The Plot Thins

Posted: Monday, June 04, 2007 11:30 AM by Countdown

Some of what we're working on for tonight...

Countdown found it interesting that the New York Times, JFK airport’s hometown paper, not only didn’t put the story of the alleged plot to bomb a fuel pipeline feeding that airport on its front page yesterday morning. It didn’t even put it in the A section of the paper, burying it in the Metro section.

Update: We were wrong about this, as was Bill O'Reilly.

This morning the story got even more curious, with the revelation that the informant in the case was a “twice-convicted drug dealer” who agreed to help in exchange for a lighter sentence. And the "unthinkable devastation" that U.S. officials say was so narrowly averted may have been exaggerated as well, with pipeline experts saying the explosions could have been contained by simply shutting off the fuel flow.

More curious, was that yet another terror plot was announced at a politically opportune time for the Bush administration -- this time, the day before the Democratic debate in New Hampshire. Tonight, Keith will revisit "The Nexus of Politics and Terror", an amazing list of announcements of purported "terror plots' at moments when the administration most needed a distraction from other news and events.

AMERICAN TOURIST IN CHIEF It was pretty much guaranteed that President Bush was unlikely to be the most popular leader at the G8 summit in Germany, no matter how many backrubs he tried to give German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Factor in that Russian president Vladmir Putin says Mr. Bush’s plans to build a missile defense system in Eastern Europe would force him to target his own weapons at Europe, and we're thinking he might be leaving early.

Meanwhile, rumor has it that some officials are referring to this trip according to the acronym formed by the itinerary...

Bulgaria, Italy, Gdansk, Czech Republic, Albania and Poland.

We report... you decide.

SURGING SHORT An internal Army report says the surge isn’t working, falling far short of the initial goals for the operation, in large part because Iraqi security forces aren’t living up to their commitments. The U.S. Army controls only 146 out of the 457 Baghdad neighborhoods. The new goal: to have the surge working by September, but as we know, military commanders like Gen. Petreaus are already soft-pedalling expectations for that deadline now.

The month of June is already off to a deadly start for U.S. forces in Iraq. 14 American soldiers have died in its first three days. In the next few days, the death toll likely to pass the 3,500 mark.

BARGAIN-BASEMENT BUSH Getting a photo taken with President Bush - while still expensive - is apparently a lot cheaper than it used to be. On Thursday, Mr. Bush raised money for the New Jersey Republican Party by posing for pictures at $5,000 a pop. Last summer, the same Kodak moment cost $10,000. During the 2004 and 2000 campaigns, it would have set you back $25,000. Wait around a bit longer and the White House could be paying YOU to pose with the Commander in Chief.

MR. ED Get ready to see a lot more of Ed Gillespie, possibly.
The former chairman of the Republican National Committee said to be “a potential replacement to Dan Bartlett as counselor to President Bush.” Since he played a key role in shepherdeding the nominations of John Roberts and Samuel Alito through the Senate, it looks like you have him to thank for the Supreme Court’s recent 5-4 decisions on late-term abortion procedures and pay disparity.

WHAT ARE THE ODDS? If, upon learning that TB Guy Andrew Speaker's father-in-law Robert Cooksey works for the CDC as a tuberculosis specialist, you happened to ask yourself, "Wow. What are the odds?" -- The odds are exactly what the New York Times has calculated. It's conclusion: "Memo to Mr. Speaker: Buy a lottery ticket, man."

EMAIL THIS

Comments

While I want to be alert to real terror threats, I am also aware that 'the war on terror' has been used as a political sloganeering tool to exploit in a 'wag the dog' fashion whenever the administration wants to browbeat its opponents. How can we in the public know which are 'generated' threats and which are real ones?

John L, Chico, CA (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 11:50 AM)

Another "hoax" created by the administration to scare everyone. Too obvious this time....how stupid do they think we are? Pretty stupid I guess. Do I feel safer now?

Susan, Western KY (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 12:10 PM)

Here I am again like a bad penny; can't do any work today because of upgrades to the operating system (which were supposed to be done by 4 yesterday, noon today, now 9 tonight). I think we've got Iraq planners in our IT department today, but I digress. Looking forward to a revisit of "The Nexus of Politics & Terror." Nothing like the tried and true tactic of attempting to scare the **** out of everyone as a diversion. I'm in the middle of an Edgar R. Murrow bio; I think he would shudder at today's climate. Hope Keith was able to catch a baseball game during his time off, and YIPPEE for his return!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 12:30 PM)

So the 'War on Drugs' is now used to provide zonked-out 'Informants' for the 'War on Terror'? What's up with that? The Crackhead down the street can shaky finger you as an Al Qaeda Operative to lighten his sentence? The Cranker next door, can dream up a scenario which places you at the clandestine meeting to blow up the Victoria's Secret Catalog Warehouse, get out, and start druggin' again? Only in Dubya's Paranoid Parabnormal America. Better a Dilaudid Patriot running loose than a Deluded Terrorist? I guess we get used to it or get used by it, huh? Hey you Looney, are you on drugs? No? Well then, it's Gitmo Archipelago for you!

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 12:34 PM)

If there's a real threat, Cheney will be moved to a secure undisclosed location.

Kevin, Santa Cruz, Ca. (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 12:36 PM)

Could Mr. Bush have used the JFK incident to invoke the "Dictator Directive"? (My not so subtle daily reminder that I really want to know why Countdown pulled the report on that directive.(smile))

Independent, Texas (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 12:41 PM)

JohnL: "How can we in the public know which are 'generated' threats and which are real ones?" Jaded answer: If the White House is announcing it, it's bogus. Real answer: This is why government transparency is vital to a functional democracy. Without it there is no way to know if a terror threat is real, or if the White House is wiretapping US citizens responsibly, or if the White House allowed the oil industry to write our energy policy, or if it is engaging in systematically undermining the US Justice Dept., or... well you get the picture.

Tim B, Dallas, TX (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 12:42 PM)

To Howard Kurtz/Reliable Sources re: Sunday's Program. I'm always struck by how many people think that just because Keith Olbermann and Bill O'Reilly's programs are on opposite each other, that their programs should be the same. Why the comparison all the time? Their programs are so different. It's called substance, or in O'Reilly's case, lack of. I never understood the need to see Keith "debate". I've been watching debates on other programs for years and all I ever get from them is a headache. For once we are able to watch someone in prime time who posseses class, dignity and intelligence. Someone who is actually trying to TRUTHFULLY EDUCATE his viewers as to what has happened to this country in the last 6 years. That appears to be the goal of Countdown. As far as I'm concerned, to have Keith and O'Reilly use the same format is similar to asking Lou Gehrig to behave like Babe Ruth, simply because they both play baseball. That would have been impossible for Gehrig to do. Howard Kurtz, why on earth does every commentator, every program need to be a carbon copy of each other? Countdown is informative and entertaining. Let's not lower the bar now, please. It's all we got.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 12:44 PM)

I'm going to refer you to my post on the previous thread where I question whether or not BushCo keeps a file of these dumb schmucks so he can always pull one out, grab 100% of the media attention (because they're too stupid or lazy to cover more than 1 story at a time) to divert from the real news out there (particularly when it's bad news he doesn't want anyone to hear)? The Fear Flag goes up again and again. Thanks for the revisit of the Nexus - stick a fork in this tactic, George - it's done.

Sue; West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 1:18 PM)

Wolf...Wolf...Wolf!!!

Brian, Los Angeles (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 1:19 PM)

Wow, just when we thought we were safe, as the republicans keep claiming, they trot out another hoax to frieghten the masses. What a crock. Impeach, Impeach.

beaverdambob (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 1:22 PM)

In most distressing news, "14 American soldiers were killed in three deadly days in Iraq, including four in a single roadside bombing and one who was struck by a suicide bomber while on a foot patrol southwest of the capital." George W. Bush, mass-murderer, violator of the Geneva Convention, violator of International laws, suspension of Habius Corpus , violator of national laws, violator of multiple civil liberties of Americans, supporter of torture, your "SURGE" is NOT working, as those of us with ONE brain cell knew it would not!! You are a coward, stubborn, self-absorbed sub-human who cares about "legacy", which will far exceed deplorable and reprehensible!! George W. Bush, BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW YOU ASS!! There is NO military solution to this "Invasion and Occupation" and you are continuing to send more Americans to their deaths, destroying more American families, continuing to shatter our moral standing in the world, have made us less safe, less secure and have destroyed the reputation of the United States, viewed as the most arrogant country in the world!! STOP your campaign of mass-murder NOW!! Bring our troops home and please, do America and the world a favor, resign with your co-conspirator, Dick Cheney, immediately. Both of you should be tried for treason, amongst a host of other crimes you and your criminal, mass-murdering Administration are SOLELY responsible for!! You, sir are a swine and I want your slippery ass out of the White House NOW!! Then, I want you; Dick Cheney, Condaleeza Rice and Donald Rumsfeld immediately arrested and tried The Hague!! You, George W. Bush are no better, and a case could be made you are worse, than Milosevic and Sadaam Hussein!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 1:48 PM)

I am telling ya when I saw this story I thought is it a boring news day.These are the same bastards that leaked Valerie Plame Wilson cover.Intel to them is like the "National Enquire," and a political convience store.Then as a citizen I wonder why does the FBI,CIA and Intel agencies allow these stories of the "fish that we almost caught out if they are supposedly non partisan organizations ..that would mean you Gonzo and Rove and Cheney.And every time someone farts in an airport it may be linked to al-Quida..or has an Iraqi parent it may be linked to al-Quida or somehow they insurged into thier own country....What the hell is wrong with all these leaks?Better yet what do they have in common.Kind of seem they came from the same source,the guys with no memories,lost hard drives, lost documents,and electile dysfuntion. They already burned Ms. Plame Wilson,put our country into an illegal war,and have trashed reputations with lies and smear campaigns.So now they are doing everthing they can to justify the wrongs they have done by we almost caught em and leaking it.How convenient.I wouldn't put it past the bastards to set up something phony but real as a way to justify all the crap they run around using to try and elect Republican their candidates.What the hell is a couple lives to them and lies to justify it?Their damn surge is working like a Russian watch.Oh that story got a second for every GI killed maybe a few more.Lets give em 30 seconds for KIA.Swoosh......If you have the time check out the American Dream.It's Carlin I know you'd Like it C A from Alabama, K.O. probably would if he hasn't seen it.It is so funny,true, and yet very sad. George Carlin hits what we have become right on the head. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkTmbkYbS60&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo%2Estumbleupon%2Ecom%2F

B. A. Buddusky (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 2:04 PM)

yeah, and what happened to TB-boy?? the thing is, these people are SOOOO INCOMPETENT! if a real terror threat or attack happens, they arent going to tell us in advance. ooooooooo, scarrrrry, scarrrrry.....

barb g albany ny (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 2:21 PM)

When a legitimate and well planned terrorist activity is unleashed in this country we will know it as the real thing. Either the perpetrators will be foiled by their own errors and blow themselves to hell (not likely), or they will be foiled by a Joe Blow citizen or group of Joe Blow citizen's who have noted something fishy before the act takes place and is successful (more likely), or the activity will be successfully carried out (more likely). These hoaxes or fly-by-night idiots wishing to play the part of terrorists, and used by the Bush administration to claim they are being successful in their war on terror here in the States because we are in Iraq, will only cause the general public to become complacent. End our involvement in the Iraqi civil war, redeploy our troops, spend the money saved to improve our national and inter-national intelligence capabilities, to improve the securing of our borders, ports, etc., and to train highly specialized units who might be able to hunt down and kill the terrorists before they can kill some of our citizens.

C A, Tuscaloosa, Al (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 2:28 PM)

Hmmmm - none of my posts are showing up. That paranoia monster is making big noises.

independent, Texas (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 2:29 PM)

BA and Pam - again you take the words out of my mouth expressing the outrage and dismay at the fools in charge of our country but also at the MSM that will spend hours of time covering Paris Hilton going to Jail. We should be seeing non-stop coverage of the White House criminals going to jail. Anyone besides me note the story that BushCo is now forbidding pictures of wounded GIs? First no pictures of flag draped coffins of our fallen, and now no coverage of wounds. Their cloak of invisibility must be as big as Jupiter by now. Don't show it, keep it, reveal it, talk about it and maybe Americans are too stupid to ask about it. And the main stream media is falling for it too. Media - please pull your heads out of your collective a$$es and report some REAL NEWS!

Sue; West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 2:58 PM)

If this "threat" was a hoax why does the MSNBC.com article about this not discussing it as a hoax, but rather a legitimate threat? That seems a bit odd...that on one area of the site it is portrayed as a legitimate threat but on another area of the site it is portrayed as a hoax.

Jay, Warsaw, Indiana (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 3:29 PM)

Speaking of baseball, we were thrilled to see that you were @ Fenway Park over the weekend Keith; hope you enjoyed the games and that you were treated with kindness, what with the rivalry and all. Two out of three ain't bad. Oh yes, and one more thing, you made quite an impression in Boston at last Thursday night's ACLU reception. Here's wishing you continued recognition for your work. I wonder what it feels like knowing you make a difference. I bet it feels great. Congratulations.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 3:40 PM)

Another cynic speaks...since I live in New Jersey, we had the Fort Dix terror hoax or threat...one thing that amazed me was that in the video of the gang playing jihad, there were ten people playing and shooting...yet only six were arrested...60% ain't bad for Bushworld...but why no massive hunt for the other four? were they informants? were they non-dangerous jihadists? I never heard about the other four terror suspects in the video...ever..I wonder why?...plus, the gang was arrested when going to a gun fence to get their guns but neighbors said the alleged gun fence mysteriously had not been in the house the gang went to for over a month...Mohmaud, the gun fence, seemed more like a ghost than a gun runner...and there was no massive hunt for the Muslim gun dealer either...another informant? another part of the hoax? Plus, besides the stupidity of bringing the jihad tape to be transferred at the local Circuit City, would terrorists really attack a military base where everyone has guns? is armed and will fight back? And now, another threat/hoax...some experts say the fuel system would have shut itself down...some believe JFK would have exploded...whom to believe? neither story's terrorists were al Qeada or Taliban based...and the JFK gang was all in the 40s and 50s...not your typical terrorists...I want to believe Homeland Security has some clue...but Bush loves the terror card...loves to say see how safe my team is keeping America...I wish I wasn't such a cynic...anyone think this is all part of the mysterious Presidential Directive to keep King George as President in January 2009? What say you Keith and Countdown?

George, Hammonton, NJ (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 3:52 PM)

Jay, Warsaw: To help clear up the confusion (and the only explanation I can possiblly think of) is that what MSNBC may be trying to imply that while a threat to blow up a fuel pipeline feeding the JFK Airport may have been real, the Bush administration claiming once again that it was their perserverance against the war on terror that saved the day is a hoax. So come this 4th of July be sure and keep a close eye on any kids in your community or professional fire-works handlers contracted to light up the sky with fire-works and sparkler displays. They might be arrested so that Bush and his administration can once again claim they foiled a terrorist plot, this time in Warsaw, Indiana. And all because we are figthing them over there instead of over here. Wait, I thought Warsaw, Indiana was here.

C A, Tuscaloosa, Al (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 3:54 PM)

Bush & Cheney have used up and squandered the public's good will and concern with these tiresome, fictional foilings of terrorist plots. Even taken at face value all we're looking at is a few amateurs who had no chance of pulling off what they are accused of. The only thing being pulled is the public's collective leg. Does the public believe any of this? No, of course not. Bush & Cheney have lied too damn much to warrant being believed about anything. Only an idiot would give them the slightest credence. I haven't heard ONE person--not a single one--talking about this plot. Nothing. No one cares and for good reason. Oh, and how's that surge coming along Mr. President? What a jerk.

jorge (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 3:57 PM)

Jay & George - I've not yet tracked down all the various links to which this item points. Do some of them say these "incidents" were hoaxes? I was getting the idea that they were being overplayed for the publicity benefit but that they were valid incidents.

Independent, Texas (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 3:59 PM)

The plot thins, kind of like the number of people watching your station.

John, Phila (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 4:30 PM)

How come there are no terror plots in Lincoln NE, or other such places in the heartland? Why do these places get so much homeland security money to begin with? Why Oh why do the people who live in such place s scream the loudest about the threat of terrorism?

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 4:46 PM)

Sue - Thank you for the tough talk, as maybe MSNBC will wake up to what both their long-time loyal viewers, in addition to NEW ones, which have been demanding coverage!! Also, "Junior Idiot" is falling in the footsteps of "Daddy Senior Idiot", as it was George Herbert Walker Bush, who passed the first law that prohibited photos of flag-draped coffins from being photographed, shown, etc. to the media and Americans. His rationale, "it could seriously impacted American support for 'Operation Desert Storm'". The arrogant, lying and self-absorbed and "it's all about "ME" father genes, certainly were passed on to his ass of a son!! When a president sends troops to battle, and in the case of his son, Junior ass following daddy's suit is specifically designed to forever keep the personal cost of this "Invasion" from Americans. These brave men and women, betrayed by George W. Bush, deserve better. I also find it appalling that the right-wing media has covered anti-war protestors at military funerals. While there are not words to tell you how much I find these protests despicable, no matter how I feel about this war, as they are disgraceful and insensitive!! However over the weekend, I learned of a right-wing religious fanatic group (I didn't get the name as I was driving and heard it on the radio but will research it), which has been boycotting military funerals for longer. However, not because they are anti-war, they are USING these funerals to protest ALL forms of gay rights!! I don't know about anyone else; however I have NEVER seen this on Fox News Channel (FNC), while they have been providing in-depth coverage of the anti-war protests at military funerals. Let me make this VERY clear, I in no way, shape or form feel these anti-war activists have ANY right protesting military funerals and find their behavior revolting!! However, I do believe FNC should cover both. That would at least give me the opportunity to voice my opposition and disgust for both groups. I find these protests disgraceful, disrespectful and reprehensible on BOTH sides. They should ALL be ashamed of themselves!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 5:01 PM)

I am beginning to believe that President Bush is quickly becoming irrelevant. It seems that no one wants to be associated with him and every one that tries to counsel him he rejects. I would give $10,000 to set in on one of his inner circle meetings.

Gerald Von Riesen Parker CO (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 5:08 PM)

Countdown - Update on blog please

Great Fan, Discouraged Blogger (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 5:56 PM)

I guess I chose the wrong weekend to "chillax" as my rather precocious 2nd grader would say. I am not sure of the spelling of that "word" but it perfectly described my intention for this weekend. But oh, we got word of the latest terror plot, saw that more American soldier's lives were needlessly lost in the meglomaniacs' nation building experiment, and let's not forget the brilliant plan of the Idiot in Chief to create a "new defense sheild" in Poland and the Czech Republic. OK, we're not stretched thin enough,i.e. futility in Iraq, picking fights with Iran, letting people with drug resistant diseases in and out of the country because our "brilliant" agencies STILL haven't learned how to communicate with each other(hey-use the Internets,email and the google- Georgie can show ya how; hell, just pick up the phone), the systematic dismantling of our Constitution & Bill of Rights, possible invasion of Guyana and Trinidad (don't put it past Shrub-remember, we gotta fight'em there not here), the shrinking middle class, and far too many other disgraces to list, AND now there is the threat of nuclear proliferation in Eastern Europe AGAIN! Am I stuck in a freakin' time warp? I know I may be a little behind the headlines, but I did what I intended to do this weekend-I took my son to his first concert at a local city festival, and was validated when he said,"Momma, the Gin Blossoms are cool". I need those moments to remind me that I am not outraged for just myself, but for him. I want a better world for him. One preferably with Bush & Co. in prison.

Christina, Helena, AL (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 5:59 PM)

Wow, I did not know that high level pentagon officials came to this site to discuss top secert undercover opperations. The knowledge that many posters here have attained could only have come from attending many meetings at the security department. Unless you just think you have and your just, well crazy.

Jim Dandy, Seattle Wa. (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 6:01 PM)

Sue; West Allis, Wisconsin , you and Ms Pam as well as C A ,Todd and a lot of others write these write blogs,and write a lot better than I have ever have.I appreciate the folks at Countdown who edit these to make them work.By edit I do not mean in some denying of the 1st Amendment way. I have read your posts and think they are cool and keen.You say most of what I am thinking with much more eloquence.Check out the Carlin link if you'd like some humor regarding the American Dream.Actually it's sad but true because folks don't know it's happening to them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkTmbkYbS60&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo%2Estumbleupon%2Ecom%2F I think some of you editors on Countdown would like it.It's only about 3.5 minutes.

B. A. Buddusky (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 6:30 PM)

DITTO PAM, SAN PEDRO, CA!!! I thought I was the only MAD, ANGRY FRUSTRATED ONE. Do you have anyone in the military?? I would like to see Keith cover the Adam Kokesh story on how the Marines are trying to take away his freedom of speech. Adam went on trial this morning in Kansas City MO this morning, and it has been very difficult getting ANY INFORMATION on what happened. The other story that NO ONE is touching is the CAGING issue that Monica Goodling testified to, which is a felony. Makes me wonder, are we paranoid?? Or is the media in the pocket of the adminstration. Very scary to me.

Dawn Marine Mom (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 6:33 PM)

Independent...I am using the word hoax not the reports...the incidents have validity and were reported as such...I have become such a cynic as Bushworld drags on...I just question how valid both incidents were...if ten people are on video playing jihad, why did only six get arrested in NJ? Why no search for the other four? I use hoax because maybe these six people just talked about carrying out an attack...makes Homeland Security look competent...but the only reason the "terrorists" were discovered was their own stupidity of bringing a video to a Circuit City...just doesn't ring of terrorist planning to me...maybe the six alleged terrorists had no real intentions or plans...maybe the gang in NJ just went to a gun range and played jihad...they also played video games and paint ball...however, any threat needs to be taken seriously...but if 10 non-Muslim Americans go to a range and play army and record themselves, would they get arrested? The other four "terrorists" in the NJ video are still out there somewhere...no one is looking for them...like I said, I don't want to be so cynical...hoax is my term...the incidents did happen...maybe...Keith, any coverage of the Presidential Directive tonight, this week??? the blog is going to keep asking...

George, Hammonton, NJ (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 6:38 PM)

Independent - Countdown must be having problems today, as the blog hasn't been updated in several hours. Hopefully, they will edit and post soon. Thanks again for your support on the other thread friend!! You are great!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 6:51 PM)

BTW, The invasion of Trinidad & Guyana was just sarcasm.

Christina, Helena, AL (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 7:23 PM)

Jim Dandy- Cute: Oh if only it were true that such knowledge did come from that inner circle. At least we would be certain that they, in fact, HAD the knowledge. Whereas, it is a sad thing that everything said on this blog when stated as fact can be found, upon request, in the public domain. I know because I have asked when uncertain myself. Isn't it a shame that the American People know more and are more open with information that could drive sane public policy and military/diplomatic courses than our esteemed leader seems to know? (smile)

Independent, Texas (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 7:44 PM)

How can such an intelligent man as Keith have that idiot on his show from the village voice? He is not funny, nor intelligent. This guy brings down the show no matter what low life he is commenting on.

Sally, San Francisco, CA (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 9:14 PM)

BA - thanks for the Carlin link. I just saw George Carlin last month when he performed at the local Indian Casino. Love his honesty and humor. I look forward to your posts as well - I'm glad you think mine are articulate. It's a tribute to the fine education I received from the Milwaukee Public School system and the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.

Sue; West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 9:22 PM)

I believe the votes are in impeach! impeach, this should be the rally cry of all americans, Mr oberman broke it down today how the bush admin uses scare tactics to make the people afraid how ever the tables have turned no one and I mean any one with good common sence believes mr bush or his administration when they start fear mongering and creating incidents to make themselves look good, the people of the us are starting to actually wake up from a long sleep.

chris memphis tn (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 10:14 PM)

Me thinks that the "Independent" from Texas is not quite what he seems to be. I follow a lot of political blogs and MR. Independent from Texas shows up a lot. Most of the time his comments show how dependent he is and usually are not on topic or relevant.

Gerald Von Riesen Parker CO (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 10:16 PM)

I read of calls for impeachment. Nothing happens. Cheney gets retro active income from Halliburton and only a bit of disgust is registered. Rove still grins and says things are glorious and that the democrats will screw up, and no one seems to listen (even the democrats). Everyone seems to be in a sort of stupor until the Bush regime is over. Good God! why not more anger? If Bush "relieved" himself in the Rose Garden at 2 pm and got caught, maybe something would happen. But he ignores the dead from Iraq, finally thinks that global warming might be a reality and people give a sigh of relief, calls for less oil dependence but makes no suggestions or initiates a policy, and, as many of you have pointed out, stumbles along. Maybe we are all in a stupor. I just wish for once I would read or hear that the mental midget now occupying the white house would admit, he fouled up and did it big time. I guess I am a dreamer. Thank you all.

J. O'Connor, Las Cruces, New Mexico (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 10:19 PM)

You feckless idiots! Of course the so called followers of this "religion of peace " would never fathom being traitors to this nation.The real traitors are GWB and Co. Do you honestly believe that? Bush will be gone soon enough and these terrorists will still be on our case. Can you ever realise that they hate our multicutural guts . Wake up you a-holes we have a tiger by the tail and its radical Islamists, not evangelicals, hasidics, or decent muslims. We have a common enemy. But look at the blog and the cheese eaters who do hate this country and show their concern for the poor s-bags at Gitmo and the fact that a call to Pakistan might be listened to. Wave the flag or burn it ( what you really want to do) Cause your patriotism ends when you think some dirtbags ( non citizens rights ) are important than the safety of our nation. Go Mets !!!

Paul Ibsen Newark NJ (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 10:28 PM)

A funny thing happened walking through the airport in Atlanta last Thursday morning. Listening to the 'security' announcements, I was told that we were at threat level 'orange,' and I laughed. For the life of me I didn't know what the meant. Was an attack inevitable? Did they know something I didn't? They sure as heck didn't act like it. Orange, yellow, red, green. You see, this administration and all those that produce these 'threat' levels and announce a 'foiled' terrorist plot, ought to read that fabled tale of 'The Boy who cried Wolf.' I imagine they'd learn a lot. PEACE!

Jamie, Chula Vista, CA (currently in NC) (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 10:50 PM)

Dawn Marine Mom - I had a good friend whose husband was in Iraq for a year; however, no immediate family. Is your son in Iraq? I have met Jamie on this blog and feel a strong connection with her and her terror for her brother. She is a very kind person, who has served our country bravely. She, too, was betrayed by George W. Bush. As I have said, there are NO words to describe the level of betrayal of our military under George W. Bush and his criminal Administration. I'm going to research the story you told me about; as I heard a bit about it and thanks for telling me more. I try to get as much information as possible; however, with work and adult "children" in need of so much with college, etc. I am busy. I sincerely thank you, and don't worry, you are NOT STANDING ALONE!! I can't tell you how many people are aghast, enraged and want justice brought to Bush & his entire criminal group of cronies!! PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 10:57 PM)

Gerald Von Riesen Parker CO - What planet do you live on sir, as you are DEFINITELY blogging from somewhere other than "PLANET EARTH"!! Indepedent is "Independent" and a diplomat of the likes I have never seen before, in addition to C A.

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 11:11 PM)

Dawn Marie: I need to figure out how to meet you up there at Camp Pendleton-I'm down in the south bay area of San Diego. You, your sons and their families are always in my prayers. John the silly in Philly: Dude, don't you get that your comment is, um, silly? YOU are obviously paying attention, at least to the website for Countdown-how come you're still here? Seriously. If it's so bad and/or offensive, WHAT is th point? PEACE!

Jamie, Chula Vista, CA (currently NC) (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 11:13 PM)

for all of us who know mr bush and co should be in jail for the lies they told the american people to get into irac and start a war, for our brave men and women who have been serving in the lies of fire created by mr bush. all of us need to remember it was mr bush who has slowly tried to remove the constitution from the people and replace it with the patroit act has created nothing but as james madison stated If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy”

chris memphis tn (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 11:48 PM)

Oh my god, the sky is falling.. The Bush people are getting desperate and are attempting to find a way to ratchet up the terror card. This whole thing smells like Karl Rove to me with a little Cheney on the side.

R. Morris Escondido, CA (Sent Monday, June 04, 2007 11:58 PM)

Mr. Obermann: You are to be commended for your defense of the Constitution by the onslaughts of the Bush Bunch. When do you intend to furnish evidence, ask questions and point fingers at the Bush administration's successful goal to weaken our government by bankrupting it, at the same time destroying our manufacturing, technological competence through anti-'American "free trade" schemes, borrowing and outrageous indebtedness. The real unreported story is the ongoing dismantling of our factories and technology centers which is destroying our middle class and democracy for the sake of speculators, monopolies, bankers and paper shufflers. You would be a hero if you began reporting what our leaders and candidates fear to discuss.

cliff eagleton, Harvey, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, June 05, 2007 12:53 AM)

Wow, are you people for real? What world do you live in? Do you sleep with your night-lights on or perhaps you check under your bed before you get in. And don’t forget to check your phone it might be tapped! You bunch of stinking hypocrites, so full of hatred for your fellow Americans. Since when did it become the norm to insult and slam people who are guilty of nothing more then having different opinion then your own. Or is that the way you practice tolerance and acceptance? Have you ever thought perhaps the people in power are privileged to a little more security information then the average citizen? Have you ever given thought to the fact there are really people who hate all of us just for being Americans? Why would anyone ever side with people who wish to harm your own country? I don’t care who the president is, Republican or Democrat; there is no reason to wish such ill will upon the leaders of your own country and spread outright lies.

Linda Stokke Kent WA (Sent Tuesday, June 05, 2007 1:22 AM)

Next >>

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://thenewshole.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=212572

More News Hole

Recent Posts:

Archives:

Categories:

The Essentials

Countdown Links

Syndicate This Site

Add The News Hole to your news reader:

ABOUT THE NEWS HOLE