Countdown Thursday: Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil

Posted: Thursday, October 11, 2007 8:59 PM by Countdown
Filed Under: Blogging the Countdown

Showdown on the Hill: Democrats on Capitol Hill, showing signs of caving in to the president's demand that telecom companies be given ex-post-facto immunity for eavesdropping done on his behalf. The Republicans, showing no signs of remorse... for their smear campaign against a young boy who dared to criticize the president's decision to take away his health insurance. Our fifth story on the Countdown: Apparently the only person not being offered some sort of immunity deal in Washington today... was the only person who shouldn't have to defend himself: A twelve-year-old child. Senator Hillary Clinton, presently, to discuss the day's headlines...

Feeling the Draft?: He already has an Oscar.. He's in the running for a Nobel Peace Prize -- he'll know by five A-M Eastern tomorrow. Our fourth story on the Countdown -- as Senator Clinton discussed just before the break -- might Al Gore still try and make it a trifecta - and run for the Presidency? That's certainly the hope of the "Draft Gore" movement.

ODDBALL: Richard Branson drops, a pumpkin smacks a van, and the world's ugliest robot.

Reality TV: To hear Bill O'Reilly tell it, and tell it, and tell it, and tell it... All three network newscasts -- which he should be anchoring... and all three network news divisions -- which he should be running... are staffed by, overseen by, and actively pursue the political agenda of the mighty liberal wing of the all-powerful Democratic Party. This, despite the fact that all three news divisions are controlled by TV networks, which are owned, in turn, by companies that are run by rich people, who are answerable to other rich people known as shareholders. And this one just gave him a seat on Jay Leno's couch to hawk his latest book. In our third story on the Countdown tonight, a new book looks at the news industry and, not surprisingly, discovers that virtually the entire medium lay down for Mr. Bush after 9/11... and well into the Iraq War.

Spears Pickle: Something interesting happened today at a Britney Spears custody hearing. Totally accidental, nothing to do with Spears, or her kids, or the fact that she showed up late for a hearing she'd requested.It begins our nightly round-up of celebrity news, "Keeping Tabs."

WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD: Glenn Beck, John Gibson and Ann Coulter vie for tonight's top honor.

Talk to the Hand: The present was the future to the artists, philosophers and scientists of the last millennium... who foresaw that, by now... mankind would have hovercrafts... space colonies... computers indistinguishable from humans... robots... and plenty of clones. In our number one story on the Countdown... If progress does not march quite that fast... We have now managed this as a civilization. An arm with an ear.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

keith...oy vey! that story about that poor Russian and his penile implant is hard to take....tonite, I plan on thanking Jesus for my good fortune! Yikes, just when I thougt I heard it all........also, I thought Hillary looked tired, I must admit she is impressive and I do believe she would be a formidable President.

Jacob, Chicago, IL (Sent Thursday, October 11, 2007 9:16 PM)

Just a few last thoughts on the Armenian hijacking of the US congress:
We maintained US airbases in Turkey during the cold war because of its proximity to the USSR. I have been to Turkey in the mid 1980's and never was I treated as well overseas (including the UK, W. Germany) as an American travelling abroad.

I would like to know what has Armenia ever done to assist the US in strategic policies? What do they offer to do in exchange for alienating a steadfast ally to the point of removing their ambassador from the US?
In my opinion we owe the Turkish government and people a debt of gratitude for tolerating our military presence. One might say we strengthened their defenses against the USSR, but at the same time
we also made them more of a potential target from the soviets.

S.Bolinger,St.Louis,MO (Sent Thursday, October 11, 2007 9:33 PM)

Well, I know you all will be shocked (and some no doubt will be glad), but I really have very little to say tonight.

Does anyone else besides me think Senator McConnell should at least be up for ethics investigations for helping to endanger a boy's life and the lives of his family? If Senator Craig is getting them for wanting sex with a guy in an airport men's room, 'ol Mitchie ABSOLUTELY deserves it - the hearings - not the sex in the men's room.

Al Gore isn't going to run; I'm sorry. And, of course, Senator Clinton DOES NOT want him to. The 2 of them DO NOT LIKE EACH OTHER - AT ALL! Some of the stories in Carl Bernstein's book are a hoot - maybe even a hoot and a half.

Fellow NewsHolers, it will be late afternoon Sunday before I see if this post makes the cut. I'm heading out of town (and out of state) for the next few days and won't be around a computer. So, in lieu of my Friday evening "words of wisdom," I'll just wish you all a good weekend, keep the NewsHole fires burning until I get back, play nice, no running in the halls, no running with scissors, no wedgies, no wet-willies, no Indian burns, etc.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, October 11, 2007 9:35 PM)

OK, now is the time to take the gloves off, Congress people!

No more being 'nice' for the sake of being nice!!!

WE THE PEOPLE are getting quite fed up!

Ro Meistre, CA (Sent Thursday, October 11, 2007 10:15 PM)

After three of my 'Bottom Fives' haven't made it in the last week, should I bother? What the heck. #1. How about a Two-Headed President? #2. Let me guess...She snorted Angel Dust off her Macy's Gift CArd? #3. Well, Duh...the entire Medium lays down with somebody every half hour. Which makes it a hooker, and a cheap one to boot (which is an extra twenty, thirty if it has a stiletto heel.) #4. Whew...for a minute there, I thought you were gonna say OJ. #5. Just because all of Washington seems to have the Inhuman Immunodeficiency Virus, doesn't mean that poor kid wants it.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Thursday, October 11, 2007 10:38 PM)

Lynne Cheney gave President Fidel Carter a smackdown today, saying he is so predictable. I was wondering why his face was all over the news. Lo and behold, he has another book coming out. So he resorts to his playbook, of saying something controversial against Republicans. Mrs Cheney, you go girl.Kevin of NJ (Sent Thursday, October 11, 2007 3:11 PM)

So, Kevin. Didn’t anyone tell you that Lynne Cheney also has a new book out? Guess not. No personal motive there for such a true-blue (I'm sorry, red), unselfish, American heroine to be out on the talk-circuit insulting a Nobel-peace-prize-winning former president who has devoted his entire post-presidency to the cause of peace and democracy. What exactly has either Dick or Lynne Cheney done -- ever -- to promote either peace OR democracy? What has tautological Dick Cheney ever promoted besides war and corruption? Unless it’s greed.

You're way out of your league, Kevin.

Anomaly (Sent Thursday, October 11, 2007 10:42 PM)

K.O., I have a thought to share... There are a few request for the WPITW segment to offer some kind of award for the most WPITW #1 position.

How about an Annual "Aluminum Award for the MOST WPITW Awards in a Year." Note: Aluminum may be too good - how about platic? or, paper?

Ro Meistre, CA (Sent Thursday, October 11, 2007 10:47 PM)

I assume that Keith and the rest of Countdown would not be satisfied with stagnancy. I assume there would be a desire to progress, to move beyond the nonsense news of Rush, Brittney, and O'Reilly.

Those are my two working assumptions and expectations as I continue trying to support this program. That support dies a little every time I see that Keith, Countdown, MSNBC, and G.E. have failed to rise above the nonsense.

Your Brittney coverage... Your falling into the false left/right trap... These are just two things that cause me to bolt in search of alternative news outlets.

Thank goodness for the internet and those who don't waste precious time on demanding Rush apologies and other such trivial issues.

Rise above it, Keith.
Or do you really want to keep running celebrity gossip stories into your 50's?

James, NYC, NY (Sent Thursday, October 11, 2007 10:59 PM)

Kevin of NJ

I'm still waiting for a positive list of accomplishments from the Bush/Cheney regime. Care to try it? -- larry, wayne and scottie haven't been able to.

I look forward to reading it.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 12:20 AM)

Ro. How about baked Skunk poop?

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 12:49 AM)

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Thursday, October 11, 2007 10:38 PM)

Steve - This made my night, thanks. #5: Perfection, friend - just brilliant!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 12:52 AM)

Tonight's WPITW might be a new low. The saddest thing is that there are people out there (you know who you are) that won't understand why "improving" Jews makes Coultergeist an anti Semite, etc. How in the world does anyone give these people a national audience?

Linda, Pittsburgh (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 1:00 AM)

Dear Mr. Olberman:

I commend you for your honesty and reasonably sound analyses.

I agree that Anne Coulter may be among the bad (“worst”) people in the world, and that she spews hate and illogical drivel. However, I wonder why so much attention is given to her. With regard to her recent comments about perfecting Jews, you and others conclude that she is anti-semitic. OK, Wolf Blitzer, Lou Dobbs, and the like can be forgiven, because their level of analyses is not considered lofty. You, on the other hand, must be held to a higher standard (that is a compliment).

Coulter wants to change Jewish people to believe in her “perfect” religion. Her fundamentalist beliefs may be questioned, but that belief doesn’t necessarily make her anti-semitic. [I admit that many use religion for an excuse and rationalization for hate.] As an educator, we want our students to learn about the world, as we (teachers, textbook writers, administrators, etc.) now believe it to be. That doesn’t make teachers anti-student. I think you can see that many other similar examples could be provided.

John, Chowchilla, CA (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 1:36 AM)

Loved the Howard Kurtz piece - I gotta read his book.

The media, though, still doesn't get it. Their parroting of Repugnikant talking points instead of looking at the facts has to go. Otherwise, why is the MSM talking about do-nothing Democrats rather than the continually filibustering, obstructionist Republicans. They are corporate controlled and Republicans are "good" for corporations. That's why.

PS - The blog is alive - it's ALIVE. Thanks to whoever moderated today. Comments submitted an hour or so ago are posted.

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 1:37 AM)

Well Hillary looked a little worn, but somewhat Presidental, she covered "most" of the bases, totally dodged the question about Al Gore, but all in all a good interview. I'd like to see Keith have some of the top candidates from the other side to see what they have to say or maybe a Democratic and Republican candidate to have a small discussion for the first 1/2 hour..asking only those most important questions..but who would those two be?

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 2:22 AM)

As I had said before, no one on the Right wants harm to any 12yr old child, not even the one who who gave the Dem. responce.

Lets put it this way, shall we. Libs think that it's Ok to put people who earn $82.5K on welfare, when the avg. Millionaire makes less then $50K a year. (Source, Book; The Millionaire Next Door. The book is based on the habits of people who become millionaire.)

Who here thinks that that people making $82.5K should get free health care when they can afford their own insurence?

The S-CHIP Bill that Bush vetoed, would have expanded the program to people up to the age of 25, and households that make $82.5K a year.
S-CHIP is for the poor, not for people with incomes to reach multi-millionaire status.

Like in New York City, where if you go see a pricey doctor to find any kind of learning disablity, and hire a pricey lawyer,(with a wink, and a nod) you can have the City of New York pay for private schools for your child, regardless of tuition. It's the new "In Thing" for the rich of New York City, and I bet that you all think that is fair as well.

David Molinero, Clayton, Georgia (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 2:59 AM)

Conservatives attacking a 12-year old, and anyone else who threatens THEIR money. There is no level low enough for them, and kudos to Ann for promoting the Christian country at the expense of freedom of religion--and showing how low they can go.

Talvenada, Phila., Penna. (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 3:08 AM)

What's all this crying from Democrats that they don't have the votes to stop Bush's Iraq misadventure? IIRC, the House Rules Committee alone (presently with an overwhelming Democrat majority) can turn off the money faucet simply by refusing to send an appropriations bill to the floor.

John Morgan, Las Vegas, Nevada (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 4:38 AM)

Nelson Muncie say's HA HA! Al Gore Wins The Nobel Peace Prize! I love it!!

Okay, yet again someone is dumb enough to have Ann Coulter on their show, and now the host is offended that Ann said something totally outrageous and well, offensive..DOH! When will people learn?! I guess the goul with the Adams Apple will sell lots more books now, especially to her target audience of "Real" Christians..give me a break!

I hope Coultergeist has finally crossed the invisible line, which will finally rid us of her mug on TV. Of course I have wished for that every time she has said something outrageously stupid. What's it gonna take??

LT in MD (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 6:04 AM)

It's 3AM in the blessed morning and I'm up way to late again..but CNN Breaking News..The Nobel Peace Prize has just been awarded to Former President Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 6:11 AM)

Countdown Bloggers, I'm sure this post is gonna get bogged down...

At this point it's almost pointless for me to read the blogs (Can't watch KO's show b/c of my work schedule) - By the time I respond to someone or something, it's buried under a hundred posts that few people have the patience to read.

Until they make this a more modern BBS, well, good luck to all. :)

JAM, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 7:05 AM)

Keith, thanks for another great (if sometimes scary...that EAR...those WPITW...yeowch). But where is your baseball playoff prediction, pray tell?

Hey, I'm off to your neck of the woods this weekend. Raspberries concert at the Highline Ballroom...greatest power-pop this side of the no-longer-with-us Badfinger...right up your alley...and hometown Cleveland boys to boot! So good that I will have to miss Game 2 of the AL series just to be there. Oh well, go Tribe!

Tru M., Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 7:35 AM)

If Bush's Protect America Act and the Patriot Act along with the warrantless wire-taps are so legal, why do the communication companies need amnesty and protections? Seems to me the communication companies would only need protection and amnesty if their eavesdropping and information gathering was illegal...and even more sickening, is the Dems are going to cave in like the spineless creatures they are and give King George freedom to spy on Americans all he wants, 4th amendment be damned...

and the right wing lunatic fringe continues to attack a 12 year boy recovering from a coma and car accident...just shows that the party of morals and family and religion only thinks life is sacred when it is in the womb...pro-life...pro-life until the life is born, then if the sacred life needs health care or education or assistance suddenly the life ain't so sacred anymore...and if you don't speak Bushspeak, we will attack and smear you for not following along...just shows how bankrupt the right wing's view of religion really is...the hypocrisy never ends in Bushworld...

George, Hammonton, NJ (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 8:31 AM)

I'm still waiting for a positive list of accomplishments from the Bush/Cheney regime. Care to try it? -- larry, wayne and scottie haven't been able to.

I look forward to reading it.
Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Thursday, October 11, 2007 4:14 PM)
Hopefully this makes the News hole cut, but here it goes Carol

Part I Bush Accomplishments
-Signed the Tax relief act to stimulate the economy after 9-11. This helped restore order to the economy and Wall Street after the devastating economic impact of the terrorist attacks. As part of this act, the capital gains tax was reduced, stimulating investment, helping millions of Americans reduce taxable income. It affected everyone that invests in the stock market, including 401 K

-Authorized the use of force against the Taliban, and restored democracy to 25,000,000 Afghans.

-Signs Patriot Act to provide us with the tools to combat terrorism both at home and abroad. It is noted that there has not been a terrorist act on US Soil since 9-11. He diligently prosecuted the Global War on Terror, putting Terrorist and rogue nations on alert, that if you mess with the US, you will pay the consequences

-Put in place No Child Left Behind. While this act has flaws, and needs to be corrected, the premise behind the Act is correct. No child should be stopped from access to an education. The flaw in the bill is funding, and requiring testing of disadvantaged students that have no chance of meeting standards

- signs Protect Act- Amber Alert Bill expanding nationwide a rapid-response network to help find kidnapped children.

-Signs Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003

Kevin of NJ (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 8:33 AM)

Part II Bush Accomplishments

- Installs Justice Alito and Roberts to the Supreme Court

-Libya pledges to dismantle WMD programs. This is a result of US’s constant pressure on rogue nations.

February 2005 Economic Growth Continues - Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.7 Percent. This is just a snap shot, but the economic policies of the Bush Administration have allowed us to have a thriving economy, with low unemployment and robust growth.

-Stock Market The Dow Jan 2001 10,968, dropped to as low as 7286.27 on October 9, 2002, but as a result of solid economic policies, the Dow now stands at 14,015

This is not an all encompassing list, but just a sample of the Bush accomplishments. To be fair, the following are some of the things I do not approve of:

- Presciption Drug Plan-Establishing a tremendous bureaucracy that is not efficient and very costly.
- Immigration – I don’t believe enough is being done to combat illegal immigration.
- I believe spending is out of control, and Bush has not done enough to combat excessive pork barrel spending.
- While I agree with the removal of Saddam Hussein, I don’t like the way post SH was handled.

OK Carol there you have it

Kevin of NJ (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 8:33 AM)

Please someone on this site , tell me that 12 year old called up Harry Reid and asked to give the radio response. Otherwise shut-up. No one was going to take away his health insurance. Only in a liberals mind is a $6 billion increase a cut. You liberals ought to be ashamed for putting this child up to do the job Harry and Nancy can't do. How mant 12 year olds do you know that can tell you who their insurance carrier is and what the benefits are ? Sorry Keith , again you are being most dishonest. I suggest the parents send him to public school , that's what you liberals ought to be upset about. Obviously the teachers union has not done their job to the satisfaction of the parents and they have no faith in public education - which I can't blame them. Maybe the $400,000 is above their means. Maybe they have the attitude that they have listening to the liberals too much and believe health care is a right to be paid for by taxpayer dollars. Who knows ? But for Harry to trot out a 12 year old to do his dirty work is shameful. But , it's the liberal way !

Larry Charleston, SC (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 8:42 AM)

When I watched the interview with Hillary last night, I was struck-- as I always am-- at how well-spoken, articulate and reasonable almost every other American politico is in contrast to the leering, sneering, inarticulate, hateful, condescending, babbling mouth-breather that currently inhabits the Oval Office.

How did this putz get elected?? Twice?? He is an embarassment to our proud Nation.

Sorry, I just had to get that off my chest.

Flipkid, Blue State (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 8:43 AM)

I wonder how different the world looks today if Al Gore wins the 2000 election and the shrub goes back to Texas. I’m sure many people will comment on that today, now that Mr. Gore has won a share of the Nobel peace prize. But, notwithstanding that I have been a Gore supporter since at least 1992, I sincerely hope he doesn’t run for president next year. Let me tell you why.

There can no longer be any doubt that Mr. Gore would have been a more effective, humane, and competent president than Mr. Bush. After all, it turns out you don’t have to be very smart to muck up a war you never should have started and do nothing else substantial for seven years.

There can be no doubt that Mr. Gore is still as well-qualified as anyone else currently in the field – in either party. But, sadly, Mr. Gore’s chance may have passed, although not for the reasons you might think. Like Jimmy Carter, Mr. Gore has found his own “separate peace,” transcending the partisan political conspiring, bickering, and rancor that taints the presidency as it exists today. Like Mr. Carter, he addresses issues from the perspective of the moral, rather than the merely political. In short, Al Gore stands for something.

This is, of course, what presidents (like the ones on Mt. Rushmore) used to be. But not any more. Effective presidents now must be pragmatic, and able to compromise. They must make hard choices among many alternatives, some of them unsavory. Bill Clinton knew how to do that, and maybe even Ronald Reagan. Hillary Clinton appears to know. Bill Richardson, John Edwards, Chris Dodd might. But, Al Gore should not be asked to. He should be allowed to continue standing for something.

Like Mr. Carter, Mr. Gore certainly still has a role to play. Secretary of something, ambassador to something (United Nations comes to mind), anything where he can draw from his “moral” frame of reference to make a significant contribution. But not the presidency. Leave that to someone less than Mr. Gore.

Anomaly (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 8:56 AM)

Ahmadinejad has a new best friend!!!! He and Coultergeist both think there should be no Israel. I guess he can challenge Bill Orally to a duel to fight for her attention.

Congrats to Al Gore for winning the Nobel peace prize.

Mike, AL (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 9:05 AM)

You don't bite the hand that feeds you! Sadly, The Democrats have to 'CAVE-IN' based on the telecoms contributions to both parties. Once again, politicians are mere puppets to the big businesses that they serve.

Politicians don't serve Americans! They serve those who donate the most. If politicians did serve Americans; Bush and Cheney would be facing trial and or impeachment hearings for all these 'lies for war' and 'spying without FISA warrants.' This entire administration of liars have received a PASS on all their illegal activity!

Edwin Anthony, Lewes Beach, DE (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 9:12 AM)

Steve (10:38 PM Post - #5): Well put Steve. There appears to be no heart left in Washington these days for American people in need. Ro Meistre from CA may be right. It's time for the American people to take the gloves off and to demand team work from both sides of the isle to resolve such issues as health care (especially and immediately for the children snd the elderly in this country). We do not elect our representatives to tell us many issues need fixed and then to bicker about each other's proposals. We do not need either side or their Presidential candidates telling us in stump speeches that we need to fix health care or social security. WE KNOW THIS ALREADY. What we need are representatives to get their a-- in a room somewhere, to brainstorm, and not to come out until they can agree on a solution. Perhaps beyond the voting booth we need some form of Performance Review Board made up of Americans from all walks of life to evaulaute each representative's performance. If they act like team players for the interests and good of the American people they stay. If they bitch all the time and do not try and resolve issues through listening to others proposals, making proposals themselves and compromising if necessary, they are fired. I will not volunter to be on the Board but I'll volunteer to be the one who meets with the poor performers to fire them.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 9:20 AM)

There are four things in life I am certain of:

1. The country is tired of the New York Yankees
2. The country is tired of the New England Patriots
3. The Red Sox will join them if they win the WS, and
4. Senator Lindsay Graham, while certainly wanting a Republican to be elected our next President, has also said he would be very comfortable with Senator Clinton if she were to be elected our next President. I was happy to hear that they are good friends.

Great show last night Keith!!!

Should be a great weekend of baseball and football. (good luck Tru & Rocky Mt). Enjoy.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 9:28 AM)

A brief comment on my earlier, longer comment on Al Gore. It may occur to some that by extolling Mr. Gore's qualifications to be president, while at the same time saying he shouldn't run because he's too good to be president, I win either way. In other words, I might be trying to have my cake and eat it, too.

You think?

Anomaly (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 9:30 AM)

Most Americans and most Iraqis are tired of our "Occupation" of Iraq. It's time to leave.

There are 466 days until the end of this regime on 1/20/2009
There are 451 days until the end of this Congress on 1/5/2009 ???
There are 389 days until election day -- 11/4/2008
Evaluate all the candidates and think wisely before you vote.
And we are counting down.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 9:32 AM)

Jacob. You think that hurts? We've had Penile Implants running this country for the last seven years.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 9:47 AM)

Oh, my, a "two-headed" president? (Steve, 10:38 p.m. post)

Tweedle Hill and Tweedle Bill.

"I know what you're thinking about, said Tweedledum; "but it isn't so, nohow."
"Contrariwise," continued Tweedledee, "if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic."

I'll could vote for that. It beats the heck out of what we have now.

Red Queen (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 10:12 AM)

How about worst person in the galaxy or maybe universe, then we might find someone to trump O'Reilly. :^)

nuanced (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 10:28 AM)

Al Gore won the nobel prize today. I don't think he should have to run for President I think we should just elect him anyway.

jen,il (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 10:32 AM)

James, NYC, NY (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 10:51 AM)

Congratulations Al Gore on the wonderful annoucement this morning.

I do believe President Jimmy Carter received a Nobel Peace Prize.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 10:57 AM)

Re: the Armenians. They have been trying to get redress for decades -- It just took this long to get action.

The REPUBLICANS refused to address this issue (another lost opportunity for the 'R's to recruit voters).

Some of the AMERICAN insurance companies paid out to a charitable fund a couple years back (as per the request of the decendents). There are over 2 million hits online to be read -- but here's one link.

Agreement Is Reached To Settle Armenian Insurance Policies From 1915

www.newyorklife.com/cda/0,3254,13529,00.html

Sometimes you have to do what is right -- even if it's not politically expedient.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 11:08 AM)

Will yesterday's moderater please return, ASAP!!Thanks!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 11:32 AM)

Rocky Mountain Guy!! WOO HOO!! 5-1 and 18 out of the last 19, Rockies "ROCK"!!

Three more to go and it's World Series time friend; I couldn't be happier for you, as I'm cheering for the Rockies to go all the way!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 11:39 AM)

How about an Annual "Aluminum Award for the MOST WPITW Awards in a Year." Note: Aluminum may be too good - how about platic? or, paper?

Ro Meistre, CA (Sent Thursday, October 11, 2007 10:47 PM)

I vote lead.

Kevin, Lincoln, NE (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 11:50 AM)

Congress needs a clue!!!

Keith, please give us the chronological list of gaffs this administration has done since they stole the election!!! The list is so huge, I couldn't even begin to keep track. You can pick up where you left off a couple years ago!!!! I think we all need to remember this as the presidential primaries will be here before we know it!!!

Thanks!! You're the best!

Gigi, Hudson, MA (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 12:02 PM)

"who foresaw that, by now... mankind would have hovercrafts... space colonies... computers indistinguishable from humans... robots... and plenty of clones. In our number one story on the Countdown... If progress does not march quite that fast... "
We've had hovercraft for decades, if you have the cash you can buy a sports model equivalent to a sportcar or build your own.
Space Colonies, the International space station is a good start.
AI is in its early stages, they can beat you at chess and hold a conversation.
Robots are exhibited on a regular basis and are the major workforce in many modern factories.
Cloned animals are a reality. Legal and moral issues prevent the cloning of humans, with good reason.

The technology for George Jetson's flying car and Robot maid are here. But like they say "No Bucks no Buck Rodgers".

You can see these wonders of the 21st century easily enough, just don't expect Uncle Sugar to issue you one as an entitlement.

Personally I can do without flying cars loaded with jetfuel and drunken teenagers crashing through the roof of my house on Saturday night.

Wayne, TN (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 12:05 PM)

In watching Coultergeist spew her venom, was that an adam's apple I saw? Did Ann Coulter used to be Andy Coulter? Just a thought!!!

Mike, AL (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 12:10 PM)

Great no wonder I been hearing the clicking noises on my phone. Time to take the moment to comment the best blog pitcher in the News Hole League,Steve T. He has every pitch, I especially like the way the slider breaks over the plate.
I can only hear the voice of CA,best homerun hitter one time telling me, to aim for the fences and at some time we might have to start the march down to the DC Mall to protest and take it back.Of course they got that concentration camp over at gitmo with no rights,but momma don't allow no violation of human rights over here,we don't care what momma don't allow we are going violate your rights anyhow,momma don't allow violations of your rights over here!Take it Steve and CA,and Pam and Krista yall pick up the next verse.Play that wash tub bass.I can hear CA on the blues harp.
I hope they aren't building showers and furnaces with our tax dollar.Where has that little maggot Cheney been,making up excuse and war plans for the attack on Iran with Cindi in the bunker?
I recall doing a paper on dissension in the late 60s.I had acquired some information how dissenters were take care in the former Soviet Union and China.
Are we there yet Congress?Cause it looks like we are moving more toward that a way.
My suggestion for all of this to stop the war and funding is to have a National Strike and not pay your income tax as well.Tell them you are going to some deficit spending of your own.The National strike where everything grinds to a halt will get Congress moving.I mean the whole enchilada of public services and private jobs.A walk out till the war is defunded and they start following the Constitution and protecting our rights.Now thats no new taxes and no illegal war.That is a Madden Doink.A NFL Tums hit of the day.

B. A. Buddusky (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 12:11 PM)

I offer warm and well-deserved congratulations to former Vice President Al Gore, awarded with the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless efforts to raise awareness, in addition to mobilizing millions around the world, in his often uphill struggle at rallying efforts to solve the global warming crisis!! Kudos sir!!

Since being robbed of the presidency in 2000, Al Gore has been the epitome of a class act!! Having won an academy award and an Emmy, Al Gore has now been bestowed one of the greatest honors, the Nobel Peace Prize. I can’t help but look to words such as destiny, fate and karma. While George W. Bush is deservingly in the toilet, former Vice President and should be President Al Gore is sitting at top of the world!!

I think I’ll tune in to Fox News Channel tonight; as I can’t wait to see Sean Hannity’s head explode live on TV!! Each your heart out Sean!!

God Bless you Al Gore!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Friday, October 12, 2007 12:22 PM)

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=408164

More News Hole

Recent Posts:

Archives:

Categories:

The Essentials

Syndicate This Site

Add The News Hole to your news reader:

ABOUT THE NEWS HOLE

Countdown Thursday: Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil

Posted: Thursday, October 11, 2007 8:59 PM by Countdown
Filed Under: Blogging the Countdown

EMAIL THIS

Comments

SEND A COMMENT

TRACKBACKS

More News Hole

The Essentials

Syndicate This Site

MSNBC Weblogs

ABOUT THE NEWS HOLE

Countdown Thursday: Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil

Posted: Thursday, October 11, 2007 8:59 PM by Countdown Filed Under: Blogging the Countdown

EMAIL THIS

Comments

SEND A COMMENT

TRACKBACKS

More News Hole

The Essentials

Syndicate This Site

MSNBC Weblogs

Posted: Thursday, October 11, 2007 8:59 PM by Countdown
Filed Under: Blogging the Countdown