100 days: What Obama does not want you to read
[Posted by Karl]
Last week, the Politico offered a handy list of seven things the White House wants reporters to write about Pres. Obama’s first 100 days in office. The piece makes a nice enough frame for evaluating whether the Obama’s hoped-for spin matches reality.
Obama is a promise-keeper?
Obama undoubtedly would like this storyline, but the Politico did not come up with any examples of it. Obama has kept a few promises; he has given things to the abortion lobby, usually late on Friday evenings when he hopes no one will notice.
However, it is fairly easy to compile a larger list of promises Obama has broken or is breaking. Many of those broken promises are just fine with the Right — Obama has adopted the Bush adminsitration’s positions on lawsuits over “torture,” warrantless wiretapping, state secrets and policies the powers that allow the president to indefinitely detain suspected terror supporters. The administration is negotiating possible exceptions to the June 30 deadline for withdrawing American combat troops from Iraqi cities (as he should, given that his retreatist rhetoric worked against his own stated goals). Obama has flip-flopped on the free-trade pact with Colombia and NAFTA. Even before he was elected, he broke his promises to immediately repeal tax cuts for the wealthy and take on Big Oil (though one suspects they are still on his “to do” list).
Other broken promises will tend to bother only the Right, like the abandonment of his inaugural pledge to end ineffective government programs.
Still other promises Obama has broken are more troubling — and not just to the Right. The adminsitration that promised transparency has shrouded some of its signature inititives in secrecy. The Obama Administration is not policing its stimulus spending for waste, fraud and abuse, not doing the legally-required oversight of TARP funds and not providing information to the Congressional Oversight Panel on TARP. Attorney General Eric Holder promised looser standards for Freedom of Information Act requests, but the lawsuits seeking information about the administration’s bailout programs are piling up. Neil Barofsky, the special inspector general overseeing the TARP, has already opened 20 criminal investigations and six audits into whether tax dollars are being pilfered or wasted.
Obama is a game-changer?
This is actually two of the Politico’s entries. In discussing Obama as promise-keeper and game-changer, VandeHei and Harris write:
The White House is pushing back against what it realizes is a dangerous perception that Obama may be trying to do too much, too fast — and cynically exploiting the economic crisis to push through unrelated agenda items…
***
The White House is worried that the public does not sufficiently grasp Obama’s view that his ideas fit together in a coherent strategy to force massive change in government, the financial sector and, ultimately, people’s lives.
It is small wonder Obama is having a tough time pushing this line. His own supporters do not buy it. The establishment media does not buy it (as the Politico itself notes). Democrats in Congress do not buy it, either. Obama’s own party has rolled him on any number of issues, supposedly in return for healthcare reform. The Democrats now threaten to railroad it through the budget reconciliation process, but the lack of money and the Byrd Rule provide plenty of leverage against it. Meanwhile, Lefties are already worried about what else Obama gave up to get healthcare in budget reconciliation.
Has Obama been a game-changer on the world stage? Obama’s diplomatic overtures have been rejected by the European Union, NATO, Russia, North Korea, Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Iran and much of Latin America. Obama’s unprecedented disclosure of CIA operational methods is already degrading US intelligence collection around the world. That might be game-changing, but not of the sort Obama wants the press to publicize.
Obama is the decider?
Not too long ago, a president pushing the idea that he was “the decider” would have been mocked by the media, but whatever. The Los Angeles Times and The Politico point to Obama’s White House confrontation with bank executives as an example of his bold style. However, the result of Obama’s bullying — as well as his handling of the AIG bonuses issue — is that banks are now trying to leave the TARP. The administration has also had problems getting lenders to participate in the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility and the Public-Private Investment Program because lenders have lost any trust that Obama and the Democratic Congress will not change the rules in midstream for reasons of political expediency.
Obama’s not in the bubble?
The Politico notes that ABC, The Washington Post and The New York Times have already done stories about how the president reads 10 letters from ordinary Americans every day. (Presumably, none of them are from Joe the Plumber, who was villified and investigated by local authorities for the crime of asking then-candidate Obama a question about his proposals.) There is considerably less media coverage when his “town hall” meetings are packed with pre-selected Obama supporters (much like his predecessor), or when he spends more time schmoozing celebrities than either Bush or Clinton (and seeking policy advice from them). Elkhart, Indiana, which has the country’s highest unemployment rate, would be crushed by Obama’s policies on energy and the environment. In South Carolina, ordinary Obama supporters are exhausted and losing patience with his agenda. When hundreds of thousands of ordinary Americans organize protests of his policies, the White House would prefer not to acknowledge it.
Obama is not FDR and Obama is FDR!
The Politico reports that the Obama administration knows “there is a danger in investing too much in an essentially bogus journalistic convention that supposes Obama can reshape Washington and the world in 100 days,” but “White House aides make clear they love the New Deal analogies.” That conflict reflects a certain level of narcissism — one that seems to flow from the very top.
Obama is one cool cucumber?
Really? In reality, Pres. Obama gets testy whenever the press starts asking uncomfortable questions. He cut off a joint presser in Britain, just like he walked out on one during the campaign.
Obama certainly tries to project the image of cool, but this could turn into a liability. People may have laughed when Obama could not muster convincing fauxtrage over the AIG bonuses, but the White House later found itself in a scramble to stay ahead of the genuine — if misplaced — anger on the issue. Obama’s reputation may also cast doubt on the claim that he was “furious” after an Air Force One lookalike and two F-16s buzzed the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor Monday morning. If the economy does not recover in a reasonable timeframe, more people will start seeing him as aloof, not cool.
What’s Missing?
The press narratives selected by the Politico are… selective. Other storylines abound. For example, the media will likely not address Obama’s failure at basic executive tasks, like staffing his administration. Obama is heading into its first medical outbreak without a secretary of Health and Human Services or appointees in any of the department’s 19 key posts. There were difficulties planning the G20 summit because every senior post in the US Treasury Department was vacant, with the exception of Secretary Timmy Geithner. Speaking of whom, Geithner reminds us of the large number of scandal-plagued nominees that emerged from Obama’s apparently flawed vetting operation. Again, these are stories that get glossed over during a president’s honeymoon, but will be remembered if future events are not to Obama’s favor.
After 100 days of unprecedented, saturation media coverage, Pres. Obama finds himself with an average level of public approval that masks how deeply polarized that public opinion is. Rest assured, that is not on any list of what the White House wants reporters to write about Pres. Obama’s first 100 days in office.
–Karl
Are you auditioning to be a Grand Kleagle?
JD (0da435) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:23 amAnd Obama does not want you to read his college transcripts or his birth certificate, either.
Official Internet Data Office (7a989a) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:24 amYou can only market something for the first time one time — People are willing to try something new and unknown, if the ad campaign is intense enough in touting how great it is. But once they try it and find out is sucks lemons, all the advertising in the world isn’t going to keep anyone but the most gullible from turning away.
We’re still in the test period for much of the public on Barack Obama, after being deluged over the past 18 months with how fantastic he is, with the first real results not due in until the end of the year (when people want to have $$$ available for the Christmas shopping season, and businesses want them to have that $$$). The big media is never, ever going to get off the Obama bandwagon, so the coverage isn’t going to change, other then to get occassionally miffed if something goes wrong, then run back to protect him if they fear a credible challenge from the right. But if the public thinks the economic is still in the crapper and sees or hears about reports of new turmoil in the Middle East or attacks on U.S. interests abroad (let alone any domestic terror attack), no amount of media hype will keep the bulk of the swing voters from turning against a product they’ve found failed to live up to expectations.
John (692c5c) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:30 am“That is Kull, see! Valka! But what a king! And what a man! Look at
his arms! His shoulders!”
And an undertone of more sinister whispering:
“Kull! Ha, accursed usurper from the pagan isles.” “Aye, shame to
Valusia that a barbarian sits on the Throne of Kings.”
Little did Kull heed. Heavy-handed had he seized the decaying throne
nk (343b4e) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:31 amof ancient Valusia and with a heavier hand did he hold it, a man
against a nation.
This post is so over the top it’s hilarious. When you give the man credit for almost nothing, Karl, you do realize you completely undo any credibility you might have achieved.
Yes, so, after 100 days Right-Wing blog declares Obama a failed President and the most dangerous and nefarious man since Hitler.
News at 11.
Yawn.
Zzzzz….
Peter (e70d1c) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:35 amKarl,
This is an organized, well-reasoned, and impressive post, and it surpasses anything I could find in the mainstream media. Thank you for taking the time to research and write it.
Anon (8b9d41) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:36 amI agree. Great work.
danebramage (700c93) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:37 amObama is not FDR and Obama is FDR!
The Politico reports that the Obama administration knows “there is a danger in investing too much in an essentially bogus journalistic convention that supposes Obama can reshape Washington and the world in 100 days,” but “White House aides make clear they love the New Deal analogies.” That conflict reflects a certain level of narcissism — one that seems to flow from the very top.
That right there encapsulates Obama the president and the administration perfectly–they want the adulation and recognition without any of the responsibility or risk.
No wonder college students love him so much–he’s a perfect reflection of the same immature, self-involved mindset.
Another Chris (2d8013) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:45 amHo! Awake, Valusia! It is Kull that rides, Kull the king!
“We have known many kings,” said the silent halls of Valusia.
nk (343b4e) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:47 amRobert E. Howard wrote this stuff at the height of FDR’s power.
nk (343b4e) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:50 amRobert E. Howard wrote this stuff at the height of FDR’s power.
nk (343b4e) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:50 amWell done, Karl. The biggest incompetence displayed by Obama to date, is still the bungling of the TARP program / AIG bonus issue. In just a few hours of political grandstanding the already shaky credibility of the administration in these supposedly critical financial programs was whacked down.
SPQR (72771e) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:54 amdid Howard’s stuff make more sense then?
quasimodo (edc74e) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:55 amYou’re not giving the man a chance, Karl – Bush received much more leniency during his first 100 days. The Left was completely silent during his initial forays, choosing to be respectful and waiting until an appropriate amount of time had lapsed until judging his actions.
Dmac (1ddf7e) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:56 am#7, Another Chris wrote: “…they want the adulation and recognition without any of the responsibility or risk.”
This is true, but it’s a fawning press that makes it all possible. On the one hand Gibbs comes out and says it’s not fair to judge a President on his performance after a mere 100 days (which, in my opinion, is true), but on the other they want to hold a press conference celebrating O’s accomplishments after 100 days and the networks fall all over themselves to aid and abet him. He gets to have it both ways.
danebramage (700c93) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:59 amdid Howard’s stuff make more sense then?
I think it’s allegorical. Also, great reading.
nk (343b4e) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:59 amVery well done post! Dmac, you crack me up!
We’re still screwed!
J. Raymond Wright (d83ab3) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:39 am[…] Cross-posted at Patterico. […]
The Greenroom » Forum Archive » 100 days: What Obama does not want you to read (e2f069) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:54 am“Obama’s unprecedented disclosure of CIA operational methods is already degrading US intelligence collection around the world.”
Nothing new about that sort of thing…
“By July 1779, [Benedict] Arnold was providing the British with troop locations and strengths, as well as the locations of supply depots”–wiki
I think old Benedict would be a successful Dem politician in this day and age.
Dave Surls (f2f78d) — 4/28/2009 @ 9:28 amReporting up now that Specter is switching parties.
Have Blue (854a6e) — 4/28/2009 @ 9:35 amJust read that Fox is declining to carry Obama’s press conference. Instead they broadcast their regular time slot…”Lie to Me.”
And the distinction between the Fox show and the other networks carrying the press conference would be what? Fox gets paid for Lie to Me, but the other networks lose about 10 mil in revenues for the same thing.
allan (34ad73) — 4/28/2009 @ 9:41 amChange is coming, people. Arlen Specter just followed his inner man-love across the aisle. Drudges says DEM.
Vermont Neighbor (539e49) — 4/28/2009 @ 9:42 amFox entertainment won’t carry it, but the cable channel will (FNC).. is what I read at DC fishbowl.
Vermont Neighbor (539e49) — 4/28/2009 @ 9:44 amI agree with #2 above. And it’s just not that but something just doesn’t sit well about Obama or frankly anything going on in this country right now. Sure you could go all tin-foil-hat but it’s hard to argue regardless of us knowing virtually nothing personal about this guy (birth certificate, transcripts, medical records), that the pace at which they are operating and the obvious efforts they are making to stir up the population is unsettling. And I think his testiness and thin-skin comes from not only his arrogance and narcissim but perhaps the fact that he is incapable of going off script, hence the over-reliance on TOTUS. He knows that is he gets off script, that his handlers will be most displeased. I firmly believe that he is a Manchurian Candidate. But for whom is the question.
theadmiral (e82292) — 4/28/2009 @ 9:55 am.
It’s foundation-based politics. Barack’s mother worked for the Ford Foundation. The Soros plan: divide the masses so the oligarchy financiers can control. Pit them up. Worker against management… rich against poor… black vs. white.
Vermont Neighbor (539e49) — 4/28/2009 @ 10:05 amGood riddance to uber-RINO Spectre. Countdown to trolls crowing, and MSM talking about his courage, blah, blah, blah.
JD (0a78bf) — 4/28/2009 @ 10:13 amLieberman needs to switch.
Vermont Neighbor (539e49) — 4/28/2009 @ 10:16 ami, too, think this is an outstanding post.
obama is the most incompetent person i can think of in present times to lead our country. he is the most narcisstic of men (more so than bill clinton) and surely had input into what air force 1 was to be doing. maybe he didn’t know the details and that no one on his staff communicated with authorities in new york, but he knew about the photos. for him to feign outrage shows what a fake he is.
the media is covering up for him – for the time being. they might continue to do so, but as long as we have sites like this to point out his errors, foibles, i’ll be happy. i’ll have points to make against him to folks who supported him – they’ll not be able to counter a fact is a fact is a fact. it’s already working with folks i know. i’m hearing comments like, ‘we’ll maybe he’s not what i thought he was’ (duh!) and ‘he does seem to make a lot of mistakes’ (you’re only seeing that now?) or this is a favorite, ‘i don’t like where this all seems to be heading’ (join the 48% who didn’t vote for him!!).
like krauthammer said, he’s little cute golden boy – 1/2 black in an all-white upbringing whose s$%^ don’t stink. i can only hope it’ll come back to bite him. i just hope he’ll not have destroyed the country before then.
ktr (c7ee10) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:20 am=yawn= More elephantine moans from the tarpits of extinction.
Now Specter has jumped ship as well, after 200,000 Pennsylvania Republicans bailed on their GOP affiliation in the last election cycle.
The dwindling conservatives ranks should really enjoy reruns of a particularly funny episode of ‘Seinfeld’ that’s all about ‘shrinkage.’
DCSCA (9d1bb3) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:22 amDiCkSuCkA is back in all its glory.
h/t Treacher
JD (0a78bf) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:25 amReporting up now that Specter is switching parties.
Specter was part of the GOP?
Dmac (1ddf7e) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:27 amEveryone you contributed to Specter should demand a refund. He claims he will honor such requests.
Matter of fact, EVERY Republican should ask for a refund — empty his coffers handling them.
Kevin Murphy (805c5b) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:34 amDCSCA has no response for the substance … yet againg.
SPQR (72771e) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:34 am#32- There’s a flu epidemic in progress so be sure to wash, spork. Of course you’re dishwasher safe, aren’t you.
DCSCA (9d1bb3) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:45 am#26- He will if the Israeli lobby tells him to, but they know which way the prevailing winds are blowing.
DCSCA (9d1bb3) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:48 amComment by theadmiral — 4/28/2009 @ 9:55 am
To repeat my question on the TOTUS thread…
Who is Giapetto?
AD (c7bf36) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:49 amASPCA – The Joooooooooooos control everything, don’t they?
JD (0a78bf) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:55 amlike krauthammer said, he’s little cute golden boy – 1/2 black in an all-white upbringing whose s$%^ don’t stink. i can only hope it’ll come back to bite him. i just hope he’ll not have destroyed the country before then.
Krauthammer’s been living off his role in ‘Dr. Strangelove’ for decades.
DCSCA (9d1bb3) — 4/28/2009 @ 12:15 pmChildren, children! It’s only 100 days. Do you realize that there are 2,810 days to go? And how ’bout that Arlen Specter? Score: 59-40, soon to be 60-40. And then we’ll have a special election in Texas, which is going to make is 61-39.
And then we’ll have the 2010 elections, which will make it 66-34, and 277-158 in the House. Do you realize just how thoroughly your geese are cooked?
Magic Dog (66858c) — 4/28/2009 @ 12:29 pmMeanwhile, the Obama administration is pushing a completely illegal restructuring plan for General Motors that favors the UAW union over other bondholders.
SPQR (72771e) — 4/28/2009 @ 12:42 pmYou know you’re right, Magic Dog! Come the 2010 elections the Dems will kick ass and take names just like they did in Clinton’s first term in 1994 and …
Oh, wait…
BJTexs (56337a) — 4/28/2009 @ 12:52 pmBrilliant Magic Dog! You’ve just shown that you are unaware that Obama’s approval ratings actually trail George W Bush’s at the same point.
SPQR (72771e) — 4/28/2009 @ 1:05 pmI check the cooking level of my geese with a meat thermometer. Usually they are good when the dark meat still has a little pink to it.
carlitos (23eb68) — 4/28/2009 @ 1:08 pmLol at magic dog thinking Texas is going to elect a democrat senator. They would reelect W right now in a landslide.
Juan (4cdfb7) — 4/28/2009 @ 1:34 pmUsually they are good when the dark meat still has a little pink to it.
It does tend to be a little more moist that way.
Another Chris (2d8013) — 4/28/2009 @ 1:37 pmAC, also if you can manage to use bacon in the process in some way…
carlitos (23eb68) — 4/28/2009 @ 1:43 pmI don’t like goose. I prefer turducken.
John Hitchcock (fb941d) — 4/28/2009 @ 1:43 pmGood for Specter.. he’s jumping off the sinking ship of fools!!
Republicans/ Conservatives had their chance and judgment is in.. They failed! Failed in the war on terror, failed to keep the US safe, failed to balance the budget and failed to keep the economy strong with their tax breaks for the rich. Hell even your own candidate didnt want to run on the Bush Cheney record!
Most of all you failed to build a broad consensus of Americans but catered instead to radical proto-fascists and hate mongers like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter, Michele Malkin, Michael Weiner ( Savage) and others like them. Hell! Limbaugh even expressed sympathy for the Somali pirates! Shows you where he and the rest of the ditto heads are. And he is the defacto head of the Republican party and everyone knows it..
The only thing Republican rule has brought is massive social divisions deliberately created for political purposes, a widening gap between rich and poor, disregard for the rule of law, attacks on science based on phony religious beliefs, appeals to racism and homophobia, massive grandstanding as in the case of Terri Schivo and the Clinton impeachment, deregulation leading to economic disaster and now ludicrous attacks Obama’s handshakes and smiles, all of which demonstrate Republican lack of substance.
All Republicans have to offer is fear and hate.. Most Americans especially minorities and the youth have rejected the party of narrow minded, hate filled, self-righteous, carping old geezers.
I hope the party goes the way of the Whigs.
VietnamEraVet (04b9ee) — 4/28/2009 @ 1:55 pm#42/#44/#46- Tuck in, conservatives.
Your goose is cooked.
DCSCA (9d1bb3) — 4/28/2009 @ 2:09 pmThere is nothing in the world that does not taste better with bacon. Nothing. It is simply not possible.
Bacon-wrapped bacon is sublime.
JD (0a78bf) — 4/28/2009 @ 2:10 pmThe Leftists like DiCkSuCka (h/t Treach) are very invested in the idea that the Republican party is done. It will be comical when the tides turn, and they will.
JD (0a78bf) — 4/28/2009 @ 2:13 pmIf the GOP is really cooked, then the likes of DCSCA are wasting their time trolling here. So either they have major time-management issues or they’re not nearly as confident as they claim to be.
Brother Bradley J. Fikes, C.O.R., (7cc9c3) — 4/28/2009 @ 2:29 pm“And then we’ll have the 2010 elections, which will make it 66-34, and 277-158 in the House. Do you realize just how thoroughly your geese are cooked?”
Sure, we’re in the same situation we were right before liberals bungled us into WWII or Vietnam. We have a bumbling clown as POTUS and the Dems in control of both house of Congress, and a vapid electorate that put them there.
Scary.
Dave Surls (b45ff8) — 4/28/2009 @ 2:30 pmCrow from your dunghill while you can man. The only way that this news is any cause for glee or even smug satisfaction is if it meant that the kook-servatives were going to shut up about FEMA re-education camps and REDPINKOCOMMUNISM!!!! but of course they aren’t going to. Meanwhile the rest of us are screwed. But hey at least Rush gets to “right” about everything as always again and everyone who want O and company to fail just might get their wish. Oh goody.
EdWood (c2268a) — 4/28/2009 @ 2:46 pm“kook-servatives were going to shut up about FEMA re-education camps”
Yeah, it would be kooky for people to worry about the liberals putting innocent people into concentration camps, if only the liberals hadn’t already put innocent people in concentration camps.
Dave Surls (b45ff8) — 4/28/2009 @ 3:10 pmI wasn’t directing my comment above specifically at you Dave Surls by the way and no, “liberals” are not going to put anyone in re-ed camp coz “liberals”, like gremlins, are shifty ever morphing imaginary animals.
Now you might get some martinet jerkoff running a serve America program who wants all the volunteers to love America as it is (Obamamerica) not as it was (Bushimerica)and they might bully their vols and make some quit or write home sure I can see that, jerkoffs are non partisan.
But that’s not a re-education camp and anyone who says its is is nuts.
EdWood (c2268a) — 4/28/2009 @ 3:24 pmI think that he was referring to FDR, EdWood. Perhaps you should comment only on what people say here and not the imaginary caricatures, and you will find it easier to follow.
carlitos (459763) — 4/28/2009 @ 3:32 pm‘“liberals” are not going to put anyone in re-ed camp coz “liberals”, like gremlins, are shifty ever morphing imaginary animals.’
Oh, I see. There is such a thing as conservatives…but, there is no such as liberals.
Uh huh.
Methinks thou doth engage in application of a double standard here.
And, there’s nothing kooky about being paranoid about liberals tossing people into camps…because liberals already have done that, and pretty recently too.
Dave Surls (b45ff8) — 4/28/2009 @ 4:07 pmI’m not much of regular here, but every time I do a comment-read, DCSCA is posting nothing but variations on “Ha, ha, conservatives aren’t popular” or responding to challenges. Never anything substantive.
Patrick, I know you’re reluctant to use the ban-hammer, but please. You can be picky enough to allow only constructive commenters — and can choose to lose patience with someone who so routinely (… or so it seems to my non-regular’s eyes) engages in such non-constructive trollery.
Mitch (890cbf) — 4/28/2009 @ 5:03 pmAmusingly, Rasmussan seems to find an uncooked goose in the Congressional generic.
SPQR (26be8b) — 4/28/2009 @ 6:04 pmObama has kept 27 promises and broken 6, according to the independent website Politifact.com, which keeps track of his campaign promises:
Andrew (05f4a9) — 4/28/2009 @ 6:19 pmShould we even bother to see what kind of mental contortions they had to go through to arrive at those determinations?
JD (0a78bf) — 4/28/2009 @ 6:29 pmNah, JD.
SPQR (26be8b) — 4/28/2009 @ 6:34 pm“You didn’t give him a chance!”
mojo (c49ea1) — 4/28/2009 @ 6:40 pm“Nope. Not a one. He wanted a chance, he shoulda gone somewhere else.”
– The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean
Ain’t nothing about DCSCA worth banning. On a very rare occasion there’s something worth engaging. Y’all can just ignore him or tell him “Blow me”.
nk (343b4e) — 4/28/2009 @ 6:48 pmMy all-time favorite bar was named Judge Roy Bean’s in Spanish Fort/Daphne, Alabama.
JD (0a78bf) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:01 pmSPQR – I feel as though I should, but given its history, I suspect that it will be ridiculous. I would be shocked if it included things like net negative spending, posting all legislatiomn for 5 days, offset all new spending with closing corporate loopholes, and a variety of others routinely pointed out here.
Obama’s stump speeches repeated promises to improve transparency and ethics in government. During his first week, Obama signed an executive order requiring appointees to affirm that they were not hired because of political affiliations or contributions. The same day, he ordered a ban on gifts from lobbyists to anyone serving in his administration.
John Hitchcock (fb941d) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:14 pmI guess that’s what they call a promise kept.
John Hitchcock (fb941d) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:15 pmJohn, actually I think he made several exceptions to those rules within the first days.
SPQR (26be8b) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:18 pmI don’t call it a promise kept, I call it some contortionist suggesting it is a promise kept.
John Hitchcock (fb941d) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:21 pmPolitifact must mean “bathing in Barcky love juice” in Andrew’s world.
JD (0a78bf) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:22 pmA Cocktail Republican just went Democrat in order to “win an election” becuase Republicans are tired of him being a Democrats
Good riddance Arlen! Can’t wait till the Libnuts rip you apart!
HeavenSent (637168) — 4/28/2009 @ 7:26 pmYou’re on the wrong website if you are looking for a bj, NK. They only hand those out to Rush, Newt, or Reagan around here (not necessarily in that order).
the million dollar man (7906b8) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:13 pmmillion dollar guy, just who the fuck are you to talk about what happens “around here?” Do what nk suggested, and blow me.
carlitos (23eb68) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:15 pmEven with a million dollars, some people can’t buy class!
AD - RtR/OS! (1d70e4) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:17 pmEverybody has a price for the million dollar man. Everybody.
the million dollar man (7906b8) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:20 pmExcept in your case, they’re buying and you’re the whore.
AD - RtR/OS! (1d70e4) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:22 pmOh yeah? Well the jerk store called… and they’re running out of you!
the million dollar man (7906b8) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:25 pmOoh…that could have left a mark, if it was heavier than a feather.
AD - RtR/OS! (1d70e4) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:39 pmYou really need to steal some new material…too bad Uncle Miltie’s not around.
Wow. I did not think that the trolls get win the race to the bottom, but the $20 whore is the most ridiculous of the bunch. There have been little kittens being waterboarded left and right thanks to this twatwaffle.
JD (0a78bf) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:39 pmDCSCA said:
#42/#44/#46- Tuck in, conservatives.
Your goose is cooked.
And we’ll live in a universe of unicorns and butterflies and no one has to worry about anything, because there’s no opposition to the happy benevolence of the world-uniter.
That’s fine. I’m looking forward to being eternally employed and the first in line at the clinic when I’m sick. I mean it. I’m tired.
I’m looking forward to the promised utopia, where the top one percent of earners are taxed at a 75 percent tax rate. That will work this time. I know its true. I’ve been converted. To quote someone much smarter than I: “Faster, please.”
However, did anyone read one of the classics of greatest one of the masters of modern fiction? He wrote a short story, before he became a bitter old man. I did. It’s called “Harrison Bergeron.”
Ag80 (b19e67) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:42 pmThe quality of our trolls has really declined lately. Do we submit our complaints directly to George Soros or do we funnel them through Obama?
daleyrocks (5d22c0) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:46 pmI think that these types of lying crapweasels are acÞually instructive. Their obvious desire to distract from the topic shows quite clearly which topics they do not wish to see discussed. The more they drop trou and give everyone the brown-eyed wink, it just shows how much they want to distract from the actual topic.
JD (0a78bf) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:49 pmHey, million dollar guy, Up your nose with a rubber hose!
carlitos (23eb68) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:52 pmAg80, I love getting freshmen to read the Vonnegut story. I think of it as a vaccination against our current groupthink. I also get them to watch “The Incredibles” for the same effect.
Eric Blair (33cc23) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:53 pmComment by Ag80 — 4/28/2009 @ 8:42 pm
I think some time at the range applying the principals found in “White Feather” will be more valuable in the near future.
AD - RtR/OS! (1d70e4) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:55 pmYou’re on the wrong website if you are looking for a bj, NK. They only hand those out to Rush, Newt, or Reagan around here (not necessarily in that order).
Comment by the million dollar man — 4/28/2009 @ 8:13 pm
Well … actually … I’m just wondering whether what Mayor Daley charges for Obama’s sweet little ass is worth the price.
nk (343b4e) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:55 pmThe scary thing is some of these morons could be in charge of your healthcare decisions once Obama nationalizes the system.
WOOT!!!
daleyrocks (5d22c0) — 4/28/2009 @ 8:56 pmAmusingly, Rasmussan seems to find an uncooked goose in the Congressional generic. Comment by SPQR — 4/28/2009 @ 6:04 pm
I’m going to post the main part of the page you linked to, for those who either missed it or didn’t make an effort to click on it.
One aspect of recent major polls that has baffled me is when large numbers of respondents, on one hand, blow kisses to Obama and Democrats, and, on the other hand, respond in a non-clueless-liberal way towards various questions—such as whether the deficit-drunk Obama budget plan is a good thing or not. Schizoid.
The only thing that will prevent America from becoming a pathetic cross section of Banana-Republic stupor, Euro-lazy latte-liberalism, Third-World anomie, and amoral China/Asia, is if enough of its people have the good sense to realize that liberal politicians/ideology/governance not only don’t represent common sense, but, most importantly, don’t signify kindness, humaneness, justice and truly decent, heartfelt outcomes—eg, where Islamo fanaticism — or ruthless, thuggish behavior in an African or Middle Eastern nation — doesn’t get as much benefit of the doubt as Western civilization and First-World conservatism.
Mark (411533) — 4/28/2009 @ 9:02 pmJD – I think that these types of lying crapweasels are actually instructive…
Your comment made me think about some things. If I was trying to distract from the topic, I would start a tangential discussion that contained substance, not just ad homonym insults, useless blathering and contradictory statements.
In fact, if I were going to sock-puppet the leftist mindset to discredit them, I wouldn’t resort to the low level of discourse that is written by the trolls here, simply because I wouldn’t think anyone would believe it.
I’m actually surprised that commenters such as Leviticus and Aphrael don’t weigh in more often with the ‘stop helping’ advice. If this is truly the level of argument that the left uses to present their ideas, then they’d better hope that the teachers unions continue to run the education system.
Apogee (e2dc9b) — 4/28/2009 @ 9:19 pmEric:
I’m just sorry I didn’t proof-read my post adequately.
It astonishes me to this day that no one on the left, apparently, understands what the left once championed.
Thanks for your response. And thanks for having people read a great story. Also, you’re right about “The Incredibles.”
Ag80 (b19e67) — 4/28/2009 @ 9:20 pmNow Specter has jumped ship as well,
after 200,000 Pennsylvania Republicans bailed on their GOP affiliation in the last election cycle.after he realized he would lose the GOP primary by a landslide.FTFY
carlitos (23eb68) — 4/28/2009 @ 9:33 pmI’m a lifelong Democrat who has voted straight Republican in the last four general elections. PUMA
nk (343b4e) — 4/28/2009 @ 9:36 pmHey, Ag80, I don’t know what you mean with the editing comment. I knew what you were getting at (or I’m missing the point). I think we are on the same team on this one.
It’s interesting to me to watch students battle their very natural libertarian tendencies (they want to be left alone) with the nanny-state ideals of the academy.
That is why Vonnegut’s story is so bloody subversive. It’s so subversive that I don’t think KV saw how much our society is moving toward the future he posited in that story!
But the students are seriously infected by Jon Stewartism—snarky ironic comments taking the place of informed differences of opinion. It’s a form of willful ignorance, just to see “cool.”
Regardless, Ag80, I have enjoyed your posts—whether or not you think that you don’t edit enough!
Eric Blair (33cc23) — 4/28/2009 @ 9:43 pmOh, and as far as the Left not knowing any history, I don’t think anyone at any university is surprised.
I’ll never forget the premed student—now an MD from Boston University—who saw a reproduction I had of a WWII poster, which Churchill staring out from the poster, with the words “DEMAND VICTORY.” I thought it would inspire students.
This premed asked me, seriously, who the guy in the poster was.
Eric Blair (33cc23) — 4/28/2009 @ 9:45 pmEric:
I made a typo, and I hate it when I do that.
But, I like what you said about young people. They want to explore, experience and, quite simply, to be something.
And, now, pop culture seems to want them to only be snarky sheep that can only be successful if they agree with all the other snarky old people that infiltrate the air waves.
Why, in God’s name, don’t they rebel against the status quo, when there’s so much to rebel against?
Be an individual, be smart, be someone important. Think for yourself.
The old farts think that Woodstock was important. Stop living their dream and think of a new one.
Alinsky, et al, are old school. Find a new paradigm. We’re in a new century. Damn the old one.
Ag80 (b19e67) — 4/28/2009 @ 10:02 pmEric Blair,
I’ve noticed the same thing but I’ve never seen it explained this well.
Anon (b0f193) — 4/28/2009 @ 10:03 pmAlso, Eric, that tirade wasn’t directed at you.
I’m so sick of lefties that think that they’ve thought of something new.
Ag80 (b19e67) — 4/28/2009 @ 10:05 pmHow can you build the future when you are unaware of the past?
AD - RtR/OS! (1d70e4) — 4/28/2009 @ 10:17 pmAg80, Anon, back in the old days, I did a lot of speech and debate in high school. And our coach would often do what she insisted was great training: make us study up and defend opinions different from our own.
Originally, I thought she was a bit of a nihilist, and didn’t believe in anything. “Not true,” she insisted. “I want you to understand where other people are coming from. That way, you can debate them more effectively, and win more decisively.”
When you “bumper sticker” other people, you aren’t thinking at all. You certainly aren’t learning anything. You are just dislocating your own shoulder, patting yourself on the back for being oh so clever.
As for the students, yes, they want to conform to what they think is cool. But I find that they also want to see “fairness”—and that makes them sympathetic to new ideas. They can be “fair” toward ideas you and I might think are foolishly naive or wrong headed. They can also be “fair” when they hear a chemistry professor railing about politics on class time.
Snarking and scoring “points” takes little intelligence and less wit. Folks on television have teams of writers. I see students trying to emulate this kind of approach in class, and it falls flat most of the time for precisely that reason. And you can see them “get” that, just maybe, the Talking Heads on television might be running a game.
But the things that students hate above all is hypocrisy. The more we keep our own ideals honest, and challenge “the other side” to do the same, the more we will get younger folks genuinely involved (as opposed to just pulling levers in a voting booth). And booting the hypocrites out of politics should be a bipartisan sport.
Sorry to go on about this.
Eric Blair (33cc23) — 4/28/2009 @ 10:20 pmAg80,
“Why, in God’s name, don’t they rebel against the status quo, when there’s so much to rebel against?
Be an individual, be smart, be someone important. Think for yourself.”
I think it is because we no longer teach critical thinking and independent evaluation. From earliest childhood they are conditioned to conform and submit. You can only protest “proper” causes. War and violence are NEVER the answer. Heston had it right in calling today’s college students “to be the most socially conformed and politically silenced generation since Concord Bridge.”in his speech at Brandeis.
People like this are easy to manipulate.
Machinist (c5fc28) — 4/28/2009 @ 10:24 pmThey told me if Obama kept his campaign promises that pigs would fly. They were right…swine flu.
Surgical Masked Pundit (34ad73) — 4/28/2009 @ 10:25 pmAD said:
How can you build the future when you are unaware of the past?
You can’t.
But, as an intelligent human being, you can discern what has succeeded and what has failed. Anyone can read history to see the results.
And, perhaps, you may need to look beyond 21st and 20th Century American history to see what works and what doesn’t.
My comment means no disrespect to you. I don’t have enough information to infer your intent.
Ag80 (b19e67) — 4/28/2009 @ 10:28 pmmmmph, mmmph…”didn’t keep”….mmmph, mmmph
Surgical Masked Pundit (34ad73) — 4/28/2009 @ 10:29 pmMy intent is that the current generation is woefully ignorant of history in general, and American history in particular.
AD - RtR/OS! (1d70e4) — 4/28/2009 @ 10:34 pmThey don’t know what they don’t know, as has been recently said.
So, they attempt to do again what failed before.
It is Einstein’s definition of insanity, in action; but, this time it will work, because now “good” people are attempting to implement it, or because we will fund it properly, etc.
AD:
We agree, and that’s what I thought, but I didn’t want to presume.
Ag80 (b19e67) — 4/28/2009 @ 10:39 pmEric Blair,
Machinist (c5fc28) — 4/28/2009 @ 10:40 pmI hope you are not really sorry because these have been some great observations and commentaries. I am grateful to you and hope for more.
Comment by Ag80 — 4/28/2009 @ 10:39 pm
No problem.
AD - RtR/OS! (1d70e4) — 4/28/2009 @ 10:51 pmAs others can attest, I am one of the resident curmudgeons who doesn’t trust anyone under 50!
Kind of you, Machinist.
I teach and do research in genetics. I used to think that only the science students were ignorant of history. Then I started working in the Honors Program at my university, and found out that the students in the liberal arts were also ignorant of basic history.
The ones who knew their stuff learned it on their own, or had a very special kind of teacher in their past. Certainly I had to go seek out information outside my own technical major (and my brother insisted that I understand some history and economics).
And the issue isn’t Dead White European Males. The issue is historical context. That is what we are facing now: a generation that literally doesn’t know what worked or didn’t work in the past.
So here we are. A electorate where, I will bet, more voters could identify a photograph of JayZ than Joe Biden.
And more to the point, know nothing of Joe Biden’s history.
Eric Blair (33cc23) — 4/28/2009 @ 10:58 pmAD—exactly! It’s that feelings over facts business again. Take school funding.
Of course, one problem with this example is administrative bureaucracy. Seriously, plot the student:teacher ratio annually, over the past forty years. Now try student:administrator ratios.
Whoops. Of course, the people who make decisions on whom to hire are…administrators.
Anyway, the point is that more money ought to solve the problem. The fact that it demonstrably does not seems never to penetrate government skulls.
Eric Blair (33cc23) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:03 pmI am not educated but I have worked with young people as a manager and I thought the changes in education were appalling until I later worked with engineers and professionals that had degrees and salaries that were multiples of mine and found their understanding of politics and history were basically the Late Show and network news soundbites. Many of their basic beliefs were 180 degrees from the truth.
I surely do admire good teachers and I salute you, Sir.
Machinist (c5fc28) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:05 pmEric:
You know what’s really sad?
There’s no longer any reason to “erase history.”
The erasure has been done.
Ag80 (b19e67) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:08 pmEB, you’ve said more succinctly what I’ve observed while I was in college. I was a history major at UCLA and there were many people in those upper division history classes who were ignorant of history. The only history anyone is aware of these days is how “oppressive” the US is. My classes were filled with students who only understood the US as socially unjust and wholly imperialistic, despite evidence to the contrary. To be sure, some of the history professors only reinforced and inflamed this view. On the whole, I found most of my fellow classmates to be fairly ignorant. In a class on the modern Middle East, my professor was lecturing about Yassar Arafat and speculating about what would become of the PLO after he died (this was right around the time Arafat died) and the person next to me turned to me and asked, “Ariel Sharon is for the Palestinians, right?” I actually have quite a few anecdotal gems like that. Someone asked me, with a completely straight face, if we had won WWI.
That said, I’m actually very grateful to my high school AP US/European history teacher for most of my historical knowledge. Despite being a liberal Democrat, he was the most fair and thoughtful teacher I ever had. He is also a man who truly loves his country and respects the fact that his father had fought for this country and everything it stand for during WWII. His lectures were never filled with anti-Americanism or revisionist history. His kind is a rare find in academia these days.
I spit on Howard Zinn and his revisionist history I was forced to read in high school.
wherestherum (d413fd) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:13 pmYes, it is interesting that the number of administrators per M-students keeps increasing, while the number of students per class is generally decreasing, resulting in more and more EduCrats to pay dues to the AFT/NEA – all the while the performance levels decline (desclaimer: these observations do not apply to private, religeous school systems who generally are able to operate with a skeleton admin staff, and with student/teacher ratio’s that would make public-school teachers run in terror).
AD - RtR/OS! (1d70e4) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:15 pmAnyway, in bureaucrat-kingdom creation, it is all about the ‘crat, and never about the citizen the ‘crat is supposed to serve.
The only purpose for additional funding is to increase the size of the empire, it is never about improving the results.
Every good liberal knows that if you just keep throwing money at the problem, that’ll fix it. That’s why LAUSD works so well.
Oh, wait…
wherestherum (d413fd) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:17 pmAs you can see, a lot of us are worried about how history is taught and twisted. The usual response is that this is how it has always been. Um. I’m not sure that self-hatred and blinders about other cultures has been the norm.
Aldous Huxley’s book “Brave New World,” has a great illustration of what is disturbing us, early on. The narrator takes us to a class of young children. And the government official makes this pronouncement, quoting “Our Ford” (they had made a mythic figure of Henry Ford): “..history…is bunk!”
This is because once history is replaced, the people in charge can introduce whatever belief system wished. Like health care in Cuba is better than here. Like Saddam Hussein never had any WMD. And so forth.
And all of these distortions serve a particular political purpose.
Now, a modern politics or history professor would object, saying that the White European Hegemony has always done this.
I won’t argue that. I will say that, even in those Bad Old Days, there was more background and information that could be used to create context.
Seriously, ask 50 freshmen at any college (and I will include Yale) simple questions about American or European (or Asian or African) history.
Like who was on what side in WWI? And during what years was that war fought?
That sort of thing. I don’t think you will like this version of Jay Leno’s “Jaywalking.”
But the politicians, of every stripe, LOVE it when voters are ignorant. Because then they just vote down party lines.
Oh well.
Eric Blair (33cc23) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:23 pmAnd more to the point, know nothing of Joe Biden’s history.
I’m not sure if anyone sees the humor and irony in referring to Biden as part of a topic on people’s ignorance of history. Humorous and ironic in light of the fact our current vice president, no less, claimed Franklin Roosevelt presented his famous fireside chats (or presumably something to that effect) on television and was running the White House during the great stock market crash of 1929.
And I won’t say anything about Biden’s boss who, of all people — given his supposed respect for Abraham Lincoln and political/racial orientation that would make the story of the abolishment of slavery particularly riveting and momentous — incorrectly mentioned the Gettysburg Address instead of the Emancipation Proclamation as the document that was signed in what today is known as the Lincoln Bedroom of the White House.
Mark (411533) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:31 pmYes, but their intentions were pure.
AD - RtR/OS! (1d70e4) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:36 pmSo the past 8 years were very satisfying and full of progess, liberty, peace and a great image for America, right?
Ivan (6463d0) — 4/28/2009 @ 11:37 pmIf the repugs had a clue about honesty and integrity, this great country would not have voted for a change. But we did, so now that Mr. Obama is in the White House for just 100 days, let’s all get together and mock him, deride and vilify him simply because he’s young, handsome, dignified, competent (in spite of a few in his administration),bright, and courageous (and humble) enough to pick up the piles of poop left by those good leaders before him.
I am sick of the retarded antics of repugnicans. They represent the taliban and iran in America, it seems, judging by their constant attacks on OUR President!
krauthammer may not be the most glamorous writer in america. he is, however, right. obama behaves like a spoiled brat when challenged – ‘can’t a man just have his waffle’, ‘listen, if everytime i come down here, you get me like this’, ‘it’s like special olympics or something’. the list could go on. he’s an embarrassment as a man, ‘go$%^&n america’, and as president, ‘america has been arrogant’ as if that’s not an arrogant statement.
he’s a waste of space in a very important position that can destroy everything good about america.
the peter principle is spot on – he’s proving himself incompetent.
ktr (c7ee10) — 4/29/2009 @ 12:54 amla fausse promesse en réalisation.l’histoire est une realité,fondée sur les mouvements d’ensembles d’une civilisation et perpetuelle mutation,afin d’atteindreun certain seuil… la misère,d’une société et de sa civilisation est une perversion ou un refus total de la reconnaissance des valeurs de cette nation.si,quelque part,il arrive qu’un homme éclairé ou avisé,veut réabiliter ou faire de manière à ce que les fondements de sa société et sa civilisation soient reconnues,il ya une réaction contraire,l’opposition pour anéantir les efforts.ce qui peut aboutir,après àdes affrontements,et multiples tensions: -les rebelles-les terroristes-les sionnistes-les anti-semitismes et autres formes… le document que je vais vous transmettre doit servir de tranplein au president obama, de s’inspirer pour la gestion future de l’humanité afin de retrouver la paix globale je dit bien la paix sous les larges eventails.il faut bien transmettre le message,car je suivrais avec pation et interetl’évolution del’ensemble des charges de mon ami et excellent chef du monde.voici un extrait du fabuleux document: mais au passage je soulignerai la négligeance dela communauté internationale sur le sommet de génève avec le thème le plus important te jamais discuter dans la vie du temps et le temps de l’histoire réelle de l’humanité.les diplomates n’étaient pas suffisament préparés pour affronter le président iranien et c’est pourquoi il ont abandonner les lieux et cela m’a beaucoup mis mal a l’aise.raison je suis obliger de vous faire parvenir un certain nombres de reflexions sur l’histoire d’israel et de la palestine et mon inspiration dela source est personnelle.pour celà,il me faut une certaine garantie et la protection totale pour la publication dela révélation. aussi je maquerais pas de vous souligner mon sous-équipement en materiel informatique et de télecommunication pour rejoindre facilement et dans des conditions favorables. et j’en ai fait part à mon chef soros george et sa fondation.ce jour d’ou je vous écrit ce passe dans un cyber et quel cout en afrique! respect absolu. merci.
dialy mady koné dit mandé massa (b9c95e) — 4/29/2009 @ 7:44 amWell, since I already had babelfish open to remind me that Specter was a “Worm,” I popped the above in there. Good Stuff!
—
the empty promise in realization. the history is a reality, founded on the movements of whole of a civilization and perpetual change, in order to atteindreun certain threshold… misery, of a company and its civilization is a perversion or a total refusal of the recognition of the values of this nation. if, some share, it arrives that an enlightened or warned man, wants réabiliter or to make so that the bases of its company and its civilization are recognized, there is a contrary reaction, opposition to destroy the efforts. what can succeed, afterwards with confrontations, and multiple tensions: rebel them them terrorist them Zionists them anti-semitisms and other forms… the document which I will transmit to you must be used as tranplein to the president obama, to be inspired for future management by humanity in order to find total peace I says well peace under the large ranges. the message should well be transmitted, because I would follow with pation and interetl’ evolution del’ together of the loads of my friend and excel chief of the world. here an extract of the fabulous document: but in the passing I will underline the négligeance international community on the Summit of Geneva with the topic most important you never to discuss in the life of time and the time of the real history of humanity. the diplomats were not sufficiently prepared to face the Iranian president and this is why it have to give up the places and that put to me badly much at ease. reason I am to oblige to forward to you certain numbers of reflexions on the history of Israel and of Palestine and my inspiration of the source is personal. for that, it is necessary a certain guarantee for me and total protection for the publication of the revelation. also I do not maquerais to underline you my under-equipment out of computer material and of telecommunication to join easily and under favorable conditions. and I informed of it my boss soros george and his foundation. this day of or I write this master key in a cyber and what a cost in Africa to you! absolute respect. thank you.
carlitos (23eb68) — 4/29/2009 @ 7:52 amIf GW had been judged on 100 days, he wouldn’t have made it after the first 10. GO OBAMA, THE PRESIDENT keep doing your thing!
truth (3ced51) — 4/29/2009 @ 8:43 amtruth, your nickname seems ill suited to you. You missed the link above that observed that George W. Bush was doing as well or better in the public’s impression at this point as Obama.
SPQR (72771e) — 4/29/2009 @ 8:47 amLinky. And that is a month old. The numbers still trend together.
John Hitchcock (fb941d) — 4/29/2009 @ 8:54 amIvan and truth are wonderdull examples of the childish nature of the Leftists. Thank you.
JD (ca6b04) — 4/29/2009 @ 8:56 amI’ve yet to see an objective, well-informed, honest critique of President Obama’s performance. Everybody has a partisan axe to grind. Here we have a president who came into office facing more crises than any president in history, including FDR, and we expect miracles after 100 whole days. I don’t know what a lot of you people are smoking, but it’s rotting your brains. The single most important thing that President Obama has done in a remarkably short period of time is take this country’s international reputation out of the nose-dive that George W. Bush and Dick Cheney put it into over the last 8 years. Calling people who happen to like the president leftists or any other sophomoric insult just shows how morally bankrupt and desperate the conservative movement has become. It is rapidly turning into a refuge for anti-intellectual creationist bigots who are unable to get over the fact that a black man won the presidency. Mature people who have been conscious through more than one or two presidencies are more pragmatic and a lot less naive about unkept campaign promises.
JohnRJ08 (e2df85) — 4/29/2009 @ 9:34 amHey, JohnRJ08, going full-bold does not help in your attempt to call anyone who is not you sophomoric. That full-bold plus the sophomoric allegation strongly suggests “sophomoric” to be praise and not an insult.
John Hitchcock (fb941d) — 4/29/2009 @ 9:37 amBold is for emphasis, John. How did that last Europe trip help our “international reputation” exactly? The 300 gendarmes for Afghanistan? The socialists calling our “stimulus” to leftist to work? Please do elaborate.
carlitos (23eb68) — 4/29/2009 @ 9:38 amWhere to begin …? All bold. Racists. Get over it. Restored international standing. Teh One will cure all that ails the world. So much more concise.
We have seen this one before too. It is consistent. Consistently mendoucheous.
JD (ca6b04) — 4/29/2009 @ 9:38 amIvan forgot to mention that Obama is “clean and articulate.” Racist.
carlitos (23eb68) — 4/29/2009 @ 9:39 amAnd that race card works over on your leftist sites but not on the right-leaning sites like here.
My question to you, JohnRJ08, are you just like most other leftists? Do you call Clarence Thomas a race traitor?
John Hitchcock (fb941d) — 4/29/2009 @ 9:43 amYep, your post pretty much sums it up. If he ain’t the enemy I’m going to be very confused when I wake up.
gary gulrud (160a5b) — 4/29/2009 @ 9:43 amAll hail new leader nothing to see here never seen honest objective review Bush Cheney idiots country nosedive world loves us I fart cinnamon buns now thanks to ‘Bama you neanderthal poopy pants someone help me i’m trapped in my neighbor’s basement
Dmac (1ddf7e) — 4/29/2009 @ 9:44 amIf you really want to get our attention, try BOLD IN ALL CAPS !!!!eleventy!!!1. Oh, the anti-intellectual creationist bigoted RACISTS was a nice, if unoriginal touch.
That first sentence is breath-taking, as it clearly shows that you did not read the post.
JD (ca6b04) — 4/29/2009 @ 9:46 amThere seems to be a frenzy to get things passed before we know what hit us and before we realize a good president has to be more that just a cool guy who gives a rousing speech. The administration also seems to have a handy pile of “let’s get people all riled up/distracted” issues that they deploy whenever convenient. It’s going to be a long 4 years.
Steve (8ad83d) — 4/29/2009 @ 10:12 amThe responses here prove my point. Mostly juvenile comments about the font I used, or just angry, knee-jerk reactions. Obviously, the “anti-intellectual creationist bigots” remark is not original since it has grown to become the well-known identity of the conservative base in this country. As far as the first sentence is concerned, it was directed at the vitriolic, belligerent skinheads participating in this blog. The United States is indeed fortunate that most of you here are members of an inconsequential and rapidly shrinking minority.
JohnRJ08 (e2df85) — 4/29/2009 @ 10:21 amPoor dear Obama, became president at such an important time. More important than during a Civil War? A World War? During an OPEC crisis with Americans held hostage for 444 days? Just before a terrorist attack? (9/11) During Katrina? During the Depression? This “such a troubled time” is a line of crap they feed to us so that we will feel sorry for pwoor wittle Obama and his big scary job. Get real people! As his chief of staff, Rahm Immanuel says “don’t let a crisis go to waste.” The Obama administration loves the economic crisis–it gives them cover for their big executive power grab. Why do you think Obama spent so long telling everyone “things are so bad!” instead of talking up the good –which would help improve the economy. (even Bill Clinton criticized Obama for talking down the economy so much). Why pass a “stimulous bill” bursting with pork and projects that won’t kick in for years? Because economic gloom is exactly what Obama wants. It helps Democrats get elected.
Helen (8ad83d) — 4/29/2009 @ 10:24 amJohnRJ08, creationism is not a part of the Conservative movement, most conservatives are not creationists.
By the way, claiming that Obama is facing more crises than FDR is pretty silly.
SPQR (72771e) — 4/29/2009 @ 10:24 am“I’m actually surprised that commenters such as Leviticus and Aphrael don’t weigh in more often with the ’stop helping’ advice. If this is truly the level of argument that the left uses to present their ideas, then they’d better hope that the teachers unions continue to run the education system.”
– Apogee
Why should we? They’re not our people; we’re not responsible for their tunnel-vision.
In fact, it’s the responsibility of good-faith conservatives not to conflate good-faith liberals with jackass liberals, just as it’s the responsibility of good-faith liberals not to conflate good-faith conservatives with jackass conservatives.
I worry about education, too: even at a college level, it’s a rare professor that goes out of his way to foster genuine, considered debate amongst his students – it’s more like “sit here, learn this”. I’ve had a few professors who’ve been really good about fostering debate, though – a couple of semesters ago, I had a class (taught by a Con Law professor) solely dedicated to debating the US Constitution – and it was one of the most engaging classes I’ve ever had.
But it’s the exception, not the rule.
Leviticus (35fbde) — 4/29/2009 @ 10:27 amRACIST BIGOTED SKINHEADS !!!!!! IT IS TRUE BECUZ I SAY SO !!!!!
People did not respond substantively to you, JohnRJ08, because there was no substance to respond to. You threw out some platitudes, called people names, gloated a little, called some more names, and then doubled down on your BS in your second comment, amping it up even more. If this is your idea of rational discussion you fit in quite well with the modern Left, and will find many fellow travelers trolling this site.
JD (ca6b04) — 4/29/2009 @ 10:28 am[…] Days: What Obama does not want you to read […]
Report Card: 100 Days and Counting… | Whatever Is Right (3e8da1) — 4/29/2009 @ 10:32 amThat full-blown bold is, as I already said, below sophomoric stupidity. You chose full-blown bold specifically to draw attention to yourself. If you are idiot enough to deny it, you will be admitting you are a liar on top of being a moron. And I see you completely ignored my question, moron. Is Clarence Thomas a race traitor? Is the current GOP head a race traitor? Is the current preacher from Oklahoma/former Oklahoma congressman/former NFL player a race traitor?
Stand up and let your racism be known, moron!
John Hitchcock (fb941d) — 4/29/2009 @ 10:34 amLeviticus,
“In fact, it’s the responsibility of good-faith conservatives not to conflate good-faith liberals with jackass liberals, just as it’s the responsibility of good-faith liberals not to conflate good-faith conservatives with jackass conservatives.”
I agree with you on this. I believe I have stated this position on this site recently. I wonder if liberals do this on liberal sits? How are they treated for doing so?
As most conservatives do, I despise David Duke and hate what he stands for, and I don’t like people associating him with conservatives. As far as I know the liberals are the only ones that invite him to speak. They love him as they present him as the conservative spokesman, a mantle he is happy to put on. Again, how many liberals dare speak out on liberal forums against this dishonesty?
Machinist (c5fc28) — 4/29/2009 @ 10:38 am#57
Sure carlitos but he said “the liberals” not FDR. Saying “FDR” cuts the BS out of the statement and makes authorizing Japanese internment camps into the action of one man and not some secret dangerous shadow group of gremlins from the kremlin.
#58
EdWood (c2268a) — 4/29/2009 @ 10:50 am“Conservatives” are cartoons too Dave Surls. Even “conservatives” can’t agree on what that really means.
#127
So then I guess that can be objectively determined. Both that our “international reputation” took a nosedive and that it’s now been restored. How did you do that?
There’s nothing anti-intellectual about being a creationist. Since we’re talking about being objective how did you determine creationists are racists?
I guess we better not point out unkept promises. Even something as simple as waiting 5 days to sign a bill. Probably anyone who does is a racist, objectively speaking.
Gerald A (adb85a) — 4/29/2009 @ 11:05 amSomehow, it feels like Glauc.
John Hitchcock (fb941d) — 4/29/2009 @ 11:11 am“Again, how many liberals dare speak out on liberal forums against this dishonesty?”
– Machinist
I don’t honestly know – this is the only blog I comment on or visit regularly, precisely because there’s an emphasis on honest, in-depth discussion amongst interested parties (even though it’s a conservative blog – I think it’s more valuable talking to people who disagree with you, anyway).
Leviticus (43095b) — 4/29/2009 @ 11:14 amI think there is wisdom in this. I wish there were more liberal commenters here. I do not mean the trolls of course.
Thank you for the thoughtful answer. Respects.
Machinist (c5fc28) — 4/29/2009 @ 11:18 amLeviticus: Go check out Sadly, No! some time. I did once.
John Hitchcock (fb941d) — 4/29/2009 @ 11:19 amMore Leviticus, less asshattery, please.
JD (6165a5) — 4/29/2009 @ 11:27 amTo borrow a phrase from Rush:
AD - RtR/OS! (2736a1) — 4/29/2009 @ 11:37 amJohnRJo8 and others could accurately be described as DriveByTrolls (dbt, for short – utilyzing lower-case to mark their significance).
AD – rj08 is a repeat customer.
JD (6165a5) — 4/29/2009 @ 11:45 amJH,
Leviticus: Go check out Sadly, No! some time. I did once.
I received the same non-judgmental reception from that renowned bastion of tolerance.
Brother Bradley J. Fikes, C.O.R., (51a597) — 4/29/2009 @ 11:56 amYes, I realize that they come, and they go;
AD - RtR/OS! (2736a1) — 4/29/2009 @ 11:56 amthat, plus the fact that they rarely engage in serious discussion, is what makes them a “dbt”:
They come, they go, and we’re left to step around their piles of DuckCrap and PA-peatmoss.
When FDR entered office, we were between world wars and WWII was 9 years in the future. He faced an economic crisis and one of his first acts was to repeal Prohibition and raise the tax on alcohol. The day that Reagan took office, the Iranians moved to release the hostages since their primary objective to oust Carter had been achieved. Then, following the 1979 gas shortages, the country went into a deep recession. Reagan lowered taxes, but the recession didn’t turn around until Paul Volcker lowered interest rates and the government began a huge deficit spending program in 1982. While there was trouble in the Mideast, Reagan faced no wars when he came into office. George W. Bush cake-walked into office with a budget surplus, no wars and a steam-roller economy after a very brief recession in 2001. While the economy grew during Bush’s tenure, nearly all of that growth was in the government, and wages in the private sector actually went down. Obama walked into office with two wars being fought, the deepest recession in U.S. history, a severely damaged international reputation, a deteriorating infrastructure and an obstructionist rival political party. Even so, after only 100 days, some people still find reasons to whine.
JohnRJ08 (e2df85) — 4/29/2009 @ 12:21 pmIt’s easy to discount someone with an opposing view by calling them a “DriveByTroll”. I expect little else from this blog’s participants. For your information, AD, this is not a private blog requiring a specific political affiliation for membership. Just because you’re a regular here doesn’t make you special. If there were less contentious, objective comments here about the current administration, it might be edifying for both sides of the equation. As it is, it appears to be just another internet schoolyard populated by the usual collection of brave e-bullies.
Thank you, RJ08. I know your comments before I read them, so I don’t have to read them. Keep up with your 3rd grade “look at my pretty letters” crap so I know it’s you and don’t have to read your 3rd grade crap.
John Hitchcock (fb941d) — 4/29/2009 @ 12:24 pmJH, check out the other person’s blog. Much becomes clear—a lack of comments. And the ability to avoid bolding all words.
To each their own. But why spend the energy here?
Eric Blair (33cc23) — 4/29/2009 @ 12:31 pmJohnRJ08, your understanding of history is simply comical. Especially your false claim that the economic growth during the Bush administration was nearly all in government. The only reason the US’ “reputation” was damaged was because of intentional misrepresentations and outright lying by the opposition Democrats. And you have the simple timing of the Reagan tax cuts comically wrong as well.
Much like your misrepretations. As for a schoolyard, you seem the one who needs to use bold for attention.
SPQR (72771e) — 4/29/2009 @ 12:31 pmHow much did the deficit increase during Obama’s first hundred days?
This should not be a surprise; those countries put their own interests first.
The economy grew for six straight years until the final months of 2008.
Or King-Drew Medical Center.
It is the world’s left and not the world, that hates America.
Michael Ejercito (7c44bf) — 4/29/2009 @ 12:50 pmPutting lies and misrepresentations and puking out Teh Narrative does not make it any more compelling. But, kudos for dropping the RACIST meme in your most recent comment. That was really big of you to acknowledge that it was a BS meme, propogated by morons.
JD (870a39) — 4/29/2009 @ 1:08 pmPatterico – Can you disable the bold key? 😉
JD (870a39) — 4/29/2009 @ 1:11 pmMany historians mark the start of WW-2 as the Italian adventure in Abyssinia and/or the Japanese move into Manchuria:
AD - RtR/OS! (2736a1) — 4/29/2009 @ 1:19 pmAbyssinia (1935) since the feckless reaction from the League of Nations locked the casket lid on that orginization, and the will of the West to resist aggression;
Manchuria (1931) since it was the initial move by the Empire of Japan to initiate its’ “Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere” declaring its’ hegemony over all of East Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Both of these occurred well before the formal outbreak of hostilities in Europe between Germany and Poland on 1 Sept 39 – just six and one-half years after FDR’s inaugural, BTW.
“Sure carlitos but he said “the liberals” not FDR.”
Well, FDR was a liberal.
Dave Surls (e856e7) — 4/29/2009 @ 1:19 pmWW-2…more….
AD - RtR/OS! (2736a1) — 4/29/2009 @ 1:23 pmOther historians note that the start of WW-2 is actually the Treaty of Versailles, and that the period between 11/11/18 and 9/1/39 was just an interregnum of low-level conflict – I’m sure the peoples of Nanking and Shanghai take comfort in that assessment of the intensity of interaction they underwent with the Empire of Japan.
AD + History is what they decide to claim as fact.
JD (870a39) — 4/29/2009 @ 1:28 pmThat’s why some of us have to constantly remind them that they are wrong, and why!
Their problem is they “feel” that they can respond to everything as if they are still in the Seventies: If it feels good, do it!
AD - RtR/OS! (2736a1) — 4/29/2009 @ 1:36 pmWell, I like the feeling I get when I do a little trigger-pulling at the range, but I certainly don’t try to settle all of the little conflicts “that alter and illuminate our times” with this method, though it would feel (momentarily) good.
I call BS on rj08’s feigned disappointment in a lack of substantive discussion. It came here to preen and call names. It noted that we are all anti-intellectual creastionist bigots and racists in its first comment today, and then threw in skinheads in the next. What exactly in those comments should signal the listener or reader that you desire to engage in good faithed debate? Ironically, after the above, it takes great offense at the term Leftists. Other than bleeting out standard Leftist boilerplate in ALL BOLD, where have you actually engaged in anything remotely approaching debate?
JD (870a39) — 4/29/2009 @ 1:40 pmNOooooo!!!! They be takin’ my bold key!
Machinist (c5fc28) — 4/29/2009 @ 2:27 pmIf ALL CAPS is cruise control to cool, what is ALL BOLD ?
JD (870a39) — 4/29/2009 @ 2:33 pmMyopia!
AD - RtR/OS! (2736a1) — 4/29/2009 @ 2:50 pmThe 21st Amendment was proposed in Congress in December, 1932, and approved on February 20, 1933, whereupon it was sent to the States for ratification. Those dates, you’ll note, were before Roosevelt took office. He did sign the repeal in December, 1933, after Utah became the last state necessary to approve the amendment. But the amendment was hardly Roosevelt’s doing, and his signing the order certainly wasn’t one of his first acts in office.
Steverino (69d941) — 4/29/2009 @ 2:51 pmDamn!
AD - RtR/OS! (2736a1) — 4/29/2009 @ 2:55 pmDon’t you just hate it went someone throws facts and dates at you?
What a Bummer, Dude!
The place where you are typing is called the “comment box.” If you scroll up to the top of the page, you will find the “topic” of the post, on which you are “commenting.” Here is a suggestion:
– If you are saying that this post is contentious or not objective, perhaps you could elaborate.
– If some comments bother you in particular, please quote them, rebut, use links and sources, etc.
– While you are typing, please list by name and link any belligerent skinheads participating in this blog. I don’t like skinheads, and want to know who they are.
– Answer my polite inquiry asking “how did that last Europe trip help our “international reputation” exactly?”
Like many readers and commenters on this blog, I enjoy very much discussing the events of the day with those who disagree with my point of view. I think that I can learn something from the serious ones. You have a chance to be that, or you can continue to argue against things that aren’t here.
carlitos (23eb68) — 4/29/2009 @ 3:29 pm#156
What are you doing here? Seems like you’re the one whining. And making various unsubstantiated claims.
What establishes that we have “a severely damaged international reputation” or that the teleprompter guy is now fixing it? Or that nearly all the growth was in the government during Bush’s years? Seems like a strange complaint for an Obama supporter to be making, whether or not true.
Gerald A (adb85a) — 4/29/2009 @ 3:31 pmSteverino, #172: I doubt the person was ever told this in a classroom, or has cracked a history book that didn’t have an agenda (to anticipate some TdJ responses: most history has an agenda, but go read Zinn’s stuff before trying equivalence).
Mostly, people today get their “history” from television and movies. And we know how well that works.
Eric Blair (cc9718) — 4/29/2009 @ 3:38 pmOne person here has insulted me for saying WWII started 9 years after FDR was elected. That’s just obfuscation, because the “world” war did not begin until the United States declared war on Japan and Germany in 1941. Before that, military conflict was limited to parts of Europe and Manchuria. The Soviet Union also didn’t go to war against Germany until 1941. Another genius here accuses me of posting “3rd grade crap”, which means my comments obviously went over his head. With regard to Prohibition, its repeal was one of Roosevelt’s main campaign promises and part of his platform, and in April 1933, he issued an Executive Order redefining 3.2% alcohol as the maximum allowed. While that was preceded by Congress’s writing and passage of the 21st Amendment, it still had to be ratified and signed into law, which did not happen until December of that year. Before that, Roosevelt had signed the Beer and Wine Revenue Act of 1933, which radically changed the Volstead Act. Anyone who doesn’t think FDR played a major role in the repeal of Prohibition is a fool, and anyone who doesn’t think Obama has already done a great deal to improve the image of this country in both hemispheres hasn’t been following the news. Even Ed Rollins, Peggy Noonan, and Bill Bennett admit that. This blog was contentious and angry long before I ever posted a bold-faced word here. Just a continuous stream or vitriole and bitterness directed at other Americans who don’t happen to share exactly the same views. Why am I here? Because I enjoy being the proverbial fly in the ointment. And there seems to be plenty of ointment around here.
JohnRJ08 (e2df85) — 4/29/2009 @ 4:56 pm“One person here has insulted me for saying WWII started 9 years after FDR was elected.”
Why would you get insulted by facts, dickweed?
daleyrocks (5d22c0) — 4/29/2009 @ 4:59 pm“Before that, military conflict was limited to parts of Europe and Manchuria.”
Wrong again genius. You’re not doing very well so far.
daleyrocks (5d22c0) — 4/29/2009 @ 5:00 pm“anyone who doesn’t think Obama has already done a great deal to improve the image of this country in both hemispheres hasn’t been following the news.”
Improve it with who, specifically and why do we care? Please be specific. How does this directly benefit the U.S.?
daleyrocks (5d22c0) — 4/29/2009 @ 5:03 pmPàtterico – Can you turn off this douchenozzle’s bold button?
Care to give us examples of Barcky’s successes in his brilliant foreign policy? North Korea? Iran? France? Great Britain? Russia? Powkeeeestawn?
Never mind. My eyes cannot hand a bold-type projectile vomit.
JD (870a39) — 4/29/2009 @ 5:06 pmWow, JohnJR08!
Let’s see if I understand:
We are bitter and angry and insult people.
So you post bitter, angry, and insulting things?
I thought you were supposed to be happy? Your “side” won, after all.
You sure don’t act like it.
It sounds to me like you simply enjoy fighting and being a Keyboard Kommando, just like the TdJ Parade. Is that Hope and Change? Or do you just want a soapbox you can’t seem to get on your own blog?
Why not spend your time making things better, instead of fighting with people?
It’s a rhetorical question, I know.
Eric Blair (cc9718) — 4/29/2009 @ 5:14 pmOddly, wading into a website and calling the commenters “belligerent skinheads” sometimes provokes vitriol. Go figure.
carlitos (23eb68) — 4/29/2009 @ 5:35 pmI see that AG Holder is literally begging Germany to take some of the GITMO detainees, and with no luck (but, how can that be now that they don’t hate us?).
AD - RtR/OS! (2736a1) — 4/29/2009 @ 5:35 pmPerhaps he should ask the Russians, they always can use more help in the mines at Vorkuta.
daley, i asked that twice so far. This guy doesn’t seem interested in that type of dialogue. Maybe it’s not bold enough for him.
carlitos (23eb68) — 4/29/2009 @ 5:36 pmcarlitos, have you tried ALL CAPS?
Eric Blair (cc9718) — 4/29/2009 @ 5:37 pmEric and carlitos – If you were not such anti-intellectual creationist bigoted racists and belligerent skinheads, maybe we could have a nice conversation.
It forgot imperialist, warmongering, xenophobic, jingoistic, and homophobic.
JD (870a39) — 4/29/2009 @ 5:38 pmUp your nose with a rubber hose, JD. Wait a minute. I was channeling another TdJ. Sorry, JD.
Eric Blair (cc9718) — 4/29/2009 @ 5:43 pmBelligerent skinhead. Why do you hate ignoranuses?
JD (870a39) — 4/29/2009 @ 6:09 pmDid any of you have the misfortune of watching Baracky’s prime time presser and conversation with sycophantic press corp?
JD (870a39) — 4/29/2009 @ 6:38 pmJD – “Sadly, No.” TiVo’d leftover CSI with wife and kid. Belated grilling of pork chops. Studying of stem-changing Spanish verbs. No time for Hope and Change in casa carlito.
carlitos (23eb68) — 4/29/2009 @ 6:42 pmEating raw sewage would have been more pleasant, carlitos.
JD (870a39) — 4/29/2009 @ 6:50 pmObama is already disclaiming responsibility for the deficit – despite telling us just a few weeks ago that we had to pass the stimulus plan that doubled it because we did not have time to even read it.
SPQR (26be8b) — 4/29/2009 @ 7:25 pmRemember, everything he said tonight is non-op after 2400ET.
AD - RtR/OS! (2736a1) — 4/29/2009 @ 7:42 pmObama is an astonishingly brazen liar.
SPQR (26be8b) — 4/29/2009 @ 8:07 pmOne person here has insulted me for saying WWII started 9 years after FDR was elected. That’s just obfuscation, because the “world” war did not begin until the United States declared war on Japan and Germany in 1941.
Suggest you run down the list of nations at war with the Axis powers in September, 1939. You may find America was a few years late to the party.
DCSCA (9d1bb3) — 4/30/2009 @ 1:53 amHint, all bold dude. When ASPCA is pointing out the silliness of your “argument”, and is Right in doing so, that is a pretty good sign that you have beclowned yourself.
JD (07b76c) — 4/30/2009 @ 3:55 amAnd one of the signs of the Apocalypse.
SPQR (72771e) — 4/30/2009 @ 8:24 amJohnRJ08 you have to understand one thing.. a lot of people on this site are the same ones that defended the worst President in history, G Bush and no amount of reasoning will reach them. You can read their posts and try to discuss but fundamentally, in spite of their claims, they hate American values.
In their world, name calling, race and gay bating, wars for false reasons,fear mongering, election theft, attacks on science, torture and imprisonment and outright lies are just the tools they use to further their own vision of the American dream.
I mean how blind and close minded do you have to be to tell us that Bush kept us safe EXCEPT for 9/11? (Great play, wasnt it Mrs Lincoln except for that one incident!) Do you think that they would be so forgiving of Bush if he were a Democrat? Who but radical conservatives could refer to the abuses at Abu Greb as “like a fraternity prank”?
Its ok with them because they think God is on their side and with God and a gun they will reform the world.
They tolerate no dissent and equate dissent with anti Americanism. If you’re Republican and you dont follow their hard right fanatical agenda your a RINO.. If your a Democrat you hate America.
.
They had power for eight years in the Presidency and six in the House and Senate but if you listen to them it was only during the last two, when Bush was still President mind you, that things came unglued. Bush was not to blame for 9/11, not to blame for a misguided attack on Iraq, not to blame for Katrina, or the national debt or the collapse of the economy, Nope! Bush is Gods messenger so you cant blame him.. but those gays and uppity racist Blacks, and those liberals and media types,the unemployed and the Socialists of Europe.
So they put Obama under a microscope and find every fault they can and even openly wish for his failure.
Jesus asked, “How is it you see the speck in your brothers eye but not the stone in your own?’ But they dont bother to answer such questions because after all Jesus was a liberal.
But anyway have a laugh because this is so typical of them.. one of their candidates thinks sex with a mule will not influence his chances for Governor! and chances are he is right!
http://www.newshounds.us/2005/05/06/bizarre_sex_habits_of_the_extreme_rightwing.php
VietnamEraVet (04b9ee) — 4/30/2009 @ 8:30 amVietnamEraVet, calling George Bush the worst president in history is – like every claim you’ve made – completely ridiculous. The Democrats have given us tyrants and incompetents like Woodrow Wilson and FDR whose attacks on liberty were actually orders of magnitude worse than the fantasies you spew about Bush.
As for name calling and hatred, you’ve once again shown your primary attribute – projection. Because your comments describes you better than anyone else.
SPQR (72771e) — 4/30/2009 @ 8:38 amWorld War II began in 1941. The war in Europe, which escalated into WWII, began on September 1, 1939. The war in Manchuria began when Japan invaded in 1931. When more than half the planet is not participating in a conflict, it is not a “world war”, class. This crowd, which appears to fancy itself to be expert on all things, should stick to whining about bold-faced fonts.
Curious that several commenters here who think Obama is doing a terrible job didn’t even bother to watch the address and news conference. Holding onto to that hate by your fingernails? Afraid you might hear something that makes sense? I understand, when you’re in the midst of a hissy-fit the very last thing you want to hear is a calm voice of reason.
This is for Carlitos and JD.
JohnRJ08 (e2df85) — 4/30/2009 @ 8:46 amAs I stated, I was having family time, not throwing a hissy fit.
Now, are you going to list the “belligerent skinheads” here by name, and link their comments so that I may read them myself?
carlitos (23eb68) — 4/30/2009 @ 8:52 amSPQR, if you truly believe that only “VietnamEraVets” think George W. Bush was the worst President in U.S. history, you are misinformed. Those who voted for Obama obviously share that view, and Obama won young voters by a margin of 35%. On top of that, renowned conservatives, such as Noonan, Buckley, Duberstein, Powell, Eisenhower, and George Will all endorsed Obama. You seem to be setting yourself up as the superior thinker on the subject, despite the fact that most polls and pundits on both sides agree that Bush himself was a disastrous president who wouldn’t give a news conference unless everybody in the room had been pre-screened and determined to be a “friendly”. Only the hardcore, right wing, ultra conservative base continues to stand by George W. Bush’s performance in the White House. Maybe you’re just ‘misremembering’ things.
JohnRJ08 (e2df85) — 4/30/2009 @ 9:02 amWhat we hear is an empty suit reading a teleprompter. And what we see is his Klingon wife’s two-yard wide behind.
nk (343b4e) — 4/30/2009 @ 9:09 amIn early 2004, an informal survey of 415 historians conducted by the nonpartisan History News Network found that 81% considered the Bush administration a “failure.” William J. Ridings and Stuart B. McIver, authors of “RATING THE PRESIDENTS: A Ranking of U.S. Leaders, From the Great and Honorable to the Dishonest and Corrupt,” polled hundreds of academics and historians throughout the U.S. and Europe and rated presidents in terms of leadership, political skill, appointments, accomplishments and crisis management and character and integrity. FDR was judged to be the second greatest, just behind Abraham Lincoln, and Woodrow Wilson was ranked 6th. George W. Bush came in dead last. In a university poll taken in 2006, asking 1,500 registered voters whom they thought was the worst president since WW11, George W. Bush, placed first, geting twice as many votes as Richard M. Nixon. So, SPQR, whose point of view here is “completely ridiculous”?
JohnRJ08 (e2df85) — 4/30/2009 @ 9:21 amExcept that SPQR didn’t say that. Please please please, try to argue with what people actually say here. There is plenty of material.
Are you done putting together that list of “belligerent skinheads?” I really want to see it.
carlitos (23eb68) — 4/30/2009 @ 9:22 am“World War II began in 1941.”
Lefties say the darndest things.
And, we let these idiots vote. No wonder we’re alweays getting saddled with Roosevelts, Johnsons, Carters and Obamas.
Dave Surls (0353c0) — 4/30/2009 @ 9:36 amJohnRJ08, are all Obama voters as unable to read simple english as yourself?
It is hilarious that someone who lengthened a simple depression into a Great Depression, who botched the Pacific War as badly as FDR and who rounded up tens of thousands of innocents US citizens and legal immigrants into concentration camps, would be considered “great”. And it is hilarious that someone who had people imprisoned for speaking out in opposition to a war would be “6th” on such a list.
But such BDS driven ignorance is sadly considered deep thoughts by shallow people.
SPQR (72771e) — 4/30/2009 @ 9:47 amSPQR told “VietnamEraVet” that calling George W. Bush the worst president in U.S. history was “completely ridiculous”, offering no substantiation beyond his own bloated opinion of himself. VietnamEraVet is hardly alone in his evaluation of Bush and characterizing his comment as “ridiculous” was just plain ignorant. In fact, numerous surveys and polls rank GWB at the very top of the “Worst Presidents” list, even though many of them were conducted prior to the tanking of the United States economy. SPQR compounds his error by attacking FDR, who is considered to be the second greatest president in our history by the vast preponderance of polls. What we’re dealing with here is the same ideological bias that drives most of the remarks about Obama in this blog.
JohnRJ08 (e2df85) — 4/30/2009 @ 9:51 amWere those “numerous surveys” the same surveys that had Democrat and independent voters believing GOP was in control of Congress in 2008?
John Hitchcock (fb941d) — 4/30/2009 @ 9:52 amJohnRJ08, polling trumps reality in your mind. I hardly think that that makes you more credible and certainly shows that your ideological bias is more concerned with perception than reality.
Not a high IQ attitude.
SPQR (72771e) — 4/30/2009 @ 9:53 am“Botched the Pacific War”? You mean, the president who mobilized the country during a depression and led it to victory in a “World War” that was fought on every continent on the planet? Do you actually have proof that FDR’s policies didn’t ameliorate the Great Depression? Do you have a crystal ball which tells you that it wouldn’t have gotten much worse without his programs? You pontificate here about such things without any real understanding. As for the Internment Camps, which were hardly like “concentration camps”, they were not FDR’s idea but he was convinced that they were necessary evils. There was a large Japanese population (+120,000) living in California, near two major shipyards, and there were concerns about sabotage and espionage following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The military and, specifically, a General DeWitt championed the establishment of the camps because there was a major concern that the west coast of the United States might be attacked after most of the Pacific fleet had been destroyed on December 7th. Every California newspaper endorsed the relocation. FDR went along with his military advisors recommendation. An associate of mine lived in one of the camps and, while he is bitter about the treatment of his family, he never characterizes the camp as a “concentration camp”. This unfortunate choice by FDR is massively over-shadowed by the leadership he provided during the some of the most difficult years in our country’s history and the majority of scholars rank him among the top U.S. presidents.
JohnRJ08 (e2df85) — 4/30/2009 @ 10:24 amHow many battles were fought on the continent of Australia? Or the continent of Antarctica?
John Hitchcock (fb941d) — 4/30/2009 @ 10:27 amWhen you concentrate people in one place (a camp), that’s what you have, a concentration camp.
Are you going to take back the accusation that posters here are “belligerent skinheads” or would you prefer to pretend that you never said that?
How has our “improved reputation” in Europe helped the US so far?
carlitos (23eb68) — 4/30/2009 @ 10:31 amJohnRJ08, yes I have proof that FDR’s policies lengthened the depression, some estimates are by as much as seven years. FDR’s policies were what actually made the depression worse, and why US unemployment stayed high years after other industrialized nations were returning to normal unemployment.
The Japanese-American concentration camps were not FDR’s idea? Wow, that’s a great way to excuse FDR. That is as lame as Obama’s claim that his own budget deficits are not his. Brilliant work, John … uh, not.
FDR’s administration provoked the Japanese into attacking and was still surprised at Pearl Harbor and in the Phillipines. Incompetent leadership by FDR led to many thousands of unnecessary casualties in both the Pacific War and in Europe. Ever hear of Bataan? Kasserine Pass? Slapton Sands? All military fiascos whose cost dwarf any that occurred during the Bush administration.
Add in the fact that the racist Woodrow Wilson imprisoned dissenters to his war like Eugene Debs, and it becomes obvious that the reputation of Democratic Presidents is founded on misrepresentations and intentional ignorance.
SPQR (72771e) — 4/30/2009 @ 10:34 am“Polling trumps reality” when the poll’s participants include scholars and historians around the world and “reality” turns out to be nothing more than your ideological spin. I cite specifics and all you can come up with are juvenile insults. Is that your concept of an “high IQ attitude”? Pull one reputable survey out of that empty noggin of yours that doesn’t rank FDR in the top 3 U.S. presidents. Likewise, dig up one that doesn’t rank George W. Bush in the bottom 3 if the not the cellar.
JohnRJ08 (e2df85) — 4/30/2009 @ 10:34 amJohnRJ08, you are lying. I have specifics. You are only showing your ignorance.
SPQR (72771e) — 4/30/2009 @ 10:36 amI read a few seconds of the horse’s ass blog just to confirm his moonbattery. Seems to opine that Palin is not a reformer but deals in croynism in Alaska. I guess Obama and Richard Daley are the antithesis of that in the Windy City? The citizens of Alaska at least receive decent oil bonuses each year, which Palin apparently managed to improve upon in her negotations with the oil companies. Is the Obama administration’s handling of GM, Chrysler and all those big banks going to accrue to the benefit of the American taxpayers in any way at all? Yes, I suppose ACORN, the teachers’ unions and the UAW are wont to be pleased with the magic negro. And assh*le buddy George Soros will further feather his own financial nest for a few billion more semolas.
aoibhneas (0c6cfc) — 4/30/2009 @ 10:37 amOnce again, let’s worry about how the evil Bushitler “tortured” three Arab mass murderers, while Obama is pleased to allow viable human infants born alive in botched abortion procedure to lie in a basket unattended until they expire…..THAT’s not torture???? Libtards are really evil, hypocritical, self-righteous mutant cretins in my book. Murderous slime such as Mohammed Sheik Khalid, ImADamnNutJob, Fidel, Mumia, OJ, et al are misunderstood victims of arrogant uncle Sam. Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld need to be tried and executed for the “sins” of rendition, Guantanamo, an illegal Iraq war and abu Ghraib, among other heinous acts??
Greatest US Presidents according to my own informal poll here in tony Boca Raton, well represented by the magnificent Bobby Wexler:
1.Obama
2. JFK
2. FDR
3. Clinton
4. LBJ
5. Jimmuh Carter
Worst:
aoibhneas (0c6cfc) — 4/30/2009 @ 10:42 am1. Bush II
2. Dick Nixon (before he dicks you)
3. Reagan
4. Harding
5. Bush I
LOL, aoibhneas, that’s hilarious.
SPQR (72771e) — 4/30/2009 @ 10:44 amJohnRJ08, please do take a moment to substantiate the accusation that commenters here are “vitriolic, belligerent skinheads.” Anti-intellectual, creationist minds want to know.
Also, kindly explain what gain our country has experienced due to Obama improving our reputation in Europe.
Thanks!
carlitos (23eb68) — 4/30/2009 @ 10:44 amJohnRJ08, please do take a moment to substantiate the accusation that commenters here are “vitriolic, belligerent skinheads.” Anti-intellectual, creationist minds want to know.
Also, kindly explain what gain our country has experienced due to Obama improving our reputation in Europe.
Thanks!
carlitos (23eb68) — 4/30/2009 @ 10:46 amI’d like to see how RJ08 explains this away while ascribing etreme racism to right-leaning and right-wing people.
John Hitchcock (fb941d) — 4/30/2009 @ 11:04 amJohn Hitchcock, after that I’m sure JohnRJ08 will be able to explain Woodrow Wilson imprisoning Eugene Debs for a sentence of 10 years for his speeches opposing the WWI draft. Debs languished in prison until a Republican president, elected in despite a race-baiting Democratic campaign that included xenophobic speeches by FDR as VP candidate, pardoned him.
SPQR (72771e) — 4/30/2009 @ 11:41 amJH…There you go again with those inconvenient fact thingys.
AD - RtR/OS! (633e3f) — 4/30/2009 @ 12:31 pmHave you no shame, Sir?
I like those fact thingies. They’re all emotional, not like those fact-free truth thingies the left push.
John Hitchcock (fb941d) — 4/30/2009 @ 1:19 pm#203, JohnRJ08 wrote: “SPQR, if you truly believe that only ‘VietnamEraVets’ think George W. Bush was the worst President in U.S. history, you are misinformed. Those who voted for Obama obviously share that view, and Obama won young voters by a margin of 35%…”
He won voters whose personal memory of Presidents goes back maybe five or six years, and whose education level is clearly the worst in American history, having consisted almost entirely of left-wing propaganda starting from the age of five? Very impressive.
“On top of that, renowned conservatives, such as Noonan, Buckley, Duberstein, Powell, Eisenhower, and George Will all endorsed Obama.”
LOL. Renowned? Renowned by who? Their fellow liberals?
danebramage (700c93) — 4/30/2009 @ 2:40 pmFor that matter, dane, the idea that Powell is a conservative is yet another example of JohnRJ08’s utter ignorance.
SPQR (72771e) — 4/30/2009 @ 2:42 pmJust like George W. Bush was convinced that Guantanamo Bay’s Camp X-Ray was a necessary evil?
Michael Ejercito (7c44bf) — 4/30/2009 @ 2:56 pmIt was a completely unnecessary war, even more so than the war on Haiti.
Michael Ejercito (7c44bf) — 4/30/2009 @ 2:58 pmThat’s my point, SPQR. With the exception of Buckley (assuming he means William F. before he died), all of those people have only one foot, at best, in the conservative camp–and even Buckley was going a little cuckoo in his later years.
But then I hold a much stricter view of what conservatism is than a lot of people here do, so YMMV.
danebramage (700c93) — 5/1/2009 @ 7:22 amEisenhower endorsed Obama? Is this someone I should know, or was he kidding about the 34th president? I read a little bit here and there, and have never heard of a “renowned conservative” named Eisenhower.
carlitos (eeffbc) — 5/1/2009 @ 7:45 amThere are many, many things of which you “have never heard”, Carlitos. My guess is that you know that. I was referring to Susan Eisenhower, the Chairman of Leadership and Public Policy Programs & Chairman Emeritus of the Eisenhower Institute, and granddaughter of Dwight D. Eisenhower.
I was also referring to Chris Buckley, former writer for the National Review and son of its founder, William F. Buckley. I do agree that Colin Powell is a really a democrat at heart, but he claims to be a Republican and served under four Republican presidents. I can see where some of you would be bitter about his endorsement of Obama. By the way, anybody who thinks George Will isn’t a conservative is on crack.
I’ve looked at the various links provided which attempt to substantiate certain views and they appear to be less than objective, unbiased sources. Anti-Obama blogs and websites created by self-proclaimed experts with an obvious political agenda don’t really qualify as legitimate proof of anything. For every fringe economist who has attacked Obama’s policies, there are dozens of reputable economists, in the U.S. and Europe, who have supported his decisions.
But, at the end of the day, having the most Nobel Prize-winning economists on your side is fairly meaningless because we are in uncharted territory right now. The current recession is unlike any other in many ways. The idea that lowering taxes for the wealthy and letting the banking system fail just seems like a formula for another Great Depression.
JohnRJ08 (2c7cda) — 5/1/2009 @ 8:23 amHi JohnRJ08,
Thanks for the info. As I stated, I read a little bit here and there: The Chicago Tribune, history books, several websites including this one, I listen to the occasional conservative radio show, and yet I was completely unaware of “renowned” conservative Susan Eisenhower. I will have to look up her work.
Are you planning to defend your statement that commenters here are “vitriolic, belligerent skinheads,” or your other intimations that we are somehow racist?
carlitos (eeffbc) — 5/1/2009 @ 8:34 amOK, I’ll start. Feel free to scribble names right here on the blog. Remember, for every name on the left, at least 24+ (dozens) of names will be listed on the right. I’m starting with around 350, so you all you have to do is add 8000+ to the right side and then your statement is accurate. Keep in mind, Reich and Krugman have gone sour on his plan already.
Fringe economists attacking Obama’s policies: – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Reputable economists supporting his decisions:
Adams, Richard M. Oregon State University
carlitos (eeffbc) — 5/1/2009 @ 8:56 amAdie, Douglas K. Ohio University
Agnello, Richard University of Delaware
Ahiakpor, James C.W. California State University, East Bay
Albrecht, William University of Iowa
Alexander, Donald L. Western Michigan University
Alexander, Gordon J. University of Minnesota
Alpert, William University of Connecticut
Alvarez, Fernando E. University of Chicago
Amacher, Ryan C. The University of Texas at Arlington
Andron, Geoffrey Austin Community College
Armey, Richard K. Freedom Works
Azevedo, Christopher University of Central Missouri
Back, Kerry Texas A&M University
Banaian, King St. Cloud State University
Barro, Robert Harvard University
Basciano, Peter M. Augusta State University
Beck, Stacie E. University of Delaware
Becker, Gary University of Chicago
Belcher, Larry Stetson University
Bellante, Donald University of South Florida
Bender, Bruce University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Berry, Anne Former economist, Council of Economic Advisers
Bethune, John J. Barton College
Bhagat, Sanjai University of Colorado
Biggs, Andrew G. American Enterprise Institute
Bise, Robert G. Orange Coast College
Block, Michael K. University of Arizona
Blomberg, Brock Claremont McKenna College
Bohanon, Cecil Ball State University
Bonilla, Carlos The Washington Group
Booth, Donald Chapman University
Borden, Karl J. University of Nebraska
Bordo, Michael Rutgers University
Borts, George H. Brown University
Boskin, Michael Stanford University
Botsas, Eleftherios Oakland University
Boyd, John H. University of Minnesota
Brannon, Ike McCain-Palin 2008
Broussard, John Paul Rutgers
Brown Jr., George F. Blue Canyon Partners, Inc.
Brust, Peter University of Tampa
Buchanan, James George Mason University
Buchholz, Todd Two Oceans Management
Butkiewicz, James L. University of Delaware
Calabria, Mark United States Senate
Calomiris, Charles Columbia University
Carey, Robert T. Clemson University
Cargill, Thomas F. University of Nevada, Reno
Carter, James Vienna, VA
Cebula, Richard J. Armstrong Atlantic State University
Chance, Don Louisiana State University
Chilton, Kenneth W. Lindenwood University
Chiswick, Barry R. University of Illinois at Chicago
Chiswick, Carmel U. University of Illinois at Chicago
Choi, K Iowa State University
Cima, Lawrence R. John Carroll University
Cochran, John P. Metropolitan State College of Denver
Cogan, John Hoover Institution
Collinge, Robert University of Texas at San Antonio
Colwell, Peter F. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Connolly, Michael University of Miami
Cooper, Kathleen B. Southern Methodist University
Cordato, Roy The John Locke Foundation
Costrell, Robert M. University of Arkansas
Couch, Jim F. University of North Alabama
Covey, Ted McLean, Virginia
Crain, Nicole V. Lafayette College
Crawford, Anthony J. University of Montana
Crippen, Dan Former CBO Director
Crocker, Thomas D. University of Wyoming
Crouch, Robert L. University of California, Santa Barbara
Crucini, Mario J. Vanderbilt University
Curran, Ward S. Trinity College
Dammon, Robert M. Carnegie Mellon University
Daniel III, Coldwell The Univerity of Memphis
Danielsen, Albert L. University of Georgia
Davis, Ronnie H. Florida Institute of Technology
Davis, Steve University of Chicago
Day, Richard H. University of Southern California
Deitsch, Clarence R. Ball State University
DeMuth, Christopher American Enterprise Institute
Dewald, William G. Ohio State University
Diamond Jr., Arthur M. University of Nebraska at Omaha
Diebold, Francis X. University of Pennsylvania
Dougan, William Clemson University
Douglas, Christopher University of Michigan, Flint
Duncan, Floyd H. The Virginia Military Institute
Duncan, Joseph W. Micro Mite
Dunlevy, James A. Miami University
Ebenstein, Lanny University of California, Santa Barbara
Eckalbar, John California State University, Chico
Egan, Francis J. Trinity College
Egger, John B. Towson University
Ehrlich, Isaac SUNY at Buffalo
Eichenbaum, Martin Northwestern University
Eickhoff-Smith, M. Kathryn Eickhoff Economics Inc
Ellis, Michael A. Kent State University
Elyasiani, Elyas Temple University
Ericson, Richard E. East Carolina University
Eubanks, Larry S. University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Evans, Paul Ohio State University
Falaschetti, Dino FSU College of Law and Hoover Institution
Falero Jr., Frank California State University
Fama, Eugene F. University of Chicago
Farr, Dorsey D. French Wolf & Farr
Farr, W. Ken Georgia College & State University
Feenberg, Dan NBER
Feigenbaum, Susan K. University of Missouri, St. Louis
Feldstein, Martin Harvard University
Fisher, Eric California Polytechnic State University
Flanegin, Frank R. Robert Morris University
Fleisher III, Arthur A “Trey” Metro State College of Denver
Fleming, Garry Roanoke College
Flint, Harold D. Montclair State University
Foo, Jennifer Stetson University
Forbes, Kristin MIT
Ford, William F. Middle Tenn. State U.
Frank, Murray Z. University of Minnesota
Froeb, Luke Vanderbilt University
Fuerst, Timothy S. Bowling Green State University
Furchtgott-Roth, Diana Hudson Institute
Gallegos, Alejandro Winona State University
Gardner, B Delworth Brigham Young University
Garthoff, Dave The University of Akron
Gellman, Aaron J. Northwestern University
Genetski, Robert Classicalprinciples.com
Giacalone, Joseph A. St. John’s University
Gifford, Adam California State University, Northridge
Gillette, David Truman State University
Gilley, Otis W. Louisiana Tech University
Gisser, Micha University of New Mexico
Gissy, William Kennesaw State University
Glahe, Fred R. University of Colorado, Boulder
Glass, Amy Jocelyn Texas A&M University
Glauber, Robert Harvard University
Gombola, Michael Drexel University
Gonzalez, Rudy San Jose State University
Gonzalez-Vega, Claudio The Ohio State University
Graham, Daniel Duke University
Graham, J. Edward University of North Carolina, Wilmington
Grant, Richard Lipscomb University
Graves, Philip E. University of Colorado
Greene, Kenneth Binghamton University
Gregory, Paul University of Houston
Grinols, Earl Baylor University
Hafer, Rik Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
Hakim, Simon Temple University
Hansen, Gary UCLA
Hanushek, Eric Hoover Institution
Hartley, James E. Mount Holyoke College
Hassett, Kevin American Enterprise Institute
Hauge, Janice A. University of North Texas
Heidt, Robert H. Indiana University School of Law
Helms, Robert B. American Enterprise Institute
Helvacian, N. Mike MNH Consulting
Henderson, James W. Baylor University
Hochman, Harold M. CUNY Graduate Center and Lafayette College
Hodrick, Robert J. Columbia Business School
Hoehn, John Michigan State University
Holen, Arlene Technology Policy Institute
Holloway, Milton L. Resource Economics, Inc.
Holtz-Eakin, Douglas McCain-Palin 2008
Howrey, E. Philip University of Michigan
Hubbard, Glenn Columbia University
Huffman, Forrest E. Temple University
Huffman, James L. Lewis & Clark Law School
Humphrey, David Florida State University
Inama, Chris Golden Gate University
Ireland, Thomas R. University of Missouri-St. Louis
Irvine, Owen Michigan State University
Jadlow, Joseph M. Oklahoma State University
Jarrell, Sherry L Wake Forest University
Jensen, Gerald R. Northern Illinois University
Jensen, Mike Harvard University
Just, Richard E. University of Maryland
Kaplan, Steven University of Chicago
Kennedy, Joe Arlington, VA
Kent, Calvin A. Marshall University
King, Robert Boston University
Kohn, Meir Dartmouth College
Kolari, James W. Texas A&M University
Kosters, Marvin American Enterprise Institute
Krol, Robert California State University, Northridge
Krueger, Anne Johns Hopkins University
Krupp, Cory Duke University
Laird, William E. Florida State University
Lal, Deepak University of California, Los Angeles
Landau, Daniel L University of Connecticut
La Near, Richard Missouri Southern State University
Lash, Nicholas A. Loyola University
Lefton, Norman B. Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Leisenring, Carol University of Pennsylvania
Lenard, Thomas M. Technology Policy Institute
Lephardt, Noreen E. Marquette University
Lerrick, Adam Carnegie Mellon University and the American Enterprise Institute
Levy, Phil American Enterprise Institute
Lewis, W. Cris Utah State University
Lindsey, Larry The Lindsey Group
Lipford, Jody W. Presbyterian College
Locay, Luis University of Miami
Logue, Dennis E. Dartmouth College
Lothian, James R. Fordham University
Lott Jr., John R. University of Maryland
Luskin, Donald L. Trend Macrolytics LLC
Lyman, R. Ashley University of Idaho
MacAvoy, Paul W. Yale School of Management
MacDonald, Glenn Washington University in St. Louis
Makin, John American Enterprise Institute
Malkiel, Burton Princeton University
Maltsev, Yuri N. Carthage College
Manne, Henry G. George Mason University
Marshall, Donald J. National Petroleum Council
Marshall, Jennings B. Samford University
Mateer, Robert N. Liberty University
Mathews, Timothy Kennesaw State University
Matsusaka, John University of Southern California
Mayers, David University of California, Riverside
McArthur, John Wofford College
McCallum, Bennett Carnegie Mellon University
McCracken, Paul W. University of Michigan
McMillin, W. Douglas Louisiana State University
McQuillan, Lawrence Pacific Research Institute
Meiselman, David I. Virginia Tech
Melick, Will Kenyon College
Meltzer, Allan Carnegie Mellon University
Mendoza, Enrique G. University of Maryland-College Park
Mietus, Jim Great Falls, VA
Milbourn, Todd Washington University in St. Louis
Miller, Dan Arlington, VA
Miller, James George Mason University
Miller, Tom American Enterprise Institute
Miranda, Mario J. The Ohio State University
Mobius, Markus Harvard University
Montgomery, Michael R. University of Maine
Moore, Michael George Washington University
Morgan, Paul L. Westmont College
Moulin, Herve Rice University
Mundell, Robert Columbia University
Muris, Tim George Mason University
Murphy, Jim University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Murphy, Kevin University of Southern California
Murray, John E. University of Toledo
Musgrave, Frank Ithaca College
Muth, Richard F. Emory University
Myers, Steven C. The University of Akron
Nelson, Charles University of Washington
Neumann, George R. The University of Iowa
Nieberding, James F. Consulting Economist
Niskanen, Bill Cato Institute
Ohanian, Lee E. UCLA
O’Neill, James University of Delaware
O’Neill, June Baruch College, CUNY
Ortega, Lydia San Jose State University
Oswald, Donald J. California State University, Bakersfield
OToole, Cathleen California State University, Chico
O’Toole, James California State University, Chico
Padelford, Walton Union University
Parente, Steve University of Minnesota
Parker, Randall East Carolina University
Patton, Judd W. Bellevue University
Perri, Tim Appalachian State University
Perry, Mark J. University of Michigan-Flint
Philipson, Tomas University of Chicago
Phillips, G. Michael California State University, Northridge
Pingle, Mark University of Nevada, Reno
Pongracic, Ivan Hillsdale College
Pongsree, Saharat “Oak” Wesley College
Poole, William University of Delaware
Porter, Michael E. Harvard University
Poulson, Barry Univerity of Colorado Boulder
Powers, John A. University of Cincinnati
Prescott, Edward Arizona State University
Prieger, James Pepperdine University
Protopapadakis, Aris University of Southern California
Pruitt, Stephen W. University of Missouri, Kansas City
Rahn, Richard W. Institute for Global Economic Growth
Ramey, Valerie University of California, San Diego
Reid Jr., Joseph D. George Mason University
Reiland, Ralph R. Robert Morris University
Rhee, Thomas A. California State University, Long Beach
Ries, Christine P. Georgia Institute of Technology
Roberts, Nancy H. Arizona State University
Rogoff, Kenneth Harvard University
Roll, Richard UCLA
Rosen, Harvey Princeton University
Ross, Larry L. University of Alaska, Anchorage
Rossana, Robert Wayne State University
Rothman, Philip East Carolina University
Rowley, Charles George Mason University
Rubin, Paul H. Emory University
Ruffin, Roy University of Houston
Rush, Mark University of Florida
Sandy, Jonathan University of San Diego
Santoni, Gary J. Ball State University
Saving, Tom Texas A&M University
Schaefer, Kurt C. Calvin College
Schuyler, Mike Institute for Research on the Economics of Taxation
Schwartz, Anna NBER
Scott, Robert Haney California State University, Chico
Seater, John J. North Carolina State University
Seeley, Robert Wilkes University
Selden, Richard University of Virginia
Shakoori, Ken California State University, Bakersfield
Shalit, Sol S. University of Wisconsin
Shapiro, Alan University of Southern California
Shaw, James University of San Francisco
Shughart II, William F. The University of Mississippi
Shultz, George Stanford University
Simos, Evangelos University of New Hampshire
Smart, Scott B. Indiana University
Smith, Amy Former OMB Chief Economist
Smith, James F. The University of North Carolina
Smith, Richard L. University of California. Riverside
Smith, Vernon Chapman University
Snaith, Sean M. University of Central Florida
Sontheimer, Kevin University of Pittsburgh
Soule, Pete Park University
Spatt, Chester Carnegie Mellon University
Spencer, David Brigham Young University
Sprinkel, Beryl W. Former Chair Council of Economic Advisers
Stephenson, Craig A. Babson College
Stimel, Derek Menlo College
Stokes, Houston University of Illinois at Chicago
Stone, Courtenay C. Ball State University
Suchanek, Gerry L. University of Iowa
Sumner, Dan University of California, Davis
Sweeney, Richard Georgetown University
Tamura, Robert Clemson University
Tatom, John A. Indiana State University
Taylor, John Stanford University
Telser, Lester University of Chicago
Tharp, Teresa Valencia Community College
Thompson, Henry Auburn University
Timberlake, Richard University of Georgia
Tolbert Jr., Stephen A. Harrisburg Area Community College
Tollison, Robert D Clemson University
Tower, Edward Duke University
Trivitt, Julie Arkansas Tech University
Troy, Leo Rutgers University
Tuerck, David G. Suffolk University
Upadhyaya, Kamal University of New Haven
VanHoose, David Baylor University
Vedder, Richard Ohio University
Wagner, Richard E. George Mason University
Walker, Donald A. Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Walstad, William B. University of Nebraska
Ward, Ronald W. University of Florida
Waters, Alan Rufus California State University, Fresno
Watkins, Thayer San Jose State University
Weber, Chris Seattle University
Weidenbaum, Murray Washington University in St. Louis
Whittaker, J. Gregg William Jewell College
Wicks, John University of Montana
Williams, Michael E. University of Denver
Wills, Douglas University of Washington, Tacoma
Wilson, Glenn Odessa College
Winegarden, Wayne H. Arduin, Laffer & Moore Econometrics
Wolf, Charles Hoover Institution
Wolfram, Gary Hillsdale College
Wunder, Gene C. Washburn University
Wykoff, Frank Pomona College
Yoho, DeVon Ball State University
Yonge, Nancy A. Center for American Strength
Young, Eric University of Virginia
Zdanowicz, John S. Florida International University
Zellner, Arnold University of Chicago
Zoric, Joseph Franciscan University of Steubenville
Zycher, Benjamin Manhattan Institute for Policy Research
President Obama continues to exude transparency and ‘shine the light’ on corrupt political practices:
President Barack Obama has settled on a train-wreck of a nominee for Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). On Tuesday, the Senate, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee approved Ronald Sims in a voice vote. They did so despite having credible information indicating financial mismanagement and ethical transgressions, including two egregious abuses of a state freedom of information law.
Sims has been King County Executive in Washington state since 1996. Under his watch, local government was fined after it failed to produce documents concerning construction of the Qwest sports stadium. The Supreme Court of Washington, in a blistering ruling on the case issued this past January, said officials illegally withheld documents from requestor Armen Yousoufian. “The unchallenged findings of fact demonstrate King County repeatedly deceived and misinformed Yousoufian for years,” Justice Richard Sanders wrote. “King County told Yousoufian it produced all the requested documents, when in fact it had not.”
…
Sims was also in the middle of accusations of voter fraud in the 2004 governor’s race between Republican Dino Rossi and Democrat Chris Gregoire. King County counted hundreds of ineligible ballots. Gregoire eventually won by a mere 133 votes after multiple recounts in which local officials repeatedly “discovered” additional lost ballots. Last week, King County reportedly paid $225,000 to settle an FOI suit brought by conservative blogger Stephan Sharkansky concerning recount documents that officials refused to give him for three years. So why would Obama, who promises unprecedented transparency in government, even think of nominating this guy?
carlitos (eeffbc) — 5/1/2009 @ 10:28 amSo much for all those faux claims of the Republicans being corrupt.
SPQR (26be8b) — 5/1/2009 @ 5:36 pmYawn….
The Emperor7 (1b037c) — 5/1/2009 @ 5:43 pmYes, yet another corrupt Democratic politician, Emperor7, what could be more boring?
SPQR (26be8b) — 5/1/2009 @ 5:45 pmCarlitos, that was impressive. I hope that some good discussion comes of it. Folks who are just trolls are only interested in dealing insults and saying “nuh-huh.”
So we will see who is who.
Eric Blair (33cc23) — 5/1/2009 @ 6:39 pmMore corroboration about the thuggish behavior of the Obama administration.
SPQR (72771e) — 5/5/2009 @ 4:05 pm[…] Source: https://patterico.com/2009/04/28/100-days-what-obama-does-not-want-you-to-read/ […]
100 days: What Obama Does Not Want You To Read « Romanticpoet’s Weblog (054690) — 5/8/2009 @ 3:24 am[…] he would reverse this dire situation. Instead, Obama’s diplomatic overtures have been largely rejected by the European Union, NATO, Russia, North Korea, Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Iran and much […]
Patterico’s Pontifications » Pres. Obama and the Reality Bomb (e4ab32) — 7/22/2009 @ 12:28 am