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January 29, 2008

In the name of changieness ... UPDATED

I bring you change

... would someone articulate for me what Barry would actually do as President? I understand he is engaged in Bill Clinton's strategic vagueness and the unprecedented pre-convention endorsement of Ted Kennedy belies the oft expressed sentiment to step away from executive dynasties so exactly what does the talismanic "Change" mean? Why are Obama volunteers admonished not to answer ANY policy question but to:

tell[ing] potential voters personal stories of political conversion.

Certainly the attempt to compare Barry to JFK is problematic since JFK was a taxcutter ("rising tide"), believed in a muscular America ("pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship") and pro-life (established the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development). Barry wears a suit of mirrors, reflecting back whatever his acolytes want to see. A nice gift, but it's still about feelings and nothing but feelings.

And that is not enough. Indeed, it is monarchal and insulting.

UPDATE: About 40 seconds in on Barry's "response" to the Presidents SOTU:

We heard the President say we want to make tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans permanent when we know that in a time of war and economic hardship the last thing we need is permanent tax cut for Americans who don't need them and weren't even asking for them.

Barry let the mask drop on that one. Regardless of his attempt to dress up a tax increase on all Americans (remember, the bottom tax bracket dropped from 15% to 10% and millions were exempted from any Fed tax) as only about those nasty Wealthy Americans [cue the sound of horses screaming] was the typical Leftist mindset that the property one earns doesn't rightfully belong to the earner, but to the Government. And Government gets to decide what constitutes "authentic need."

Technorati: Kennedy, Obama,

Posted by Darleen at 08:26 AM | Comments (3)

January 27, 2008

Eason Jordan's legacy and The New Rules - UPDATED

Updated at the bottom of the post

The "Live by Identity Politics, Die by Identity Politics" bloodletting in the Democrat primaries has been fairly entertaining. No more so than watching the Clintons doing their patented slash-n-burn politicking and giggling at the reactions of Democrats who are shocked, SHOCKED by it. It was A-Ok when done against Republicans and bimbos, but One Of Our Own?? Oh the horror!

This hangwringing over karma results in some interesting reactions. Some no less than jaw-dropping self-parody (really too giggle inducing to be labeled nascent fascism as it would otherwise be deserved)

But Barack Obama has an opportunity here to make these new rules, as they pertain to him, lasting. And so does the progressive blogosphere. I have long stated that Obama is a Media Darling, and indeed it is one of the main reasons I tepidly support him for the nomination. Here are some of the rules that Obama and progressives should look to enforce through to the General Election:

1. Rezko is a nonissue and bringing it up is a slimy personal attack on Obama. This one has the virtue of being true. Let’s get that enforceable against John McCain and the other Republicans.

2. Discussions of experience and youth are, at the least, vaguely racist, and a personal attack. When a candidate touts experience or points to Obama’s lack of it, they are expressly arguing for a return to the past as opposed to looking to the future. It means they are opposed to change. Indeed, it expressly means for Republicans that they want to continue the policies of the Bush Administration. For Republicans, this also has the virtue of largely being true. The GOP field is indeed basically arguing for a continuation of Bush policies in most areas - tax cuts permanent, continuatio of the Iraq Debacle, less government regulation, etc.

3. What Obama Meant. Any review of Obama statements or past votes is subject to an explanation by Obama of what he REALLY meant. Any criticism of Obama’s statements which do not take into account Obama’s clarifications and explanations of what he REALLY meant are unfair personal attacks and the attacker is a “liar” who will say and do anything to get elected.

4. Obama’s attacks are always fair and merited. Any suggestion otherwise is, at the least, vaguely racist.

Can we get these rules enforced in the Media in a General Election? Let’s hope so if Obama is the nominee.

(h/t Dan Collins at PW)

Adding on to the above where big tent democrats have got to figure out how to enforce on the media the rules that Barry Obamachrist is beyond negative coverage, is word that CNN has already signed on to those rules:

I've just learned that CNN has told top Dem strategists James Carville, Paul Begala, and Robert Zimmerman -- who are CNN mainstays but are all Hillary supporters -- that they will not be doing any more political analysis on the network until the Democratic primary has reached a conclusion.

I'm also told that this move came after the Obama campaign repeatedly complained to high level officials at CNN about the presence of Carville and Begala on the network.

After I reached him today and pointed out that he hadn't been on CNN in some time, Carville confirmed to me that the network had told him that he wouldn't appear until the Dem primary is resolved.


Of course they'll be returning to their "analyst" spots post-primary season where they can properly "analyze" the Republicans as per the new rules.

Objectively, of course, from the most Trusted Name in News.

UPDATE Oh, looky, Big Tent Democrat takes umbrage at my post

Earth to Darleen, my "rules" are not serious.
Not noticing, of course, that CNN is already playing by his "offered in jest" (yeah, that's the ticket) rules. CNN hasn't cautioned their "analysts" or decided to run a small on-screen disclaimer under their names, they have removed the Hillary cheerleaders completely at Barry Obama's urging. No problems, obviously, with their tactics, just who they are applied against. I have to laugh, too, at BTD's assertion of MSM "hatred of the Clintons." If Barry hadn't become a serious contender, they'd have continued along in the same HRC-inevitableness with continuing, loving coverage of First Gentleman Billy Jeff. The MSM runs by ratings first, partisanship second. No scandal, no controversy then run the puffpieces on all-things Progressive.

And how much is BTD's tongue really lodged in his/her cheek?

Do not get me wrong (5.00 / 1) (#17) by Big Tent Democrat on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 03:00:48 PM EST

If he is the nominee, I hope he gets the kid gloves treatment, I just do not think he will.

Indeed.

Technorati: Clinton, Obama, ,

Posted by Darleen at 10:07 AM | Comments (4)

January 25, 2008

The few, the proud,

The Marines:

Posted by Darleen at 06:35 AM | Comments (4)

January 24, 2008

Ah jus' can't quit you

pretty ponySometimes, I really hope John Edwards can last until the convention; if not for anything else but for quotes like this

"While Senator Clinton and Senator Obama were hurling charges and countercharges at each other, I was thinking, 'I'm John Edwards and I represent the grown-up wing of the Democratic Party.'" — Democrat John Edwards, in a conference call with reporters, discussing Monday night's debate.

Bob Dole couldn't be reached for comment.

Posted by Darleen at 06:34 AM | Comments (1)

January 22, 2008

Obama and Hillary -- riddle me this ...

It has become mandatory for Dem candidates to preach at the pulpits of melanin-enriched churches (while some pundits decry appearances at Pulpits of Pallor as signs of the coming theocracy).

Listening to audio clips of HRC and Barry, I find it curious that they both start slipping into "black" accents.

Funny how they don't slip into Spanish accents in front of Latino audiences.

Posted by Darleen at 06:25 AM | Comments (4)

January 21, 2008

Oh my, do I dare hope....

Understand the original Star Trek aired in 1967 ... I was 13 and fell madly in love with the series (I had just been hooked on sci-fi - Asimov, Heinlein, Sturgeon, Amazing Stories, Analog ... I couldn't read fast enough). None of the Trek spinoffs ever had the same pull for me.

And now, they want to go back to The Beginning.

.... how much do I risk my heart?

Posted by Darleen at 09:09 PM | Comments (2)

January 18, 2008

Friday night music interlude

Awesome

Posted by Darleen at 09:53 PM | Comments (5855) | TrackBack

January 17, 2008

Nothing like the occassion of a wedding ...

... especially Jenna Bush's to generate some hearty, loving congrats and best wishes

...can't wait for the sex tape! i bet she's a pig in the sack, squealing loud enough to wake the neighbors...

...I see ugly offspring in the future...

...Of course they're going to hate each other after 5 months, but they'll be forced to stay married forever, just like George and Laura...

... As soon as they get the wedding out of the way they can go, hand in hand, to sign up with the Marines. Time to go fight the "good" war in Iraq. Sad that they will be celebrating and living high off the hog while others their age are dying needlessly in the war her father chose to start. ...

...I think a tropical honeymoon would be perfect.I'll be happy to donate two one-way tickets to Gitmo ...

...I hear Henry is already cheating on her with many young men ...

...The "Green Zone" in Iraq would make a great honeymoon. If you can't enlist Jenna then you should visit Iraq. I hear the body stench and carnage is wonderful in May. ...

...lets see if we can get the dumb little bitch a military uniform. ...

...Only repugs care about anything the war criminal Bush family does. The Hague has a cell just waiting for him...

...we're all scared shitless that they're going to breed. ...

...Jenna will be stepford wife version 2 modeled after version 1, Laura bush ...

...she's a bush and has never condemed the actions of her father. If she had any soul or sense of honor, she would have done this long ago. So in a sense, she is a war collaborator by not saying anything ...

...After years of antics that would make Paris Hilton blush, the drunken slut gets to reclaim her maidenhood and marry the GOP prince. How quaint....

...They look like brother and sister. Who's surprised? ...

...Hopefully she will change her name. I'd hate to have that mark of satan on my for the rest of my life...

...Is there a Cabbage Patch in Washington where they grow all republicans? They're all pasty,squishy & bland. ...

...I am looking forward to his impending scandal. I wonder if it will involve an underage boy or foot tapping in the Union Station men's room. ...

...As long as she doesn't wear white I am happy she is getting married. Maybe a better color for her would be wine red, or Jim Beam black. ...


Ah yes, the tolerant, respectful of women and gays, true supporters of the American military, Progressives!

Rock ON!

Posted by Darleen at 10:13 PM | Comments (4)

January 16, 2008

California Primary: thumbnail recommendations

Statewide propositions:

vote NO

No to four Indian tribes benefiting over the rest of CA citizens, not to mention at the expense of the other CA tribes.

No to six more years of Fabian Nunez and $50,000 wine parties along with at least 42 other career politicians in the state legislature who will serve any where from 8 to 20 years more. Considering the fubar they've made California over the past several years, exactly how valuable is that experience they whine we should be retaining?

Dems: you're on your own ... The Clinton Machine, Barry Emptysuit ObamaChrist Superstar, Silky Pony 'I'll take all your money and make all decisions for you...what, me Stalinesque?' Edwards or 'I see UFOs' Kucinich ... hey, knock yer selves out!

Reps: I'm voting Romney cuz he's not anti-free speech pro-illegal alien amnesty, I can't wait to punish California McCain nor 'Look at me I'm a far-right Christian - don't look at my far-left policies' Huckabee. Racist Ron Paul doesn't even register on the decency radar.

Posted by Darleen at 06:38 AM | Comments (5)

January 12, 2008

Oh those Waskly Wepublicans!

Bill Maher opines that they stole New Hampshire for Hillary!

Jane Smiley ventilates that Democrat Larry O'Scary Donnell is really on Karl Rove's payroll for turning his patented style of ranting against John Edwards

Wepublicans ... everywhere ... like those Jooooos

heh.

Posted by Darleen at 05:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 10, 2008

Facts? Facts?

We don't need no stinkin facts. We get to make up facts in order to advocate our political position. When confronted about phony facts, we get to call bogus facts "interesting" or "controversial" because we know what's best for you.

But fact facts? Don't be silly. Don't be so old-fashioned. Facts are what we tell you they are. Perception, dude, perception.

(h/t Dan Collins at PW)

Posted by Darleen at 06:19 AM | Comments (3835) | TrackBack

January 09, 2008

The pragmatism of the death penalty

As the US Supreme Court hears arguments against the death penalty, more specifically, if the use of lethal injection falls under the "cruel and unusual" definition, the arguments in support or against or even muddled in between fail one to note one important factor that was illustrated in the article posted by Sanity Inspector re: the gruesome slaughter of Meredith Emerson by Gary Hilton

The affidavit for Hilton's murder warrant disclosed that Emerson died Jan. 4 in Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area, five miles southwest of Dawsonville, where investigators found her body Monday evening with Hilton's help.

He led authorities to her body in exchange for prosecutors' agreeing not to seek the death penalty against him in the case, Union County District Attorney Stan Gunter told The Associated Press.


Maybe the anti-death penalty advocates can give us another tool to help persuade evil people like Hilton to reveal where the body/victim has been stashed?

Though, I bet waterboarding is off the list, too.

Posted by Darleen at 07:02 AM | Comments (341) | TrackBack

January 07, 2008

The Nannystate: All Your Thermostats Belong to Us

I'm still fuming over the banning of the incandescent light bulb ... done, no doubt, because we lowly peoples just can't be trusted to act in our own interest ... regardless of all the real problems with CFL's, including inducing migraines and causing skin cancer. Now comes word of a proposed change to California Title 24, "236 pages of state-mandated standards for building energy efficiency"

What should be controversial in the proposed revisions to Title 24 is the requirement for what is called a "programmable communicating thermostat" or PCT. Every new home and every change to existing homes' central heating and air conditioning systems will required to be fitted with a PCT beginning next year following the issuance of the revision. Each PCT will be fitted with a "non-removable " FM receiver that will allow the power authorities to increase your air conditioning temperature setpoint or decrease your heater temperature setpoint to any value they chose. During "price events" those changes are limited to +/- four degrees F and you would be able to manually override the changes. During "emergency events" the new setpoints can be whatever the power authority desires and you would not be able to alter them.

In other words, the temperature of your home will no longer be yours to control. Your desires and needs can and will be overridden by the state of California through its public and private utility organizations.


Oh goody.

Posted by Darleen at 06:52 AM | Comments (3)

January 05, 2008

Future Trooferism porn

In the aftermath of Obama's Iowa derailing of Hillary!s "inevitability", the columns of fawning, giddy, puff pieces on Obama rival similar so-called "news" pieces when BJ Clinton was working the primary circuit. "Stunning", "magic", "magnetism", words found more often in review blurbs on film ads, pepper reporters' stories along with allusions to JFK and MLK. Obama's Iowa victory has turned into an extended New Year's celebration.

However, never let it be said that the Left can just enjoy the celebratory moments without finding an opportunity to turn it into a salacious hatefest. Look no further than HuffPo's frontpage and J. Palermo's unctuous fantasy Barak Obama, RFK and Blackwater

It took forty years but perhaps today with Barack Obama we are seeing the continuation of the project that Robert Kennedy started in 1968.
In 1968, when Kennedy was gaining momentum and piling up primary victories it looked as though he would win the presidential nomination. But before he could be safely ensconced inside "the bubble" of 24-hour federal protection he was assassinated. And his progressive challenge to the war in Vietnam and to poverty at home was stopped in its tracks.

In 2008, Obama is gaining momentum, and hopefully people inside his organization are cognizant of the fact that he constitutes a very real threat to the likes of Blackwater, Dyncorps, Halliburton, and the hundreds of other private companies currently profiteering from the Iraq occupation.

Blackwater, that reactionary private mercenary outfit headed by the right-wing Christian nationalist Erik Prince stands to lose big time with an Obama presidency. [...]

Under an Obama Administration Blackwater would no doubt be cut down to size along with Bush's other crony capitalist entities. The Blackwater Boys no doubt have close friends and ideological soul mates deep inside the federal security services. [...]

Let's hope that the Blackwater elements can be thoroughly flushed out of the federal security services. Let's also hope that the Secret Service does a better job protecting Obama in the coming election year than Pakistan's ISI did in protecting Benazir Bhutto who didn't live to see election day. [...]

What must be done with Blackwater is what President John F. Kennedy said he wanted to do with the CIA following the Bay of Pigs disaster: Tear it up into a thousand pieces and scatter it to the wind. [...]

Bush gave Blackwater and companies like it a free ride on the government's dime and they no doubt want the gravy train to continue. Obama promises to apply the brakes. He therefore has some well-armed and lethally trained enemies that stand to lose their livelihoods if he follows through on his promise to end the Iraq occupation.


Palermo plays out this Eeeevil Xtianist Rightist assassination porn fantasy hoping that readers have little grasp of history. For instance, RFK was not assassinated because he was against the Vietnam war. Or that JFK actually said made the statement about the CIA as Palermo asserts when in reality the post-Bay-of-Pigs years found JFK improving the CIA, expanding their covert actions in places like Latin America and Laos while publicly expressing his gratitude and admiration of the agency.

The personal is the political, and no event -- primary win or funeral -- should escape a chance to demonize the non-Left.

(h/t Marc Sheppard)

Posted by Darleen at 10:56 AM | Comments (0)