Three weeks ago the financial market was in "dire straights" and the with oil prices almost reaching $100 a barrel, the pessimist went into their typical panic mode that included scare tactics and talk of a recession. The only problem? Consumers are spending because they have money------because they have jobs.
This morning the Dow Jones shot up past 100 in the first 45 seconds of the opening bell and it looks like it may be a big day. With the lenders getting together to work out creative ways to keep people in their homes and reduce the foreclosure rate, AND oil dropping below $90 dollars, the Dow could have another triple digit uptick that would put the week into new record book gains.
While the mainstream media's business writers think they can manipulate the forces in the market with their biased tales of a tanking economy, consumers continue to make them look ridiculous by purchasing big ticket items that feed a healthy economic outlook.
Here's some perfect examples:
From AP
By THOMAS HOGUE
AP Business Writer
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Oil futures were little changed Friday as concerns of a supply disruption from a U.S. pipeline fire abated.
Prices have tumbled more than 7 percent this week amid speculation that supplies are rising and a slowdown in U.S. growth will undercut energy demand.
The fire along the oil conduit from Canada to the Midwest caused a spike in prices above $95 a barrel Thursday—and renewed speculation that oil was as back on its way to $100 a barrel.
But later in the article that AP thinks most readers won't get to:
The network consists of four separate conduits, and after the fire, all were shut down. But three of the lines carrying a total of about 1.4 million barrels of crude a day were restarted by the end of Thursday, according to the company. And the fire-damaged pipe, which can carry 420,000 barrels of crude a day, could be repaired and returned to service within two or three days, the company said.
Can Mr. Hogue write that he hopes the economy tanks and the price of gas rises so he can fit AP's agenda to promote the democrats that pray for a recession the same way they have prayed for defeat in Iraq?
From the New York Times
By PETER S. GOODMAN
Published: November 29, 2007
Credit flowing to American companies is drying up at a pace not seen in decades, threatening the creation of jobs and the expansion of businesses, while intensifying worries that the economy may be headed for recession.
Could Mr. Goodman actually be a ghost-writer for Al Gore? He's certainly got the "sensationalism" part down. Now all we need is Hollywood to come out with a "Grapes of Wrath ll" for the public to believe we are headed for a full blown depression. The doom and gloom pessimist that continue to drive an agenda, (that the democratic party has relied on to put them in power), of negative solipsisms based on their premise that the mean powerful corporations are the root of evil that feeds on the poor. Again, the only problem is poverty in this nation is at an all time low. People are working, spending, and living better now than in the past thirty years.
With the continued success in the stability in the Middle East, and certainly the progress in Iraq under a General that knows how to succeed, the Democratic Party will turn to the economy and attempt to spin, (lie) about these current and upcoming conditions. The mainstream media will follow like the lapdogs they are with their hope for a recession. When Bush 41 lost to Clinton, the news media reported that the economy was in the tank even while the last quarter before the election was rising to a robust 3.9%. That fabrication and the "Read my Lips" meme was the major cause for the loss.
Speaking of "no new taxes", a recent survey of businesses that asked what are your concerns for the economy next year and in the near future, the list is a plethora of Democratic policies:
Higher Taxes
Government Regulation
Government intrusion into the markets
Government spending policies
While the Republicans have no one but themselves to blame for the rampant spending policies that had a lot to do with conservative voters staying home in 2006, the Democratic Party has (for the better part of forty years) embraced all four of these concerns that will guarantee these past few years of economic growth will be short lived. While many fear that a Democrat Administration's foreign policies may jeopardize this nation, it's their total inexperience in the economy that we should fear in the short term.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Mainstream Media About to Shift Gears
Congrats to the people of Fort Collins, Colorado that told the ACLU and a local "task force" to go stuff their secular stockings some place else:
"Most of the speakers were critical of the 15-member task force and accused it of deliberately downgrading Christmas."
"John Morris said the task force was only tolerant of its own arguments and had no intention of being tolerant of Christmas."
"The work of the task force has been hijacked by activists," he said, adding that the ultimate intention of many on the panel was to create an atheist state."
"A few speakers defended the task force."
"Christmas should be celebrated in homes and families," said Sam Shelanski. "It's not government's job to put Christ back in Christmas. This is not a Christian nation. It was not founded on Christ."
"Task force member Karen Schwartz praised the panel's work and read from a published opinion piece that decried the perception that the country was specifically Christian. Besides, Schwartz said, "The American Christmas has nothing to do with Jesus," which drew loud laughter." LINK
Happy Birth of Jesus Christ Celebration Holidays to You Too!
Speaking of "Peace on Earth", the day of the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Summit here in the U.S., Hamas in Gaza was busy launching 14 Kassam Rockets into Israel. I would guess that this portion of the Palestinian contingency didn't get the "memo". LINK
Media White-washing Hillary
Brent Bozell III, the president of the Media Research Center (the parent company of CNSNews.com), writes a scathing report on how the mainstream media "White-washes" any thing written about "front-runner" Hillary Clinton:
"How is it that the wife of an impeached president, the policy architect of a 1300-page left-wing health-care fiasco, and the document-shredding stonewaller of a welter of scandals can turn her controversial career and bizarre First Marriage into assets, and not liabilities? How is it that Team Clinton, disgraced and disgraceful, is back for another presidential run?"
"Credit the national "news" media." LINK
Speaking of the "News Media": The New York Times releases a story today about a survey among journalist that admits they don't do a very good job of reporting all the events in Iraq:
"In a newly released survey, American journalists in Iraq give harrowing accounts of their work, with the great majority saying that colleagues have been kidnapped or killed and that most parts of Baghdad are too dangerous for them to visit."
The survey was conducted by the Project for Excellence in Journalism, an arm of the nonpartisan Pew Research Center in Washington. Of the 111 journalists who participated, half had spent at least nine months in Iraq, and three-quarters had experience reporting on other armed conflicts. Most of the journalists were surveyed in October, one of the least deadly months in Baghdad in recent years.
Almost two-thirds of the respondents said that most or all of their street reporting was done by local citizens, yet 87 percent said that it was not safe for their Iraqi reporters to openly carry notebooks, cameras or anything else that identified them as journalists. Two-thirds of respondents said they worried that their reliance on local reporters — including many with little or no background in journalism — could produce inaccurate or incomplete news reports.
The Americans also voiced serious concerns about how effectively they were able to do their own jobs. Most respondents said that the media did not do a good job covering the lives of ordinary Iraqis or reconstruction efforts, simply because those lines of reporting could be deadly. (emphasis mine throughout) LINK
Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports today another story that improvements in Iraq can be measured and "reported":
BAGHDAD -- Haider Abbas, a 36-year-old taxi driver, had only a few moments to answer what is often a life-or-death question in this city: Would he drive a passenger home?
The home, on that scorching afternoon last month, happened to be in Adhamiyah, a notoriously dangerous neighborhood where several cabbies had been gunned down. Abbas hadn't been there in two years. But the fare pleaded that it had become safer, so the cabbie reluctantly agreed to go.
"To tell you the truth, I thought I had just traded my life for 5,000 dinars," or $4, said Abbas, who was shocked when he arrived in the traffic-jammed streets of Adhamiyah to see shops open and people strolling in the road. "Then I suddenly realized that security really is returning to Baghdad."
In a city where few residents believe official statements on declining violence, whether from the U.S. military or the Iraqi government, some of the most reliable figures on security improvements can be found on the odometers of Baghdad's taxi drivers. LINK
Can we say there is much difference between taxi drivers in Baghdad or taxi drivers here in the U.S. that have the same reservations about driving into certain neighborhoods of downtown Detroit, Washington D.C., Philly, or L.A.?
Ed Morrissey at Captains's Quarters has more on this titled "The Cabbie Factor"
Now it's back to the Economy Stupid: Also for the Washington Post:
"The shift has strategists in both parties reevaluating their assumptions about how the final year of the Bush presidency and the election to succeed him will play out. If current trends continue, Iraq may still be a defining issue but perhaps not the only one, as it once seemed, according to partisan strategists and independent analysts, particularly if the economy heads south as some economists fear."
"And yet, at least to an extent, the Washington debate has moved on. Congress made only a faint effort to pass legislation mandating a troop withdrawal as part of a $50 billion war spending bill this month and then quickly shelved it. Not counting the Turkish conflict with Kurdish rebels, Bush at his most recent news conference last month was not asked about the Iraq war until the 10th question. Not a single Iraq question came up at four of White House press secretary Dana Perino's seven full-fledged briefings this month.".....
"Even so, it has changed some political calculations. If the violence remains down, it may enable Petraeus when he returns to Washington in March to recommend pulling out more than the 30,000 troops now scheduled to leave by July. If so, the fall general election could be played out against the backdrop of troops coming home." LINK
I'll bet if we googled up, (or Nexis-lexis) the amount of times the mainstream media mentioned the economic gains this nation has endured over the past three years AND the number of negative stories that have or will be published in the next few months, the "numbers" will be staggering. If the agenda driven radical anti-war left can't put a democrat president in the white house, expect the MSM to drive home the point that a correction in the pace of growth will become a full fledged economic depression. "Recession" is too soft a word for the MSM. Remember, it was not sectarian violence folks, it was a CIVIL WAR!
Congrats to the people of Fort Collins, Colorado that told the ACLU and a local "task force" to go stuff their secular stockings some place else:
"Most of the speakers were critical of the 15-member task force and accused it of deliberately downgrading Christmas."
"John Morris said the task force was only tolerant of its own arguments and had no intention of being tolerant of Christmas."
"The work of the task force has been hijacked by activists," he said, adding that the ultimate intention of many on the panel was to create an atheist state."
"A few speakers defended the task force."
"Christmas should be celebrated in homes and families," said Sam Shelanski. "It's not government's job to put Christ back in Christmas. This is not a Christian nation. It was not founded on Christ."
"Task force member Karen Schwartz praised the panel's work and read from a published opinion piece that decried the perception that the country was specifically Christian. Besides, Schwartz said, "The American Christmas has nothing to do with Jesus," which drew loud laughter." LINK
Happy Birth of Jesus Christ Celebration Holidays to You Too!
Speaking of "Peace on Earth", the day of the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Summit here in the U.S., Hamas in Gaza was busy launching 14 Kassam Rockets into Israel. I would guess that this portion of the Palestinian contingency didn't get the "memo". LINK
Media White-washing Hillary
Brent Bozell III, the president of the Media Research Center (the parent company of CNSNews.com), writes a scathing report on how the mainstream media "White-washes" any thing written about "front-runner" Hillary Clinton:
"How is it that the wife of an impeached president, the policy architect of a 1300-page left-wing health-care fiasco, and the document-shredding stonewaller of a welter of scandals can turn her controversial career and bizarre First Marriage into assets, and not liabilities? How is it that Team Clinton, disgraced and disgraceful, is back for another presidential run?"
"Credit the national "news" media." LINK
Speaking of the "News Media": The New York Times releases a story today about a survey among journalist that admits they don't do a very good job of reporting all the events in Iraq:
"In a newly released survey, American journalists in Iraq give harrowing accounts of their work, with the great majority saying that colleagues have been kidnapped or killed and that most parts of Baghdad are too dangerous for them to visit."
The survey was conducted by the Project for Excellence in Journalism, an arm of the nonpartisan Pew Research Center in Washington. Of the 111 journalists who participated, half had spent at least nine months in Iraq, and three-quarters had experience reporting on other armed conflicts. Most of the journalists were surveyed in October, one of the least deadly months in Baghdad in recent years.
Almost two-thirds of the respondents said that most or all of their street reporting was done by local citizens, yet 87 percent said that it was not safe for their Iraqi reporters to openly carry notebooks, cameras or anything else that identified them as journalists. Two-thirds of respondents said they worried that their reliance on local reporters — including many with little or no background in journalism — could produce inaccurate or incomplete news reports.
The Americans also voiced serious concerns about how effectively they were able to do their own jobs. Most respondents said that the media did not do a good job covering the lives of ordinary Iraqis or reconstruction efforts, simply because those lines of reporting could be deadly. (emphasis mine throughout) LINK
Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports today another story that improvements in Iraq can be measured and "reported":
BAGHDAD -- Haider Abbas, a 36-year-old taxi driver, had only a few moments to answer what is often a life-or-death question in this city: Would he drive a passenger home?
The home, on that scorching afternoon last month, happened to be in Adhamiyah, a notoriously dangerous neighborhood where several cabbies had been gunned down. Abbas hadn't been there in two years. But the fare pleaded that it had become safer, so the cabbie reluctantly agreed to go.
"To tell you the truth, I thought I had just traded my life for 5,000 dinars," or $4, said Abbas, who was shocked when he arrived in the traffic-jammed streets of Adhamiyah to see shops open and people strolling in the road. "Then I suddenly realized that security really is returning to Baghdad."
In a city where few residents believe official statements on declining violence, whether from the U.S. military or the Iraqi government, some of the most reliable figures on security improvements can be found on the odometers of Baghdad's taxi drivers. LINK
Can we say there is much difference between taxi drivers in Baghdad or taxi drivers here in the U.S. that have the same reservations about driving into certain neighborhoods of downtown Detroit, Washington D.C., Philly, or L.A.?
Ed Morrissey at Captains's Quarters has more on this titled "The Cabbie Factor"
Now it's back to the Economy Stupid: Also for the Washington Post:
"The shift has strategists in both parties reevaluating their assumptions about how the final year of the Bush presidency and the election to succeed him will play out. If current trends continue, Iraq may still be a defining issue but perhaps not the only one, as it once seemed, according to partisan strategists and independent analysts, particularly if the economy heads south as some economists fear."
"And yet, at least to an extent, the Washington debate has moved on. Congress made only a faint effort to pass legislation mandating a troop withdrawal as part of a $50 billion war spending bill this month and then quickly shelved it. Not counting the Turkish conflict with Kurdish rebels, Bush at his most recent news conference last month was not asked about the Iraq war until the 10th question. Not a single Iraq question came up at four of White House press secretary Dana Perino's seven full-fledged briefings this month.".....
"Even so, it has changed some political calculations. If the violence remains down, it may enable Petraeus when he returns to Washington in March to recommend pulling out more than the 30,000 troops now scheduled to leave by July. If so, the fall general election could be played out against the backdrop of troops coming home." LINK
I'll bet if we googled up, (or Nexis-lexis) the amount of times the mainstream media mentioned the economic gains this nation has endured over the past three years AND the number of negative stories that have or will be published in the next few months, the "numbers" will be staggering. If the agenda driven radical anti-war left can't put a democrat president in the white house, expect the MSM to drive home the point that a correction in the pace of growth will become a full fledged economic depression. "Recession" is too soft a word for the MSM. Remember, it was not sectarian violence folks, it was a CIVIL WAR!
Monday, November 26, 2007
When All Else Fails......Attack the Messenger
The lovely Robin Meade on CNN this morning introduced a "salute the troops" segment. Can some one tell me where CNN was six months ago when our troops were in need of more support and salutes?
Julian E. Barnes, a Los Angeles Times Staff Writer thinks the next assessment of the conditions in Iraq should not be put on the shoulders of "one general" (David H. Petraeus), because it underminds the "public trust". Only problem, Mr Barnes story is based on total anonymity:
WASHINGTON -- Top military leaders at the Pentagon want to avoid a repeat of the last public assessment of the Iraq war -- with its relentless focus on the opinion of a single commander -- when the Bush administration makes its next crucial decision about the size of the U.S. force.Concerned about the war's effect on public trust in the military, the leading officials said they hoped the next major assessment early next year would not place as much emphasis on the views of Gen. David H. Petraeus, the top American commander in Iraq, who in September spent dozens of hours in testimony before Congress and in televised interviews......link
"This is not Dave Petraeus' war. This is George Bush's war," said one senior official, underscoring the military's view that its role is to carry out the decisions made by political leaders.The senior official, like others interviewed for this article, spoke on condition of anonymity because the administration has not made final decisions about how next year's assessment, planned for March, will be presented. (emphasis mine)
This is America's war Mr. Anonymous senior official. Our military are fighting for this nations security and to provide a young nation with the opportunity for the same freedoms we take for granted here. May I remind everyone that the United States Congress authorized this war, a Congress that represents "we, the people".
also from the article:
'Still, Petraeus may agree with the advice to step out of the spotlight. Since September, he has seemed to keep a lower profile, and one military officer said Petraeus would be happy to avoid another marathon session before Congress."
Do you mean Patraeus may want to avoid another embarrassment put forth by MoveOn's "support" for our military? Can Mr. Barnes and the LA Times explain why a general that has led this nations military to the successful turn of events in Iraq would have less political credibility this time around? Could the Times constant cheerleading for defeat and surrender, (while catering to the radical lefts political agenda), have anything to do with why they, (and these anonymous military officials) would prefer someone other than Patraeus to correct the media's fabrications?
"We are now in another unpopular war," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "Separation of the American people from the men and women who wear the uniform would be a disaster."
Can this anonymous official tell us when we have been engaged in a popular war? And when did any war become a popularity contest? Wars are waged because political and diplomatic solutions failed. General Petraeus has turned all this around with a solid military victory and will soon pass this back to the politicians and diplomats to find solutions. He has earned the right to demand they do not fail.
Julian E. Barnes, a Los Angeles Times Staff Writer thinks the next assessment of the conditions in Iraq should not be put on the shoulders of "one general" (David H. Petraeus), because it underminds the "public trust". Only problem, Mr Barnes story is based on total anonymity:
WASHINGTON -- Top military leaders at the Pentagon want to avoid a repeat of the last public assessment of the Iraq war -- with its relentless focus on the opinion of a single commander -- when the Bush administration makes its next crucial decision about the size of the U.S. force.Concerned about the war's effect on public trust in the military, the leading officials said they hoped the next major assessment early next year would not place as much emphasis on the views of Gen. David H. Petraeus, the top American commander in Iraq, who in September spent dozens of hours in testimony before Congress and in televised interviews......link
"This is not Dave Petraeus' war. This is George Bush's war," said one senior official, underscoring the military's view that its role is to carry out the decisions made by political leaders.The senior official, like others interviewed for this article, spoke on condition of anonymity because the administration has not made final decisions about how next year's assessment, planned for March, will be presented. (emphasis mine)
This is America's war Mr. Anonymous senior official. Our military are fighting for this nations security and to provide a young nation with the opportunity for the same freedoms we take for granted here. May I remind everyone that the United States Congress authorized this war, a Congress that represents "we, the people".
also from the article:
'Still, Petraeus may agree with the advice to step out of the spotlight. Since September, he has seemed to keep a lower profile, and one military officer said Petraeus would be happy to avoid another marathon session before Congress."
Do you mean Patraeus may want to avoid another embarrassment put forth by MoveOn's "support" for our military? Can Mr. Barnes and the LA Times explain why a general that has led this nations military to the successful turn of events in Iraq would have less political credibility this time around? Could the Times constant cheerleading for defeat and surrender, (while catering to the radical lefts political agenda), have anything to do with why they, (and these anonymous military officials) would prefer someone other than Patraeus to correct the media's fabrications?
"We are now in another unpopular war," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "Separation of the American people from the men and women who wear the uniform would be a disaster."
Can this anonymous official tell us when we have been engaged in a popular war? And when did any war become a popularity contest? Wars are waged because political and diplomatic solutions failed. General Petraeus has turned all this around with a solid military victory and will soon pass this back to the politicians and diplomats to find solutions. He has earned the right to demand they do not fail.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Here's My Top 20
# 1-----3. Missouri (1) 11-1 won beat #2 Kansas
# 2-----4. West Virginia (1) 10-1 won beat 9-3 #20 Conn.
# 3-----5. Ohio State 11-1 idle done
# 4-----6. Georgia 10-2 won
# 5-----8. Virginia Tech 10-2 won beat Virginia
# 6----11. USC 9-2 won beat Arizona St.
# 7----10. Oklahoma 10-2 won
# 8-----1. LSU (60) 10-2 lost
# 9-----2. Kansas (3) 11-1 lost
# 10---12. Florida 9-3 won
# 11---14. Hawaii 11-0 won
# 12---15. Boston College 10 -2
# 13----7. Arizona State 9-2 lost to USC
# 14---19. Tennessee 9-3
# 15----9. Oregon 8-3 lost
# 16-------Illinois 9-3
#17----23. Brigham Young 9-2
#18----13. Texas 9-3 lost to A&M
#19----16. Virginia 9-3 lost to Virginia Tech
#20----22. Wisconsin 9-3
BCS Rankings before this last weekend (top ten)
1. LSU 10-1 2. Kansas 11-0 3. West Virginia 9-1 4. Missouri 10-1 5. Ohio State 11-1 6. Arizona State 9-1 7. Georgia 9-2 8. Virginia Tech 9-2 9. Oregon 8-2 10. Oklahoma 9-2
(note: If your my cousin from down south, just pretend that OU is ahead of USC) :)
# 2-----4. West Virginia (1) 10-1 won beat 9-3 #20 Conn.
# 3-----5. Ohio State 11-1 idle done
# 4-----6. Georgia 10-2 won
# 5-----8. Virginia Tech 10-2 won beat Virginia
# 6----11. USC 9-2 won beat Arizona St.
# 7----10. Oklahoma 10-2 won
# 8-----1. LSU (60) 10-2 lost
# 9-----2. Kansas (3) 11-1 lost
# 10---12. Florida 9-3 won
# 11---14. Hawaii 11-0 won
# 12---15. Boston College 10 -2
# 13----7. Arizona State 9-2 lost to USC
# 14---19. Tennessee 9-3
# 15----9. Oregon 8-3 lost
# 16-------Illinois 9-3
#17----23. Brigham Young 9-2
#18----13. Texas 9-3 lost to A&M
#19----16. Virginia 9-3 lost to Virginia Tech
#20----22. Wisconsin 9-3
BCS Rankings before this last weekend (top ten)
1. LSU 10-1 2. Kansas 11-0 3. West Virginia 9-1 4. Missouri 10-1 5. Ohio State 11-1 6. Arizona State 9-1 7. Georgia 9-2 8. Virginia Tech 9-2 9. Oregon 8-2 10. Oklahoma 9-2
(note: If your my cousin from down south, just pretend that OU is ahead of USC) :)
Friday, November 23, 2007
Preceptions and Predictions (Searchin' for #2)
I'm just thinkin’ out loud here, but with LSU tanking the big one, here’s my prediction:
Providing Missouri beat Kansas.......the BCS should put them at # 1......and LSU could drop no lower than # 6 maybe # 7.......If Oklahoma wins the big twelve championship (link)........I'm thinking Kansas drops to # 9.........But who's # 2?..........if West Virginia, OSU, and Arizona St. win out they could all make a case for having that number. (If Missouri plays really bad, but wins, their one loss could come into question and then you would have four teams lookin' for that number) I'd love to see Oregon and Kansas in a game and LSU play Oklahoma.......Mizzu and W.Va in the big game and OSU and ASU in the consolation.......but I'm just thinkin' out loud. :)
If ya can't say anything else, ya can say this has been an awesome season of college football. Who needs a playoff with this kinda fun? BCS Rankings here
(And yes Mark, I do have time on my hands)....... :)
Update: ( I know all the Bowl games will mess this all up)
Providing Missouri beat Kansas.......the BCS should put them at # 1......and LSU could drop no lower than # 6 maybe # 7.......If Oklahoma wins the big twelve championship (link)........I'm thinking Kansas drops to # 9.........But who's # 2?..........if West Virginia, OSU, and Arizona St. win out they could all make a case for having that number. (If Missouri plays really bad, but wins, their one loss could come into question and then you would have four teams lookin' for that number) I'd love to see Oregon and Kansas in a game and LSU play Oklahoma.......Mizzu and W.Va in the big game and OSU and ASU in the consolation.......but I'm just thinkin' out loud. :)
If ya can't say anything else, ya can say this has been an awesome season of college football. Who needs a playoff with this kinda fun? BCS Rankings here
(And yes Mark, I do have time on my hands)....... :)
Update: ( I know all the Bowl games will mess this all up)
State of Denial
The Washington Post must sometimes have to just "grin and bear it" when Charles Krauthammer writes his columns that basically contradicts most of the Post's ideology and agenda. In today's Post Krauthammer points out the level of denial many in the democratic party are in framing the state of Iraq:
On Iraq, a State of Denial
By Charles Krauthammer
Friday, November 23, 2007;
Page A39
"It does not have the drama of the Inchon landing or the sweep of the Union comeback in the summer of 1864. But the turnabout of American fortunes in Iraq over the past several months is of equal moment -- a war seemingly lost, now winnable. The violence in Iraq has been dramatically reduced. Political allegiances have been radically reversed. The revival of ordinary life in many cities is palpable. Something important is happening."
And what is the reaction of the war critics? Nancy Pelosi stoutly maintains her state of denial, saying this about the war just two weeks ago: "This is not working. . . . We must reverse it." A euphemism for "abandon the field," which is what every Democratic presidential candidate is promising, with variations only in how precipitous to make the retreat".................. link
This is worth registering with the Post, (if you haven't), for it's reality that seems to be lacking on the left.
On Iraq, a State of Denial
By Charles Krauthammer
Friday, November 23, 2007;
Page A39
"It does not have the drama of the Inchon landing or the sweep of the Union comeback in the summer of 1864. But the turnabout of American fortunes in Iraq over the past several months is of equal moment -- a war seemingly lost, now winnable. The violence in Iraq has been dramatically reduced. Political allegiances have been radically reversed. The revival of ordinary life in many cities is palpable. Something important is happening."
And what is the reaction of the war critics? Nancy Pelosi stoutly maintains her state of denial, saying this about the war just two weeks ago: "This is not working. . . . We must reverse it." A euphemism for "abandon the field," which is what every Democratic presidential candidate is promising, with variations only in how precipitous to make the retreat".................. link
This is worth registering with the Post, (if you haven't), for it's reality that seems to be lacking on the left.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
New York Times Admits Surge is Working
Baghdad Showing Signs of Security
Yesterday marked an historical event in the United States. The "paper of record" has finally published a story that I'm sure the editors were struggling with right up to press time:
Generals on the ground say that if the situation continues at this pace, troop levels will be lowered and some will begin to get their orders to head home. Even with all the sudden changes of events through out Iraq, the Democratic Party is still pushing for legislation that demands the President abandon the new policies that have brought the Iraqi nation to the brink of real stability.
Rob at Say Anything thinks it's high time the Democrats swallow the pill of reality:
Baghdad Showing Signs of Security
Yesterday marked an historical event in the United States. The "paper of record" has finally published a story that I'm sure the editors were struggling with right up to press time:
"The security improvements in most neighborhoods are real. Days now pass without a car bomb, after a high of 44 in the city in February. The number of bodies appearing on Baghdad’s streets has plummeted to about 5 a day, from as many as 35 eight months ago, and suicide bombings across Iraq fell to 16 in October, half the number of last summer and down sharply from a recent peak of 59 in March, the American military says."
"As a result, for the first time in nearly two years, people are moving with freedom around much of this city. In more than 50 interviews across Baghdad, it became clear that while there were still no-go zones, more Iraqis now drive between Sunni and Shiite areas for work, shopping or school, a few even after dark. In the most stable neighborhoods of Baghdad, some secular women are also dressing as they wish. Wedding bands are playing in public again, and at a handful of once shuttered liquor stores customers now line up outside in a collective rebuke to religious vigilantes from the Shiite Mahdi Army."
"Iraqis are clearly surprised and relieved to see commerce and movement finally increase, five months after an extra 30,000 American troops arrived in the country. But the depth and sustainability of the changes remain open to question"...... LINK
Generals on the ground say that if the situation continues at this pace, troop levels will be lowered and some will begin to get their orders to head home. Even with all the sudden changes of events through out Iraq, the Democratic Party is still pushing for legislation that demands the President abandon the new policies that have brought the Iraqi nation to the brink of real stability.
Rob at Say Anything thinks it's high time the Democrats swallow the pill of reality:
"I think it’s high time we all agreed that, for now at least, the military problem in Iraq has been solved. Democrats need to quit their bellyaching in Congress, quit their attempts to undermine the war and the President’s management of it, and swallow that jagged little pill of reality. Which will be hard, as they’ve invested a lot of political capital in the idea of Iraq as a failure, but it’s what is best for the country."
"And once they do that, we can begin to talk about how to generate the political progress Iraq needs before it can become an independent, peaceful and functioning democracy in its own right. Which is something the Democrats claim to want to talk about, but always couple with a bunch of nonsense about a precipitous withdrawal of troops."
"As though abandoning Iraq to chaos were the best way to foment political stability. But then, the Democrats aren’t exactly in this for what’s best for Iraq. Or even what’s best for this country as a whole. For them, it’s all politics."Rovinsworld thinks "progress" in Iraq is the one thing the Democratic Party has not been banking on. In fact, they have put no investment into the sovereignty of a nation that has paid the price for their right to freedom from tyranny. And so has our men and women in uniform.
Please take the time to read the Anchoress's post on our "embargoed media"
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Question for One of My Favorite Bloggers
I've had Dafydd's Big Lizards blog on my "Bloggers of Choice" links for the better part of two years. The reason is obvious. Dafydd is an excellent blogger, and 99% of the time I like what he writes. Some time (early last summer) the grand lizard (Dafydd) argued in a post that this immigration reform bill would become a divisive wedge issue that could hurt the Republican Party. I submitted the comment that if the RNC approved this legislation it would come back to bite the Party because many did not approve of the "amnesty implications" in the bill.
That's the crust of the argument in a ruff nutshell.
What I would like to ask Dafydd NOW is with the current events that have unfolded with Hillary's drivers license "yes, no, yes, no" and (with the exception of Joe Biden) every democratic presidential candidate basically condoning issuing DL's to illegal immigrants, where does he stand now on using this issue to place the democrats in the hot water next year?
With over 70% of the people in this nation firmly against the issuing or DL's to illegals, AND 80% of the democratic leadership, (including candidates) firmly in favor, shouldn't this issue be a major "player" in next years election cycle?
Does Dafydd think this will still hurt the party? What do you think?
(editors note: sorry for the lack of links to last summers debate on this issue. I will try to insert them at a later date as they are found......Also, will Hillary's "NO" in the debate make this issue a little less impacted?)
Update: Dave at Ace of Spades thinks Hillary has "Taken a "Stand"
That's the crust of the argument in a ruff nutshell.
What I would like to ask Dafydd NOW is with the current events that have unfolded with Hillary's drivers license "yes, no, yes, no" and (with the exception of Joe Biden) every democratic presidential candidate basically condoning issuing DL's to illegal immigrants, where does he stand now on using this issue to place the democrats in the hot water next year?
With over 70% of the people in this nation firmly against the issuing or DL's to illegals, AND 80% of the democratic leadership, (including candidates) firmly in favor, shouldn't this issue be a major "player" in next years election cycle?
Does Dafydd think this will still hurt the party? What do you think?
(editors note: sorry for the lack of links to last summers debate on this issue. I will try to insert them at a later date as they are found......Also, will Hillary's "NO" in the debate make this issue a little less impacted?)
Update: Dave at Ace of Spades thinks Hillary has "Taken a "Stand"
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Simi-Live Blogging the Democratic Debate
The Clueless Party Met in Vegas
It's official--------the Democratic Party is toast. None of the candidates (except Joe Biden) wants to prevent illegal immigrants from receiving driver’s licenses. None (except Joe Biden) has a clue on how to put the safety and security of this nation ahead of world appeasement.
When it comes to fighting against radical Islamist that has the sole goal of destroying this nation, again only Joe Biden has a clue. The rest of the democratic candidates have to pander to the anti-war left to solidify their position to have any chance at being elected. There in lies the division. Not the division within the party itself, but the division within this nation that does not recognize the threat from abroad. Christopher Dodd understands that we are in a global economy and we need to be competitive. Obama thinks everything that comes out of his young mouth is "the right thing to do".
CNN is not only hosting a Democratic debate. CNN is framing most of their questions to frame the difference of ideologies between conservatives and democrats. Obama just told Blitzer that we need to be more positive about the solutions facing this nation, and not so negative. Wolffie said "I’m optimistic"
Clinton says she not paying the gender card, she's playing the winning card and she knows this was coming because she is winning. She said "I am thrilled to become the first women president" Now she says she's not running because she's a woman. Johnnie thinks Clinton takes too much money from special interest. Johnnie’s full of rhetoric and will not say anything that does not denigrate the Bush administration or Hillary.
BRAKE IN THE ACTION. (Disclaimer: I have to fix me a cocktail after hearing this entire BS)
IT'S OVER------TV IS NOW OFF AND IT WAS CLOSE TO BEING THROWN OUT THE WINDOW -FIRST QUESTION BY THE "SELECTED" AUDIENCE, CNN MARCHES OUT A MOM WITH HER SON WHO HAS SERVED 3 TOURS IN IRAQ. (STANDING OVATION) THE QUESTION BY SOME BIMBO WORKING FOR CNN IS " YOU ARE NOT AFRAID OF YOUR SON RETURNING TO IRAQ, YOU ARE AFRAID OF YOUR SON HAVING TO BE CALLED BACK TO FIGHT IN IRAN.......
I SAID EARLIER IN THIS POST THIS WAS A FRAMED IDEOLOGY BETWEEN THE LEFTOIDS (CNN, NBC, ANTI WAR LEFTOIDS) AND THOSE WHO SEE THE DANGER.
THIS IS THE FRACTURED MENTALITY OF A LOST PARTY THAT REFUSES TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS NATION NEEDS TO BE PROTECTED.
OK, I TURNED THE TV BACK ON TO HEAR THE "WE HATE THE MILITARY" REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY. THEY HAVE ONLY ANSWERS FOR HOW TO RUN FROM THIS THREAT.
JOHNNIE SAYS THE PROFILING NEEDS TO STOP AND THE PATRIOT ACT NEEDS REFORMING, CLOSING GUANTANAMO. WHOA THEIR ATTACKING THE PATRIOT ACT MORE. KUSINICH GOT HIS IMPEACHMENT ACT IN........RICHARDSON SAYS WE NEED TO STOP DISCRIMINATING AGAINST THE SOUTHERN MEXICANS.
WOLFFIE DOESNT LIKE DODDS ANSWERS----OR BIDENS----TOO CONSERVATIVE!
SOCIAL SECURITY--------OBAMAS AN IDIOT WITH IS "IT'S GW'S FAULT" CLINTON'S FOR FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY......LONG TERM CHALLENGES....FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, BIPARTISAN COMMISSION......MEDICARE SHOULD......OBAMA RISES.....TO CLINTON AND SAYS WE ARE USING NUMBERS THAT CLINTON RISES.....SHE REPRESENTS FIRE FIGHTERS? SHE SAYS WHERE SHE WAS FROM THE BEGINNING, BLAAA BLAAA,BLAAAA AND THATS WHERE SHE STANDS.....WHAT??????
TV BREAK...........
IF THIS IS THE BEST THE DEMS HAVE TO OFFER FOR LEADERSHIP IN THIS NATION, WE CAN ALL PRAY THAT WE HAVE A REPUBLICAN IN OFFICE NEXT NOVEMBER.
SUPREME COURT AND "DO YOU SUPPORT A JUSTICE THAT SUPPORTS ABORTION RIGHTS.......(ANOTHER CNN BS QUESTION)
GOING SOWN THE LIST FROM LEFT TO RIGHT SO FAR NO CANDIDATE HAS SAID THEY WILL DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION ON ITS MERITS OF WHAT THE FOUNDER INTENDED.
NATIONAL SECURITY QUESTION......BLAMES BUSH.......
CLINTON SAYS WE ALL NEED TO WORK TOGETHER AND THAT IS WHAT SHE DID AS A NY SENATOR???? BIDEN SAYS THE VAST MAJORITY OF REPUBLICANS THINK THIS WAR SUCKS.........WOLFIE CAN’T GET THE CANDIDATES TO SHUT UP
FINALLY.......IT'S OVER.........WHAT A JOKE.......HERE COMES THE REPORTERS.......ANDERSON COOPER.......RETAKES.....OBAMA AND EDWARDS ARE BOOED WHEN THEY ATTACK THE HILLDABEAST.
CARVILLE SAYS THE FIREWORKS BEGAN IN THE FIRST FEW MINUTES AND THEN THE CANDIDATES SETTLED DOWN TO REALIZE THAT THEY WERE EATING THE YOUNG.
REPLAY......CLINTON SAYS MUDSLINGING FROM EDWARDS WAS NOT APPRECIATED
CLINTONS ONE WORD ANSWER ON THE DL DEBACLE WAS "NO" SHE DID NOT AGREE WITH THE NY GOV......IT’S INSINUATED THAT SHE GOT THE GOV TO BACK OFF HIS AGENDA.......
(editors note: This post was created under duress by the fact that I had to listen to so much puke for mush of two hours. Forgive the structure. CNN didn't have it. And neither did the candidates.) (how many times can one group "have a plan" or knows what "comprehensive immigration" means?)
It's official--------the Democratic Party is toast. None of the candidates (except Joe Biden) wants to prevent illegal immigrants from receiving driver’s licenses. None (except Joe Biden) has a clue on how to put the safety and security of this nation ahead of world appeasement.
When it comes to fighting against radical Islamist that has the sole goal of destroying this nation, again only Joe Biden has a clue. The rest of the democratic candidates have to pander to the anti-war left to solidify their position to have any chance at being elected. There in lies the division. Not the division within the party itself, but the division within this nation that does not recognize the threat from abroad. Christopher Dodd understands that we are in a global economy and we need to be competitive. Obama thinks everything that comes out of his young mouth is "the right thing to do".
CNN is not only hosting a Democratic debate. CNN is framing most of their questions to frame the difference of ideologies between conservatives and democrats. Obama just told Blitzer that we need to be more positive about the solutions facing this nation, and not so negative. Wolffie said "I’m optimistic"
Clinton says she not paying the gender card, she's playing the winning card and she knows this was coming because she is winning. She said "I am thrilled to become the first women president" Now she says she's not running because she's a woman. Johnnie thinks Clinton takes too much money from special interest. Johnnie’s full of rhetoric and will not say anything that does not denigrate the Bush administration or Hillary.
BRAKE IN THE ACTION. (Disclaimer: I have to fix me a cocktail after hearing this entire BS)
IT'S OVER------TV IS NOW OFF AND IT WAS CLOSE TO BEING THROWN OUT THE WINDOW -FIRST QUESTION BY THE "SELECTED" AUDIENCE, CNN MARCHES OUT A MOM WITH HER SON WHO HAS SERVED 3 TOURS IN IRAQ. (STANDING OVATION) THE QUESTION BY SOME BIMBO WORKING FOR CNN IS " YOU ARE NOT AFRAID OF YOUR SON RETURNING TO IRAQ, YOU ARE AFRAID OF YOUR SON HAVING TO BE CALLED BACK TO FIGHT IN IRAN.......
I SAID EARLIER IN THIS POST THIS WAS A FRAMED IDEOLOGY BETWEEN THE LEFTOIDS (CNN, NBC, ANTI WAR LEFTOIDS) AND THOSE WHO SEE THE DANGER.
THIS IS THE FRACTURED MENTALITY OF A LOST PARTY THAT REFUSES TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS NATION NEEDS TO BE PROTECTED.
OK, I TURNED THE TV BACK ON TO HEAR THE "WE HATE THE MILITARY" REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY. THEY HAVE ONLY ANSWERS FOR HOW TO RUN FROM THIS THREAT.
JOHNNIE SAYS THE PROFILING NEEDS TO STOP AND THE PATRIOT ACT NEEDS REFORMING, CLOSING GUANTANAMO. WHOA THEIR ATTACKING THE PATRIOT ACT MORE. KUSINICH GOT HIS IMPEACHMENT ACT IN........RICHARDSON SAYS WE NEED TO STOP DISCRIMINATING AGAINST THE SOUTHERN MEXICANS.
WOLFFIE DOESNT LIKE DODDS ANSWERS----OR BIDENS----TOO CONSERVATIVE!
SOCIAL SECURITY--------OBAMAS AN IDIOT WITH IS "IT'S GW'S FAULT" CLINTON'S FOR FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY......LONG TERM CHALLENGES....FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, BIPARTISAN COMMISSION......MEDICARE SHOULD......OBAMA RISES.....TO CLINTON AND SAYS WE ARE USING NUMBERS THAT CLINTON RISES.....SHE REPRESENTS FIRE FIGHTERS? SHE SAYS WHERE SHE WAS FROM THE BEGINNING, BLAAA BLAAA,BLAAAA AND THATS WHERE SHE STANDS.....WHAT??????
TV BREAK...........
IF THIS IS THE BEST THE DEMS HAVE TO OFFER FOR LEADERSHIP IN THIS NATION, WE CAN ALL PRAY THAT WE HAVE A REPUBLICAN IN OFFICE NEXT NOVEMBER.
SUPREME COURT AND "DO YOU SUPPORT A JUSTICE THAT SUPPORTS ABORTION RIGHTS.......(ANOTHER CNN BS QUESTION)
GOING SOWN THE LIST FROM LEFT TO RIGHT SO FAR NO CANDIDATE HAS SAID THEY WILL DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION ON ITS MERITS OF WHAT THE FOUNDER INTENDED.
NATIONAL SECURITY QUESTION......BLAMES BUSH.......
CLINTON SAYS WE ALL NEED TO WORK TOGETHER AND THAT IS WHAT SHE DID AS A NY SENATOR???? BIDEN SAYS THE VAST MAJORITY OF REPUBLICANS THINK THIS WAR SUCKS.........WOLFIE CAN’T GET THE CANDIDATES TO SHUT UP
FINALLY.......IT'S OVER.........WHAT A JOKE.......HERE COMES THE REPORTERS.......ANDERSON COOPER.......RETAKES.....OBAMA AND EDWARDS ARE BOOED WHEN THEY ATTACK THE HILLDABEAST.
CARVILLE SAYS THE FIREWORKS BEGAN IN THE FIRST FEW MINUTES AND THEN THE CANDIDATES SETTLED DOWN TO REALIZE THAT THEY WERE EATING THE YOUNG.
REPLAY......CLINTON SAYS MUDSLINGING FROM EDWARDS WAS NOT APPRECIATED
CLINTONS ONE WORD ANSWER ON THE DL DEBACLE WAS "NO" SHE DID NOT AGREE WITH THE NY GOV......IT’S INSINUATED THAT SHE GOT THE GOV TO BACK OFF HIS AGENDA.......
(editors note: This post was created under duress by the fact that I had to listen to so much puke for mush of two hours. Forgive the structure. CNN didn't have it. And neither did the candidates.) (how many times can one group "have a plan" or knows what "comprehensive immigration" means?)
When Once is not Enough.......Try it another 58 times
Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer wasted another day pandering to their anti-war cut and run crowd passing a military funding bill that will go absolutely nowhere:
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 — The House on Wednesday approved $50 billion of the nearly $200 billion that President Bush had requested for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan but attached many strings to the measure, virtually guaranteeing that Senate Republicans would block it. (LINK) (editors note: The New York Times change their links like they change their diapers-----example)
This is the 58th time the 110th congress has attempted to micro-manage a war while they have barely managed to pass 2008 appropriations that were due October 1st. While Washington Post staff writer Thomas E. Ricks files this story suggesting that the Iraqi government is missing the boat, one could suggest that the Democrats look in the mirror:
Iraqis Wasting An Opportunity, U.S. Officers Say
With Attacks Ebbing, Government Is Urged to Reach Out to Opponents
By Thomas E. Ricks
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, November 15, 2007; Page A01
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq -- Senior military commanders here now portray the intransigence of Iraq's Shiite-dominated government as the key threat facing the U.S. effort in Iraq, rather than al-Qaeda terrorists, Sunni insurgents or Iranian-backed militias.
In more than a dozen interviews, U.S. military officials expressed growing concern over the Iraqi government's failure to capitalize on sharp declines in attacks against U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians. A window of opportunity has opened for the government to reach out to its former foes, said Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the commander of day-to-day U.S. military operations in Iraq, but "it's unclear how long that window is going to be open." LINK
Wouldn't it be nice if our government took some similar advice and provided some legislation that actually meant something t0 this nation?
Note to Democratic Congress: OUR MILITARY FORCES ARE WINNING THIS WAR WITH OUT YOUR "HELP" OR INTERFERENCE. Troops are already coming home and 3-5 brigades may be coming home early next year. The protest signs should read: U.S. CONGRESS OUT OF IRAQ!
Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer wasted another day pandering to their anti-war cut and run crowd passing a military funding bill that will go absolutely nowhere:
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 — The House on Wednesday approved $50 billion of the nearly $200 billion that President Bush had requested for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan but attached many strings to the measure, virtually guaranteeing that Senate Republicans would block it. (LINK) (editors note: The New York Times change their links like they change their diapers-----example)
This is the 58th time the 110th congress has attempted to micro-manage a war while they have barely managed to pass 2008 appropriations that were due October 1st. While Washington Post staff writer Thomas E. Ricks files this story suggesting that the Iraqi government is missing the boat, one could suggest that the Democrats look in the mirror:
Iraqis Wasting An Opportunity, U.S. Officers Say
With Attacks Ebbing, Government Is Urged to Reach Out to Opponents
By Thomas E. Ricks
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, November 15, 2007; Page A01
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq -- Senior military commanders here now portray the intransigence of Iraq's Shiite-dominated government as the key threat facing the U.S. effort in Iraq, rather than al-Qaeda terrorists, Sunni insurgents or Iranian-backed militias.
In more than a dozen interviews, U.S. military officials expressed growing concern over the Iraqi government's failure to capitalize on sharp declines in attacks against U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians. A window of opportunity has opened for the government to reach out to its former foes, said Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the commander of day-to-day U.S. military operations in Iraq, but "it's unclear how long that window is going to be open." LINK
Wouldn't it be nice if our government took some similar advice and provided some legislation that actually meant something t0 this nation?
Note to Democratic Congress: OUR MILITARY FORCES ARE WINNING THIS WAR WITH OUT YOUR "HELP" OR INTERFERENCE. Troops are already coming home and 3-5 brigades may be coming home early next year. The protest signs should read: U.S. CONGRESS OUT OF IRAQ!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Markos Moulitsas to Cover Presidential Election for Newsweek
Newsweek press release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, November 13, 2007
MARKOS MOULITSAS, FOUNDER AND PUBLISHER OF DAILYKOS.COM, TO BECOME NEWSWEEK CONTRIBUTOR FOR 2008 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN
New York — Markos Moulitsas, the founder and publisher of dailykos.com, will become a Newsweek contributor for the 2008 presidential campaign, offering occasional opinion pieces to the pages of the magazine and to Newsweek.com.
"We have always sought to represent a diversity of views in Newsweek, and we think Markos will be a great part of that tradition," said Newsweek Editor Jon Meacham. "He will give our readers in print and online a unique perspective. As always, our job is to create the most energetic and illuminating magazine possible, and Markos will help us do that as the campaign unfolds."
Moulitsas thinks that Newsweek will hire (invite) a conservative to "balance" out his "unique perspective" and to that I say:
"Balance him out? Why bother?"
"Moulitsas solipsism hardly allows for "balance" in his perception of reality. I'd like to see Newsweek expand on what they define as "unique perspective". Will Newsweek provide a link to KOS with each "perspective" written? And will KOS link to Newsweek?"
"The "media concert" is still in the early stages and we can look forward for more stooges joining the orchestra. This is but a small part in what the "investment" the mainstream media will undertake in the months ahead to shape the dialogue of todays electorial process. And there will be little "balance" in their confabulations."
John Stephenson at Newsbusters and Ed at Captain's Quarters have posted storys about this 'assignment".
Newsweek press release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, November 13, 2007
MARKOS MOULITSAS, FOUNDER AND PUBLISHER OF DAILYKOS.COM, TO BECOME NEWSWEEK CONTRIBUTOR FOR 2008 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN
New York — Markos Moulitsas, the founder and publisher of dailykos.com, will become a Newsweek contributor for the 2008 presidential campaign, offering occasional opinion pieces to the pages of the magazine and to Newsweek.com.
"We have always sought to represent a diversity of views in Newsweek, and we think Markos will be a great part of that tradition," said Newsweek Editor Jon Meacham. "He will give our readers in print and online a unique perspective. As always, our job is to create the most energetic and illuminating magazine possible, and Markos will help us do that as the campaign unfolds."
Moulitsas thinks that Newsweek will hire (invite) a conservative to "balance" out his "unique perspective" and to that I say:
"Balance him out? Why bother?"
"Moulitsas solipsism hardly allows for "balance" in his perception of reality. I'd like to see Newsweek expand on what they define as "unique perspective". Will Newsweek provide a link to KOS with each "perspective" written? And will KOS link to Newsweek?"
"The "media concert" is still in the early stages and we can look forward for more stooges joining the orchestra. This is but a small part in what the "investment" the mainstream media will undertake in the months ahead to shape the dialogue of todays electorial process. And there will be little "balance" in their confabulations."
John Stephenson at Newsbusters and Ed at Captain's Quarters have posted storys about this 'assignment".
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
US STOCKS-Market soars on tech, banks, Wal-Mart and oil
Tue Nov 13, 2007 4:31pm EST
By Ellis Mnyandu
NEW YORK, Nov 13 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks snapped a four-day losing streak on Tuesday with Nasdaq notching its biggest gain in more than four years after news that Apple Inc (AAPL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) was in talks to offer iPhones in China sent investors bargain hunting among battered technology stocks.
Reassurance from the chief executive of Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS.N: Quote, Profile, Research) that the investment bank does not face big credit losses helped ignite a rally in financial stocks, easing some worries about the breadth of the credit crisis.
Retailers also caught fire when surprisingly strong earnings from Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and another big drop in oil prices eased worry about consumer spending on the doorstep of the holiday shopping season. U.S. oil futures ended below $92 a barrel..............LINK
Tue Nov 13, 2007 4:31pm EST
By Ellis Mnyandu
NEW YORK, Nov 13 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks snapped a four-day losing streak on Tuesday with Nasdaq notching its biggest gain in more than four years after news that Apple Inc (AAPL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) was in talks to offer iPhones in China sent investors bargain hunting among battered technology stocks.
Reassurance from the chief executive of Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS.N: Quote, Profile, Research) that the investment bank does not face big credit losses helped ignite a rally in financial stocks, easing some worries about the breadth of the credit crisis.
Retailers also caught fire when surprisingly strong earnings from Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and another big drop in oil prices eased worry about consumer spending on the doorstep of the holiday shopping season. U.S. oil futures ended below $92 a barrel..............LINK
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Salute to Our Veterans
The top photo is my father, a UNITED STATES MARINE
WE HONOR ALL OUR VETERANS FOR THEIR SACRIFICE AND DEVOTION TO A GRATEFUL NATION-----GOD BLESS THEM ALL
New York Times Swaps, (Creates Own Biased) Headline
The New York Times (Online) yesterday took an AP story that told an incredible tale of Iraqis asking the U.S. military to stay out of a fight where they killed 18 bad guys, AND inserted their own biased headline. Here's the original story released by Associated Press:
Nov 10, 9:14 AM EST
Clash in Iraq Kills 18 al-Qaida Members
By SINAN SALAHEDDIN
Associated Press Writer
BAGHDAD (AP) -- Former insurgents who turned against al-Qaida in Iraq launched an attack against the terror group and killed 18 of its members, asking the U.S. military to stay away while the battle raged, an ex-insurgent leader and Iraqi police said Saturday.
Most members of the Islamic Army, a major Sunni Arab insurgent group that includes former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party, joined U.S. forces battling al-Qaida in Iraq earlier this year, though some of the group's leaders deny any contact with American troops.
A top Islamic Army leader, known as Abu Ibrahim, told The Associated Press that his fighters ambushed al-Qaida members near Samarra on Friday, killing 18 people and seizing 16 prisoners..............
"We found out that al-Qaida intended to attack us, so we ambushed them at 3 p.m. on Friday," Abu Ibrahim said.
He asked that Iraqi authorities inform the American military about his plans, and requested that no U.S. troops interfere, they said. He worried that U.S. helicopters might mistakenly fire on his fighters, since they had no uniforms and were indistinguishable from the al-Qaida militants, they said............(full AP story)
Was this headline by AP good enough for the New York Times?
The answer is NO!
Here's the same story, but with a different headline:
Roadside Bombs Across Iraq Kill Seven
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: November 10, 2007
Filed at 9:13 a.m. ET
BAGHDAD (AP) -- Former insurgents who turned against al-Qaida in Iraq launched an attack against the terror group and killed 18 of its members, asking the U.S. military to stay away while the battle raged, an ex-insurgent leader and Iraqi police said Saturday.
Most members of the Islamic Army, a major Sunni Arab insurgent group that includes former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party, joined U.S. forces battling al-Qaida in Iraq earlier this year, though some of the group's leaders deny any contact with American troops.
A top Islamic Army leader, known as Abu Ibrahim, told The Associated Press that his fighters ambushed al-Qaida members near Samarra on Friday, killing 18 people and seizing 16 prisoners................ (New York Times Link Here)
14 paragraphs down (in both story's) this was written:
"Meanwhile, roadside bombs and shootings killed at least 12 Iraqis early Saturday, police said, and the American military issued a statement saying a U.S. soldier was killed in Diyala province."
While I'm still trying to decipher where the "seven" comes from in the NYT's headline, I wrote an email to the public editor and asked "if this is common practice to change headlines submitted by AP to suit a particular bias"? A automated reponse was returned that said they will look into this matter and get back to me (if necessary). My response to the New York Times------ IT'S NECESSARY!
EDITORS NOTE: ( I plan on doing a little follow up on this in the next few days to give the Times a chance to respond. Please check back.)
UPDATE: NOW IT APPEARS THE LINKS TO BOTH STORIES HAVE BEEN CHANGED. NOW THE LINKS TAKE YOU TO THIS:
Nov 11, 10:12 AM EST
Iraqi Leader Says Baghdad Violence Down
Did the AP change this link? Where's the Saturday story to this link?
TWO WORDS FOR AP AND THE NEW YORK TIMES-----SCREEN CAPTURE!
The New York Times (Online) yesterday took an AP story that told an incredible tale of Iraqis asking the U.S. military to stay out of a fight where they killed 18 bad guys, AND inserted their own biased headline. Here's the original story released by Associated Press:
Nov 10, 9:14 AM EST
Clash in Iraq Kills 18 al-Qaida Members
By SINAN SALAHEDDIN
Associated Press Writer
BAGHDAD (AP) -- Former insurgents who turned against al-Qaida in Iraq launched an attack against the terror group and killed 18 of its members, asking the U.S. military to stay away while the battle raged, an ex-insurgent leader and Iraqi police said Saturday.
Most members of the Islamic Army, a major Sunni Arab insurgent group that includes former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party, joined U.S. forces battling al-Qaida in Iraq earlier this year, though some of the group's leaders deny any contact with American troops.
A top Islamic Army leader, known as Abu Ibrahim, told The Associated Press that his fighters ambushed al-Qaida members near Samarra on Friday, killing 18 people and seizing 16 prisoners..............
"We found out that al-Qaida intended to attack us, so we ambushed them at 3 p.m. on Friday," Abu Ibrahim said.
He asked that Iraqi authorities inform the American military about his plans, and requested that no U.S. troops interfere, they said. He worried that U.S. helicopters might mistakenly fire on his fighters, since they had no uniforms and were indistinguishable from the al-Qaida militants, they said............(full AP story)
Was this headline by AP good enough for the New York Times?
The answer is NO!
Here's the same story, but with a different headline:
Roadside Bombs Across Iraq Kill Seven
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: November 10, 2007
Filed at 9:13 a.m. ET
BAGHDAD (AP) -- Former insurgents who turned against al-Qaida in Iraq launched an attack against the terror group and killed 18 of its members, asking the U.S. military to stay away while the battle raged, an ex-insurgent leader and Iraqi police said Saturday.
Most members of the Islamic Army, a major Sunni Arab insurgent group that includes former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party, joined U.S. forces battling al-Qaida in Iraq earlier this year, though some of the group's leaders deny any contact with American troops.
A top Islamic Army leader, known as Abu Ibrahim, told The Associated Press that his fighters ambushed al-Qaida members near Samarra on Friday, killing 18 people and seizing 16 prisoners................ (New York Times Link Here)
14 paragraphs down (in both story's) this was written:
"Meanwhile, roadside bombs and shootings killed at least 12 Iraqis early Saturday, police said, and the American military issued a statement saying a U.S. soldier was killed in Diyala province."
While I'm still trying to decipher where the "seven" comes from in the NYT's headline, I wrote an email to the public editor and asked "if this is common practice to change headlines submitted by AP to suit a particular bias"? A automated reponse was returned that said they will look into this matter and get back to me (if necessary). My response to the New York Times------ IT'S NECESSARY!
EDITORS NOTE: ( I plan on doing a little follow up on this in the next few days to give the Times a chance to respond. Please check back.)
UPDATE: NOW IT APPEARS THE LINKS TO BOTH STORIES HAVE BEEN CHANGED. NOW THE LINKS TAKE YOU TO THIS:
Nov 11, 10:12 AM EST
Iraqi Leader Says Baghdad Violence Down
Did the AP change this link? Where's the Saturday story to this link?
TWO WORDS FOR AP AND THE NEW YORK TIMES-----SCREEN CAPTURE!
Friday, November 09, 2007
Now is the Time for an American Surge!
by Rovin
With the "sudden" changes in the tides of war in Iraq brought about by Gen. Petraeus, the surge, and the change in the rules of engagement, now seems to be a good time to recognize the sacrifices that our brave men and women have endured, (tour after tour), with an “AMERICAN SURGE” of our own. An organized nation-wide salute to our troops for a final push to what we can call VICTORY in Iraq. We, (this nation), need to let our "battle-weary" know that we are beside them 100% in the cause for a free and independent Iraq and the defeat of our enemies.
With the Hollywood (traitorous) left preparing to release a barrage of movies that berates the sacrifices our military have made, we need to shout from the rooftops that this nation will not accept the defeatist attitude Hollywood is attempting to portray. List the movies that they plan to release and send them across the blogosphere that WE WILL NOT ATTEND their revisionist screed that denigrates our troops in harms way.(include list below)
Let the anti-war left know that this nation will not be defeated again by those who hate our military as much as they hate our President. Tell them we will not turn our backs on the sacrifices this nation has endured and they will be on the wrong side of history in defeating al-Qaeda in Iraq and Afghanistan. Let them all know that the political ambitions of the left that they have put ahead of the greater good of this nation will not be forgotten, or forgiven in the near future.
This "battle" also needs to be waged in the mainstream media that have been the promoters of defeat with their lies and sick propaganda that has only encouraged our enemies. The garbage written by the Richs, Krugmans, Dowds, (add to this list), should be also published through-out the sphere. Let their advertiser's know we do not plan on supporting their products under these conditions.
We need a SURGE of our own------ right here at home to let our hero's overseas know that we will not be defeated here either.
TAKE A STAND ------ TAKE THE REIGNS --- TAKE A LEAD --- WE WILL NOT BE DEFEATED BY THE COWARDS WHO ACCEPT AND PROMOTE DEFEAT.
RISE ABOVE THE LOSERS OF THE LEFT WHO HAVE SHAMED THEMSELVES AND THIS NATION FOR THEIR SELFISH POLITICAL GAIN, WHILE THEY HAVE TURNED THEIR BACKS ON OUR FIGHTING MILITARY.
MAKE THIS ACTION AN “AMERICAN” GROUNDSWELL SURGE THAT EVERY SOLDIER WILL HEAR ACROSS THE OCEANS ------ LET THEM ALL KNOW WE ARE AT THEIR SIDE IN VICTORY!
(editor's note: This post will be edited several times through-out the month to include a list of the people who promote defeat----publishers, advertisers, politicians, and the Hollywood writers, producers, and advertisers that shame this great nation-----this will be my personal crusade-------JOIN ME!)
Update: Curt at Flopping Aces has a post up you won't find in the MSM titled The Success Not Reported with excellent graphs and stats. (h/t Vets For Freedom)
Troop Support Blogs:
Support Our Troops
America Supports You
The Victory Caucus
by Rovin
With the "sudden" changes in the tides of war in Iraq brought about by Gen. Petraeus, the surge, and the change in the rules of engagement, now seems to be a good time to recognize the sacrifices that our brave men and women have endured, (tour after tour), with an “AMERICAN SURGE” of our own. An organized nation-wide salute to our troops for a final push to what we can call VICTORY in Iraq. We, (this nation), need to let our "battle-weary" know that we are beside them 100% in the cause for a free and independent Iraq and the defeat of our enemies.
With the Hollywood (traitorous) left preparing to release a barrage of movies that berates the sacrifices our military have made, we need to shout from the rooftops that this nation will not accept the defeatist attitude Hollywood is attempting to portray. List the movies that they plan to release and send them across the blogosphere that WE WILL NOT ATTEND their revisionist screed that denigrates our troops in harms way.(include list below)
Let the anti-war left know that this nation will not be defeated again by those who hate our military as much as they hate our President. Tell them we will not turn our backs on the sacrifices this nation has endured and they will be on the wrong side of history in defeating al-Qaeda in Iraq and Afghanistan. Let them all know that the political ambitions of the left that they have put ahead of the greater good of this nation will not be forgotten, or forgiven in the near future.
This "battle" also needs to be waged in the mainstream media that have been the promoters of defeat with their lies and sick propaganda that has only encouraged our enemies. The garbage written by the Richs, Krugmans, Dowds, (add to this list), should be also published through-out the sphere. Let their advertiser's know we do not plan on supporting their products under these conditions.
We need a SURGE of our own------ right here at home to let our hero's overseas know that we will not be defeated here either.
TAKE A STAND ------ TAKE THE REIGNS --- TAKE A LEAD --- WE WILL NOT BE DEFEATED BY THE COWARDS WHO ACCEPT AND PROMOTE DEFEAT.
RISE ABOVE THE LOSERS OF THE LEFT WHO HAVE SHAMED THEMSELVES AND THIS NATION FOR THEIR SELFISH POLITICAL GAIN, WHILE THEY HAVE TURNED THEIR BACKS ON OUR FIGHTING MILITARY.
MAKE THIS ACTION AN “AMERICAN” GROUNDSWELL SURGE THAT EVERY SOLDIER WILL HEAR ACROSS THE OCEANS ------ LET THEM ALL KNOW WE ARE AT THEIR SIDE IN VICTORY!
(editor's note: This post will be edited several times through-out the month to include a list of the people who promote defeat----publishers, advertisers, politicians, and the Hollywood writers, producers, and advertisers that shame this great nation-----this will be my personal crusade-------JOIN ME!)
Update: Curt at Flopping Aces has a post up you won't find in the MSM titled The Success Not Reported with excellent graphs and stats. (h/t Vets For Freedom)
Troop Support Blogs:
Support Our Troops
America Supports You
The Victory Caucus
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Pelosi--Harry Reid --- Democratic Leadership Holding Vets Hostage
The Veteran's Funding Bill has been approved in committee and should be headed to President Bush's desk, but the majority party has decided to attach another bill with nine billion in pork added. Email and call your democratic leadership and tell them to let this bill go to the President unattached and stop hurting our military.
The Veteran's Funding Bill has been approved in committee and should be headed to President Bush's desk, but the majority party has decided to attach another bill with nine billion in pork added. Email and call your democratic leadership and tell them to let this bill go to the President unattached and stop hurting our military.
New York Times Cheerleading for MSNBC's Continued Bush Bashing
by Rovin
The New York Times (Business section) thinks it's a good idea to continue to lean left and attack the Bush Administration by contorting a "wave" of Keith Olbermann followers, (drones and Koskids), while pushing General Electric, (Parent Company of NBC) to dump Tucker Carlson for Rosie O’Donnell :
Cable Channel Nods to Ratings and Leans Left
Riding a ratings wave from "Countdown With Keith Olbermann," a program that takes strong issue with the Bush administration, MSNBC is increasingly seeking to showcase its nighttime lineup as a welcome haven for viewers of a similar mind.
Lest there be any doubt that the cable channel believes there is ratings gold in shows that criticize the administration with the same vigor with which Fox News’s hosts often champion it, two NBC executives acknowledged yesterday that they were talking to Rosie O’Donnell about a prime-time show on MSNBC............. LINK (registration required)
Where the "wave" comes from, this blogger would like to know given the current cable news ratings of Olbermann's program:
P2+ Prime Time
FNC – 1,454,000 viewers
CNN – 590,000 viewers
MSNBC- 549,000 viewers
CNBC –193,000 viewers
HLN – 386,000 viewers
8PM - P2+ (25-54)
O’Reilly Factor- 1,824,000 viewers (265,000)
Countdown w/ Olbermann- 789,000 viewers (193,000)
( How old are the other 1.5 million Factor viewers?)
Source: Inside Cable News:
If this is what the New York Times calls a "wave", what do they call the latest newsprint decline----"a ripple in a pond"?
NEW YORK The Audit Bureau of Circulations released circulation numbers for more than 700 daily newspapers this morning for the six-month period ending September 2007. Of the top 25 papers in daily circulation (see chart, separate story), only four showed gains.
For The New York Times, daily circulation fell 4.51% to 1,037,828 and Sunday plunged 7.59% to 1,500,394, at least partly due to a price increase.
Keep up the "good work". Any more leaning left and they'll be sideways.
by Rovin
The New York Times (Business section) thinks it's a good idea to continue to lean left and attack the Bush Administration by contorting a "wave" of Keith Olbermann followers, (drones and Koskids), while pushing General Electric, (Parent Company of NBC) to dump Tucker Carlson for Rosie O’Donnell :
Cable Channel Nods to Ratings and Leans Left
Riding a ratings wave from "Countdown With Keith Olbermann," a program that takes strong issue with the Bush administration, MSNBC is increasingly seeking to showcase its nighttime lineup as a welcome haven for viewers of a similar mind.
Lest there be any doubt that the cable channel believes there is ratings gold in shows that criticize the administration with the same vigor with which Fox News’s hosts often champion it, two NBC executives acknowledged yesterday that they were talking to Rosie O’Donnell about a prime-time show on MSNBC............. LINK (registration required)
Where the "wave" comes from, this blogger would like to know given the current cable news ratings of Olbermann's program:
P2+ Prime Time
FNC – 1,454,000 viewers
CNN – 590,000 viewers
MSNBC- 549,000 viewers
CNBC –193,000 viewers
HLN – 386,000 viewers
8PM - P2+ (25-54)
O’Reilly Factor- 1,824,000 viewers (265,000)
Countdown w/ Olbermann- 789,000 viewers (193,000)
( How old are the other 1.5 million Factor viewers?)
Source: Inside Cable News:
If this is what the New York Times calls a "wave", what do they call the latest newsprint decline----"a ripple in a pond"?
NEW YORK The Audit Bureau of Circulations released circulation numbers for more than 700 daily newspapers this morning for the six-month period ending September 2007. Of the top 25 papers in daily circulation (see chart, separate story), only four showed gains.
For The New York Times, daily circulation fell 4.51% to 1,037,828 and Sunday plunged 7.59% to 1,500,394, at least partly due to a price increase.
Keep up the "good work". Any more leaning left and they'll be sideways.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Chink in the Clinton Armor........
(via Matt Lewis at Townhall)
Actually, this is far more than a "chink in the armor". More like a defining moment when voters are looking for a leader that takes a stand (on one side of the fence or the other) on this issue of illegal immigration. Clinton knows very well if she "jumps" off the fence to either side, she will alienate a strong portion of a voting block. This is nothing new for the style of governing that the previous Clinton administration illustrated by checking the direction of the wind daily. If Hillary wants to run for a national meteorologist position, she may have my vote. But in a post 9/11 era when we are at war, fence-sitting is a sign of weakness. This nation cannot afford to elect a President that is not committed to the safety and security of its people. Senator Clinton believes she can ride the wave to the White House with out being COMMITTED to anything.
(via Matt Lewis at Townhall)
Actually, this is far more than a "chink in the armor". More like a defining moment when voters are looking for a leader that takes a stand (on one side of the fence or the other) on this issue of illegal immigration. Clinton knows very well if she "jumps" off the fence to either side, she will alienate a strong portion of a voting block. This is nothing new for the style of governing that the previous Clinton administration illustrated by checking the direction of the wind daily. If Hillary wants to run for a national meteorologist position, she may have my vote. But in a post 9/11 era when we are at war, fence-sitting is a sign of weakness. This nation cannot afford to elect a President that is not committed to the safety and security of its people. Senator Clinton believes she can ride the wave to the White House with out being COMMITTED to anything.
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