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Monday, March 24, 2008
Barack Obama Is Too Progressive To Be Called Liberal
Obama's promise of a new majority, and the question it prompts
Obama, in an interview, said that "a lot of these old labels don't apply anymore."
He said he was a progressive and a pragmatist, eager to tackle the big issues like health care and convinced that the Democrats could rally independents and disaffected Republicans to their agenda.
...
Obama says he understands the criticism of his voting record, but argues that the Senate is so ideologically polarized it is hard not to end up on one side or the other.
"The only votes that come up are votes that are purposely designed to divide people," he said. "It's true that if I'm presented with a series of votes like that, I'm more likely to fall left of center than right of center. But as president, I would be setting the terms of debate."
...
They say he is ready for a new, self-assured progressive era in which progressives (few have returned to the word liberal) make no apologies about their goals - universal health care, withdrawing troops from Iraq, ending tax breaks for more affluent Americans - and assume that a broad swath of the public shares them.
Progressive Platform
Introduction:
With this platform, we declare our commitment to common cause and our desire for clear commitments from our elected officials. This platform is founded in a shared vision of a sustainable and just economy with respect for the environment, human rights, and a culture of peace. It is grounded in the values of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Earth Charter. Our platform is a collection of bold, uncompromised positions on the most fundamental questions of our democracy.
This is a living document, the contents of which will evolve. We hope the spirit of common cause will guide us toward establishing a foundation built from our ability to agree, rather than our penchant for argument.
Obama, in an interview, said that "a lot of these old labels don't apply anymore."
He said he was a progressive and a pragmatist, eager to tackle the big issues like health care and convinced that the Democrats could rally independents and disaffected Republicans to their agenda.
...
Obama says he understands the criticism of his voting record, but argues that the Senate is so ideologically polarized it is hard not to end up on one side or the other.
"The only votes that come up are votes that are purposely designed to divide people," he said. "It's true that if I'm presented with a series of votes like that, I'm more likely to fall left of center than right of center. But as president, I would be setting the terms of debate."
...
They say he is ready for a new, self-assured progressive era in which progressives (few have returned to the word liberal) make no apologies about their goals - universal health care, withdrawing troops from Iraq, ending tax breaks for more affluent Americans - and assume that a broad swath of the public shares them.
Progressive Platform
Introduction:
With this platform, we declare our commitment to common cause and our desire for clear commitments from our elected officials. This platform is founded in a shared vision of a sustainable and just economy with respect for the environment, human rights, and a culture of peace. It is grounded in the values of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Earth Charter. Our platform is a collection of bold, uncompromised positions on the most fundamental questions of our democracy.
This is a living document, the contents of which will evolve. We hope the spirit of common cause will guide us toward establishing a foundation built from our ability to agree, rather than our penchant for argument.
Roger Stone Cold Revisits The Spitzer Family
Eliot, you were arrogant, nee stupidly arrogant, but you've always been an incredibly stupid egotist. It never endeared you to anyone, not even your overpaid hookers, but it has warmed the hearts of those you've dissed off as they watch your fall into a pond of slime of your own making.
He that may have the warmest heart is the Rog. The Rog is also known as Roger Stone, the elegant badboy who loves his work. The Spitzer and those like him hate Roger's work, but those that love creativity love Roger's work and Roger pin-pricking the Spitzer's bubble with unshorn mid-calf socks worn in mid-sex activity as corroborating evidence to the FBI is indeed creative.
Eliot's ego was and is too stupid to screw with Roger.
Stone, known for shutting down the 2000 presidential election recount effort in Miami-Dade County, is a longtime Spitzer nemesis whose political experience ranges from the Nixon White House to Al Sharpton's presidential campaign. His lawyer wrote the letter containing the call-girl allegations after FBI agents had asked to speak to Stone, though he says the FBI did not specify why he was contacted.
''Mr. Stone respectfully declines to meet with you at this time,'' the letter states, before going on to offer ''certain information'' about Spitzer.
''The governor has paid literally tens of thousands of dollars for these services. It is Mr. Stone's understanding that the governor paid not with credit cards or cash but through some pre-arranged transfer,'' the letter said.
''It is also my client's understanding from the same source that Governor Spitzer did not remove his mid-calf length black socks during the sex act. Perhaps you can use this detail to corroborate Mr. Stone's information,'' the letter said, signed by attorney Paul Rolf Jensen of Costa Mesa, Calif.
The letter also notes that while Stone believes the information is true, he ''cannot swear to its accuracy'' because it is second-hand.
Alas, poor Eliot, you thought yourself wonderfully vicious in your vengeance, but it is Roger who is smiling at your mid-calf blackies now.
The letter was written several months after allegations were leveled at Stone that he had left a threatening phone message at the office of Bernard Spitzer, the ex-governor's father, regarding ''phony'' campaign loans involving his son's unsuccessful 1994 bid for attorney general. Stone denied making the call but resigned as a consultant for state Senate Republicans in Albany.
Never screw with Roger.
''We trust this information was helpful to federal authorities in making their case against Mr. Spitzer,'' Buschel said.
Never.
He that may have the warmest heart is the Rog. The Rog is also known as Roger Stone, the elegant badboy who loves his work. The Spitzer and those like him hate Roger's work, but those that love creativity love Roger's work and Roger pin-pricking the Spitzer's bubble with unshorn mid-calf socks worn in mid-sex activity as corroborating evidence to the FBI is indeed creative.
Eliot's ego was and is too stupid to screw with Roger.
Stone, known for shutting down the 2000 presidential election recount effort in Miami-Dade County, is a longtime Spitzer nemesis whose political experience ranges from the Nixon White House to Al Sharpton's presidential campaign. His lawyer wrote the letter containing the call-girl allegations after FBI agents had asked to speak to Stone, though he says the FBI did not specify why he was contacted.
''Mr. Stone respectfully declines to meet with you at this time,'' the letter states, before going on to offer ''certain information'' about Spitzer.
''The governor has paid literally tens of thousands of dollars for these services. It is Mr. Stone's understanding that the governor paid not with credit cards or cash but through some pre-arranged transfer,'' the letter said.
''It is also my client's understanding from the same source that Governor Spitzer did not remove his mid-calf length black socks during the sex act. Perhaps you can use this detail to corroborate Mr. Stone's information,'' the letter said, signed by attorney Paul Rolf Jensen of Costa Mesa, Calif.
The letter also notes that while Stone believes the information is true, he ''cannot swear to its accuracy'' because it is second-hand.
Alas, poor Eliot, you thought yourself wonderfully vicious in your vengeance, but it is Roger who is smiling at your mid-calf blackies now.
The letter was written several months after allegations were leveled at Stone that he had left a threatening phone message at the office of Bernard Spitzer, the ex-governor's father, regarding ''phony'' campaign loans involving his son's unsuccessful 1994 bid for attorney general. Stone denied making the call but resigned as a consultant for state Senate Republicans in Albany.
Never screw with Roger.
''We trust this information was helpful to federal authorities in making their case against Mr. Spitzer,'' Buschel said.
Never.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Christians That Do Not Understand Christianity
"In order to be sensitive to the physical, intellectual, and emotional development of preschoolers, First Look has chosen not to include the Easter story in our curriculum. Instead, we are focusing on the Last Supper, when Jesus shared a meal and spent time with the people He loved. We have made this choice because the crucifixion is simply too violent for preschoolers. And if we were to skip the crucifixion and go straight to the resurrection, then preschoolers would be confused."
Maybe if more Christians just put away that whole "Jesus just wants to be my friend" schtick they might get a tad closer to Christianity. I don't want to bill myself as a scholar (I am most assuredly not) or even a particularly good Christian ( I try), but Jesus wasn't looking to find buddies when he was chasing the money changers from the temple. When I was a child the story of the crucifixtion and the resurrection did not scare me, it spoke a solemn and then joyful truth that gave me purpose.
Maybe if more Christians just put away that whole "Jesus just wants to be my friend" schtick they might get a tad closer to Christianity. I don't want to bill myself as a scholar (I am most assuredly not) or even a particularly good Christian ( I try), but Jesus wasn't looking to find buddies when he was chasing the money changers from the temple. When I was a child the story of the crucifixtion and the resurrection did not scare me, it spoke a solemn and then joyful truth that gave me purpose.
Lizard Head Makes Judas Call RE Satan's Sister
Pot calling kettle black, etc.
First a Tense Talk With Clinton, Then Richardson Backs Obama
“An act of betrayal,” said James Carville, an adviser to Mrs. Clinton and a friend of Mr. Clinton.
“Mr. Richardson’s endorsement came right around the anniversary of the day when Judas sold out for 30 pieces of silver, so I think the timing is appropriate, if ironic,” Mr. Carville said, referring to Holy Week.
I would venture a Carville ancestor loaned the 30 pieces of silver to the High Priest Caiaphas, for payment to Judas.
First a Tense Talk With Clinton, Then Richardson Backs Obama
“An act of betrayal,” said James Carville, an adviser to Mrs. Clinton and a friend of Mr. Clinton.
“Mr. Richardson’s endorsement came right around the anniversary of the day when Judas sold out for 30 pieces of silver, so I think the timing is appropriate, if ironic,” Mr. Carville said, referring to Holy Week.
I would venture a Carville ancestor loaned the 30 pieces of silver to the High Priest Caiaphas, for payment to Judas.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Obama II; Wright Is Wrong, But Meeks Ain't Meek
HT to Bizzy Blog. Another good catch.
Another ‘Close Religious Adviser’ to Obama Old Media Has Ignored
State Senator/Preacher and influential leader (just ask him) James Meeks bills himself as a "close advisor" to Obama. As a close advisor Meeks believes his use of "nigger" is an endearment, but any blacks who don't believe as he does is a "house nigger" and white politicians are "slave masters." But Tony Rezko's money shows no color.
Another ‘Close Religious Adviser’ to Obama Old Media Has Ignored
State Senator/Preacher and influential leader (just ask him) James Meeks bills himself as a "close advisor" to Obama. As a close advisor Meeks believes his use of "nigger" is an endearment, but any blacks who don't believe as he does is a "house nigger" and white politicians are "slave masters." But Tony Rezko's money shows no color.
Denison Does Fugly II
Denison weighs possible Cleveland Hall appealDenison University president Dale Knobel said the university will make a careful evaluation of its options before deciding whether to appeal a judge's decision overruling the village's approval of a proposed modern addition to Cleveland Hall.
In a March 10 ruling, Licking County Common Pleas Court Judge Jon Spahr decided Village Council was in error when it upheld a February 2007 Granville Planning Commission
ruling allowing an all-glass addition to the building, which is located in a historic district.
ruling allowing an all-glass addition to the building, which is located in a historic district....
Lost in the whirl of legal action, Knobel said, is the university's effort to preserve a historic building that when improved "would serve the educational needs of students and faculty."
Not lost in the whirl of legal action is inappropriate behavior by Denison, the village council and the hopes and desires of the citizens of Granville, but the Knobel really doesn't care about that.
In an earlier piece, Teh Fugly, is some background on how the modern addition to the historic Cleveland Hall was wrong in design, wrong in how Denison University handled getting permission and wrong in how the Granville council and the planning commission handled the process. The permit should never have been given. Whether one thinks the addition "good" or not is not the question. The addition goes against the historic restrictions on the area and 
Denison is not a super-citizen of Granville that can waive the rules and have them only apply to the little citizens. Denison has already played the bully by erecting totally inappropriate (and incredibly ugly) buildings across the street from Cleveland Hall and on nearby streets against the will of the community that supports and welcomes the university.
Denison is not a super-citizen of Granville that can waive the rules and have them only apply to the little citizens. Denison has already played the bully by erecting totally inappropriate (and incredibly ugly) buildings across the street from Cleveland Hall and on nearby streets against the will of the community that supports and welcomes the university.To envision the impact on the village generally and the nearby residents who abide by the historic rules of the area specifically, one only has to listen to the words of Denison's $160 million Higher Ground Campaign co-chair:
"Cleveland Hall is a defining structure on our campus skyline," Armacost said. "It is on one of the major paths between the upper and lower campuses, meaning students pass by it every day. Renovation will return it to its pristine beauty and preserve it for future generations."
As discussed before, pristine and tacking a modernistic glass box onto a historic building are two different things, especially on the defining structure on the campus skyline. Pristine is how it was in its pure form that became historic. Pristine in Armacost's sense would be like attaching a quonset hut to the Alamo for better storage.
Good for the judge and good for the village. Also, in the long run good for Denison. We don't need a redux of the horrible 60's style building campaigns still blighting campuses and their surrounding areas.
If Denison has to spend a significant amount of money to remove the illegally erected structure in place then maybe Denison can explain that expense as a lesson in how not to be a good member of a community.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Bank of Goracle Hoping To Bank A Trillion Globally
In light of more and more scientists refuting the teachings of the Bank of Goracle leave it to MSNBC to state as fact that which is not considered fact; that man is destroying the ecological balance of earth thus hastening the demise of all living things on the planet. Mean old man. Bastard.
Global warming hastens arrival of springtime
The capital's famous cherry trees are primed to burst out in a perfect pink peak about the end of this month. Thirty years ago, the trees usually waited to bloom till around April 5.
In central California, the first of the field skipper sachem, a drab little butterfly, was fluttering about on March 12. Just 25 years ago, that creature predictably emerged there anywhere from mid-April to mid-May.
And sneezes are coming earlier in Philadelphia. On March 9, when allergist Dr. Donald Dvorin set up his monitor, maple pollen was already heavy in the air. Less than two decades ago, that pollen couldn't be measured until late April.
Pollen is bursting. Critters are stirring. Buds are swelling. Biologists are worrying.
"The alarm clock that all the plants and animals are listening to is running too fast," Stanford University biologist Terry Root said.
Blame global warming.
The fingerprints of man-made climate change are evident in seasonal timing changes for thousands of species on Earth, according to dozens of studies and last year's authoritative report by the Nobel Prize-winning international climate scientists. More than 30 scientists told The Associated Press how global warming is affecting plants and animals at springtime across the country, in nearly every state. (emp mine)
How else can the shareholders in the Bank of Goracle share in the trillions of dollars that they hope will be spent globally to combat that which is poppycock.
Global warming hastens arrival of springtime
The capital's famous cherry trees are primed to burst out in a perfect pink peak about the end of this month. Thirty years ago, the trees usually waited to bloom till around April 5.
In central California, the first of the field skipper sachem, a drab little butterfly, was fluttering about on March 12. Just 25 years ago, that creature predictably emerged there anywhere from mid-April to mid-May.
And sneezes are coming earlier in Philadelphia. On March 9, when allergist Dr. Donald Dvorin set up his monitor, maple pollen was already heavy in the air. Less than two decades ago, that pollen couldn't be measured until late April.
Pollen is bursting. Critters are stirring. Buds are swelling. Biologists are worrying.
"The alarm clock that all the plants and animals are listening to is running too fast," Stanford University biologist Terry Root said.
Blame global warming.
The fingerprints of man-made climate change are evident in seasonal timing changes for thousands of species on Earth, according to dozens of studies and last year's authoritative report by the Nobel Prize-winning international climate scientists. More than 30 scientists told The Associated Press how global warming is affecting plants and animals at springtime across the country, in nearly every state. (emp mine)
How else can the shareholders in the Bank of Goracle share in the trillions of dollars that they hope will be spent globally to combat that which is poppycock.
Modern Messianism
At the risk of exciting many of our Progressive Democrats:
Messianism is any field of philosophy which concerns itself with the interpretations of stories about a world hero or the establishment of a Utopian world. The four most common topics of messianism are the Messiah, the Saoshyant, the Maitreya, and the Kalki found in Christianity, Judaic adventism/Zionism and Islam, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and Hinduism respectively, though Marxism and many other fields also present messianisms.
Tom Blogical Is Back!
Even though the Easter Bunny is probably gonna poop in Tom's basket instead leaving an egg or two, I am glad he is back writing.
It's only blogical.
It's only blogical.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Can You Tell One Socialist From Another?
I saw this quiz at Bob's Blog and it is quite an eye opener. See if you can tie the quote to the Socialist.
The Hawaiian Kenyan Indonesian LA NYC Southside Chicago Messiah Is An Imperfect Vessel
Obama walks arrogance line
The power of his message lies in its humility. As he told 7,000 supporters at a rally last month, "I am an imperfect vessel for your hopes and dreams."
To save you some time reading the transcript of his speech earlier today;
Blah, blah, blah. Believe in me and you shall not perish. Blah, blah, blah. The last twenty years happened the way I remember them, not the way you white people remember. Blah, blah, blah. I'm addressing your deepest concerns, not the deepest concerns you think you have. I AM the messiah! Blah, blah, blah. Oh, and, CHANGE! CHANGE!! CHANGE!!!
It appears that little Andy Sullivan attended the Michelle Obama church school of Johny-come-lately in his post speech piece about loving Orama and America in one breathless moment. Jeez guys, get a room why don't you.
Bill Clinton once said that everything bad in America can be rectified by what is good in America. He was right - and Obama takes that to a new level. And does it with the deepest darkest wound in this country’s history.
I love this country. I don’t remember loving it or hoping more from it than today.
I agree with Snarky Bastard, "Blech."
The power of his message lies in its humility. As he told 7,000 supporters at a rally last month, "I am an imperfect vessel for your hopes and dreams."
To save you some time reading the transcript of his speech earlier today;
Blah, blah, blah. Believe in me and you shall not perish. Blah, blah, blah. The last twenty years happened the way I remember them, not the way you white people remember. Blah, blah, blah. I'm addressing your deepest concerns, not the deepest concerns you think you have. I AM the messiah! Blah, blah, blah. Oh, and, CHANGE! CHANGE!! CHANGE!!!
It appears that little Andy Sullivan attended the Michelle Obama church school of Johny-come-lately in his post speech piece about loving Orama and America in one breathless moment. Jeez guys, get a room why don't you.
Bill Clinton once said that everything bad in America can be rectified by what is good in America. He was right - and Obama takes that to a new level. And does it with the deepest darkest wound in this country’s history.
I love this country. I don’t remember loving it or hoping more from it than today.
I agree with Snarky Bastard, "Blech."
Michigan & Florida In Counseling
After what appears to be some financial counseling from the Clintons;
REPORT: Dem Michigan 'Re-do' Said Unlikely...
Florida Dems Abandon Primary Re-Vote Plan...
Helping them decide not to redo -- A couple mill$
Making them accept looking like fools -- A couple more mill$
Screwing democray to get what you want -- Priceless
REPORT: Dem Michigan 'Re-do' Said Unlikely...
Florida Dems Abandon Primary Re-Vote Plan...
Helping them decide not to redo -- A couple mill$
Making them accept looking like fools -- A couple more mill$
Screwing democray to get what you want -- Priceless
Monday, March 17, 2008
A Discordent Note In The Politics Of Now
I love this country. I choose to say so now because of the HBO presentation of John Adams.
Part one of the presentation allowed me to mentally wander through the teachings of my parents, teachers and numerous readings and visits of historical America. It is a wonderful roam to make. The inspiration garnered from the echoing walls of Independence Hall, Valley Forge, Yorktown and Williamsburg is an inspiration that lifts one's life.
Franklin's statement "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately" is at the core of the birth of our nation. That John Adams believed it possible that God might not shine his grace on the endeavor, but saw the wondrous rays of hope in freedom that played to the hopeful self doubt on the Founders.
Members of my family have been involved in every conflict since Europeans came to America, sometimes on both sides such as the Revolution and the Civil War. Ironically some of those who fought the British lost everything only to see their Tory relatives slink off to Britain with the family silver and everything else. In the Civil War, some, such as my great grandfather with the VA 8th, were wounded, lost their entire estate to carpetbaggers (aka, scum of the earth) and still recovered with the help of their cousins up north.
The bond that all shared was the belief in and love of their country. This may not be a central part of the political dialogue of today, but it it always at the core of how I think.
Part one of the presentation allowed me to mentally wander through the teachings of my parents, teachers and numerous readings and visits of historical America. It is a wonderful roam to make. The inspiration garnered from the echoing walls of Independence Hall, Valley Forge, Yorktown and Williamsburg is an inspiration that lifts one's life.
Franklin's statement "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately" is at the core of the birth of our nation. That John Adams believed it possible that God might not shine his grace on the endeavor, but saw the wondrous rays of hope in freedom that played to the hopeful self doubt on the Founders.
Members of my family have been involved in every conflict since Europeans came to America, sometimes on both sides such as the Revolution and the Civil War. Ironically some of those who fought the British lost everything only to see their Tory relatives slink off to Britain with the family silver and everything else. In the Civil War, some, such as my great grandfather with the VA 8th, were wounded, lost their entire estate to carpetbaggers (aka, scum of the earth) and still recovered with the help of their cousins up north.
The bond that all shared was the belief in and love of their country. This may not be a central part of the political dialogue of today, but it it always at the core of how I think.
Saint Paddy Wagon Day
If you have ever been to bars or have, say, a family member in medicine you are aware that Saint Patrick's Day is actually amatuer's day. So is New Year's Eve.
Besides, Saint Patrick didn't become a saint by spewing dyed beer green all over the commons of Boston.
The Irish genes tell my Welsh genes that Paddy Wagons were called Paddy because come midnight they were Irish inside and out for the trip to the hooscow.
Besides, Saint Patrick didn't become a saint by spewing dyed beer green all over the commons of Boston.
The Irish genes tell my Welsh genes that Paddy Wagons were called Paddy because come midnight they were Irish inside and out for the trip to the hooscow.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral Before And After
Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
The illustration shows a view of St Fin Barre's Cathedral from the south-east in 1871 before the spires were added. The cathedral was consecrated on 30 November 1870 but the towers and spires were not completed until 1879. Two local businessmen Francis Wise and William Crawford donated £30,000 towards the cost of the towers and spires. On 6 April 1878 Bishop John Gregg laid the top stones on the western spires. His son and successor as Bishop, Robert Samuel Gregg, laid the top stone on the central spire in 1879.
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