So, arming and funding Sunni militants is "Patraeus' policy"?  Well, there ya go!  The administration's first scapegoat for the failure of the surge, and no one even noticed.

I get so depressed when every single day I hear of more crap from this administration and what this president and his cronies have done to our country, so it was a wonderful distraction to go to the Simpsons movie today.  I think my 13 year-old son who went with me got a little embarrassed because I was laughing so loud. We are HUGE Simpsons fans and it was even better than we had hoped it would be. I also absolutely love Albert Brooks so his cameo was a big hit with me as well.  Loved the NSA listening to telephone calls spot.  It was spot on!

THANK YOU KEITH O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES!! this is why I love your show.. The worst person in the world made my day!!!!

Gen. Petraeus will be thrown under the bus, a good general doing his best in a situation that was too far gone to begin with. It's sad to see career officers of Gen. Petraeus' dedication disrespected by the Iraqi government, and soon by the U.S. government. Good luck in retirement, General.

Well I'm sure Cheney is as right about Gonzales as he was about WMD's in Iraq, the war paying for itself, and the insurgency being in it's last throes.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm interesting comment from Jonathan Alter speculating that Gonzo will be Gone-o just before Congress goes on vacation so BushCo can treat us to yet another scumbag as a recess appointment.  

John Bolton, anyone?  Remember that he was Nixon's hatchet man for the Saturday Night Massacre when Nixon had to find someone in the Justice Department to fire the Watergate Special Prosecutor.  Just the kind of dirtbag who would fit in nicely with the Bush Criminal Empire.

I hope not, but ...............

On another note, I was so sad to hear of Tom Snyder's passing.  My favorite talk show host at a time I worked second shift and had only garbage on cable when I came home until his show appeared.  The refreshing and honest talk and spontaneous questions and answers - so unlike the canned, pre-programmed talk shows we have now.  An additional plus was giving air-time to some obscure opinions and thoughts.  He was also one of the last liberals unafraid to describe himself as such.

I'm certain he had a huge list of people he wanted to interview in the great beyond, too.  It was nice knowing him as a viewer and appreciator of his immense interviewing skills.

Good Monday evening, ladies and gentlemen. Today was such a long day for me work-wise and such a sad day in so many ways that I just can't bring myself to talk too much tonight about the typical daily B.S. concerning our AG, Iraq, Fox Noise, etc. Maybe after a good night's sleep, I'll have something semi-intelligent to say.

First, my condolences to all 49er football fans, the San Francisco area, and to the family of Bill Walsh. I thought his sense of humor was great in allowing footage of a press conference (at least I think that's what it was) to be featured in a beer ad! Too many people take themselves too stinkin' seriously these days, so that was a hoot to see!

I also want to pass along my sincere condolences to the family of Tom Snyder. I was a little young for the TOMORROW show days but frequently caught his show after David Letterman's on CBS, and his radio gig was broadcast on WLS out of Chicago, which I also listened to fairly frequently. He was such a wonderful story teller. I absolutely LOVED his laugh and his obvious joy in what he was doing; wouldn't it be faboo if we all loved our jobs that much? He will be sorely missed.

OK...transitioning out of the sad and onto the glad. As Keith himself said tonight, we go on. Yep, I too saw the SIMPSONS movie this weekend. LOVED IT! LOVED IT! LOVED IT! Just one word of advice, though, if you plan to see it and haven't yet. STAY THROUGH THE CREDITS! I stay through movie credits ever since FERRIS BUEHLER'S DAY OFF, and, believe me, you will be well-rewarded for staying. And, I am SO STINKIN' JEALOUS that Keith got to sit in on a cast reading. LUCKY!!

And, to end on another animation subject, if my satellite TV Guide-esque information is correct, the episode of FAMILY GUY that featured the vocal talent of one Keith Olbermann will be rerun this Sunday evening on your local FOX station at 9:30 EST. So, if you missed it the first time, you get another chance to see it! I've got the episode preserved "for posterity" on a disc with some other FAMILY GUY favorite episodes.

Wow...I feel a little better just talking a bit about stuff that makes me happy! Thanks so much for reading this, and I'll try to bring something worthy of you all concerning the "serious news" of the day tomorrow.

Have a good evening, everyone!

Keith I watch your broadcast every night.It gives me hope that there actually is some sanity out there after all.
I do wish you'd do a piece on the families of the Black water contractors killed in Iraq and the problems they have had with their suit against Black Water.While you're at it, you could take a shot at David Horowitz and the right wing scare tactics he's using to support the Bush bunch.    

I guess the next phase after arming Sunni militia to fight the guys we *want* them to fight is to then ask all those nice Sunni militia members to give back the weaponry when they are finished and not pick fights with the Shiite militias. Or OUR soldiers. Makes about as much sense as other "strategery" we've seen.

We always "arm"  people and then a couple of years later we piss them off or they piss us off and we go to war with them.  Ask Noriega, Bin Laden, even Sadam (if he didn't piss Bush off to the max and get killed),  we arm them,  help them and then turn on them when they get out of our control. It's the American way!  Condi has been drumming up business in Saudia Arabia,  we are planning to sell them arms.  Let's hope we can keep that relationship going because we can't piss them off,  who will fund Halliburton billion dollars quarterly profits?  Smells like oil to me.

#3 The problem of the Fox opinion channel is sadder than most know. All across the country the Fox news channel is played relentlessly in military mess halls. Our soldiers don't get objective news; they get Fox opinions.

January 20, 2009 is US Liberation Day, the day Bushy gets replaced.  

Krista - your comment on Tom Snyder enjoying his job reminds me of something I heard and often repeat:  If you love what you do so much that you can't wait until tomorrow to go to work and do it again - you're rich - and it has nothing to do with money.  

I always wanted a job like that.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, July 30, 2007 9:35 PM)

I'm glad that you enjoyed your movie so much.  My son is the assistant manager at our local multiplex.  He thought the end of the movie was hysterical.

Re: Gonzo

Keith,

You might be interested in using this somehow in a comment, or whatever. Alexander Hamilton, in Federalist Paper #76, discussed the appointment process and the role of the Senate's consent. he presumed independence of that august body and honor in the President. This is verbatim:

"He would be both ashamed and afraid to bring forward, for the most distinguished or lucrative stations, candidates who had no other merit than that of coming from the same State to which he particularly belonged, or of being in some way or other personally allied to him, or of possessing the necessary insignificance and pliancy to render them the obsequious instruments of his pleasure."

How far we have fallen.

Best regards and keep up the drumbeat. Thanks.

The Sunday morning talking heads also speculated that Gonzo would leave during the August recess and be replaced before congress comes back in September.  I wouldn't want to bet against that happening -- would any one else here be willing to bet against a stealth AG appointment?  Wayne, don't answer.  Time will tell.  

Good night every one.  

Henry in Houston,
thank you for sharing that! How far we have fallen, indeed!

Hey were all on Vacation until September 4th....
WHAT!!!!!
Somebody forgot to tell our soldiers!

#1. Imagine what it could make in North Korea! #2. That's a lot of brilliance to be extinguished. #3. Ann Coulter should not be played extensively.  Her 'theories' scare my parakeet. #4. Somebody has to be General when the House of Cards falls down. #5. The 'Energizer' Sith Lord bestows his benefits on all the Clones at his disposal.

Thank you Keith for telling it like it is. I appreciate how you wade through all the bullshit to get to the truth. You are always right on with the worst person in the world.

I want to address the issue of what Fox promotes as News (story #3).

In this country we have a concept called “Truth in Advertising.”  The Federal Trade Commission (and like state agencies) are charged with the prosecution of false advertising.  The FTC is a United States administrative agency tasked with prohibiting "unfair and deceptive acts or practices in commerce." (United States Code, chapter 15, section 45).

Charges should be brought and Fox’s show barred from using the terms “news”, as well as “fair and balanced” to refer to its programming.  Fox would have a tough time defending its use of those terms (maybe the most liberal use of anything on the network ;-)

Olbermann and Countdown producers should also seriously consider applying for trademarks on terms commonly used to refer to Fox, such as Fox ‘Noise’.  When Murdoch goes shopping for a new tag line there may be a buck or two to be made.

Oh, I just remembered, in this country it’s the Federal Government that would need to go after Fox.  That means this administration... Alberto Gonzales...  In the immortal words of the late Emily Lattella, “Never Mind.”

On another note, I wanted to share that Keith, you are my personal hero! I've been hooked on the show for a couple years now and this is the first I've found this website.  Your show is the only reason I have TiVo.

Thanks for a glimmer of truth in the media.  The only thing I’d change is less focus on crap like Paris Hilton and other tabloid fair, but if that’s what it takes to stay on the air...

Is it my imagination, or has even NPR been swept up in the MSM's resistance to criticize BushCo?  A story on Gonzo's apparent perjury mentioned only that the FBI director's testimony "seemed" to contradict Gonzo's testimony.  There was no mention of the memo from the Director of National Intelligence clearly contradicing Gonzo, and no mention of the similarly contradicting statements from several of the "gang of 8" congresspeople who attended the briefing.  But they had plenty of time to air Tony Snowjob's excuses.

539 days until Bush is gone.    

It was a truly sad day to hear of passings of such great men. I am a huge football fan and when I heard Coach Walsh died, I had to reflect on not his passing but of the victories he coached the 49 er's to, of the hero's he helped become better men and what he did for his fans. Under his regime as coach, many a star was born and an assistant coach became top gun of a football team. He will be sorely missed.

I loved the show last night, to have a little humor when things are so hum drum, is the jolt we all need. KO, good job on lightening up my world and every other fan and friend out there. I also like how you kick butt and take names with Fox Noise. Pretend news just doesnt do anything for me. I look forward to the day when people like Rush, FatHead and Coltergeist are no longer a part of this history.It takes very little effort to be nice, it is better for your heart and soul, these above referenced people lack skills to better themselves and ice runs through their veins.

As far as Gonzo Gate, Johnathen Alter must have a crystal ball, or I would hope his predictions come to fruition. I dont think this is the week Gonzo is booted out, but I believe the stage is set and the players are all lined up to see him do one more exit stage left. This will eventually start a domino effect and there will be more "actors" to exit as well. Peace Denise!

Good morning, everyone!

First, a quickie shout-out to JMM in Lafayette, IN. I KNOW WHERE LAFAYETTE IS! I graduated from Benton Central HS! It's great to see someone from "the home front" on here!! Anyway, in your concerns about NPR, do you listen to the DIANE REHM SHOW? Whenever she discusses most anything concerning the GW administration, she and the majority of her guests pull no punches. The topic yesterday in hour #1 yesterday was the current AG mess. It's available on podcasts if you have access to it. NPR, in my experience, seems to be truly "fair and balanced", unlike Fox Noise.

Good morning, Sue! You mentioned in your 9:26 pm post that it was John Bolton who finally sacked the Archibald Cox. I thought it was Robert Bork who finally fired him at the end of the "Saturday Night Massacre." I might be wrong, and I'm sure to be corrected if I am.

And, you know, I absolutely would not put past our current sleazy ilky moral-deficient occupants of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. to "ease" the AG out in the near future and do another recess appointment during August. Their actions up to this point clearly and without a doubt indicate that they could give a rat's behind what the American people or Congress think. I really hope it doesn't happen, but it wouldn't surprise me if it did.

Good morning, Carol (11:43 pm post), so how many times has your son seen the SIMPSONS movie? :) I went by my lonesome on Sunday because my hubby was gone all day, but I told him I'd absolutely be willing to see it again if he wanted to go!

You all have a lovely morning!

Story # 3:

Dear Fox Noise, Fox Propaganda, Fox Anything but Fox News - this is for you.

I suppose I'm one of the liberal burn outs going to Washington DC in September. Hmm. I never marched during Vietnam; I was a little too young to understand the politics. At the time, my older brother as well as my future husband and most of the kids in my neighborhood were serving in Vietnam (not drafted by the way, signed up). I knew no one personally who demonstrated against the war back then. I did not take any drugs. I am not a “hippie”. What I do know from personal experience is not one of the vets who returned from Vietnam, to this day, has ever been the same, unlike our fathers, who returned from WWII. The Vietnam vets despise LBJ, they despise Nixon. They thought they were doing the right thing in the mid and late 1960’s, serving their country. They feel differently now. There's a big difference in the wars. Iraq and Vietnam are not WWII.  They learned from first hand experience years ago that the U.S. government does not care about its military. War, war war. Have we or have we not seen the same treatment today that they were receiving 40 years ago?

There are genuine reasons to dislike our government. And there are genuine reasons to distrust this Administration, or any Administration for that matter. It is up to the MEDIA to keep us informed.

We’re told that we are in a war for our freedom.  If it is, why isn't every American fighting, which everyone did during WWII? Shouldn't we have 1/2 million troops in Iraq? If our freedom is at stake, why isn't Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Bill Kristol, Ann Coulter, Michelle Malkin, President Bush's children, Cheney's children, every Senator, every Congressman's son and daughter, and especially every right wing talk show host who has called us “unpatriotic” in Iraq doing something? Aren’t some of our troops on their third and fourth tours?

Who was going to fight for the war these neo-cons believed in? Not them. They aren't about to make any personal sacrifices. We'll send other families, only don't expect any legitimate war plans, enough troops or top notch equipment, and when you return, don’t expect any care, UNLESS the press speaks up. They’d like us to serve our country and then go home quietly. Now maybe you don't mind, but I sure as hell do. You tell me who is patriotic and who isn't.  Loyalty works both ways. If someone is going to believe in a war, then that someone and their family members should fight in the war. Just how deeply do you believe in this cause?  

When I’m in DC on 9/15 and some right wing reporter from Fox Propaganda asks me why I am not supporting our freedom or our troops, I will ask him/her WHY you are all not in Iraq supporting their fellow Americans. If you believe it comes down to us fighting over there so we don’t have to fight them over here, then every single one of you should go to Iraq and fight.  And if you don’t believe this is the reason we are there, then you should say so.  Everyone in this country should.

I read yesterday morning that we may have turned the corner in Iraq. I have also heard that throughout the middle east, in every coffee shop, in every restaurant, in every home, because of this war, we are hated. Do you care? You should. We all should. We caused this.

As of this past Friday, a total of 30 18 year old American troops have died. My 18 year old nephew just last month joined the Marines. Do you really believe that because I’m against this war, that I’m against my youngest sister’s own son?  The little boy I took to Fenway Park all those years ago & scalped tickets for him, just so he could get Roger Clemens’ autograph.  How could I possibly support him or care what happens to him? According to you, I’m either a burnt out, drugged out hippie from the 1960’s or a wannabe. Think again. Nothing could be further from the truth. There in fact is a great deal to care about in this country.  We are a world of leaders and of followers. When questions arise about the legitimacy of a war, I cannot help but pay attention. It’s our children’s lives at stake, not the lives of the policymakers. Did President Bush ever go to Vietnam? Did Vice President Cheney? Rumsfeld? Bill O’Reilly? No. But they don’t mind sending our children so they and their children can have “their” freedom or worse, their “oil”.

They are banking on us to follow them blindly. Well, they’re wrong. This is America. We were taught not to. At least I was.

Keith Olbermann - leader.

Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Brit Hume, Michael Graham, Michael Savage, Chris Wallace -followers. No independent thought whatsoever from the whole damn bunch of you. Talking points. How pathetic.

So if I think we’re conducting an unjust war, I won’t just not go, I will stand up for what I think. The worst are the ones who do nothing but point fingers. They are the ones who believe we should be in Iraq, yet they don’t go.  Are you standing up for what you believe in? No way. All you do is turn around and call the Democrats unpatriotic. 600,000 Iraqi’s dead; 8 million in need of urgent care.

The liberals aren’t in the military? I personally know a great many conservatives who believe this is a just war, yet not one single child of theirs is in Iraq.  What wimps. What hypocrites you all are.

Quick quibble - the #2 headline should be spelled "memoriam", not "memorium".  
I share an office, and we have a TV in the office.  It is constantly tuned to Faux News, because "they have more national news."  AAAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!!  Thank God for my iPod and videos of Countdown.

Good morning, Pat! Your thoughts in your 9:18 am post were BEAUTIFULLY stated. Thank you so much! I wish I could be there with you, but (and this sounds trite but really mean it!) I'll be with you in spirit.

Pat, Boston, MA--  BRAVO!  BRAVO!!  So well said. May God watch over your nephew, and return him and his many comrades safely.   (In addition to 'hippies' and 'drug crazed', don't forget one of Rush's favorite names to call people-  "Maggot-infested".)

To Megan in Houston - Faux News in the office?  Can you say hostile work environment?  I think you have a case!

WOW Pat, nice job.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, July 31, 2007 8:45 AM)

My son has only seen it twice.  I went to a 12:30 AM 'private' show and fell asleep around the train scene -- which was not the fault of the movie -- it was because it was 1:00 AM I was so very tired.  There were about eight others and their laughter kept waking me up.

Before he was promoted to assistant manager, he would see the final credits of every movie, as he was sweeping up.  Now he supervises the sweepers.  

You liberals lose again! I just bought Dow Jones and the WSJ for a measely $5B! I rule the world, the liberals shall bow down before me as I am a golden God that will liberate media from the left wing bias!

Pat- best of luck to your nephew; it's a nasty place over there (I was there back in 1990-91, and I'm guessing it hasn't become any less hostile).  I find it rather amusing the places young men and women are sent to fight someone else's battles.  While in the US last week, I happened to note that while Mr Olbermann's programme was dealing with Iraq, at the same time, O'Reilly was talking about Lindsey Lohan and had on this panel of experts.  So in BillO's world, the drunken escapades of some Hollywood type merit serious discussion, while the AG lying through his teeth, the debacle that is Iraq...who cares?  Funny how in 2003 it was all a bit different.  Why?  Well, there isn't much 'look how the liberals hate America' meat to be made out of Iraq (what with the vast majority of Americans saying 'get out NOW' as their opinion on Iraq).  As to Murdoch, his reach is seen here as he has newspapers in most major Canadian cities (all tabloidish and all noted for being conservative; I know this will come as a shock) except the papers here, like in Britain, do not mind being conservative politically but with 'page 3 girls/sunshine girls' mixed in.  So based on this, in six months' time will the WSJ have 'Stock Girls' on page 3?

I have a question for all those in the military or who have loved ones serving.  First off, thank you.  

This is going to sound dumb, but here goes.  We have a "knitting circle" at work and we meet weekly.  Our last project yielded over 60 baby blankets that we donated to a women's shelter.

Our current project is helmet liners to be sent to our troops over seas.  They kind of look like ski masks and they must be made out of real wool and using only specific colors.  I've made about 8 of them so far.  Now here are the questions -- are these useful?  are they necessary?  why isn't the army/marines suppling them?  what happens if you are allergic to wool?  Am I wasting my time?  

Thank you for your feed back (no wayne TN, I don't want to hear from you) and may God bless and keep all of you.  

Rupert-NYC

You Suck, professionally!!

Tom, Kansas,

AND YOUR POINT IS........ My next feat will be to buy this rag and put you all out in the real world.

P.S. I'm glad you think I suck, my mission is accomplished. Conservaqtively yours, RM

Man I love this blog.  Politics, baseball, the Simpsons, all I need is big round table and a pitcher of beer!  Pat, great post but I don't think sending Rush off to Iraq is very good idea.  You don't want a drug addict with an automatic rifle anywhere near your nephew.....it's going to dangerous enough.

Krista - you're absolutely right about Bork being the one who finally fired Archibald Cox.  Mentally, I was thinking about BushCo's last nightmare recess appointment (that would be Bolton) and I typed his name instead of Bork's  That's what I get for not focusing on what I'm doing at the moment.  Thanks for the prompt recognition and correction of my error.

My point, though, is that I'm afraid he'll recess-appoint another nightmare loyalist to this critical position.  The extent of abuse of power and the criminal acts of the Nixon administration pale in comparison to what these guys are up to.

I have to remember to focus more!  Thanks again.

Please post the Tom Snyder tribute from last night if you could. The clips of Keith and Tom were unbelievably charming.

Sue (2:17 pm post), I agree 110%!!

Rupert, NYC -- it was funny the first time, I think that you've stayed too long.  

John Dean was just interviewed on AAR - Randi Rhodes Show.  She asked about the possibility of a recess appointment as AG.  

He thinks it won't happen because it would:

-- Be a frank and deliberate poke in the eye to the Senate

-- Create future difficulties since the Department of Justice needs to work with Congress

He also wonders whether or not Harry Reid might keep some Senators in Washington so a quorum could be called if it looks like a recess appointment might come.

I feel somewhat reassurred.

Sue, hopefully, there can't be many more loyalists left! Maybe he should go on to masochists who'll enjoy being beaten up with facts.

To Pat from Boston - Excellent post and God Bless your Nephew and all of our Men and Women in harm's way.

As for Cheney's being a "Big fan of Al's"? It was weeks after Bush's "Great job, Brownie" comment, that he was out of one - so, maybe the messenger was different, but the result will be the same.

Or, Maybe it was Dick just being, well....Dick.

Of course Dick Vader's a big fan... Gonzo is protecting him. Duh.

Rupert, NYC

Great spelling buddy boy. Hope your editors know how to spell check. Just what the hell does "conservaqtuvely" mean?

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, July 31, 2007 9:18 AM)
Pat wonderful post.. I hope to see you in Washington! :) ^5

"There's plenty of money to be made supplying the Army with the tools of the trade" - Country Joe and the Fish.

Watching all these loyal Bushies stumble on a regular basis just makes my day. Thanks Keith !
They are so smug - they have too often been sore losers or ungracious winners at best. Poor little incompetent Alberto Gonzales's only real qualification for AG or ANY Gov't job is that he already has a "brown nose"
Just wondering: As we count up the casualties of Boy George's reign of terror:
John Ashcroft
Don Rumsfeld
Duke Cunningham
Tom Delay
Darth Cheney
Gonzales
Bush  etc etc.  

Will there be enough of these idiots for that "deck of cards" thing? Anyone keeping a lst ? ;)

 John Dean was just interviewed on AAR - Randi Rhodes Show.  She asked about the possibility of a recess appointment as AG.  
 He thinks it won't happen because it would:
-- Be a frank and deliberate poke in the eye to the Senate
-- Create future difficulties since the Department of Justice needs to work with Congress
He also wonders whether or not Harry Reid might keep some Senators in Washington so a quorum could be called if it looks like a recess appointment might come.
I feel somewhat reassurred.
Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, July 31, 2007 4:00 PM)

Sue: Good post!
I called my Senators' Office and asked if there was any possibility they could in fact, keep some of the Senators 'in session' and, do a kind of staggered recess, during this horrific debacle of this Administration. Of course, the staff person was unable to respond except to say; "I will pass your request onto the Senator." - Senator Barbara Boxer

Note: Just FYI - note: slight name change, here. <g>
I anticipate all hell to break lose in the Congress, after the 'break.'  I cannot say why, it is just a
feeling. Based on my observations of the Congress - Democrats trying to be more open and inclusive, and Republicans shunning them at every turn.

It continues to dismay me, how the Republicans continue to have an entirely different perspective on almost every issue before them, on the floor of congress.

I do comprehend there is the 'black' and 'white' of any given issue, there is also the 'gray' area to be considered... While, I do not necessarily fall into any specific area, I do lean a little to the more 'progressive' side of any issue. Having written this, I further believe, the gray areas need to be in consideration as well, in order to get ANYTHING accomplished.

If, and when, this congress is able to come to terms with the idea that sometimes the people are best served, by finding the gray area, then some good things will begin to happen.

Having written that... I also happen to believe ALL of Congress should be 'serving the people' of this country - as in; the general population, NOT huge conglomerates which continue to "buy" their way into "no bid contracts," lining the pockets of their favorite politicians, greed, greed, and more greed.

Let the "trickle down" economics go the other direction, for a change... let BIG BUSINESS get what's left over, instead of the masses receiving the short end of everything.  What if WE all had control of the large corporations, and they had to do OUR bidding?  OOPS! Is this the same as 'socialism'? OMG... I'm not thinking clearly... lol lol

I'll need to think on this one, a bit more - it sounds good - I just don't know if it could actually work.  You will all most certainly let me know, I trust your reactions and opinions.  Be gentle, it's a thought which just came to me... nothing more.

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