Now begins a little log of Bush (LOB) claims as presented by MSNBC.
Bush slams Kerry for few ‘achievements’ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5559688/
"We have turned the corner, and we’re not turning back."
We must ask, does this mean continuing to turn to the Right or just bring on the wrong?
"My opponent has good intentions, but intentions do not always translate to results," "Results matter"
I thought that’s what came out of the convention.
There was mention of Bush’s results, need they more?
Friday, July 30, 2004
More Preemptive Insights
The previous posts were preemptive of the following link. Not only did Kerry seem to borrow some of my words, but those of his competitors.
In "The Composite Candidate" Chris Suellentrop does not miss the uniting of words and Democrats, though he may throw in a cheap shot at the end.It would be ironic to think that Kerry need adopt the mantle of "Compassionate Conservatism" when Bush has done such a poor job anyway.
But the dangers that Kerry would face from renewed diversity would be safer than Bush ignoring the lid on Pandora’s box not to mention what was left inside.
In "The Composite Candidate" Chris Suellentrop does not miss the uniting of words and Democrats, though he may throw in a cheap shot at the end.It would be ironic to think that Kerry need adopt the mantle of "Compassionate Conservatism" when Bush has done such a poor job anyway.
But the dangers that Kerry would face from renewed diversity would be safer than Bush ignoring the lid on Pandora’s box not to mention what was left inside.
REPORTING FOR DUTY
John Kerry struck the right tone in his most important speech to date. Foreign policy is an important area that must be addressed. I especially appreciated the tone given the use of rhetoric that will come back to haunt the current administration. Bush is a war president. He wants to be a peace president. Is that a flip-flop? In the context of these segments it may be unfair to accuse such a thing but it must be addressed.
Things are black and white.
Repeat: Things are black AND white.
A key word or emphasis may be important for those less skilled in the English language, and I am no expert. But to head off claims that we are at war and a change is unwarranted we much look at the record of words. When Kerry says we should not be opening fire houses in Iraq AND closing them here, it does not preclude opening firehouses in Iraq as long as we are not neglecting our own concerns for security and defense.
For more reasons Kerry hit the right tone see my archives in particular the link below, especially on war, patriotism and democracy.
Reporting for duty is what we all must do, paying attention on a daily basis but especially on Election Day.
Things are black and white.
Repeat: Things are black AND white.
A key word or emphasis may be important for those less skilled in the English language, and I am no expert. But to head off claims that we are at war and a change is unwarranted we much look at the record of words. When Kerry says we should not be opening fire houses in Iraq AND closing them here, it does not preclude opening firehouses in Iraq as long as we are not neglecting our own concerns for security and defense.
For more reasons Kerry hit the right tone see my archives in particular the link below, especially on war, patriotism and democracy.
Reporting for duty is what we all must do, paying attention on a daily basis but especially on Election Day.
IRONY PRESIDENT
Just to repeat, if I said it already. Bush is no Reagan. Reagan was the Teflon President and Bush is the Irony President. Meaning his own words are the best rhetoric against him. What did not stick to Reagan could splash back at Bush.
The following letter from October 2000 should have been indicative of future actions and raised concerns about what the media was not asking. See Link for original letter.
PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS
Bush the 'uniter' would separate us from government
I should have thanked you earlier (Seattle Post Intelligencer) for your intelligent endorsement of Al Gore for president. I already pointed out to the other major Seattle paper the difficulties in making sense when an endorsement decision is made by the publisher and explained by the editorial page editor. My first instinct was to drop the other subscription, but I will watch both for other editorial differences first. One of the best reasons for voting against George W. is found in his own campaign rhetoric: "I am a uniter not a divider" followed by "I trust people, not government." This is supposed to be a government "of the people, by the people and for the people."
George W. has just become the ultimate divider. He wants to divide the people from their government. What makes even less sense is why he even wants to join the government. But we know the answer to that. Something about people being better off with less government. Maybe the richest 1 percent do believe that, but baseball team owner Bush and former Cabinet member Cheney?
The following letter from October 2000 should have been indicative of future actions and raised concerns about what the media was not asking. See Link for original letter.
PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS
Bush the 'uniter' would separate us from government
I should have thanked you earlier (Seattle Post Intelligencer) for your intelligent endorsement of Al Gore for president. I already pointed out to the other major Seattle paper the difficulties in making sense when an endorsement decision is made by the publisher and explained by the editorial page editor. My first instinct was to drop the other subscription, but I will watch both for other editorial differences first. One of the best reasons for voting against George W. is found in his own campaign rhetoric: "I am a uniter not a divider" followed by "I trust people, not government." This is supposed to be a government "of the people, by the people and for the people."
George W. has just become the ultimate divider. He wants to divide the people from their government. What makes even less sense is why he even wants to join the government. But we know the answer to that. Something about people being better off with less government. Maybe the richest 1 percent do believe that, but baseball team owner Bush and former Cabinet member Cheney?
Thursday, July 22, 2004
I Don't Want To Be Right.
A Republican State Representative in Michigan has worked his way into hot water, http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/072304A.shtml and doesn’t know he has turned up the heat.
"In the context that we were talking about, I said we've got to get the vote up in Oakland (County) and the vote down in Detroit. You get it down with a good message. I don't know how we got them from there to "racist,"' Pappageorge said. "If I have given offense in any way to my colleagues in Detroit or anywhere, I apologize."
A good message gets the vote down
or not voting is a good message?
Either way Republican campaigning seems to make sense now.
Not that it is Right.
"In the context that we were talking about, I said we've got to get the vote up in Oakland (County) and the vote down in Detroit. You get it down with a good message. I don't know how we got them from there to "racist,"' Pappageorge said. "If I have given offense in any way to my colleagues in Detroit or anywhere, I apologize."
A good message gets the vote down
or not voting is a good message?
Either way Republican campaigning seems to make sense now.
Not that it is Right.
If Politics Is Wrong?
If politics is wrong, what are the other options?
If politics is wrong, who will not use it?
If these questions seem difficult, image trying to change things.
If a dictator seems easier, maybe politics and questions need to get tough.
If failure is not an option, it is because it is a result.
If politics is wrong, who will not use it?
If these questions seem difficult, image trying to change things.
If a dictator seems easier, maybe politics and questions need to get tough.
If failure is not an option, it is because it is a result.
UNITY IN PRINCIPLE
Having only seen portions of the 9-11 Commission presentations, it is clear something must be done to improve the structure of government. Good people must not be hindered by it, but the key to change is not sacrificing our principles while taking a careful look at the process. People must not be placed above the law but the process does need work.
The hope that we can be united in this is admirable but to expect politics to be absent is as foolish as the expectation that the solution to terrorism is just war. There may be a few major changes that we can agree must happen, but the devil is in the details. It is not evil to discuss them and even words like unity must be used carefully.
The hope that we can be united in this is admirable but to expect politics to be absent is as foolish as the expectation that the solution to terrorism is just war. There may be a few major changes that we can agree must happen, but the devil is in the details. It is not evil to discuss them and even words like unity must be used carefully.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Senate Intelligence Committee
Last week the Senate Intelligence Committee came to similar unanimous conclusions declaring that their report on the administration's use of intelligence will be ready after the election.
The previous post is not so closely connected to its link. The post is a summary of the points this writer has noted along the way. The link below and one it contains http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/18/opinion/18SUN3.html?pagewanted=print&position= is more pertinent to whether intelligence was properly used or as the former says "was an afterthought".
The previous post is not so closely connected to its link. The post is a summary of the points this writer has noted along the way. The link below and one it contains http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/18/opinion/18SUN3.html?pagewanted=print&position= is more pertinent to whether intelligence was properly used or as the former says "was an afterthought".
YOU DECIDE!
The 9-11 commission will be unanimous.
They want you to decide.
There were chances to prevent it that were missed.
They won’t say that it could have been prevented.
You decide.
Bush says he is a uniter, not a divider.
You decide.
He says he trusts the people not the government.
You decide.
He joked that things would be easier if he were dictator.
You decide.
He says war is a last resort.
You decide.
He says he had bad intelligence.
You decide.
He says he is a war president, who wants to be a peace president.
You decide.
They want you to decide.
There were chances to prevent it that were missed.
They won’t say that it could have been prevented.
You decide.
Bush says he is a uniter, not a divider.
You decide.
He says he trusts the people not the government.
You decide.
He joked that things would be easier if he were dictator.
You decide.
He says war is a last resort.
You decide.
He says he had bad intelligence.
You decide.
He says he is a war president, who wants to be a peace president.
You decide.
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Breaking Trojan Goat* Leaks
Sandy Berger charged with mishandling top secret documents in preparation for the 9-11 commission. I will refrain from more filtering and jump to a conclusion, except to say that if the charges pan out it is disgraceful and unacceptable. Stronger words would and will be used by others. The preemptive question or conclusion is that the timing is convenient. This happened some time ago and is just now coming out. Of course the excuse is that it is under investigation. The question should be, is if there were witnesses to the activity, what were they doing not preventing it? If the charges are false and it may be questionable as to the evidence ever being firm, then it seems that it supports the charge that there is an agenda somewhere, to politicize the control of intelligence in the form of passing the buck from the chain of command. This seems to be another distraction that will preemptively cloud the responsibilities for failure. If this seems to be an obtuse charge, it is not more obtuse than the perceptions that there was ever evidence supporting a preemptive war.
As disappointing as I will be with the possibility that charges have any validity** or even explanation, they should still be seen in the light of what the administration has done and more important what we can’t find out they have done.
This post was written with only the background that CNN was developing an prior, to the best of my attention, before anyone questioned the timing of this. I provide the following unread link.
I guess I should credit Dave Ross with some input to this thinking. He asked to compare the importance of Sandy Berger misplacing outdated notes with the administration not reading memos that were very pertinent. The link for his morning commentary is not yet available.
* Trojan Goat: A version of a scapegoat but preemptive and covert, also partisan or with another agenda than intelligence or the truth.
** Berger has admitted to some of the charges but the extent and/or intent is in question.
As disappointing as I will be with the possibility that charges have any validity** or even explanation, they should still be seen in the light of what the administration has done and more important what we can’t find out they have done.
This post was written with only the background that CNN was developing an prior, to the best of my attention, before anyone questioned the timing of this. I provide the following unread link.
I guess I should credit Dave Ross with some input to this thinking. He asked to compare the importance of Sandy Berger misplacing outdated notes with the administration not reading memos that were very pertinent. The link for his morning commentary is not yet available.
* Trojan Goat: A version of a scapegoat but preemptive and covert, also partisan or with another agenda than intelligence or the truth.
** Berger has admitted to some of the charges but the extent and/or intent is in question.
Friday, July 16, 2004
Another Filter:
Informed Talking Points from Mainstream Media
Thanks to www.michaelmoore.com see LINK, www.notbush.com
WOW! Not only is the media catching up, but this site now has active link inserts and color.
MY FILTER:
The long: Tomgram: Thomas Frank on the failure of liberalism
http://www.tomdispatch.com/index.mhtml?emx=x&pid=1551
The short: Re-slicing The Pie
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/reslicing_the_pie.php
The ditto: A Pause For Hindsight
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/16/opinion/16FRI1.html
See archive: September 19th 2002 for my original comments.
Thanks to www.michaelmoore.com see LINK, www.notbush.com
WOW! Not only is the media catching up, but this site now has active link inserts and color.
MY FILTER:
The long: Tomgram: Thomas Frank on the failure of liberalism
http://www.tomdispatch.com/index.mhtml?emx=x&pid=1551
The short: Re-slicing The Pie
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/reslicing_the_pie.php
The ditto: A Pause For Hindsight
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/16/opinion/16FRI1.html
See archive: September 19th 2002 for my original comments.
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Pre-Roger this.
Unable to keep up with the sources I find, a look at a few words, like the title, leads me to the risky preemptive endorsement of the link below. I can always take it back, unlike killing or starting a war. But I say this now, and hope to read it later, I will not remove this post.
Roger That "V"
I already did. Somewhere, though I will have to find it, I have pointed out much of what even Ray McGovern is suprised and sick to his stomach over. What has long been a suspicion of mine, that more than a scape-goat, there was a Trojan-Goat in the CIA. Reminding us that Bush was more than just Kidding. .
Trust but Verify
"Trust but Verify"
Some things Reagan said were important even if they were borrowed from other countries. Verify our own democracy before exporting it.
Please see link "Not a Pretty Picture" and find the petition "Count Every Vote".
Some things Reagan said were important even if they were borrowed from other countries. Verify our own democracy before exporting it.
Please see link "Not a Pretty Picture" and find the petition "Count Every Vote".
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
FRANKNESS: SERVING US ALL? Right.
Contribution to a new level of discourse or d’Nile. (Sent to local paper, 6-29-04, Unedited, aside from the appropriate changes in connection with the additions in italics.)
Maureen Dowd sure hit the nail on the head in "Is Cheney losing it?" and I would like to tack on a few of my own. Aside from wondering if Cheney ever really had it, as the media should know he was not one for mincing words during the campaign. The candidate Bush even concurred with his ticket-mate’s aphorism for a member of the press. That is the irony that un-minced words should get out of this administration.
After all, the president did call for Hollywood to come up with some scenarios and solutions after 9-11. He just didn’t know, read or remember the works of the creative thinkers in his administration from the neo-con philosophers to the Secretary of Infotainment Rumsfeld who said "facts change". And for the obtuse I am not equating defense with entertainment, but only in regards to his dissemination of information duties. Then there are the history "rewriters" which they eschew but now employ memo rewriters before it is determined who read or followed them or how they fit in the chain of command. From the Cheney Energy Panel or rather the "X-Files" motto that "the truth is out there" to the "Twilight Zone’s" episode "To Serve Man", Cheney has now contributed to the language of unity, not to mention great debates.
And thanks to Maureen Dowd we should remember a useful "F" word (or few words)and when disturbed cry "FOX NEWS". Then we can finally let the French off the hook. Now those who are embarrassed after a personal faux pas or outburst can just say, "Pardon my Cheney". However, for those who are proud of their verbal and debating skills, it is just about time someone let the facts slip.
I don’t know if that means we found the leak in the ship of fools or the paddle that got us up the creek. But we can probably agree it is not all down hill from here. We just may not agree on the continual trickle or flood of denial.
[4-1-08: Is Cheney Losing It? link added ]
Maureen Dowd sure hit the nail on the head in "Is Cheney losing it?" and I would like to tack on a few of my own. Aside from wondering if Cheney ever really had it, as the media should know he was not one for mincing words during the campaign. The candidate Bush even concurred with his ticket-mate’s aphorism for a member of the press. That is the irony that un-minced words should get out of this administration.
After all, the president did call for Hollywood to come up with some scenarios and solutions after 9-11. He just didn’t know, read or remember the works of the creative thinkers in his administration from the neo-con philosophers to the Secretary of Infotainment Rumsfeld who said "facts change". And for the obtuse I am not equating defense with entertainment, but only in regards to his dissemination of information duties. Then there are the history "rewriters" which they eschew but now employ memo rewriters before it is determined who read or followed them or how they fit in the chain of command. From the Cheney Energy Panel or rather the "X-Files" motto that "the truth is out there" to the "Twilight Zone’s" episode "To Serve Man", Cheney has now contributed to the language of unity, not to mention great debates.
And thanks to Maureen Dowd we should remember a useful "F" word (or few words)and when disturbed cry "FOX NEWS". Then we can finally let the French off the hook. Now those who are embarrassed after a personal faux pas or outburst can just say, "Pardon my Cheney". However, for those who are proud of their verbal and debating skills, it is just about time someone let the facts slip.
I don’t know if that means we found the leak in the ship of fools or the paddle that got us up the creek. But we can probably agree it is not all down hill from here. We just may not agree on the continual trickle or flood of denial.
[4-1-08: Is Cheney Losing It? link added ]
MOORE TRUTH IN MEDIA
First I would like to thank all the critics of Michael Moore for seeing his movie. They really hyped the movie for the general public, and had little evidence for their avalanche of labels and bashing.
Second a little riddle is brought to mind. What is the difference between the media and the administration? Not much.
Actually the riddle that first came to mind and this was a fine segue: What is the difference between the administration and Michael Moore? One stretches the evidence to make it easier to believe in their truth. The other compresses the evidence to get a truth that is almost too hard to believe.
What is the difference between the media and the administration? Certainly not the quality of their work.
Second a little riddle is brought to mind. What is the difference between the media and the administration? Not much.
Actually the riddle that first came to mind and this was a fine segue: What is the difference between the administration and Michael Moore? One stretches the evidence to make it easier to believe in their truth. The other compresses the evidence to get a truth that is almost too hard to believe.
What is the difference between the media and the administration? Certainly not the quality of their work.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Let's make this clear.
Just to be clear, and I wish I could use footnotes, upside down would be nice, like the answers to puzzles, I have nowhere endorsed Sen. McCain for the Bush ticket. Only that it would be a smart move. I really should stop giving good advice to the enemy. I take that back. I am a uniter not a divider, so I will not call an opponent an enemy. Actually I take back the claim of uniting. I just give a perspective. Just because others give similar advice does not mean it is any better advice. Just because McCain would make sense to many voters, does not mean he would make sense to me.
Well anyway, they are using McCain in ads attacking
Edwards as Kerry’s second choice after McCain. Just because I was being obtuse (outgoing) I want to clarify for those who are obtuse (incoming). [Not that any of them or Bush actually read this.] I did not appreciate McCain as a presidential candidate, or as a VP candidate, and now that they have the ads we may see why. However that is not to say that there is not something to admire about McCain and we may see that opportunity too. McCain actually defended Kerry from some of the Bush attacks and has suffered some himself, so it should be interesting to see how he feels being part of them.
Well anyway, they are using McCain in ads attacking
Edwards as Kerry’s second choice after McCain. Just because I was being obtuse (outgoing) I want to clarify for those who are obtuse (incoming). [Not that any of them or Bush actually read this.] I did not appreciate McCain as a presidential candidate, or as a VP candidate, and now that they have the ads we may see why. However that is not to say that there is not something to admire about McCain and we may see that opportunity too. McCain actually defended Kerry from some of the Bush attacks and has suffered some himself, so it should be interesting to see how he feels being part of them.
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Unfortunate Prediction
Possible proof that I have been preemptive in my concerns, this time the confirmation comes in the advice from former Senator Alfonse D'Amato(See today's link).
He suggests that Cheney be replaced on the ticket with either Powell or McCain. The VP’s recent outburst (see yesterday's link, which I added today) could be the preparation or additional excuse for this change.
NOTE: Yesterday's post runs contrary to the link provided today. It was meant to provide background for the VP selection process Cheney was involved in. On July 1st, Sidney Blumenthal wrote of the unlikelihood of Cheney being removed. But I did not find it until after this post.
He suggests that Cheney be replaced on the ticket with either Powell or McCain. The VP’s recent outburst (see yesterday's link, which I added today) could be the preparation or additional excuse for this change.
NOTE: Yesterday's post runs contrary to the link provided today. It was meant to provide background for the VP selection process Cheney was involved in. On July 1st, Sidney Blumenthal wrote of the unlikelihood of Cheney being removed. But I did not find it until after this post.
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
KUDOS TO KERRY
John Edwards was my second choice for VP. In fact, he was my second choice for President. But if the Republicans use the issue of Edwards being second choice for Kerry, there are important questions. Was Cheney Cheney’s second choice for VP? Or more important was Bush Cheney’s second choice for President?
The real problem with McCain being courted by Kerry, is if Bush would make McCain his first choice. Of course, that would make the issue moot.
[NOTE: No link was originally provided on this day, but the next day I added the following. "When Cheney's mask slips, it reveals Bush."]
The real problem with McCain being courted by Kerry, is if Bush would make McCain his first choice. Of course, that would make the issue moot.
[NOTE: No link was originally provided on this day, but the next day I added the following. "When Cheney's mask slips, it reveals Bush."]
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