Mr. Olbermann, even a brain dead stoat would know that this would happen. Iraq is an artificial nation held together by spit, bailing wire and fear. Let us explore a different timeline for a moment. Imagine this war never took place, but, in 2003, Saddam Hussein al Takriti died of a "heart attack". He doesn't have a clear successor, so his sons Udai and Qusai begin to fight with each other for who controls the nation. Meanwhile, the Shi'a and the Kurds realize that this is the perfect time to not only get their digs in, but to break away and form their own nations. Suddenly, we've got pandimonium running amok in Iraq as it Balkanizes. Kurds fighting Shi'a, Shi'a fighting Kurds, and they're both beating up on the Sunni. This isn't far fetched. It happened when Yugoslavia broke apart. It's going on in the Congo. The West imposed artifical boundries on these people, and it's time to negotiate them away. To date, the only nation that has broken apart without mass chaos is Russia, and part of that is because it's hard for the Turkmen and Uzbeks to get to Moscow to take revenge on the Rus (this does not preclude the Chechens though).

Dubya, using his POW Eye-Blink Code, claimed to his handlers, that he was handed the Report, "...Upside Down!", while he was feeding the monkeys. "...don't read upside down" claimed the left eye message, while the right eye said, "...worried that the komodo dragon had 'got herself Pregnant." - POW-EBC Analysts, Inc.

"Bush" and "intelligence"...two words that do NOT go together.

Does Bush actually believe his own spin? How could he be that delusional? It is a wonder Laura Bush quit smoking with him around. He is almost tempting me to light up again. "Mr President, you were wrong, you lied to cover it up and we know it. We'd like you to leave now and take Cheney and Rove with you."

Did I lose consciousness during your show and miss the report on the new dictatorial powers that Bush just declared for himself? Plenty of time for a lengthy interview of Angelina Jolie, information on Rosies View goodbye, the Star Wars Convention and OMG American Idol again and again. I want to puke! I've been posting about this story for days: links, information, etc. This scares the crap out of me and it should scare those of you at Countdown too.

When is this country going to rise up en masse and do something about this constant nonesense?! Bush looks into the camera and lies to us on a daily basis; the spineless Democrats ride a wave of anti-war sentiment into the Congress, then stab the public in the back; the oil companies blatently gouge us for every drop and keep the prospects of progress at bay with their hefty wallets...and the American people just sit on their overweight, overstimulated keisters, worrying about who won American Idol?! American Idle is more like it. We need to stand up and start sending a message to these politicians that we are no longer going to stand for it, because they don't seem to be getting the hint.

Keith and Countdown...for once I am completely disappointed...you alert me to the National Security and Homeland Security Presidential Directive and then don't cover the story...we get more American Idiot and an interminable interview with Angelina Jolie...did the government censor Countdown? I found the directive and read it and I want more information...especially when I read "Catastrophic Emergency means any incident, regardless of location, that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the US population, infrastructure, environment, economy, or government functions." Does that mean Iraq? Afghanistan? Lebanon? Israel? Africa? Any location is down right scary...I was counting on Countdown to explain what this Directive really means and why it revokes Directive 67 from October 21, 1998 (Enduring Constitutional Government and Continuity of Government Operations)...plus I was hoping to hear about the story about the US clandestine operations aimed at Iran and Syria...Countdown instead covers more American Idiot and Angelina...please cover the President Directive...the blog would like more information...Again, I read the directive, and it basically make King Bush, Dictator Bush...please cover the story more, so we can all rest easier....Someone has too...and more about the covert operations in Iran...oops, they are covert, so we won't really know anything about them...just like the May 9th directive we find out about on May 25...I expected more Keith and Countdown...you turned me on to the story...why not cover it?

Hey Sue of Wisconsin: Same thought.....what happened to that dictatorial report.....Jolie!!!??? wow

Bridgette - Will all due respect, via your scenario above, the United States would NOT have attacked and invaded a sovereign nation who did nothing to provoke us; the United States would NOT have violated the Geneva Convention, the United States would NOT be responsible for Iraqis drinking water with feces or living for more than four years without electricity; the United States would NOT be responsible for the destruction of a nation, shattering its’ cultural heritage, which was centuries old; the United States would have the global morality we had prior to the criminal invasion; the United States would have credibility amongst the community of nations; more than 3400 Americans WOULD still be alive; and the United States would NOT be responsible for hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqi deaths. Your scenario would place blame with the citizens of Iraq and conflicts dating hundreds of years old; and "we" as a nation would be more secure, not loathed globally and still have respect. I don't understand why you would even write such a scenario. Iraq is not some type of “fictional show”; it is a “REALITY HORROR SHOW”!! The United States of America IS responsible for the catastrophic, hideous and ghastly conditions in Iraq and nothing can or will ever change that!!

Sue; West Allis, Wisconsin - Ditto my friend!! Thank you very much for the link. I am terrified!!

bush might read the intelligence,too bad he does'nt have any intelligence! and aparently he reads alot of faulty intelligence god these next two years are going to drag by.but at least after two more years we wont have to think of this moron anymore

He also read an elementry school book too while twin towers were hit. What a messenger !!!

I've been reading up on the intelligence too, and here's some of what I've found out: www.asecondlookatthesaudis.com Perhaps if Bush stopped getting his foreign policy advise from Bandar Bush, he might actually see the forest through the trees one day.

REVOLUTION IS THE SOLUTION!!!

To all who watch Kieth. Be reminded that this predender in the office of president has been told by GOD that he is the one true leader; and that means to me he believes that he has been chosen to begin the END TIMES! Understand that he and those other nuts could care less about the people in this country or our deep indebtedness. Ckeck what they really are about and be afraid, or rise up.

Dear Pam (and others), You are correct in saying Pres. Bush has been dishonest and an awful leader. You are incorrect in calling the invasion of Iraq illegal. It was a continuation of actions approved by the UN and congress prior to the first Gulf War. Action was suspended due to an agreement the Saddam failed to follow for a decade. Right or Wrong, it's legal.

Countdown & KO. I have to agree most heartily with the sentiment of WHERE WAS THE STORY ON BUSH'S MOVE TO BE DICTATOR? I have not once told you how to do your business, but you need to get on the ball getting the word out better than you did Friday. There is nothing more important at this time.

On PBS's News Hour last night, they quoted polls that said 70% of Americans want troops home, but only 1 in 8 support cutting funds to make that happen. Thoughts?

Unfortunately Hillary and a majority read the same intelligence and voted for the war. Obviously they are just as stupid or even more so, saying they were tricked. Liars are Hilllary and the rest of the democrat party.

I'm asking the same question as Sue and George. WHAT ABOUT THE DIRECTIVE? Are you guys saving that one for next week? Did you really think you would get higher ratings with an interview of Ann Curry kissing Angelina Jolie's...whatever? Please! If I want to see worshipful interviews with Hollywood celebrities who have been canonized just because they adopted some kids, I can either turn on "Entertainment Tonight" or pop in a DVD of "Mommie Dearest"! When I want NEWS, I watch Countdown! I direct this tirade at Keith's producers because I suspect they are the reason for running that interview at such length (we know we have them to blame for all the "American Idol" hype). Please. Give those of us who consider Keith's show an oasis in a desert of TV dreck a break. I'm happy with Oddball, Top 3 Newsmakers and all that...I can even tolerate Keeping Tabs because Keith infuses it with the same snark and derision I feel when looking at these people...but reverent interviews with movie stars should be on E! Not Countdown. I'm more concerned with the details of how Bush plans to crown himself Lord God King Dictator in Perpetuity, In Charge of Keeping Americans Safe, at the soonest opportunity! Thank you.

Pam, ok, I think my point got missed in there, and I'm not sure if my reply to you before was clear enough. I knew this was going to happen. The people in Congress should not have needed Bush or the CIA to tell them this was going to happen. Anyone who knows recent history should know that this was inevitable. What's more, I knew that he didn't have WMD's. I read the preliminary report by the inspection teams via the BBC. I knew that there were only a small number of 'active' missles missing, that most of the equipment was trashed, and that the Iraqis didn't have the money to rebuild. Most of those missles, btw, were out in the desert where they deteriorated passed use. My point was, however, that no one should have had to have had the CIA tell them that this was going to happen.

Double ditto Sue!!!

"...everything that could go wrong, did go wrong." That's the 'Peter Principle', right? It went wrong in such a big way, one might wish to call it the 'Big Peter Principle'. But in this case, it would be better called the, 'Overcompensating Little Peter Principle', eh?

I must be the only one who got it. Angelina Jolie has long been suspected of being the Secret Agent sent by KRAB (Keith Responds Against Bush), to neutralize Dubya and his Megalomanical Macchiavallianly Monstrous movement towards Imperial Power. I'm having my buddies at POW-EBC(Prisoner of War/Eye Blink Code) Analysts, Inc., check the interview to see if she is using the code, and if she revealed any of the strategy to stopping our delusional Executive in Chief, and if she sent Brad any details.

Stupidity and power. Bush has both in spades. There's little hope for this country unless he loses one of them. Let's hope its power. I hate to say it but I'm becoming more apathetic by the day.

The BBC is reporting that Wolfowitz blames the media for creating an "overheated" environment as the reason for his dismissal. It wouldn't have anything to do with you being an incompetent fascist war criminal, would it Paul? Some of us read your PNAC documents and know exactly how good a Nazi you really are and the treatment (hanging or firing squad as is appropriate for a treasonous traitor) you so justly deserve, you pathetic evil little troll. -- Also Countdowners might appreciate the following story which I found through slashdot.org. It's the Top 25 Censored Stories of the Year. http://www.projectcensored.org/censored_2007/index.htm -- KO and Team? You should read this too. More grist for the mill.

"Bush and Intelligence" is a contradiction in terms just as is "Gonzales and Competence", and "Cheney and Soul". Why do you think this guy loves to go back to Crawford to clear brush? Because it doesn't take any brains.

I watched in horror this Memorial Day morning on c-span as a marine, Blanke, explained the only course was completing the mission in Iraq and it was righteous. Complete the mission regardless of the consequences. The reason this country is supposed to have civilian control of its military is to keep marines from making life and death decisions about sovereign states or innocents. It isn't their mission to discern between the dead. This perhaps, is just one of the reasons we shouldn't unleash the marines unless we're absolutely sure who we're killing and why. The marines will look you right in the face and tell you it doesn't matter who we're killing. Wrong again! We're leaving Iraq whether Johnny's crying or not. Case in point. If these terrified conservatives wanted to train troops to rule our new oil colony, we would be training them stateside like we did Iranians in 1971 and in France and Germany who offered to help. It isn't the job of conservatives to think, they're job is to fetch and feed the machine so they get a pat on the head and a marker with a flag. It is this delusional, racist colonialism Big Oil molds into another corporate fieldtrip to fetch some oil for Jesus and manly American men. I'm manly. I bomb from 40,000 feet in a country with no air force or aerial defenses because I want them to be like me and give me the oil because it's in my best national interest and because I'm a moron, that's all I need to hear to blow your brains through the back of your skull for Jesus and the American Way. The war is in Tora-Bora. Pack the tent. They'll split their oil three ways. And this supposed great Republican military who let the enemy army go home with their weapons which we sold them and they now use to murder our troops while dancing on a little Navy boat, will keep telling you they're protecting you when they don't even know who they're fighting. We're shooting the residents and they're dicing marines and dumping them in the Euphrates. We're fighting fear and nobody's terrified more than crying Johnny who really is upset his capitalist butt may be losing its grip on this giant Iraqi Oil Can. It was, is and remains about oil. It has nothing to do with our freedom. We're free and the folks you're shooting dead in the streets to make free in our warped perception hate our guts for stealing their oil.

Steve Turner, actually, despite your sarcasm, Angelina Jolie is a much more important person than she appears. She's one of the few people in the world who understands how to get poverty eliminated and to truly help those in need. She, along with Professor Muhammed Yunus, realized the best way to help people is to give them what they need directly rather than handing money to corrupt political systems. With Jolie, she's been working with various charities to get things like cows to poor farmers in Cambodia. She worked hard to get a then Republican Congress to do something about Darfur only to have them shaft her on the deal by not funding it. Yumus is the one who started the micro-loan movement which has helped pull countless individuals out of poverty in the third world. Believe it or not, but doing this kind of thing has a major impact that isn't so obviously linked to protecting this nation. By giving people jobs and a means to support themselves, they are less likely to want to engage in terrorism because they now have something to protect. This is why the IRA eventually failed to reunite the isle of Eire. Catholics in Northern Ireland now had too much to loose if the IRA was successful. They had good jobs, good incomes, and they couldn't be guarenteed that if the island was reunited. So, i wouldn't be so quick to dismiss her even if this particular interview wasn't as important as some I've seen her give.

Todd, New Orleans - thanks for the link. It's good reading while we're waiting for the dictator story.

Hey Todd...thanks for the link to the website of censored stories...Halliburton selling nuclear technologies to Iran...what a shock...starting back in 1995 with Doctor Evil, Dick Chaney...so hard to believe...NOT...now I am really fired up...another step closer to moving to Costa Rica or Italy...I hope the genetically engineered food story gets more publicity...sad how uninformed and misinformed our country really is...what is really sad is all the stories we will never hear about...like the Presidential Directives....everyone check out Todd's link...required reading...thanks again Todd..... http://www.projectcensored.org/censored_2007/index.htm

Was it offensive to anyone but me to see bush 'honoring' the dead on Memorial Day?

Gee, could it be that the reason George Bush is afraid that Al Quada will "follow us home" to the US is because he has completely ignored the protection of the US? Is there an inkling, just an inkling in his itty-bitty mind that Al Quada Might not have any problem strolling, undeterred, across US borders??

Gloria, I think that the reason he harps on that notion is because it strikes fear into people's hearts. One of the oddball things is, Bush stripped this nation of the protections it had under Clinton. Two of the highjackers were in Europe just before the 9/11 attacks. They were known to Europol and Interpol, who had arranged to have them tailed. They were followed all around the continent, and even right up to the border with the US. However, because Interpol and Europol are forbidden from working in the US, they phoned it in to the FBI and CIA BEFORE the two men crossed the border. Because these men had not committed a crime in Europe, they could not be arrested. However, we could have had air marshals on the airplanes that those men boarded. Two of the four planes would have been lost to Al-Qaida had this 'administration' and the Republicans stopped HATING the Democrats and Clinton and actually worked with what he put in place. Bush weakened our security from day one.

Bridgette. I know Angelina is doing those things and I commend her for them. I was just poking a little fun at her, at Keith, at SMERSH and SPECTRE, Dubya, and of course, his Bradishness, the Bradulator.

No parishogfan, it is not surprising that you are offended. You see, you libs hate decency. You hate morality and human goodness. You hate anything that is good for America. If it is good for America it is bad for the libs. If the economy is good , bad news for libs. If we succeed in the war on terror, bad news for the libs bacause they have built their agenda on surrendering and our defeat. I believe you should get off of your ass and honor these brave men and woman instead of wishing for their defeat.

Oh Larry: You know it is not true that all persons leaning to the left (libs as you say) hate decency. C'mon Larry and stop over-generalizing. I lean to the left and would love to see us succeed on the war against terrorism. I like to see the economy in good shape, and also favor the thrill of victory over the agony of defeat. Sometimes you may have your points Larry but ggeessshhhh, you know better than to over-generalize like this.

Hey larry littlemind, his mock sincerity offends me, just like his blathering about the sanctity of life in regards to his prolife agenda, while thousands of American soldiers and tens of thousands of Iraqis are being blown to bits. My ass is a little old to get off of, but I have a son who just deployed for 15 months to Iraq. I had a son who was in Desert Storm. Each of them did/are doing their duty quite honorably. I just hope that I don't have to pick my child up at some unspecified airport in a flag draped coffin. How did you spend your Memorial Day-- visit a lot graves, did you, larry?

C A - Hi my friend!! You know Larry is just attempting get attention and is succeeding!! He really is a piece of work. He desperately NEEDS attention, which is why he blogs here. He would not only just be another neo con on a right-wing blog, no one would read his asinine analysis of EVERYHING!! Larry just needs attention and I refuse to give it to him, as he's like Bush, a spoiled baby!! Although Larry is much more insecure than George W. Bush, as he needs even more attention than the ass in the White House!!

C A - Hi my friend!! You know Larry is just attempting get attention and is succeeding!! He really is a piece of work. He desperately NEEDS attention, which is why he blogs here. He would not only just be another neo con on a right-wing blog, no one would read his asinine analysis of EVERYHING!! Larry just needs attention and I refuse to give it to him, as he's like Bush, a spoiled baby!! Although Larry is much more insecure than George W. Bush, as he needs even more attention than the ass in the White House!!

Bridgette - I respect your opinion of Angelina Jolie; however her "morality" is a far cry from decency in a human being. Her behavior resulting from her affair, which was deplorable, showed her blatant disregard for the feelings of another human being, the "wife". Being the public figure she is, she acted despicably!! She went out of her way to give the “in your face” as often as she could. She can do her good deeds all she wants, as I do believe she assists many; however, I will NEVER have one ounce of respect for how she behaved, in addition to handling a delicate situation, which she placed herself squarely in the middle of. I am a firm believer that everyone has the right to be happy in their lives; however, one should try to take the moral high ground when causing such destruction in the life of another. Sorry, Bridgette, she can give, give, give until she is blue in the face; I will NEVER have ANY admiration for her OR the biological father of her baby, Brad Pitt!! And PLEASE DON’T blame the tabloids, the behavior of these two was more than appalling and shameful both during and after the filming of their movie!!

Dear SL – With all due respect, your statement that, “you are incorrect in calling the invasion of Iraq illegal. It was a continuation of actions approved by the UN and congress prior to the first Gulf War. Action was suspended due to an agreement that Saddam failed to follow for a decade” is incorrect. The UN gave George Herbert Walker Bush and the coalition of “Operation Desert Storm” the authority to remove Sadaam Hussein’s army from Kuwait and return it to a sovereign nation. The UN Resolution specifically stated that the “coalition could not enter Baghdad with the purpose of deposing Sadaam Hussein and his regime”. The coalition obeyed. Negotiations between the UN and Sadaam Hussein did lay out very clearly that Hussein had to comply with the destruction of any weapons of mass destruction, report these actions to the UN and the UN had complete authority to complete inspections to ensure Hussein was in compliance. You are correct in that severe sanctions, restrictions and rules were imposed against Iraq and Sadaam Hussein. You are also correct that Sadaam Hussein spent twelve years letting the UN in and kicking them out. I agree he violated the conditions of the cease fire of “Operation Desert Storm” and did so repeatedly. However, in 2003, prior to George W. Bush’s “war”, the UN would not and did not approve a resolution allowing force, which was the crust of Secretary of State Colin Powell’s now infamous speech of lies. Powell attempted to use Resolution 1441, which had been passed by the UN, which stated force could be used if Iraq and/or Sadaam Hussein were not in compliance with what was outlined post “Operation Desert Storm”. However France, Germany and Russia refused to go along with Powell’s request to use Resolution 1441 as justification for immediate use of force against Iraq. After repeated attempts at using the WMD “intelligence”, which we now know George W. Bush and others knew damn well was not a “slam dunk”, Bush gave his appalling “we’ll go it alone” speech. He not only impugned the integrity of the UN, he basically told them to go to Hell!! Many members comprising the UN felt that diplomatic efforts were not exhausted per Resolution 1441 and refused to go along with the United States. Countries stated Resolution 1441 did not meet the standards for force to be used at that time. Again, George W. Bush stated, “we’ll go it alone” or “you’re with us or against us”, and used those lines repeatedly. George W. Bush’s and what he calls the “coalition of the willing” (a joke in itself) did GO IT ALONE!! Therefore, I respectfully and strongly disagree with you. There was never a resolution passed post 1441, which the UN had already stated was not sufficient grounds for George W. Bush’s attack against Iraq in 2003. It was most definitely not sufficient when in March of 2003, George W. Bush gave “Sadaam Hussein and his sons forty-eight (48) hours to leave Iraq” Even after Bush’s arrogant demand, he bombed Iraq twenty-four (24) hours later, breaking his self-imposed “Resolution”. No, this “war”, or “invasion” was never legal and the UN made it crystal clear to the arrogant pig in the White House!!

parishogfan - No it was not, as it was extremely offensive to me. I will pray for your son in Iraq and please just ignore Larry, as he has no compassion for anyone. I guess this is the behavior of the "right wing" Party!! Like George W. Bush like Larry, and so the saying goes!! God Bless your son and I will keep him in my prayers nightly.

Pam - Thanks for your concern. I grieve for my country-- it used to be the United States. It's now become the UNTIED States, because of the divisive, fearmongers who have infested the nation's capitol.

I was reading one of Larry's comments and it got me thinking about what truly offends and worries me with this country. The facts of what's going on with our country are there for anyone to see republican, democrat, or independent who will allow themselves to think outside the box, see the facts, and not be blinded by spin and the ow its my team I'll defend them syndrome. Facts: President Bush took us to war for no good reason with Iraq. 1. There were no terrorist connection until we opened the borders for them by invading and overthrowing the government. 2. There were no weapons of mass destruction. 3. When generals told the president things were not working they were ignored and a lot were pushed into resigning. 4. Saying the troops think this is a righteous cause is a silly argument. Anyone who has been around the military in their life time knows that speaking against the war or the president even if you disagree with him will only make your life harder while in the service. 5. This president has used the slogan war on terror and yes it is a slogan to seize powers no one man was ever meant to have in this country. There is a reason we elect a house and senate. 6. This war and that recently signed budget plan was not so much for the troops as it was for the war profiteers like Haliburton. I would ask everyone to look at our country now and ten years ago. Look at the road its headed towards. Ask yourself if this president is willing seize power on every occasion he can will he ever give it back? He is not an idiot despite his bumbling speeches. He has manipulated the slogan of war on terror and used it to seize power in this country and that my friends should concern everyone. Republican, Democrat, and Independent.

RE Bush's credibility. Actually I think (but am not certain) that Bush said he "sees" the intelligence. I don't think he claimed to have "read" it. I don't think he is capable of reading it. Reminds me of a joke I found:************GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY DESTROYED BY FLOOD Crawford, Texas (AP) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A tragic flood this morning destroyed the personal library of President George W. Bush. The flood began in the presidential bathroom where the books were kept. Both books have been lost. A presidential spokesman said the president was devastated, as he had almost finished coloring the second one. The White House tried to call FEMA but there was no answer.********************

Did y'all see the USAToday headline "Taxpayers on the hook for $59 Trillion"? "This is a 2.3% increase in liabilities from 2006. That amount is equal to $516,348 for every U.S. household." I sure am glad dubya got his degree in 'bidness'. We'd be in a helluva mess, kinda' like at the justice department with its lawyer guy in charge.

Alan J. North Carolina - Bravo sir; however, I in addition to MANY others on this blog have told this to Larry, but he will NEVER listen. I gave up along time ago!! He will never admit his hero, "Jesus W. Bush", is an incompetent criminal, who lied this country into a war for his own sick and delusional reasons!! He has recently admitted we need to get out. C A’s the only one that has been able to get those words out of him!!

parishogfan - You are 100% correct; and as I stated earlier, if America were to look in a mirror, it would not recognize itself. God Bless you and I pray your son comes home safe.

President Bush states that he reads intelligence; it is too bad he is not able to display any....

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