It's official. The "Dictator Directive" story has been kicked off the front page of this blog. And by a pig, no less. That paranoia monster that I keep locked in the baseement? It just got a set of keys. I love Jack Hanna but really.....

Wow, and we thought the only pork we'd hear about on this blog was from congress. Turns out the GA teen shot a senator. Oh well, you can't turn a silk purse in to a sows ear. Don't even try it, you swine.

I might be possible for a wild boar to get that big. But what I can't believe is that someone would try to take an animal that size down with a .357 revolver. I wouldn't try with anything less than a Howitzer.

if you used the howitzer method, you'd lose out on three things. 1.taxidermy bragging rights. 2.a barbecuse for you and a thousand friends, and 3. the ability to tick off PETA for the next hundred years, as your proof wouldn't be in the den for the next 5 generations.

Bacon or Fankin/ No... A crime to kill something just because it is different. Native Americans believe ALL LIFE has an equal right to exist.

Anybody else think of the movie "Princess Mononoke" when they first saw this picture? Or am I the only geek here...

Every summer at the Indiana State Fair, the "World's Largest Boar" and the "Second World's Largest Boar" are in the swine barn (next to the pork product tent - location, location, location). Both animals usually exceed 1000 lbs, and this "little guy" dwarfs them. Gotta be fake. With this picture and the picture of our bovine Prez, can we call tonight's COUNTDOWN "Animal Stories"?

True, a howitzer won't leave much left behind besides a stain, but would still be better than a .357 because 1) it would be way more fun (I mean have you seen the video where the authorities blowup a whale carcass on the beach?) and 2) if miss or merely injure it with your revolver you have a half ton boar chasing you down.

Interesting that the human response to what might be a new species is to kill it and take a happy hunter picture. Way to go homo sapiens.

Love the humour. Love the lightness. Now - Can we PLEASE have some feedback on the "Dictator Directive"? If there are any of you who want that story investigated, will you please post a note to this item? Hopefully there will be hundreds of us. Thank you. (Also, of course, any who don't want that story feel free to post and flame me. Don't want to suppress opinion.)

Given all the chemicals in the water these days, I'm not surprised that a pig could grow this big. On the other hand, has anyone seen Rush Limbaugh lately? I hear he may be missing somewhere in Georgia. (given my weight, I really should not make fun of the man, but I don't like him, so. . .)

Of course we want a long and careful story on the "Dictator Directive." It occurs to me that Countdown might be holding off on that story until the short work week is over and KO is back. As we learned from the Bush administration (who knew not to "roll out" their new argument for war in August), it may be a waste to go hard on this story when many people, including the Congress, took extended holiday time off. If we don't hear anything NEXT week, I'd sure like to know why.

Sue/Krista - its not a new species, its just a wild boar that overate. The boar population is exploding in North America, and they can get that big. Hogzilla proved that a few years ago, especially if they get into the protein enriched feedstock on a commercial farm. Independent - we all know that the President is an amoral, incompetent, warmongering autocrat. Heaven forbid we actually talk about something asinine that makes the remaining 18 months of his term seem bearable. Then, when Rudy Guiliani wins the presidency (because the Dems were stupid enough to nominate Hill-Dog) we can talk about how the president is an amoral, incompetent, warmongering autocrat.

Independent, Texas I'm with you. But the disappearance of the story may not be so sinister. It may be they are taking their time, gathering information and fact checking it so it will pass muster. It is imperative they get the story right and complete rather than just bungling into it and causing a mess. So I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for now ...

I think the Dictator Directive is possibly a hoax. It takes time to figure these things out. Which is why MSNBC has been mum for so long (5 days?) with a holiday weekend in the middle of it.

Oh My God! They killed Jerry Falwell! You Bastards!!

LK - Oh my. I think you are right. That 2008 result is exactly what I fear. However, I fear even more (remember that that paranoia monster has the key to the basement) is that this directive will be employed before that election. I also am really curious about why CountDown posted the story and then renegged on it. It may be a hoax for all I know.

Scott - you crack me up.

Scott: Good to see you. Have not seen much of you in a few days.

Susan, Western KY - "I think the Dictator Directive is possibly a hoax." One problem with that. The directive is posted on the White House web site. However, gathering information is the likely reason this has not been escalated as Ashen Shard mentioned. After all, MSNBC does have to deal with the FCC. If they are going to be the first media outlet to call the dictator a dictator, they better have their ducks in a row if they want to be in business next week. Personally I see Bush meeting Mussolini's fate after he tries and fails to declare martial law or nukes one of our own cities (or allows it to happen by letting Halliburton sell nuclear tech to anyone as long as the check clears) and tries to blame it on someone else. Probably hung at the hands of his own Secret Service detail. He is EVIL. And he deserves what is coming to him.

This is not a new species. It's just a big pig. They are not even native to north america. They are only good for making lots of tasty sausage. Also this kid apparently had 11 men with high powered rifles with him, for safty, as he chased the pig thru the woods.

Jen - impressive fact checking! So this kid isn't the lone, big game hunter he's making himself out to be in the picture? Then who does he think he is? John Kerry or Mitt Romney?

Keith, I love you but WHY has Countdown not only ignored the "Dictator Directive" story, but has now removed it from your website? Many of us "loyal Countdowners" have been asking, begging and pleading for you to cover the story. I believe you sir are the only one who could cover the story with the "passion" it so deserves!!

Pam, the Dictator Memo story is not gone, just moved to page 2. News Hole recently started giving access to back posts but the More Posts Next page » marks at the bottom of the page really doesn't jump out at you. Don't get me wrong, I am glad they made this much needed change, but maybe your web guys could highlight that function a bit better.

More like Cheney. It was also a canned hunt on a plantation. Nothings more sporting than shooting animals in a pen. Definatly a republican thing.

Todd - Thanks for the info. I do believe it should have remained on page until it was covered in depth, which I believe should have been days ago. Countdown??

Scott - I got to hand it to you, that WAS funny!!

For a minute there I thought the world was free of Al Gore and his fear mongering... Oh well wishful thinking I guess.

Todd - On a very serious note, I have a question for you? Do you truly believe in your heart Bush could/would establish Martial Law? If so, do you believe Americans would stand for it? I honestly would love to hear your take on it. I believe he definitely believes he has the authority to, as he has proven himself "above EVERYONE"; however, I also believe MANY in the military would disobey his orders. I'd just like your opinion. Thanks....

Larry - I promised to get back with you regarding which members of Congress ridiculed, questioned and flat out criticized President Clinton, to the point of stating he was "wagging the dog" when he authorized an attack against al Qaeda in August of 1998. Clinton sent cruise missiles to six terrorist compound sites in Afghanistan and the El Shifa Pharmaceutical Industries factory in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum where US officials said chemical weapons were being housed. The following, in my opinion, are the most telling signs that Clinton was indeed ridiculed from the right in his efforts to capture or kill bin Laden. Representative Jim Gibbons (Republican-NV): “‘Look at the movie "Wag the Dog". I think this has all the elements of that movie,’ Gibbons also said, "Our reaction to the embassy bombings should be based on sound credible evidence, not a knee-jerk reaction to try to direct public attention away from his personal problems.” [Ottawa Citizen, 8/21/98]; Senator Arlen Specter (Republican-PA): “There’s an obvious issue which will be raised internationally about the response here as to whether there is any diversionary motive involved. I have deliberated consciously any references to Ms. Monica Lewinsky, but when you ask the question in very blunt terms, the president’s current problems have to be on the minds of many people.” [CNN, 8/20/98]; Former Senator and Attorney General John Ashcroft (Republican-MO): “We support the president out of a sense of duty whenever he deploys military forces, but we’re not sure - were these forces sent at this time because he needed to divert our attention from his personal problems?" Ashcroft said during the taping of a TV program in Manchester, N.H. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 8/21/98]. Representative Pete Sessions (Republican-TX): “I’m very supportive of the strike that has happened, but I will tell you that the timing is very questionable. This was the day that Monica Lewinsky has gone back to the grand jury, evidently enraged. Certainly that information will be overshadowed.” [Dallas Morning News, 8/21/98]; former Senator. Dan Coats (R-IN):, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a statement, "While there is clearly much more we need to learn about this attack and why it was ordered today, given the president’s personal difficulties this week, it is legitimate to question the timing of this action.” [CNN, 8/20/98]; Former Representative Bob Barr (Republican-GA): “All I’m saying is if factors other than good intelligence, military necessity, being prepared for the consequences entered into it, then it is wrong, and it appears that one of those factors that may have entered into it is to take something that could have been done a week ago and do it today in an effort to divert some attention.” [Fox News, 8/20/98]. These statements are most definitely in conflict with what we hear from the "right" about President Clinton's efforts to capture or kill bin Laden today Larry. I find all of the reprehensible. In addition, President Clinton DID try and George W. Bush DID drop the ball, or actually NEVER picked it up. In closing, President Clinton had the guts to apologize and lament his failures, noting that he told the 9/11 Commission to report widely those failures as a warning to prevent future mistakes. He also didn't demand that Cheney be present to hold his hand.

How much did Bush pay Kieth to replace him with a pig? I guess Keith is talented enough to passionately read a commentary about the dead in Iraq or a fake monster pig! Remember Keith green side up boy, green side up.

Well, Well. Mr. Henderson is back. Where ya been? Hasn't been the same without you.

Pam. Yes, I do. I think it will not go like he imagines should he be that stupid. Not even close. I think he would be under arrest and/or dead within 72 hours - either at the hands of the Senate, the public lynches him and/or burns D.C. and K-Street to the ground, or there would be a coup for the very reasons you mentioned about service personnel. I must confess, burning K-Street sounds very appealing anyway. Bush can't risk another administration and a REAL AG coming to office. No one is going to pardon him. No one will defend him once his finger off the button. He is a criminal and the ONLY reason he is still in office are his co-conspirators in the GOP Senate none of which are going to be re-elected. Simply, he is a treasonous traitor already, just not tried and convicted although the evidence of his violations are plain for the world to see. So are ALL the Neocons. They are modern Nazis sans death camps, but give them time. They are working on it. The question is really when will Dick tell him it is time to make himself King. After the first hurricane? After a disease outbreak? When Dick comes out from underground and sees his shadow? Tuesday? When I say Bush is evil, I mean it the same way I would say the Anti-Christ is evil. He would kill and eat children on live TV if it would "save his legacy". The only thing important to George is George. It's called sociopathic behavior. Exactly what you need to start a war for personal profit. Dick is even worse. I bet he wakes every day with one question burning through his diseased mind. "How do I destroy the world today?" When I appear to make jokes about Cheney's bloodline polluting the gene pool, I am not joking. If something doesn't happen before the next election, I've said it before, it won't be because they are not trying, but because they are incompetent. Sorry you asked?

A lighter note: Worked in the computer/software industry for 30 years. Don't understand the "s" appended to "internet" forming "internets" frequently seen on this blog. Is this referring to an inside joke that I've missed somehow? (Serious note: Don't forget "Dictator Directive".)

Pam wrote: "Do you truly believe in your heart Bush could/would establish Martial Law? If so, do you believe Americans would stand for it? I honestly would love to hear your take on it. I believe he definitely believes he has the authority to, as he has proven himself "above EVERYONE"; however, I also believe MANY in the military would disobey his orders. I'd just like your opinion. Thanks...." Pam -- Hey, the American public did nothing when the Bush Administration killed habeas corpus, took POWs to foreign lands for torture, lied about WMD or turned the DOJ into a GOP tool. So why do you think they'd tune out American Idol and give a damn about martial law? They'd probably support anything to make them feel safe from the "evil doers."

Yes, Independent, you missed the inside joke. Bush once said "I hear there's rumors on the Internets." "Internets" has been a Countdown standard ever since (along with "Interweb"). And yes, please, let's not forget the "Dictator Directive"! We are going to stay on this until Countdown covers it, so please!! It had better be on the agenda when Keith returns, at least! (Oh, and by the way, it's "Hanna," not "Hannah.")

Independent, the "internets" is a reference to a remark made by the brain trust(the shrub) inhabiting the White House.

Thanks for letting me in on the joke. I figured it was something like that. (Who said "Hannah"?)

Ok, just to let you all know, I won't be back on tonight, or maybe even the next few days because I'm busy packing to move. I just wanted to say that, after hearing tonight's comments out of our President, I really am starting to think the man has gone insane.

I usually enjoy Keith's show, but this was was absolutely disgusting. Why wouldn't a picture of the live animal be sufficient? This kid and his "pride" in what he "accomplished"--torturing this intelligent, beautiful animal is disturbing. I couldn't watch any more than the beginning of the segment because it was so upsetting. I hope that Hanna did not disappoint by not decrying this tragedy--the kid and his parents should be arrested for animal cruelty.

Houstonian, Texas - Well you just ruined my evening. I agree the American public has been less than "vocal"; however, I also agree with Todd in that America, the Senate and the military would stop it. I sincerely believe if it came down to martial law, Todd is correct in that Bush would be arrested or killed. At least I hope "America" would FINALLY rise to the seriousness of the "occasion". I do thank you for your input, as I am scared.

Todd - On my way to a meeting; however, thank you and I'll respond later. I really appreciate your intellect!!

Independent - Bush calls the internet the "internets" and also states he "uses THE google" as opposed to "I googled it"!! In typical "George W. Bush fashion", his stupidity is ALWAYS true to form. Keith makes fun of him and I laugh each time he says "internetS"!!

Scott - I'm sorry, but it was wishful thinking, or perhaps a "good dream" for you. Gore is here to say, rest assured. PEACE!!

Given the boar seems different depending on which picture one sees -- and then there's the upcoming "Hogzilla"? -- I'm inclined to suspect what we have here is "The Blair Pig Project". And while we're on the topic of swine, I'm counting heavily on K.O. and company shedding some further light on the "Dictator Directive" from that piece of chitlin in the Oval Office.

let me chime in on the dictator directive. just the followup, and some explanations would be nice. good job allison. and keith, congrats on your award.... or whatever you were doing in boston, and can you please read this blog, and respond to the dictator directive. we wont shut up until you do. we could clog the internets. i'll skip a couple of innings of new york mets baseball for you.

It sure gives me the warm fuzzies that these parents allow an 11-year old boy have and shoot a gun. And what's really scary is if this story is true (I have my doubts), what does he go out to kill to try to top this???

Is this a Promo Shot for "Deliverance II"?

Remember folks. Guns don't kill giant hogs... Pugsley Addams does.

Bridgette - The man hasn't "gone insane" he IS insane and has demonstrated his insanity from day ONE!!

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