How do we prevent these type of postings in our OFA events center???
Panel Discussion: Is Obama a Marxist , Fascist or just a creep trying to destroy a free America?
The President is still hours away from announcing the “long-awaited” decision on Afghanistan. Dick Cheney is up early already calling the policy weak. Thank God we have a president who actually things through a situation and asks questions. W and Dick simply reached to their hips for a six-shooter - thinking be damned.
Think about it. This is the Dick who led the premature pull-out from Afghanistan to go into Iraq where all those weapons of mass destruction were amassed. We know now that there were no weapons. Dick knew long before sending our sons and daughters into a totally unnecessary war there were no weapons. This is the Dick who was absolutely terrified of the possibility that HE would have to serve in Viet Nam. Using powers and funds unavailable to most of us - he obtained five deferments from military service. In his own words: “I have higher priorities”.
So here we are in 2009 dealing with the mess made by the Dick and his so-called boss.
The situation we now find ourselves in - is a direct result of the complete destruction of American foreign policy - and our military by the Dick. Yet he opens his day with a denouncement of President Obama. Weak. That word coming from the distorted mouth of the Dick would be quite funny, were it not so tragic.
The Obama administration was cast into an impossible situation. Put one hundred options on the table and any one chosen will be attacked. The left will be offended by a continuation and escalation of the war in Afghanistan. The right will be offended that at least 60,000 of OUR sons and daughters are not being sent tomorrow.
I still want to know why the Dick is being allowed to walk away from his war crimes. I want to know exactly what the Dick got out of this. He certainly didn’t offer up any family members to fight.
Here is what Dick can do to at least give some credibility to his horrible tenure as VP. Being an ex VP, he would have no problem embedding - perhaps as a journalist - with a front line unit in Afghanistan. Stay the course. Run into a field of fire to rescue a fallen soldier. Well, one thing is certain. The Dick won’t be going. Weak? Coward? Criminal?
Why does Dick open only one side of his mouth? (Now if he has a medical condition I apologize in advance for talking about it). But it’s true. He never looks anyone in the eye and always uses one side of his mouth to speak.
Finally - I want every adult in America to pay some sort of price for having American in any war. The percentage of folks in the military of the entire eligible population is too low to calculate. Most - certainly not all - of the remainder go about life as normal. The Dick is a billionaire. Much of that was ill-gotten gains from non-competitive construction bids in Iraq. Was that his reason for putting us in there? Those who never served in the military and are gung-ho to “go get em” - should have to do some public service or if they elected - pay a war tax. I think an extra 15% would be fair. Don’t cry WAR, WAR, then refuse to take part in any way.
Dick Cheney - I beg you to keep your mouth shut. You are a bonafide coward as proven when you could have served. You made a horrible (weak) mistake in pulling-out of Afghanistan. You lied to your fellow citizens. Your right to speak is revoked.
Accept the challenge Dick. Go to the war zone and serve for a few years. OK, OK - stop crying. We can’t make you go.
Robert Boseley
rboseley@tampabay.rr.com
rboseley1@me.com
http://www.robertboseley.com
Over the Finish Line Healthcare Phonebank!!
Wednesday, November 11 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Over the Finish Line Event- Phonebank
There was a time so-called “conservatives” just caused me to shake my head in disbelief. There were also times I got a bit angry. Now my only emotion is amusement. I say only emotion - but that is not completely true. The amusement is too often followed by disbelief and anger.
I have more about conservatives, but I must digress. The media. They have gone far beyond reason. They, particularly the cable talkers, perhaps passed that line long ago - but making today’s races in New Jersey and Virginia a referendum on Barack Obama is “making news in a bottle”. It also is a slap across the faces of the residents of those states - indicating they have no idea that they are voting for governors. Listen up media. They are voting for governors. They are voting for governors. This election is no more about Obama than it is about how I should treat my prostate cancer. Poor media. They are still trying to rebound from the great balloon chase. Not one “thinking” human believed that piece of foil with a small amount of helium could carry even a 50 pound child. When caught - the media called for the scalp of the father. And mother. Take the kids and place them in a wonderful foster home. NUTS. I actually think America needs more families who don’t stick their heads in the sand and try to “look like every other person”. Yes they may have cost the stupid sheriff’s department a dime or two - but it was they who were hooked by the bait. What the media needs is another “beautiful” white woman - preferably pregnant - to disappear. (Note I did not say GO MISSING).
Oh well - back to the conservatives. According to the institution mentioned in the last paragraph - conservatives woke up last Thursday morning and concluded the government is “too large”. Now understand, a great amount of that “getting bigger” was accomplished under a conservative administration. Hello???
Too large. At what point does a government become “TOO” large? Is there an unpublished formula? When George Washington presided over the government - I presume the government was small. However, “large” is a relative term. As the population increased, and more states were added, I am fairly certain the government would become larger. It would have more members of Congress. It would need more money. As time marched on - the government - grew. Son of a *****, I would never have guessed. BUT we crossed over to too large last Thursday. Fact: According to a Gallop poll - virtually no-one knows what conservatism actually is. Today’s conservatives fall into a group who “just say no”. No health care reform. No, to whatever policy Obama is for. No to equal rights and protections - AS STATED IN THE CONSTITUTION! NO - the climate is not warming; and we don’t need all those Polar Bears. The water flowing from the great ice-fields is not really water. Conservatives believe granny Sarah Palin should lead the free world. I can see Russia from my house. Where do you believe Putin goes when he REARS HIS HEAD? Why he comes to Alaska of course. And I am still looking for a way for a human to REAR one’s head. What does that mean?
Rest will Bill Buckley.
Amused in Florida.
Anyone, and I doubt there is, who has actually read any of my near three hundred posts, knows that I get confused easily. I could recite a long list of things which have confused me over the years. I could, but I am confused as to what the items were.
I awoke this morning wondering why conservatives don’t much like Polar Bears. That confuses me. I happen to love all animals - and I particularly fancy the big white bears. I have yet to have an up close and personal relationship with one, but there is hope. Now, as to being confused, why is being a bear offensive to the political right? The average Polar bear did not ask to be a bear. They could as easily have come back as a Fox News anchor. (Yes I definitely believe in reincarnation). But thankfully they are large, beautiful bears who harm no one. Unlike a Fox News anchor. All most Polar bears desire is a large chunk of ice upon which to call home. The problem is, the Earth is getting warmer. We and the bears know this, because those formerly large pieces of ice are now tiny. Large became small due to melting. Melting occurs when the temperature warms. How much more straight forward do wing-nuts need?
Sean Hannity insists that we will soon be in another ice-age. Sean studied religion not science - and there are a few thousand Polar bears who may not be able to wait. Sean does not like bears, Polar or otherwise, and has no love for any creature with more than two legs. (Thank you Lord for not letting me go down that path and letting me get back to the point).
The point was, and is, what does global warming have to do with politics? Why do liberals believe the Earth is warming and conservatives believe it is getting colder? To this I suggest going to Seattle - get on one of those cruise boats and go north. The captain will deliver you to a spot where you can see ice melting. The clue is that streams of water can be seen flowing FROM atop the ice. Seasonal? True that the stream may turn to a drip at certain period, but the stream will return. There is by far less ice now than a few years back. Melting. Conservatives note the word. Melting. While on the boat, if lucky, you might see a Polar bear clinging to a hunk of ice smaller than the bear.
I used the Polar bear as an example. Seems sufficiently simple that even the folks who prance about calling themselves “conservative” might understand. Rush went on one of those boats. They had to limit the number of passengers to compensate for the Limbaugh blubber. I digress again. Rush saw the water flow and pontificated. He believes Al Gore was up on that ice with a hair dryer. “NO, no way is that ice melting on its own” proclaimed the drugster. Rush. The expert. Rush - the people of Cape Girardeau, Missouri remember Rush. Someone wanted to rename the Cape high school as Limbaugh High, There was a town-meeting. They did not rename the school.
Rush now wants to plant himself in St. Louis. For those not familiar with that part of our country - Cape G is about 50 miles south of STL. He wants to go home.
Now we all know why I get confused. I can’t stay on topic. Polar bear = Rush? No way. Those bears know where they are wanted. I am going to stop. Here.
Hold the trolly. I need an answer to a serious question. “EVEN if one finds his or her self not subscribing to the “water freezes at 32 degrees F” fact - how can limiting the release of toxic gases into the atmosphere be good? Why not do the good thing - then in the unlikely event there is another ice-age; no harm no foul. Doing good is good in itself.
It is so easy to fall into the trap of name-calling. Particularly when it comes to folks like Rush and his merry band of Deathers and Birthers. Now, wasn’t that easy!
One thing which always comes to the front in these domestic political battles is good old fashioned hypocrisy. “Health-care for all is not what our founders had in mind”. How many times have we heard that one. One rather intelligent young lady appeared at one of the town halls pointing this “fact” out to whomever it was. She was later interviewed by Larry O’Donnell on MSNBC. As I said she did not seem rabid, but was totally confused as to what she really thinks of a “socialized” America. Larry did an excellent job of questioning without badgering. One direct question drives it all home. “Then you would favor abandoning Social Security and Medicare - since the founders clearly had not thought that far ahead. Total frustration on the part of the young lady.
When those who want the system we have in place left untouched say so - they then have no answer at all for what we do with a failing Medicare - not to mention Social Security. Therein lies the biggest problem we have facing healthcare reform. A huge number of American’s love the system as is. They are working for a an employer who picks up most of the tab, they have or will have Medicare. They see the docs the wish to see. Now ask what about those not so lucky. Many times I get the feeling that some believe the uninsured are so by desire. We know that is not so.
Let me just tell you my own case. I was employed by the same employer for 30 years. I carried and excellent major medical plan into retirement - the picked up Medicare. My “network” of providers is huge - so no problem there. I pay 40% of the premiums on the policy - and each year the rate climbs at an unbelievable rate. There are more reasons that time to discuss them - but one of the major culprits are the uninsured. Don’t we all realize someone pays for them? Right. If we have insurance, our rates go up dramatically to cover those lost charges. And for many other reasons.
Hospital rates go up, for the same reason, but they also rise due to the competition among hospitals to be number one in an area. They spend money on new equipment as if they were buying aspirin. From their point of view - profit and not-for-profit - if they don’t have the latest update to the equipment; then they may lose a patient to one who does.
Testing. When you and I go into the doc to see why Part Z-j88 of our body is giving us trouble - we want tests. Lots of them. Test everything. Get to the truth. But the simple fact is, 50% of those tests are completely unnecessary. Fault? Primarily the patient’s, because if some unordered test later would prove to be the big one - the doc may as well sign-over all. Defense. Patient’s force their docs to play defense.
Another personal example. Sorry. My father is 96, living in an assisted living facility. Took him to the doc last week (who happens to be a cardiologist - I know not why he is acting as primary care). Within the hour we were there, my Dad was set up for three rather dramatic test over a 10 day period. All extremely expensive. I asked the doc point blank that if test A reveals condition Z - what next. “Are you considering putting this 96 year old on the table and doing open heart?” No, of course not. Then what is your plan if condition Z is encountered? Thee was no plan. Long story short, I declined on behalf of my father to do the tests - unless and until Plan B is presented.
ONLY truly open, non-yelling, dialog is going to even have a chance at getting to the health-care crisis. If only one group of the major players refuse to talk - then we are in for God know what. In the current situation the non-players are the insurance companies and............the patients.
I don’t have a solid answer. I do know that so long as talk-radio continues to be the focal point of the opposition - we simply will go no where. After all it was Rush among a few others - who outwardly wish for the failure of Obama/America.
I forced myself to “sit” through Sen. Specter’s town-hall meeting. One thing was apparent. Some of the participants read two or three pages of the House bill, and asked questions pertaining to those pages out of context. Certainly there are provisions in the House bill which are going to need “washing” by the Senate. The bottom line from the town-hall: No one changed anyone’s mind about anything.
I implore President Obama to find a way to get sufficient TV time to do a sit down with his own advisors and representatives from the various groups protesting various provisions. I would also like to see folks like the CEO’s of some insurance companies, hospitals, the AMA present. How much good would come from it? Little. But at least the President will have stood his ground and faced the opposition.
The reason little would come from it, is that person’s positions on healthcare are carved in stone. The only people with any real interest are the uninsured - and far from all of them are concerned. I know a family - father 56, mother 55 - empty nest. They refuse to purchase health insurance (he is eligible under a county coop) because the have been using the ER for thirty years with no problem at all. Oh they get threats from time to time - but have avoided bankruptcy. They brag that “I” pay his bills. Indeed I do.
When viewing or listening one of these meetings one always wishes they were present to respond. When these folks bounce the term Medicare and Medicaid around - because they are Socialistic - I would simply invite them to pull out. Don’t want it - don’t take it. Yes you will continue to pay.
Once again, just a reminder from my previous blog - go to Brave New Films and watch the video on the United Health Care CEO. He says NO to a little child who needs a procedure - then adds another wing to his mansion.
My heart leaped for joy when I listened to the talks between President Obama, the Canadian Prime Minister, and the Mexican president. President Barack Obama explained the health care plans. First, Congress and the people of the United States will complete the negotiations and then Congress will vote on our health care plan when Congress returns. Next, we will begin the discussions on the new immigration reform. He anticipates that these discussions will continue through the end of this year. Finally, Congress will vote on an immigration reform bill when they return at the first of next year. We will maintain the safety of our borders by working together with Homeland Security and our neighbors, Mexico and Canada. In addition we will and provide financial support to the Mexican government to help them fight the war against drugs. We will relax the rules on immigration so relatives can immigrate as we did in the past before 9-11, and we will make it possible for those who live in the "shadows" to have a pathway to their citizenship. This is a very humane and a very American plan.
The rest is my personal opinion. As we know "but for" the immigration laws and the fact that we stole the land from the native American in whome we think have no rights to leadership or were just pests that interfered with our ability to colonize the United States and develop it into the prosperous nation that we now have. The fault in this thinking is that it goes against all that is in our Constitution and makes us a heartless nation of hypocrites if we do not give the same benefits others as we took or were given by virtue of the sacrifices of others, be they involuntary, in the case of the Native Americans. I look forward to the common decency of those in Congress who appear to be benefit from the insurance and drug company bribes probable stashed away in secret offshore accounts in order to entice them to vote against 45 million American who are with out health care. Then we must think of those Native American who were forced to move from their lands and were scattered into Cananda, Mexico, and the Caribbean to avoid a sure death or a life of a second class citizen in their own native land.
We will get this Constitution right and we will do it soon because there are more of us who care about humane rights than those who are moved by money.
It must be a very tough job running a twenty-four hour, seven days per week news channel. Actually we can remove “must be”. These folks prove it every single second they are on the air. And that would be always.
Never mind the seventh grade grammatical errors made by the “journalists”. Sorry seventh-graders; that was an unfair shot. Now - for all waiting to attack my grammar. I would only point out that I am no journalist. I am not paid the big bucks to write and speak. English. I also happen to like fragments. How about that sentence, or non-sentence in technical correctness, begun with “And?”
I digress. It is not grammar I wish to discuss. That would involve an entire blog unto itself. Drive slow.
No, the point of this rant will be the relentless search for topics. I like MSNBC – but have you noticed how they simply close for business at 11:00pm each Friday? (Just to be fair, they now are doing a little on Saturday mornings). For the most part however – there shall be no “news” on weekends. They dig through the barrels all week to find something – anything to babble about. I have this vision of someone walking into the room at 11:00. “OK, folks. That’s it for another week. We will be running Lockup and the Life and Times of Brooke Shields”. Seems they rerun those two in order to drive people mad. Over, and over and over. BUT!! 6:00am Monday – there is news again. Rejoice.
CNN and that other one don’t let weekends disrupt them. In the case of “that other one” – they exist in a constant state of disruption. F.. F….. Fo…..OH HELL – Fox.
Saturday morning. Ironically MSNBC is on. I did so much want to watch killers and rapists mingling around a prison yard. While fixing my egg, I heard the “anchor” say that President Obama “did not say the word terrorist once”. I burned the egg. I put my head on the counter. Did she just inform me of the “failure” of Barack Obama to use a specific word? She did. I was not particularly hungry.
I use this unfortunate person who was simply reading what was in front of her. Hardly her fault.
No, the fault in reality lies with all of us. Easy to put it on the backs of the news channels – but they after all sell what sells. However, I can’t let then off that easily. Were the news outlets to bring aboard people who actually take journalism seriously and let them do some real work outside the 22nd Century sets – perhaps we might get a little substance.
I have recalled before – the old days – when NBC did something they called “NBC White Paper”. Knowledgeable people, minus marvelous sets, told us the facts on various subjects. Taxation. The “conflict” in Korean. Now I say bring us the facts – fully realizing that facts are always subject to not being facts. But they tried. We listened.
Can you picture Contessa Brewer giving us an hour long dissertation on the operation of the world economy? I pick on Contessa – well – because she deserves it. But I can think of not one person at any of the networks who could – even if given months to prepare – do such a program. Forget the world economy – that is a stretch. Let’s just settle on Social Security.
The President did not say the word terrorist. Will that be the discussion of this lovely weekend when we have some 50 World Cup Qualifiers to enjoy? I’m going to Starbucks, since I missed breakfast. Instead of my usual Starbuck’s greeting – “Hey, did you hear the president did not say terrorist?” Yes I did. I’ll have a Soy Latte. Grande.
If we are the ones we were waiting for then why now have our voices fallen on deaf ears? Mr.President we did not send you to office to barter with our demands we sent you to Washington to ENFORCE our demands.
Ignoring human rights and detaining human beings without proof of guilt is what evil people do and I for one do not want my vote associated with evil. Anyone who waivers on this issue is nothing more than a political hack and should not be trusted. You can compromise on taxes and other issues but NOT HUMAN RIGHTS!
It is bad enough that you have declared the drug war over and still pursue it with no change from the past, it is also bad enough that you claim to be against "dont ask dont tell" and we are still losing skilled soldiers because of this biggoted and failed policy that you now seem to support. It's also bad enought that you claim to fight the credit card companies and still allow 30% interest and allow people to carry firearms in parks on the same bill(!?!?) Let's not even mention the war you have ignored in Iraq, my brother is on his 6th tour and can only beat the odds for so long. DO YOU SUDDENLY THINK THOSE 20 MILLION NEW VOTERS WERE CONVERTED REPUBLICANS?
I fought hard for you MR.President as did my whole family. We thank you for making sure women are paid the same as men, we thank you for stem cell research and we thank you for the tax cut. Nevertheless people of integrity like myself will not sit by and watch you break the law as did the Bush administration. Have some faith in the record number of people who voted for you and give us the names of those who are fighting the change we asked for and we will vote them out, or you can continue to think you are gaining friends on the other side by turning your back on us. 2012 will be a long year for you Mr.President if you think the latter will pay off.
My family and I were just starting to believe in serving the greater good again even though it has been an up hill battle for the past 50yrs and now you are bringing a cloud over that belief and I for one hope you wake up.
Brian Chrisman
Dear Dick Cheney:
Back in November 2008 we held an election here in the U S. While you were not on the ballot – those representing your point of view were. They lost. They lost by a wide margin. History, and only history, will judge the wisdom of the electorate. You are not the judge. You are the former Vice President. By refusing to accept defeat, and your insistence on going before microphones to call the winner childish names – do a disservice to all of us. I absolutely understand your “right” to continue speaking – but you are not an ordinary citizen. You are as noted, a former high public official. Please do the correct thing – by ceasing to be a disgruntled loser. We listened to you for eight years. It is time for you to go.
Every time I see or hear you – I cannot help but think back to the Viet Nam era. While I and tens of thousands of Americans answered our country’s call to arms – you refused. I was fortunate. I survived. You went about life as if you had no responsibility whatsoever. You obtained five deferments to avoid putting yourself in harms way. To avoid military service. To avoid honor.
Years pass, and you move forward to become the Vice President. Along with your fellow Neo Con’s – you led your country into Iraq. (Sorry, led is not exactly the correct term). You either bought into or perhaps led the tortured conclusion that Iraq was directly involved in the attack on New York. Your solution was to invade that country at the cost of many thousands of American lives. Three times that number lost limps and suffered other horrible injuries. Those deaths and injuries continue today.
With the above in mind Mr. Cheney, you might see how impossible it is for me and millions like me, to take you seriously when you pontificate about wars and the responsibility of young persons to step up. Those without honor have no right at all to question that attribute in others.
You also have no concept of the tradition of the honor of American military forces. It is true Mr. Cheney – that when one resorts to the horrible tactics of one’s enemy – one becomes the enemy. May God forbid that my son be captured by the enemy. However, you and your administration gave away our honor. I suspect you continue to believe that our troops when captured must give only name, rank, and service number. You have no way of knowing that of course – but that has been part of the UCMJ since forever. By giving away American honor like a rag doll, you have put OUR sons and daughters in much greater danger. (As opposed to yours)
Enhanced Interrogation. There was a clear reason for selecting a misleading term. Otherwise why would you not just call it by name? I strongly suspect many hours were spent coming up with a term which would mislead the public. It also points out that even you had misgivings about the real term. Mislead. That was the mantra of the administration you led. Don’t ever expect me to believe that W Bush was calling any shots. Let man and fish coexist?
While I am on the subject of “terms” Mr. Cheney – why exactly did we find it necessary to give cute names to wars? When did that begin? Desert Shield. Desert Storm. Operation This, and Operation That. Now I have been around for some time and I will give you a pass on this one. We have never called the Korean War anything but the Korean Conflict. WWI was a war, as was WWII. I do believe we called Viet Nam a war. But then the politicians – both sides – decided in their wisdom – that we common Americans would be more likely to accept an Operation rather than a War.
Finally Mr. Cheney, I want to discuss a topic on which you and yours have relied so much. On September 12, 2001 we were operating in a vacuum. We did not know what was coming next. We were caught entirely off guard.
Richard Clarke. The record, as you love to refer to, is quite clear that Mr. Clarke and others DID inform your administration of a pending attack. You swept it under the carpet, and then did all you could to discredit Mr. Clarke. What were you and “your boss” doing from January 20, 2000 to September 11, 2001? Were you not sound asleep at the helm? Your argument does not fly – or as you might say – that dog won’t hunt. I will not discuss hunting. Well perhaps a little. I did a little bird hunting before I knew better. I do not see how it is possible for a hunter to shoot a large man, dressed in human clothing, and not flying, to be mistaken for a bird. Any bird hunter knows you fire when your target is about 45 degrees. A flying man? OK, I accept it was an “accident”. Well not really. I just think it is further evidence of the “MAN” you are. (Or are not).
rdbozz@att.blackberry.net
Text 8633079244
Every time I see or hear Dick Cheney - especially when he pontificates about bravery and keeping America safe – I just go nuts. Yes further nuts. I have the same reaction to Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. Just when I thought I was out…..they pull me back in.
Never has Dick Cheney discussed his refusal to actually defend his beloved country in uniform. Correction. He did once say: I had higher priorities. In other words he was obsessed with keeping his behind out of war. It took five deferments and lots of string pulling, but Dick succeeded. Now here he is years later insisting that our sons and daughters die to prove their love of country. I personally believe Dick also went to extraordinary lengths to mislead all of us. As a Neo-Con; he joined with the bunch of seven – named over and over – to get us into a preemptive war with thousands of lives lost at their hands. But, hey – they didn’t suffer. Not a single one of the seven elected to serve in the military. They all dived for cover when their country really needed them. I don’t like name calling. Reminds me of my days on the playground at recess in third grade. However, there come times when a person is so despicable – names are required. Dick Cheney – you are a coward. Proved beyond any doubt. You are a liar. You know full well, as you knew in 2002 that Iraq had NO part in the attack on New York. Yet you went before the Nation and said you had proof of it. You lied. Others died.
Did anyone else notice that when Dick speaks – he never looks at the person to whom he is speaking – including the TV camera? Always looks elsewhere. Also never ever smiles. But that I understand.
It seems to me those who insist water boarding is an act consistent with the values of America – should all volunteer for at least ten sessions. To date, not one has stepped forward. Yes Sean said he would, BUT he has not and will not. He is after all Sean Hannity. Made from the mold of Cheney. Ran off to say he had to become a Priest. No military for this brave one. Then, like Dick, when his military time was passed, he rushed to the microphone to call others to war. You people must go over there and get them. Said Sean. I have challenged Sean to go on over and embed with a unit in Afghanistan. He’s eligible. No, not Sean. He might get hurt. Poor Sean, all mouth – no action.
I am just not going to spend any more time on Rush. Should one look back, it will be found I have said about all I can say about this third coward. The one thing I will mention again – is his assertion that he (Rush) is a more patriotic American than Colin Powell. That is so disgraceful and laughable – it needs little comment. Another military coward vs. a true American hero.
Sometimes in the past, folks have taken exception to my position – believing that I am saying in order to be patriotic. That is not the case – far from it. My objection is when one deliberately escapes military service – THEN becomes a war hawk. I don’t even think one must serve to be in favor of some particular war or to vote for a way. A war hawk is a different animal. A war hawk relishes in having wars. It’s ironic that that military folks are the least hawkish. They know the score. No, it’s the Cheney’s, the Limbaugh’s and the Hannity’s of the world I object to.
I would give the farm, were I to obtain one, to have Cheney, Limbaugh, and Hannity come together with Powell, Petraeus, and Mullen to engage in a debate on war and war tactics. Raise your hand if you believe one of the cowards would ever take part in such a debate. Better to use the microphone, then run for cover.
Damn. I think I said something profound. Why not have “The Cowards” have a public, televised debate with those suggested? Let someone with power throw down the gauntlet. Can’t you imagine Rush pointing a finger at General Petraeus and telling him he knows nothing of war? We must get this off the ground. Toss it out to all your friends. Contact the media. Contact me.
http://robertboseley.blogspot.com
There are many things in life I simply do not understand. I must admit that in some cases this is due to a lack of investigation. In others, it is due perhaps to having an IQ not quite as high as I might think. Still, there are issues and happenings in life which I just find puzzling.
Now that I have presented a feeble attempt at a preamble – let me go ahead and dive off the cliff.
Notre Dame. Nuts. No not to Notre Dame. I just realized I should reveal for the sake of full disclosure – that I am “officially” a Catholic. By conversion. Practicing? No. OK, now I can go on. One more thing. You will, if you have not already noticed that I write with what my many years of studying English insist are “fragments”. I realize that. I happen to speak that way and thus I write accordingly. I sort of like it.
Where were we? (Or where was I?) Notre Dame. I did not attend this great university. I consider myself fortunate to have graduated from a small, liberal arts college. (It has now grown into a University). The single most important thing I learned in those four years was to listen and carefully consider ALL points of view on every subject. Ironically – the speaker at my commencement was a Catholic Bishop. No, my college was in no way associated with the Catholic Church or any other.
Funny, I don’t recall any objection to having the good Bishop speak. No organizations speaking out that we graduates would for sure be converted to Catholicism. My conversion had taken place many years before. Over the years I remember having atheists speak. Breaking news. I did not become an atheist.
IF the persons and organizations protesting President Obama at Notre Dame are so uncertain of their own beliefs – then I can only pity them. Perhaps the president might speak of Afghanistan. Perhaps he might suggest some might want to enter the military. Are those subjects also out of bounds?
I could just close right here. I have yet to eat breakfast. The dog needs a walk. The cat is on top of the TV staring me down. I must ignore those beasts and make a final point.
Pro-Life. Yes that is a carefully crafted term to say – “If you are not Pro-Life; you must be Pro-Death”. It’s prime time, so I won’t use the words which come to mind. I am not a member of the inappropriately named Pro-Life movement.
Here is how I prefer to look at this “issue”. Some assume there is a city (probably on a hill) known as City of Zero Abortions. Folks have tried for decades to get to that city. All roads lead elsewhere. The reason. The city does not exist. One can not get there. Any person of means will hop a plane to Europe and get the abortion. Those not so fortunate will report to a dirty alley and be operated upon with a coat hanger – by someone – also dirty.
A city which does exist – and can be traveled to – is a city known as City of Few Abortions. Many roads lead there – but those who call themselves Pro-Life will not travel those roads. (Interesting how Pro-Life refers only to the unborn. Go shoot or bomb folks who happen to be visiting a Planned Parenthood facility? That seems OK. What we all need to do is come reason together. I fully support a woman’s right to choose. Should she be committing a sin – then God has made it clear HE will do the judging. I am content to let Him have his way. Should any woman close to me ask my advice about abortion – I would beg that person to take an alternative. So, I am not pro death – but if that term makes the Pro-Lifer’s feel better – I can live with the title.
So there you are. Fragments and all. I do hope I did not leave one of those dreadful things in English which dangle. And God forbid I should have left a preposition all alone at the end of a sentence. Whatever.
Open up the minds Notre Dame. Let some fresh air in. It will not harm you.
I have written many times that it is not my position that any person must serve in the military to be honorable and patriotic. The problem I have is with those who go on to be war hawks. When all danger of serving has passed, they then preach war. What’s wrong with that picture? It is established history that the planners of the “preemptive” war against the people of Iraq – served not a day in uniform. (The one exception was Donald Rumsfeld who did some teaching). ALL the others ran like chickens from the military. Most notable? Dick Cheney. Took five deferments to avoid Viet Nam. In his own words: “I had higher priorities”. This “man”, who was and is gung-ho to send our sons and daughters to die – had higher priorities. Dick Cheney is coward personified.
Then there is the lad whose name is at the top. Sean Hannity. War, war, war he shouts. YOU must go over and get them. This guy was to be a priest – but gave that up when military danger passed. Drop out from New York University. Radio called. Is there something about right-wing microphones that attract the Hannitys of the world? There is Rush. Drug pusher. College drop-out. IQ (yes there is proof) of 108.
Oh yes, this is about Sean. Not only is Sean a yellow coward ready to sacrifice OUR sons and daughters – but this “man” has zero credibility. Proof: Every president has done something good. I give full credit to those presidents I otherwise dislike for good deeds. That includes Nixon, Reagan, and both Bush 41 and 43. Sean on the other hand has NEVER given one slight degree of credit to any “liberal”. Not once. That is clear evidence that the “man” does not think. No credibility. Coward.
This guy won’t even allow himself to be water boarded by FRIENDS for charity. Poor baby. Thank God Fox has him so I never have to see him. Fox. Journalism? Very funny!
I can’t leave without another punch at Rush. That would be “I hope America fails” Rush. It would be the Rush who turned his housekeeper into a pusher. The Rush who openly made fun of those who suffer from Parkinson’s. Mimicked them right on the air. Waved his arms wildly. “This is what those people look like”. Voice of the Republican Party! Well there’s Sarah. Newt.
Sean – be a man. Actually you can go to Iraq immediately and embed with a unit. Other reporters have. What’s wrong Sean? What was it you “learned” in preparation for the priesthood?
SMS 8633079244
Just say NO. No to this. No to that. No, No, No. That pretty much sums up today’s Republican Party. Rejected by the center – all they have are the Palin nut-cases and the ever present Religious Right.
Obviously “just say no” comes naturally to the “we are much more holly than you” bunch. Intolerance – the key word for the GOP base. Do they actually believe they are doing God’s work? An intolerant God who hates all who disagree? The GOP: “We hope and pray that the black guy Obama fails”. I presume that means they hope my son and your sons and daughters die in Iraq? We HOPE America fails. Their words.
I am actually somewhat amused at the conservative efforts to install a court which will agree with them every time. They name judges they firmly believe will be “strict interpreters of the law”. Bush 41 assumed he had the court in the right position with Souter. With the exception of a few – from both sides of the spectrum – we should thank the aforementioned God that justices of the Supreme Court do seem to try to get it right. So Souter turns out not nearly as conservative as Bush and crew hoped. So they lost some cases. As when losing elections, they go into a rage when the Court decides against them. Look back at some “big” cases over the last ten years. When the conservative side looses – it is because of activist judges. So they claim. Interesting how the definition of activist changes depending on win or lose. Whose ox is being gored? Only Chief Roberts and the irrepressible Scalia throw a blanket over their heads and do little thinking.
Fact: Republican members of the Senate DO apply a litmus test on the subject of abortion. (OK, yes the same claim might be said of the Dems). Obama would like very much to name a woman – and most likely a Hispanic. That person, regardless of who it might be, will be attacked as “activist”. With all we need our Congress to fix – we are bound for months of fighting over the Supreme Court.
Why don’t we just decide one thing now and it will prevent lots of trouble for all. Abortion is NOT a political issue. It is an issue between a woman and her maker. Let her Maker judge. Meanwhile we can get on with important business. Surely conservatives don’t believe God will make a mistake. Or do they?
Republicans: Please put America first. Stop complaining about every single move or statement Obama makes. Come up with ideas. You are exactly like a group of third grad students who did not get their way. They retreat to the corner and pout. Can you imagine if Mrs. Obama had purchased a cow?
Bring on Sarah. Bring on Newt. That’s about all you have – and that AIN”T much.
Morning Joe. Whatever happened to Imus? There is a guy who could offer his opinions all day and we could sit back and take it as what it was. Entertainment. Same with Rush, Sean, and others. They are entertainers. In the case of Rush and Sean – they seem to have fallen victim to themselves. They obviously think they are highly intelligent thinkers. Well, that’s another whole subject. Where was I?
Morning Joe. The attack machine. Joe Scarborough. One time DJ – congressman – a few other things I don’t recall. What is he now? A talk show host – well perhaps not host – but he shows up occasionally. Today he is attacking Obama for a couple of dreadful sins which will no doubt have a dramatic effect on all our futures. Now read carefully. These are mortal sins.
1 The President of the United States of America actually engaged in a handshake with – sit down if you are not already – Hugo Chavez!!!!! Stop the world says Joe. I really do not know how to respond to such narrow thinking. Such entertainment. Joe I presume is the kind of father who teaches his children to never, ever touch or speak to classmates with whom they may disagree. Shun them. In fact, hit them. Hit them hard. Make them bleed. The Joe Scarborough way. The W Bush way.
2 Now this one really does require mental preparation. Sit. Relax. Take a few deep breaths. Ready? Barack Obama did not react to the rant of Daniel Ortega. Joe firmly believes the President should have risen from his chair in a conference setting, and shouted down the highly important Ortega. Thou shall not speak ill of the United States of America. Shake a fist. Get up and shout at him. Bomb him. Joe, you love to shout on TV. That’s entertainment. The President will respond appropriately at the appropriate time. NOT in the middle of a conference. Teach Your Children Well.
Joe continues: “This is a new President – who spent only two years in the Senate”. So Joe, may we presume that if you were our president you would have ordered immediate strikes on Nigeria? Must not let that “powerful” state get out of hand?
Joe and the right in general have but one foreign policy. Never speak to those who may be an enemy. If at all possible, do a preemptive strike. Kill all of them. Take no chances. According to Joe, JFK should have nuked the Soviet Union when Khrushchev sent those boats to Cuba. Preemptive.
Where did the “preemptive policy” get us in Iraq Joe? Well, aside from many less souls wondering around the Earth. Is that actually the policy the right loves? Get rid of as many humans as possible? Why don’t we adopt the Newt Gingrich approach? Were we to kill off anyone who dares apply for ……. get ready for this word ……. WELFARE. That would take care of the imagined welfare problem – right?
Meanwhile – I presume one can guess I will be turning elsewhere for my entertainment. I know Don Imus is still out there – I just can’t receive him. Time-Warner knows best, and they “have no intention” of carrying the network the I Man is on.
Got to go. I see a squirrel outside. If I kill him/her with a preemptive strike – the pest won’t get to run on my roof. Kill. Kill. Kill. You may have a point Newt.
PS: I have no intention of killing the squirrel – or anything else with a life.
