Gore Vidal via ShutterstockDead tonight at the age of 86, literary giant Gore Vidal.
1 |
Dancing along the light of day Tue, Jul 31, 2012 9:20:25pm |
A prolific writer, who wrote from his heart, with a great depth of feeling.
He is a great loss. RIP, Gore.
| 4 |
William Barnett-Lewis Tue, Jul 31, 2012 9:26:01pm |
I'd rather believe in heaven if for no other reason than to be able to watch him and Buckley argue into eternity with a glass of scotch to hand ;)
| 7 |
William Barnett-Lewis Tue, Jul 31, 2012 9:33:20pm |
re: #5 freetoken
[Embedded content]
Yep! God, our nation would be even more fucked up without either of them much less both.
| 9 |
dragonath Tue, Jul 31, 2012 9:39:02pm |
re: #5 freetoken
Buckley attacking Vidal for not being a political commentator because he was a playright is pretty lame.
And Vidal was right about Reagan, too.
Of course, it's insane that Reagan campaigned for members of the John Birch Society, but Buckley gave him cover then and the wimps have ever since.
| 10 |
engineer cat Tue, Jul 31, 2012 9:58:24pm |
i think i read all of his historical novels. i remember his burr and lincoln very fondly
| 12 |
blueraven Tue, Jul 31, 2012 10:23:13pm |
re: #8 Channeling Confucius
A great writer, beyond doubt. More doubtful as a man.
Much of his problem was generational, and he developed an elaborate philosophical rationale, but the bottom line is that he was in the closet in the sixties and seventies when a high-profile gay would have been useful. For all his many merits, in the great challenging moment of his time, he chose comfort.
Useful? What BS.
| 13 |
Shiplord Kirel Tue, Jul 31, 2012 10:26:56pm |
re: #8 Channeling Confucius
A great writer, beyond doubt. More doubtful as a man.
Much of his problem was generational, and he developed an elaborate philosophical rationale, but the bottom line is that he was in the closet in the sixties and seventies when a high-profile gay would have been useful. For all his many merits, in the great challenging moment of his time, he chose comfort.
Coming out in those days would have been a grueling choice and I will decline to judge him for his decision. It would have meant social and professional ostracism and quite possibly arrest. We can't blame people for not being sacrificial heroes.
| 14 |
dragonath Tue, Jul 31, 2012 10:31:40pm |
re: #8 Channeling Confucius
That's not really fair to Vidal. He didn't create the culture of discrimination. Unfortunately publications like the National Review went a long way in sustaining it, and still do.
| 16 |
Shiplord Kirel Tue, Jul 31, 2012 10:39:31pm |
Btw, Tea Party upstart Ted Cruz has won the Republican Senate primary run-off in Texas. He defeated Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, a Perry crony who was the first choice of the party establishment. Dewhurst is a garden variety Texas corporate fatcat whose sometimes kooky assertions can be safely dismissed as pandering to the masses.
Cruz, though, is a true believer. Among other things, he thinks shariah law is a major threat and there is a Soros backed conspiracy to shut down America's golf courses. He naturally buys into most of the now-routine wingnut claims about various UN conspiracies, all aimed at wiping out American sovereignty and getting rid of guns and Bibles. To put the seal on Cruz's nutcake credentials, GOP prophet and shaman David Barton jumped the Perry fence and backed Cruz in this race.
Cruz will almost certainly win the general against a weak and underfunded Democrat, former state representative Paul Sadler.
| 17 |
engineer cat Tue, Jul 31, 2012 10:42:31pm |
ok, i've put in a bid on the ebay for a 1920s buescher true tone sax
| 18 |
freetoken Tue, Jul 31, 2012 10:43:38pm |
re: #16 Shiplord Kirel
There are many articles out there documenting the change of the GOP into a "pure" "conservative" party, which I describe as a talibanization of the organization. That's why I call it Texastan.
That isn't some election year rhetoric from me. It really is happening. Some people want to pretend it is not a serious matter. My position is that we're seeing nothing less than the deconstruction of modern civilization, happening right before our eyes.
| 19 |
Kragar Tue, Jul 31, 2012 10:45:10pm |
re: #18 freetoken
There are many articles out there documenting the change of the GOP into a "pure" "conservative" party, which I describe as a talibanization of the organization. That's why I call it Texastan.
That isn't some election year rhetoric from me. It really is happening. Some people want to pretend it is not a serious matter. My position is that we're seeing nothing less than the deconstruction of modern civilization, happening right before our eyes.
Rome didn't fall in a day.
| 20 |
gwangung Tue, Jul 31, 2012 10:51:07pm |
re: #15 Channeling Confucius
Please read #11 above.
Still a crass remark, using ahistorical standards, which you yourself admit.
You railroad when the time comes to railroad and not a minute before (because you can't without sufficient social capital).
| 21 |
Kragar Tue, Jul 31, 2012 10:54:29pm |
You know which event really deserves to be at the Olympics?
Super Squad. That would be a truly epic Olympic event.
| 22 |
austin_blue Tue, Jul 31, 2012 10:57:40pm |
OT:
The Tea Bagger has SPANKED the Traditional Rs chosen candidate in the Texas Senatorial runoff.
Whee!
| 23 |
dragonath Tue, Jul 31, 2012 11:01:40pm |
I noticed a few Republicans congratulating themselves on their minority outreach, even though the dude is technically half-Canadian.
| 24 |
Sol Berdinowitz Tue, Jul 31, 2012 11:28:21pm |
re: #16 Shiplord Kirel
We already had a thread about the Texas GOP platform, and it would would be a hilarious parody if it were not such a tragic farce.
| 25 |
William Barnett-Lewis Tue, Jul 31, 2012 11:31:48pm |
re: #17 engineer cat
ok, i've put in a bid on the ebay for a 1920s buescher true tone sax
Hope it wins much as I hope my own recent bid on gunbroker (a Mauser HSc) wins.
Good luck!
| 28 |
Kragar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 1:11:15am |
The place: Camp Lejuene, NC, Spring of 2000
My battalion had just finished up a beach run and there were about 40 Marines in a bus, waiting to head back to the barracks when this song came on the radio. Of course I immediately started singing along. By the time the second verse came around, I had at least 6 or 7 back up singers who had joined in, and when the song hit its peak, I was walking back and forth and had the entire bus singing. What we lacked in musical ability, we made up for with volume and vigor.
| 29 |
researchok Wed, Aug 1, 2012 1:17:25am |
| 30 |
researchok Wed, Aug 1, 2012 1:22:04am |
re: #28 Kragar
Great song.
I must say however, the mental image I have of backup singers' was probably not what you meant.
| 31 |
Kragar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 1:23:33am |
re: #30 researchok
Great song.
I must say however, the mental image I have of backup singers' was probably not what you meant.
T-shirt, running shorts, sweaty and sand encrusted.
| 33 |
Kragar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 1:29:05am |
| 34 |
freetoken Wed, Aug 1, 2012 1:53:11am |
And now, for something that will probably be new for most. Here is contemporary composer Einojuhani Rautavaara's symphony no. 7 ("Angel of Light"), 1st mvmt.:
| 35 |
Jimmah Wed, Aug 1, 2012 3:04:22am |
re: #34 freetoken
And now, for something that will probably be new for most. Here is contemporary composer Einojuhani Rautavaara's symphony no. 7 ("Angel of Light"), 1st mvmt.:
[Embedded content]
I've been looking for 'Prismes' by Karen Tanaka on the web but with no luck so far.
| 36 |
Obdicut Wed, Aug 1, 2012 3:26:43am |
re: #35 Aye Pod
I've been looking for 'Prismes' by Karen Tanaka on the web but with no luck so far.
Here it is for a buck twenty nine:
[Link: music.ovi.com...]
| 37 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Wed, Aug 1, 2012 4:02:15am |
re: #8 Channeling Confucius
A great writer, beyond doubt. More doubtful as a man.
Much of his problem was generational, and he developed an elaborate philosophical rationale, but the bottom line is that he was in the closet in the sixties and seventies when a high-profile gay would have been useful. For all his many merits, in the great challenging moment of his time, he chose comfort.
He wrote a play, "The Best Man," in the early '60's, which was about a gay presidential or vice-presidential candidate. I think the play is currently running as a revival, I don't know if they are playing it as a contemporary or a period piece.
| 38 |
freetoken Wed, Aug 1, 2012 4:16:53am |
re: #35 Aye Pod
I've been looking for 'Prismes' by Karen Tanaka on the web but with no luck so far.
If you're looking for a freebie... then you might not find it. Many contemporary composers are poorly represented in the recording catalog, and and even more so via online fans.
| 39 |
freetoken Wed, Aug 1, 2012 4:24:21am |
Jonah Goldberg, editor at large at Naitonal Review, long time home of racist authors such as Derbyshire, dives into the question of what's behind hatred of Obama:
What's behind hatred of Obama?
Short summary: the charges of racism are over-wrought, and it's mostly really Obama's fault, as well as the mainstream media who push Obama onto the stage.
Yes, really, that's Goldberg's position.
| 40 |
freetoken Wed, Aug 1, 2012 4:25:50am |
Ever since they finally had to get rid of Derbyshire, various NR/NRO writers have worked hard to claim that racism isn't really a problem among "conservatives".
They're working really hard.
| 41 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Wed, Aug 1, 2012 4:26:06am |
re: #39 freetoken
Jonah Goldberg, editor at large at Naitonal Review, long time home of racist authors such as Derbyshire, dives into the question of what's behind hatred of Obama:
What's behind hatred of Obama?
Short summary: the charges of racism are over-wrought, and it's mostly really Obama's fault, as well as the mainstream media who push Obama onto the stage.Yes, really, that's Goldberg's position.
The Obama derangement is irrational. I'm getting Tweets all the time from wingnuts asking
How can you possibly support Obama because SCREEEEEEEE!1!
and then incoherence.
| 42 |
Sol Berdinowitz Wed, Aug 1, 2012 4:26:56am |
re: #39 freetoken
Jonah Goldberg, editor at large at Naitonal Review, long time home of racist authors such as Derbyshire, dives into the question of what's behind hatred of Obama:
What's behind hatred of Obama?
Short summary: the charges of racism are over-wrought, and it's mostly really Obama's fault, as well as the mainstream media who push Obama onto the stage.
Yes, really, that's Goldberg's position.
It's sort of like the Civil War arguments. It wasn't all about slavery, there were other issues, but slavery cannot be discounted.
Hatred of Obama is not all about racism, but cannot be discounted.
| 43 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Wed, Aug 1, 2012 4:29:24am |
I'm getting kind of tired of the sports media constantly harping about the "bitter disappointment" of Jordan Wieber because she didn't make the finals, while totally ignoring the two teammates who DID make the finals.
Gabby Douglas is scary talented, also she is Black which is rare for gymnastics, yet she is being totally ignored by the media who can't stop fawning over the prima donna who lost.
| 44 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Wed, Aug 1, 2012 4:31:05am |
Also, I totally did not know what "dressage" was until the media started to pay attention to it because of the Romneys. It's actually really cool to see those horses dancing.
| 45 |
freetoken Wed, Aug 1, 2012 4:31:49am |
Speaking of which, a couple of days ago the Orlando Sentinel ran this piece, which got a little coverage nationally but not enough:
Sting targets white supremacists: Agents' Nazi 'gang' duped suspects
A neo-Nazi motorcycle gang created by an undercover law-enforcement unit to investigate white supremacists and racist bikers has helped topple two domestic-terrorism groups in Central Florida.
The original investigation began in 2007, when an undisclosed agent traded emails with August Kreis III, a leader of the Aryan Nations hate group who wanted to form a Nazi motorcycle club to serve as the militant arm for white supremacists across the country, according to records obtained by the Orlando Sentinel.
[...]
Hmmm... let's see how some "conservatives" are handling this one.... How about the FreeRepublic?
[Link: www.freerepublic.com...]
First comment:
Any sting operations against reverend wright... the new black panther party or perhaps the nation of islam? I didn't think so.
LLS2 posted on Mon Jul 30 2012 10:49:16 GMT-0700 (PDT) by LibLieSlayer (Don't Tread On Me)
Second comment:
The federal government manufacturing crimes again.
3 posted on Mon Jul 30 2012 10:49:43 GMT-0700 (PDT) by E. Pluribus Unum (Government is the religion of the sociopath.)
And so forth.
Oh, how about this one:
See cointelpro. If one were so inclined to be a part of a “fringe” organization, you should be aware that 99 times out of a hundred, anyone advocating any time of physical violence of any kind, is going to be a fed.
8 posted on Mon Jul 30 2012 13:53:30 GMT-0700 (PDT) by zeugma (Those of us who work for a living are outnumbered by those who vote for a living.)
Conspiracy thinking much?
But, according to Jonah Goldberg, I'm misrepresenting where the real problem lay.
| 46 |
freetoken Wed, Aug 1, 2012 4:37:08am |
BTW, those kind of comments aren't limited to just the FreeRepublic, an online site known for its ugliness. Just check out the comments at the Orlando Sentinel article - denial, conspiracy, more denial, whining about Black Panthers getting by, etc.
| 47 |
freetoken Wed, Aug 1, 2012 5:03:25am |
Good grief, what's this, an enlightened Republican congressman?
Rep. Hanna: Fellow Republicans indulge the party's extreme members too much
U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna took his own party to task today, saying the Republican Party is too willing to accommodate its most extreme members.
“I have to say that I’m frustrated by how much we — I mean the Republican Party — are willing to give deferential treatment to our extremes in this moment in history,” he told The Post-Standard editorial board.Hanna, R-Barneveld, pointed specifically to Michele Bachmann of Minnesota — particularly her suggestion that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin be investigated to see if she has ties to Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood that would compromise her loyalty.
Hanna, a businessman who defeated Democratic incumbent Michael Arcuri two years ago, said his first term in Congress left him “sad in a lot of ways” because of the growing divisiveness on both sides of the aisle.
[...]
While he blamed the dysfunction on both sides, he said he feels more bitterness coming from the Republican caucus than from the Democrats.
“I would say that the friends I have in the Democratic Party I find ... much more congenial — a little less anger,” he said.
[...]
Quick, somebody get him added to the Endangered Species list - he may be the last of his kind.
| 48 |
freetoken Wed, Aug 1, 2012 5:22:52am |
Good Samaritan fascists:
Greek far-right party hands out food _ to citizens
Members of the extreme right Golden Dawn party are handing out food outside parliament, checking state identity cards to make sure only citizens of recession-hit Greece receive assistance.
Hundreds stood in line at Athens' main Syntagma Square Wednesday to pick up the food. Party volunteers, dressed in black, passed out milk cartons, pasta, potatoes and olive oil in the one-day charity event.
[...]
| 49 |
freetoken Wed, Aug 1, 2012 5:55:53am |
Yup, they went there:
One of the worst things you can be called today is "Homophobic," often defined as "having an irrational fear and hatred of homosexuals." However, while alleged homophobia (together with any opposition to homosexuality) is being aggressively intimidated out of existence by an ever-vigilant media and militant homosexuality, another phobia is growing, Christophobia, "an irrational fear and hatred of Christ and of Christians." Indeed, often those who are most vigilant against homophobia are the most violent in their Christophobia.
[...]
| 50 |
Interesting Times Wed, Aug 1, 2012 6:08:13am |
Wingnuts who love to lecture you on class, civility and decorum mark the passing of Gore Vidal, twitter.com/jpodhoretz/sta...Adorable.— CC (@canadiancynic) August 1, 2012
| 51 |
John Vreeland Wed, Aug 1, 2012 6:12:53am |
Vidal claimed there were no longer any famous authors in America. It's just not something you can become famous FOR anymore. But I think that was largely always true. With the exception of Mark Twain, who also had a gift for standing up on a stage and entertaining everyone, few writers approached anything like fame in their lifetimes.
And then there is Stephen King, who I suspect will be forgotten once he stops writing.
But I found Vidal's writing largely annoying, as well. He struck me as a champagne liberal, trying to speak for the downtrodden. I never successfully finished reading any of his books before putting them down in annoyance at the simplistic posturing.
He wanted to be a goad, a gadfly. But he never achieved anything higher than that. And much of his prodding always seemed misplaced. In 1968 he almost started a fight on television when he accused Bill Buckley of being a "crypto-nazi," which was about the most unjust accusation he could have levied against a man who had made opposition to racism (and especially anti-semitism) a cornerstone of his life, and prompted one of the most eloquently spontaneous bursts of anger you are ever likely to hear. [Link: en.wikipedia.org...]
| 52 |
Political Atheist Wed, Aug 1, 2012 6:32:20am |
Dragon_Lady and I were proud to meet Mr Vidal at an ACLU fundraiser in Beverly Hills last year. Quite a mind. Said at the time it was treasonous for congress to fail to pass the Presidents legislation. I had to assume he would not have said that during the Bush admins. He was wheelchair bound at the time, but his mind was sharp. He was very generous to the folks asking questions, although that crowd was kinda star struck by him.
| 53 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 6:57:46am |
re: #39 freetoken
Jonah Goldberg, editor at large at Naitonal Review, long time home of racist authors such as Derbyshire, dives into the question of what's behind hatred of Obama:
What's behind hatred of Obama?
Short summary: the charges of racism are over-wrought, and it's mostly really Obama's fault, as well as the mainstream media who push Obama onto the stage.
Yes, really, that's Goldberg's position.
What's behind hatred of Obama?
Why liberals of course.
-- Jonah Goldberg
//
| 54 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:00:57am |
| 56 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:21:07am |
More bullshit coming from the Romney camp. This time an ad saying that Obama "closed down GM dealerships." Of course that was by design in order to save GM. So it wasn't just blindly closing the dealerships. At the same time I'm sure many closed down because GM sales were terrible at the time since we were at the height of the recession.
| 57 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:21:46am |
Obama forced GM to save $ by closing dealerships as a price for saving the entire company. Romney's ad shows he doesn't understand business.— David Corn (@DavidCornDC) August 1, 2012
| 58 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:21:57am |
#Obama "closing GM dealerships" was part of what helped save GM. #Romney is lying again. #RomneyLies #GMC #Detroit #p2 #tlot #USA— Gus (@Gus_802) August 1, 2012
| 59 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:23:33am |
@davidcorndc Technically, GM doesn't save money. It just has dealers that are more competitive, increases strength of brand.— emptywheel (@emptywheel) August 1, 2012
| 60 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:24:21am |
re: #56 Gus
More bullshit coming from the Romney camp. This time an ad saying that Obama "closed down GM dealerships." Of course that was by design in order to save GM. So it wasn't just blindly closing the dealerships. At the same time I'm sure many closed down because GM sales were terrible at the time since we were at the height of the recession.
Well, uh, considering GM is no longer producing the Oldsmobile and the Pontiac, it kind of didn't make much sense to keep Oldsmobile and Pontiac dealerships around.
| 61 |
Shiplord Kirel Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:26:03am |
Ted Cruz, Texas Senate candidate
Fiercely Protecting America’s Troops
Note that 3 of the 4 examples involved Cruz's defense of constitutionally challenged religious practice. The fourth was a defense of the Solomon Amendment, which required universities that received federal funds to give access to military recruiters.
Rand Paul looks like Bob Dole compared to this guy.
| 62 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:27:03am |
re: #60 Learned Mother of Zion
Well, uh, considering GM is no longer producing the Oldsmobile and the Pontiac, it kind of didn't make much sense to keep Oldsmobile and Pontiac dealerships around.
That too. There were a number of reasons.
GM To Force 1,000 Dealers To Close
April 28, 2009 9:29 PM
General Motors Corp. told its dealers Tuesday that it will force 1,000 to 1,200 underperforming locations to close their doors as the automaker tries to thin dealer ranks to make the remaining outlets more profitable...
| 63 |
darthstar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:29:36am |
Happy August 1st, 2012, Ladies.
Forty-seven million women are getting greater control over their health care and access to eight more prevention-related health care services without paying out of their own pocket beginning Aug. 1, 2012, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today.
| 64 |
sattv4u2 Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:29:41am |
Y'know whats nice
Planning on having the entire morning off from work, not scheduled to be in till 2 p.m.
Y'know whats not so nice?
Having the phone ring and being "asked" if you can "get your ass in here ASAP"
Know anyone who that happened too,,, JUST NOW!!!
{grumble,,, mumble grumble}
| 65 |
sattv4u2 Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:30:31am |
| 66 |
Shiplord Kirel Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:31:33am |
The Texas Tea Party is consolidating its power with Cruz's win over Dewhurst. This is the classical next step for extremists after they have taken over, a purge of the "old guard" and the useful idiots. Perry cronies like Dewhurst are simply no longer useful, though they remain idiots for the shameless pandering that allowed the whack-jobs to take control in the first place.
| 67 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:34:50am |
re: #61 Shiplord Kirel
Ted Cruz, Texas Senate candidate
Fiercely Protecting America’s Troops
Note that 3 of the 4 examples involved Cruz's defense of constitutionally challenged religious practice. The fourth was a defense of the Solomon Amendment, which required universities that received federal funds to give access to military recruiters.
Rand Paul looks like Bob Dole compared to this guy.
How is that "supporting our troops"? Looks to me like basically 4 legal wingnut positions dealing with TEH GAY! and prayer and such.
See, Ted Cruz will probably win in November. He won't be just another congressman either. He's going to be a senator.
Ted Cruz in Texas. This is why culture matters. ;)
| 68 |
lawhawk Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:36:11am |
re: #60 Learned Mother of Zion
Or Saturn. Or Saab. Or Hummer. All three brands were either sold or shuttered. Those dealers were also shuttered so that GM could focus on core brands (Chevy, GMC, Caddy, Buick).
| 69 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:36:55am |
Tennessee State Rep. claims Obama will fake his own assassination and impose martial law to prevent election thkpr.gs/QpGnN7— ThinkProgress (@thinkprogress) August 1, 2012
| 70 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:37:03am |
re: #68 lawhawk
Or Saturn. Or Saab. Or Hummer. All three brands were either sold or shuttered. Those dealers were also shuttered so that GM could focus on core brands (Chevy, GMC, Caddy, Buick).
Ford is dropping Mercury for similar reasons.
| 71 |
Interesting Times Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:38:42am |
Assuming we're around in 200 years (long shot), what will future historians call this era?The Denialism period? #p2— Shoq Value (@Shoq) August 1, 2012
ftw RT @moodyloner: @shoq Dipshitopia.— Shoq Value (@Shoq) August 1, 2012
| 73 |
Interesting Times Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:41:21am |
re: #72 Obdicut
Which is a pretty damn libelous claim.
I'd go further and say Secret-Service-visit-provoking claim. How do we know this Tea-brained TN rep isn't floating that hideous conspiracy to cover for a real attempt? He really ought to put that rumor to rest.
Two can, play this game, and all that
| 74 |
lawhawk Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:41:26am |
re: #70 Learned Mother of Zion
Ford realized that they weren't gaining customers by reflagging Fords as upscale Mercurys. So, dropping it meant Ford could focus on its core product line (and make significant improvements there). That was the same problem GM had with Pontiac. Saturn was a slightly different case as the brand was supposed to help save GM when it was first brought on the market, but the rest of GM suffocated Saturn's innovations and turned it into a mediocre product (where Saturns ended up being rebadged Opels) and delayed investing in new versions over time.
| 75 |
lawhawk Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:43:13am |
re: #69 Gus
Yeah, I saw that yesterday. And it will gain traction among the TP set too. It ignores logic, reasoning, and facts. It's a bogus assertion that has only one goal in mind - to goad people opposing Obama at all costs (though the conspiracy nut theory would make the vote not happen).
| 76 |
blueraven Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:43:56am |
re: #51 John Vreeland
made opposition to racism (and especially anti-semitism) a cornerstone of his life
Opposition to racism was a cornerstone of his life?
I admire Buckley for many reasons but I dont consider opposition to racism as one of them. He did change his views after opposing the civil rights in the 60s. But please dont act like he was a champion of racial equality.
| 77 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:44:23am |
re: #75 lawhawk
Yeah, I saw that yesterday. And it will gain traction among the TP set too. It ignores logic, reasoning, and facts. It's a bogus assertion that has only one goal in mind - to goad people opposing Obama at all costs (though the conspiracy nut theory would make the vote not happen).
The Tea Party: it's about culture.
| 78 |
Interesting Times Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:46:03am |
re: #77 Gus
The Tea Party: it's about culture.
The kind that grows in dark, moldy places and poisons all who breathe it in?
| 79 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:47:34am |
re: #78 Interesting Times
The kind that grows in dark, moldy places and poisons all who breathe it in?
Yeah, pretty much. Hey, they want to bring up culture I can play that game too. Texas: it's about culture. Tennessee: it's about culture. Tea Party: it's about culture...
[Dobro slide.]
| 80 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:48:46am |
Israel is a conservative's worst nightmare. Mandated health care, gay marriage recognized. +Sharia law! website.thejc.com/home.aspx?AId=... h/t @adamserwer— Yahel Carmon (@yahelc) August 1, 2012
| 81 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:50:03am |
Nine tweeters who think Al Gore died today ow.ly/cEZwP— New Statesman (@NewStatesman) August 1, 2012
| 82 |
Shiplord Kirel Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:52:32am |
re: #69 Gus
[Embedded content]
Another one eh? Well, release the Black Helicopters. Our new microwave radar detects aluminum foil headwear right through heavy cover. This greatly simplifies the task of finding these clods and whisking them away for "re-processing." Bonus checks for everyone in the high energy physics section!
| 83 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:54:01am |
re: #82 Shiplord Kirel
Another one eh? Well, release the Black Helicopters. Our new microwave radar detects aluminum foil headwear right through heavy cover. This greatly simplifies the task of finding these clods and whisking them away for "re-processing." Bonus checks for everyone in the high energy physics section!
They're coming for are gunz!!11ty Just you wait and see!!
//
| 84 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:54:08am |
I keep getting Tweets from wingnuts who are trapped in the ODS hermetically sealed bubble:
How can you call yourself pro-Israel and support Obama!1!
Then there is MJayRosenberg who thinks Obama is pandering to "Israel Firsters." Who does MJay support? Ron Paul?
| 85 |
Interesting Times Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:55:12am |
re: #71 Interesting Times
Wherein I provide factual evidence for the assertions made in #71:
Nine tweeters who think Al Gore died today ow.ly/cEZwP— New Statesman (@NewStatesman) August 1, 2012
| 86 |
Killgore Trout Wed, Aug 1, 2012 7:56:50am |
re: #84 Learned Mother of Zion
I keep getting Tweets from wingnuts who are trapped in the ODS hermetically sealed bubble:
Then there is MJayRosenberg who thinks Obama is pandering to "Israel Firsters." Who does MJay support? Ron Paul?
I don't think he's a Paulian. He seems more of a Dennis Kucinich/Cindy Sheehan type.
| 87 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:01:09am |
re: #86 Killgore Trout
I don't think he's a Paulian. He seems more of a Dennis Kucinich/Cindy Sheehan type.
Or maybe Roseanne Barr type.
| 88 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:01:25am |
re: #85 Interesting Times
Wherein I provide factual evidence for the assertions made in #71:
[Embedded content]
Hey! See #81.
| 89 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:02:08am |
Deep-fried controversy: @govmikehuckabee has declared today @chickfila Appreciation Day lat.ms/OJg3Nc— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) August 1, 2012
| 90 |
Shiplord Kirel Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:03:21am |
I live in Texas. It's like being a human on the Ferengi planet, especially the political/religious aspect.
Their home planet, Ferenginar, is the center of the Ferengi Alliance and is governed by the Grand Nagus and a Commerce Authority made primarily of the Council of Economic Advisors (formerly Board of Liquidators). Like most of their culture, their religion is also based on the principles of capitalism: they offer prayers and monetary offerings to a "Blessed Exchequer" in hopes of entering the "Divine Treasury" upon death, and fear an afterlife spent in the "Vault of Eternal Destitution".
The chief witch-doctor of the Texas tea party, David Barton, actually claims that Jesus opposed the minimum wage and the capital gains tax, so I don't think this analogy is much of a stretch at all.
| 91 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:04:23am |
Wingnut Math:
The Obama administration destroyed 2,868 jobs in Eastern #Ohio with forced mine closure bit.ly/T38r9k #WarOnCoal— Jason B. Whitman (@JasonBWhitman) August 1, 2012
At its peak, OhioAmerican employed 239 local people
| 94 |
Interesting Times Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:05:00am |
re: #89 Gus
Inappropriate fat joke. RT @ewerickson: Went to Chick-Fil-A for breakfast.The crowd was so big I gave up.— LOLGOP (@LOLGOP) August 1, 2012
| 96 |
jaunte Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:06:40am |
re: #89 Gus
Chik-fil-A couldn't save Dewhurst:
David Dewhurst Eats Chick-fil-A, Weeps In Quiet Frustration
Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, mired in an seemingly interminable slog of a runoff race with former Texas Solicitor General and current Tea Party flavor of the month Ted Cruz, stopped by a Chick-fil-A today in South Austin to pick up some chicken and get out the vote. According to Texas Monthly’s Daily Post, the last-minute campaign appearance was intended to polish up Dewhurst’s “conservative credentials,” which is the kind of bizarre-world statement that makes one’s head ache and feel all tilty-weird.
| 97 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:06:40am |
re: #94 Interesting Times
[Embedded content]
It's interesting how Chick-Fil-A has become such a cultural phenomenon with the homophobic gay haters around much of the south.
| 98 |
lawhawk Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:07:29am |
re: #91 Learned Mother of Zion
@jasonbwhitman #fracking declared #WarOnCoal and is #winning. Cheap natural gas via fracking causing coal job losses - not Obama— lawhawk (@lawhawk) August 1, 2012
| 99 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:08:39am |
Dang it Cletus we ain't allowed to be openly bigoted against them ni**ers anymore. Heck... At least we're still allowed to be bigoted against them queers. Let's go to Chick-Fil-A.
| 100 |
GunstarGreen Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:11:30am |
re: #85 Interesting Times
Wherein I provide factual evidence for the assertions made in #71:
[Embedded content]
The first two really hint to a large part of the denialist crowd: It's really all about hating Al Gore and anything he's attached to.
Regarding the chick-pocalypse currently going on: Honestly, who cares? Chik-Fil-A has always been a deeply religious company (A fast food joint that closes on Sunday, holy cow), so why is anybody surprised that its CEO holds deeply religious views? Dan's just following along in Truit's shoes.
| 101 |
blueraven Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:11:50am |
| 102 |
Shiplord Kirel Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:14:05am |
Paul Begala nails it at the Daily Beast:
Ted Cruz and Texas’s Tea Party Revolution
Dewhurst has ruled Texas for nearly a decade, (the Lone Star State traditionally invests more real power in its lieutenant governor than its governor, which lately has been a good thing, as Texas has led the NCAA in underachieving governors). A former CIA officer and Air Force veteran, Dewhurst is a multimillionaire who swaggers on horseback. He is no mushy moderate, but an Obama-loathing, gubmint-hating, tax-cutting, gun-toting, education-cutting conservative. He was part of an earlier revolution that replaced the Democratic establishment of Ann Richards with an aggressive brand of conservative Republicanism. Dewhurst helped set an anti-government fire that has now consumed him. (emphasis added)
Good-bye Perry-sites, you brought this on yourselves, and unfortunately on the rest of us.
| 103 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:15:38am |
re: #98 lawhawk
[Embedded content]
Followed by a dumb response...
How's the weather in Oz? RT @lawhawk: #fracking declared #WarOnCoal and is #winning. Cheap natural gas causing coal job losses - not Obama— Jason B. Whitman (@JasonBWhitman) August 1, 2012
| 104 |
NJDhockeyfan Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:16:12am |
re: #101 blueraven
How are your girls doing?
Great. They got a clean bill of health last week by the doctor and blood results came back fine. I can sleep better now.
:)
| 105 |
blueraven Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:16:28am |
re: #95 Channeling Confucius
He could have come our in, say, 1975.
Sorry, but freedom to live your life as you see fit is your choice. He did not owe anybody his private life for a cause.
| 106 |
jaunte Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:16:59am |
re: #103 Gus
"If the facts and the law are against you, yell like hell."
| 107 |
blueraven Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:17:23am |
re: #104 NJDhockeyfan
Great. They got a clean bill of health last week by the doctor and blood results came back fine. I can sleep better now.
:)
Great news!
| 108 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:20:46am |
Rep. Steve King (R-IA) goes birther: Suggests Obama's parents telegrammed fake Hawaii birth announcement from Kenya thkpr.gs/R53N7K— ThinkProgress (@thinkprogress) August 1, 2012
| 109 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:20:52am |
re: #103 Gus
Followed by a dumb response...
[Embedded content]
HAV MOAR DUMBSHIT
@jasonbwhitman I actually read the article, they multiplied by some random number based on blahblah bogus studies 2 blame Obama.— Vicious Babushka (@viciousbabushka) August 1, 2012
| 110 |
jaunte Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:24:07am |
Coal Investing News
Patriot’s bankruptcy is the fallout from the continued glut of US “fracking” natural gas which has pushed US thermal coal miners down 41 percent this year.[Link: coalinvestingnews.com...]
| 111 |
Four More Tears Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:24:39am |
| 112 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:26:42am |
re: #110 jaunte
Coal Investing News
I'm more interested in how they came up with that "multiply by 11 to get the total number of jobs lost."
| 113 |
Decatur Deb Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:27:00am |
re: #97 Gus
It's interesting how Chick-Fil-A has become such a cultural phenomenon with the homophobic gay haters around much of the south.
If there's anything we need mor of down here it's frid chik'n.
| 114 |
jaunte Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:29:49am |
re: #112 Learned Mother of Zion
That formula would only work if mining coal was the only economic activity in the area.
| 115 |
William Barnett-Lewis Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:29:51am |
re: #87 Learned Mother of Zion
Or maybe Roseanne Barr type.
The real loons are supporting some guy called Rocky Anderson as "the only REAL liberal" running.
| 116 |
NJDhockeyfan Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:30:26am |
| 117 |
darthstar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:31:04am |
Happy 70th Birthday, Jerry.
| 118 |
Interesting Times Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:31:32am |
| 119 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:33:35am |
| 120 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:33:44am |
re: #114 jaunte
That formula would only work if mining coal was the only economic activity in the area.
Here's the mine that's closing down. Murray is blaming Obama here.
This is interesting...
...Robert Murray is the founder and chief executive officer of Murray Energy Corp., the parent company of American Energy Corp.'s Century Mine and Ohio Valley Coal Co.'s Powhatan No. 6 mine in southern Belmont County, as well as the OhioAmerican Energy Inc. Red Bird West mine near Brilliant. He has said he does not want to stop oil and gas drilling in eastern Ohio, as he said he wants to see his friends and neighbors profit from the oil and natural gas leases they have signed with companies like Chesapeake Energy, XTO Energy, Gulfport Energy, Hess Corp. and Oxford.
Documents provided by Murray show that from March 2005 to March 2012, gas and oil companies applied to drill more than 60 wells in the area of his local coal mining operations. Most of these were free to proceed with no objections from Murray, while a few needed to be moved to avoid the coal mines.
Only four out of more than 60 well drilling operations since 2005 were unable to proceed at all because of Murray's objections, his records show. However, three of these are for Oxford permit applications in in Wayne Township.
"There are many areas ... where gas and oil wells can be sited without objection of our longwall mining companies," Murray wrote in August to the ODNR. "Again, directional wells may be drilled horizontally beneath any of our ... longwall panels laid out for mining. We are only concerned with the penetrations of our coal seam."...
Something smells fishy here. Murray probably just threw out the "Obama's fault" in order to deflect attention. Perhaps it was a decision they themselves made because they're going into the well drilling route.
| 121 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:34:59am |
Redbird Mountain Coal Company, LLC was incorporated in 2008 and is based in London, Kentucky. On June 30, 2009, Redbird Mountain Coal Company, LLC filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
| 122 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:35:33am |
So that same mine company, same one mentioned by Jason, was formed in 2008. One year later they already declared bankruptcy.
| 123 |
NJDhockeyfan Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:36:15am |
Today in World War II History
1936 - Adolf Hitler presided over the Olympic games as they opened in Berlin.
1938 - In Germany, Jewish doctors lost their insurance under the Nuremburg Laws.
1944 - Anne Frank made her last diary entry.
1944 - In Warsaw, Poland, an uprising against Nazi occupation began. The revolt continued until October 2 when Polish forces surrendered.
| 125 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:43:08am |
84% of the jobs created last month were in Romney Mockery. fb.me/1J6JcZZG6— LOLGOP (@LOLGOP) August 1, 2012
| 126 |
lawhawk Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:44:17am |
re: #119 Learned Mother of Zion
Heck, I'll use Fox News to prove the point.
[Link: www.foxnews.com...]
The fuel that powered the U.S. from the industrial revolution into the iPhone era is being pushed aside as utilities switch to cleaner and cheaper alternatives.
The share of U.S. electricity that comes from coal is forecast to fall below 40 percent for the year — the lowest level since the government began collecting this data in 1949. Four years ago, it was 50 percent. By the end of this decade, it is likely to be near 30 percent.
"The peak has passed," says Jone-Lin Wang, head of Global Power for the energy research firm IHS CERA.
Utilities are aggressively ditching coal in favor of natural gas, which has become cheaper as supplies grow. Natural gas has other advantages over coal: It produces far fewer emissions of toxic chemicals and gases that contribute to climate change, key attributes as tougher environmental rules go into effect.
| 127 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:47:32am |
re: #126 lawhawk
Heck, I'll use Fox News to prove the point.
[Link: www.foxnews.com...]
| 128 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:49:16am |
re: #127 Gus
Short-Term Energy Outlook - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
In April 2012, the United States exported 12.5 million short tons of coal, which is a monthly record based on EIA data dating back to 1973. Although EIA projects coal exports to total 112 million tons in 2012, 4.6 percent higher than 2011, EIA expects that coal exports will fall by 15.5 million short tons (14 percent) in 2013.
| 129 |
lawhawk Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:50:37am |
re: #127 Gus
Oh, I pointed out the EIA stats too. He's just so tight into the ODS that he can't realize that fracking expansion has hit the coal industry hard. Jobs created in places like PA, the Dakotas, etc. over Marcellus and Bakken fields have meant coal mines in places like WV have shuttered because it isn't cost effective.
If natural gas prices rise above coal prices for comparable quantities, then the situation would reverse. But that's not likely to happen anytime soon.
Supply/Demand. Hard subject.
| 130 |
darthstar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:50:52am |
So now Santa Claus will be putting natural gas in my stocking? Does that mean the fat fucker's going to just fart on it?
| 131 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:50:59am |
Again, more bullshit half stories from Republicans. Coal consumption fluctuates within the years. Sometimes mines are closed and later reopened. The long term outlook for coal is less use due to its negative impact on our environment both in the short term and the long term as in increased CO2.
| 132 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:54:23am |
re: #129 lawhawk
Oh, I pointed out the EIA stats too. He's just so tight into the ODS that he can't realize that fracking expansion has hit the coal industry hard. Jobs created in places like PA, the Dakotas, etc. over Marcellus and Bakken fields have meant coal mines in places like WV have shuttered because it isn't cost effective.
If natural gas prices rise above coal prices for comparable quantities, then the situation would reverse. But that's not likely to happen anytime soon.
Supply/Demand. Hard subject.
Which can still change as you can see here.
| 134 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:55:48am |
War on coal! Turns out most of it is because of the "free market."
| 136 |
Interesting Times Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:56:56am |
re: #131 Gus
Again, more bullshit half stories from Republicans. Coal consumption fluctuates within the years. Sometimes mines are closed and later reopened. The long term outlook for coal is less use due to its negative impact on our environment both in the short term and the long term as in increased CO2.
Also, coal plants require trillions of gallons of water for cooling - not exactly a good long-term "strategery" in drought conditions.
To be fair, so do nuclear and natural gas. In fact, only renewables like wind & solar require little to no water use - yet another reason to invest in them.
| 137 |
Romantic Heretic Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:58:41am |
re: #18 freetoken
There are many articles out there documenting the change of the GOP into a "pure" "conservative" party, which I describe as a talibanization of the organization. That's why I call it Texastan.
That isn't some election year rhetoric from me. It really is happening. Some people want to pretend it is not a serious matter. My position is that we're seeing nothing less than the deconstruction of modern civilization, happening right before our eyes.
I refer to the GOP, as currently constituted, as revolutionaries in the Jacobin or Bolshevik mode. If they ever succeed in their goal of getting power there will be many, many people dying.
| 138 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:58:44am |
Your FAIL of the day from Dim Hoft, via DLoesch
Tom Harkin: We have to have socialized medicine because of those women and their menstrual cramps bit.ly/QqAWNZ— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) August 1, 2012
| 139 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 8:59:23am |
US power groups’ switch to gas hits coal
The share of electricity generated by burning coal in the US has fallen to its smallest in nearly 40 years amid historically low natural gas prices and the warmest March on record for much of America.
The rise in shale production has pushed down natural gas prices, prompting utilities to shift their power generation from coal to gas.
Coal still remains the largest source of electricity production in the US, but the country’s Department of Energy said the commodity’s share in electricity generation fell in March to 34 per cent, the lowest level since January 1973, the earliest date for which it has monthly statistics...
| 140 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:00:29am |
ICYMI: CNN's Dana Loesch to anti-Chick-Fil-A caller: "I know you hate Christ" bit.ly/ONuuMy #chickfilhate— Media Matters (@mmfa) August 1, 2012
| 141 |
GunstarGreen Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:02:14am |
re: #134 Gus
War on coal! Turns out most of it is because of the "free market."
Yeah, it's a funny thing. Everyone loves the "free market" until it shits all over them. But rather than admit that maybe the magical invisible hand isn't that great a thing, they look for someone else to blame.
See also: DEY TUK R JERBS! Nobody ever "took" a job, they just offered to do a comparable job for a lower price (or a worse job for a low enough price to justify it). Supply and demand, the "free market" isn't so great when your livelihood is the product, eh?
| 142 |
darthstar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:03:02am |
| 143 |
darthstar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:04:26am |
| 144 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:07:14am |
re: #141 GunstarGreen
Yeah, it's a funny thing. Everyone loves the "free market" until it shits all over them. But rather than admit that maybe the magical invisible hand isn't that great a thing, they look for someone else to blame.
See also: DEY TUK R JERBS! Nobody ever "took" a job, they just offered to do a comparable job for a lower price (or a worse job for a low enough price to justify it). Supply and demand, the "free market" isn't so great when your livelihood is the product, eh?
Yep. Theoretically Keystone XL would have a negative impact on domestic coal production as would fracking. Happens naturally when you add to the energy pool. The free market takes over. It can fluctuate and coal can also make a return. However, just like everyone loves the "free market" the same is true when you try to build a coal fired power plant right next to that cattle ranch which is owned by a Republican who will tell you, "no, you can't build that here."
| 145 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:09:13am |
re: #142 darthstar
I don't hate Christ...he tastes just like chicken! (communion joke)
I know it's not PC for what I'm about to say so I'll say it in Spanish.
Chick-Fil-A = basura blanca
| 146 |
darthstar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:12:34am |
re: #145 Gus
I know it's not PC for what I'm about to say so I'll say it in Spanish.
Chick-Fil-A = basura blanca
Inappropriate fat joke. RT @ewerickson: Went to Chick-Fil-A for breakfast.The crowd was so big I gave up.— LOLGOP (@LOLGOP) August 1, 2012
| 147 |
darthstar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:13:37am |
Erickson probably meant there were a lot of people, but the guy's such an asshole I'm glad to see him getting mocked by LOLGOP
| 148 |
wrenchwench Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:14:29am |
re: #145 Gus
I know it's not PC for what I'm about to say so I'll say it in Spanish.
Chick-Fil-A = basura blanca
Ahora no es CP.
| 149 |
jaunte Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:16:18am |
re: #146 darthstar
I was wondering what Erickson had stashed in his cheeks.
| 150 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:18:00am |
re: #149 jaunte
I was wondering what Erickson had stashed in his cheeks.
Extra food in case he runs out.
| 151 |
NJDhockeyfan Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:19:04am |
IDF tank-shield intercepts missile
The IDF's Windbreaker defense system has intercepted an anti-tank missile fired at a tank in the central Gaza Strip, near Kissufim on Wednesday.
An IDF inquiry suggests that the tank shield detected a missile launch during operational activity near the border fence. No injuries were reported....Lieutenant-Colonel Yoav Shukrun, Commander of the Kfir Brigade's Haruv Battalion said that Hamas and the Islamic Jihad "are trying to drag us into a broader conflict. There is nothing innocent about cells approaching the fence and no one is doing it to forge peace with Israel."
| 152 |
GunstarGreen Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:19:44am |
re: #144 Gus
Yep. Theoretically Keystone XL would have a negative impact on domestic coal production as would fracking. Happens naturally when you add to the energy pool. The free market takes over. It can fluctuate and coal can also make a return. However, just like everyone loves the "free market" the same is true when you try to build a coal fired power plant right next to that cattle ranch which is owned by a Republican who will tell you, "no, you can't build that here."
Religious Liberty! Wait, you want to build a mosque where?!
| 153 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:19:52am |
Indian court's ruling clears way for Exxon Valdez's final demise
August 1, 2012 | 9:10 am
NEW DELHI -- A ruling by India's Supreme Court has cleared the way for the former Exxon Valdez tanker to be dismantled, the final chapter of its notorious career.
The ship that dumped 11 million gallons of crude oil into Alaska's Prince William Sound in 1989 should land on the beaches of Alang in western Gujarat state later this month, its owners said. The vessel, now named the Oriental Nicety, will be hacked apart by hundreds of low-paid laborers in the world's largest ship graveyard.
Local environmentalists asked the high court in April to block the vessel's entry, arguing that it was laden with toxic chemicals, including mercury, arsenic and asbestos. The court ruled against them this week.
Though the court allowed the ship to die in India, it ruled that future inbound "end-of-life" vessels heading for Alang would have to prove they are in compliance with the U.N. Basel Convention governing the international movement of hazardous waste, a step activists termed a victory of sorts...
| 154 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:20:47am |
re: #152 GunstarGreen
Religious Liberty! Wait, you want to build a mosque where?!
Yep. Or business liberty.
Wait a minute. You want to build a strip joint where?
| 156 |
jaunte Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:22:05am |
I need a new bike.
Prototype hoverbike could soar to 3km altitude at 173mph
An Australian chap named Chris Malloy has built a hoverbike from motorbike parts, which he claims can fly at 173mph at an altitude of 3,000 metres.
| 157 |
lawhawk Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:22:15am |
re: #154 Gus
Hey, what's that stripper pole doing in that bedroom. /
| 158 |
jaunte Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:24:07am |
Speaking of coal:
Police Chief of Matewan, WV murdered by company goons on this day in 1921; starting the Battle of Blair Mountain
— Mike Elk (@MikeElk) August 1, 2012
| 159 |
GunstarGreen Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:24:36am |
re: #155 Gus
Or an auto body shop. Mmmmmm, mmmm. Don't that paint smell good.
Business liberty! Wait, you want to sell alcohol on Sunday?!
| 160 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:25:53am |
re: #159 GunstarGreen
Business liberty! Wait, you want to sell alcohol on Sunday?!
This is why we have zoning and community development. :)
| 161 |
NJDhockeyfan Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:25:56am |
re: #158 jaunte
Speaking of coal:
[Embedded content]
The Battle of Blair Mountain was one of the largest civil uprisings in United States history and the largest armed rebellion since the American Civil War.[1] For five days in late August and early September 1921, in Logan County, West Virginia, some 10,000 armed coal miners confronted 3,000 lawmen and strikebreakers, called the Logan Defenders,[2]who were backed by coal mine operators during an attempt by the miners to unionize the southwestern West Virginia coalfields. The battle ended after approximately one million rounds were fired,[3] and the United States Army intervened by presidential order.
| 162 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:27:12am |
Teh FAIL keeps on coming
Coal is an extremely cheap fuel, but when you cripple to ability of coal-powered plants to compete via regulation that kills the industry.— Jason B. Whitman (@JasonBWhitman) August 1, 2012
| 163 |
Kragar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:28:54am |
re: #162 Learned Mother of Zion
Teh FAIL keeps on coming
[Embedded content]
Slave labor is an extremely cheap workforce, but when you cripple its ability via regulation, it kills the industry.
| 164 |
lawhawk Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:29:33am |
re: #162 Learned Mother of Zion
Guess he mustn't love air he can't see. /
| 165 |
jaunte Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:29:46am |
re: #162 Learned Mother of Zion
Doesn't say much for his skills as a currency trader.
| 167 |
Killgore Trout Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:31:26am |
re: #151 NJDhockeyfan
Looks like there was a work accident today too.
Hamas militant killed in mystery Gaza blast
A militant with the armed wing of Gaza's ruling Hamas movement died in Gaza City on Wednesday after the car he was travelling in exploded, Palestinian medical sources said.
There was no accusation against Israel, prompting suspicions it was a "work accident" -- the euphemism for the accidental detonation of explosives held by militants.
| 168 |
Kragar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:32:11am |
Fischer: Obama's Re-Election Will Lead to 'Serious Talk About Secession'
The topic again popped up on Bryan Fischer's radio program yesterday when a caller told Fischer that when martial law is implemented, the AFA would be more than welcome to seek protection in Texas, which prompted Fischer to warn that DHS had riot gear and nearly a half-billion rounds of ammunition on hand that "they're going to use ... on Americans" and declare that if Obama is re-elected, "you're going to hear some serious talk about secession in any number of places around America":
| 169 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:33:16am |
re: #168 Kragar
Fischer: Obama's Re-Election Will Lead to 'Serious Talk About Secession'
Cool. I'll help.
//
| 170 |
jaunte Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:33:32am |
"you're going to hear some serious talk about secession in any number of places around America":
Srsly!!
| 171 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:34:13am |
re: #170 jaunte
"you're going to hear some serious talk about secession in any number of places around America":
Srsly!!
Or as I like to say, theriously.
| 172 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:34:29am |
re: #168 Kragar
Fischer: Obama's Re-Election Will Lead to 'Serious Talk About Secession'
We'll win this time! We'll beat them Yankees with corn stalks!
| 173 |
Kragar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:36:49am |
Fischer: African Americans Need Welfare like 'Drug-Addled Addicts,' Practicing 'Idolatry'
Yesterday on Focal Point, American Family Association spokesman Bryan Fischer said he has no idea why African Americans support President Obama and other Democratic candidates in such high numbers. His only explanation was that the “Democrat Party” got African Americans “hooked” on government welfare like “drug-addled addicts” who “hook up with their supplier once a month” and “get their fix.” He claimed Democrats “want slaves” just like in “pre-Civil War days” and have been able to accomplish their goal by turning government into “one big giant methadone clinic.”
Black voters, Fischer said, are practicing “a form of idolatry” and therefore violating the Ten Commandments by supporting Democratic candidates and staying “on the Democratic plantation.” While the Democratic Party ushered in civil rights legislation – as southern “Dixiecrats” broke with the Democrats and left for the Republican Party, which welcomed them with open arms – Fischer once again distorted the historical record and said Democrats were hostile to the civil rights movement.
| 174 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:37:40am |
Perspective on #Palestinian culture from @billclinton (who unlike @mittromney actually knows something about it). bit.ly/R6hvaE— Joe Conason (@JConason) August 1, 2012
| 175 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:38:20am |
Coal Front Group Helps Back $6 Million Campaign Against Higher Renewable Energy Standard bit.ly/M8kBbY— DenisCampbell (@UKProgressive) August 1, 2012
| 176 |
Killgore Trout Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:38:31am |
OMG! Iranian Space Monkeys!
Iran to Launch Monkey into Space
Iran will orbit a rocket with a live monkey on board later this month, Iranian Space Agency chief Dr. Hamid Fazeli said on Wednesday, the country's IRNA news agency reported.
The Kavoshgar-5 satellite carrier with a bio-capsule holding a rhesus monkey is to be launched between August 19 and 20, he added.
| 177 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:39:09am |
Starnes: Stand Up to Anti-Christian, Anti-Chicken Heterophobic Bigotsnation.foxnews.com/chick-fil/2012...— Fox Nation (@foxnation) August 1, 2012
| 178 |
lawhawk Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:39:10am |
Expect to see a bunch of sound and fury about the HCR changes effective today. Beginning today, all new plans must cover certain preventive services such as mammograms and colonoscopies without charging a deductible, co-pay or coinsurance. No cost sharing is allowed for Women's Preventive Services – including well-woman visits, support for breastfeeding equipment, contraception and domestic violence screening.
Note that the contraceptive mandate is the one that the right will scream most loudly about - though certain groups have an extra year to implement.
| 179 |
Kragar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:39:35am |
Study: Romney Plan Would Raise Taxes On 95% Of Americans
Mitt Romney’s tax plan would be a boon for the wealthy, but a tax hike for 95% of Americans, according to a new nonpartisan study.
The report, by researchers from both the Brookings Institution and Tax Policy Center, examined Romney’s suggestion of an across-the-board 20% income tax cut financed by closing existing loopholes and concluded there was no way to make the numbers work without burdening the vast majority of Americans with higher taxes.
Romney has not said which tax breaks he would end to finance his plan, but he has suggested that he would only look to breaks that benefit the wealthy. The report concluded that notion is a fantasy no matter how it’s constructed: There simply are too many middle class tax breaks on the table to avoid skewing the burden against the average American.
“Even if tax expenditures are eliminated in a way designed to make the resulting tax system as progressive as possible, there would still be a shift in the tax burden of roughly $86 billion from those making over $200,000 to those making less than that amount,” the report reads.
| 180 |
jaunte Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:40:45am |
re: #177 Gus
#ChickFilA honors my America by making a chicken patty so tender you don't need teeth to eat it
— Gen JC Christian (@JC_Christian) August 1, 2012
| 181 |
jaunte Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:42:36am |
Women's Preventive Services Now Covered Under the Affordable Care Act [Link: www.americanprogress.org...]
| 182 |
Kragar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:43:01am |
For Chick-Fil-A day, we're roasting a chicken at home
| 183 |
NJDhockeyfan Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:44:04am |
| 184 |
Kragar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:44:32am |
| 185 |
Decatur Deb Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:44:42am |
re: #177 Gus
[Embedded content]
"Starnes: Stand Up to Anti-Christian, Anti-Chicken Heterophobic Bigots nation.foxnews.com/chick-fil/2012…"
Wouldn't boycotting Chik-fil-A sort of make you pro-chicken?
| 186 |
NJDhockeyfan Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:45:16am |
Bulgaria releases photo of suicide bomber from Burgas blast
SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Bulgarian police on Wednesday released a computer-generated image of the suicide attacker involved in the bombing in Bulgaria that killed five Israeli tourists and a Bulgarian bus driver two weeks ago.
A police statement said the image of the dark-haired man was produced after reconstructing the badly damaged face of the bomber, who was decapitated in the explosion at a popular vacation resort on July 18.
The photo was sent to partner services for possible identification after fingerprints and DNA samples taken from the bomber did not match with anything in international databases, said Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov.
| 187 |
Killgore Trout Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:45:29am |
re: #183 NJDhockeyfan
What are the chances it makes it into space?
I think the poor monkey is fucked. Iranian missile technology isn't very good but I look forward to the photoshops.
| 188 |
GunstarGreen Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:45:35am |
re: #168 Kragar
Fischer: Obama's Re-Election Will Lead to 'Serious Talk About Secession'
Oh please do, I hope so very much that you do, Mr. Fischer.
The look on your face when the feds stomp your pathetic little ragtag militia into the dirt would be priceless.
| 189 |
lawhawk Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:45:41am |
re: #176 Killgore Trout
As per that article, it's to orbit at 120 to 130 kilometers. That sounds rather low. In fact, that's well below typically determined low earth orbit and as such is probably a suborbital flight (along the lines of the Virgin Galactic/SpaceShip I/II White Knight flights to the edge of space.
What that indicates is that they're attempting a multistage rocket that has intermediate range and if mated with a warhead, could hit targets throughout the Middle East.
However, they haven't exactly had the best track record on missile launches.
| 190 |
Kragar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:46:05am |
Tennessee State Rep. Claims Obama Will Fake Assassination To Prevent An Election
Tennessee state Rep. Kelly Keisling (R) is spreading a conspiracy theory to his constituents that claims that President Obama will fake his own assassination to avoid an election against Republican candidate Mitt Romney.
In an email sent from a government email address in his office, Keisling forwarded along a warning that the President and the Department of Homeland Security are potentially working together to try to implement martial law, heading off an election by pretending the President has been killed.
| 192 |
erik_t Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:47:00am |
re: #190 Kragar
Tennessee State Rep. Claims Obama Will Fake Assassination To Prevent An Election
I'm not Mitt Romney rich, but even I will bet Mr. Keisling ten thousand dollars that this won't happen.
| 193 |
GunstarGreen Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:47:08am |
re: #185 Decatur Deb
"Starnes: Stand Up to Anti-Christian, Anti-Chicken Heterophobic Bigots nation.foxnews.com/chick-fil/2012…"
Wouldn't boycotting Chik-fil-A sort of make you pro-chicken?
That would require thought on their part, which is much too difficult to be asking for.
Goes along with the "heterophobic" meme that some elements of the right have been trying out lately. It does not make any sense except as a "nyah nyah I know you are but what am I" rebuttal, but they haven't thought that far.
| 194 |
Killgore Trout Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:48:36am |
re: #189 lawhawk
What that indicates is that they're attempting a multistage rocket that has intermediate range and if mated with a warhead, could hit targets throughout the Middle East.
However, they haven't exactly had the best track record on missile launches.
I thought of that too. It seems to be an excuse to test some rocket technology more than assisting the monkey to explore space.
| 195 |
Decatur Deb Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:48:53am |
Officer Pepperspray is spending more time with his family.
[Link: www.sacbee.com...]
| 196 |
Kragar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:51:33am |
I'm really getting sick and tired of these people.
| 197 |
jaunte Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:51:35am |
re: #192 erik_t
Keisling has already emulated Romney and is walking it back:
“Earlier this week, I forwarded an email from my legislative office that should not have been sent out. The message was inappropriate for distribution. I regret the error and pledge to be more cautious regarding the information distributed from my office in the future.”
[Link: blogs.tennessean.com...]
"Inappropriate for distribution." Not false, far-fetched or insane, just inappropriate for distribution. What a weasel.
| 198 |
erik_t Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:52:55am |
"And here's the thing," Obama said. "He's not asking you to contribute more to pay down the deficit. He's not asking you to pay more to invest in our children's education or rebuild our roads or put more folks back to work. He's asking you to pay more so that people like him can get a big tax cut. In order to afford just one $250,000 tax cut for somebody like Mr. Romney, 125 families like yours would have to pay another $2,000 in taxes each and every year. Does that sound like a good plan for economic growth? Does that sound like a plan you can afford?"
But, something something mealymouthed whatever estate.
And this election is close.
| 199 |
Kragar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:53:28am |
re: #197 jaunte
Keisling has already emulated Romney and is walking it back:
"Inappropriate for distribution." Not false, far-fetched or insane, just inappropriate for distribution. What a weasel.
"I never meant for people not trusted by the inner circle to see that."
| 200 |
GunstarGreen Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:56:06am |
re: #199 Kragar
"I never meant for people not trusted by the inner circle to see that."
That was not intended to be a factual statement.
| 201 |
Kragar Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:56:43am |
Conan O’Brien Introduces ‘Chaz, The Intolerant Chick-fil-A Chicken’
This week, Conan O’Brien introduced a new mascot for Chick-fil-A: Chaz, the Intolerant Chicken. Preaching the company’s anti-gay beliefs, Chaz encourages gay men and lesbians to give up their abominable attractions and enjoy Chick-fil-A’s food as substitute, with hilarious results. Chaz always signs off with his trademark tagline, “Eat up, You Godless Sodomites!”
| 202 |
jaunte Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:57:08am |
Roll-Call reporter:
Just saw staffers bring in four large bags of Chick-fil-a for GOP steering lunch.— Humberto Sanchez (@hsanchez128) August 1, 2012
| 206 |
NJDhockeyfan Wed, Aug 1, 2012 9:59:43am |
re: #187 Killgore Trout
I think the poor monkey is fucked. Iranian missile technology isn't very good but I look forward to the photoshops.
Israel better watch out. Iran could be launching a boat load of monkeys if they attack.
| 207 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 10:00:36am |
re: #205 lawhawk
And the Times is reporting that Cruz is poised to be the Tea Party intellectual.
Yeah. Intellectual.
| 208 |
Eventual Carrion Wed, Aug 1, 2012 10:00:40am |
| 209 |
Killgore Trout Wed, Aug 1, 2012 10:01:38am |
re: #174 Gus
[Embedded content]
Here's some more perspective on Palestinian culture from Pew Research...
Declining Support for bin Laden and Suicide Bombing
Only 17% of Palestinians reject suicide bombings and violence against civilians (the lowest rate of the countries surveyed)
52% have high confidence in Bin Laden (2nd highest support rate)
Also...
Young Palestinians are far more likely to express positive views of the al Qaeda leader. Six-in-ten Palestinian Muslims under 30 say they have confidence in bin Laden; 46% of those age 30 and older share that view. The age gap was much narrower in 2003 -- 76% of those under 30 and 69% in the older age group had confidence in bin Laden then.
I think that's a cultural problem that probably has an effect on their potential future prosperity.
| 210 |
Holidays are Family Fun Time Wed, Aug 1, 2012 10:02:11am |
Well, here we are, once again, morning.
For me anyway-finally slept a good long while.
you?
| 211 |
Petero1818 Wed, Aug 1, 2012 10:04:02am |
re: #177 Gus
[Embedded content]
How many times have fundamentalists talked about waking the sleeping giant. Unless this giant is masquerading as a schoolbus filled with adolescent church groups who would do practically anything for a free chicken sandwich, I call BS.
| 212 |
RadicalModerate Wed, Aug 1, 2012 10:04:06am |
re: #207 Gus
Yeah. Intellectual.
Well, when it comes to Tea Partiers, "intellectual" is a relative term.
| 213 |
allegro Wed, Aug 1, 2012 10:05:36am |
re: #212 RadicalModerate
Well, when it comes to Tea Partiers, "intellectual" is a relative term.
When it comes to the Teabaggers, every day is opposite day.
| 214 |
Kronocide Wed, Aug 1, 2012 10:05:36am |
re: #205 lawhawk
And the Times is reporting that Cruz is poised to be the Tea Party intellectual.
I'm constantly struck by the rank hypocrisy of Limbaugh decades ago when I listened to him. One of his trusty canards was liberals love style over substance. That's the Tea Party in a nutshell.
No doubt Cruz, with his Ivy League pedigree, will be touted as an intellectual, merely because he went to an Ivy League college. I have a feeling his actual words and thoughts will lack in substance.
| 216 |
garhighway Wed, Aug 1, 2012 10:09:26am |
re: #205 lawhawk
And the Times is reporting that Cruz is poised to be the Tea Party intellectual.
Talk about grading on a curve.
| 217 |
NJDhockeyfan Wed, Aug 1, 2012 10:15:08am |
re: #209 Killgore Trout
Only 17% of Palestinians reject suicide bombings and violence against civilians (the lowest rate of the countries surveyed)
52% have high confidence in Bin Laden (2nd highest support rate)
Well there's a shocker. After seeing what they teach their kids in school I would have expected those numbers to be higher.
| 218 |
blueraven Wed, Aug 1, 2012 10:23:19am |
re: #209 Killgore Trout
Here's some more perspective on Palestinian culture from Pew Research...
Declining Support for bin Laden and Suicide Bombing
Only 17% of Palestinians reject suicide bombings and violence against civilians (the lowest rate of the countries surveyed)
52% have high confidence in Bin Laden (2nd highest support rate)
Also...I think that's a cultural problem that probably has an effect on their potential future prosperity.
Why dont you look at something a little newer than 2009?
Before his death in 2011 support had waned.
34% of Palestinians expressed support. Still high but not over half
Support for bin Laden also declined steeply over time among Muslims in Indonesia and Pakistan, as well as the Palestinian territories. Palestinians, however, remained more supportive than other publics – in 2011, 34% still expressed confidence in the al Qaeda leader.
[Link: www.pewglobal.org...]
| 219 |
Gus Wed, Aug 1, 2012 10:24:34am |
Author: 'Mitt Is Confused' on Palestine and Culture
By Peter Coy on July 31, 2012
As reported today in the New York Times, Mitt Romney offended Palestinian leaders on Monday with his suggestion that cultural differences explain why Israelis are more economically successful than Palestinians. In trying to tamp down the controversy, Romney’s people offended Mexicans by saying culture also explains why the U.S. is richer than Mexico.
Leave it to others to discuss whether the Republican candidate’s remarks needlessly antagonized Palestinians and Mexicans, with whom he may need to work if he’s elected president. For economists, the question is whether he’s right or wrong on the facts. Does culture explain economic differences? It seems like a logical conclusion, but on closer inspection the answer is “no.”
Take the Palestinians of the West Bank and Gaza. Are they poor because their culture is not conducive to economic success? No. Many Palestinian Arabs have made big successes in business as immigrants to the U.S. And Arab citizens of Israel are far more economically successful than their brethren in the territories. Much like the U.S., Israel has developed a set of institutions such as rule of law and free enterprise that provide economic opportunity for immigrants (true, mostly Jews) from vastly different cultures, ranging from Yemen to Russia to Ethiopia. The Palestinian Authority still lacks those institutions and is further burdened by restrictions imposed by Israel to prevent cross-border terrorism.
What about Mexico, which Romney also cited for supposed cultural problems? Mexico is cited to make a point exactly opposite Romney’s in Why Nations Fail, a new book by MIT economist Daron Acemoglu and Harvard political scientist James Robinson. (I reviewed Why Nations Fail for Bloomberg Businessweek). They open their book with a scene from the U.S.-Mexican border, observing that the people on both sides are culturally and ethnically almost identical. The ones on the American side are richer because they benefit from a financial and legal system that makes it easier to get ahead.
Continues.
| 220 |
CuriousLurker Wed, Aug 1, 2012 10:36:04am |
Militant political indoctrination ≠ culture.
Hmm, I see that while religion is mentioned as having played a significant role in the cultural life of Ireland and has been the focus of political identity & divisions since the 17th century, I don't see any mention of terrorism being part of Irish culture. Imagine that.
| 221 |
Decatur Deb Wed, Aug 1, 2012 10:39:00am |
re: #220 CuriousLurker
Militant political indoctrination ≠ culture.
Hmm, I see that while religion is mentioned as having played a significant role in the cultural life of Ireland and has been the focus of political identity & divisions since the 17th century, I don't see any mention of terrorism being part of Irish culture. Imagine that.
What terrorism?
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