Are Maryland cops all morons?

What Bush said about looking for DELIBERATE ways to keep us in Iraq is um... awfully darn scary! WOuld he launch a surprise war against Iran just to keep us there as well?

Well, I for one am about to turn in my c.o. paperwork. I'm planning to let the command know here in a couple of days. I am compiling some evidence to support my claim. I thank you all that post here because you have put some very helpful information in your post. It made my search easier. I'm told this process, which includes a hearing and multiple screenings, may be a short one or could be very long. I'm ready for whatever may come. The lies that we are told are massive and I for one am tired of just following illegal orders.

Well, I for one am about to turn in my c.o. paperwork. I'm planning to let the command know here in a couple of days. I am compiling some evidence to support my claim. I thank you all that post here because you have put some very helpful information in your post. It made my search easier. I'm told this process, which includes a hearing and multiple screenings, may be a short one or could be very long. I'm ready for whatever may come. The lies that we are told are massive and I for one am tired of just following illegal orders.

I really don't care to see anymore pictures of the likes of Lieberman and McCain or any other politician walking through a secured area with a helmet, body protection and under heavy military escort. It sickens me. Is there not one politician with enough b---s willing to spend a month incognito with one of the units assigned to secure the streets of Baghdad or the outlying areas surrounding Baghdad to see and feel what is really going on. If they happen to get taken out by a car bomb we would try and see that what was left of them received a military funeral. Hell, untrained journalists wishing to get the real picture do it all the time. These congressional representatives are a joke. I suppose they think they are too important to be in any real harms way. And as far as endangering our troops, it is possible to disappear for a couple of weeks without anyone knowing your destination or your whereabouts. They do it all the time, just not to Iraq. More like to their favorite golf course outside the country sponsored by their special interests pals. Please give us a rebel with a cause and someone who is willing to lead by example and not the likes of these people who say do as I say but not as I do. Excuse me. But after another look at that picture of Lieberman I have to go throw up. And I have not done that since accidently swallowing some leeches in a river in VN.

WAR EXPERTS ??? GEORGE W. BUSH-LOST MILITARY RECORDS, DADDY BUSH covered his worthless sons butt again, WHERE WAS George W. during VIETNAM maybe in Texas snorting who knows what. JOE LIBERMAN-COLLEGE BOY DURING VIETNAM. CHANEY NOT EVER IN THE MILITARY !!! The list goes on and on and on !!! God help we the people called Americans, You Know the American voter who said YEAH Bush is OUR GUY !!! EXCUSE ME, I think I will follow up with CA'S idea in Tuscaloosa and go THROW UP.

#3 High Speed Chases--Most departments have a policy prohibiting high speed pursuit when such would endanger the lives of innocent bystanders. It's dependent upon the officer in charge to decide when it's too dangerous and call it off. Why that did not happen in this case, especially during rush hour traffic, should trigger disciplinary action, or even possible criminal charges against the ranking individuals involved.

SDE, Baghdad: Good luck to you!

I watched your anti-pursuit story with great interest. While you didn't have all the facts of the case you were quick to condemn the officers involved. The person that fled on the motorcycle is ultimately responsible, and if and when they are caught should be charged with 2 counts of murder. Caving in to public opinion and having anti-pursuit policies have caused more harm than good. The criminals know that if they get in their motor vehicle and run they have reached "home base". This is creating more and more pursuits, most of which the public does not hear about because they are terminated by supervisors. If a man is walking in a crowd of people and has a loaded gun and runs on foot from an officer do you expect the officer to just let him go because the man may fire the gun and injure an innocent person? Or do you expect the officer to pursue? Put the same man in a car and everyone is upset because officers pursue. A car in the hands of a fleeing subject is no less than a 4,000 pound bullet. The subject fleeing should be held solely responsible for fleeing. The only way to stop these senseless pursuits is to prosecute these subjects to the fullest extent of the law and maybe the subjects will finally get the message that it is better to just stop and take their punishment instead of running.

C A - I truly consider you a friend; however from day one of blogging here, I anxiously awaited each post from you. You have opened my eyes to so many things, you have challenged my thinking, you have made me realize that I needed to be more of a voice of reason, you have guided and helped me through the anger I have for George W. Bush and his Administration and given me hope on days I felt hopeless, you have inspired me to be a better person and your wisdom is awe-inspiring. I lost my father twelve years ago, when he was just 60 years old. Tomorrow, June 1st is the anniversary of his passing. It was sudden. My father was my "teacher" and my “guide.” He inspired me to be the best I could be and never give up on goals or dreams. In addition, he always taught me the importance of what America stood for and the beauty of our freedom. He also made it clear that "we the people" must never let anyone take that precious gift away. I have missed his words so much and have needed him so many times over the course of the last six plus years. You have filled a void in my life with your writings and wisdom. I will always be grateful to you and I truly feel you are an amazing human being. Thank you!!

C A - I can't look or listen to Lieberman anymore!! The man makes me sick. He is as self-absorbed, stubborn and flat out stupid as George W. Bush himself. He has joined the collective party with Bush and Cheney, whom I turn the "internal mute" button on the second their lips start moving. I believe the only reason he has not officially become a republican is that he would just be “another congressional republican". Oh, that’s not good enough for Joe, as he’s always displayed his arrogance and over inflated sense of self importance, i.e. running for re-election to the Senate and VP at the same time in 2000. That was disgraceful and it hurt Gore. However, it was more important for Joe to make sure he was still around. God knows why, as he his Party has never been able to count on him and he only solidified this reputation in the 2000 election. He is now in a position where he is the "center of attention" with his leverage over the democrats for Senate control. He is a sick man and I believe, possibly, mentally ill. Anyone who requires that much attention and places themself on a pedestal has "issues"!! His "issues" lead from Los Angeles to Iraq and back!! I can't wait for 2008, as I am positive the democrats will gain more Senate seats. I look forward to the day the democrats can give Joe the long overdue kick in the ass and "don't let the door hit you on your way out" GOOD BYE!! He is truly appalling!!

SDE, Baghdad, Iraq, CYA Friend, It ain't worth it man.We know what's going on no matter how they (the War Supporters try to portray it.)I have yet to find someone to tell me where the goaline is or what the mission is?Have Joe Lieberman or McCain ,Karl Rove,Mitch McConnell,Dubya,or Cheney point out the bad guys for you men so you can go round them up.They don't know where they are at other than in their paranoid mean little minds. All I see like the guy said on the news are troops being set up looking for what they don't know exactly what they are looking for because it looks a lot like the fellows they have embedded themselves with.They go around knock on doors travel down IED'ed roads,are sniped,are told to mingle and be freindly with guys who later put on masks,set them up in ambushes. Note the term. AM Bushes.The whole damn war is one giant AM BUSH!It's his Party.The Democrats better get off their sorry asses and do what we voted them in to do and help get you men out.Or we can help them get out next election too.As I have said before in the immortal words of that song of Erik Burden of the Animals "We've got to get out of this place..."There is no damn plan that is going to work.This is not the role of National Defense.The Commander in Chief needs to be impeached along with Cheney and thoose that duped the Intel.A good Commander does not waste his men on useless missions that causes to them harm and harms the Nation they protect.No ones Ego is worth that.History has shown that in the past.President Carter was right for saying this guy is the worst in history foreign policy and otherwise.All of You Men Are In Our Hearts and Prayers.Richard Engel has a good interactive on here about the region.Find a safe spot to hunker down with your Band of Brothers take care of each other.Maybe Keith O could have Richard Engel head over you all's way and have you men on the show.So we could have the old Dragnet Net Show,just the facts,not the bullshit they tell the people.

"Conspiracy theorists, start your engines." It made me laugh out loud. And I pondered how appropriate your receipt of the first Molly Ivins award. Humor and down-to-earth reality are a knock-out combination. Belated Congrats

How many soldiers does it take to protect the butts of all the photo-ops visitors to Baghdad? How many photo-ops visitors go to Iraq? How much does it cost us tax-payers to fly them to Baghdad, pay for their food and lodging and how come their body armor is always clean? How many of our employees (senators, reps) are on the campaign trail? Why aren't they tending to our business in Washington? How many lawyers does it take to make up new laws (read loopholes) so that TweedleDick and "Iamthepresident" X3 don't have to provide visitor logs? How long is indefinitely------ long enough for this administration leaves and can say "We would've been victorious but for the Dems-- not our fault!". What a slimy regime and I'm not talking some Middle Eastern with caliphate dreams. Just non-smoking, non-drinking Christians who worship at the altar of power.

Good Friday morning! I'm stealing a comment my husband made last night during the showing of the picture of Senator Lieberman buying the "knock off" (my husband's words) sun glasses. What about the poor clerk who's livelihood or, most importantly, his life may be at risk? Seems to me that after most of these photo-ops, the level of violence in that area goes up.

Loved the phrase: "Conspiracy theorists, start your engines." In fact, love the humourous ways that most of the items are posted by the Countdown crew. Since I'm feeling very "nit-picky" today, I have to correct the gender usage in the start of this item. Shouldn't it have been: "he exposes you to one of the scariest forms of tuberculosis there is?"? (continuation of one-note song: Where is the "dicator directive" story?)

SDE, I am probably not the only one here worried about you. Here's a suggestion: contact the office of Congressman John Murtha, D-Johnstown, who is an ardent advocate for veterans and one of the first to call for withdrawal of troops from Iraq. I don't know if he can help you, or you can help him, but I know that he will try, no matter where you are from. His address: 647 Main Street, Suite 401, Johnstown, PA 15901 or you can fax him at 814.539.6229. These might offer more private means of communication than email. We are all interested in what you mean when you say "you are tired of just following email orders," but given the state of things I worry about your explaining yourself on a public blog. I didn't think my opinion of the Bush administration could get lower, but you dropped the bottom out of that basket, so to speak. Good luck, and God bless. Keep reading and let us know how your are doing.

I just tried to send a reply to SDE in Baghdad, but it wouldn't go--now I am paranoid... SDE, think about contacting Congressman John Murtha, D-Johnstown, who is both a tireless advocate for veterans and military preparedness and one of the first to push for an end to this horrible misadventure of Bush/Cheney. He might be able to help you. I am giving you snail mail and fax contacts, since i doubt that email is a place where you want to publish your business. His address: 647 Main St., Suite 401, Johnstown, PA 15901. Fax: 814.539.6229. Good luck and God bless you and protect you.

I keep trying to send a message and it won't go--aacckk. SDE in Baghdad, I'm sure I am not the only one worried about you and also the problem you are writing about (stuck in Baghdad following illegal orders.) Consider contacting Congressman John Murtha, D-Johnstown, PA. He is a tireless advocate for veterans and active military but also deeply committed to ending this misadventure in Iraq. His address: 647 Main Street, Suite 401 Johnstown, Pa 15901. His fax: 814.539.6229. These are his districts numbers, not the DC numbers, which might offer you a bit of privacy. I am not including the email address for the same reason, although you can find it on the web site. God bless and protect you. And good luck, in the best sense of those words. Keep reading, and keep the faith that ordinary Americans want to hear your story.

It is those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for more blood, more vengence, more desolation. War is hell. William Tecumseh Sherman 1879 It's even more so today.

I wonder if they didn't show Mr. Hanna the video before having him on the air, else he might have made another observation: that bleached/cleaned skull they were holding looked awfully small for the head that was in the pictures. I'm no biologist, though, so I don't know how much "meat" is on a pig's skull for comparison. It just seemed really small to my untrained eyes.

Maybe after the next election, Dubya can apply for Iraqi Citizenship and then HE can stay in Iraq, forever, and let the rest of US, come home.

DID ANYONE WATCH THE HISTORY CHANNEL LAST NIGHT ABOUT IRAN? I AM ANGRY AND AFRAID THAT WE ARE IGNORANT OF THEIR HISTORY AND CULTURE AND WILL REPEAT THE MISTAKES WE MADE OVER THERE. LK FT MYERS

LS in Seymore TN - I'm with you. The person fleeing the police is more at fault than the cops. A motorcyclist was killed near my house a few weeks ago, while trying to avoid a cop who was trying to pull him/her over for speeding. The motorcyclist hit a curb and flew off the cycle - killed on impact. (Even with a helmet people - I know since I drove by the scene as the officer was covering the victim.) However, I'm going to take it one step further. ANYONE who doesn't get OUT OF THE WAY when they hear a siren is at fault. I see this happening all the time - a cop, an ambulance, a fire engine. People have their stereos blasting, or are on their cell phones or both - and just don't pay any attention to what's going on outside their car. The cop chasing a suspect not only has to keep an eye that car, but has to swerve all around the cars that are paying NO attention... Open your eyes and your ears people - and GET OUT OF THE WAY!!! (sorry for yelling, but this is an issue I feel strongly about.)

CA/others- I just posted a (lengthy) item re details of the violations of the Bill of Rights on the "First Read Blog under "HILLARY ON THE NIE ". I was typing really fast and may have messed up. Would any of you be interested in reading that and responding with corrections/additions regardless of your agreement with me? Thanks. I think it applies to this blog as well re the "shades of success" story.

CA/others- I just posted a (lengthy) item re details of the violations of the Bill of Rights on the "First Read Blog under "HILLARY ON THE NIE ". I was typing really fast and may have messed up. Would any of you be interested in reading that and responding with corrections/additions regardless of your agreement with me? Thanks. I think it applies to this blog as well re the "shades of success" story.

SDE - Good luck brother, I hope you get out of that Bush hell hole and get home safely, then work with the rest of us to get that insane bastard impeached.

no need steve to go to iraq, under the lib surrender the terrorist will be coming over here - hopefully to a city near you ! i venture to say that cedar falls, iowa is probably a nice comparison to bagdad.

Jocelyn, Rockville, MD – I agree that when a siren is heard drivers and motorcyclists need to move over. However, living in the “Police Chase Capital of the World”, Los Angeles, it is not always easy. In addition, the LAPD and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs engage in chases, which have caused MANY accidents, including fatal ones. They have driven through residential streets of Los Angeles in rush-hour traffic, reaching speeds of 100MPH. A few years ago, an entire family, including husband, wife and three children under the age of ten were killed by one of these infamous LAPD chases in a residential part of San Pedro, an incorporated area of Los Angeles City proper. They were simply “getting out of the way.” In addition, our freeways are literally “parking lots” and both agencies listed above have driven through these conditions at equal speed in such conditions. They have caused multiple accidents, including multiple fatalities of innocent people who could NOT get out of the way. On many of these occasions, the person in pursuit was speeding. Yes, this is illegal; however, in my opinion, when MANY innocent lives are placed in danger directly by the LAPD or the LA County Sheriffs’ deputies, they need to “let that one go.” The manner in which they race through residential areas, slamming into cars on the way, hitting vehicles with passengers in them on a pursuit for a speeding violation is flat out irresponsible. In addition, I believe these actions represent a complete disregard for innocent human life. These “chases” have become dangerous and have truly gotten out of control in Los Angeles. When literally hundreds of cars are on a jammed freeway and desperately attempting to “get out of the way”, many accidents are caused between drivers trying their best to avoid the dangerous and irrational driving of law enforcement. Too many people have been hurt, critically injured and lost their lives due to the irresponsible 100-per-mile “chases” in Los Angeles. The City Council has been attempting to place strict restrictions on these chases as a result of the serious dangers they have created. I believe law enforcement must differentiate between engaging in a “chase” based on a traffic violation and the pursuit of a dangerous criminal and/or drunk driver. I’ve seen too many tragedies in Los Angeles and the devastation caused as a result of what I believe is flat out irresponsible actions on the part of the LAPD and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs.

SDE - I have told you many times you are in my daily prayers and I desperately pray for your safe return. I again want to express my utmost gratitude for taking the precious free time you have to bring "us" the truth. You are a brave and giving person. You have become a very special part of this blog and a very special person in my heart. May God Bless you and keep you safe.

SDE - Good luck and I hope you are home soon. Countdowners, I could not sleep last night so I watched a film that left me with a question. A profound question that lightened the heavy load carried by myself and hopefully all of us worried for our country and Constitution. A question that I would pass on to you in the spirit of having a good weekend. That question is, "Blessed are the cheese makers?" Have a good weekend all. I am taking a break for a few days, but I, unlike Douglas MacArthur, I shall return (sans silly pipe).

Frank - Lincoln: You are such a kind fella. Lib surrender and comparing Cedar Falls to Baghdad. What do we have to do to get you to debate these issues with some sense of fair play and reasonable comments rather than posting right wing attacks. I'm serious. For example you mention a "lib surrender". Would you mind telling some us in here what in your mind / words "a victory" rather than a surrender would look like. How would you define "victory" vs. a "surrender". By the way, I bet Cedar Falls is rather a nice place to live. Most likely pretty similar to Lincoln.

FRANK, DO YOU GET THE HISTORY CHANNEL IN LINCOLN? MAY I SUGGEST YOU TUNE IN AS THEY HAVE A GREAT SERIES ON IRAN AND IRAQ THAT GOES BACK TO CYRUS THE GREAT TIMES..YOU KNOW, 300+ BC. MAYBE FACTS WILL HELP WITH YOUR PERSPECTIVE OF THE REAL WORLD.

Todd - WOW!! I literally did not sleep at all last night. I tossed and turned and finally turned on MSNBC at 1:15AM and was completely appalled with statements made by Michael Reagan, son of "the Saint". In discussing how America has turned against this war, Michael Reagan actually stated if he were George W. Bush he would "shut down the press so Americans couldn't see the deaths on their screens each night, and this would allow the military to do their jobs, win this war and stop the decline for support of the war." Needless to say, I was not only aghast and distraught, I could just forget even attempting to sleep after his suggestion to eliminate the First Amendment of our Constitution. He actually blamed the press for doing their job and reporting to Americans, which is their responsibility. He almost went as far as blaming Americans themselves for the colossal blunders and catastrophic conditions in Iraq for watching televised news and reading print news. I know it would be a violation of the ass’s First Amendment right; however, I believe he is so dangerous that he should NEVER be allowed on MSNBC again, or any other media outlet. I was intensely furious with Joe Scarborough, as he didn’t even attempt to call him on his asinine statement. Thank God Joe had a guest intelligent enough to rally give it to him!! Although Michael Reagan kept interrupting her by screaming over her, she managed to get her point across loud and clear. However, even when she told him that his suggestion that George W. Bush should “shut down the press” was unconscionable and unconstitutional , he not only disagreed, he screamed louder and for more restrictions!! Pat Buchannan was also a guest and when it was his turn to speak, he didn’t call Michael Reagan out either!! Thank God for Joe’s other guest and I apologize I forget her name. I was so angry, yet she deserves a huge THANK YOU!! Michael Reagan is a deranged fascist, who is not only a serious threat to our Constitution, he is a domestic radical fanatic!!

Todd - WOW!! I literally did not sleep at all last night. I tossed and turned and finally turned on MSNBC at 1:15AM and was completely appalled with statements made by Michael Reagan, son of "the Saint". In discussing how America has turned against this war, Michael Reagan actually stated if he were George W. Bush he would "shut down the press so Americans couldn't see the deaths on their screens each night, and this would allow the military to do their jobs, win this war and stop the decline for support of the war." Needless to say, I was not only aghast and distraught, I could just forget even attempting to sleep after his suggestion to eliminate the First Amendment of our Constitution. He actually blamed the press for doing their job and reporting to Americans, which is their responsibility. He almost went as far as blaming Americans themselves for the colossal blunders and catastrophic conditions in Iraq for watching televised news and reading print news. I know it would be a violation of the ass’s First Amendment right; however, I believe he is so dangerous that he should NEVER be allowed on MSNBC again, or any other media outlet. I was intensely furious with Joe Scarborough, as he didn’t even attempt to call him on his asinine statement. Thank God Joe had a guest intelligent enough to really give it to him!! Although Michael Reagan kept interrupting her by screaming over her, she managed to get her point across loud and clear. However, even when she told him that his suggestion that George W. Bush should “shut down the press” was unconscionable and unconstitutional , he not only disagreed, he screamed louder and for more restrictions!! Pat Buchannan was also a guest and when it was his turn to speak, he didn’t call Michael Reagan out either!! Thank God for Joe’s other guest and I apologize I forget her name. I was so angry, yet she deserves a huge THANK YOU!! Michael Reagan is a deranged fascist, who is not only a serious threat to our Constitution, he is a domestic radical fanatic!!

frank, lincoln. ne - How dare you!! As an American, wishing harm on another American, or ANYONE living their lives peacefully, is appalling and reprehensible. Also, many Americans never bought into the fear-mongering of George W. Bush and his criminal Administration and now more than 70% of Americans know he is and always was full of s**T, as are you!! Your attack on Steve and Cedar Falls, Iowa, while reprehensible, will get you NO WHERE!! Steve is much more intelligent than that sir and I suggest you cease using George W. Bush tactics, as NO ONE believes the ass and he IS literally standing alone, not jut in this country, but the world!! I ask that you grow up and debate issues rather than sling insults sir!! PLEASE!!

I haven't said it here, but in the days leading to this war I asked some of my conservative friends. Are you willing to commit our army to 20 30 or 40 years in Iraq? The answer was a universal no. Followed by a question of where I came up with that number. Well look at Germany and Japan and Korea was my answer then. Now I hear tony Snow talking about the Korean model. I had hoped I was wrong then and hope I'm wrong now. Sorry people those troops aren't going anywhere no matter who wins in '08 or 2012 or 2032. W. put the U.S. army smack dab in the middle of a billion Muslims who aren't going to rest until we are either gone or all killed. Brilliant!

Frank "under the lib surrender the terrorist will be coming over here". What lib surrender? Which terrorist? I didn't realize that ONE terrorist could cause such fear in your heart. By the way you live in Lincoln Nebraska the terrorists are extremely unlikely to attack there. So why are you so afraid of them, or is it him? One more question Frank. You aren't by any chance the Kornfield Fuhrer are you?

SDE - my prayers for your CO status along with others. I spent so much time when I was in college during the Vietnam War writing supportive CO letters for my friends that were subject to the draft. The process that each endured to change their status to Conscientious Objector was long, arduous and deliberately designed to discourage and disqualify them. What continues to puzzle me is that the Bushies and their cronies are considered to be such troop-supporters instead of what they really are. They are people send others to do the jobs that they have refused to do themselves (hiding in National Guard, deferrments, etc). Bush, (5 deferrments) Cheney, Rummy, Rove, et. al. should be ashamed of themselves, but the media and general public should share the embarassment. In fact, I can't even think of a high level Bush official outside of the Pentagon who EVER served. Georgie's service records "lost" - sure - I believe that (snicker). Just like all the White House records that were "lost" in the Reagan administration and are being "lost" in the Bush administration. Yup, just can't find 'em. Like Osama - can't find him either. The Reagan records that couldn't get lost were simply classified by Geogie-boy when he stole the Presidency. Where was the media in pointing out the discrepency between talking the talk and walking the walk. It's easy to be a war-monger when you or your family will never face the prospect of being in the line of fire. That the media and the general public would even tolerate, for example, Purple Heart recipient John Kerry being labelled a pussy while extolling the strength of draft-dodging daddies-boy Bush was truly amazing to see. they used the same tactic to tar every one of their critics and the same game is still used without a peep from the media. The word Chickenhawk should be used continually for all of these non-serving, pro-war, progress-on-the-ground-inventing, fear-mongering lunatics. I loved the Lieberman picture though - it says it all - taking a stroll in lovely Baghdad with helmet, flak jacket and a hourde of troops to protect his sorry a$$. Sounds like "progress" to me (sarcasm mine). It's the media's job to make sure that the public is informed and they have done a terrible job. We get info-tainment instead of information. No wonder we believe all the propaganda crap that we are being fed. It's how Hitler got started. God help this country. Sorry, I'm feeling bummed today.

In his book "Carnage And Culture" Victor Davis Hanson lays out a thesis of why western armies haven't been defeated in wars on western soil since classical times except by other western armies. One of his points was the tradition in the west of REVIEW and CRITIQUE. SO LISTEN UP ALL YOU RIGHTIES. When we on the left criticize W and the war in Iraq we are following a tradition that goes back to ancient Athens. After the battle of Salamis the Athenian Admiral was censured by the Athenian assembly for allowing too many sailors to drown. Apparently the Athenians had a belief that death by drowning would deny the victim their rightful place in the underworld

Another one bites the dust!! I awoke this morning to the news that Dan Bartlett, an advisor to George W. Bush, was resigning. “HIS” excuse being he “is resigning to begin a career outside of government”. Yeah, right, ok and SURE Dan!! Bartlett also cited his desire to now “concentrate on helping raise three children all under the age of 4”. Again, yeah, right, ok and SURE Dan!! Personally, I believe Bartlett has a clear vision of the “darkness at the end of the tunnel” and has chosen to jump the train prior to its’ certain and catastrophic train wreck!! January of 2009 is a long time to ride the George W. Bush “train of destruction.” In probably the stupidest comment of the day, and most likely will remain unchallenged in it’s’ stupidity for entire month of June, came from White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten. Bolten had the audacity to state he “has been impressed by the caliber of people Bush has been able to attract to government service in his waning years in office.” Ok Bolten, just how stupid do you think Americans are? (Keith, do you think you could have a one-time “Stupidest Administration Comment of the Day” segment?) George W. Bush has done nothing but fill top level positions with a collective group of cronies!! What an asinine statement!! The ONLY person who has given me the slimmest of hopes is Gates; however, the firing of Rumsfeld came thee plus years too late and after the colossal blunders, failures and outright incompetence orchestrated in Iraq, in addition to the blatant arrogance and stubbornness displayed by both George W. Bush and Donald Rumsfeld. The unadulterated obstinacy exhibited by George W. Bush concerning Rumsfeld was most definitely something of the likes I have never in my life seen from anyone!! Ciao Dan!! I hope your next career doesn’t involve working with the slime you have for the last twelve plus years!!

Pam: Other than being Reagan's son why is it Michael Reagan is even invited on MSNBC to give his opinion. Who cares what he has to say. I have heard him before on several talk shows. There is no doubt the man is dangerous. The only one with some sense is Ron Jr. and he will usually speak down the middle of the road although obviously being from the left. Michael is just a big mouth. I don't think his father even liked him much.

Sue; West Allis, Wisconsin - I'm sorry you are feeling bummed today, as I am too. However, I recommend you read Al Gore's new book "The Assault on Reason". It specifically speaks to your fury with the media and especially at the onset of the Iraq "Invasion" (sorry, I will never call it a war). Gore states that post 9/11, George W. Bush and his camp ruthlessly used the vulnerability of Americans, to include the media, to shut us/them up!! Gore went on to explain that ANYONE who spoke against this "invasion" was labeled "unpatriotic" and he is right on target, as "I" was!! The media was terrified of this "label"; however, you are correct in that it was a disservice and they certainly did not serve us well during that period. Gore discusses it in much more detail However, I have been a loyal Countdown viewer for a long time now; and Keith has been "the voice" for the media in calling George W. Bush and each and every criminal in his Administration on their s**t!! Should all have followed suit earlier? Of course. Should the media have allowed ratings to supersede keeping not only the truth, but precluding any and all debate regarding Iraq prior to the "invasion"? NO!! Sadly, the media did; however, I will ALWAYS be grateful to Keith for not caving in to the fear of being labeled "unpatriotic", or losing his show and bringing the truth to my home each evening for a long time now. PEACE my friend and I hope your day goes better.

C A - Good question; however, it was on Joe Scarborough’s show and he is a republican. Michael Reagan is a frequent guest on Fox News Channel (FNC) and his comments have always infuriated and scared me. However, his statement last night, in addition to the manner he delivered it in, was literally one of the most frightening things I have EVER heard, from him or anyone!! Regarding his father, I recall Ronald Reagan getting along better with both Maureen and Michael Reagan, children from his first marriage. They were/are (Maureen passed away) staunch republicans and it was Maureen Reagan who was instrumental in Ronald Reagan changing parties. Ronald Reagan had more difficult problems with Patty and Ron Jr., as they are most definitely liberal and they voiced their opinions loud and clear during his presidency!! I sincerely hope MSNBC NEVER allows Michael Reagan on their station again. I am still furious and equally aghast!!

Pam - Remember it's Dump Day (all the bad news and garbage gets dumped on Fridays) Tim Griffin the Rove crony that was appointed US Attorney for Arkansas in that US Attorney scandal has also resigned. That's probably because Monica Goodling put him in the center of the voter caging scandal during her testimony. Just add that name to the rest of the rats that are jumping off the sinking ship. Their extremist Bush loyalty guarantees them nice juicy corporate jobs.

Yo - CA: Just returned from my bi-monthly trip to Austin and there is "big doin's" with the motorcycle crowds starting today. Saw a lot of Gold Wing flocks but without question the congregation was overwhelmed by the Church of H/D. Do you have a harley or "do you got a haawwggg?

Hey,SDE, Baghdad,your C O isn't a guy by the name of "Major Major" a character of one of favorite books "Catch 22" By..Joseph Heller "Major Major" is a commander who doesn't command. He hates dealing with people, and is somewhat frightened of them. Heller once said, "Everyone in my book accuses everyone else of being crazy. Frankly, I think the whole society is nuts, and the question is: What does a sane man do in an insane society?" Robert M. Young, writing about Catch-22, answers, "For the most part, what they try to do is survive in any way they can."The last sentence is the most important one.Now for some real life adaption of this,some guys,friends of mine,wink:)wink:) in Viet Nam Intel resorted to dummying up Intel in order not to have men engage the enemy because they had an officer like that they used to call "Blood and Guts Jones"...names removed to protect the innocent,so essentially what happened was a lot of missions where there were no engagements because the guys just went out far enough found some quite place,hunkered down,played cards,did dope or whatever they were doing over there(the jungle) to try and stay sane.They didn't do this all the time but blended it in enough to try and cut down on casualties.That chicken shit officer isn't going to come check on you all if you drive or better yet walk out of sight come back after the time is up for the mission.Nope we didn't see any bad guys.May Joe Liebermann ran em all off!Yea he was right we are doing good,now lets go home!They didn't call it PTSD back then.If you haven't read it try "Catch 22" I think the ....kers are using it on the whole nation.And like C A has been saying the next time one of those guys that don't support the troops use Our Planes and Equipment and are using your lives as a backdrop they need to be submitted a bill for the ride and protection.Yes Joey Liebermann,and John McCain that would mean you. And you got to remember this the CC isn't the brightest ship in th port and about 2 cans short a 6 pack and some how thinks he has the inside track to a Jesus who likes lying,greed,and killing for his ideas.

Independent: Never thought I would have to correct you but you can't put Gold Wing in the same sentence as motor cycle. It just does not fit. A motorcycle is a Harley or haawwgggg as you so wisely note. Just kidding. So all you Gold Wing owners out there please don't write me and tell me to k--- your a--. I see that Friday is upon us. Folks winding down, Countdown blog editors winding down and not posting. Not even a comment from Scott, Larry or Lee today. Maybe a message to all of us to have a good week-end, try to put out of your mind those events that frustrate us all, and if one attends church services on Sunday whether in a pew, kneeling on a mat, on the 1st tee or riding down the highway on a hhaawwgggg, whatever, remember to say a prayer for our troops. A special prayer for SDE. You are all fine folks. Have a great week-end, all of you.

Sue - I hadn't heard the news of Tim Griffin's resignation. You’re right on target regarding the "Friday bad news dump/no one will pay attention because Americans are stupid Day"!! I still will not be satisfied until Gonzalez "resigns" (gets fired)!! I do think Monica Goodling, based on her stupidity, demonstrated in her testimony, in conjunction with where she received her law degree, will preclude her from at last capitalizing on immediately receiving a "juicy corporate job." What an idiot she is!! Griffin will most likely go on to be a "regular" on Fox News Channel (FNC), as that’s right in line with their M.O. Criminals from the "right" are either frequent guest, paid analysts or get their own television show. I am still disgusted and sickened, but not surprised, that FNC gave Oliver North his own show, “War Stories with Oliver North”, which airs every weekend. Disgraced former Los Angeles Police Detective Mark Fuhrman is a “paid analyst” for FNC. I am sure FNC will give Tim Griffin a lucrative position with their bigoted organization!! It is also possible that after Monica Goodling’s continued (most likely short-lived) self-imposed exile, FNC will have her as a frequent guest; where she can and will follow suit with the arrogance, bigotry, lies and misrepresentations that have become the standard of FNC!! Also, I’m sure as soon as George W. Bush pardons convicted felon I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, FNC will pay him handsomely as an “analyst” until he works his way up to his own television series!!

Pam - the big story on Tim Griffin can be seen at ... gregpalast.com ..... who has been following this story for quite some time. It's been covered extensively all over the world - just not one peep here in America where this story is important. He just shared the emails he has had for a couple of years with John Conyers, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. These are the emails Judiciary has been trying to get. Tim Griffin committed a "go to jail" offense. That's why all those emails were "lost". The only reason that these other "tough on crime" republican criminals have any air time is that they got pardons from their republican boss president before he left office. Tim Griffin is probably lawyer-ing up, but BushCo, I'm sure, has a large file cabinet filled with pardons for his last day so all HIS crooks get off. Why is there no law to prevent presidents from committing crimes for their political benefit and then pardoning all who commit those crimes. Shame is not enough - I want jail for them all.

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