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When Is It Okay To Be Rude?

2009-09-14T17:33:00.001-07:00

Joe Wilson is feeling like a hero now that he has the backing of the yokel crowd. He behaved like an ass and people are patting him on the back.

I wonder if these same people will be lining up now to support every smart-mouthed kid who disrupts a student assembly? Or their own child's class because he doesn't like the lesson plan?

Will they start a defense fund for the kid who wants to wear his "legalize weed" T-shirt at graduation? Or how about all the people barred and evicted from so called "public" events in recent years because they didn't agree with President Bush's policies?

Amazing how the rules of courtesy fly out the window when, well ... when, exactly do they?

When exactly is it OK to be rude? When the rude one is someone you like, or the target is someone you don't?

Some conservatives argue Democrats did the same thing during President Bush's term, but that dog won't hunt. While it is true that booing and cheering are now and have always been heard in the House chamber, no one can point to a Democrat who, during a public address, verbally attacked or personally vilified President Bush during a public occasion despite intense disagreement over his policies, especially on national defense.

It did not happen.

But We Knew This, Didn't We?

2009-08-20T09:25:00.001-07:00

It's too late now but now we know:

Former Bush Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge is releasing a book on September 1 titled, “The Test of Our Times: America Under Siege…and How We Can Be Safe Again.” U.S. News’ Paul Bedard reports that, in the book, Ridge reveals that he considered resigning because he was urged to issue a politically-motivated security alert on the eve of Bush’s re-election:

ridgebookAmong the headlines promoted by publisher Thomas Dunne Books: Ridge was never invited to sit in on National Security Council meetings; was “blindsided” by the FBI in morning Oval Office meetings because the agency withheld critical information from him; found his urgings to block Michael Brown from being named head of the emergency agency blamed for the Hurricane Katrina disaster ignored; and was pushed to raise the security alert on the eve of President Bush’s re-election, something he saw as politically motivated and worth resigning over.

When You Need A Clue ...

2009-07-30T12:17:00.001-07:00

What, exactly, do these folks think racism is? I'll bet he has black "friends." Does he call them jungle monkeys?

A Boston police officer who sent a mass e-mail referring to Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. as a "banana-eating jungle monkey" has apologized, saying he's not a racist.

Officer Justin Barrett told a Boston television station on Wednesday night that he was sorry for the e-mail.

"I regret that I used such words," Barrett told CNN affiliate WCVB-TV. "I have so many friends of every type of culture and race you can name. I am not a racist."

Barrett was placed on administrative leave after the e-mail surfaced, and he might lose his job as a result.

Guess Who Didn't Get Enough Mommy?

2009-05-10T09:15:00.001-07:00

Cheney and Limbaugh are acting like whiney little babies.

Former Vice President Dick Cheney said Sunday he no longer views Colin Powell as a Republican.

Appearing on CBS' "Face the Nation," Cheney was asked about a dispute between Powell — who was secretary of state in the Bush-Cheney administration — and radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh over the role each plays in the GOP.

"My take on it was Colin had already left the party," Cheney said. "I didn't know he was still a Republican."

I'm sick of them pouting!

The Bigger The Belly, The Bigger The Carbon Footprint

2009-04-22T16:54:00.001-07:00

I guess it's no surprise that Americans need to stop stuffing their faces ...

Looking for inspiration to lose weight?

It may be worth taking a look at the results of a report in latest issue of the International Journal of Epidemiology.

The study concludes that being overweight or obese “should be recognized as an environmental problem” because of its contribution to climate change from additional food and transport emissions.

Phil Edwards and Ian Roberts of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that a lean population, like the Vietnamese, consume about 20 percent less food and produce fewer greenhouse gases than a population in a country like the United States, where about 40 percent of people are obese.

The authors also found that transport emissions will be significantly less in countries with healthy average body weights because it takes less energy to transport slim people.

...

Can't Somebody Put Him Back In A Wheelchair And Roll Him Down The Stairs

2009-04-20T20:39:00.001-07:00

We're hearing more from him now than we did in 8 years. WHY????

The former vice president Dick Cheney is slamming President Obama’s efforts to set a new tone for relations with the U.S. on the world stage.

“I guess I’ve been concerned the way that we’ve been presented overseas,” Cheney told Fox News host Sean Hannity Monday night. Cheney said he found it “disturbing” that the new president had gone overseas and seemingly apologized for past actions of the United States. “I think you have to be very careful. The world outside there — both our friends and our foes –will be quick to advantage of a situation if they think they’re dealing with a weak president or one who’s not going to stand up and aggressively defend America’s interests.

“The United States provides much of the leadership in the world. We have for a long time. I don’t think we’ve got much to apologize for.”

He Knows How To Clear A Room ...

2009-04-20T14:16:00.001-07:00

Another one who just can't shut up ...

A major UN anti-racism conference already wounded by the boycott of nine Western countries, opened Monday with the buzz of anticipation for a speech by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – the only head of state who accepted an invitation to attend.

Mr. Ahmadinejad, who has referred to the Holocaust as a "myth" and called for Israel to be "wiped off the map," assailed the West for supporting the creation of the Jewish state after the atrocities of World War II.

"Under the pretext of Jewish suffering, they have helped bring to power the most oppressive, racist regime in Palestine," he said, to loud applause from Iranian activists in the gallery and pockets of headscarved Muslim women on the floor. "They have always been silent about their crimes."

With that, the 23 European Union countries who had not yet boycotted the conference abandoned their seats and streamed out of the hall, which was met by a smattering of more applause.

Dumb Ass!

2009-04-20T14:02:00.001-07:00

Shakesville: Quote of the Day

"I may run for president of Texas. That need may be a reality sooner than we think. If not me, someone someday may again be running for president of the Lone Star state, if the state of the union continues to turn into the enemy of the state."—Chuck Norris, future president of Texistan, where choking a political opponent will not be considered a liability, but evidence of sufficient manliness to lead the nation.

Looking At Netbooks ...

2009-04-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

I like this one ...

And this cute pink one too:

What Happened To My Blog?

2009-03-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

Facebook and Twitter! LOL! They've gotten the best of me. I tweet here.

Can We Pleeeese Retire The Watermelon Jokes?

2009-02-27T14:17:00.001-08:00

I agree with this guy. They are beyond old and never were funny!

Anyway, it's Friday and I ran across this hilarious article about the Mayor of Los Alamitos. Mister Mayor sent out an email to a few friends that suggest the White House won't have an Easter Egg hunt this year. See, Dan Grose, the Mayor of Los Alamitos believes the White House will be overrun by watermelons because Obama is president and he's black and that's funny. And I think that's hilarious!

How long can the watermelon joke carry its punch? It's been nearly a century, no? Folks, find some new racist material! Two, what idiot believes watermelon is indigenous to black people?! It's a southern delicacy, you idiots. It migrated north and west when black people from the SOUTH migrated and brought their culinary tastes. But what's even funnier is that the Mayor of Alamitos decided to resign. He realizes the watermelons were in bad taste. Can you imagine an idiot like Grose sitting at home, listening to Rush Limbaugh, hating that he lost his job, but feeling justified for his email joke because, well, black people eat watermelons and that's just so so fricking funny.

When I was in high school, I went on a girl scout trip to Texas and Mexico. At the beginning of the trip, I stayed with a white hospitality family. When dinner was ready, one of them said "we have watermelon!" So, I smiled politely and said "okay." In my 14 year old mind, I was wondering why they seemed so excited about watermelon ... It took me a few years to get the drift ...

This Is Just Downright Frightening!

2009-01-27T04:47:00.001-08:00

What are people supposed to do?

A slew of American heavyweight companies, including Caterpillar, Pfizer, Sprint Nextel, Home Depot and General Motors, announced cuts Monday adding up to 45,000 jobs lost. What's more, a group of business economists predicted many more job losses in the year ahead.

Secret Agent Man

2009-01-16T17:11:00.001-08:00

Let me just get this out one last time before Inauguration Day because it might sound disrespectful once he's President.

Dayum He Foine!

I Need Them To Stop

2009-01-08T04:41:00.001-08:00

Blank stare ...

An article in next month's Atlantic asks, "Is porn recession proof?" According to porn magnate Larry Flynt and "Girls Gone Wild" king Joe Francis, the answer is no.

TMZ reports that the pornographer pair is heading to Washington to ask for a $5 billion porn bailout:

"With all this economic misery and people losing all that money, sex is the farthest thing from their mind," Flynt says. "It's time for Congress to rejuvenate the sexual appetite of America."

Francis sees his industry like the big three automakers, only BIGGER: "Congress seems willing to help shore up our nation's most important businesses; we feel we deserve the same consideration."

Yay Sanjay!

2009-01-07T08:38:00.001-08:00

This would be a cool and innovative appointment. I've always found him to be very knowledgeable and informative on CNN. I hope he gets it.

President-elect Barack Obama has approached CNN's chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, about becoming the country's next surgeon general, the cable network said Tuesday.

CNN said it has kept Gupta from reporting on health care policy and other matters involving the incoming Obama administration since learning he was under consideration for the post.

Two Democrats with knowledge of the discussions over the surgeon general spot said Gupta was under consideration but cautioned there was not yet a final decision on who would fill the post. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media on the matter.

Seat The Man!

2009-01-06T17:35:00.001-08:00

It may take some back room dealing but I do not believe there is a way that this man will not be seated.

"Does the governor have the power, under law, to make the appointment? And the answer is yes," said Feinstein, chairwoman of the Senate Rules Committee, which judges the credentials of senators.

Burris marched into the Capitol earlier Tuesday, declaring himself "the junior senator from the state of Illinois." But Secretary of the Senate Nancy Erickson rejected his certification, as he knew she would, saying it lacked Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White's signature and the state seal.

Late Tuesday, Feinstein urged the Senate to settle the matter.

"If you don't seat Mr. Burris, it has ramifications for gubernatorial appointments all over America," the California senator said. "Mr. Burris is a senior, experienced politician. He has been attorney general, he has been controller, and he is very well-respected. I am hopeful that this will be settled."

Now, where have I been for the past couple of weeks? I was in Chicago for the holidays watching this play out locally! I must say that nothing tops Chicago and Illinois politics. It is all drama (and entertainment) all the time!

Give Love on Christmas Day

2008-12-24T19:23:00.000-08:00

I'm on Christmas vacation but this is one of my favorite songs ...

Give Love on Christmas Day

People making lists, buying special gifts,
It's a time to be kind to one and all
It's that time of year when good friends are dear
And you wish you could give more
Than just presents from a store

Why don't you give love on Christmas day
Oh even the man who has everything
Would be so happy if you would bring
Him love on Christmas day (on Christmas day)
No greater gift is there than love

People you don't know smiling out hello
Everywhere there's an air of Christmas joy
It's that once a year, when the world's sincere
And you'd like to find a way
To show the things that words can't say

Why don't you give love on Christmas day
The man on the street and the couple upstairs
All need to know that there's one cares
Give love on Christmas day
No greater gift is there than love
What the world needs is love
Yes the world needs your love

Why don't you give love on Christmas day
Oh every little child on Santa's knee
Has room for your love underneath his tree
Give love on Christmas day (Christmas day)
No greater gift is there than love
What the world needs is love
Yes the world needs your love

Give love on Christmas day ...

It's A Prayer Folks!

2008-12-19T18:09:00.000-08:00

Look, it's not like I'm a big fan of the religious right. However, as far as crazy Evangelicals go, I actually like Rick Warren more than I do the other ones. I even bought his book some years back. It's not like he was appointed to Obama's cabinet or that he will be his spiritual adviser. Living in California where 75% of black folks voted FOR Proposition 8, it's not like I don't know more than my share of homo-bigots and people who are anti-choice despite the stupefyingly high number of out of wedlock children in the community. I think Obama is showing that his Presidency will not shut out anyone who doesn't agree with him the way Dubya did. That game is old and it set us back domestically and internationally. Let the man say his prayer for our President and for the future of the country. If he gets up there and says that all "sissies" are going to hell, everyone can be outraged then.

For more than two years, cozying up to Rick Warren has been one of Barack Obama's favorite ways of showing evangelical Christians that he might not be so scary, after all -- and for just as long, palling around with Obama every once in a while has been Warren's way of trying to show more secular-minded people that he's not so bad, either.

So about the only thing less surprising than the outrage that news of Warren's selection to give the invocation at Obama's inauguration is prompting among gay activists, liberals and Obama supporters generally is probably Warren's appearance on the program in the first place. Obama and Warren have often used each other to demonstrate that they'll be willing to listen to people they disagree with -- and yes, also to let everyone know that they'll be willing to anger their friends. This isn't one of those political controversies that pop up out of nowhere without warning; whether they want to admit it or not, it seems Obama's advisors brought on this fight with his own supporters knowing full well what was coming.

Having Warren speak at the inauguration might make more sense for Obama, now that he's been elected, than going to Warren's Saddleback Civil Forum in August in search of evangelical votes did from a campaigning standpoint. When the ballots were counted he only did marginally better among white evangelicals than Gore and Kerry; the idea now, apparently, is to signal that Obama will be a president for all Americans, whether they voted for him on Nov. 4 or not.

"This is a farewell kiss, you dog!"

2008-12-14T16:41:00.001-08:00

I think that about sums it up!

In Iraqi culture, throwing shoes at someone is a sign of contempt. Iraqis whacked a statue of Saddam with their shoes after U.S. marines toppled it to the ground following the 2003 invasion.

See the "footage."

It's A Shame That It Even Came To This

2008-12-14T07:30:00.001-08:00

I have no idea (well I guess I do) why this company thought it could get away with this is It's just beyond me.

The word came just after lunch on Dec. 2 in the cafeteria of Republic Windows and Doors. A company official told assembled workers that their plant on this city’s North Side, which had operated for more than four decades, would be closed in just three days.

There was a murmur of shock, then anger, in the drab room lined with snack machines. Some women cried. But a few of the factory’s union leaders had been anticipating this moment. Several weeks before, they had noticed that equipment had disappeared from the plant, and they began tracing it to a nearby rail yard.

And so, in secret, they had been discussing a bold but potentially dangerous plan: occupying the factory if it closed.

By the time their six-day sit-in ended on Wednesday night, the 240 laid-off workers at this previously anonymous 125,000-square-foot plant had become national symbols of worker discontent amid the layoffs sweeping the country. Civil rights workers compared them to Rosa Parks. But all the workers wanted, they said, was what they deserved under the law: 60 days of severance pay and earned vacation time.

And to their surprise, their drastic action worked. Late Wednesday, two major banks agreed to lend the company enough money to give the workers what they asked for.

JJ Is Candidate 5?

2008-12-10T21:34:00.001-08:00

I'm not sure I buy this. I thought that prior to this, Jesse Jackson Jr. had eyes on the Mayor's office. I'd say that maybe this alleged emissary is from Mayor Daley's camp trying to get Jackson the job so that he doesn't end up battling him for his job next time around.

Representative Jesse Jackson Jr., long seen here as someone who was willing, even happy, to clash with this city's old power structure, found himself tangled up on Wednesday in the fallout from the arrest of Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois — now a symbol of that old, unseemly political way.

Jackson was described in an affidavit filed in Blagojevich's arrest as one of at least six people being considered by the governor to fill President-elect Barack Obama's unfinished term in the United States Senate in exchange for money or a new job.

Specifically, federal authorities said, Jackson is "Senate Candidate 5," associates of whom, the governor said in a wire-tapped conversation, were willing to raise money for Blagojevich in exchange for the seat.

Jackson, an ambitious Democrat elected to Congress 13 years ago and the son of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader, made a defiant appearance before reporters in Washington on Wednesday, denying unequivocally that he had offered Blagojevich anything in exchange for the Senate seat or had sanctioned any offer by an intermediary, as Blagojevich seemed to suggest in recordings.

"I did not initiate or authorize anyone at any time to promise anything to Governor Blagojevich on my behalf," Jackson said. "I never sent a message or an emissary to the governor to make an offer, to plead my case or to propose a deal about a U.S. Senate seat, period."

Why Did He Get 15 Minutes In The First Place

2008-12-10T18:00:00.001-08:00

Why is he still talking?

With the dust still settling from the 2008 presidential race, one of its biggest celebrities lashed out Tuesday at the man who made him famous.

Joe "The Plumber" Wurzelbacher, the Ohio voter who challenged President-elect Barack Obama on his tax plan and later became a hero of John McCain's presidential bid, said Tuesday he felt "appalled" at some of his interactions with the Arizona senator, and soon felt the need to ditch his campaign.

Speaking with conservative talk-radio host Glenn Beck, Wurzelbacher said he was specifically at odds with McCain's support over the massive $700 billion bailout, a measure many conservatives opposed despite McCain's attempts to shepherd the bill on Capitol Hill.

“When I was on the bus with him, I asked him a lot of questions about the bailout because most Americans did not want that to happen,” Wurzelbacher told Beck. “I asked him some pretty direct questions,” he continued. “Some of the answers…they appalled me, absolutely. I was angry.

"In fact, I wanted to get off the bus after I talked to him."

Is Blagojevich Really This Stupid?

2008-12-09T07:26:00.001-08:00

I've been hiding from my own blog over the past few weeks (I seem to be posting everything to Facebook) but good GOD if this didn't make me peek my head out!

llinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday on charges of conspiring to get financial benefits through his authority to appoint a U.S. senator to fill the vacancy left by Barack Obama's election as president.

According to a federal criminal complaint, Blagojevich also was charged with illegally threatening to withhold state assistance to Tribune Co., the owner of the Chicago Tribune, in the sale of Wrigley Field. In return for state assistance, Blagojevich allegedly wanted members of the paper's editorial board who had been critical of him fired.

Blagojevich also was charged with using his authority as governor in an attempt to squeeze out campaign contributions, prosecutors said.

Then again, this is "Chicago" so I am shocked ... but not appalled!

Anybody Got A Silver Bullet?

2008-11-19T22:27:00.001-08:00

Why won't he go away?!

Former presidential candidate Alan Keyes (pictured) and other members of the American Independent Party have filed suit in California Superior Court to stop the the California Secretary Of State from giving its 55 electoral votes to President-Elect Barack Obama until documentary evidence is provided that proves he is a natural-born citizen of the United States and thus meets the U.S. constitutional requirement to take office. The certified Electoral College tally occurs next month. The Keyes v. Bowen petition for writ of mandate can be read here.

Why Isn't What Was Good For The Goose ...

2008-11-19T14:48:00.001-08:00

... good for the gander in Detroit?

IF General Motors, Ford and Chrysler get the bailout that their chief executives asked for yesterday, you can kiss the American automotive industry goodbye. It won’t go overnight, but its demise will be virtually guaranteed.

Without that bailout, Detroit will need to drastically restructure itself. With it, the automakers will stay the course — the suicidal course of declining market shares, insurmountable labor and retiree burdens, technology atrophy, product inferiority and never-ending job losses. Detroit needs a turnaround, not a check.

Why did Wall Street get a check?