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Eats Shoots & Leaves
Citizen
Username: Mfpark
Post Number: 3336
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 2:14 pm: | 
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Chris, that makes you a fire-breathing liberal in today's paradigm-shifted political spectrum!
I have to laugh when I remember that Nixon would have been running to the left of Kucinic in 2004. |
MichaelaM
Citizen
Username: Mayquene
Post Number: 192
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 2:48 pm: |
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Fill in the blanks:
There could be hundreds of al Qaeda members in the U.S. right now, and for all we know, they're ____________.
A. Consumers of Ben and Jerry's ice cream.
B. Soccor moms.
C. Yankees fans
D. Verizon subscribers.
C'mon, where do we draw the line?! |
Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 1978
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 2:51 pm: |
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Yeah Chris, that's a mighty fine platform, one that even I could get behind (maybe).
Although I suspect that this line, "-That the government that governs best is that which governs least." is a sticky widget that is open to MUCH interpretation.
So programs to help the poor for instance are pretty much out of the question right? For that matter, I ask out of curiosity, how do you determine which Government programs are a necessity and which are not? |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3074
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 2:56 pm: |
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Not to be too overly anal, but I believe it is "sticky wicket." |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3075
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 2:58 pm: |
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http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-sti2.htm
A wicket was originally (and can still be) a small door or grille, especially one cut into a larger door. It was borrowed in the early eighteenth century to refer to the three wooden sticks called stumps that form the structure at which the bowler aims and which the batsman must defend. In the usual double-ended game there are two sets, 22 yards apart. By a further extension, the word came to apply to the ground between them (we’re now some way from a small door, but the sequence is plain). After rain, the ground becomes soft and the ball bounces more erratically, making it more difficult for the batsman. Hence a sticky wicket, in full to bat on a sticky wicket. To be on one, figuratively speaking, is to experience great difficulty. |
GOP Man
Citizen
Username: Headsup
Post Number: 371
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 3:06 pm: |
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how are people like me protecting people like you whiny libs? I'll tell you how. by giving our full support to our president in the war on terror. if not for people like me, the president would be handcuffed fighting the evildoers. if people like me didn't vote, we might have Kerry waiting for the go-ahead from the UN before he protected us. without people like us courageously speaking out for the war, the terrorists would be here, blowing up people like you.
no need to thank me, my own satisfaction is sufficient for me. |
Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 1981
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 3:06 pm: |
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I think now-a-days with the advent of the WWW and the prevalence of computers, that more people understand (or at least use) the word widget rather than a wicket. Now if you were British, I could understand your outrage a little bit better. You aren't British are you? Regardless, I'll try to remember to use wicket going forward. Point taken. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3077
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 3:10 pm: |
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Outrage? |
Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 1982
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 3:14 pm: |
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would you prefer anal-retentiveness? |
Straw Kennedy
Supporter
Username: Strawberry
Post Number: 7192
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 3:30 pm: |
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GOP Man
Citizen
Username: Headsup
Post Number: 372
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 3:37 pm: |
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that's a very funny picture! 
straw, you kill me! you should be a professional entertainer. another example of the optimism and wonderful sense of humor that Republicans possess. not like those angry libs.
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notehead
Supporter
Username: Notehead
Post Number: 3251
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 3:42 pm: |
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I agree that the issue of deciding how much government is the right amount is a bit of a stinky winglet. Similarly, deciding how much to encroach on people's rights in the name of protecting them (especially if you think they'll never find out about it) is rather a strictly wiggly. Furthermore, giving someone a summons for speaking out at a political rally is a bit of a slippery ticket, especially when you consider that one of our country's great entertainers during a period when we examined many Constitutional issues was a guy named Wilson Pickett.
Thanks so much. I'm here all night. Try the veal. |
Straw Kennedy
Supporter
Username: Strawberry
Post Number: 7193
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 3:43 pm: |
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GOP Man
Citizen
Username: Headsup
Post Number: 373
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 3:49 pm: |
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dave23
Citizen
Username: Dave23
Post Number: 1756
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 3:53 pm: |
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The guy with the receding hairline shows off just one of many love notes from his wife. |
notehead
Supporter
Username: Notehead
Post Number: 3252
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 4:01 pm: |
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I figured somebody left it on his windshield. |
dave23
Citizen
Username: Dave23
Post Number: 1757
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 4:01 pm: |
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Chris Prenovost
Citizen
Username: Chris_prenovost
Post Number: 918
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 4:06 pm: |
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I thought the note was from his boyfriend. . . |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3078
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 4:30 pm: |
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Dave, Nice... |
notehead
Supporter
Username: Notehead
Post Number: 3253
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 4:31 pm: |
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Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 1984
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 4:41 pm: |
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ae35unit
Citizen
Username: Ae35unit
Post Number: 68
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 4:42 pm: |
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"Here we go again: a story that could bring down any administration, especially considering the fabrications we've heard about the scope of the NSA's activities and the legalities thereof. But part of me suspects we'll be seeing the same old thing, a scattershot effort from Dem leaders, no genuine crisis coverage from the press, lockstep Republican apologists, and an eventual yawn as this fades into the Bush memory hole."
From Peter Daou at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-daou/we-are-frogs-in-slowboil_b_20812.html |
tom
Citizen
Username: Tom
Post Number: 4896
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 4:55 pm: |
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notehead, those look like freedom fries... |
Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 1985
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 4:57 pm: |
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I will agree that the Democrats don't know how to use this stuff. The Republicans deserve to be hung and yet, the Dems show that they don't have the strength, fortitude or know how to murder those dumb f-ers. Sad really. Where is Southerner when I need him to rub it in my face? |
Southerner
Citizen
Username: Southerner
Post Number: 1048
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 8:26 pm: |
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Here I am. This could be the big one, but you Dems are long past the chicken little stage that you have successfully made the American public so numb to your get Bush tactics that this will last about 2 days and we'll be on to another one. Oh, how short a life did Hookergate have? This has become so monotonous it sounds like one of my posts! I just can't wait until Stevens gets to blow off Pelosi again by not swearing in the execs. That will be another priceless moment. Let me know when a real topic appears. This one is so weak true libs like Alley are beating themselves before I even have a chance. |
Mr. Big Poppa
Citizen
Username: Big_poppa
Post Number: 676
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 8:37 pm: |
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Southerner, are you worried about your phone being tapped?
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Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3081
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 10:26 pm: |
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Southerner, So that is the Republican stategy? Have so many scandals that people become numb to them? Be so unethical that the bar for ethics gets lowered? Interesting strategy. |
cjc
Citizen
Username: Cjc
Post Number: 5607
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 10:35 pm: |
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The republican strategy is to try to focus on conservative legislation (which isn't necessarily today's republican legislation) that likely won't pass, but if it does pass the president will sign. (Like what won't he sign??!?) It's a play to bring out the base and let the election be decided on who turns out the most people.
The Democrat strategy is to say "Bush sucks" as many times as they can. How novel. Republicans tried that in 1998 and didn't get anywhere. We'll see if 06 is the exception. |
notehead
Supporter
Username: Notehead
Post Number: 3255
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 11:46 pm: |
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No, that's not the strategy. We just do that reflexively every time someone in the administration does something patently stupid and/or harmful, which is roughly every 4 minutes.
Actually, there is a strategy, and it's pretty amazing, really, but I'm not allowed to tell you about it. In fact, I might get in trouble for saying that much. |
Southerner
Citizen
Username: Southerner
Post Number: 1054
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 9:26 am: |
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Rastro,
We don't really need a strategy with you guys as our opposition. You guys are going to be quite surprised come November. Not one of your so called scandals has stuck. Not one. All the boys are still in place and calling the shots. That is why I say - I Love This! I just can't wait to see what the next scandal is. |
tom
Citizen
Username: Tom
Post Number: 4902
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 9:43 am: |
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Bush has a 29% approval rating and you're trying to tell us the scandals haven't stuck?? |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3084
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 9:47 am: |
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But that's exactly my point. The "why" these scandals haven't stuck. They are not "our" or even my scandals. They are your party's scandals. Actually, they hit people on both sides, but so far the vast majority have been on the Right.
I liked Clinton. But I did not like what he did to this country, particularly when he lied to us all on TV about something most of us could not have cared less about. And the lesson he taught kids was that oral sex is not sex, and it's ok to lie.
But Bush & co are taking us so far into the sewer that Clinton looks like a saint.
I'm not talking about the political game. I'm talking about real governing. And perhaps that the difference between you and every other poster here. We recognize that politics has a significant amount of gamesmanship to it (but thanks for continually pointing that out). We all know that perception is more important that reality (thanks for the constant reminder about that as well). Most people here are upset about real things that are happening, not simply that Bush and other Republicans are in office. |
notehead
Supporter
Username: Notehead
Post Number: 3256
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 10:08 am: |
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tom
Citizen
Username: Tom
Post Number: 4903
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 12:48 pm: |
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Don't let them fool you; the scandals have stuck. Tom DeLay has resigned. Other Republican congresspeople are in or on their way to jail. Yesterday another Republican governor was indicted. Half of conservatives now think that we'd be better off if the Democrats controlled congress. And again, Bush is about to go below the Nixon line in approval ratings, which doesn't in any way help him enact his agenda.
The Republicans are on the ropes, and if all this when the scandals haven't stuck lord help them if they do. |
GOP Man
Citizen
Username: Headsup
Post Number: 378
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 1:17 pm: |
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my president doesn't care about polls, and his (allegedly) 29% approval rating. Let's assume that number is true, and really I don't believe it because the Harris poll has a well-known liberal bias. But if it is true, it only proves the greatness of our leader, who will do what he believes is right, whether it's popular or not. Leadership is not a popularity contest, and George W. Bush knows that, even if you libs don't. History will prove him right, even if the present doesn't. |
Southerner
Citizen
Username: Southerner
Post Number: 1055
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 1:34 pm: |
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Rastro,
Come on. It's not a matter of Republican or Democrat. It's a matter of majority and minority. Clinton had scandals because he was the target not the attacker. Bush has scandals because he is the target not the attacker. The next POTUS will be targeted and have scandal after so called scandal for 4 years just like Bush. All these scandals are political in nature. Most scandals lately have involved the Repubs because they are the hunted not the hunter. Since you side with the side doing the attacking of course you and the other libs can discuss ad naseum how this is "really" right versus wrong, honest versus dishonest. When you guys get back in power and we attack I bet you'll hear the same arguments from us and you'll be dismissing all the attacks as partisan politics. Why can't you understand this. I am at least honest in my view. I don't claim us Repubs are any better when it comes to this. Some would say we took attack politics to a new level against Clinton. I've said many times the attacks against Clinton were not justified just like the attacks against Bush aren't justified, although you guys spend a lot of time trying. It' all politics. Why don't you libs just be honest and admit it. I have.
tom,
Congratulations. Delay resigned. With all your big game hunting paraphernalia you kind of look like Cheney hunting caged quail. You haven't gotten one big fish and no one of substance in the admin has resigned. When Delay is convicted I'll give you props for a medium fish. But that's "if".
I'll agree with your enacting legislation statement. But I don't see any side gaining traction in this area for years. Let's say the Dems take back only the House. The Senate Repubs and the veto will stop any liberal legislation. If the Dems take back both then Bush will finally use the veto power and I doubt you'll have veto proof numbers. And say in 2008 you get the WH and keep Congress, again, no veto proof numbers. The good thing about the Dems being the minority is they are finding great ways and procedures to disrupt and stall. I have no problem with this. But, the Repubs are taking note and learning so when/if we become the minority we will be prepared to disrupt and stall as well. Since we all agree we are basically a 50/50 electorate I don't see either party getting veto proof numbers so the legislation impasse is here for quite some time and I am perfectly happy with a do nothing Congress. |
GOP Man
Citizen
Username: Headsup
Post Number: 380
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 1:46 pm: |
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southerner gets it. These "scandals" exist only because Bush is president, and the president always gets attacked. The administration hasn't done anything wrong. They are a victim of their success. Name me one thing that you libs call a "scandal" that Bush hasn't done for the best of intentions. You claim he's authorized "torture" and "warrantless" searches. and then there are your tiresome and boorish claims that he "lied" to us about Iraq. All of those done with sincerity of purpose as commander-in-chief. and then you call them "scandals." It's just like Clinton when we went after him. It was just the game of politics then, and you all are playing the same game now. |
tom
Citizen
Username: Tom
Post Number: 4907
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 2:07 pm: |
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Whatever. Efforts to dismiss the scandals as "not getting any traction" are just bluster and spin. DeLay was House Majority Leader -- a big fish. Libby was a pretty big fish. Sure, we haven't caught any of the big tuna, but Presidents and Vice Presidents don't resign very often here in the U.S.A. But don't bank on your cabinet secretaries yet. Gonzales is in trouble -- Specter is after him. That knucklehead refusing contracts to non-Bush supporters is dead meat. You just lost a CIA director, and the Feds raided the home of his #2 yesterday.
As Arthur said to the Black Knight, "what are you going to do, bleed on me?" |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3096
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 2:34 pm: |
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Southerner, you keep making that incorrect assumption that I am a liberal, even after I keep correcting you. Apparently anyone that does not like GWB is a liberal in your eyes.
The reality is that I think most politicians get into it for the right reasons, and get corrupted along the way. But in the end, most are corrupt in one way or another. And I blame our electorate and the media for not caring or pressing these kinds of issues. We have corrupt politicians because we allow them to be corrupt.
Consider polls that show most Americans think we'd be better off with Democrats running one or both bodies of Congress. Those same polls seem to indicate that people's own representatives are safe. What does that say? Either people are blind to their own representatives corruption, or they don't care, as long as they benefit. It's the Al D'Amato syndrome. He was a slimebag, but he was "our" slimebag (I used to live in NY). He would constantly get re-elected, even in the face of obvious unethical behavior, because he inevitably delivered for his constituents even though it was usually at the expense of the rest of the country.
I thought the attacks against Clinton were not justified because they were unrelated to his ability to govern. The attacks on Bush & co are often hypocritical (when launched by other politicians), but are usually based in fact. And they are typically based on his ability to govern (or lack thereof).
Hopefully now you see why I say that it should be about right and wrong, not Right and Left. To me, Right and Left are equally corrupt. The pendulum is swinging to the Right (in terms of corruption - I think it has hit its apex in terms of power). but int he past it has been well within the quadrant of the Left. "Business as usual" is not an excuse. It's a grown-up's version of the childish refrain "But Mom/Dad, everyone's doing it..." |
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