jewish Media who blamed her without any evidence. This has caused a firestorm within the jewish universe and what is the result? Jews Attacking Jews.
…
Guess what? It’s working. The ADL is turning on other prominant Jews over this and Prominent Jews are turning against the ADL. Ever since Palin came on the seen she has been attacked and vilified along with her daugters and special needs child Trig by the jewish media. They have reported her every move and choice of words used.You see, Palin represents everything they and the left oppose. Palins conservative family country living (hunting and fishing, pro life, pro gun) lifestyle is a shear threat to jewish liberal progressive ideology. She is now fed up with them and she has caused a backlash within the jewish community by design which I think was brilliant. With her, I think the Jewish Media blaming her for these deaths was the last straw for her and it woke her up. She is not going to pander to the jewish media anymore.
| 99 |
Gus Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:57:02pm |
Wasted my morning at Denver General today. The checked my BP, pulse, and temp. Then she went on to say something about “chronic as opposed to acute condition, blah, blah, blah.” Now I have to go back on Monday and see about getting into some program and then waiting to see a doctor there. If that works I’ll have to wait and see. Health care still sucks in America.
Otherwise, my monitor is on the blink and I won 100 bucks with a scratch game ticket.
| 100 |
watching you tiny alien kittens are Fri, Jan 14, 2011 12:59:11pm |
The corrupt old reptile whose family ran Tunisia for many years, President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, has fled the country…
…and has been replaced by another equally corrupt but younger reptile, excuse me for nor celebrating his ascension. :(
| 101 |
leftynyc Fri, Jan 14, 2011 1:00:47pm |
re: #67 lawhawk
They’re bringing in another person, but Rauf and Khan will remain in significant positions with the center.
Meanwhile, across the river, Gov. Christie is set to nominate a Muslim lawyer who represented Muslim detainees after 9/11 to a Superior Court judgeship (trial court level).
SHARIA!!! ///
Uh oh - I’m thinking there are many on the right that are not going to like that at all. And they’ve been saying such nice things about him up until now.
| 102 |
Killgore Trout Fri, Jan 14, 2011 1:01:39pm |
re: #99 Gus 802
Wasted my morning at Denver General today. The checked my BP, pulse, and temp. Then she went on to say something about “chronic as opposed to acute condition, blah, blah, blah.” Now I have to go back on Monday and see about getting into some program and then waiting to see a doctor there. If that works I’ll have to wait and see. Health care still sucks in America.
Otherwise, my monitor is on the blink and I won 100 bucks with a scratch game ticket.
Thanks for the update. I hope it all works out ok.
| 103 |
wrenchwench Fri, Jan 14, 2011 1:02:43pm |
re: #99 Gus 802
Sounds like it was not a total waste. Congrats on the scratcher.
| 104 |
leftynyc Fri, Jan 14, 2011 1:06:03pm |
re: #89 Obdicut
Number of Republicans killed during this pogrom/blood libel:
0.
Fucking assholes.
I think that a Republican judge was killed last Saturday. I understand he liked Gabby Giffords and stopped by her event after church.
| 105 |
Gus Fri, Jan 14, 2011 1:07:13pm |
re: #103 wrenchwench
Sounds like it was not a total waste. Congrats on the scratcher.
Yeah. The 100 bucks was a welcome surprise. Kind of pissed off about being “turned around”. I sort of expected that to happen. A couple of years ago they didn’t do that and ran a bunch of tests. Now my landlady thinks I should go back tonight and try again but come back “moaning loudly” about being sick. Would it have killed them to at least take an interest instead of being given the stupid runaround? Forms, documents, and paperwork! Blech.
| 106 |
What, me worry? Fri, Jan 14, 2011 1:08:57pm |
re: #76 Surabaya Stew
And thank goodness there is a place! However, the loss of the origional community is still there, plus the countries that lost/kicked out their Jewish minorities are all the poorer (culturally and skilled) for it.
As for returning to Israel, its a good thing that the option to do so is there. No doubt it is the best choice for most who have done so. However it should be freely chosen, not forced by an oppresive regime. It is that last part that makes me sad.
Sorry for late response. Busy day today!
You’re absolutely correct. It’s an awful thing to not be welcomed in a country, harassed or worse. It certainly would be a lot better if the choice to go was all theirs (ours).
You do have folks like this guy, who I think is really silly. He’s the last remaining Jew in Afghanistan. His wife and children are already in Israel. I have no idea what is keeping him, quite stubbornly, in that country.
[Link: www.cnn.com…]
| 107 |
Gus Fri, Jan 14, 2011 1:09:10pm |
Not enough money to go around I guess. Must save money to keep our nuclear stockpile up and blowing money so the US Navy can provide free security for the Arab oil states.
| 108 |
Glenn Beck's Grand Unifying Theory of Obdicut Fri, Jan 14, 2011 1:09:57pm |
re: #104 leftynyc
Sorry, you’re entirely right. I meant, killed by what these jackasses are calling a blood libel and a pogrom.
| 109 |
What, me worry? Fri, Jan 14, 2011 1:12:32pm |
I’m confused. What was the “conflict” with Imam Rauf and his wife?
Rauf remains on the board of the Islamic community center, called “Park51.” But the community center distanced itself from the Imam and his wife whose comments have sometimes conflicted with those of the project’s other backers.
| 110 |
makeitstop Fri, Jan 14, 2011 1:16:01pm |
re: #98 Killgore Trout
Stormfront neoNazis praise Palin’s brilliant plot against the Jews…
Sarah Palin (By Her Own Design) Has Literally Made The Jewish Elite Turn Against One Another
Is it me, or is this Tea Party/Neo-Nazi confluence gaining speed?
This is extremely disturbing.
| 111 |
Surabaya Stew Fri, Jan 14, 2011 1:20:11pm |
re: #106 marjoriemoon
Sorry for late response. Busy day today!
You’re absolutely correct. It’s an awful thing to not be welcomed in a country, harassed or worse. It certainly would be a lot better if the choice to go was all theirs (ours).
You do have folks like this guy, who I think is really silly. He’s the last remaining Jew in Afghanistan. His wife and children are already in Israel. I have no idea what is keeping him, quite stubbornly, in that country.
[Link: www.cnn.com…]
Heh, thats even a better story! Only one left? How does he get through the holidays with nobody else? Now thats insanity!
| 112 |
ryannon Fri, Jan 14, 2011 1:22:29pm |
re: #32 albusteve
Tunisia has had a robust economy, one of the most healthy in all of Africa…they have attracted foreign investment and apparently have a favorable business climate…don’t know what their problem is
Problem? What problem?
Just a bunch of commie subversives and trouble-making youts.
[Link: 213.251.145.96…]
| 113 |
bratwurst Fri, Jan 14, 2011 1:41:34pm |
re: #79 Dreggas
Using the term “blood libel” wasn’t enough, they now have to use “pogrom” too? Nothing like comparing threats to the political career of a woman who QUIT as governor of Alaska to innocent men women and children being tortured and murdered.
| 114 |
General Nimrod Bodfish Fri, Jan 14, 2011 1:45:14pm |
According to the BBC, Ben Ali is having problems finding a country that would accept him. He’s apparently in the UAE waiting for someone to take him.
| 115 |
boredtechindenver Fri, Jan 14, 2011 1:54:25pm |
Here is a dedication for Ben Ali
| 116 |
Fozzie Bear Fri, Jan 14, 2011 2:06:11pm |
re: #79 Dreggas
I think the GOP must have had a meeting last week and decided that it would be prudent to do everything they possibly could to alienate the Jewish vote.
This is fantastically stupid, even for them.
| 117 |
Glenn Beck's Grand Unifying Theory of Obdicut Fri, Jan 14, 2011 4:12:16pm |
Republicans comparing criticism for violent rhetoric to a pogrom and the blood libel is like spoiled white suburban kids comparing their allowance being taken away to black slavery.
| 118 |
theye1 Fri, Jan 14, 2011 6:07:21pm |
re: #106 marjoriemoon
Sorry for late response. Busy day today!
You’re absolutely correct. It’s an awful thing to not be welcomed in a country, harassed or worse. It certainly would be a lot better if the choice to go was all theirs (ours).
You do have folks like this guy, who I think is really silly. He’s the last remaining Jew in Afghanistan. His wife and children are already in Israel. I have no idea what is keeping him, quite stubbornly, in that country.
[Link: www.cnn.com…]
It’s his country, very likely he sees himself more Afghan then Jewish.
But I still don’t know why he stays, all the Afghans that could leave the country have.
| 119 |
lostlakehiker Fri, Jan 14, 2011 6:49:21pm |
re: #22 Charles
Wikileaks is already trying to claim credit for this, even though the protests have to do with the economy and food shortages, and have been going on for quite a while. Some Wikileaks cables showed the corruption of the Ben Ali government, and may have contributed slightly to the unrest, but that would be a very minor contribution compared to, say, famine.
Theodore Dalrymple had an essay on Tunisia back when it was “just” riots. His diagnosis was that when State corruption had got to the point where a guy with a master’s in computer science was reduced to trying to sell vegetables for a living, then forbidden to sell them for lack of a license (grease palms please), and spat upon by police when he complained, and when the man set himself on fire and died in the blaze because there was nothing left him but that… that’s toxic government. A lot of people saw themselves in that young man’s fate.
The riots were shown on TV today. There is no famine, not in the sense that people are dropping dead in the streets like Leningrad during the Nazi siege. What there is is the energy of despair. The vise of corruption has squeezed the people too tight, and they can see famine coming if they can’t get out of that vise.
Today Tunisia, tomorrow, Algeria and Libya? Egypt? Who knows where this is going?
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