1 | Randall Gross Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:42:57am |
How did we wait before Twitter?— David Corn (@DavidCornDC) August 31, 2013
3 | Randall Gross Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:44:00am |
The newest Tomahawk blurs line between missile and drone. Can loiter over targets for hours. http://t.co/NcJmtKO5Ci— John Carney (@carney) August 31, 2013
4 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:44:00am |
Obummer is lying! Putin says Assad is innocent and would never use chemical weapons against his own people!
/Drudge
5 | Killgore Trout Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:44:49am |
Sure doesn’t look like a setting for a war announcement.
6 | Killgore Trout Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:45:52am |
I wonder if that Kos Kid from yesterday will hang up his Obama poster again.
7 | Randall Gross Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:46:12am |
“RT @LeeCamp: Happening now - I'm here at Times Square protest #NoWarWithSyria #Syria pic.twitter.com/s1Es4hqDx3” HT @SamanthaJaneS— Xeni Jardin (@xeni) August 31, 2013
8 | PhillyPretzel Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:46:46am |
Right now I am at Wegman’s in Valley Forge and you would never guess that the President is about to speak on any subject.
9 | ObserverArt Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:46:46am |
re: #4 Lidane
Obummer is lying! Putin says Assad is innocent and would never use chemical weapons against his own people!
/Drudge
And Snowbunny is helping exposing it all with his NSA data!!!!!!
10 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:46:51am |
re: #6 Killgore Trout
I wonder if that Kos Kid from yesterday will hang up his Obama poster again.
Mom said no more thumbtacks in the wall.
12 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:46:56am |
re: #5 Killgore Trout
Sure doesn’t look like a setting for a war announcement.
But it’s a perfect setting to shame Congress into doing their damn jobs and getting back to Washington for a vote.
13 | Randall Gross Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:47:34am |
BREAKING: AP sources say Obama is considering seeking congressional authorization for action against Syria.— The Associated Press (@AP) August 31, 2013
I called this in the last thread!
14 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:48:18am |
15 | Killgore Trout Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:48:43am |
re: #12 Lidane
But it’s a perfect setting to shame Congress into doing their damn jobs and getting back to Washington for a vote.
Maybe that’s his plan. Passing the buck to congress is a guarantee that nothing will happen.
16 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:48:49am |
re: #13 Randall Gross
Waiting for someone to show up with a “Sarah Palin Agrees” sign.
17 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:49:32am |
18 | PhillyPretzel Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:49:40am |
re: #14 Decatur Deb
lol. Nah just a small piece of soft pretzel. :)
19 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:50:17am |
re: #15 Killgore Trout
Maybe that’s his plan. Passing the buck to congress is a guarantee that nothing will happen.
War is their buck.
20 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:51:34am |
re: #7 Randall Gross
[Embedded content]
.@xeni @LeeCamp @SamanthaJaneS A 2 1/2 year civil war with close to 100K dead and 2 million refugees. Now they protest. Whatever.— Gus (@Gus_802) August 31, 2013
21 | ObserverArt Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:52:04am |
re: #15 Killgore Trout
Maybe that’s his plan. Passing the buck to congress is a guarantee that nothing will happen.
They oppose him on everything. Almost guaranteed you’re right should he approach them.
22 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:52:14am |
re: #15 Killgore Trout
Maybe that’s his plan. Passing the buck to congress is a guarantee that nothing will happen.
Because the President is the one that declares war. The Constitution says so.
23 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:52:19am |
I had the White House site up and forgot about it. I jumped when he started talking.
24 | Killgore Trout Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:52:32am |
re: #19 Decatur Deb
War is their buck.
Even the military industrial complex can’t get this congress to do anything.
I doubt anything will pass, maybe a strongly worded condemnation or something.
25 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:53:18am |
re: #24 Killgore Trout
Even the military industrial complex can’t get this congress to do anything.
I doubt anything will pass, maybe a strongly worded condemnation or something.
Good. Until we know who to screw, we should screw no one.
26 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:53:25am |
Obama: “After careful deliberation I have decided the United States should take military action against the Syrian regime.”— Charles Johnson (@Green_Footballs) August 31, 2013
29 | Eclectic Cyborg Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:54:33am |
re: #25 Decatur Deb
Good. Until we know who to screw, we should screw no one.
That’s good dating advice as well.
30 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:54:35am |
Obama: “I will seek authorization for the use of force from the American people's representatives in Congress.”— Charles Johnson (@Green_Footballs) August 31, 2013
31 | ObserverArt Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:54:38am |
re: #26 Charles Johnson
[Obama: “I will seek authorization for the use of force from the American people’s representatives in Congress.”
1:54 PM - 31 Aug 2013]
Oh, this is going to get messy.
32 | Carlos Danger Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:54:49am |
The impeachment proceedings should be a welcome change from the Obamacare repeals.
Oh, wait, that wasn’t the kind of congressional action you had in mind?
33 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:55:21am |
34 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:56:22am |
re: #30 Charles Johnson
[Embedded content]”I will seek authorization for the use of force from the American people’s representatives in Congress.”
Good. They’ll go into brainlock.
35 | Eclectic Cyborg Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:57:00am |
Ok so wait, does this mean the U.S. IS going to attack Syria no matter what or does the POTUS have no authority to launch such a strike without congressional approval?
36 | Killgore Trout Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:57:04am |
Well, that was close. I really thought action in Syria was a done deal. Looks unlikely now.
37 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:57:16am |
Obama: “We should have this [Congressional] debate, for the issues are too big for business as usual.” #Syria— NPR News (@nprnews) August 31, 2013
38 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:57:28am |
39 | Eclectic Cyborg Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:57:35am |
Also, that puts House GOPers in a tough spot doesn’t it? Either they *GASP* support Obama OR decide to stand against him and not intervene in Syria.
40 | EmmaAnne Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:57:43am |
re: #30 Charles Johnson
[Embedded content]
Seeking authorization from Congress? I forgot presidents ever did that.
I’d like to see some non-military action in the meantime. Someone a few days ago suggested doing something about refugees or victims of the attack. Maybe “action” doesn’t always have to mean missiles?
41 | Randall Gross Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:57:49am |
Some rumors have it that it was a mustard type of gas used.
42 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:57:55am |
Obama's going to take it to Congress. It's the right move. But the Tea Party right and the emoprog left will still find a way to freak out.— Charles Johnson (@Green_Footballs) August 31, 2013
43 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:58:18am |
Bravo, Obama. He’s playing the co-equal branches of government cards very well, and hitting the UN along the way.
44 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:58:19am |
Forget it. The House won’t approve of military force in Syria.
45 | Carlos Danger Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:58:20am |
John Bam Bam McCain is probably going into apoplexy right now
46 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:58:31am |
re: #34 Decatur Deb
Good. They’ll go into brainlock.
I would rather have these idiots go into brainlock over Syria than wasting more time on Obamacare repeals.
47 | Eclectic Cyborg Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:58:58am |
re: #44 Gus
Forget it. The House won’t approve of military force in Syria.
You think they would if we had a GOP President?
48 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:59:06am |
re: #44 Gus
Forget it. The House won’t approve of military force in Syria.
Maybe if he offers to defund Obamacare.
50 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:59:23am |
President Obama is seeking permission from Congress to go forward with military action? TYRANT UNCONSTITUTIONAL BLARGH— Gabe Ortíz (@TUSK81) August 31, 2013
51 | Carlos Danger Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:59:26am |
Obama Speaks, Atlas Shrugs, Boehner Cries.
52 | Eclectic Cyborg Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:59:30am |
re: #46 Lidane
I would rather have these idiots go into brainlock over Syria than wasting more time on Obamacare repeals.
A truly sad state of affairs isn’t it? Like watching a really horrific train wreck in extremely slow motion.
53 | PhillyPretzel Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:59:42am |
re: #42 Charles Johnson
Of course they will. How dare this President follow the rules. OMG this is awful.
54 | Eclectic Cyborg Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:59:56am |
55 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:59:57am |
re: #47 Eclectic Cyborg
You think they would if we had a GOP President?
If we had a GOP president right now, we would’ve nuked Damascus by now.
56 | Killgore Trout Sat, Aug 31, 2013 10:59:59am |
re: #35 Eclectic Cyborg
Ok so wait, does this mean the U.S. IS going to attack Syria no matter what or does the POTUS have no authority to launch such a strike without congressional approval?
I think it’s a political decision to provide cover for not acting and backing off on the “red line” rhetoric. If lack of action results in Assad stepping up attacks or continuing to use chemical weapons Obama can always say he tried but congress shot him down.
57 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:00:05am |
59 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:00:23am |
re: #47 Eclectic Cyborg
You think they would if we had a GOP President?
GOP president would be supporting Assad.
60 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:01:06am |
re: #56 Killgore Trout
I think it’s a political decision to provide cover for not acting and backing off on the “red line” rhetoric. If lack of action results in Assad stepping up attacks or continuing to use chemical weapons Obama can always say he tried but congress shot him down.
Yup. Maybe he knows how this game is played.
61 | Eclectic Cyborg Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:01:30am |
re: #58 bmiller11757
wow he’s gotten very gray.
I can’t say as I blame him. I don’t think any President has had as stressful a Presidency as Obama…at least not in several generations that is.
63 | Randall Gross Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:02:02am |
This was the best decision he could make.
64 | PhillyPretzel Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:02:30am |
re: #61 Eclectic Cyborg
They go into the Presidency young and handsome and come out old and withered.
65 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:03:00am |
66 | ObserverArt Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:03:40am |
re: #39 Eclectic Cyborg
Also, that puts House GOPers in a tough spot doesn’t it? Either they *GASP* support Obama OR decide to against him and not intervene in Syria.
And that is what I meant up above about getting messy. They will have at least four different groups to deal with amongst themselves. Tea Party, Libertarian, NeoCon, Traditional Conservative.
What is going to be interesting is the Dem side of this. They are positioning Hillary for ‘16, and she’s sold as a bit of a hawk, so she’d most likely be for a strike of some kind. Yet, the younger base is going to struggle with this because it strikes at their idealism. And the base liberals don’t seem to like it.
Well, if the president has anything going…he doesn’t have to worry about reelection. Only history.
67 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:03:48am |
It will sure be interesting to watch the Tea Party loons in the House trying to deal with this. Cognitive dissonance time.— Charles Johnson (@Green_Footballs) August 31, 2013
70 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:06:32am |
Blitzer says Obama 'rolling the dice' by going to Cong. Right - like it would be no 'rolling the dice' to launch an attack on his own— James Fallows (@JamesFallows) August 31, 2013
re: #45 Charles Johnson
Total fucking jabbering moron. Talking to hear himself speak.
71 | Absalom, Absalom, Obdicut Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:06:32am |
re: #65 Decatur Deb
GOP is going to whine like hell about having to actually govern.
This is actually a nice step backwards in terms of executive power. I don’t know if the US should be the ‘world’s policeman’, but I really think that it’s better that the single person who is the president should not be able to make that call unilaterally except if there’s an imminent threat.
The current nihilism of the house shouldn’t mean we dismantle the way the government is supposed to work.
72 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:08:26am |
You get the feeling Obama has watched those videos many times. He's outraged. And now he's doing the right thing by not acting unilaterally.— Dan Froomkin (@froomkin) August 31, 2013
73 | ObserverArt Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:08:44am |
re: #56 Killgore Trout
I think it’s a political decision to provide cover for not acting and backing off on the “red line” rhetoric. If lack of action results in Assad stepping up attacks or continuing to use chemical weapons Obama can always say he tried but congress shot him down.
Which puts a whole lotta stress on some recent Republican beliefs. Should this happen it will look bad to the world, but it is a good political move at home, and it will resonate into the future.
I was talking about Hillary just above. Think how that outcome positions her.
74 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:08:54am |
Bad news for the members of Congress who wanted to wash their hands of this and criticize whatever happened.
— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) August 31, 2013
75 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:09:36am |
re: #71 Absalom, Absalom, Obdicut
GOP is going to whine like hell about having to actually govern.
This is actually a nice step backwards in terms of executive power. I don’t know if the US should be the ‘world’s policeman’, but I really think that it’s better that the single person who is the president should not be able to make that call unilaterally except if there’s an imminent threat.
The current nihilism of the house shouldn’t mean we dismantle the way the government is supposed to work.
It will be interesting to see if the House GOP actually has the gall to tie a vote in favor of intervention in Syria to defunding Obamacare.
Let the entire world see what a freak show we have to deal with in the US House.
76 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:10:30am |
It’s like the punchline to a bad joke. “How do you get a Republican to vote against using military force?”
77 | ObserverArt Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:10:34am |
re: #58 bmiller11757
wow he’s gotten very gray.
I was noticing that when he spoke at the MLK 50th the other day.
Anymore, who’d want this job? And that is part of our problem.
78 | Killgore Trout Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:14:13am |
re: #73 ObserverArt
Which puts a whole lotta stress on some recent Republican beliefs. Should this happen it will look bad to the world, but it is a good political move at home, and it will resonate into the future.
I was talking about Hillary just above. Think how that outcome positions her.
I suspect Republicans will be split. Votes will be based more on reelection prospects of positioning for future presidential runs. Same with Dems. This is no longer about international issues, concern over civilian deaths or regional stability. It’s a domestic political issue now.
79 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:14:14am |
There is no constitutional requirement; SCOTUS never resolved WPR or Art 1(8) vs Art 2(2), but ok: Congress now the dog that caught the car.— Tom Nichols (@TheWarRoom_Tom) August 31, 2013
80 | Targetpractice Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:14:15am |
re: #76 Charles Johnson
It’s like the punchline to a bad joke. “How do you get a Republican to vote against using military force?”
Simple: Declare that it can’t happen unless the costs are “off-set.”
81 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:14:37am |
re: #77 ObserverArt
I was noticing that when he spoke at the MLK 50th the other day.
Anymore, who’d want this job? And that is part of our problem.
Every four years, there never seems to be a scarcity of those seeking it
82 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:14:46am |
re: #76 Charles Johnson
It’s like the punchline to a bad joke. “How do you get a Republican to vote against using military force?”
Well, look at what just happened in the UK. There is no way in hell that this House is going to vote for military action against Assad. Which can also be seen as benefiting ISIS and AQ. The TPGOP already is infatuated with Putin. The only argument that can be made would be the Iran angle.
83 | Stanley Sea Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:15:28am |
Stand by for first-ever demand for offsets for a military strike.
— David Waldman (@KagroX) August 31, 2013
84 | b_sharp Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:16:39am |
re: #56 Killgore Trout
I think it’s a political decision to provide cover for not acting and backing off on the “red line” rhetoric. If lack of action results in Assad stepping up attacks or continuing to use chemical weapons Obama can always say he tried but congress shot him down.
What would president Kilgore trout do in this case?
85 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:17:14am |
Conservatives have quickly come around to blasting Obama's decision to go to Congress.— Joseph Weisenthal (@TheStalwart) August 31, 2013
86 | Randall Gross Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:17:23am |
This is a set up — he fully expects the Tea Dudebros to pontificate in full frabjous lustre while people are actually paying attention.
87 | Eclectic Cyborg Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:17:40am |
re: #75 EPR-radar
It will be interesting to see if the House GOP actually has the gall to tie a vote in favor of intervention in Syria to defunding Obamacare.
Let the entire world see what a freak show we have to deal with in the US House.
Dear God, please don’t give them any ideas.
88 | sagehen Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:17:50am |
89 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:17:59am |
90 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:18:13am |
re: #84 b_sharp
What would president Kilgore trout do in this case?
Rely properly on his Secretary of Defense, Officer Pepperspray.
91 | Killgore Trout Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:18:16am |
re: #83 Stanley Sea
[Embedded content]
Heh, that’s a possibility. This gives congress critters a chance to showboat. There will be much silliness.
92 | Stanley Sea Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:18:53am |
93 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:19:01am |
re: #82 Gus
Well, look at what just happened in the UK. There is no way in hell that this House is going to vote for military action against Assad. Which can also be seen as benefiting ISIS and AQ. The TPGOP already is infatuated with Putin. The only argument that can be made would be the Iran angle.
We could see a GOP-Putin axis form in the US House and the UN security council to protect Assad.
That would severely damage the GOP brand, especially in the face of virtually certain further atrocities by Assad.
94 | Killgore Trout Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:20:59am |
re: #84 b_sharp
What would president Kilgore trout do in this case?
I’d pass the buck too. It’s probably a smart move. I don’t see much chance of stability in Syria no matter what happens. best not to but yourself in a position to be blamed for it.
95 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:21:17am |
Americans for Prosperity are having a group-spew this weekend. Here’s a live stream.
(Strong stomachs only.)
96 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:21:17am |
re: #88 sagehen
which is the day after tomorrow, we can wait that long.
They reconvene on September 9.
97 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:21:43am |
Not The Onion:
The US should be working w/ the new Iranian govt and Assad to target al-Qaeda in Syria. #tcot— Gary Kraiss, Jr. (@GaryKraissJr) August 31, 2013
98 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:23:04am |
Wouldn't it have been awesome if one of the reporters had thrown a shoe at BO? ;) LOL #tcot #karmaisabitch— PolitiBunny Foo Foo (@GOPBunny) August 31, 2013
99 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:23:44am |
100 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:24:11am |
#Syria. The weakest & NEGLIGENT president EVER. !!!! #SYRIA GOVT DECLARES VICTORY ON OBAMA SPEECH #TCOT #ORPUW #UNITEDBLUE #PJNET— ObamaWorld (@obamaisnuts) August 31, 2013
101 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:24:20am |
G20 in Russia on Sep 4. Congress meets Sep 9. UN Gen Assembly starts Sep 17. My guess: 3 wks of politics & diplomacy b4 missiles fly.— csdickey (@csdickey) August 31, 2013
102 | Shiplord Kirel Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:24:56am |
re: #97 Lidane
Not The Onion:
The US should be working w/ the new Iranian govt and Assad to target al-Qaeda in Syria.
[Embedded content]
Of course! Why didn’t I think of that? We could send them some of that gas we confiscated from Saddam, if only we had found any.
/
103 | Weet Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:24:57am |
re: #4 Lidane
Obummer is lying! Putin says Assad is innocent and would never use chemical weapons against his own people!
/Drudge
/Approved by Assange
104 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:25:31am |
re: #100 Lidane
Pesky Syrian reality intruding on war against Obama.
105 | Robert O. Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:25:32am |
I know that President Obama previously said the introduction of chemical weapons would change his “calculus”. But I am unconvinced. The equation in Syria has far too many variables. For example, how do we differentiate between the good guys and the bad guys? How do we deal with Al Qaeda and its various derivatives in the region? Will the President integrate US ground forces with Syrian rebels? There needs to be a limit on US involvement. The whole Middle East is heading down a slippery slope, and I am yet to see a turning point in the Arab Spring.
106 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:25:59am |
@lrozen Welcome to the post-Benghazi Washington— R.S.S. (@_R_S_S_) August 31, 2013
107 | Killgore Trout Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:26:06am |
So where does this leave Syria? The French might act alone as they did in Mali but I think that’s unlikely. I suppose now the most likely candidate for action in Syria would be the Israelis if they get nervous enough about chemical weapons. This does give Assad a green light. He will almost certainly continue to push his luck.
108 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:26:26am |
No way congress will make a decision in 3 weeks. Yeesh. We’re still negotiating immigration reform. They’re still trying to repeal the ACA. The Republicans doesn’t care what the president wants. The polling on a military strike is against any military action. More politics. Yawn.
109 | Eclectic Cyborg Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:27:09am |
So did Inez fall of the face of the earth? I haven’t seen much from her lately.
110 | blueraven Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:28:08am |
re: #108 Gus
No way congress will make a decision in 3 weeks. Yeesh. We’re still negotiating immigration reform. They’re still trying to repeal the ACA. The Republicans doesn’t care what the president wants. The polling on a military strike is against any military action. More politics. Yawn.
I think it will be close but Pelosi and Boehner seem to be on board. In the end I think he gets authorization.
111 | EmmaAnne Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:28:09am |
re: #47 Eclectic Cyborg
You think they would if we had a GOP President?
Instantly, and anyone with the slightest misgivings would be asked why they hate America and told they have RPDS*.
republican president derangement syndrome.
Why yes, I am still a little sensitive about opposing the Iraq invasion. :-)
112 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:28:24am |
Not sure if serious:
By waiting for Congress Obama will do exactly what I predicted. Attack on Syria will be Sept 11 to distract from Benghazi #tcot #Tlot— Ho Lee Fuk +?+(o_o) (@exposeliberals) August 31, 2013
113 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:28:45am |
re: #109 Eclectic Cyborg
She must be taking the day off
twitter.com
114 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:29:05am |
re: #110 blueraven
I think it will be close but Pelosi and Boehner seem to be on board. In the end I think he gets authorization.
Boehner? They’re just dying to kick him out as House Speaker.
115 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:29:22am |
re: #110 blueraven
I think it will be close but Pelosi and Boehner seem to be on board. In the end I think he gets authorization.
Congress couldn’t vote to have free banana splits in the cafeteria.
116 | blueraven Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:30:00am |
re: #115 Decatur Deb
Congress couldn’t vote to have free banana splits in the cafeteria.
Pelosi can get it done.
117 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:30:22am |
re: #115 Decatur Deb
Congress couldn’t vote to have free banana splits in the cafeteria.
TANSTAAFBSITC
118 | Carlos Danger Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:30:28am |
Actually seeing Republicans complaining about Obama not acting unilateral, weak.
That’s a new one.
119 | Stanley Sea Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:30:47am |
re: #113 jaunte
She must be taking the day off
twitter.com
She got a little vain with the changing of her twitter background.
120 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:31:12am |
re: #118 Carlos Danger
Actually seeing Republicans complaining about Obama not acting unilateral, weak.
That’s a new one.
And if he’d been unilateral they’d be calling him a tyrant.
They want it both ways.
122 | Stanley Sea Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:31:51am |
123 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:32:00am |
124 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:32:17am |
Breaking: House GOP Leadership Statement on Syria ”House to consider a measure the week of September 9th.” http://t.co/Kylkoq7I6O— Gus (@Gus_802) August 31, 2013
126 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:33:18am |
Admin officials say Obama national security team was divided most arguing AGAINST seeking authority.
— David Gregory (@davidgregory) August 31, 2013
127 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:33:43am |
Going to Congress for authorization = ignoring checks and balances:
I'm so glad Obama is above all of those tricky little checks and balances in government, aren't you? #tcot #syria— Hannah Effertz (@hmarie212) August 31, 2013
128 | blueraven Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:34:21am |
The Senate may come back earlier…so says Harry Reid per Dana Bash of CNN,
FWIW.
129 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:34:39am |
re: #108 Gus
No way congress will make a decision in 3 weeks
I don’t think the President is in any hurry either
He doesn’t have the Brits on board,, the UN hasn’t made their findings public yet,,, the American public doesn’t have the appetite for it
130 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:35:29am |
re: #127 Lidane
What kind of vile tyrannical trick is this “consultation” of which you speak?
132 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:37:22am |
Very negative reaction from free syrian army. Saying obama delay will hurt them, calls it backpedaling. #syria
— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) August 31, 2013
133 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:37:35am |
re: #129 sattv4u2
No way congress will make a decision in 3 weeks
I don’t think the President is in any hurry either
He doesn’t have the Brits on board,, the UN hasn’t made their findings public yet,,, the American public doesn’t have the appetite for it
I’m considering a nap right about now.
134 | Stanley Sea Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:37:55am |
re: #127 Lidane
Going to Congress for authorization = ignoring checks and balances:
[Embedded content]
They are so fucking stupid.
135 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:39:05am |
re: #133 Gus
I’m considering a nap right about now.
Set your alarm for May,,, June at the latest
should be over by then
136 | Carlos Danger Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:39:43am |
re: #127 Lidane
It’s like listening to a kid who doesn’t understand what they’re talking about.
137 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:39:51am |
Welp. The “it’ll pass if it’s attached to a repeal Obamacare amendment” is already on Twitter.
138 | Robert O. Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:40:21am |
And BTW, I think it is a shrewd move by the President to throw this at Congress.
(a) Republican warhawks have goaded Obama into military action at every turn - Egypt, Libya, Syria.
(b) Republicans want a vote on “something”
(c) Obama boxed himself in with the “red line” comment
(d) There are really no good options in Syria
(e) The American people don’t want war because of (d) and the debacle in Iraq
(f) Obama can let the unpopular Congress take another hit while he concentrate his political capital somewhere else. e.g., the debt ceiling is looming.
139 | blueraven Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:42:05am |
re: #137 Gus
Welp. The “it’ll pass if it’s attached to a repeal Obamacare amendment” is already on Twitter.
Then the President should ignore them as being not serious. Say, I tried but congress is useless in a crisis and proceed as planned.
140 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:42:21am |
re: #130 jaunte
What kind of vile tyrannical trick is this “consultation” of which you speak?
The wingularity will have reached the GOP House if they start talking about impeaching Obama because he is seeking Congressional authorization.
141 | Amory Blaine Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:42:49am |
re: #76 Charles Johnson
It’s like the punchline to a bad joke. “How do you get a Republican to vote against using military force?”
Elect a black guy as President.
142 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:42:49am |
This debate could actually make Congress look good. I mean it.— Josh Greenman (@joshgreenman) August 31, 2013
Dudebro? Don’t know.
143 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:43:51am |
re: #142 wrenchwench
I have never used recreational drugs in my entire life, but I want whatever this guy is on.
144 | OhNoZombies! Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:44:02am |
re: #86 Randall Gross
This is a set up — he fully expects the Tea Dudebros to pontificate in full frabjous lustre while people are actually paying attention.
Exactly.
145 | Randall Gross Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:44:11am |
1 hour ago, UN Chemical Weapons Team
146 | ObserverArt Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:44:36am |
re: #81 sattv4u2
Every four years, there never seems to be a scarcity of those seeking it
True. But I worry about quality candidates not really wanting a part. I know that is has always had its drawbacks just worried there may now be too many drawbacks for most.
By the way, I applaud anyone trying. Even the nutty.
I just hope the voting publican can judge nutty!
147 | Stanley Sea Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:45:24am |
148 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:45:45am |
Bill Whittle just advised Ted Cruz to build a wall around Austin instead of at the Mexican border.
Now he’s talking about all the ways Romney won the election. Just not the actual votes, but he won on the issues.
149 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:45:49am |
re: #142 wrenchwench
Congress doesn’t find the situation in Syria important enough to bother with volunteering to return to Washington to take up the question.
Waiting until the week of the 9th isn’t going to improve that.
150 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:47:00am |
re: #149 jaunte
Congress doesn’t find the situation in Syria important enough to bother with volunteering to return to Washington to take up the question.
Waiting until the week of the 9th isn’t going to improve that.
Yeah. The decision not to return is as good as a vote for doing nothing.
151 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:48:08am |
re: #148 wrenchwench
Bill Whittle just advised Ted Cruz to build a wall around Austin instead of at the Mexican border.
Better yet, let Austin stay part of the US while the rednecks around here secede.
152 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:49:12am |
re: #148 wrenchwench
Bill Whittle just advised Ted Cruz to build a wall around Austin instead of at the Mexican border.
Now he’s talking about all the ways Romney won the election. Just not the actual votes, but he won on the issues.
Fox News Fantasy Hour?
153 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:49:34am |
re: #149 jaunte
Congress doesn’t find the situation in Syria important enough to bother with volunteering to return to Washington to take up the question.
Waiting until the week of the 9th isn’t going to improve that.
The votes are there for authorization in the House (most Democrats + the sane Republican fringe) so like most House votes it is going to come down to whether or not Boehner enforces the GOP Hastert rule.
That will be a spectacle to behold —- GOP party line purity being put on the same level as deciding whether or not to respond to a chemical weapons atrocity.
154 | Bulworth Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:50:04am |
re: #115 Decatur Deb
I understand your Winning The Internets award is in the mail.
155 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:50:58am |
156 | ObserverArt Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:51:22am |
re: #135 sattv4u2
Set your alarm for May,,, June at the latest
should be over by then
I had posted this (below) half jokingly in the last thread. Your comment sort of fits what I was thinking. My use of “all” means politically both here and abroad and as a war tactic to your opposition.
I’m going with an Ali Rope-A-Dope. Get everyone all worked up and in a frenzy, then go some rounds where nothing is happening and all opposition is lulled. Then wham, here comes that hidden right uppercut.
In the middle rounds you score as everyone else is forced to show their own style and what they are going to do or not. Watching. Lame duckin’.
157 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:51:35am |
John Bolton — who opposes the use of force in Syria — says it's a mistake that Obama didn't just go ahead.— Joseph Weisenthal (@TheStalwart) August 31, 2013
158 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:51:59am |
re: #149 jaunte
re: #150 wrenchwench
Then why didn’t the President ask congress for a use of force authorization before they went on recess?
And if the President is waiting for the UN’s report on what happened wrt the chem attack, that’s not going to be co0ming for another week or so, right when congress is due back anyway
159 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:52:27am |
re: #157 Gus
Then, on the way to the floor, he saw that his shoelaces had been tied together.
160 | Bulworth Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:53:07am |
re: #153 EPR-radar
NRA needs to weigh in on this first. //
161 | blueraven Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:53:32am |
If Cameron had not lost the vote in UK, I doubt Obama would be going to Congress.
But without the UK or UN support, I think he is backed into a corner here.
In the end, it is probably the right thing to do. The expansion of executive power needs to be reined in.
162 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:53:56am |
But wait!
Is Obama saying that a Congressional refusal to authorize means he can't/won't do it? Doesn't seem so. Remember Libya http://t.co/MvT1HtVhZI— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) August 31, 2013
163 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:54:10am |
re: #158 sattv4u2
Then why didn’t the President ask congress for a use of force authorization before they went on recess?
And if the President is waiting for the UN’s report on what happened wrt the chem attack, that’s not going to be co0ming for another week or so, right when congress is due back anyway
I guess he wasn’t ready. Do you think they should wait for the UN report before commencing the discussion?
164 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:54:42am |
re: #158 sattv4u2
I think experience has shown that congress will oppose anything the president says he wants.
165 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:55:20am |
Yes RT @jricole Interesting possibility that a Left-Libertarian alliance in Congress could defeat Syria resolution— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) August 31, 2013
@ggreenwald @jricole same coalition that defeated first 08 bailout vote. Is it the Occupy-Tea Party alliance we've all been waiting for?— Ethan O. Perlstein (@eperlste) August 31, 2013
166 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:55:46am |
re: #160 Bulworth
NRA needs to weigh in on this first. //
The entertainment possibilities really are endless. Perhaps Arpaio should mobilize some of the 101st Chairborne as volunteers.
The Wingnut Foreign Legion, fighting right alongside the French Foreign Legion.
167 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:56:20am |
re: #163 wrenchwench
I guess he wasn’t ready. Do you think they should wait for the UN report before commencing the discussion?
“wasn’t ready”?
Whats changed since? The report still isn’t in!
So again, why not ask prior to the recess? That would have started the discussion
168 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:56:23am |
NOW: Congressman Engel (D-NY): I call on the Speaker to immediately recall the House..debate this critical issue ASAP. #Syria (@ChadPergram)— NewsBreaker (@NewsBreaker) August 31, 2013
NOW: GOP Rep. Peter King: Obama is abdicating his responsibility…undermining authority of future presidents. #Syria @chadpergram— NewsBreaker (@NewsBreaker) August 31, 2013
169 | Bulworth Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:56:52am |
re: #165 Gus
Is it the
Occupy-Tea PartyCircle of Derp alliance we’ve all been waiting for?
171 | ObserverArt Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:58:35am |
re: #166 EPR-radar
The entertainment possibilities really are endless. Perhaps Arpaio should mobilize some of the 101st Chairborne as volunteers.
The Wingnut Foreign Legion, fighting right alongside the French Foreign Legion.
Where are the Evangelical Christian Soldiers Marching for The Lord???
This should be right up their alley. Could be a new crusade.
/a little
172 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:58:40am |
re: #167 sattv4u2
“wasn’t ready”?
Whats changed since? The report still isn’t in!So again, why not ask prior to the recess? That would have started the discussion
There is more information now than there was before the adjournment.
Answer the second question, please.
174 | Bulworth Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:59:10am |
Obama needs to go to Congress! Obama needs to just do it!!
175 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:59:40am |
I wouldn’t expect Congress to return from vacation - they need to be well-rested for that 67th attempt to repeal Obamacare.— Charles Johnson (@Green_Footballs) August 31, 2013
176 | blueraven Sat, Aug 31, 2013 11:59:59am |
re: #167 sattv4u2
“wasn’t ready”?
Whats changed since? The report still isn’t in!So again, why not ask prior to the recess? That would have started the discussion
Because this chemical attack happened after they went on recess?
177 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:00:01pm |
re: #172 wrenchwench
There is more information now than there was before the adjournment.
Answer the second question, please.
What “more information”
And I did answer it. Obama could have asked congress prior to the recess (which is prior to the UN report) which would have jump started the conversation
178 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:00:14pm |
re: #176 blueraven
Because this chemical attack happened after they went on recess?
I don’t think so
179 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:00:21pm |
Congressman Peter King- “Obama is abdicating his responsibility as commander-in-chief and undermining the authority of future presidents”
— Ram Ramgopal (@RamCNN) August 31, 2013
180 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:00:26pm |
Ranking House Foreign Affairs Dem Eliot Engel calls on Boehner to call Congress to come back early to vote on #Syria— Laura Rozen (@lrozen) August 31, 2013
181 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:00:40pm |
182 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:01:11pm |
Greenwald now drooling (I love using his own word) over the possibility of an “Occupy-Tea Party” alliance to fight the tyrant Obama.— Charles Johnson (@Green_Footballs) August 31, 2013
183 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:01:32pm |
It's good POTUS seeking cong authorization - but he doesn't deserve big credit. It's the absolute LEAST that should be EXPECTED.— David Sirota (@davidsirota) August 31, 2013
184 | Bulworth Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:01:43pm |
re: #182 Charles Johnson
Oh, they were serious about the derp circle alliance?
185 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:02:12pm |
Peter King: “Making Us Vote Undermines Executive Authority!”
186 | ObserverArt Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:03:04pm |
re: #170 Bulworth
Obummer is dictator!! Obomo is Dithering!!
It really is getting quite wingnutty!!!
187 | Bulworth Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:03:13pm |
re: #185 jaunte
Obama not coming to congress for vote is Dictatorship! Obummer making us vote is dictatorship!! And weakness-dithering!!!
188 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:04:14pm |
re: #182 Charles Johnson
Occupy is largely defunct (unfortunately, IMO), and the Tea Party are corporate stooges.
Even if such an alliance were logically possible (i.e., two entities were available for the alliance), it is unthinkable.
GG apparently has absolutely no comprehension of US politics.
189 | Justanotherhuman Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:05:02pm |
They wanted it yesterday!
Report: Very negative reaction from Free Syrian Army; they say President Obama delay will hurt them, call it backpedaling - @RichardEngel
190 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:05:03pm |
re: #187 Bulworth
Obama not coming to congress for vote is Dictatorship! Obummer making us vote is dictatorship!! And weakness-dithering!!!
Further grounds for impeaching Obama.
191 | Justanotherhuman Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:06:02pm |
192 | blueraven Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:06:45pm |
re: #178 sattv4u2
I don’t think so
Congress was in recess basically at the beginning of August.
The attack came much later
The preparations, as described by U.S. intelligence analysts, continued from Aug. 18 until just after midnight on Aug. 21, when the projectiles were loaded into rocket launchers behind the government’s defensive lines. Then, at 2:30 a.m., a half-dozen densely populated neighborhoods were jolted awake by a series of explosions, followed by an oozing blanket of suffocating gas..
193 | Justanotherhuman Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:07:13pm |
194 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:08:04pm |
re: #192 blueraven
Congress was in recess basically at the beginning of August.
I’m referring to the sarin attack(s) back in April
195 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:08:07pm |
re: #177 sattv4u2
What “more information”
And I did answer it. Obama could have asked congress prior to the recess (which is prior to the UN report) which would have jump started the conversation
All that stuff Kerry reported on. Congress adjourned August 2nd. Well before the attack.
The question is, ‘Do you think they should wait for the UN report before starting the conversation?’
196 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:08:30pm |
Just checked out #tcot. Looks like somebody poked a stick into an anthill.— Charles Johnson (@Green_Footballs) August 31, 2013
197 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:08:39pm |
re: #195 wrenchwench
All that stuff Kerry reported on. Congress adjourned August 2nd. Well before the attack.
The question is, ‘Do you think they should wait for the UN report before starting the conversation?’
The ORIGINAL chem attack was in APRIL
198 | Bulworth Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:08:40pm |
Johnny Manziel coming on the field, people. Let’s try to focus on the serious stuff, OK?
199 | blueraven Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:08:58pm |
200 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:09:22pm |
re: #195 wrenchwench
All that stuff Kerry reported on. Congress adjourned August 2nd. Well before the attack.
The question is, ‘Do you think they should wait for the UN report before starting the conversation?’
And again,, asked and answered
I think the presidnt should have started/ requested that converstaion MONTHS ago
201 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:10:39pm |
re: #200 sattv4u2
And again,, asked and answered
I think the presidnt should have started/ requested that converstaion MONTHS ago
Apparently, the evidence was not as conclusive for the April incident as it was for the August incident.
Seems plausible to me.
202 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:11:01pm |
re: #194 sattv4u2
I’m referring to the sarin attack(s) back in April
You’re the only one talking about that, I think.
203 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:11:09pm |
OMG no.
I'm as pro-sex as one can imagine, but this is one threesome that makes the baby jesus cry tears of blood pic.twitter.com/JsGXJFa8vY— Stefan BC (@WretchedSnark) August 31, 2013
Isn’t that just a precious stache and goatee?
These people are not right in the head.
204 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:11:51pm |
re: #202 wrenchwench
You’re the only one talking about that, I think.
Not really
Thats when the President drew the ‘line in the sand”
205 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:11:53pm |
re: #200 sattv4u2
And again,, asked and answered
I think the presidnt should have started/ requested that converstaion MONTHS ago
Before the attack that killed over 1400 people? Why didn’t you say so in April, then?
206 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:12:33pm |
re: #204 sattv4u2
Not really
Thats when the President drew the ‘line in the sand”
With respect to future activities by the Assad regime (i.e., the August event).
207 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:12:39pm |
re: #205 wrenchwench
Before the attack that killed over 1400 people? Why didn’t you say so in April, then?
{sigh}
yup,, because it’s MY job to tell the President to talk to congress!!
208 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:12:43pm |
Just connected to one of my informed Syrian friends in Damascus. Picking up the call he just burst in to laughter. #Syria— Salman Shaikh (@Salman_Shaikh1) August 31, 2013
209 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:13:02pm |
re: #204 sattv4u2
Not really
Thats when the President drew the ‘line in the sand”
Then he did start the conversation back then.
210 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:13:03pm |
“Our democracy is stronger when the President and the people’s representatives stand together.”
211 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:13:49pm |
re: #209 wrenchwench
Then he did start the conversation back then.
And congress didn’t give him approval?
212 | Stanley Sea Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:15:17pm |
re: #203 Charles Johnson
What the fuck is up with his facial hair?
213 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:16:01pm |
Again
Both the President AND congress are in shitty positions
our closest ally wants no part of this
the UN is dragging their feet
our biggest nemesis will veto any action ijn the security council
the American public (by and large) has no apetite for this
214 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:16:10pm |
re: #203 Charles Johnson
There’s an alien life form attached to his neck.
215 | Stanley Sea Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:16:36pm |
re: #205 wrenchwench
Before the attack that killed over 1400 people? Why didn’t you say so in April, then?
The redliners. You keep hearing it from the usuals.
216 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:17:18pm |
re: #207 sattv4u2
{sigh}
yup,, because it’s MY job to tell the President to talk to congress!!
You just look silly saying now that he should have done something back then, when you weren’t even concerned about it then.
Here’s your one comment on Syria from March and/or April:
217 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:17:36pm |
218 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:17:56pm |
It just occurred to me that the upcoming Congressional vote on Syria is likely to be the first significant act of Congress since the midterm election of 2010.
I’ve grown accustomed to Congress being good for nothing except GOP posturing and creating self-inflicted wounds.
219 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:17:59pm |
The folks in Syria that want this military strike are shaking their heads mind you. Different perspective from that part of that world.
220 | Justanotherhuman Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:18:00pm |
OH, hell.
Suspected Boko Haram attacks kill 38 in Nigeria: officials
Boko Haram is an Islamic Jihadist militant terrorist group.
221 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:19:54pm |
re: #219 Gus
They may be over optimistic about our ability to distinguish among Syrian factions.
222 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:20:12pm |
re: #219 Gus
The folks in Syria that want this military strike are shaking their heads mind you. Different perspective from that part of that world.
As expected. Who wouldn’t want the US to strike at their enemies for committing atrocities against their own.
223 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:21:56pm |
Obama goes in unilaterally: “ZOMG TYRANT! FASCIST THUG! DICTATOR!”
Obama goes to Congress for authorization: “ZOMG WIMP! WEAK PREZNIT! LAUGHINGSTOCK OF THE WORLD! ABDICATING HIZ AUTHORITAH!”
Does that about sum things up?
224 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:22:41pm |
re: #217 wrenchwench
He didn’t ask for it then.
And he most likely won’t ask until the UN report, which won’t be coming for days ,,,, just around the same time congress comes back
225 | Stanley Sea Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:23:15pm |
re: #223 Lidane
Obama goes in unilaterally: “ZOMG TYRANT! FASCIST THUG! DICTATOR!”
Obama goes to Congress for authorization: “ZOMG WIMP! WEAK PREZNIT! LAUGHINGSTOCK OF THE WORLD! ABDICATING HIZ AUTHORITAH!”
Does that about sum things up?
Add: GOLF!
226 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:23:43pm |
227 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:24:06pm |
228 | ObserverArt Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:24:24pm |
re: #218 EPR-radar
It just occurred to me that the upcoming Congressional vote on Syria is likely to be the first significant act of Congress since the midterm election of 2010.
I’ve grown accustomed to Congress being good for nothing except GOP posturing and creating self-inflicted wounds.
Now, lets not get our hopes up!
229 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:24:31pm |
So now Greenwald is evidently ballyhooing an OWS/tea party alliance. No better example of the blind leading the blind.— Bob Cesca (@bobcesca_go) August 31, 2013
230 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:25:34pm |
re: #220 Justanotherhuman
OH, hell.
Suspected Boko Haram attacks kill 38 in Nigeria: officials
Boko Haram is a whiter shade of Islamic Jihadist militant terrorist group.
231 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:25:46pm |
232 | Stanley Sea Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:27:19pm |
Drivng em crazy LOL RT @lawalazu: Oh, noes, PBO gone play golf. And the village goes wild.
— George Monroe (@Nupe117) August 31, 2013
233 | Justanotherhuman Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:27:22pm |
Syrian civil war
White House believes Congress will vote in favor of US military strike in Syria, senior administration officials say - @Reuters
2 mins ago by editor
That’s confidence.
234 | ericblair Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:27:23pm |
re: #223 Lidane
Does that about sum things up?
You forgot:
Obama refuses to intervene: OBAMA LOST SYRIA CREDIBILITY IMPEACH
I don’t know what to do about this, but I trust Obama to make the best call with the available information, because so far he’s earned it.
235 | ObserverArt Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:28:44pm |
I know there are those that say the president by law needs to run this by congress for approval.
And there are those that say he has the right to attack given to him by the constitution.
What are the political ramifications if he runs it by congress, doesn’t like what they vote and goes ahead and sneaks in an attack shortly after they turn him down.
Are political and law bases then covered?
236 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:28:52pm |
From the uproar, you'd think Obama's golf outing interrupted John Boehner's plans to return immediately to Washington or something.
— Devin (@devbost) August 31, 2013
237 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:30:39pm |
Yes RT @jricole Interesting possibility that a Left-Libertarian alliance in Congress could defeat Syria resolution— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) August 31, 2013
238 | Justanotherhuman Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:30:56pm |
Obama to seek Congress vote on Syria military action
“The House of Representatives will debate possible actions against Syria in the week after 9 September, Speaker John Boehner said.
“Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell welcomed the announcement, saying president’s role as commander-in-chief was “always strengthened when he enjoys the expressed support of the Congress”.
239 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:32:13pm |
re: #235 ObserverArt
What are the political ramifications if he runs it by congress, doesn’t like what they vote and goes ahead and sneaks in an attack shortly after they turn him down.
Are political and law bases then covered?
That depends on how much fail the GOP aims for during all this.
If they try to tie going into Syria to defunding Obamacare, POTUS can blast them as unserious, say he tried, and go in anyway. If they make a legitimate case and still turn him down, I have no idea.
240 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:33:20pm |
re: #232 Stanley Sea
[Embedded content]
Did the Prez actually go golfing? Bless his snarky little soul.
241 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:35:04pm |
re: #240 Decatur Deb
Did the Prez actually go golfing? Bless his snarky little soul.
He’s forcing Congress to do their jobs AND he’s playing golf?
SEE?! TYRANT! DICTATOR! USURPER! TEH KENYAN IS EVIL!
/////
242 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:37:43pm |
Actually it's flabbergasting and appalling that, at a precipice like this, Congress won't give up any of their vacation time. Sack them all— mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) August 31, 2013
243 | Stanley Sea Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:38:28pm |
re: #240 Decatur Deb
Did the Prez actually go golfing? Bless his snarky little soul.
Yep. Trolled ‘em. Again.
244 | Justanotherhuman Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:38:36pm |
re: #237 Charles Johnson
[Embedded content]
Are they out of their minds?
Congress approved funding for Bush’s misadventures, including Dems, and they think a “left/libertarian alliance” is going to stop the middle/centrists of both sides? They constitute a majority of Congress, if IIRC.
245 | Political Atheist Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:39:10pm |
The international reaction should we choose not to strike will be very telling. Far more than the domestic reaction IMO.
246 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:39:19pm |
I think this was the right move for Obama to make. You can’t take the politics out of this equation, and politically he’s going to be in a much stronger position by going to Congress for authorization. It’s also consistent with his criticism of the Bush administration for NOT doing that.
Like any political decision it’s risky, and I’m sure the Syrian opposition doesn’t like it. But it’s what a president should do.
247 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:40:47pm |
re: #246 Charles Johnson
I think this was the right move for Obama to make. You can’t take the politics out of this equation, and politically he’s going to be in a much stronger position by going to Congress for authorization. It’s also consistent with his criticism of the Bush administration for NOT doing that.
Like any political decision it’s risky, and I’m sure the Syrian opposition doesn’t like it. But it’s what a president should do.
Risky in the sense that it increases our chances of doing the wrong thing instead of the other wrong thing.
248 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:41:51pm |
“I believe that the people’s representatives must be invested in what America does abroad”
249 | ProTARDISLiberal Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:41:56pm |
We really need to have Congress to be in session more of the year.
250 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:42:14pm |
Earlier.
BREAKING: SAO says Obama decided to seek congressional authorization last night— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) August 31, 2013
SAOs won't speculate whether Obama will order strike if Congress votes down AUMF, but say Obama doesn't think he needs one - just wants one— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) August 31, 2013
SAOs - entire admin was planning on just consulting Congress and launching strike, Obama reversed course Friday evening— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) August 31, 2013
251 | steve_davis Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:44:32pm |
252 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:45:37pm |
253 | psddluva4evah Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:45:38pm |
I’m sure someone already mentioned it but approximately 2 hours ago Coryn said this: Sen. John Cornyn To Obama: Call Congress For A Vote On Syria
bet he’s eatin crow now
254 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:46:18pm |
Shorter GOP: Why would we bomb someone who is killing lots of Muslims. Shouldn't we applaud him?— Steve Weinstein (@steveweinstein) August 31, 2013
256 | Stanley Sea Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:47:03pm |
257 | Stanley Sea Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:49:46pm |
The way some of the pundits act, Obama ripped off his suit, had his golf clothes underneath, took out his bag of clubs & said peace, bitches
— Intergalactic Tyrant (@ArrogantDemon) August 31, 2013
259 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:52:06pm |
These people, I swear.
Yes @BarackObama and @JoeBiden are golfing after Obama's statement on Syria. Seriously. This is downright ludicrous.— Matthew Boyle (@mboyle1) August 31, 2013
260 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:55:02pm |
re: #259 Charles Johnson
When I am president, I will not golf. No, I will silently read the works Marcus Aurelius while waiting on my DAILY 6:30 PRESS CONFERENCES.— Andrew Exum (@abumuqawama) August 31, 2013
261 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:56:10pm |
re: #259 Charles Johnson
21 hours ago on Matthew Boyle’s timeline:
You Bush bashers just remember,Obama owns Syria lock,stock and barrel.
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) August 30, 2013
262 | Justanotherhuman Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:57:30pm |
I’m not exactly thrilled over what’s happening in Syria and having to throw something on a recalcitrant Syrian govt killing its own people in the most horrific ways, or the sectarianism we’re seeing in the ME which is fueling even more disorder, but I still believe in our own representative form of govt, which incidentally, I see Pres Obama using in the correct manner.
We don’t have mob rule in this country, and we don’t have a dictatorship, either.
If the left/libertarian factions don’t like what’s happening, they will just have to use the electoral process over time. I don’t think the majority of people will will buy their entire party planks, though, even if they were to ever work out the differences they have in other areas, it will take more time than they have.
The one-shot “anti-war” sentiment overlooks a lot of other differences.
264 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:59:48pm |
#syrian opposition very disappointed. They were building hope that strikes would be tonight, feel carpet pulled out from their feet.— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) August 31, 2013
265 | BongCrodny Sat, Aug 31, 2013 12:59:59pm |
re: #261 jaunte
21 hours ago on Matthew Boyle’s timeline:
You Bush bashers just remember,Obama owns Syria lock,stock and barrel.— Charlie Daniels
Haven’t you got a fiddle to rub?
266 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:01:03pm |
re: #265 BongCrodny
Today he’s tweeting about football and tv shows.
267 | Decatur Deb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:01:55pm |
Those cedar planks aren’t going to soak themselves—BBL.
268 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:05:23pm |
Neocons now torn between their love of war and hate for Obama. #dilemma #Syria— Jason Febery (@JasonFebery) August 31, 2013
269 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:07:34pm |
Fighting crimes against humanity with crimes against humanity is not a good way to halt crimes against humanity.— David Sirota (@davidsirota) August 31, 2013
Yes, we should brought flowers to the Germans.
270 | ObserverArt Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:07:36pm |
Come on everybody…let’s do the twist!
Yep, looks like there is a whole lot of twisting going on. That evil Obama.
271 | Justanotherhuman Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:08:10pm |
re: #263 Decatur Deb
Free Republic senses a trap…
Pres Obama plays chess while everyone else plays checkers.
It was a decent ploy to get Congress to get to work on something, to use the system as it is supposed to be used. No one can accuse him of being dictatorial, and if Congress doesn’t approve, he’ll still win because Constitutionally, Congress declares war. If they approve, they’re the warmongers—he doesn’t have to assume the mantle of “warmonger” alone.
Pres Obama wins, whatever the outcome.
272 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:09:53pm |
re: #269 Gus
Pathetic. Note how Sirota just assumes the US is going to commit crimes against humanity. What an asshole.
273 | Stanley Sea Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:11:42pm |
Photo of President Obama on phone talking with Speaker Boehner today: http://t.co/MYIIUdhb31
— petesouza (@petesouza) August 31, 2013
274 | Bulworth Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:12:20pm |
re: #269 Gus
If we’d just given them Poland everything would have been OK. //
275 | Justanotherhuman Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:12:37pm |
@AlArabiya_Eng tweeted:
#BreakingNews Opposition media: 50 defect from Syrian security forces in Deir al-Zour
20 mins ago from twitter.com by partner
277 | Justanotherhuman Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:14:05pm |
House Democratic Leader Pelosi: ‘President Obama is right that the debate and authorization by Congress for action will make our country and the response in Syria stronger’ - via @NBCNews
26 mins ago
278 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:15:23pm |
re: #274 Bulworth
If we’d just given them Poland everything would have been OK. //
And the Slovakia,, and Austria,, and Yugoslavia,, and France ,, and ,,,,,
279 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:15:55pm |
re: #278 sattv4u2
And the Slovakia,, and Austria,, and Yugoslavia,, and France ,, and ,,,,,
All of North Africa.
280 | Bulworth Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:16:13pm |
re: #240 Decatur Deb
Hasn’t Congress been on vacation for like a month?
281 | BeenHereAwhile Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:16:15pm |
re: #261 jaunte
21 hours ago on Matthew Boyle’s timeline:
[Embedded Charlie Daniel content]
Too funny.
It’s been interesting watching his political metamorphosis from “Uneasy Rider.”
Charlie Daniels was a registered Democrat, performed at fundraisers and voted for Jimmy Carter in 1976.
282 | OhNoZombies! Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:17:21pm |
Question:
Lets say the UN sec. Council decides to act. Would the president still be bound by Congress to not act?
283 | Bulworth Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:17:45pm |
re: #261 jaunte
Is Charlie Daniels relevant enough to have one of those blue verified things on his twitters?
284 | Justanotherhuman Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:18:27pm |
re: #281 BeenHereAwhile
Too funny.
It’s been interesting watching his political metamorphosis from “Uneasy Rider.”
Charlie Daniels was a registered Democrat, performed at fundraisers and voted for Jimmy Carter in 1976.
Then he got fundie’d.
285 | jaunte Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:20:01pm |
re: #283 Bulworth
If anyone set up a parody Charlie Daniels twitter account I don’t think people would notice the difference.
286 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:20:10pm |
re: #282 OhNoZombies!
Lets say the UN sec. Council decides to act
highly unlikely, with Russia holding a veto (and if not them, china)
Would the president still be bound by Congress to notact
Theorectically, yes. IF the UN wanted to act, an individual member is NOT required too
Case in point,, Iraq. The UN authorized force against Saddam. China, russia et al did NOt participate
287 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:20:23pm |
I understand and support Barack Obama's position on #Syria.— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) August 31, 2013
288 | Justanotherhuman Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:21:56pm |
Sens. McCain, Graham statement on Syria: ‘We believe President Obama is correct that the Assad regime’s use of chemical weapons requires a military response by the United States and our friends and allies’ - via @NBCNews
36 mins ago by editor
289 | Bulworth Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:22:22pm |
re: #281 BeenHereAwhile
Carter was considered a conservative Democrat, he was from the South, and an evangelical when evangelicals had not yet converted in mass to the GOP. So not surprising he supported Carter.
290 | OhNoZombies! Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:25:25pm |
re: #286 sattv4u2
Lets say the UN sec. Council decides to act
highly unlikely, with Russia holding a veto (and if not them, china)
Would the president still be bound by Congress to notact
Theorectically, yes. IF the UN wanted to act, an individual member is NOT required too
Case in point,, Iraq. The UN authorized force against Saddam. China, russia et al did NOt participate
What I mean is, if Congress votes no to action against Syria, but the UN decides to go in, would Obama still be bound by that NO vote, or could he proceed with the UN?
291 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:26:11pm |
re: #290 OhNoZombies!
Sr. Admin Officials expect Congress to authorize strike against Syria, but don't rule out Pres. Obama might act if Congress disapproves.— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) August 31, 2013
292 | BeenHereAwhile Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:27:21pm |
re: #265 BongCrodny
21 hours ago on Matthew Boyle’s timeline:
“You Bush bashers just remember,Obama owns Syria lock,stock and barrel.”
— Charlie DanielsHaven’t you got a fiddle to rub?
Charlie Daniels played bass on Bob Dylan’s “Nashville Skyline.”
293 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:28:16pm |
Oh Cenk … you do backpedal so readily, don't you… http://t.co/0J2H402Zb3 http://t.co/bS4S1RcRx3— &e-ru (@dvnix) August 31, 2013
294 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:28:26pm |
295 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:29:01pm |
Autocorrect fail of the day:
@Green_Footballs I always felt the two had far Motrin common that folks in either camp would readily admit.— Andrew Wright (@batterista) August 31, 2013
296 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:30:17pm |
re: #290 OhNoZombies!
What I mean is, if Congress votes no to action against Syria, but the UN decides to go in, would Obama still be bound by that NO vote, or could he proceed with the UN?
iirc,,, If (when) he goes to congress and congress says ‘no” he would then have to have compelling proof that the US was under immanent threat of direct attack, no matter what the UN states
Lets say it this way. The Brits have already voted NO. If the UN gives the okay can Cameron mobilze brit troops? (and yes,, i know their laws differ somewhat from our constitution,, but the Brits have already said NO)
297 | Bulworth Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:30:24pm |
re: #288 Justanotherhuman
is Senator McCainGraham one Senator yet?
298 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:30:43pm |
re: #295 Charles Johnson
Autocorrect fail of the day:
[Embedded content]
I like it better that way than I would have the way he meant to do it.
299 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:33:39pm |
This guy is tweeting his wedding today.
Pics or it didn’t happen, they say? Well, here’s a pic: #ItIsHappening pic.twitter.com/HCOB7YKSy8— Hemant Mehta (@hemantmehta) August 31, 2013
That’s a very patient woman standing there.
301 | aagcobb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:36:04pm |
re: #290 OhNoZombies!
What I mean is, if Congress votes no to action against Syria, but the UN decides to go in, would Obama still be bound by that NO vote, or could he proceed with the UN?
The UN can’t repeal a Congressional vote.
302 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:36:10pm |
Wow. Obama just pulled the loose string from that Gordian knot of the imperial presidency.— Marc Ambinder (@marcambinder) August 31, 2013
303 | OhNoZombies! Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:37:14pm |
Stupid, irrational, ass-brained Congress…
I know the vote would be NO on domestic stuff.
Not a clue on how the majority would vote on foreign policy stuff.
304 | OhNoZombies! Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:39:18pm |
re: #301 aagcobb
The UN can’t repeal a Congressional vote.
I know, I was asking about the President’s options…
305 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:40:07pm |
HAGEL: I don't always attend briefings on #Syria, but when I do, I say screw a tie & go with a bright magenta shirt. pic.twitter.com/5zPPfapiIz— Paul Szoldra (@PaulSzoldra) August 31, 2013
306 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:43:50pm |
Yesterday:
100% of Constitution agrees “@chucktodd: 79% believe Pres. Obama should be required to get Congress' approval before acting in #syria— Ron Fournier (@ron_fournier) August 30, 2013
Today:
Americans, well-tired of cynical DC gamesmanship, hear of latest on #Syria and collectively declare from their final summer respite: “WTF?”— Ron Fournier (@ron_fournier) August 31, 2013
307 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:44:30pm |
Starting to look like Congress might actually return from vacation after all.
Rubio: “I believe Congress should return to Washington immediately and begin to debate this issue.”— Jim Acosta (@JimAcostaCNN) August 31, 2013
McCain statement: “the Congress must act as soon as possible.”— Jim Acosta (@JimAcostaCNN) August 31, 2013
308 | BeenHereAwhile Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:44:31pm |
re: #289 Bulworth
Carter was considered a conservative Democrat, he was from the South, and an evangelical when evangelicals had not yet converted in mass to the GOP. So not surprising he supported Carter.
With regard to Georgia & national Politics of the time, Jimmy Carter was considered to be a very progressive Democrat.
That’s what attracted voters who had had enough of Nixon - Ford presidency.
Carter’s campaign was financed for the most part by rock & roll concerts until matching funds became available per campaign election law of the time.
309 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:44:44pm |
310 | kirkspencer Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:46:41pm |
re: #290 OhNoZombies!
What I mean is, if Congress votes no to action against Syria, but the UN decides to go in, would Obama still be bound by that NO vote, or could he proceed with the UN?
The answer is “it depends”. It depends, for example, on exactly what the resolution says. It depends on which precedences Obama chooses to use. It depends on what Syria does.
Remember we’re already providing limited support. Unless Congress not only says no but orders him to pull them out, he’s got that nose in the tent. That, various ‘emergency military action’ options that have been used, abused, and approved by both court and congress in the past, mean he can still do limited actions (with various definitions for limited. Consider Panama and Grenada.)
311 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:46:54pm |
re: #306 Gus
That’s a fast acting wingnut. For life in the slow lane, I am amused by RedState, which still has nothing up on this news.
Erick son of Erick must not have received the authorized talking points yet.
312 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:47:41pm |
Pat Metheny (or his people) posted a whole bunch of cool new videos to his YouTube account.
313 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:50:19pm |
So far I've seen two lizards today. #twolizardstoday— Andrew Ti (@ANDREWTI) August 31, 2013
It’s baby lizard season. I see them everywhere.
316 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:53:07pm |
By the way, the Washington Post changed the title from:
Sex between students and teachers should not be a crime
to:
The unintended consequences of laws addressing sex between teachers and students
It’s a sign of how corrupt and strange our media culture has gotten that this freakishly sick article was published at all.
317 | William Barnett-Lewis Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:54:19pm |
Good move to dump it in Congress’ lap. Hopefully then, whatever is decided, they can catch the grief they deserve rather than the President who doesn’t deserve it.
318 | Gus Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:54:57pm |
As Assadists celebrate UK & US democracy, HandsOffSyria should campaign Lebanon parliament to authorize Hezbollah intervention in Syria, no?— Rime Allaf (@rallaf) August 31, 2013
320 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 1:58:40pm |
re: #316 Charles Johnson
What I saw in that article was conflating the age of consent (a somewhat arbitrary number) with the propriety of teacher-student relations in pre-college education.
FWIW, I’d be much happier with a categorical ban on such teacher-student relationships than with changing the age of consent to try to get to the same result.
321 | OhNoZombies! Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:00:39pm |
I think the Prez. was also trying to appeal to the UN’s conscious, in a subtle way.
Since I don’t think Congress is going to disallow limited action, cause they are very short-sighted, have a feeling he’s sticking his foot in the door.
322 | Charles Johnson Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:02:24pm |
That new Twitter feature with the blue line showing conversations? It doesn't have to be blue. Go to Settings->Design and change link color.— Charles Johnson (@Green_Footballs) August 31, 2013
323 | Carlos Danger Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:02:58pm |
re: #311 EPR-radar
That’s a fast acting wingnut. For life in the slow lane, I am amused by RedState, which still has nothing up on this news.
Erick son of Erick must not have received the authorized talking points yet.
I AM NOT PROGRAMMED TO RESPOND IN THAT AREA
ALL UNITS RELATE ALL UNITS LIMBAUGH CO-ORDINATE
324 | urbanmeemaw Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:06:56pm |
re: #269 Gus
Could someone please find David a real job that provides value add? Like collecting garbage (IMO the most important job there is - where would we be without trash collectors)? Please? He’s such a petulant creature.
325 | Stanley Sea Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:07:25pm |
Dude accidentally shoots self in leg, drops gun, goes to hospital. 2nd dude picks up gun, and… well… guess. http://t.co/7qlEHyb5i8 #GunFAIL
— David Waldman (@KagroX) August 31, 2013
326 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:07:37pm |
327 | Amory Blaine Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:11:33pm |
re: #308 BeenHereAwhile
Yep the Allman Brothers fundraised for Carter.
328 | sattv4u2 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:15:55pm |
China: Wife ‘Boils Husband In Pressure Cooker’
news.sky.com
The man was allegedly drugged and tortured by his wife for three days in June, according to a report on government-backed news portal Anhui News.
WORSE
HONEYMOON
EVAH
329 | aagcobb Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:16:19pm |
re: #320 EPR-radar
What I saw in that article was conflating the age of consent (a somewhat arbitrary number) with the propriety of teacher-student relations in pre-college education.
FWIW, I’d be much happier with a categorical ban on such teacher-student relationships than with changing the age of consent to try to get to the same result.
Teachers in Kentucky are banned from sexual relations with students, even the 18 year olds.
330 | OhNoZombies! Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:17:24pm |
re: #325 Stanley Sea
Clearly more evidence that we need more people with guns.
//
331 | Amory Blaine Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:21:00pm |
re: #227 Decatur Deb
Steampunk cosplay.
I totally want this hat. I would wear it everywhere. Too rich for my blood though.
332 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:24:09pm |
Thank you, Mr President.— Justin Amash (@repjustinamash) August 31, 2013
It's unfortunate that it's gotten to the point where I have to thank the President for following the Constitution & the law.— Justin Amash (@repjustinamash) August 31, 2013
It's illegal to support al-Qaeda & associated forces, but that's precisely what Pres Obama proposes we do in #Syria. No coherent strategy.— Justin Amash (@repjustinamash) August 31, 2013
333 | Political Atheist Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:27:35pm |
re: #325 Stanley Sea
Ouch! Stupid hurts.
334 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:28:53pm |
re: #332 wrenchwench
Condescending AND stupid in the same series of tweets. That takes talent.
335 | goddamnedfrank Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:31:24pm |
336 | Stanley Sea Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:33:02pm |
337 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:33:03pm |
'Obama's 'Blink' On Syria Is Politically Brilliant' http://t.co/EnENY7EC7E— TheObamaDiary.com (@TheObamaDiary) August 31, 2013
338 | BeenHereAwhile Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:33:10pm |
re: #327 Amory Blaine
Yep the Allman Brothers fundraised for Carter.
Before matching funds kicked in, early on Carter campaign finances got real tight (usual major Democratic contributors were going Jimmy Who?).
Then Phil Walden figured out that each concert ticket could be considered a single contribution, thus getting around campaign contribution law restrictions.
Phil got the rock & roll, & some of the R&B industry on board and enough money rolled in to keep the campaign wagon rolling.
339 | Lidane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:40:37pm |
Andrea Mitchell practically throwing a tantrum over us not shooting missiles into another country.— Zandar (@ZandarVTS) August 31, 2013
340 | kirkspencer Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:40:42pm |
re: #331 Amory Blaine
I totally want this hat. I would wear it everywhere. Too rich for my blood though.
So make it.
It’s not blocked. It’s neither silk nor felt, just leather. Looks like except for the shaping of the brim it’s pretty much simple sewing with a heavy needle machine.
‘course, if I were going to make it (and I won’t) I’d use very thin brass instead of or over those light leather sections. I’d still use the corset stitching, but given how stiff the crown would be I see no problem with a good epoxy glue.
341 | Political Atheist Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:43:15pm |
re: #337 Lidane
Agreed.
Assad and his generals are trapped by Obamas move. It’s a little like the felon who sees a guard watching. Will he refrain from further action or challenge the guard and go for it.
You can’t make the worlds attention more apparent to the regime than this. If Assad uses those weapons again congress will approve via Facebook IM if they have to. If not he is being deterred. That’s the goal anyway right?
342 | Amory Blaine Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:43:30pm |
re: #340 kirkspencer
Could be a cool project. My mom is a wicked seamstress and would no doubt be helpful. I would put way better gear pieces on it too.
343 | elizajane Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:43:53pm |
re: #316 Charles Johnson
By the way, the Washington Post changed the title from:
Sex between students and teachers should not be a crime
to:
The unintended consequences of laws addressing sex between teachers and students
It’s a sign of how corrupt and strange our media culture has gotten that this freakishly sick article was published at all.
I corresponded with the author privately on this. I felt (although I did not say) that she did a rather poor job at addressing a real issue — the way our culture reacts to over-sexualizing young girls by over-penalizing certain types of relationship.
God knows I would have a fit if any of my three daughters had sex with a teacher. Nonetheless, I have known three women who had serious relationships with their high school teachers (one with her principal). Two of the women married the teachers. The one I kept in touch with, whose relationship began when she was 15, remained married for decades and had several children; she is now the chair of a large department at a major university. In the one case where the police got involved, the man ended up in jail, the young woman was traumatized by the trial, and the community blamed her.
I would say that each of these women, then girls, was in an exceptional circumstance, whether it was a traumatic home situation or just being a genius among mediocre peers. The ones who were seeking help or support probably sought it in the wrong place. But did criminalization help them? No. And none felt, in retrospect, that they had been in any way victimized.
I do not think that such relationships should just be legal! But I do think that the issue is a lot more grey than most people paint it when they have not been personally involved in or close to such a situation. Our society, and especially our legal system, is terrible at dealing with the grey.
344 | William Barnett-Lewis Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:47:00pm |
re: #343 elizajane
Careful! Your talking about making sense and careful nuance out of a media exploitable situation…
346 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 2:57:16pm |
re: #343 elizajane
People get irrational on this subject even in cases where there is no age of consent issue.
For example, there was recently an article in the local paper (in the SF bay area) about a student-teacher relationship where the reporting was that no sex occurred until after 1) the student was of age and 2) the student had graduated from the relevant school.
The comments on this article were 90% severely against this relationship. Age of consent should cut both ways —- below the age of consent, its a crime, above the age of consent, busybodies should go away.
347 | Dark_Falcon Sat, Aug 31, 2013 3:08:34pm |
re: #39 Eclectic Cyborg
Also, that puts House GOPers in a tough spot doesn’t it? Either they *GASP* support Obama OR decide to stand against him and not intervene in Syria.
Fine, then they do not. Military action is a “go hard or go home” matter. If the president does not want to ‘go hard’, then Congress should vote for the US to stay home.
348 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 3:10:31pm |
re: #343 elizajane
And none felt, in retrospect, that they had been in any way victimized.
Even in retrospect, that doesn’t mean they weren’t.
I don’t have any problem with age differences, but that’s only when both parties are 18 or older. And even then, I don’t think it should be a legal question, but institutions are not wrong to have a policy against teacher-student relationships. I knew several women in college who had relationships with teachers or administrators, including a marriage (in that case, I knew both the wife and the next student that administrator cheated on her with) and none of them were good situations. Well, one turned out OK, I think, even though at the beginning it was another cheating situation. But everyone was an adult, and none of it was my business.
349 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 3:11:33pm |
re: #347 Dark_Falcon
Fine, then they do not. Military action is a “go hard or go home” matter. If the president does not want to ‘go hard’, then Congress should vote for the US to stay home.
What if the president does want to go hard, and Congress says no?
350 | compound_Idaho Sat, Aug 31, 2013 3:11:33pm |
re: #342 Amory Blaine
I still wonder what kind of adult falls in love with a 14/15 year old. Something is not right there. They are not equals.
I personally know a female teacher that thought she was in love with a 14 year old boy. She ended up in jail for 2 yrs. I can guarantee you something was not right with her although it surprised the hell out of me when she confessed.
351 | Dark_Falcon Sat, Aug 31, 2013 3:14:19pm |
re: #349 wrenchwench
What if the president does want to go hard, and Congress says no?
Then they can stand on their record, which he is free to remind the public of at election time. But I see no evidence of that situation here.
352 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 3:20:29pm |
re: #351 Dark_Falcon
Then they can stand on their record, which he is free to remind the public of at election time. But I see no evidence of that situation here.
You think they’ll give him the go-ahead? Or that they’ll ‘rightly’ say no? If they say no, should he go anyway?
353 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 3:28:56pm |
re: #347 Dark_Falcon
Fine, then they do not. Military action is a “go hard or go home” matter. If the president does not want to ‘go hard’, then Congress should vote for the US to stay home.
One of the advantages of this move by Omaba is that it is so open-ended. Congress can pass anything it pleases, up to and including a declaration of total war against the Assad regime as being “enemies of humanity”.
As Decatur Deb noted, lets see who is really ready to rock and roll over this.
354 | Dark_Falcon Sat, Aug 31, 2013 3:32:49pm |
re: #352 wrenchwench
You think they’ll give him the go-ahead? Or that they’ll ‘rightly’ say no? If they say no, should he go anyway?
If Congress votes “No”, then Obama is going to have to accept that. The United States is not directly threatened, thus the president does not in my opinion have the right to act if Congress denies him authorization.
355 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 3:37:28pm |
re: #354 Dark_Falcon
If Congress votes “No”, then Obama is going to have to accept that. The United States is not directly threatened, thus the president does not in my opinion have the right to act if Congress denies him authorization.
I agree with this assessment. Obama indicated in his speech that he believes he has the authority to proceed without congressional authorization, but that is not at all the same thing as proceeding in the face of an explicit “no”.
356 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 3:37:51pm |
re: #354 Dark_Falcon
If Congress votes “No”, then Obama is going to have to accept that. The United States is not directly threatened, thus the president does not in my opinion have the right to act if Congress denies him authorization.
I’ve seen some reputable pundits who disagree, including this one posted above at #79:
There is no constitutional requirement; SCOTUS never resolved WPR or Art 1(8) vs Art 2(2), but ok: Congress now the dog that caught the car.— Tom Nichols (@TheWarRoom_Tom) August 31, 2013
357 | Dark_Falcon Sat, Aug 31, 2013 3:41:27pm |
re: #355 EPR-radar
I agree with this assessment. Obama indicated in his speech that he believes he has the authority to proceed without congressional authorization, but that is not at all the same thing as proceeding in the face of an explicit “no”.
Just so. For Obama to simply order the missiles launched would be defensible from a Constitutional standpoint, but to ask Congress, be told ‘No’ and then attack anyways would be a lawless act. And it would also play right into right-wing rhetoric. Barack Obama is too smart to let himself become what his opponents claim he is.
358 | compound_Idaho Sat, Aug 31, 2013 3:44:15pm |
re: #356 wrenchwench
We can come up with different scenarios, but it seems pretty clear in this case that this is the way it is supposed to work.
359 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 3:47:14pm |
re: #358 compound_Idaho
We can come up with different scenarios, but it seems pretty clear in this case that this is the way it is supposed to work.
And if Congress says ‘yes’, would you support a strike a war against Syria?
360 | Dark_Falcon Sat, Aug 31, 2013 3:49:48pm |
One thing I think we can all agree on: Congressional authorization on the use of force against the Assad Regime ought not to be subject to either the Hastert Rule in the House, nor filibuster in the Senate. Congress will shame itself beyond measure should either such device prevent a house of Congress from taking a vote.
361 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 3:53:50pm |
re: #360 Dark_Falcon
One thing I think we can all agree on: Congressional authorization on the use of force against the Assad Regime ought not to be subject to either the Hastert Rule in the House, nor filibuster in the Senate. Congress will shame itself beyond measure should either such device prevent a house of Congress from taking a vote.
I would add that tying an authorization to use force against Syria to domestic political issues (e.g., defunding Obamacare) would also be beyond the pale. That includes budget offset games for costs that would be incurred.
362 | compound_Idaho Sat, Aug 31, 2013 3:55:37pm |
re: #359 wrenchwench
I don’t think so. I’ve had enough
363 | Dark_Falcon Sat, Aug 31, 2013 4:00:58pm |
re: #361 EPR-radar
I would add that tying an authorization to use force against Syria to domestic political issues (e.g., defunding Obamacare) would also be beyond the pale. That includes budget offset games for costs that would be incurred.
‘Yes’ to the first, a qualified ‘No’ to the second. While Congress should not play games with military matters, the House and Senate would be within their rights to demand that the president commit to offsetting the money he is asking them to authorize spending, that demand being able to be made in whole or in part.
364 | EPR-radar Sat, Aug 31, 2013 4:06:52pm |
re: #363 Dark_Falcon
‘Yes’ to the first, a qualified ‘No’ to the second. While Congress should not play games with military matters, the House and Senate would be within their rights to demand that the president commit to offsetting the money he is asking them to authorize spending, that demand being able to be made in whole or in part.
IMO, if such an offset were mandated by Congress to come out of domestic spending, it would amount to game playing with military matters.
More generally, doing offsets when unusual events need to be funded is a budget gimmick that is way past its sell-by date.
365 | kirkspencer Sat, Aug 31, 2013 4:24:07pm |
re: #360 Dark_Falcon
One thing I think we can all agree on: Congressional authorization on the use of force against the Assad Regime ought not to be subject to either the Hastert Rule in the House, nor filibuster in the Senate. Congress will shame itself beyond measure should either such device prevent a house of Congress from taking a vote.
caveat: assuming it’s “clean”. Amendments on curation, on whether there should be an exit strategy, on limits of force, these are fine. But if the house forces a 41st ‘remove ACA’ statement, it’s dead.
366 | wrenchwench Sat, Aug 31, 2013 4:27:33pm |
re: #362 compound_Idaho
I don’t think so. I’ve had enough
I kinda hear that coming from certain Syrians.
367 | kirkspencer Sat, Aug 31, 2013 4:28:03pm |
re: #363 Dark_Falcon
‘Yes’ to the first, a qualified ‘No’ to the second. While Congress should not play games with military matters, the House and Senate would be within their rights to demand that the president commit to offsetting the money he is asking them to authorize spending, that demand being able to be made in whole or in part.
No, it would not be within Congress’s right to make such a demand within it.
it’s not an authorization to spend money. It’s an authorization - no, it’s a DECLARATION of war. Congress can impose limits such as determination of completion and objective but essentially Congress declares and executive executes. “you must go to war, but you must do it by taking money from other things” is the worst of unfunded mandates.