#2
SPACEWAR > OUTSIDE VIEW: RUSSIAN OIL, GAS DRYING UP. Russ got 22 years [on or about Year 2029/30]before belly up according to German Pert. *GOOD NEWS - WON'T MATTER AT THAT TIME BECUZ SSSHHHH MOON WILL EXPLODE.
Also from SPACEWAR > NEW TIBETAN ICE CORES > indic HIMALAYAN ICE SHEETS haven't grown in 50 years and are prob SHRINKING, which in turns infers Warming + future Regional-Global FRESHWATER ISSUES.
Germany's foreign minister registered a strong protest with a Zimbabwean official in Berlin over comments attributed to Information Minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu in the state-controlled Herald newspaper published in response to her criticism of President Robert Mugabe during the just-ended European-African summit.
The German Foreign Ministry summoned Zimbabwes chargé daffaires there Monday to object to the comments published by the Herald and attributed to Ndlovu in which he called German Chancellor Angela Merkel a Nazi remnant and a racist. Ms. Merkel had criticized President Robert Mugabe at the European-African summit this past weekend, accusing his government of "trampling" on human rights. Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier summoned the Zimbabwean envoy later on Monday and made clear that the comments were in no way acceptable."
A German spokesman said the chargé daffaires had been summoned because the Zimbabwean ambassador was out of town.
This article starring:
Sikhanyiso Ndlovu
Posted by: Fred ||
12/12/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
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#1
My God, I hope they didn't draft a strongly worded letter!
#2
Angie may be a 'nazi remnant' and a 'racist', but at least she has not brought famine and oppression to a once prosperous country. By their deeds ye shall know them.
The former Peruvian President, Alberto Fujimori, has been sentenced to six years in prison and fined $92,000 (£45,000) for abuse of power.
He was found guilty of ordering the removal of sensitive video and audio tapes from a flat belonging to the wife of his former intelligence chief. Mr Fujimori is the first ex-Peruvian head of state to have been convicted of crimes committed while in office. The sentence comes a day after he went on trial for human rights violations. Mr Fujimori is accused of authorising two death squad massacres, in which 25 people were killed, during a campaign against the left-wing Shining Path insurgency in the early 1990s. He denies the charges. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.
Posted by: lotp ||
12/12/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[2 views]
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#1
Fujimori has committed the ultimate sin... instead of negotiating with a Maoist terrorist group, he waged total war against them, actually crushing their insurgency.
The horror and rage felt by leftists when they ponder the extermination of their Maoist shock troops must be satiated... Alberto must do hard time...
Posted by: john frum ||
12/12/2007 6:14 Comments ||
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#2
I thought Fujimori was in "exile" in Japan. Are they trying him in absentia?
The United States has urged Turkmenistan to take more active steps to improve human rights protection and review jail sentences handed down under the nation's previous leader.
Turkmenistan has been emerging slowly from self-imposed isolation since last year's death of President Saparmurat Niyazov, who ruled the Central Asian state for 21 years. Niyazov's successor, Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, has promoted closer ties with the West and vowed to push ahead with fundamental reforms. But international human rights groups say many Niyazov-era laws are still limiting civil freedoms.
"I think we need to continue moving forward," Deputy U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Erica Barks-Ruggles told reporters in the capital Ashgabat over the weekend. She urged the government to review prison sentences handed down by closed courts under Niyazov, who jailed many of his opponents. "If people are going to be charged, they are to be tried and charged by an open court and if they are not, they need to be released," Barks-Ruggles said.
Aggressive train passengers will have free rein from next year, the Telegraaf reports. The NS is urging personnel in a confidential letter to avoid aggressive passengers since conductors will no longer be able to arrest fare dodgers come 1 January.
Commuters' organisation Rover is furious. "Cowardice," says the spokesperson for the organisation. "This means that if you are big and muscled, you don't need to buy a train ticket. If you are not, then you're the fall guy. That is unacceptable of course."
In the confidential letter the NS management warns on board personnel that they must be careful in using force next year. The conductors will no longer be protected by their position since they will no longer have the authority to use necessary force.
After 1 January conductors may only write tickets. They will no longer be permitted to arrest an aggressive passenger, using appropriate force. The NS management points out to the conductors that they will be at risk if they attempt such actions. If a passenger becomes aggressive or a fare dodger refuses to pay a fine, then the conductors must call in the help of mobile teams. These teams may take action, but they are only based at the 20 largest stations.
The unions are also very concerned about the safety of the passengers and personnel. "Will this mobile team get there on time when a conductor calls for help? I am concerned about that," says the director of the FNV trade union confederation.
Spokesperson for the NS Michiel Jonker says safety will in fact improve because the mobile teams are better trained in dealing with aggressive passengers and will be on site sooner when called.
#1
Sounds like I agree with the union for once. Though actually I would recommend arming the conductors with something like a 1911 .45 and giving them plenty of practice and training so they can safely deal with aggressive passengers - especially those named Mohamed or the like.
#2
I see this as a natural outgrowth of the bizarre idea that starts with "If there are police, then people should never attempt to defend themselves."
This leads to the idea that people should always retreat and run away from the violent and dangerous, leaving them to do whatever they want until the authorities arrive. Even if they are harming or trying to kill someone else.
Even if you are being viciously beaten or your life threatened, it is impermissible to fight back or defend yourself.
#6
Seriously though, these things are goin to turn into moving gang clubhouses. If you want to ride the metro, you're going to have to buy a ticket, pay off the gang, and hide your wallet in your sock.
#7
3 observations from Holland (and inside law-enforcment here)
1: Conductors here dont realy make that many (make that very few) arrests(one or two of these guys to a train with very little training or equipment cant realy do that much when faced with a violent fairdodger)
2: A similair sceme on metrotrains & trams (rather large quys with handcuffs & specialized training in combination with extensive video-surveilance on platforms & trains) works very well, #5 has a point though, for the trainnetwork is much more extensive.
3: From next year you actually have to pay to get through tourniquets to get on the station-platform.
Do not make eye contact. When addressed by any muslim, bow your head, slump your shoulders, then focus your eyes on the floor. If spoken to by your muslim overlord when responding mind your tone of voice. A meek and mild tone is suggested. Do not speak to your mulsim overlord without first obtaining permission. Under no circumstance may you intervene if you witness muslim overlords assaulting a passenger. Contact the authorities to report the unfortunate incident, but only if you can do so without drawing undue attention to yourself. If you contact the authorities it's their problem. If they respond in time to stop the assault, fine. If not, then it's the passenger's bad luck. Not your problem. Under no cuicumstance will you be obliged to be a witneness against our muslim overlords in any trial. You have no moral, ethical, or civic duty to assist in the prosecution of our muslim overlords. Our tesimony is not acceptable under sharia law. You have no right of self-defense. Do not arm yourself with a weapon that can be used in self-defense. If you elect to act in self-defense against a muslim overlord that will be grounds for immediate termination.
Posted by: Mark Z ||
12/12/2007 17:04 Comments ||
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#9
tourniquets
perhaps you mean "Turnstiles?"
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
12/12/2007 17:40 Comments ||
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#10
Same thing, RJ. common in continental Yurop to use French version, with different spellings.
Steve Elliott, the president of Grassfire, says he still wants to know, "Where's the fence?"
Elliott, in a telephone interview, told WND an amendment submitted by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, for the Department of Homeland Security 2008 budget would gut the already-approved Secure Fence Act, which was adopted with the promise hundreds of miles of physical fencing would help secure the U.S. border with Mexico.
But the budget bill now in a conference committee contains the Hutchinson amendment, and Elliott says it simply would drop the requirement for the security project.
"After the Secure Fence Act of 2006 was signed into law by President Bush in October 2006, millions of Americans had a right to expect a double-layer fence would be built along our border with Mexico," Elliott said.
"Now, if the Hutchison amendment gets signed into law that fence is never going to be built," he said.
Elliott said the language of the amendment from Hutchison (S. Amdt. 2466) specifically would exempt the Department of Homeland Security from having to build any fence at all.
The Hutchison amendment reads, in part, "...nothing in this paragraph shall require the Secretary of Homeland Security to install fencing, physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors in a particular location along an international border of the United States, if the Secretary determines that the use or placement of such resources is not the most appropriate means to achieve and maintain operational control over the international border at such location."
"By slipping the Hutchison amendment into the DHS funding bill, Hutchison intends to give DHS total discretion to build a fence or to not build a fence in any particular location. That is not what the American people were led to believe would happen when Congress passed the Secure Fence Act in 2006," Elliott said.
In a special report filed on the Grassfire website titled "Border Fence Funding Hoax of 2006 and 2007," Elliott argues Hutchison first suggested this type of legislative modification on the very day the Secure Fence Act of 2006 was passed.
"A deal had already been struck to basically un-do the Secure Fence Act before the vote was ever taken," Elliott said.
In the report, Elliott says the Secure Fence Act was a carefully staged public relations event designed by Republicans "to create the impression that Congress was clamping down on illegal immigration.
"You see, Republicans were just a few weeks away from the '06 elections and were desperately looking for an issue that would save them from defeat," Elliott wrote.
Hutchison spokesman Matt Mackowiak objected.
"This statement by Grassfire.org is factually inaccurate," Mackowiak told WND in an e-mail. "Sen. Hutchison supports the border fence and voted for the Secure Fence Act."
Mackowiak further told WND that the main purpose of the amendment was to require DHS to consult with the Border Patrol and citizens along the border before beginning construction.
"Sen. Hutchison recognizes that the federal government has limited resources and border patrol agents manning the border know best where to put fencing to prevent illegal immigration and to thwart drug cartels," Mackowiak told WND. "Those decisions should not be left to legislators who have never even visited our border."
On Nov. 6, DHS released a "fact sheet" that appears to confirm Elliott's accusation.
The fact sheet notes that DHS has completed 76 miles of "pedestrian fence" and plans to build 670 miles of "pedestrian fence" by the end of 2008.
Yet, the DHS fact sheet makes no reference to the double-layer fence mandated by Congress in the Secure Fence Act of 2006.
On Aug. 23, WND has reported, Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., wrote a letter to President Bush noting only 17.9 miles of the 854 miles of fencing called for in the Secure Fence Act had been completed as of Aug. 10, stressing that the Bush administration was falling behind the timetable mandated by Congress in the bill.
Yesterday, Hunter's office confirmed to WND the importance of building the double-layer fence as originally called for in the bill.
"The Secure Fence Act was clear in that it required two layers of fencing separated by a road and monitored by lights, cameras and sensors," Joe Kasper, communications director for Hunter, told WND in an e-mail.
Kasper acknowledged the Hutchison amendment will change the definition of the fence required by the Secure Fence Act of 2006.
"This new requirement no longer mandates that fencing be double-layered," Kasper wrote. "Given that double-layered fencing has worked so well in San Diego County, it is difficult to understand why this design wouldn't be replicated at other fencing locations along the border."
According to an Associated Press report, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, defended DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff, arguing that DHS in letters prepared to go out this Friday is giving Texas landowners opposed to the border fence "one last chance" to allow access to their land before DHS goes to court.
"Sen. Cornyn is among the strongest advocates for increased border security in the Congress," Brian Walsh, communications director for Cornyn, told WND in an e-mail.
Still, Cornyn's office defended the demand in the Hutchison amendment to give flexibility to DHS in building the fence.
"Sen. Cornyn believes that it is important to consult with those who actually live and work on the border instead of simply relying on legislators and bureaucrats in Washington who have never even visited the border," Walsh wrote.
"Consultation with local landowners and officials has already produced ideas that will help better secure the border," Walsh continued. "Consultation will avoid lawsuits and other delays, and will lead to more effective measures to enforce our laws."
But will consultation lead to building the double-layered fence Congress mandated in the Secure Fence Act of 2006?
"I don't think so," Elliott told WND. "We're getting a lot of consultation and very little double-layered fence building. Where's the fence?"
"The Hutchison amendment should not be in the final bill," Elliott told WND. "We are encouraging our Grassfire.org members to call the conferees to tell them to take this amendment out."
Grassfire.org currently is running a campaign to encourage people to fax Congress to demand "the fence be built as promised."
Cornyn is listed as one of five co-sponsors to the Hutchison amendment.
#2
time to oust the Princes and Princesses of American politics no matter which party they belong to. Like the MSM and Hollywood, they seem to have forgotten that they need us, not the other way around.
#3
Big contributors want those low cost workers. Only a Tancredo will put up the fence. I hate to say it, but McCain might also. The rest of them are bought and paid for.
#6
Another politician in the tank for cheap labor. I used to respect KBH, but not after this. How can lawmakers expect to pay any attention to the law if they don't?
NBC has set Feb. 17 as the premiere date for its two-hour Knight Rider revamp and announced that Will Arnett (Arrested Development) will provide the voice of the new KITT car. NBC also has released official images of the crime-fighting super-vehicle (thankfully, NBCs latest product placement-mobile is a Ford Mustang, not a Nissan Rogue).
The movie stars Justin Bruening (Cold Case), Deanna Russo (NCIS), Sydney Tamiia Poitier (Grindhouse) and Bruce Davison (Close to Home). Yes, David Hasselhoff will make a cameo in his original role of Michael Knight. Hes billed in the press release as a Special Guest Star, an 80s-rific term.
The new KITT car will have some Transformers-like shape-shifting abilities (the storys scientific explanation: nanotechnology). Thus, three cars will be used: The KITT Hero (a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR playing the everyday Hero car), the KITT Attack (a high-speed version of the Hero car) and a KITT Remote (a driverless version). Dave Bartis (The O.C.) and Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity) serve as executive producers.
NBC has ordered Rider as a stand-alone movie. The network will gauge viewer reaction to the event and decide whether to order a full Rider series. Haunting this plan: Bionic WomanNBCs other revamp of a campy action series that premiered this season.
If Bionic was judged solely on its towering premiere numbers, heavily populated by the curious and nostalgic, the network would have thought it had a hit on its hands. Then again, one assumes (always dangerous, but lets go with it) that NBC has learned a thing or two from its unique Bionic production troubles.
Heres the Rider movies plot summary from the release: Sarah Graiman (Russo) is a 24-year-old Ph.D. candidate at Stanford University, following in her genius father Charles (Davison) footsteps. But when men attempt to abduct her, Sarah receives a mysterious call from KITT warning her that hes a creation of Charles, who also invented the first KITT 25 years agoand that her father is in serious danger. Sarah and KITT track down her best friend from childhood, Mike Tracer (Bruening), a 23-year-old ex-Army Ranger, whom Sarah hasnt seen since he left home at 18. Having served in Iraq, Mike is now jaded and lost and initially resistant. Eventually he agrees to help Sarah and the two set out to discover whos behind the attempt to procure KITT and find Charles.
A bitter Iraq War veteran behind the wheel of KITT? Heck, that dialogue writes itself: If only we had some shape-shifting Ford Mustangs in Fallujah, the insurgents would have never wiped out my unit.
#5
They're making KITT a Ford Mustang? A car with a live axle rear end and a pushrod V-8 is supposed to be the latest thing in nanotechnology?
Posted by: Mike ||
12/12/2007 17:36 Comments ||
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#6
Ummm, 4.6 ford v-8s are overhead cam.
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
12/12/2007 17:45 Comments ||
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#7
Wait... I thought the writers were on strike.
Strike will stop when they either go broke, or the studios get real writers, either way we benefit.
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
12/12/2007 17:50 Comments ||
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#8
The writers are on strike, but afaict they just produce works-for-hire, until you also fire the producers and managers you're still going to be stuck with the same pile of sewerage we've been getting for the past thirty years.
#12
(deep, wounded sigh)
Another round of this flavor of krep? You know, I wrote the original version of "To Truckee's Trail" as a movie treatment. It would be a wonderful movie or miniseries, and the rights are available. Really, they can be purchased for a comparative pittance and it would make a movie that would put every revisionist wankfest of a so-called Western in the shade. Failing that, just buy the book.
Sorry, Fred, another shameless plug. It's coming up on Christmas and Baby still needs a pair of shoes. So does Mom, come to think on that.
OTH, I've got a signing at Berkmans' Books in Fredericksburg, Texas - Friday evening from 5-7. I expect to be underwhelmed, but if you're around, drop in and say hi-dee. I'll be the one in the corner, looking as if I have something to do.
Ohh, cleaned out my internet files and would up with a nick of "Cholugum Darling of the Danes8397"! I'd keep it, but I'm already almost-famous as Sgt. Mom!
#14
Mike is now jaded and lost and initially resistant Could me lots of things. He might have returned home to San Francisco and saw the protests and wondered what the hell he was fighting for.
#15
Come on people this is too easy: "Mike returns to his partner where he find another man has taken his place. Despite his injuries he motors atouns in his Prius solving Gay/Bi/Tranny hate crimes for the Hillary Administration."
#16
Interesting - dare HAPPY DAYS + AIRWOLF be next, but this time wid using a Russ BLACKSHARK Helo [Americanized] + more "ethnic" minority actors, etc. in the name of righteous Internationalism-Globalism??? *Iff I remem correctly, SNL? back in the late 1970's did a very funny skit of STAR WARS where all the characters spoke in INDIAN [e.g. New Delhi] dialects - SKIT WAS HILARIOUS BUT ALSO NOT RACIALLY INSULTING/OBSCENE.
#17
I support the screenwriters' strike, and I want them to strike until hell freezes over. Even if they win, they need to stay on strike. Stick it to da Man, kind of thing.
I watched Discovery Health last night. They were digging into the abdominal cavity of a construction worker who got crushed. Took out his ruptured spleen and one bashed kidney. Close up and personal kind of reality video, right there.
And the Dirty Jobs show of the pig farmer off the Las Vegas strip having this rube goldburg type of pig ranch, cooking up big tanks of leftover Strip buffet food with the damnedest machines you ever saw, or the pigs getting drunk on fermented left over ice cream.
Who needs all this Hollywood crap, especially from NBC, when there is plenty of other stuff, if you have the hankerin for a bit of TV.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
12/12/2007 22:08 Comments ||
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#18
4.6 ford v-8s are overhead cam.
The writers, directors, stagehands, actors, hangers-on, etc. would ABSOLUTELY not know that fact or much else about the real workings of anything. (Disconnected from reality and all that)
Case in point: A television show a few years ago (supposedly based in Chicago) had one of the characters going ice-fishing with a six-foot pole and open-faced spinning reel. Heck, even my non-icefishing wife knew that was wrong. (I figured some poor prop guy just went to the local Hollywood sporting goods store and bought a fishing pole. My wife said that he probably couldn't figure out why somebody would be 'fishing for ice' anyway)
Posted by: Mullah Richard ||
12/12/2007 22:21 Comments ||
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Congress has been brought to a grinding halt by hardening Democratic and Republican stances on taxes and spending just days before lawmakers begin leaving Washington for Christmas and New Years. The two sides are, in some cases, refusing even to speak to each other about the massive omnibus and an Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) bill.
Senate Republicans refused to meet Democrats Tuesday on spending and House Democrats rejected the Senates AMT patch, preparing a new version paid for with corporate tax increases.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) countered the majoritys plans with a proposal that would require Democrats to accept virtually all of President Bushs demands on spending. McConnell demanded that Democrats also provide $70 billion for the war with no strings attached.
Frustration boiled over in the Senate, where Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said Bush is impossible and has been for seven years to deal with. Reid sought to portray senior White House adviser Ed Gillespie as an incarnation of Karl Rove and a mastermind of intransigence.
The majority leader disdained McConnells proposal, noting that an earlier Republican effort to increase war funding without restrictions failed to pass. Reid was not ready to accept an across-the-board funding cut to pare the omnibus to Bushs ceiling.
Senate Republicans rejected in advance a proposal from House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) to raise taxes to pay the $50 billion cost of the AMT patch. Rangel sought a higher tax rate on offshore deferred compensation. The Senate rejected a Rangel plan this year that paid for the patch by raising taxes on private equity and hedge funds.
When asked if Senate Republicans could accept AMT relief accompanied by tax increases, Sen. Jon Kyl (Ariz.), the Republican whip-elect, replied simply: No.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said there was zero chance of the Senate passing an AMT bill that included tax increases.
Sen. Ron Wyden (Ore.), a Democratic member of the Finance Committee, said it would be difficult to pass a package with tax increases. The patch would temporarily protect 23 million American taxpayers from becoming subject to the AMT.
House Democrats are firm in demanding new taxes to pay for the $50 billion cost of AMT relief. Two leading liberal lawmakers circulated a letter among colleagues seeking to pressure Democratic leaders. As progressive members of the Democratic Caucus, we wish to make clear our concern with any AMT patch that does not adhere to the House PAYGO rules, wrote Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), a member of Ways and Means, and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.). We believe House Democrats must remain united on this principle.
Mobilization by liberals reinforces a coalition of House Democrats from across the political spectrum pressing Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to stand firm.
More than 30 conservative Blue Dog Democrats signed a letter to Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) urging them to pay for tax relief. Under no circumstance will we vote for any piece of legislation that does not meet the requirements of PAYGO, nor will we vote to waive the PAYGO rules to allow for such legislation, they wrote, referring to budget rules that require the cost of bills be offset with tax increases or spending cuts.
Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the New Democrat Coalition, also demands an AMT bill that conforms with budget rules. I want AMT paid for. I think the entire Democratic Caucus wants the AMT paid for. I am very resolved to that.
Im very mindful of the number of constituents damaged if we dont get this fixed [people] also want [tax relief] paid for because they are deeply concerned about the way the Republicans ran the Congress.
Federal debt has soared during the Bush presidency. Republicans say deficit spending was needed after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the ensuing recession.
Tauscher said Senate Republicans need to recognize that a new party controls Congress, and compromise. I would remind them we took the majority and decided we were not going to run the government as they did, as profligate spenders, she said. They need to be cooperative.
"We're going to be profligate spenders and taxers, so get with the program!"
Democratic House leaders, including Pelosi, Hoyer and Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-Wis.), met Tuesday to discuss strategy. Pelosi also met Reid to discuss spending and taxes. But they do not appear to have decided how to break the impasse.
Obey has proposed reducing the cost of the omnibus to Bushs proposal and cutting all lawmakers earmarks to spare a variety of programs from cuts. He hopes rank-and-file Republicans will press their leaders to accept higher domestic spending to save projects slated for their districts, said a Democratic aide.
Reid was not embracing that idea when asked about it Tuesday.
#1
So they wanna pay for tax relief by raising taxes?
My, how...Democratic.
And thanks for letting me know that Ed Gillespie is the new Dark Lord, Harry. I didn't know...
#2
The AMT mess was created by the donks. It primarily screws taxpayers from donk states. I'd say the donks are going to have a hard time getting the trunks to increase the taxes on their constituents so the donks can provide relief to their own. Please pass the popcorn.
Extra butter? A sprinkling of parmesan, perhaps? :-D
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
12/12/2007 16:03 Comments ||
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#4
Ummm, could we freeze all the senators salaries that are causing this stumbling block? Or better yet, just consficate their cash (Include bank and stock accounts) and earmark it for military ops.
Watch them hustle then.
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
12/12/2007 17:58 Comments ||
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#5
"So they wanna pay for tax relief by raising taxes?"
No...the Democrats aren't suggesting raising taxes...certainly not. It's simply an offset in the reduction of revenue by closure of tax loop-holes. (Besides it's all the money in the off-shore accounts of wealthy tax evaders.)
YJCMTSU
#6
(Besides it's all the money in the off-shore accounts of wealthy tax evaders.)
Names?
Kennedy, Pelosi, Clinton?
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
12/12/2007 21:03 Comments ||
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#7
IRANIAN.WS > ATTACK IRAN - TELL IT TO THE MARINES. US milfors will be badly overstretched hence vulnerable; + IRAN > THE US ECONOMY IS FINISHED. Nothing to stop regional expansion of Iranian-Islamist power except itself.
It's not easy being the ambulance chaser white guy.
While Hillary Clinton vies to become the first woman president and Barack Obama the first black man to win the White House, their rival John Edwards is a hairdo voice in the snowy wilderness of Iowa.
"We cant make John black, we cant make him much more of a woman," lamented the former North Carolina senators wife Elizabeth in the autumn. "Those things get you a lot of press, worth a certain amount of fundraising dollars." He'll just have to rely on portraying Islamic fascism as a phony enemy made up by greedy oil barons, I guess
But although the historic nature of the Clinton and Obama candidacies has turned the duel between them into an identity politics frenzy national obsession, the crucial first vote in Iowa on January 3rd is far from a two-horse race. All three Democratic candidates are within the margin of error in Iowa polls and Mr Edwards, who made a strong showing in the state in 2004, is well placed to score a surprise win.
The more his two rivals bicker, the broader his sh*t eating grin Colgate-white smile gets. He may lag behind a distant third in national polls and the fundraising stakes but everything could change in a rinse and curl heartbeat if he can become an Oprah giant slayer in Iowa.
Some of Mr Edwardss supporters, moreover, believe that his colour beige and gender metrosexual the same as every one of the first 43 presidents of the United States could end up being a distinct advantage.
"I just have the feeling that he is the most resplendent electable," said Jim Durand, 60, a dental technician who attended the kick-off event for Mr Edwardss eight-day "Bile America Rising" bus tour across Iowa. "Certain areas of the country are not going to vote for them [Mrs Clinton or Mr Obama]. Dark, sinister corners filled with Klansmen, neo-cons, and *gasp!* practicing Christians!!
"Were still a male chauvinist type state and to some extent we are kind of a racist country." We run around with an extra chromosome playing the banjo and drinking moonshine from a jug with our big old straw hats saying "Dur duh dur-dur" all the day long
Having run as a sunny side down Southern centrist in 2004 who had voted to authorise the Iraq war two years earlier, Mr Edwards has had a makeover transformed himself into an angry populist, railing against Wall Street, lobbyists and the "wealthy and powerful" who manipulate the government. Not to be confused with the wealthy and powerful who enrich humanity with their lustrous hair.
"Brothers and sisters, it is time to take this democracy back," he roared, to cheers of "President Pretty Edwards" from a crowd of 200 of mainly trade unionists, many waving "Steelworkers for Edwards" and "Carpenters for Edwards" signs. What Sign Would Jesus Wave?
The gathering had a much higher proportion of white males than Obama or Clinton rallies and at times Mr Edwards has come close to suggesting that as a white male hes a better prospect than his opponents. Two months ago, he told Iowans that it was important to pick a nominee who would "attract more middle-of-the-road voters" and "feel more of a connection" with ordinary people. Warning! Code word alert! AA-OOOOOOOOOGA!! AA-OOOOOOOOOGA!!
The easiest way to make a decision, he said, was to "picture in your hair head which ones going to be more helpful to me and which ones not". He did not spell out why he, as the most Left-wing of the major Democratic candidates, might appeal most to centrist voters. But then, does he really have to?
#3
John Edwards woos white conservative vote
Huh? This is a Democratic primary, you idiots. Ain't no conservatives in it. I expect more from the Telegraph.
#6
Some of Mr. Edwardss supporters, moreover, believe that his colour and gender the same as every one of the first 43 presidents of the United States could end up being a distinct advantage
And Yet...
"I support affirmative action."
Source: 2004 Presidential National Political Awareness Test Mar 3, 2004
Questions I would like to hear at the next Democrat Debate.
Senator Edwards, you have repeatedly endorsed the policy of Affirmative Action. And, as you know, there has never been a woman or African American as the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. Would you, in the spirit of affirmative action, automatically cede a portion of the primary votes or delegates to Senators Clinton and Obama?
Follow up question for Senators Clinton and Obama:
According to Affirmative Action policies as a woman and an African American you both are considered minorities and therefore disadvantaged. To, level the playing field, If Senator Edwards was to cede those primary votes would you accept? And please explain why.
#7
I can't see white conservatives voting for any of the three Democrat candidates. It is truly scary that these are the leading choices for the largest political party in the country.
#9
Well, I'll be voting in the Democratic primary. But Pennsylvania's primaries haven't mattered nationally in my lifetime, and there can't be that many Scoop Jackson Democrats left in the party. Those few of us left aren't likely to be sweet on a gentleman just because he's pinker than he is beige.
There might be a few more "Solid South" Democrats left - mostly in back-bayou Louisiana and Florida gator country, as I understand it - but since the Dems threw Florida off the primary-season troika, I'm not sure that a campaign strategy built around the stone-racist core of the Louisiana Democratic Party is going to get you much of anywhere, Johnnie boy.
Posted by: Mitch H. ||
12/12/2007 13:35 Comments ||
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Posted by: Jonathan ||
12/12/2007 18:45 Comments ||
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#12
Having run as a sunny Southern centrist in 2004 who had voted to authorise the Iraq war two years earlier, Mr Edwards has transformed himself into an angry populist
Note to the Telegraph: 'populist', even if it's 'angry populist', is not the same as 'conservative'.
#14
We run around with an extra chromosome playing the banjo and drinking moonshine from a jug with our big old straw hats saying "Dur duh dur-dur" all the day long
That's "Doo Dah, Doo Dah, get it right Yankee.
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
12/12/2007 20:52 Comments ||
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President Pervez Musharraf pledged on Tuesday to cooperate with whoever wins Januarys crucial general elections, saying that he was not a trouble creator, AFP reported. Opposition leaders and former premiers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif have accused Musharraf of wanting to rig the polls in favour of parties that back him, although both have declined to boycott the elections.
But Musharraf told Al-Jazeeras English channel that he was willing to work with the victors of the January 8 polls. I will try to work with anyone who comes to power after the elections, Musharraf said in an interview broadcast on Tuesday. I interact with people quite well, I am not such a trouble creator.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/12/2007 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
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Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan
#1
There is a banking saying that 'Bad loans are made in good times.' The extended period of good economic times would eventually result in an accumulation of too many bad debts.
While the focus is on the USA, because of its greater transparency, I think the worst problems are elsewhere. China for example.
#2
The comments are mostly those of the nattering nabobs of negativity however.
Recession.....
2. (Economics) A period during which economic activity, as measured by gross domestic product, declines for at least two quarters in a row in a specific country. If the decline is severe and long, such as greater than ten percent, it may be termed a depression.
Where is the recession? Not here, not yet.
If we go into a recession the first people we ought to hang are the international bankers who actually created these financial instruments and made loans that should have never been made. After that we need to look after the politicians that financed governments on what amounts to credit cards, next the speculators.
Long term investors and average joes are not to blame for this mess but I know who will suffer.
#4
The single most interesting thing about today's global economy is what has not occurred. In 1979, oil prices soared to slightly more than $100 a barrel in current dollars, and they are approaching that historic high again. Meanwhile, the subprime meltdown continues to play out. Many
financial institutions have been hurt, many individual lives have been shattered and many Wall Street operators once considered brilliant have been declared dunderheads. Despite all the predictions that the current situation is just the tip of the iceberg, however, the crisis is progressing in a fairly orderly fashion. Distinguish here between financial institutions, financial markets and the economy. People in the financial world tend to confuse the three. Some financial institutions are being hurt badly. Those experiencing the pain mistakenly think their suffering reflects the condition of the financial markets and economy. But the financial markets are managing, as is the economy.
#5
Economies have recessions, so we could and most likelt see one eventually, but it's nothing that Morgan Stanley can foresee. They've proven themselve fairly inept at being right about even they're own eceonomic state.
Posted by: Mike N. ||
12/12/2007 2:18 Comments ||
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#7
Fred, were trying to post the image from www.twobyfour.(i)nfo and it did not post. Do you have .(i)nfo blocked? Can you whitelist my domain? I plan to do a blog there and from time to time I may reference it in Opinions.
You seem to have blocked the extension itself, hence the brackets.
#9
We might be facing a correction, where companies downsize and merge. These are short lived because the process results in economic efficiency. "Recession" is an overused term.
#10
While the view from the upper floors of the trading houses and banks on Wall Street becomes more breathtaking as they step out onto the window ledges, former masters of the universe taking a swan dive may be just what the economy needs...
Posted by: M. Murcek ||
12/12/2007 10:27 Comments ||
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#11
The recession will begin in earnest shortly after the New Hampshire primary. It will end in late January 2009, unless a Republican is elected, in which event it will continue for four more years. Economic data will remain essentially constant throughout.
Posted by: Matt ||
12/12/2007 11:12 Comments ||
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#13
Two things. First, it has been noted that typically there is an economic downturn before a new president takes office, running from before the election to about six to nine months of the new president's term.
Second, Morgan Stanley is probably *hoping* for a recession, a strong bear market being the fastest way they could recoup their losses and balance off projected future losses.
That is, right now the market is high, so there is little chance it will go significantly higher in the short or mid term. So little money to be made there. They could make a lot more money if the market goes on a slow, extended downward cycle.
#14
20+ years ago Luis Rukyser on Wall Street Week in Review made the salient comment on this.....
"Wall Street did what it does best today; it panicked."
The fact that on the news today they are saying that Iraq is a dead issue cause it's going well means that the Demons have to concentrate on how terrible the economy is......must be a coincidence.
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
Germany's foreign minister registered a strong protest with a Zimbabwean official in Berlin over comments attributed to Information Minister 
It's not easy being the 
President Pervez Musharraf pledged on Tuesday to cooperate with whoever wins Januarys crucial general elections, saying that he was not a trouble creator, AFP reported. Opposition leaders and former premiers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif have accused Musharraf of wanting to rig the polls in favour of parties that back him, although both have declined to boycott the elections.
