Your WTF Moment of the Day: Bob Barr Represents Baby Doc

WorldJanuary 2011 • Views: 32,990

Today’s jaw-dropping expression of support for a brutal, murderous despot comes from former Republican Congressman Bob Barr, who’s in Haiti sucking up to “Baby Doc” Duvalier.

Barr “will be representing” Duvalier “in bringing his message of hope to the world,” the former Republican congressman’s website says.

“I also am reminded of others who have risen from the ashes,” Barr told reporters Friday. “The city of Atlanta is the Phoenix city. The people of Haiti, likewise, will rise from the problems created by last year’s earthquake and emerge stronger and better than before. That I know is Mr. Duvalier’s deep wish and something that he knows in his heart.”

WTF.

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119 comments

122 Year Old Obama Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:14:54am

Words fail me.

Sol Berdinowitz Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:15:58am

It would be like General Sherman returning to Atlanta and having a Haitian defend him…

albusteve Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:19:29am

seems to me that Barr and his new client are at risk for their welfare…I wouldn’t want to be standing closer than half a mile to Baby Doc…the weirdest story

Obdicut Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:20:21am

I remember people trying to convince me that Bob Barr’s leadership in the Libertarian party made some sort of sense, and wasn’t simply because Barr had no other options and the Libertarian Party wanted some sort of credibility.

Yeah, right.

Baby Doc sold organs from dead Haitians and kept the money to party with.

Anyone American with him is a blithering idiot or a scumbag looking to profit off of the misery of Haiti.

Charles Johnson Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:20:34am

It’s all about the money. Baby Doc stole billions from Haiti, and what are the odds that some of that money made it into the bank accounts of US politicians?

albusteve Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:21:25am

Doc want’s his fiefdom back

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:21:25am

re: #5 Charles

There’s a slight chance.
/

Lidane Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:21:51am

re: #2 ralphieboy

It would be like General Sherman returning to Atlanta and having a Haitian defend him…

That’s what I’m thinking.

Guess Bob Barr’s glibertarianism extends to defending despots who steal billions from their already impoverished country. =P

Obdicut Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:21:59am

How ‘libertarian’ is it to support a dictator? Duvalier’s regime was incredibly repressive.

Do Libertarians ever get tired of feeling like the butt of a bad joke?

albusteve Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:24:20am

remember the Boat people?

[Link: ann.sagepub.com…]

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:24:23am

Let’s say Beverly Hills, CA is a country. And for discussion, the average annual income is 200,000.00 US a year. Then we find that the leader steals from the people. Well, that sucks.

Stealing from people who’s average annual income is 200.00 U.S.?

String them and their minions the fuck up.

Baby Doc should swing.

Lidane Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:25:07am

re: #9 Obdicut

How ‘libertarian’ is it to support a dictator? Duvalier’s regime was incredibly repressive.

A lot of the anarcho-capitalist libertarians I used to debate would defend Somalia as a case study of a country surviving in spite of a lack of a centralized government. Yes, really.

When your principles overtake your common sense and empathy, that’s when it’s time to call it a day. I can’t fathom defending Duvalier. It makes no sense.

Jeezaloo Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:26:39am

re: #9 Obdicut

The rich are better than us. Haven’t you read your Ayn Rand today?

Killgore Trout Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:27:49am

re: #5 Charles

It’s all about the money. Baby Doc stole billions from Haiti, and what are the odds that some of that money made it into the bank accounts of US politicians?

That’s very possible but I suspect there’s also some ideological rationalization mixed in there too. The libertarian extremists see this as a thumb in the eye of New World Order organizations like Amnesty International and the UN. They probably also see strongman dictators as a useful counterweight to American imperialism.

Sol Berdinowitz Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:29:43am

re: #13 Jeezaloo

The rich are better than us. Haven’t you read your Ayn Rand today?

Or your Calvin: wealth is an outer sign of Inner Grace

McSpiff Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:30:10am

re: #11 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Let’s say Beverly Hills, CA is a country. And for discussion, the average annual income is 200,000.00 US a year. Then we find that the leader steals from the people. Well, that sucks.

Stealing from people who’s average annual income is 200.00 U.S.?

String them and their minions the fuck up.

Baby Doc should swing.

Slightly OT, but that’s what I have a hard time explaining to people about Haiti.

They were eating dirt cookies before the earthquake. Even if we had managed to restore Haiti to its pre-quake state, it would still look like a disaster area. The whole thing is hard to comprehend.

Back on topic though, How’s this going to play out in the press? Will anyone really care?

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:31:50am

Only left-wing dictators (or even just elected politicians, like Allende) are evil. The noble, God-fearing right-wing leaders are a bulwark against Communism, leftism, liberalism and must be supported. Franco, Pinochet, Duvalier - all good, Right guys, deserving of conservative support.

Varek Raith Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:32:44am

WTF.

Sol Berdinowitz Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:33:43am

re: #17 Sergey Romanov

Don’t forget all those little dictators the Soviet Union supported in its Caucasus and Central Asian republics just because they supported the Party line.

Killgore Trout Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:34:27am

Bob Barr at Atlanta Tea Party

Youtube Video

Charles Johnson Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:34:35am

re: #14 Killgore Trout

That’s very possible but I suspect there’s also some ideological rationalization mixed in there too. The libertarian extremists see this as a thumb in the eye of New World Order organizations like Amnesty International and the UN. They probably also see strongman dictators as a useful counterweight to American imperialism.

Could be, but I’m having a hard time seeing how this fits with libertarian ideology.

Maybe the rationale is that if countries like Haiti are ruled by violent strongmen it makes it easier for the US to be isolationist? Arg, I’m giving myself a headache trying to figure it out.

McSpiff Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:34:49am

re: #19 ralphieboy

Don’t forget all those little dictators the Soviet Union supported in its Caucasus and Central Asian republics just because they supported the Party line.

The Soviet’s supported a lot of truly horrible people. But surely “well the Soviets did it too!” won’t become a new rallying cry for the right?

Sol Berdinowitz Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:36:29am

re: #22 McSpiff

The Soviet’s supported a lot of truly horrible people. But surely “well the Soviets did it too!” won’t become a new rallying cry for the right?

Just to show it as a balancing counterpoint to all the tinhorn dictators the US supported in Central America.

jaunte Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:37:22am

It’s sickening what a few dollars can make Barr overlook.

Duvalier employed the Tonton Macoutes in a reign of terror against any opponents, including those who proposed progressive social systems.[1] Those who spoke out against Duvalier would disappear at night, or were sometimes attacked in broad daylight. Tonton Macoutes often stoned and burned people alive. Many times the corpses were put on display, often hung in trees for everyone to see. Family members who tried to remove the bodies for proper burial often disappeared themselves, never to be seen again.Bob Barr is setting a new low in association. [Link: en.wikipedia.org…]

McSpiff Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:38:29am

re: #23 ralphieboy

Just to show it as a balancing counterpoint to all the tinhorn dictators the US supported in Central America.

I’m not sure “Dictators support dictators” is exactly a balancing counterpoint. I would have used the ‘post-colonial’ France myself.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:39:40am

I sometimes see here and elsewhere nostalgia for Buckley as some “sane conservative” icon. But how is this different from the above?

[Link: www.fair.org…]

Buckley’s disdain for what he called “liberals’ fetishistic commitment to democracy” (William F. Buckley, John Judis) was evident in his admiration for dictators, including Spain’s Francisco Franco and Chile’s Augusto Pinochet. “General Franco is an authentic national hero,” wrote Buckley (National Review, 10/ 26/57), lauding the fascist for wresting Spain from its democracy and “the visionaries, ideologues, Marxists and nihilists” in charge. Pinochet was defended (National Review, 11/23/98) for deposing the democratically elected Salvador Allende, “a president who was defiling the Chilean constitution and waving proudly the banner of his friend and idol, Fidel Castro.”

Lidane Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:39:56am

re: #21 Charles

Don’t bother trying to understand it. It will never make sense.

It’s just like the idiots who would defend Somalia as a libertarian ideal. Their excuse was that the people and the free market would be able to decide how Somalia organized itself. The lack of government was somehow proof that people were just fine without bureaucracy interfering.

Sometimes people are just idiots, like Bob Barr with his defense of Duvalier.

Killgore Trout Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:40:12am

Liberty Strategies LLC

Liberty Strategies LLC capabilities also includes:

* Tailoring the client’s message to conservatives and grass roots organisations.
* Aiding in client’s profitability through retention of current business as well as identifying potential markets and easing entry into them.
….
Aiding the client internationally through the firm principles’ diplomatic contacts acquired from their past occupations.[

It’ll be interesting to see if Glen Beck and Andrew Napolitano start shilling for Baby Doc.

McSpiff Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:40:55am

re: #26 Sergey Romanov

I sometimes see here and elsewhere nostalgia for Buckley as some “sane conservative” icon. But how is this different from the above?

[Link: www.fair.org…]

I like you Sergey. A lot of excellent posts.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:42:26am

re: #29 McSpiff

*blush*

Thanks.

nines09 Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:43:46am

re: #5 Charles

It’s all about the money. Baby Doc stole billions from Haiti, and what are the odds that some of that money made it into the bank accounts of US politicians?

What’s the chance Baby Doc HAS millions salted away? What’s the chance former Republican Congressman Bob Barr wants a slice of that pie?
As far as “Mr. Duvalier’s heart” I think the world got a good snapshot of that mechanism.

jaunte Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:43:54am

Money grabbing liars.

Duvalier, 59, made the trip just before a Swiss law that could entitle him to at least $4.6 million takes effect on Feb. 1. To collect the funds, he would have to show Haitian authorities aren’t interested in prosecuting him.
Duvalier’s comments fell short of an outright apology to those who endured his brutal and allegedly corrupt rule from 1971 to 1986, when a popular uprising forced him to flee.

“I also take this opportunity to express once more my deep sadness at the place of my countrymen … who have suffered under my government,” said Duvalier, sometimes slurring his words.

He said he came to commemorate the victims of the devastating earthquake and “show solidarity” with his fellow Haitians.

[Link: www.miamiherald.com…]

Obdicut Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:47:11am

re: #26 Sergey Romanov

It is really bizarre that Buckley chose to simply believe Pinochet when he said he didn’t know about the torture that occurred under his regime; it’s even weirder that he considered that an actual defense. Incompetence as a defense has never sat very well with me.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:47:20am

re: #22 McSpiff

The Soviet’s supported a lot of truly horrible people. But surely “well the Soviets did it too!” won’t become a new rallying cry for the right?

One would think “the Soviets did it” is an argument for NOT doing something (in general).

Varek Raith Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:50:48am

Fucking Libertarianism.
How does it work!?
Sheesh.

Obdicut Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:50:59am

I’m still amazed at the arrogance it took for Duvalier to return. I think Barr’s support of him does show a reason why; it’s clear that he thinks everyone is going to want his money. He’s got no money, dead.

wrenchwench Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:51:07am

re: #13 Jeezaloo

Welcome, hatchling.

McSpiff Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:51:20am

re: #34 Sergey Romanov

One would think “the Soviets did it” is an argument for NOT doing something (in general).

Minus human space flight ;-)

Charles Johnson Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:51:47am

re: #26 Sergey Romanov

I sometimes see here and elsewhere nostalgia for Buckley as some “sane conservative” icon. But how is this different from the above?

[Link: www.fair.org…]

I give Buckley credit for two things - calling out right wing antisemitism (especially Pat Buchanan and Joe Sobran), and leading the fight to expel the paranoid John Birch Society.

And in an age when a lot of conservative leaders flaunt their stupidity, I also give him credit for not being stupid, most of the time - with some very notable lapses, like his rejection of evolutionary science.

Charles Johnson Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:54:13am

Today’s conservative movement, of course, has welcomed back both Pat Buchanan and the John Birch Society, so Buckley’s efforts have been defeated.

Gus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:54:28am

I knew it was only a matter of time before the wingnuts began cheering or embracing the “return” of “Baby Doc” Duvalier.

Obdicut Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:54:32am

re: #39 Charles

And for being willing to debate the most intelligent of his critics, too.

HappyWarrior Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:55:14am

re: #26 Sergey Romanov

I sometimes see here and elsewhere nostalgia for Buckley as some “sane conservative” icon. But how is this different from the above?

[Link: www.fair.org…]

It’s not. Some people have brought up Pinochet. I’ve seen conservatives defend Pinochet because he practiced free market economics. Shit, Stalin could have been the biggest free marketer in history and he’d still be as evil as he was as a Communist. Such stupid logic. And then you have others claim that dictators like Hitler were actually leftists which is nonsense.

SpaceJesus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:55:41am

holy fucking space shit

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:56:01am

re: #39 Charles

I give Buckley credit for two things - calling out right wing antisemitism (especially Pat Buchanan and Joe Sobran), and leading the fight to expel the paranoid John Birch Society.

And in an age when a lot of conservative leaders flaunt their stupidity, I also give him credit for not being stupid, most of the time - with some very notable lapses, like his rejection of evolutionary science.

Credit is due where it is due, I agree. But on antisemitism his record is mixed. Please see this:

[Link: books.google.com…]

Charles Johnson Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:57:01am

Wow, 650 retweets of my reply to Patterico. That’s great; lying assholes like Patterico should not be allowed to get away with the kind of sleazy smear he tried.

HappyWarrior Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:58:24am

Honestly I always thought Barr’s “conversion” to libertarianism was suspicious. Yeah Bob you the former sponsor of DOMA and one of the biggest drug warriors in Congress suddenly gave a shit about liberties. He’s an opportunist and a hypocrite. I’ve thought that way for a long time.

S.D. Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:00:06am

re: #1 SteelPH

I’m with you, this is really “Huh?”…

theheat Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:00:22am

In the tradition of so many politicians, they gravitate to douchebags; never met a douchebag they didn’t like, especially if it pays well.

PhillyPretzel Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:00:48am

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot indeed.

Gus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:01:01am

re: #46 Charles

Wow, 650 retweets of my reply to Patterico. That’s great; lying assholes like Patterico should not be allowed to get away with the kind of sleazy smear he tried.

Just think. That blowhard claims to be a deputy district attorney. But in wingnut world, any two bit blogger will get attention as long as they beat their chest just right.

wrenchwench Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:06:50am

re: #32 jaunte

Money grabbing liars.

From that link:

Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier

And:

The Organization of American States has urged Haitian officials to accept a report drafted by a team of its election experts showing that third-place finisher Michel “Sweet Micky” Martelly, not ruling party candidate Jude Célestin, should advance to a runoff with ex-first lady Mirlande Manigat.

Why am I reminded of a certain thread of a couple days ago….?

Varek Raith Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:08:09am

re: #52 wrenchwench

From that link:

And:

Why am I reminded of a certain thread of a couple days ago…?

Vinny Carwash was lookin’ fer ya…
/

Gus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:08:44am

Douche bag Bob Barr Tweets:

Just finished news conference in Haiti with former President Duvalier. Very interesting and deeply moving experience.

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:10:01am

re: #5 Charles

It’s all about the money. Baby Doc stole billions from Haiti, and what are the odds that some of that money made it into the bank accounts of US politicians?

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:12:00am

re: #54 Gus 802

Douche bag Bob Barr Tweets:

Compare:

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com…]

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:13:07am

re: #54 Gus 802

Douche bag Bob Barr Tweets:

Did ~~he ji~~ a thrill run up his leg?

(I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was) Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:13:16am

When asked about the crimes against humanity charges, Barr, who is advising Duvalier and not representing him as a lawyer, said “allegations are the cheapest commodity on the market.”

Spoken like a true libertarian.

///

Amory Blaine Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:14:46am

More ammo for our enemies quill.

Gus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:15:13am

re: #57 Sergey Romanov

Did ~~he ji~~ a thrill run up his leg?

Maybe at the thought of getting the 7 million in Swiss bank accounts and his subsequent (possible) 700,000 cut. My only other guess is that if he sees it as a “deeply moving experience” then the meme of “I’m doing the Lords work” isn’t very far behind.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:16:43am

re: #60 Gus 802

Maybe at the thought of getting the 7 million in Swiss bank accounts and his subsequent (possible) 700,000 cut. My only other guess is that if he sees it as a “deeply moving experience” then the meme of “I’m doing the Lords work” isn’t very far behind.

Doing the Lord’s work? Isn’t that what ceremonial prostitutes in Babylonia used to say? /

HappyWarrior Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:16:51am

I forget but was Barr ever part of the GOP leadership in Congress. I recall him being one of the big pushers of impeaching Clinton but was he ever in charge of an important committee or a whip or anything.

Tumulus11 Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:17:11am

. Perhaps former Congressman Barr is seeking a return to the ‘good old days’ in Haiti. Does the Republican Big Tent stretch wide enough to encompass the TonTon Macoutes?

‘Last week’s unrest began in church. Sunday’s evening Mass at the old Cathedral of Cap Haitien had just concluded when a lone voice in the congregation bellowed out, ‘Abas (Down with) Duvalier!’ With startling vigor, the cry was taken up by other worshipers, and the chanting demand for Duvalier’s ouster quickly became the catalyst for a short-lived demonstration on the steps of the church.
Within minutes, army troops from a nearby barracks descended on the crowd. The soldiers fired rifles into the air, rained down blows with hardwood clubs, and barged into the cathedral in search of the instigators. As word of the brutal military response spread, thousands of demonstrators roamed through the historic town. The following day the Tonton Macoute showed it had learned nothing from the November killing of the Gonaives students. At a demonstration by several thousand people outside the Cap Haitien Cathedral, militiamen fired wildly into the crowd, killing three people and wounding 30.
….
By Thursday the chant ‘Down with Duvalier!’ was echoing across the country. Said one resident of Cap Haitien: ‘No one is afraid anymore. Duvalier must go.’ In Gonaives, thousands of protesters blocked the streets with barricades and burning tires. When the local army headquarters was overrun by anti-Duvalier marchers, agents of the Tonton Macoute tried to open fire, but they were disarmed by an army tactical battalion. Terrified, the agents ripped off their trademark blue denim uniforms and tried to escape the mob’s wrath. More crowds demanded that the military overthrow the dictatorship, and rumors started that Baby Doc, his wife and an entourage of 100 had already fled to France.

Even after Duvalier had declared a 30-day state of siege and the armed forces put on a heavy display of power, the riots continued. At an early Mass at the St. Jean Bosco church in a poor district of the capital, a soldier shot and wounded the priest for no apparent reason. An enraged congregation spilled into the street and set off more protests. In other parts of town, militiamen fired into the crowds, while rioters smashed car and store windows, looted shops, and constructed roadblocks from tires and burning garbage. By week’s end an estimated 26 people had been killed.’
// Time Magazine, Feb. 10, 1986.

Gus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:18:48am

re: #62 HappyWarrior

I forget but was Barr ever part of the GOP leadership in Congress. I recall him being one of the big pushers of impeaching Clinton but was he ever in charge of an important committee or a whip or anything.

[Link: en.wikipedia.org…]

Barr was later re-elected three times, serving from 1995 to 2003. While in Congress, Barr served as a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, as Vice-Chairman of the Government Reform Committee, and as a member of the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Veteran’s Affairs.

Varek Raith Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:23:00am

re: #64 Gus 802

[Link: en.wikipedia.org…]

You feeling any better?

Gus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:23:58am

re: #65 Varek Raith

You feeling any better?

Yeah. I think I’m over the hump now. Got some generic Pepto Bismol just in case. Bleh. Slept all day yesterday.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:32:26am

One more Buckley gem:

[Link: www.tnr.com…]
In 1997, when he was scouring the ranks of talented younger conservatives to find a new editor for National Review, Buckley eliminated one prospect, his onetime protege David Brooks, a rising star at The Weekly Standard. In a memo to board members, Buckley reported that he had discussed Brooks with NR alum George Will: “I said that I thought it would be wrong for the next editor to be other than a believing Christian. He agreed and added that the next editor should not be a Canadian”—a possible reference to conservative writer David Frum.

Gus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:43:43am

re: #47 HappyWarrior

Honestly I always thought Barr’s “conversion” to libertarianism was suspicious. Yeah Bob you the former sponsor of DOMA and one of the biggest drug warriors in Congress suddenly gave a shit about liberties. He’s an opportunist and a hypocrite. I’ve thought that way for a long time.

He’s a general purpose weirdo. Remember how he went after Wiccans in the military. And other things:

Representative Bob Barr’s Statements:

U.S. Representative Bob Barr (GA-7) has been a United States Attorney, and currently serves on the House Judiciary, Government Reform and Banking committees. 2

On 1999-MAY-13, he issued a press release titled:

“BARR: CAUSES OF YOUTH VIOLENCE FOUND IN ADULT CULTURE.” 3

He lists as one of the causes of youth violence the practice by the U.S. military to permit Wiccan personnel to observe their religious faith. Wicca is a benign, earth-centered religion, which is somewhat similar to Native American Spirituality. A second source of youth violence that he cites is the increasing acceptance by university students of humanism, a secular, non-theistic philosophy with a strong ethical component.

On 1999-MAY-18, he issued a second press release. Copies were delivered to military and congressional leaders. Recipients included Army Secretary Louis Caldera and Lt. Gen. Leon S. LaPorte, commander of Fort Hood, TX. It is titled:

“BARR DEMANDS END TO TAXPAYER-FUNDED WITCHCRAFT ON AMERICAN MILITARY BASES.” 4

He is reported as having viewed a report on The O’Reilly Factor, a program on Fox News. It featured vernal equinox ceremonies by soldiers at Fort Hood, TX. He had heard that military chaplains at Fort Hood, and other bases “are sanctioning, if not supporting the practice of witchcraft as a ‘religion’ by soldiers on military bases….

[Link: www.religioustolerance.org…]

Obdicut Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:46:46am

re: #68 Gus 802

His nomination relieved me of having to ever take the Libertarian Party seriously.

jaunte Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:47:38am

re: #68 Gus 802

He represents the reactionary theocratic wing of the Libertarians./

Gus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:49:34am

2000
YOUTH CULTURE AND VIOLENCE
HEARING BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Mr. BARR. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank the panelists and the previous panelists as well. It is a very, very enlightening hearing today.

I enjoy reading newspapers. One reason I enjoy reading newspapers is because every time that you think that you have read the most outrageous thing possible, darned if you don’t pick up the newspaper the next day and there is something even more outrageous.

In today’s Washington Times there is an article that I would like to read a little bit of here. This is a quote from this story.

”The robed high priestess turns her back to the fire, faces a makeshift altar, and blesses the essentials of life, water, bread, and salt. ‘Great Goddess Friea, bless this creature of the Earth to your service,’ she recites, placing the shiny blade of her dagger over a small bowl of salt. ‘May we always honor the blessed Earth. It has many forms and beings,”’ closed quote.

The article goes on to describe that this was taking place not out in the desert somewhere with some cult group, but on a United States Army installation, Fort Hood.

This is the reaction of the Army to this. This is the sort of leadership, the moral leadership, that we are providing our children; and we wonder why they are confused. This is our Army saying this: ”Fort Hood works hard to understand and accommodate the Wiccans,” says Colonel Jerome Haberack, a Catholic priest and chief chaplain of the Third Army Corps, which includes 75,000 soldiers stationed at Fort Hood and other posts worldwide.

And we wonder why we have kids that are drifting around aimlessly when the United States Army allows not faith in God, but witches to worship on military bases by active duty military personnel; and the best that we can tell our young people and our service people is that we have to struggle through this.

You turn over to page 2 of the Washington Times for today, and there is a picture here of several students sitting around smiling on a campus wearing T-shirts, shorts and so forth. This is a group of Human Secularists. And this article talks about the new face that the Human Secularists are putting on their effort to recruit young people in our society. They say that they no longer use the word ”atheist” because it doesn’t go over very well, but the word ”humanist,” the way they describe it, goes over much better.

So this is what we are doing with our young people. This is what we are doing in our military.

And where is President Clinton? Well, Clinton is out in Hollywood seeking $1.5 million from Hollywood, and we wonder why our kids are confused. We wonder why they do these things when our military, our leaders, are exerting no moral guidance and leadership whatsoever. As a matter of fact, they are taking this in the opposite direction.

Every Member of Congress, on the walls of their office, and ours is no exception, has a lot of things on the walls from our districts and communities, and so forth. One of the things that we have on the wall of our office is this. It is the Ten Commandments, the sixth of which says, Thou shalt not kill.

Stanghazi Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:49:37am

re: #68 Gus 802

Give me a break.

Gus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:50:02am

Humanists and witches in the military!!11ty — Bob Barr

Jadespring Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:50:37am

Reading the OP made me feel physically ill.

Gus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:51:14am

re: #72 Stanley Sea

Give me a break.

Read #21 to get his exact words.

The man is an utter fool.

albusteve Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:51:17am

deeply moving…already heard that a bunch of times…it’s a fraud, Doc wants the money, simple as that….deeply moving, compassionate, heart wrenching, suffering with his people bullshit….the guy is a killer

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:51:22am

re: #73 Gus 802

Humanists and witches in the military!!11ty — Bob Barr

But are humanists also made of wood?

jaunte Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:51:40am

re: #71 Gus

802
You turn over to page 2 of the Washington Times for today, and there is a picture here of several students sitting around smiling on a campus wearing T-shirts, shorts and so forth. This is a group of Human Secularists.

Barr is on record as being opposed to smiling.

Gus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:52:11am

re: #78 jaunte

Barr is on record as being opposed to smiling.

Fear the smiling Human Secularist!

albusteve Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:52:25am

re: #75 Gus 802

Read #21 to get his exact words.

The man is an utter fool.

yeah, but he’s one toe inside the door

jaunte Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:52:51am

re: #79 Gus 802

What are they hiding behind their grins and cult haircuts?

Gus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:53:01am

What’s a Human Secularist anyway? I’ve heard of Secular Humanists but not Human Secularists.

wrenchwench Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:53:31am

re: #73 Gus 802

Humanists and witches in the military!!11ty — Bob Barr

He doesn’t have a moral compass, he has a moral ~~eggbeater~~ ~~chainsaw~~ ~~pitchfork~~ [help me out here… ].

Gus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:54:03am

re: #83 wrenchwench

He doesn’t have a moral compass, he has a moral ~~eggbeater~~ ~~chainsaw~~ ~~pitchfork~~ [help me out here… ].

Changeling?

jaunte Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:54:16am

re: #82 Gus 802

Maybe just locals, not the Lizard Overlord secularists.

McSpiff Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:55:06am

re: #83 wrenchwench

He doesn’t have a moral compass, he has a moral ~~eggbeater~~ ~~chainsaw~~ ~~pitchfork~~ [help me out here… ].

Any chance for his morals died in some god forsaken cell in Port-Au-Prince if you ask me…

Gus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:55:19am

More.

Bob Barr: Atheists Trying to Infiltrate Boy Scouts

Varek Raith Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:57:21am

re: #87 Gus 802

More.

Bob Barr: Atheists Trying to Infiltrate Boy Scouts

OOGA BOOGA!
I was an atheist Boy Scout.

Gus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:57:52am

re: #88 Varek Raith

OOGA BOOGA!
I was an atheist Boy Scout.

Did you manage to recruit any new followers?

Varek Raith Sat, Jan 22, 2011 10:59:30am

re: #89 Gus 802

Did you manage to recruit any new followers?

//

Nope.
Too busy firing shotguns and cooking pizza over a FIRE!!!.

Obdicut Sat, Jan 22, 2011 11:00:09am

re: #88 Varek Raith

I was such a terrible boy scout. Or rather, my whole troop was terrible. Drinking, theft (of playboys and cigarettes) and other shenanigans. But everyone there was very religious, which made it all the weirder when I got invited to a literal circle jerk.

I declined as politely as I knew how, and hiked nine miles back home. The troop leader failed to notice my absence until two days later, when he called my parents to inform them I might be dead.

beartiger Sat, Jan 22, 2011 11:01:00am

The city of Atlanta is the Phoenix city.

I thought the city of Phoenix was the Phoenix city.

SpaceJesus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 11:02:17am

re: #88 Varek Raith

high five

Gus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 11:02:43am

Just in case Bob Barr happens to read this.

Dear Bob Barr:

You’re an asshole.

Sincerely,

Gus

jaunte Sat, Jan 22, 2011 11:03:46am

re: #92 beartiger

I thought the city of Phoenix was the Phoenix city.

It’s a popular term among the people who are still grumpy about
Sherman’s visit.

Jadespring Sat, Jan 22, 2011 11:05:26am

re: #91 Obdicut

I was such a terrible boy scout. Or rather, my whole troop was terrible. Drinking, theft (of playboys and cigarettes) and other shenanigans. But everyone there was very religious, which made it all the weirder when I got invited to a literal circle jerk.

I declined as politely as I knew how, and hiked nine miles back home. The troop leader failed to notice my absence until two days later, when he called my parents to inform them I might be dead.

I was scout. Venturer

The first time I ever smoked pot was at a boy scout camp. They were baad. No religious stuff though.

Fun times. :)

researchok Sat, Jan 22, 2011 11:06:34am

re: #75 Gus 802

Read #21 to get his exact words.

The man is an utter fool.

The flip side of Ramsey Clark

albusteve Sat, Jan 22, 2011 11:07:31am

I don’t remember too much or any religion mixed in with the scouts…just the typical pledges etc….I got booted right before I got my Star rank…it wasn’t that fun for me…too straight laced

Gus Sat, Jan 22, 2011 11:09:18am

[Link: twitter.com…]

100

albusteve Sat, Jan 22, 2011 11:10:58am

re: #99 Gus 802

=)

[Link: twitter.com…]

the Duke of Churl

101

HoosierHoops Sat, Jan 22, 2011 11:11:04am

re: #98 albusteve

I don’t remember too much or any religion mixed in with the scouts…just the typical pledges etc…I got booted right before I got my Star rank…it wasn’t that fun for me…too straight laced

I was never a boy scout..It never appealed to me..I joined the civil air patrol for a short time

102

charlz Sat, Jan 22, 2011 11:15:29am

re: #91 Obdicut

The troop leader failed to notice my absence until two days later, when he called my parents to inform them I might be dead.

bwahaha! That beats mine — he skipped town when his men’s clothing store failed and took the troop’s treasury with him. ~$500 was a lot of money in the early ’60s.

103

albusteve Sat, Jan 22, 2011 11:15:52am

re: #101 HoosierHoops

I was never a boy scout..It never appealed to me..I joined the civil air patrol for a short time

as I recall, some of us did a evening stitch at the armory for some discipline and drill stuff headed by a grizzled old Korean war vet and Marine drill instructor….some survival and outdoor craft….I loved that and really sucked it up while my sissy do gooder mates were bored and half scared to death of that old guy…all in all not a very rewarding experience tho…too much bullshit

104

Killgore Trout Sat, Jan 22, 2011 11:36:13am

Via Drudge: Did Obama dye his gray hair away?
Hairgate continues

105

lostlakehiker Sat, Jan 22, 2011 11:39:28am

But Duvalier? Him rising from the ashes is a bad thing. It’s like any number of horror movies. The damn guy won’t stay down for the count.

106

Eclectic Infidel Sat, Jan 22, 2011 11:49:45am

It’s no surprise, or at least it shouldn’t be. American politicians tend to favor dictators who are presumably “anti-communist” while simultaneously turning a blind eye to the atrocities committed by same dictator.

Back in college, almost 20 years back now, I did an extensive paper about the grotesque human rights abuses in Nicaragua, backed by our tax dollars. I know I am going off on a tangent now, but again, there was a former dictator, overthrown by a popular uprising who was favored by the U.S. because he was “anti-communist.” So what did the U.S. do? It fucked up. Brought in the Contras who viciously raped and murdered villagers.

If anything has turned me against U.S. “police action” wars, it was my studies that focused on our involvement in Central America.

107

SanFranciscoZionist Sat, Jan 22, 2011 1:31:40pm

re: #16 McSpiff

Slightly OT, but that’s what I have a hard time explaining to people about Haiti.

They were eating dirt cookies before the earthquake. Even if we had managed to restore Haiti to its pre-quake state, it would still look like a disaster area. The whole thing is hard to comprehend.

Back on topic though, How’s this going to play out in the press? Will anyone really care?

No. The bad truth is, no one actually gives a crap about Haiti. The world pledged money, then didn’t send it. The whole thing is being held together by a bunch of underfunded NGOs and the raw faith of people who cling to life.

They’re black, and they’re poor, and they have no resources to exploit, and they don’t export terrorism, and they can’t even threaten to go commie on us anymore.

This makes me so damn mad I could spit. But I wager no one will notice or care that Bob Barr is swanning around with a monster.

108

SanFranciscoZionist Sat, Jan 22, 2011 1:34:28pm

re: #27 Lidane

Don’t bother trying to understand it. It will never make sense.

It’s just like the idiots who would defend Somalia as a libertarian ideal. Their excuse was that the people and the free market would be able to decide how Somalia organized itself. The lack of government was somehow proof that people were just fine without bureaucracy interfering.

Sometimes people are just idiots, like Bob Barr with his defense of Duvalier.

I’ve yet to hear of any libertarian packing up his wife and kids and going to Somalia, though. And I won’t.

109

SanFranciscoZionist Sat, Jan 22, 2011 1:36:14pm

re: #41 Gus 802

I knew it was only a matter of time before the wingnuts began cheering or embracing the “return” of “Baby Doc” Duvalier.

Well…good for you.

I am fucking blown away. I knew they defended some bad people, but SHIT…

110

SanFranciscoZionist Sat, Jan 22, 2011 1:41:34pm

re: #61 Sergey Romanov

Doing the Lord’s work? Isn’t that what ceremonial prostitutes in Babylonia used to say? /

Yes, but in that case you literally got a bang for your buck.

111

SanFranciscoZionist Sat, Jan 22, 2011 1:43:01pm

re: #82 Gus 802

What’s a Human Secularist anyway? I’ve heard of Secular Humanists but not Human Secularists.

This distinguishes them from Time Lord Secularists.

112

SanFranciscoZionist Sat, Jan 22, 2011 1:46:59pm

re: #91 Obdicut

I was such a terrible boy scout. Or rather, my whole troop was terrible. Drinking, theft (of playboys and cigarettes) and other shenanigans. But everyone there was very religious, which made it all the weirder when I got invited to a literal circle jerk.

I declined as politely as I knew how, and hiked nine miles back home. The troop leader failed to notice my absence until two days later, when he called my parents to inform them I might be dead.

LOL.

Just read this to my dear husband the Eagle Scout, who comments, “My troop had the pornography, but no drinking or smoking.”

“No circle jerks?” inquire I.

“NO.”

“And do you think the troop leader would have noticed if someone went missing?”

“Uh, yeah. I mean, they were old, but they were on the ball.”

I’m sorry you had such an awful troop.

113

SanFranciscoZionist Sat, Jan 22, 2011 1:48:05pm

re: #101 HoosierHoops

I was never a boy scout..It never appealed to me..I joined the civil air patrol for a short time

My dad was in civil air patrol. He loved it. They all took their guns to school and stashed them in their lockers during the day. This was back when you could do that without the SWAT team getting involved.

114

SanFranciscoZionist Sat, Jan 22, 2011 1:48:46pm

re: #105 lostlakehiker

But Duvalier? Him rising from the ashes is a bad thing. It’s like any number of horror movies. The damn guy won’t stay down for the count.

Since it’s Haiti, we do have to ask—is it possible he’s a zombie?

///

115

Decatur Deb Sat, Jan 22, 2011 1:51:31pm

re: #103 albusteve

as I recall, some of us did a evening stitch at the armory for some discipline and drill stuff headed by a grizzled old Korean war vet and Marine drill instructor…some survival and outdoor craft…I loved that and really sucked it up while my sissy do gooder mates were bored and half scared to death of that old guy…all in all not a very rewarding experience tho…too much bullshit

I was a Cub Scout leader, but would have had to drop it if challenged on religion. For the daughter’s GS troop in Korea, I was the required radioman/muscle.

116

lostlakehiker Sat, Jan 22, 2011 2:33:46pm

re: #107 SanFranciscoZionist

No. The bad truth is, no one actually gives a crap about Haiti. The world pledged money, then didn’t send it. The whole thing is being held together by a bunch of underfunded NGOs and the raw faith of people who cling to life.

They’re black, and they’re poor, and they have no resources to exploit, and they don’t export terrorism, and they can’t even threaten to go commie on us anymore.

This makes me so damn mad I could spit. But I wager no one will notice or care that Bob Barr is swanning around with a monster.

No one sees any hope. What imaginable actions might make a real and lasting difference? Haiti is just an intractable mess. The Dominican Republic, the other half of the island, is not. But who knows how to get Haiti to mimic the Dominican Republic? They will, or they won’t.

117

Our Precious Bodily Fluids Sat, Jan 22, 2011 3:27:13pm

Bob Barr has never not been a jerk-ass. I don’t see why this is so surprising.

118

ClaudeMonet Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:36:09pm

re: #35 Varek Raith

Fucking Libertarianism.
How does it work!?
Sheesh.

It doesn’t.

re: #108 SanFranciscoZionist

I’ve yet to hear of any libertarian packing up his wife and kids and going to Somalia, though. And I won’t.

Exactly. Like “limousine liberals”, they talk the talk but would never dream of giving up what they have to walk the walk.

Know what’s best for us? Check.
Tell us what’s best for us? Check.
Prove it’s best by living the life they tell us? Negative, Maverick, the pattern is full.

119

ClaudeMonet Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:41:02pm

Two theories, pick one, both, or neither—

1. It’s a scam. Duvalier uses Barr’s status as a lawyer to hide most of the money while giving a fraction of what he stole back to the country. In return, Barr gets a piece of the action.

2. As negativ and others have said, Barr is an asshole.

Personally, I’d get a smarter and less well-known lawyer, but then again, Duvalier has never been known for his smarts.

Spy Mode Auto

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