Speaking at the Awakening 2012 conference of religious right basket cases, Rick Scarborough is mad as hell at Bart Simpson, Rachel Maddow, the theory of evolution, and Brokeback Mountain. And a lot of other stuff. Especially fornication. Because it all leads to fornication, you know.
1 |
jaunte Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:06:15pm |
If watching Bart Simpson leads to fornication, Rick Scarborough has some serious paraphilia problems.
| 2 |
Kragar Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:06:54pm |
“sex-education has become nothing more than the facilitation of fornication, complete with home study with the teachers.”
Damn teachers are cutting in on the role traditionally filled by good Christian preachers!
| 3 |
Killgore Trout Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:08:08pm |
Without the internet only a dozen idiots would have seen this. Now, millions. Progress?
| 4 |
Charles Johnson Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:10:11pm |
Rick Scarborough is not just a fringe crank.
Rick Scarborough received a B.A. from Houston Baptist University[1], a M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary[2], and a D.Min. from Louisiana Baptist Theological Seminary.[1][2] From 1990 to June 2002, he served as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Pearland in Houston, Texas.[1] In 1998, he founded Vision America.[1] He has been involved with Focus on the Family.[1]
He has traveled extensively and is viewed by some conservative leaders as the values voter leader in 2006 and in 2008.[3][4] He has been interviewed and has appeared in the media on several occasions, including Larry King Live.
| 5 |
blueraven Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:10:36pm |
re: #3 Killgore Trout
Without the internet only a dozen idiots would have seen this. Now, millions. Progress?
Wait, are you against sunlight?
| 6 |
Kragar Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:11:13pm |
| 7 |
Linden Arden Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:11:37pm |
Is Borat in this video? I could watch it with some comic relief.
OT - PBS Frontline just began a 4-hr 2008 financial meltdown series. I am geek enough to watch the whole thing although I lived it.
| 8 |
Charles Johnson Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:12:18pm |
re: #3 Killgore Trout
Scarborough had an audience of millions long before YouTube existed.
| 9 |
Killgore Trout Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:13:59pm |
re: #8 Charles Johnson
Scarborough had an audience of millions long before YouTube existed.
The audience looks pretty sparse. The TV in the background looks like a relic from '94.
| 11 |
Kragar Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:15:46pm |
re: #9 Killgore Trout
The audience looks pretty sparse. The TV in the background looks like a relic from '94.
Audio Visual dept comes after the Personal expenses on the Church budget.
| 12 |
freetoken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:15:58pm |
re: #3 Killgore Trout
Even before the 1990's and the development of widespread internet usage, mega-churches and para-church organizations had grown so that millions of people could watch some loony preacher or another. Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggert both had followings in the millions, as well as Mr. Moral Majority himself, and of course Pat Robertson.
Scarborough is just following in a long line of big-time American preachers.
| 13 |
Stanghazi Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:16:51pm |
re: #10 blueraven
oh brother. every. single. post.
Are we giving Rick Scarborough a fair shake? Or are we overreacting?
| 14 |
blueraven Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:17:43pm |
re: #13 Stanley Sea's rule of law
Are we giving Rick Scarborough a fair shake? Or are we overreacting?
Or are we trying to change the subject entirely?
| 15 |
watching you tiny alien kittens are Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:18:49pm |
re: #9 Killgore Trout
The audience looks pretty sparse. The TV in the background looks like a relic from '94.
Notice the VCR below it? Do you know how bad VCR tapes look on high resolution flat screens?
///
| 17 |
engineer cat Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:20:14pm |
all these preachers are against fornication but nobody ever blames god
| 19 |
blueraven Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:21:14pm |
re: #16 freetoken
Scarborough on Mitt Romney:
[Embedded content]
Uh oh, he has attacked Mitt's life choices. Now some people can be righteously outraged!
| 20 |
The Questionable Timing of a Flea Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:22:12pm |
re: #9 Killgore Trout
The audience looks pretty sparse. The TV in the background looks like a relic from '94.
Before YouTube and streaming video, rants and sermons like this would be recorded (audio or video) and distributed. You could get them through mail-order, or at conventions, to use as "educational aides" for your congregation.
| 21 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:22:49pm |
I thought Religious Whackos seemed to be concentrated in the US and the ME.
But, they seem to be in Russia as well.
| 22 |
jaunte Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:23:31pm |
Especially fornication. Because it all leads to fornication, you know.
Driving up from Houston to Terre Haute, through Bible country: East Texas, Arkansas, the Mississippi valley, across rural Illinois, you see an awful lot of XXX Megamarts sitting out in the middle of the horizontal landscape. There must be a lot of heavy research going on.
| 23 |
Shiplord Kirel Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:23:33pm |
Scarborough is contrasting our hellish present with an allegedly wholesome past that never really existed.
One of his points of contrast is "that evolution is taught as fact, while the fact of God is taught as theory."
When I was in school in the 50s and 60s, evolution was taught as fact (which it is, and was) and creationists were scorned as a handful of wretched leftovers from the Scopes Monkey Trial 40 years earlier. Now, the creation liars sit on school boards all over the country, and one of our two major political party cannot nominate a candidate who dares to oppose them in public.
| 24 |
Charles Johnson Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:23:42pm |
re: #16 freetoken
Scarborough is one of Pat Robertson's protegés. There's a hard-core base of fundamentalists that still hate Joseph Smith with a passion.
| 25 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:23:45pm |
Beaver to Butthead?
Is there a joke in there?
| 26 |
Lidane Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:25:00pm |
re: #9 Killgore Trout
The audience looks pretty sparse. The TV in the background looks like a relic from '94.
And Pat Robertson's show has had the same set for the last 20 years. So what? Shitty production values aren't a reflection of the influence of the speaker.
| 27 |
engineer cat Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:25:08pm |
re: #23 Shiplord Kirel
Scarborough is contrasting our hellish present with an allegedly wholesome past that never really existed.
One of his points of contrast is "that evolution is taught as fact, while the fact of God is taught as theory."
When I was in school in the 50s and 60s, evolution was taught as fact (which it is, and was) and creationists were scorned as a handful of wretched leftovers from the Scopes Monkey Trial 40 years earlier. Now, the creation liars sit on school boards all over the country, and one of our two major political party cannot nominate a candidate who dares to oppose them in public.
Eppur si muove
| 28 |
Linden Arden Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:25:13pm |
One would think when the FSM smote Touchdown Jesus with lightning the fundies would back off a bit.
| 29 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:25:23pm |
If I remember correctly, Opie's parents on Happy Days used to get "frisky" and chase each other up the stairs to the bedroom and the little sister was sent to her room when she asked about it.
| 30 |
watching you tiny alien kittens are Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:25:43pm |
re: #17 engineer cat
all these preachers are against fornication but nobody ever blames god
Kinda like the apple in the garden of Eden;
"There it is but you can't eat it or bad things will happen."
instead it's;
"I gave you a penis, but you can't touch it or bad things will happen."
Thanks an effing lot God! :(
| 31 |
Four More Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:26:31pm |
Dammit, Romney, stop interrupting my nightly Maddow!!
| 32 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:26:43pm |
re: #30 Tiny Alien Kitties are Watching You
Kinda like the apple in the garden of Eden;
"There it is but you can't eat it or bad things will happen."
instead it's;
"I gave you a penis, but you can't touch it or bad things will happen."
Thanks an effing lot God! :(
OH, BTW, women got fun parts too! They aren't even allowed to know about them or how they work.
/gah
| 33 |
Lidane Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:27:16pm |
re: #22 jaunte
Driving up from Houston to Terre Haute, through Bible country: East Texas, Arkansas, the Mississippi valley, across rural Illinois, you see an awful lot of XXX Megamarts sitting out in the middle of the horizontal landscape. There must be a lot of heavy research going on.
Speaking of relics from the past, I still don't understand how those XXX Adult Megaplex Megamart places even stay open these days. With the internet, who needs to pay for porn anymore, or to humiliate themselves by buying "adult novelties" at a real store?
| 34 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:28:17pm |
re: #33 Lidane
Speaking of relics from the past, I still don't understand how those XXX Adult Megaplex Megamart places even stay open these days. With the internet, who needs to pay for porn anymore, or to humiliate themselves by buying "adult novelties" at a real store?
Wonder who is making the profits from those XXX stores?
couldn't be church-going Christians, could it?
| 35 |
jaunte Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:29:00pm |
re: #33 Lidane
They've probably branched out from porn into fireworks, beer, and beef jerky.
| 36 |
Stanghazi Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:29:08pm |
re: #24 Charles Johnson
Scarborough is one of Pat Robertson's protegés. There's a hard-core base of fundamentalists that still hate Joseph Smith with a passion.
Oh yes. Their forefathers were the ones who terrorized the Mormons.
I read today that its us secularists who dislike Mormons on a larger scale, because its even MORE foreign to us.
What ev.
(caveat, I love Emmmie, and really appreciate every enlightenment she gives us non-knowers, but I read 'Under the Kingdom of Heaven' by Jon Krakauer, and it was a strong, strange trip. That still sticks.
| 38 |
Four More Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:29:55pm |
re: #33 Lidane
Speaking of relics from the past, I still don't understand how those XXX Adult Megaplex Megamart places even stay open these days. With the internet, who needs to pay for porn anymore, or to humiliate themselves by buying "adult novelties" at a real store?
You can't try out that new glass butt-plug over the internet.
You're welcome...
| 40 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:31:34pm |
re: #38 Assemble!
You can't try out that new glass butt-plug over the internet.
You're welcome...
You mean they're not returnable?
:0
| 41 |
Kragar Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:31:52pm |
These people believe a man in the sky watches them and holds them in judgement, makes the occasional appearance via pyrotechnic shrubbery and faces in baked goods and sent his causcasion, blue eyed son to be born in the middle east.
Getting them to believe they just missed the good ole days is nothing.
| 42 |
Four More Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:33:07pm |
re: #40 ggt
You mean they're not returnable?
:0
Nope. Just do what everyone else probably does. Wipe it off and put it up on eBay...
| 43 |
Stanghazi Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:33:28pm |
I love/hate when I look away from my twitter stream, and its 170 new. What am I doing?
| 44 |
Kragar Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:34:33pm |
re: #43 Stanley Sea's rule of law
I love/hate when I look away from my twitter stream, and its 170 new. What am I doing?
Something productive.
| 45 |
Stanghazi Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:35:47pm |
re: #44 Kragar
Something productive.
Actually, I want to download the last Mad Men and re-watch. Anyone see it?
Roger, ROGER, did LSD. It was fucking classic.
| 46 |
Stanghazi Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:36:46pm |
Charles, wonder if there's a live feed of Obama in Colorado?
| 47 |
Majacita Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:37:07pm |
re: #39 Stanley Sea's rule of law
I was just complaining. I just hate it that the refrain is that our education system went down when we took God out of the classroom. Which has more of an effect? Praying for two minutes in the morning or actively demonizing a whole profession that is responsible for an entire subject. If scientists are all greedy liars who will say anything for a government grant, then what else in school is worthless? No wonder our kids science scores are falling through to the basement.
| 48 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:37:15pm |
I think we might have streaming cuteness --all night.
Never too early in a thread for cuteness --right?
| 49 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:38:06pm |
re: #45 Stanley Sea's rule of law
Actually, I want to download the last Mad Men and re-watch. Anyone see it?
Roger, ROGER, did LSD. It was fucking classic.
jealous?
| 50 |
Stanghazi Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:39:00pm |
Oh... RT @RealClearScott: Tonight sound different to anyone? MT @shushwalshe Lindsay Hayes, Romney's new speechwriter abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics…
— Sally Kohn (@sallykohn) April 25, 2012
| 52 |
Four More Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:40:50pm |
re: #45 Stanley Sea's rule of law
Actually, I want to download the last Mad Men and re-watch. Anyone see it?
Roger, ROGER, did LSD. It was fucking classic.
Any woman I end up with would hunt me down and shove a knife in me if I ever did what Don did to Megan. I love to hate that man.
| 54 |
Stanghazi Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:41:35pm |
re: #47 Majacita
I was just complaining. I just hate it that the refrain is that our education system went down when we took God out of the classroom. Which has more of an effect? Praying for two minutes in the morning or actively demonizing a whole profession that is responsible for an entire subject. If scientists are all greedy liars who will say anything for a government grant, then what else in school is worthless? No wonder our kids science scores are falling through to the basement.
Agreed!
| 55 |
Linden Arden Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:44:18pm |
As an Obama supporter I am keenly interested in Ohio, Florida, and Wisconsin as swing states with unpopular GOP governors.
Unpopular GOP Govs may win the election for President Obama - which is good with me.
| 56 |
engineer cat Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:44:39pm |
I love the fact that there are women out there who don’t have a choice and they must go to work and they still have to raise the kids.
did anne romney actually say this today or am i being punked again?
| 57 |
Killgore Trout Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:46:50pm |
re: #56 engineer cat
I love the fact that there are women out there who don’t have a choice and they must go to work and they still have to raise the kids.
did anne romney actually say this today or am i being punked again?
Punked again. It's bullshit.
| 58 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:48:04pm |
Let's see -- big brother doing useless work in the name of God and Country?
Drug Testing, deporting undocumented people, enacting legislation to prevent poor women from having access to healthcare and rape counseling, trying to prevent students from learning about the world around them and how it works thru science, working to make LGBT a sub-group of humans . . . .
While some really cool money types are preparing to mine asteroids; A 20-year lightbulb is proven feasible. and so much more.
There are positive and some REAL scary topics that could be/should be on the forefront of the election --Water Resources found in Africa is another that just popped into mind -- but, NOOOO, we are bogged down in myth and bastardization of what I consider the basic of what is supossed to be Christian faith all faith really.
Do Unto Others . . . ???
Or am I missing something?
| 59 |
Stanghazi Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:48:12pm |
re: #56 engineer cat
I love the fact that there are women out there who don’t have a choice and they must go to work and they still have to raise the kids.
did anne romney actually say this today or am i being punked again?
She said it. Absolute slip of the tongue.
| 60 |
Majacita Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:48:53pm |
My family lives in Ohio. Still conservative and still Republican. My older brother got laid off and lost his health insurance for his kids until he found another job. He said to me, "There really ought to be a government program where I could buy affordable health insurance. Some sort of government insurance option......" Didn't know anything about the fight over health care at all. Had completely passed him by. And he plans to vote. I don't know if he even knows the governor is Republican now.
| 61 |
Kragar Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:49:46pm |
Well, no way will Anne Romney get my vote for first lady. Mitt will have to find another running mate for that position.
/
| 62 |
Stanghazi Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:49:51pm |
re: #57 Killgore Trout
Punked again. It's bullshit.
Kilgore, go with the fucking truth. SHE SAID IT. She slipped. It's not bullshit, it's misrepresented.
Geeze, I thought you investigated and reported without bias. old rep.
| 63 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:50:08pm |
re: #60 Majacita
My family lives in Ohio. Still conservative and still Republican. My older brother got laid off and lost his health insurance for his kids until he found another job. He said to me, "There really ought to be a government program where I could buy affordable health insurance. Some sort of government insurance option..." Didn't know anything about the fight over health care at all. Had completely passed him by. And he plans to vote. I don't know if he even knows the governor is Republican now.
facepalm moment?
| 64 |
engineer cat Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:50:53pm |
re: #62 Stanley Sea's rule of law
Kilgore, go with the fucking truth. SHE SAID IT. She slipped. It's not bullshit, it's misrepresented.
Geeze, I thought you investigated and reported without bias. old rep.
seems so
Amid criticism that both she and husband Mitt Romney are out of touch with the hoi polloi, Ann Romney insisted that this simply isn’t true.
“My hats off to the men in this room too that are raising kids — I love that, and I love the fact that there are also women out there that don’t have a choice and they must go to work and they still have to raise the kids,” she said. “Thank goodness that we value those people too. And sometimes life isn’t easy for any of us.”
Romney, becoming emotional, went on to say that she is touched by the prayers and kindness of her supporters
[Link: www.newsmax.com...]
| 65 |
Charles Johnson Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:51:07pm |
The exact quote from Ann Romney:
“I love the fact that there are women out there who don’t have a choice and they must go to work and they still have to raise the kids. Thank goodness that we value those people too. And sometimes life isn’t easy for any of us.”
| 66 |
Four More Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:51:19pm |
| 67 |
Majacita Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:51:56pm |
re: #63 ggt
He doesn't even watch Fox news, let alone a real news station. I just love him anyway.
| 68 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:52:01pm |
Ann Romney definintely seems to have an image problem.
| 69 |
jaunte Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:52:47pm |
Thank goodness that we value those people too.
I guess the argument is really over how that "valuing" of those people gets expressed.
| 70 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:53:11pm |
re: #67 Majacita
He doesn't even watch Fox news, let alone a real news station. I just love him anyway.
So, if he did qualify for a program, he'd have no way to know about it?
| 71 |
Stanghazi Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:54:02pm |
re: #65 Charles Johnson
The exact quote from Ann Romney:
She really misspoke, but its a direct fucking quote. But Kilgore tries to tell other posters its bullshit.
| 72 |
Linden Arden Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:54:53pm |
re: #67 Majacita
He doesn't even watch Fox news, let alone a real news station. I just love him anyway.
He qualifies for an exchange now thanks to the ACA. Will link if you need.
| 73 |
Four More Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:56:04pm |
re: #69 jaunte
I guess the argument is really over how that "valuing" of those people gets expressed.
I was wondering that too. We value working mothers sooo much we want to cut any benefits they may qualify for and defund the Planned Parenthood services they might rely on!
| 74 |
Majacita Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:56:05pm |
I'm a working mom. Glad Ann Romney values me. Just wish she had a clue what my life is like. She has had issues with her health and I respect the way she has fought those. But she and Mitt seem made for each other don't they?
| 75 |
uncah91 Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:57:53pm |
It's pretty clear Ann Romney is saying she loves working moms...
| 76 |
allegro Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:58:02pm |
re: #73 Assemble!
I was wondering that too.
WeRepublicans value working mothers sooo muchwethey want to cut any benefits they may qualify for and defund the Planned Parenthood services they might rely on!
fixed
| 77 |
Majacita Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:58:13pm |
re: #72 Linden Arden
He found a job and it has health insurance so he is back to being oblivious. He is a good person who cares about his family but he's got a narrow vision sometimes.
| 78 |
Stanghazi Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:58:34pm |
re: #73 Assemble!
I was wondering that too. We value working mothers sooo much we want to cut any benefits they may qualify for and defund the Planned Parenthood services they might rely on!
Geeze, in the real world, the women in my office have to NEGOTIATE with HR about their lawful maternity leave. No good feelings all around. Oh, Pam only took one week! You loser!
| 79 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 6:59:53pm |
re: #78 Stanley Sea's rule of law
Geeze, in the real world, the women in my office have to NEGOTIATE with HR about their lawful maternity leave. No good feelings all around. Oh, Pam only took one week! You loser!
Its a benefit covered under Disability.
I understand the way it works, but it just never seemed to be correct.
| 80 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:00:37pm |
| 82 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:02:02pm |
| 83 |
Stanghazi Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:02:14pm |
re: #79 ggt
Its a benefit covered under Disability.
I understand the way it works, but it just never seemed to be correct.
They hold your job over you. They really do. Its bs. OK, you can hire an atty and go for it, but most moms, just need the check to pay for the daycare and maybe groceries. It's really a shitty situ. (this is not new, it's been going on since women needed to help make the $)
| 84 |
Majacita Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:02:21pm |
re: #79 ggt
Can you see that with heart attacks? Steve is back at his desk already....oxygen tank in tow. Why are you still lying on the floor, slacker!
| 86 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:03:49pm |
re: #84 Majacita
Can you see that with heart attacks? Steve is back at his desk already...oxygen tank in tow. Why are you still lying on the floor, slacker!
A man having a heart attack is a serious matter!
Childbirth --infant --not so much. Women do it all the time. In China, they have the baby in the fields and keep on working . . . .
/gah
| 87 |
Feline Emperor of the Conservative Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:04:00pm |
re: #48 ggt
I think we might have streaming cuteness --all night.
Never too early in a thread for cuteness --right?
Did you see the pictures of the purple freshwater crabs they found in the Philippines? 10-legged cuteness!
| 88 |
goddamnedfrank Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:04:05pm |
re: #74 Majacita
I'm a working mom. Glad Ann Romney values me. Just wish she had a clue what my life is like. She has had issues with her health and I respect the way she has fought those. But she and Mitt seem made for each other don't they?
She said in that speech that she knows what it's like to see hungry teenagers make groceries disappear. Nevermind that unlike most parents this wasn't an economic stressor for her since she was rich enough to buy the whole store. It's the principle that matters here. Anne knows what it's like to watch children eat food, let's give her a fucking medal.
| 89 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:04:22pm |
re: #13 Stanley Sea's rule of law
Are we giving Rick Scarborough a fair shake? Or are we overreacting?
What he's saying is pretty nutty and over the top. If one gave Jeremiah Wright a hard time about saying crazy things, one must give Rick Scarborough a rough go for the same sort of infraction.
| 90 |
Stanghazi Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:04:30pm |
re: #79 ggt
Its a benefit covered under Disability.
I understand the way it works, but it just never seemed to be correct.
Disability insurance is that portion of your paycheck you pay each and every pay day. You pay for it, they contribute. The business owner would never pay for maternity/motherhood out of pocket.
It's all they've got, so it makes sense. The name disability? Who cares.
| 91 |
Linden Arden Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:04:51pm |
The Medicare Trustees announced Medicare is stable now until 2024 instead of 2016 thanks to the ACA.
Smoothing out risk is the key to this insurance dilemma.
| 92 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:04:58pm |
| 93 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:05:21pm |
re: #87 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste
Did you see the pictures of the purple freshwater crabs they found in the Philippines? 10-legged cuteness!
NO!
| 94 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:05:45pm |
re: #91 Linden Arden
The Medicare Trustees announced Medicare is stable now until 2024 instead of 2016 thanks to the ACA.
Smoothing out risk is the key to this insurance dilemma.
need a link on that --thx!
| 95 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:06:17pm |
re: #90 Stanley Sea's rule of law
Disability insurance is that portion of your paycheck you pay each and every pay day. You pay for it, they contribute. The business owner would never pay for maternity/motherhood out of pocket.
It's all they've got, so it makes sense. The name disability? Who cares.
Just always makes me grimmace.
Semantics
| 96 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:06:59pm |
re: #91 Linden Arden
The Medicare Trustees announced Medicare is stable now until 2024 instead of 2016 thanks to the ACA.
Smoothing out risk is the key to this insurance dilemma.
What sort of assumptions underlay this determination? Are they factoring in payment cuts or insurance being handled privately?
/Hey, you guys do this to me.
| 97 |
Kragar Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:07:09pm |
| 98 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:08:10pm |
re: #87 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste
Did you see the pictures of the purple freshwater crabs they found in the Philippines? 10-legged cuteness!
Are they big enough to have a decent amount of meat? If so, are they tasty?
| 99 |
Feline Emperor of the Conservative Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:08:19pm |
re: #93 ggt
NO!
Image: colorful-new-species-river-crab-male-palawanense_51788_600x450.jpg
Though the one head-on picture is cuter of course.
| 100 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:08:51pm |
OOOOh, we are almost at 100 posts, I can't wait any longer.
I posted this at the end of the last thread and few got to see it.
| 101 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:09:12pm |
re: #99 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste
Image: colorful-new-species-river-crab-male-palawanense_51788_600x450.jpg
beautiful, but not cute.
| 102 |
Eventual Carrion Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:09:38pm |
re: #98 Dark_Falcon
Are they big enough to have a decent amount of meat? If so, are they tasty?
Grape flavor.
| 103 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:10:01pm |
re: #97 Kragar
I choose not to see it.
ah! just like -I'm drawing a blank --name a Republican, any Republican . .
| 104 |
Majacita Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:13:20pm |
re: #100 ggt
Those pictures are actually scary. Makes me not want to get between my dog and her ball ever again. Those are some serious teeth.
| 105 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:14:32pm |
I love the Labrador! Just like I thought he would look! "Look Ma, I'm in the Water, going after the ball, What the f ---k! that's not a ball, it's not round, I don't think I am suppossed to retrieve it --besides my owner is behind it --NOW WHAT DO I DO --awwww, the bright light,again?"
| 106 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:14:47pm |
re: #101 ggt
beautiful, but not cute.
Agreed. Now, if they can just make a few of them available for purchase by Bob Chinn's restaurant up in Wheeling, or the Davis Street Fish Market in Evanston, then I'll be happy. Not some chain place, though, as it would take all the cachet out of something like that if it became available at Red Lobster.
| 107 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:14:56pm |
re: #104 Majacita
Those pictures are actually scary. Makes me not want to get between my dog and her ball ever again. Those are some serious teeth.
pretty sobering --huh?
| 108 |
Feline Emperor of the Conservative Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:17:14pm |
| 109 |
Majacita Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:18:12pm |
re: #108 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste
For a minute I thought you were talking about the dogs....
| 110 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:19:00pm |
| 111 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:19:16pm |
re: #103 ggt
ah! just like -I'm drawing a blank --name a Republican, any Republican . .
Like Democrat Kathleen Falk's irrational "unions get everything they want" promises in Wisconsin. Not helping her much, as Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett still leads her in the polls and just got a critical police union endorsement.
| 112 |
Feline Emperor of the Conservative Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:20:03pm |
| 113 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:20:09pm |
| 114 |
Charles Johnson Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:24:09pm |
RT @elvisgrace: @Lizardoid twitter.com/elvisgrace/sta... @DanRiehl— Charles Johnson (@Lizardoid) April 25, 2012
| 115 |
Stanghazi Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:24:41pm |
Waiiiting for the kitchen to clear. Then going to make breakfast for dinner and watch
[Link: www.pbs.org...]
Money, power and Wallstreet on Frontline.
Peeps are twittering about it.
| 117 |
Stanghazi Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:28:02pm |
watching frontline special. main takeaway: deregulation screwed it up. problem is few have patience to watch frontline.
— Oliver Willis (@owillis) April 25, 2012
| 118 |
Ben G. Hazi Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:33:04pm |
| 119 |
Killgore Trout Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:33:37pm |
re: #65 Charles Johnson
The exact quote from Ann Romney:
Regardless of what the snorkel salesman says there are no diamonds at the bottom of the latrine.
| 120 |
Ben G. Hazi Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:38:37pm |
re: #119 Killgore Trout
Regardless of what the snorkel salesman says there are no diamonds at the bottom of the latrine.
What the hell are you babbling about?
| 121 |
Bubblehead II Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:39:21pm |
Evening Lizards. This (and others) video is one of the main reasons I just donated to a Democrat (Presidential) campaign. Something I heave never done before.
These people (TPers) are out of control. And to use a phrase that is not popular here. We MAY have to TAKE that 2nd Admedmendt action that they so strongly hint at.
You Night crawlers seem to have forgotten, there ARE those of us who don't see eye to eye with you and are also ready to meet fire with fire.
Not all Liberals are wimps.
| 122 |
ProGunLiberal Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:39:36pm |
I just saw this on Wikipedia:
The Pentagon is to set up another spy service - the Defense Clandestine Service is intended to focus on the challenges posed to U.S. interests by countries such as Iran, North Korea and China.
This seems stupid to me. Half the reason 9/11 happened was because of Bureaucratic fuckups where agencies couldn't or wouldn't share info. Also, the Defense Department is already bloated.
| 123 |
dragonath Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:40:17pm |
re: #111 Dark_Falcon
I poked around on that site a little and found this:
Senate turns back effort to ban payments to 'pray the gay away' therapy
State politics make my head hurt.
| 124 |
prairiefire Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:42:20pm |
PBS "Frontline" show on the financial crisis is fascinating.
| 125 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:42:22pm |
re: #100 ggt
OOOh, we are almost at 100 posts, I can't wait any longer.
I posted this at the end of the last thread and few got to see it.
Those aren't dogs, they're Chupacabra.
| 126 |
Romantic Heretic Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:43:01pm |
re: #22 jaunte
Driving up from Houston to Terre Haute, through Bible country: East Texas, Arkansas, the Mississippi valley, across rural Illinois, you see an awful lot of XXX Megamarts sitting out in the middle of the horizontal landscape. There must be a lot of heavy research going on.
A friend of mine used to manage a hotel.
Every time some conservative Christian organization used it for a convention the hotel's profit from the porn channels soared.
| 127 |
ProGunLiberal Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:43:33pm |
re: #122 ProGunLiberal
I recommend reading the Looming Tower. It gave me an understanding of the whole process that resulted in 9/11.
| 128 |
prairiefire Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:44:16pm |
Apparently 700 billion dollars is what it takes to get our ass out of hock. Serious knee cap hock.
| 129 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:44:51pm |
re: #121 Bubblehead II
Evening Lizards. This (and others) video is one of the main reasons I just donated to a Democrat (Presidential) campaign. Something I heave never done before.
These people (TPers) are out of control. And to use a phrase that is not popular here. We MAY have to TAKE that 2nd Admedmendt action that they so strongly hint at.
You Night crawlers seem to have forgotten, there ARE those of us who don't see eye to eye with you and are also ready to meet fire with fire.
Not all Liberals are wimps.
Calling people "worms" (which is what 'night crawlers' means) is a turn of phrase used by murderous Communists Che Guevara and Leon Trotsky. Threats like that are fighting words, boyo, and making threats like that is liable to get you in some serious trouble.
| 130 |
goddamnedfrank Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:44:59pm |
re: #119 Killgore Trout
Regardless of what the snorkel salesman says there are no diamonds at the bottom of the latrine.
How is Charles presenting Anne Romney's exact words, which you had previously asserted were a bullshit hoax, diving into the latrine?
| 131 |
Romantic Heretic Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:45:38pm |
re: #38 Assemble!
You can't try out that new glass butt-plug over the internet.
You're welcome...
Plus you can't really get a good feel for a flogger or crop over the internet.
| 132 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:46:15pm |
re: #127 ProGunLiberal
I recommend reading the Looming Tower. It gave me an understanding of the whole process that resulted in 9/11.
Some of it is that the DoD still does not trust the CIA. They've been burned often enough to want their own people in place as well. I don't think its a good idea, but I understand the logic.
| 133 |
CriticalDragon1177 Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:46:29pm |
Charles Johnson
Bart Simpson is the ultimate evil!! LOL!
In all seriousness through, I wonder what else this guy will call "ungodly." Just let him rand on, and who knows where he'll go.
| 134 |
Mattand Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:46:48pm |
re: #122 ProGunLiberal
I just saw this on Wikipedia:
This seems stupid to me. Half the reason 9/11 happened was because of Bureaucratic fuckups where agencies couldn't or wouldn't share info. Also, the Defense Department is already bloated.
That's what always killed me about Congress rushing to create the Patriot Act. We had the bastards, but the FBI, CIA, and what-have-you were too busy territorial pissing to protect the country.
| 135 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:48:28pm |
re: #133 CriticalDragon1177
Charles Johnson
Bart Simpson is the ultimate evil!! LOL!
In all seriousness through, I wonder what else this guy will call "ungodly." Just let him rand on, and who knows where he'll go.
Bart Simpson is evil!
Homer Simpson on the other hand is my mentor.
| 136 |
Mattand Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:48:31pm |
re: #130 goddamnedfrank
How is Charles presenting Anne Romney's exact words, which you had previously asserted were a bullshit hoax, diving into the latrine?
It takes away a conservative's greatest weapon in any debate: the constant whining that they are the real victims in today's society.
| 137 |
prairiefire Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:48:40pm |
George bush! He tells Pelosi and the others at the special meeting "you're going to miss me when I'm gone" and then that shriveled ass coward fucking worst President we have ever had as a nation walked out of the meeting through the White House door.
| 138 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:49:46pm |
re: #137 prairiefire
He wasn't wrong, and he did far better than Carter or LBJ, IMO.
| 139 |
ProGunLiberal Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:50:08pm |
| 140 |
prairiefire Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:54:32pm |
re: #138 Dark_Falcon
He wasn't wrong, and he did far better than Carter or LBJ, IMO.
He prevailed over 7 years of Republican neglect and Wrong headedness. Apparently, if you have 700 billion, you can bail our ass out of jail.
| 141 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:55:30pm |
re: #139 ProGunLiberal
I can understand that. But it is not like the Pentagon is clean. They seem to drive our foreign policy.
If they do at times, its because the State Department (DoS) acts like a bunch of weaklings. They need to show some greater nastiness when dealing with other countries. I'd like to see Hillary turn her nastier side loose during a trade dispute. The object wouldn't be to win trade terms, but to rhetorically slap the the other country around in order to start presenting a more assertive image of DoS to America.
| 142 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:55:41pm |
You know, you put something down, just for a minute, turn around to check your nuts and when you turn back it's gone. Never trust a squirrel.
| 143 |
Four More Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:56:39pm |
You know, if you didn't want to let the banks go bankrupt, nor do you want to increase regulations on them, you're not part of the solution. All I have to say after catching the end of that Frontline.
| 144 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:57:19pm |
re: #141 Dark_Falcon
If they do at times, its because the State Department (DoS) acts like a bunch of weaklings. They need to show some greater nastiness when dealing with other countries. I'd like to see Hillary turn her nastier side loose during a trade dispute. The object wouldn't be to win trade terms, but to rhetorically slap the the other country around in order to start presenting a more assertive image of DoS to America.
Yah, pushing other countries around is a great way to develop working relationships.
| 145 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:57:38pm |
re: #143 Assemble!
You know, if you didn't want to let the banks go bankrupt, nor do you want to increase regulations on them, you're not part of the solution. All I have to say after catching the end of that Frontline.
I'd have accepted that first option.
| 146 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:58:33pm |
re: #145 Dark_Falcon
I'd have accepted that first option.
What do you think would have happened to the economy had that happened?
| 147 |
Four More Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:58:35pm |
re: #144 Innumerate Numerologist
Yah, pushing other countries around is a great way to develop working relationships.
Hillary should wear a wife-beater while doing it just to get the point across...
| 148 |
ProGunLiberal Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:59:02pm |
re: #141 Dark_Falcon
Read through the State Department leak summaries on Wikipedia. The State Department seems to know what is going on.
On the other hand, the DoD is bungling around. By supporting Saudi, we are a indirectly supporting the fostering of terrorism. And it seems the DoS realizes this.
| 149 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:59:27pm |
re: #144 Innumerate Numerologist
Yah, pushing other countries around is a great way to develop working relationships.
I just made clear that wasn't the point. The point is to smack the foreigners around for domestic consumption. America is Europe: We like to see ourselves as kicking ass, and those who object to doing so too often risk being seen as wimps.
| 150 |
Kronocide Tue, Apr 24, 2012 7:59:55pm |
re: #141 Dark_Falcon
That's what we've been doing wrong all along...not be dickish enough?
| 151 |
Four More Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:01:15pm |
re: #145 Dark_Falcon
I'd have accepted that first option.
Aand what? 'Cause I sure as hell know you wouldn't back privatization. We're talking about a worldwide economic collapse here.
| 152 |
Four More Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:02:07pm |
re: #149 Dark_Falcon
I just made clear that wasn't the point. The point is to smack the foreigners around for domestic consumption. America is Europe: We like to see ourselves as kicking ass, and those who object to doing so too often risk being seen as wimps.
So America needs to act like it's just started it's first day in prison.
| 153 |
SanFranciscoZionist Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:05:37pm |
re: #68 ggt
Ann Romney definintely seems to have an image problem.
Ann seems to have a failure to communicate.
| 154 |
jaunte Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:05:42pm |
re: #149 Dark_Falcon
I just made clear that wasn't the point. The point is to smack the foreigners around for domestic consumption. America is Europe: We like to see ourselves as kicking ass, and those who object to doing so too often risk being seen as wimps.
I think we actually smack foreigners around a lot in trade negotiations, and the domestic audience would rather not know.
| 155 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:05:47pm |
re: #149 Dark_Falcon
I just made clear that wasn't the point. The point is to smack the foreigners around for domestic consumption. America is Europe: We like to see ourselves as kicking ass, and those who object to doing so too often risk being seen as wimps.
You see being a bully as a necessary part of international trade/relations.
What a crock.
Other countries have healthy international relations without being bullies, what is so inferior with the US you have to be the block bully?
| 156 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:06:02pm |
re: #152 Assemble!
So America needs to act like it's just started it's first day in prison.
No, just the Department of State. Defense and Justice have proven reps, but States acts as 'good cop' to those other two too often. In order to be fully effective, sometimes you have to play the heavy, even if its not the best course for that particular situation.
| 157 |
goddamnedfrank Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:06:50pm |
re: #141 Dark_Falcon
If they do at times, its because the State Department (DoS) acts like a bunch of weaklings. They need to show some greater nastiness when dealing with other countries. I'd like to see Hillary turn her nastier side loose during a trade dispute. The object wouldn't be to win trade terms, but to rhetorically slap the the other country around in order to start presenting a more assertive image of DoS to America.
Only a ponce could care about a thing like that. State's job isn't to market itself to Americans, it's to represent the United States to the rest of the world. There's also no sense of discretion in what you proposed, what countries we should do this to and which ones it would be an absolute disaster on. You're also, by omission, proposing a one size fits all approach to foreign trade relations, which I know can't be your intent because if this were the tack taken with Israel you'd freak out. Anyway, I can't imagine a more counter productive policy than for DoS to start adopting "nastier" rhetoric with regards to say, China, simply to placate domestic critics like yourself. That would be completely antithetical to State's mission and damaging to the interests of the US.
| 158 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:07:13pm |
re: #154 jaunte
I think we actually smack foreigners around a lot in trade negotiations, and the domestic audience would rather not know.
The US is not known as a fair negotiator.
| 159 |
SanFranciscoZionist Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:07:47pm |
re: #79 ggt
Its a benefit covered under Disability.
I understand the way it works, but it just never seemed to be correct.
Friend of mine had to fight with the school district over her maternity leave. They decided it didn't count as having a baby to adopt one.
Never mind that it SAYS, right in the legislation, and also the district policy, that it counts. They decided to be difficult.
| 160 |
allegro Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:09:27pm |
re: #159 SanFranciscoZionist
Friend of mine had to fight with the school district over her maternity leave. They decided it didn't count as having a baby to adopt one.
Never mind that it SAYS, right in the legislation, and also the district policy, that it counts. They decided to be difficult.
Family values.
| 161 |
Gus Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:09:53pm |
So who is the imaginary enemy tonight and what country are we invading?
| 162 |
Kronocide Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:10:25pm |
re: #152 Assemble!
So America needs to act like it's just started it's first day in prison.
We need to screw smaller countries in the ass while Puerto Rico and South Korea hold them down.
| 163 |
Achilles Tang Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:10:52pm |
re: #3 Killgore Trout
Without the internet only a dozen idiots would have seen this. Now, millions. Progress?
Without the internet only a dozen idiots would have had a typewriter, and less than half of them would have had the stamps to send letter to the editor.
Progress? I think not.
| 164 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:11:05pm |
re: #157 goddamnedfrank
Only a ponce could care about a thing like that. State's job isn't to market itself to Americans, it's to represent the United States to the rest of the world. There's also no sense of discretion in what you proposed, what countries we should do this to and which ones it would be an absolute disaster on. You're also, by omission, proposing a one size fits all approach to foreign trade relations, which I know can't be your intent because if this were the tack taken with Israel you'd freak out. Anyway, I can't imagine a more counter productive policy than for DoS to start adopting "nastier" rhetoric with regards to say, China, simply to placate domestic critics like yourself. That would be completely antithetical to State's mission and damaging to the interests of the US.
I wasn't proposing it as to be done at all times, but only on occasion.
It may well not be a good idea, but the fact is that if DoS wants to improve its image domestically, then it needs to appear more resolute.
| 165 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:11:13pm |
re: #161 Gus
So who is the imaginary enemy tonight and what country are we invading?
The rest of the world.
| 166 |
Gus Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:11:26pm |
re: #162 Kronocide
We need to screw smaller countries in the ass while Puerto Rico and South Korea hold them down.
That needs a wa-wa peddle in the background. Could be like a 70s movie.
| 167 |
ProGunLiberal Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:11:33pm |
re: #157 goddamnedfrank
Unfortunately, the State Dept. seems to have less clout than the DoD. Though being nastier to the PRC is always a good thing.
| 168 |
Gus Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:12:15pm |
re: #165 Innumerate Numerologist
The rest of the world.
Make 'em look like wimps to the rest of the world to a bunch of Confederates!
| 169 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:12:40pm |
re: #164 Dark_Falcon
I wasn't proposing it as to be done at all times, but only on occasion.
It may well not be a good idea, but the fact is that if DoS wants to improve its image domestically, then it needs to appear more resolute.
Being resolute and being a bully are not in any non-imaginary world the same thing.
| 170 |
freetoken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:13:16pm |
re: #154 jaunte
I think we actually smack foreigners around a lot in trade negotiations,....
It's one of the side benefits of being God's preferred nation.
| 171 |
Gus Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:13:18pm |
re: #167 ProGunLiberal
Unfortunately, the State Dept. seems to have less clout than the DoD.
That's the way it's written into the Constitution. The DOD has no clout by design. They work under the orders of congress and the executive or the will of the people.
| 172 |
Kronocide Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:13:26pm |
re: #166 Gus
That needs a wa-wa peddle in the background. Could be like a 70s movie.
Boy, yuu shore gawt uh preddy natural gas depawsut.
| 173 |
SanFranciscoZionist Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:13:30pm |
re: #160 allegro
Family values.
Well, it was San Francisco Unified School District...we're kind of notorious for not having any of those.
| 174 |
Achilles Tang Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:13:36pm |
re: #162 Kronocide
We need to screw smaller countries in the ass while Puerto Rico and South Korea hold them down.
I didn't get that. Just thought I would say.
| 175 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:13:43pm |
re: #167 ProGunLiberal
April 24, 2012: A major obstacle to improving security in Iraq and Afghanistan was not equipment, training, or leadership but corruption. No matter how well led, trained, and equipped the troops were, if they could be bought they were worse than useless. But the corruption went beyond the troops themselves. Government officials had to be carefully monitored to prevent the money for equipment, training, and pay from being stolen before it got to the troops. More fundamentally, corruption was the reason Iraq, Afghanistan, and so many other nations are poor and full of unhappy and often violent people. Corruption is why these places are chaotic and so often in the news. Corruption is the major cause of Islamic terrorism. Corruption does not get the recognition it deserves.
But in Afghanistan corruption has recently risen to new heights: literally. Several recent attacks in Kabul have made use of unfinished high-rise buildings, where terrorists used the height advantage to do more damage. American advisors noted that there were a lot of unfinished tall buildings in Kabul and many had apparently been abandoned. The Americans asked the local government who owned these high-rise structures and was told that the government didn't know. Kabul has undergone a construction boom in the last decade, and many of the builders (or their backers) didn't bother with getting construction permits. If the cops or officials came around asking questions they were offered a bribe, a death threat, or both. Inquisitive journalists were handled the same way.
SNIP
But Islamic terrorists saw opportunity where others saw an unfinished building. So now the American advisers are trying to get more security on these unfinished sites or permission to tear down the ones that overlook military bases or government compounds. Kabul officials are reluctant to do that either because if the owner does return he will go looking for compensation from whoever gave the order to destroy his unfinished building.
| 176 |
Killgore Trout Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:14:02pm |
re: #161 Gus
So who is the imaginary enemy tonight and what country are we invading?
Wingnuts and Eastasia. We've always been at war with Eastasia.
| 177 |
Gus Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:14:11pm |
re: #171 Gus
That's the way it's written into the Constitution. The DOD has no clout by design. They work under the orders of congress and the executive or the will of the people.
And it's completely false. State has much more clout than the DOD. The DOD just follows orders. They don't set policy.
| 178 |
prairiefire Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:14:32pm |
re: #153 SanFranciscoZionist
Ann seems to have a failure to communicate.
She looks all anxious after she finishes a sentence. I saw the same trait in Senator Diane Feinstein.
| 179 |
SanFranciscoZionist Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:15:36pm |
re: #178 prairiefire
She looks all anxious after she finishes a sentence. I saw the same trait in Senator Diane Feinstein.
The difference is that DiFi is an actual politician, and Ann Romney's not. She never said she could talk in public without chewing on her toes.
| 180 |
Gus Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:15:44pm |
re: #176 Killgore Trout
Wingnuts and Eastasia. We've always been at war with Eastasia.
Rainwater, and only pure-grain alcohol.
| 181 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:17:14pm |
re: #178 prairiefire
She looks all anxious after she finishes a sentence. I saw the same trait in Senator Diane Feinstein.
You would too, if you had political operatives on both sides waiting to pounce on you if you made a mistake. If you are determined to chart your own course (as with Sen. Feinstein) or if your party has nuts who won't accept you (as the Romney's face), then you have to worry about getting hammered whenever you open your mouth. That's got to be nerve wracking.
| 182 |
allegro Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:18:10pm |
re: #181 Dark_Falcon
You would too, if you had political operatives on both sides waiting to pounce on you if you made a mistake. If you are determined to chart your own course (as with Sen. Feinstein) or if your party has nuts who won't accept you (as the Romney's face), then you have to worry about getting hammered whenever you open your mouth. That's got to be nerve wracking.
Try teaching biology.
| 183 |
Kronocide Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:19:04pm |
re: #174 Flame Fin Tomini Tang
I didn't get that. Just thought I would say.
Somebody made a prison joke. I just piled on.
It was sorta teed up for me, I just took the swing.
| 184 |
Gus Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:19:10pm |
You can tell a lot about a person on Twitter by the first few people they follow. The first three people Strategy Page followed was Glenn Beck, Instapundit, and Greta Van Susteren.
| 185 |
ProGunLiberal Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:19:18pm |
re: #175 Dark_Falcon
Time to leave Afghanistan. I believe, if it weren't for the Pakistani Government, we would have succeeded.
However, we need to distance ourselves from Pakistan after this.
| 186 |
goddamnedfrank Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:19:29pm |
re: #164 Dark_Falcon
It may well not be a good idea, but the fact is that if DoS wants to improve its image domestically, then it needs to appear more resolute.
It's a horrible, godawful, completely backwards ass idea. The last thing State should be caring about is what domestic yokels unrelated to its mission and who clearly don't understand what's its mission even is think of it. Let's say you get your wish and foreign trade relations become incredibly antagonistic, triggering a tariff war that further damages the economy. I guess I'm to believe that the reward will be millions of atavistic douche bags saying, "gee, State sure fucked shit up royally but at least they don't look like such pussies anymore."
| 187 |
Killgore Trout Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:20:19pm |
Brazil(1985) Trailer
| 188 |
prairiefire Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:20:26pm |
re: #181 Dark_Falcon
I'll give them both props for getting out there to begin with.
| 189 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:21:31pm |
re: #181 Dark_Falcon
You would too, if you had political operatives on both sides waiting to pounce on you if you made a mistake. If you are determined to chart your own course (as with Sen. Feinstein) or if your party has nuts who won't accept you (as the Romney's face), then you have to worry about getting hammered whenever you open your mouth. That's got to be nerve wracking.
I'm still curious D_F, what do you believe would have happened had the banks, and more importantly Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac gone down?
| 190 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:21:32pm |
re: #185 ProGunLiberal
Time to leave Afghanistan. I believe, if it weren't for the Pakistani Government, we would have succeeded.
However, we need to distance ourselves from Pakistan after this.
You ain't just whistling Dixie:
April 22, 2012: After dominating Pakistan for over half a century, senior officers of the Pakistani Army, including the commander, have called for shrinking the size of the army and making peace with India. The recent disaster on the Siachen glacier was yet another stark example of the absurdity of the situation the army finds itself in. Endless, expensive, and futile military confrontation with India has been under growing criticism within Pakistan. The financial demands of the military had long been a burden to the national economy and this is now widely accepted. The generals are aware of growing public opposition to army domination and exploitation. Some generals believe the army should fight such traitorous attitudes and do whatever it takes to maintain the army's dominant role in Pakistan. For the moment, the generals in charge are not willing to fight the country they are supposed to be defending. There is a practical reason for this; the Pakistani economy is a mess and without a strong economy the country is doomed to growing poverty and chaos. The army sees no advantage in presiding over that kind of mess. But India, and many Pakistanis, does not see this apparent change in the Pakistani generals as a fundamental shift but as a tactical move to avoid a large scale and violent revolt against the wealth, privilege, and power of the military. The decades of deception and fraud perpetuated by the Pakistani generals has been under a harsh spotlight in the last year, beginning with the American raid inside Pakistan that found and killed Osama bin Laden. That opened a spigot of additional embarrassing revelations. Now we have the disaster on the Siachen glacier and attention being paid to another absurd situation the Pakistani Army has got itself, and the country, into.
Resulting Pakistani calls for demilitarizing the border area on the Siachen glacier has been greeted with skepticism in India. That's because the Pakistani Army has used lies and deceptions for decades in a futile effort to gain an edge over India. This has led to the current situation, where thousands of Islamic terrorists, openly supported by Pakistani troops, continue to plan and carry out attacks on India. It happens every day in places like Kashmir. But Pakistan officially denies it all. Until the denials stop and taking responsibility begins there will be no real peace with India.
NATO and Pakistan are still stalemated over the resumption of truck traffic from Karachi to Afghanistan, and Pakistan is refusing to attack Islamic terrorists in North Waziristan (North Waziristan) or Quetta (Baluchistan). These two places have become the most dangerous terrorist sanctuaries on the planet but the Pakistani government refuses to shut them down. India also wants Islamic terror camps (run by groups specializing in attacks on India) in other parts of Pakistan eliminated. Again, Pakistan defies the world and refuses to act against the terrorists. The rest of the world is running out of patience.
| 191 |
Four More Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:21:58pm |
re: #164 Dark_Falcon
I wasn't proposing it as to be done at all times, but only on occasion.
It may well not be a good idea, but the fact is that if DoS wants to improve its image domestically, then it needs to appear more resolute.
This would have been the dumbest thing I've heard all day had I not read NJD's page on Palestinian taxidermy. So close...
| 192 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:22:36pm |
re: #185 ProGunLiberal
Time to leave Afghanistan. I believe, if it weren't for the Pakistani Government, we would have succeeded.
However, we need to distance ourselves from Pakistan after this.
Succeeded at what?
| 193 |
prairiefire Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:22:39pm |
re: #186 goddamnedfrank
There is an incredible web of commerce that has more force than D_F!
| 195 |
allegro Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:24:07pm |
re: #194 Gus
Freaking miller moths are out already.
100+ degrees in west Texas tomorrow. In April. What climate change?
| 197 |
Bubblehead II Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:24:25pm |
Lizarsds. Skit happens.
Havea good nihy]
| 198 |
Gus Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:24:52pm |
re: #196 Innumerate Numerologist
Call out the national guard.
Nuke 'em! I just gave one the finger and told him to speak English.
//
| 199 |
goddamnedfrank Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:24:56pm |
re: #189 Innumerate Numerologist
I'm still curious D_F, what do you believe would have happened had the banks, and more importantly Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac gone down?
Pity the Republicans, they actually wanted Thunderdome. The financial crisis was their big missed opportunity to let it all come crashing down, to find out once and for all who rule America Town.
| 200 |
Achilles Tang Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:25:59pm |
re: #175 Dark_Falcon
Corruption does not get the recognition it deserves.
We, in this "civilization", need to keep in mind that our laws are not universal.
What we call corruption is what our capitalist system calls the profit motive, perfectly legally.
What, after all, is the fundamental difference between, say, an insurance industry that bribes legislators by unlimited contributions towards getting them elected, versus the same industry that pays the same legislators AFTER they are elected?
| 201 |
ProGunLiberal Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:26:25pm |
re: #192 Innumerate Numerologist
Quashing the Taliban. A reasonable country (e.g., not Pakistan) would have tried to patrol their borders and keep the Taliban from infiltrating back in and getting refuge in Pakistan. Sure, a few would get through, but a decent country would have had the their border become the anvil to the NATO/Iranian Hammer. Remember, us and Iran co-operated against the Taliban in 2001.
| 202 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:29:07pm |
re: #197 Bubblehead II
Lizarsds. Skit happens.
Havea good nihy]
I'd have a better chance of having a good nihy] if I knew what it was.
| 203 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:29:57pm |
re: #200 Flame Fin Tomini Tang
We, in this "civilization", need to keep in mind that our laws are not universal.
What we call corruption is what our capitalist system calls the profit motive, perfectly legally.
No, it isn't. The key difference here is that there is a system of laws that enforces property matters such as depicted in that article. The builder who tried to lead an armed band against land-use regulators in the US would find himself in prison and his band dispersed by the police. In Afghanistan, the builders threaten force as a matter of routine and between them they have enough armed men to do the police major damage. Moreover, the idea of the 'rule of law' enjoys broad respect here, not so if Afghanistan.
| 204 |
palomino Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:30:11pm |
re: #62 Stanley Sea's rule of law
Kilgore, go with the fucking truth. SHE SAID IT. She slipped. It's not bullshit, it's misrepresented.
Geeze, I thought you investigated and reported without bias. old rep.
Mrs. Mitt also called Hillary Rosen's comments, which were supposedly so hurtful to her, an "early birthday president." Yeah, she sounds all torn up about it.
| 205 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:30:17pm |
re: #198 Gus
Nuke 'em! I just gave one the finger and told him to speak English.
//
You bastard, you just had to pull out the big guns didn't you? Now we'll never know what they want.
| 206 |
prairiefire Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:31:17pm |
re: #199 goddamnedfrank
Pity the Republicans, they actually wanted Thunderdome. The financial crisis was their big missed opportunity to let it all come crashing down, to find out once and for all who rule America Town.
Fastball, high and outside.
| 207 |
freetoken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:31:27pm |
re: #187 Killgore Trout
According to Gilliam in an interview with Clive James in his online programme Talking in the Library, to his surprise Brazil is apparently a favorite film of the far Right in America.
Heh.
| 208 |
Gus Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:31:31pm |
re: #205 Innumerate Numerologist
You bastard, you just had to pull out the big guns didn't you? Now we'll never know what they want.
Yeah. I think burning that little piece of cotton in front of his buddy really pissed him off.
//
| 209 |
Killgore Trout Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:33:26pm |
| 210 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:33:53pm |
re: #206 prairiefire
Fastball, high and outside.
Umpire: Ball 1!
Dark_Falcon: You gotta throw it over the plate before I'll swing at it, PF!
| 211 |
Four More Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:34:59pm |
After the last month I would like to give a firm pat on the back to every government agency that hasn't been caught throwing extravagant getaways or ripping off hookers...
| 212 |
WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:35:03pm |
re: #26 Lidane
And Pat Robertson's show has had the same set for the last 20 years. So what? Shitty production values aren't a reflection of the influence of the speaker.
hah, music industry being a great example
| 213 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:36:00pm |
re: #211 Assemble!
After the last month I would like to give a firm pat on the back to every government agency that hasn't been caught throwing extravagant getaways or ripping off hookers...
What about agencies that do both? :)
| 214 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:36:27pm |
re: #201 ProGunLiberal
Quashing the Taliban. A reasonable country (e.g., not Pakistan) would have tried to patrol their borders and keep the Taliban from infiltrating back in and getting refuge in Pakistan. Sure, a few would get through, but a decent country would have had the their border become the anvil to the NATO/Iranian Hammer. Remember, us and Iran co-operated against the Taliban in 2001.
The intent was to at least disrupt, if not destroy al-Qaeda, the Taliban were collateral damage. That goal was met a long time ago.
Without a specific target there is nothing to quash. Having Pakistan more reasonable would had little effect on the Taliban forces.
| 215 |
Gus Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:37:40pm |
re: #201 ProGunLiberal
Quashing the Taliban. A reasonable country (e.g., not Pakistan) would have tried to patrol their borders and keep the Taliban from infiltrating back in and getting refuge in Pakistan. Sure, a few would get through, but a decent country would have had the their border become the anvil to the NATO/Iranian Hammer. Remember, us and Iran co-operated against the Taliban in 2001.
800 miles of rugged border. The Durand line. The Taliban came from Pakistan. Pakistan an enemy of India who is allegedly our primary ally. Or will be again once this AFPAK fun comes to an end. Both countries are armed with nukes. India just tested a long range ICBM successfully. Iran is about to be surrounded by nuclear armed countries while the rest of the world is telling them no. Pakistan and India will be at each others throats again as they were prior to 2001. India of course has been arming themselves to the teeth through their new found wealth.
| 216 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:38:11pm |
re: #214 Innumerate Numerologist
The intent was to at least disrupt, if not destroy al-Qaeda, the Taliban were collateral damage. That goal was met a long time ago.
Without a specific target there is nothing to quash. Having Pakistan more reasonable would had little effect on the Taliban forces.
Yes, it would have. Pakistan's ISI has been aiding the Taliban since the latter's inception.
| 217 |
Gus Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:38:23pm |
But maybe. Maybe if we play country music loud enough in that region they'll come to "are side."
//
| 218 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:38:25pm |
re: #208 Gus
Yeah. I think burning that little piece of cotton in front of his buddy really pissed him off.
//
You're playing a dangerous game, friend.
| 219 |
Four More Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:39:17pm |
re: #213 Dark_Falcon
What about agencies that do both? :)
Oh, for those I would like an application, please...
| 220 |
goddamnedfrank Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:39:36pm |
re: #203 Dark_Falcon
No, it isn't. The key difference here is that there is a system of laws that enforces property matters such as depicted in that article. The builder who tried to lead an armed band against land-use regulators in the US would find himself in prison and his band dispersed by the police. In Afghanistan, the builders threaten force as a matter of routine and between them they have enough armed men to do the police major damage. Moreover, the idea of the 'rule of law' enjoys broad respect here, not so if Afghanistan.
The difference between Somalia, or much of Afghanistan and America is that here law enforcement is socialized. What you call rule of law is really socialism of the justice system, the fact that the government/state has a monopoly on the system of dispute resolution. The profit motive that produces corruption here is the same as there, the difference being that there it incubates in an idealized laissez fair environment.
| 221 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:40:38pm |
re: #216 Dark_Falcon
Yes, it would have. Pakistan's ISI has been aiding the Taliban since the latter's inception.
You're assuming that aid is all that's keeping them live.
| 222 |
Four More Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:41:55pm |
Colbert's interview with Julie Andrews is a must watch.
| 223 |
funky chicken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:42:14pm |
| 224 |
Achilles Tang Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:42:21pm |
re: #203 Dark_Falcon
No, it isn't. The key difference here is that there is a system of laws that enforces property matters such as depicted in that article. The builder who tried to lead an armed band against land-use regulators in the US would find himself in prison and his band dispersed by the police. In Afghanistan, the builders threaten force as a matter of routine and between them they have enough armed men to do the police major damage. Moreover, the idea of the 'rule of law' enjoys broad respect here, not so if Afghanistan.
Yes, I agree, but my point is that our laws are not "their" laws and in some societies local law trumps any state law. For example, beating your wife is a domestic issue that trumps all state pretend laws, no matter what the UN charter pretends is the official position of some countries.
| 225 |
Killgore Trout Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:43:13pm |
re: #217 Gus
But maybe. Maybe if we play country music loud enough in that region they'll come to "are side."
//
Skip the hank Williams and go straight to Willie Nelson.
| 226 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:43:32pm |
re: #220 goddamnedfrank
The difference between Somalia, or much of Afghanistan and America is that here law enforcement is socialized. What you call rule of law is really socialism of the justice system, the fact that the government/state has a monopoly on the system of dispute resolution. The profit motive that produces corruption here is the same as there, the difference being that there it incubates in an idealized laissez fair environment.
I've never though of a justice system as 'socialized'. I've always understood Socialism as pertaining to matters outside those in which collective action is a prerequisite of nationhood. It has always been my understanding that some matters cannot by individualized if freedom is to be maintained, and law enforcement is one of these.
| 227 |
goddamnedfrank Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:43:33pm |
re: #221 Innumerate Numerologist
You're assuming that aid is all that's keeping them live.
We definitely help them maintain their recruiting levels through our continued presence, and financially by providing a huge market for illegal opiates.
| 229 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:43:56pm |
re: #225 Killgore Trout
Skip the hank Williams and go straight to Willie Nelson.
Hank will make their heads explode.
| 230 |
prairiefire Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:44:07pm |
re: #220 goddamnedfrank
Dare to say the difference is Western civilization? I come from a long line of suffragettes. Our capitalistic society can be gender blind.
| 231 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:44:12pm |
re: #225 Killgore Trout
Skip the hank Williams and go straight to Willie Nelson.
Well, Mary Jane does grow wild there...
| 232 |
funky chicken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:44:30pm |
For the record, I never though the Simpsons was very funny. I think a fair chunk of the right-wing blogosphere used to love it, right?
| 233 |
Gus Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:44:58pm |
Yeah. Social engineering sucks don't it? Now let's head on over to Afghanistan and try some social engineering there.
//
| 235 |
prairiefire Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:46:10pm |
re: #226 Dark_Falcon
A justice system is socialized as much as it reflects the society that creates it.
| 236 |
Gus Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:46:17pm |
Right wingers hate the United Nations. That's because they're in direct competition to the American world cop roll.
| 237 |
Achilles Tang Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:46:54pm |
re: #214 Innumerate Numerologist
The intent was to at least disrupt, if not destroy al-Qaeda, the Taliban were collateral damage. That goal was met a long time ago.
Without a specific target there is nothing to quash. Having Pakistan more reasonable would had little effect on the Taliban forces.
Is there any reasonable distinction between the Taliban and Al Qaeda beyond what any given bunch of individuals might have ambitions to do?
| 238 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:47:00pm |
re: #221 Innumerate Numerologist
You're assuming that aid is all that's keeping them live.
No, but it's helped. What you said was: "Having Pakistan more reasonable would had little effect on the Taliban forces." (bolding mine). I argue that the shelter offered by Pakistan has a high-order effect on the Taliban's ability to continue as an insurgency, and that on that basis I argue that your statement is in error.
| 239 |
Gus Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:50:08pm |
re: #238 Dark_Falcon
No, but it's helped. What you said was: "Having Pakistan more reasonable would had little effect on the Taliban forces." (bolding mine). I argue that the shelter offered by Pakistan has a high-order effect on the Taliban's ability to continue as an insurgency, and that on that basis I argue that your statement is in error.
We didn't get into this war to get rid of the Taliban. It was mainly to get the Taliban responsible for aiding Al Qaeda for the 911 attack and to pursue OBL. We've accomplished most of that. Time to move on. The war is about to come to an end.
| 240 |
freetoken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:50:25pm |
re: #236 Gus
Right wingers hate the United Nations. That's because they're in direct competition to the American world cop roll.
Well, the UN is a work of the AntiChrist and the False Prophet, so as God's elect we have to fight them.
| 241 |
Gus Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:51:16pm |
South Korea and Japan are perfectly capable of defending themselves from North Korea.
| 242 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:52:16pm |
re: #241 Gus
South Korea and Japan are perfectly capable of defending themselves from North Korea.
Yes, but South Korea wants us to stay and we want to stay. So that's entirely acceptable.
| 243 |
Achilles Tang Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:52:22pm |
re: #227 goddamnedfrank
We definitely help them maintain their recruiting levels through our continued presence, and financially by providing a huge market for illegal opiates.
That is true. If we want to end it we can do so easily. Let people kill themselves if they want to, and tax the drugs we let them buy to do so.
Lock up anyone for life who sells them to minors.
That would save us billions and help human evolution greatly.
(It's almost midnight)
| 244 |
Gus Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:53:01pm |
re: #242 Dark_Falcon
Yes, but South Korea wants us to stay and we want to stay. So that's entirely acceptable.
Of course. Because they're cheap bastards and using us. They're saving money. Another thing. South Korea isn't exactly a free country either.
| 245 |
funky chicken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:53:31pm |
re: #236 Gus
Right wingers hate the United Nations. That's because they're in direct competition to the American world cop roll.
Gotta disagree here. A lot of right wingers hate the UN because it forces the US to bear most of the expense and trouble of trying to be world cops.
| 246 |
freetoken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:55:16pm |
re: #241 Gus
Our role in Japan and SK goes beyond protection from NK. Even with the long ago demise of the USSR, reality in NE Asia is that small countries feel overwhelmed by China and in Japan's case also Russia.
Notice the current flare up between the Philippines and China.
As long as we have an eminent Navy we will be called upon by someone in that part of the world to help police it.
It's the burden of empire, and we must bear it.
| 247 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:55:37pm |
re: #115 Stanley Sea's rule of law
Waiiiting for the kitchen to clear. Then going to make breakfast for dinner and watch
[Link: www.pbs.org...]
Money, power and Wallstreet on Frontline.
Peeps are twittering about it.
Ok, So I just watched it.
I'm sick to my stomach.
My research is in line with the first episode of the Frontline report.
| 248 |
Achilles Tang Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:55:55pm |
re: #244 Gus
Another thing. South Korea isn't exactly a free country either.
Explain please. No Citizens United ruling yet?
| 249 |
funky chicken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:56:01pm |
re: #244 Gus
Of course. Because they're cheap bastards and using us. They're saving money. Another thing. South Korea isn't exactly a free country either.
Dude. Are you drunk? Or do you feel the same way about the EU nations and Israel?
| 251 |
b_Snark Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:56:18pm |
re: #245 funky chicken
Gotta disagree here. A lot of right wingers hate the UN because it forces the US to bear most of the expense and trouble of trying to be world cops.
Um, isn't it the US who decides what wars to prosecute as a primary component of the Security Council? The UN doesn't force the US to do anything, the US has veto power.
| 252 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 8:58:06pm |
re: #246 freetoken
Our role in Japan and SK goes beyond protection from NK. Even with the long ago demise of the USSR, reality in NE Asia is that small countries feel overwhelmed by China and in Japan's case also Russia.
Notice the current flare up between the Philippines and China.
As long as we have an eminent Navy we will be called upon by someone in that part of the world to help police it.
It's the burden of empire, and we must bear it.
Cruisers
1899
As our mother the Frigate, bepainted and fine,
Made play for her bully the Ship of the Line;
So we, her bold daughters by iron and fire,
Accost and decoy to our masters' desire.
Now, pray you, consider what toils we endure,
Night-walking wet sea-lanes, a guard and a lure;
Since half of our trade is that same pretty sort
As mettlesome wenches do practise in port.
For this is our office: to spy and make room,
As hiding yet guiding the foe to their doom.
Surrounding, confounding, we bait and betray
And tempt them to battle the seas' width away.
The pot-bellied merchant foreboding no wrong
With headlight and sidelight he lieth along,
Till, lightless and lightfoot and lurking, leap we
To force him discover his business by sea.
And when we have wakened the lust of a foe,
To draw him by flight toward our bullies we go,
Till, 'ware of strange smoke stealing nearer, he flies
Or our bullies close in for to make him good prize.
So, when we have spied on the path of their host,
One flieth to carry that word to the coast;
And, lest by false doublings they turn and go free,
One lieth behind them to follow and see.
Anon we return, being gathered again,
Across the sad valleys all drabbled with rain --
Across the grey ridges all crisped and curled --
To join the long dance round the curve of the world.
The bitter salt spindrift, the sun-glare likewise,
The moon-track a-tremble, bewilders our eyes,
Where, linking and lifting, our sisters we hail
'Twixt wrench of cross-surges or plunge of head-gale.
As maidens awaiting the bride to come forth
Make play with light jestings and wit of no worth,
So, widdershins circling the bride-bed of death,
Each fleereth her neighbour and signeth and saith: --
"What see ye? Their signals, or levin afar?
"What hear ye? God's thunder, or guns of our war?
"What mark ye? Their smoke, or the cloud-rack outblown?
"What chase ye? Their lights, or the Daystar low down?"
So, times past all number deceived by false shows,
Deceiving we cumber the road of our foes,
For this is our virtue: to track and betray;
Preparing great battles a sea's width away.
Now peace is at end and our peoples take heart,
For the laws are clean gone that restrained our art;
Up and down the near headlands and against the far wind
We are loosed (O be swift!) to the work of our kind!
Rudyard Kipling
| 253 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 9:01:22pm |
re: #251 Innumerate Numerologist
Um, isn't it the US who decides what wars to prosecute as a primary component of the Security Council? The UN doesn't force the US to do anything, the US has veto power.
What I think FC is referring to is how the USA always has to bear a disproportionate share of the burden of actually fighting. Some of the carping about the UN would be reduced if nations like France and Germany contributed more real force to multi-national forces, if they took one of the violent sectors of a country and let some Anglosphere troops have one of the medium difficulty regions.
| 254 |
funky chicken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 9:01:44pm |
re: #251 Innumerate Numerologist
Yes, but were we really going to veto involvement in Bosnia or Kosovo? How about Somalia 1991? But pre-UN would US troops have been involved there?
| 255 |
prairiefire Tue, Apr 24, 2012 9:02:54pm |
re: #247 ggt
Ok, So I just watched it.
I'm sick to my stomach.
My research is in line with the first episode of the Frontline report.
I'm feel fortunate that I live in a country strong enough to almost fail, and all I had to worry about at that time was cooking dinner and getting the kids to school on time.
Night, lizards
| 256 |
freetoken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 9:06:22pm |
re: #253 Dark_Falcon
What I think FC is referring to is how the USA always has to bear a disproportionate share of the burden of actually fighting. ...
I don't believe that is true, at all. If one looks at all the UN directed interventions around the world right now the US has contributed no direct military forces, while large nations like India contribute many.
What you're referring to, I think, are those actions which the US wanted and then the US gets the UN to "go along", in other words, not object to, the actions taken by the US - e.g., Iraq, Afhanistan.
| 257 |
Four More Tears Tue, Apr 24, 2012 9:09:04pm |
Thanks to tonight's mention of PBS, I am now aware that Sherlock Holmes 2 starts on May 6th. Thank you, LGF!
| 258 |
funky chicken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 9:10:52pm |
In hind-sight I wish Russia or China would have vetoed our misadventure in Iraq, maybe even starting way back with the no-fly zones.
| 259 |
Gretchen G.Tiger Tue, Apr 24, 2012 9:10:55pm |
re: #255 prairiefire
I'm feel fortunate that I live in a country strong enough to almost fail, and all I had to worry about at that time was cooking dinner and getting the kids to school on time.
Night, lizards
truth - yet there are many in this country who are failing because the powerful fucked them.
| 261 |
Dancing along the light of day Tue, Apr 24, 2012 9:12:42pm |
They say "fornication" like it's a BAD thing.
| 262 |
funky chicken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 9:13:41pm |
re: #256 freetoken
What percent of the UN budget is funded by the US?
| 263 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 9:16:40pm |
| 264 |
funky chicken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 9:18:45pm |
re: #256 freetoken
I don't believe that is true, at all. If one looks at all the UN directed interventions around the world right now the US has contributed no direct military forces, while large nations like India contribute many.
What you're referring to, I think, are those actions which the US wanted and then the US gets the UN to "go along", in other words, not object to, the actions taken by the US - e.g., Iraq, Afhanistan.
You realize I was responding to Gus's assertion that right wingers object to the UN because they think it stops the US from being able to be unilateral global cops, right? I haven't seen that argument made by any right wingers I can think of, aside from perhaps Ann Coulter immediately post-911 when she wrote an article saying we should invade Muslim nations and forcefully convert them all to Christianity. An article which got her immediately fired from National Review, of all places.
| 265 |
funky chicken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 9:27:14pm |
re: #33 Lidane
Speaking of relics from the past, I still don't understand how those XXX Adult Megaplex Megamart places even stay open these days. With the internet, who needs to pay for porn anymore, or to humiliate themselves by buying "adult novelties" at a real store?
There was a huge one on I-75 right on the border of Warner Robins, GA. And several others along that corridor. Warner Robins is about as red as a red state area can get, I gotta say. And here in OK I can't listen to regular radio without being bombarded with ads for sex toy and lingerie shops. I got Sirius in large part because I just got sick of it.
| 266 |
freetoken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 9:30:11pm |
re: #262 funky chicken
What percent of the UN budget is funded by the US?
I believe it is proportionate roughly to our share of the global GDP. I seem to remember something around 25%.
The US was the leading force in creating the UN, and we've used it for our purposes ever since.
| 267 |
Dark_Falcon Tue, Apr 24, 2012 9:30:17pm |
re: #264 funky chicken
You realize I was responding to Gus's assertion that right wingers object to the UN because they think it stops the US from being able to be unilateral global cops, right? I haven't seen that argument made by any right wingers I can think of, aside from perhaps Ann Coulter immediately post-911 when she wrote an article saying we should invade Muslim nations and forcefully convert them all to Christianity. An article which got her immediately fired from National Review, of all places.
That article made William F. Buckley see Coulter for what she was: Nasty, Shrill, and willing to say anything to sell he column or a book. She'd semi-hidden that till she spouted that DERP!, but after doing so her nastiness was undeniable.
| 268 |
funky chicken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 9:43:38pm |
re: #266 freetoken
So we provide money and other nations provide the manpower? I suppose there were Nepalese forces in Haiti, and the Hatians showed their gratitude by accusing them of bringing cholera to the island.
Vaccination efforts are undertaken by locals via UN and WHO funding. Do you see that as the US using the UN for our purposes?
Again, I was responding to Gus and his assertion that righties dislike the UN because it is an impediment to the US being able to spend more time and money policing the globe. And again, I've seen very little evidence to support that assertion.
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funky chicken Tue, Apr 24, 2012 9:48:03pm |
I'd guess this is a reliable source:
United Nations Regular Budget Contributions: Members Compared
January 22, 2010 - RL30605
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Starting January 1, 2001, the United States was assessed to pay 22% of the annual United Nations (U.N.) regular budget. For calendar year 2008, 22% of the U.N. regular budget amounted to $453,338,391. Prior to January 1, 2001, the assessment level for the United States was 25%. This report shows, for the years 1989 through 2008, the assessment level, actual payment, and total outstanding contributions for the United States and each of the other U.N. members assessed at 1% or higher. From 2004 to 2008, a new category is included: the countries with assessments at 0.5% or larger but less than 1%. Three of these countries had, at some time since 1989, been assessed at 1%. Aggregated figures are provided for the rest of the U.N. membership. In 2008, the United States and 16 other nations were assessed to pay 86.514% of the U.N. budget. Contributors in the middle category were collectively assessed to pay 6.220%. In 2008, of the top 17 assessed countries, the United States only failed to pay its entire assessment and maintained unpaid or outstanding contributions. The matter of U.S. funding to the United Nations has been a high-profile congressional issue for a number of years. ...
[Link: opencrs.com...]
I'm not interested enough to download and read the entire document. If I stay up any later I'm going to finish my son's caramel corn too. So, good night eveyrbody!
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Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Tue, Apr 24, 2012 10:15:23pm |
Too much alcohol is baad, mkay.
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