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Countdown Monday: The Truth About Waterboarding

Posted: Monday, November 05, 2007 9:59 PM by Countdown
Filed Under:

A Year and a Day:  This is Monday, November 5th... 365 Days until the 2008 Presidential Election. One day until the Senate Judiciary Committee votes on the confirmation of Michael Mukasey as Attorney General. In 1983, in President Bush's home state of Texas... federal prosecutors charged a state sheriff and three of his deputies with violating the civil rights of prisoners by forcing their confessions. According to the complaint, the four conspired to quote "subject prisoners to a suffocating water torture ordeal" that "generally included the placement of a towel over the nose and mouth of the prisoner and the pouring of water in the towel until the prisoner began to move, jerk, or otherwise indicate that he was suffocating and or drowning."  In short, water-boarding.  All four defendants were convicted, and the sheriff was sentenced to ten years in prison. Our fifth story on the Countdown: The man likely to be the President Bush's next Attorney General... still refusing to comment on whether a practice illegal during the Reagan administration... is still illegal during the Bush administration.

The Pakistan Problem:  Secretary of State Rice with a stern warning after President Musharraf shuts down Democracy and cuts phone lines in Pakistan. President Bush? Not so much.

ODDBALL: Pumpkin sliding and King Tut revealed.

Green is Good: Now that we've all asked former Vice-President Al Gore if he might run for President... we can move on to whether he would serve in someone else's administration.  More on that, presently, in our third story on the Countdown. And as the seven years of the current administration has dramatically demonstrated... facts -- including, scientific facts -- have never gotten in the way of dis-information. So too with global warming... Which hasn't stopped the critics of Mr. Gore -- the so-called climate skeptics -- including one who was recently featured on the op-ed pages of the "Wall Street Journal". In Mr. Gore's first interview since being honored with the Nobel Peace Prize, he answered that, too.

Oprah's Troubles: The airing of grievances takes center stage in tonight's number two story, Keeping Tabs...  Our celebrity and entertainment news begins with Oprah Winfrey going public for the first time..

WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD: Brit Hume, Kevin Magee and Rudy Giuliani vie for tonight's top honors

The Levin Revelation: Tonight's Special Comment. 

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Comments

I thought the snarkyness regarding Oprah was way off base last night.  Oprah didn't make the story about her the media did.  They could cover the girls, the school, the actual horrible offenses instead they cover Oprah because she is rich and famous.  She built an opportunity for poor black girls only to discover someone had used what she built to assult the girls she wants to help.  Of course she cried!  She also traveled to South Africa to speak with every girl at the school.  She had the dorms restaffed and retrained and worked with authourities to see those responsible were prosecuted.  She, once again, did the right thing.  Only to be snarked at.  Keith disappointed me last night. At least until the special comment.  

jen,il (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 11:25 AM)

Good call, Mike in AL. My wife was at work last night and had she been watching Countdown with me would probably have been rankled by Keith's remarks about Oprah much like your wife was. Nevertheless, I think he's right. Don't get me wrong, I think Oprah has responded very appropriately to the revelations of abuse at her school. But her comments yesterday did seem to say "it's all about me". Does anyone know if Bill "Loofah Boy" O'Reilly has weighed in on this yet?

The Special Comment was outstanding-one of Keith's best. He seems to be inferring that Mukasey's nomination means Bush, Cheney, et.al., will never be prosecuted because concrete evidence of waterboarding will not likely be uncovered until after Bush has left office. I think prosecution is always possible...it may just be against a former president and vice president as opposed to a sitting president and vice president.

Sam, Lincoln, Nebraska (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 11:27 AM)

I remember watching C-SPAN some years back, when people who were in congress during the passing of The War Powers Act, confessed that the act was unconstitutional. Their reasons for voting for it was, "As much as I love the Constitution, I hate Nixon even more."

Reportedly, only three of the worst terrorist had been water-boarded, and no one in the past three years; and for some, that's too many. Though I will not cry one tear for them, not even a fake tear.

I don't care to come to an "understanding" with these monsters who would blow-up the schools with-out remorse, I want them defeated by the fastest, most efficient means possible. And yes, they are monsters, evil and twisted in heart and mind.

It seems to me, that as much as some who post here, as much as you may dislike these mad dogs who have stated their goal is to enslave the world with their twisted understandings of Islam, you Hate Bush even more. That to me seems to be short-sighted, and dangerous.
I have three kids who plan on joining the military after High School, you better believe that I will be keeping that in mind as I vote for the next Commander-In-Chief.

David Molinero (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 11:33 AM)

Yet another relevant article --> Tortured Logic

http://www.americanprogressaction.org/progressreport

A quote from the article

<begin quote>

THE EXPERTS AGREE: In written testimony to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Allen Keller, M.D., director of the Bellevue Hospital Center/New York University Program for Survivors of Torture, said that "to think that abusive methods" such as waterboarding "are harmless psychological ploys is contradictory to well established medical knowledge and clinical experience." Dr. Keller added that "there is a real risk of death" involved in the technique and that the "long term effects include panic attacks, depression and PTSD," noting one recipient "who would panic and gasp for breath whenever it rained even years after his abuse."

<end quote>

There is no 'gray' area for torture -- it's wrong under ALL circumstances, and no neo con 'straw man' argument can change that.  

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 11:38 AM)

Keith,

As a teacher, and more importantly, a parent, I was alarmed when Oprah announced that the parents of students at her African school would have limited access to their OWN children.  My first reaction was how could this icon, who so often relates to her audiences tales of her own childhood sexual abuse, limit parental access and be so egotistical in believing she could be mother/father/mentor from miles away on another continent?  Answer:  SHE COULD NOT!

Bully for you for pointing out her self-aggrandizing...AGAIN!  She is not the victim here.  If Oprah really wanted to make this experiment work, she should have taken a couple of year's absence from the day job and overseen the project herself.

I enjoy your nightly reviews but for the last six months or so, I have had this indescribable feeling of pending doom.  You know, like this country is going to hell....very fast, and I am NOT a religious person.  I keep waiting for someone with some authority to wake up and realize what this administration has done to the future of our country...our children and their children and their children's children.  Sort of makes the Crusades look like a cakewalk.

I have been telling my husband for years that this president is a war criminal with serious mental problems.

D G, Columbus, Georgia (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 11:42 AM)

thank you Keith

Dave, LA CA (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 11:52 AM)

A searing special comment that should be required viewing by all those in Congress. Let's hope at least some of them "heard about it" and my consider growing a pair. Thanks, Keith.

Pedro, Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 11:55 AM)

Bush and Cheney need to go.  Start impeachment proceedings and arrest them to keep them contained while they are being impeached.  Why isn't the Congress frightened enough of what's become of our country to do this, or to do anything?  All bought off and intimidated into silence.  My hopes for an actual election next year are beginning to fade.

R. NorCal (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:05 PM)

A fascinating, mesmerizing, brilliant Special Comment this evening (as usual). Thank you for having the courage to tell it like it is. I only hope you are right that eventually this country will be returned to its rightful owners--the American people. Alas, I fear that most of us are willing to sell our souls for the sake of supposed protection and convenience. The American people should be out marching in the streets,
protesting the use of torture and the blatant disregard for the rule of law and the constitution during this administration's tenure. But most Americans seem to be in favor of torture and have given tacit approval to whatever the administration claims will keep them safe. We've lost our soul, and I don't know if we can get it back. I am hopeful that brave, straight-shooting, clear-headed people like you might be able to bring us to our senses somehow.

Thank you, and keep up the courageous, vitally important work. We are with you 100%.

Judy Hake, Union Bridge, Maryland (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:16 PM)

here we go again. i require an update

O J (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:16 PM)

OK, gang...we all know by now that Mukasey's nomination made it out of the Senate committee. For all the good it'll do, and believe me, I'm under NO ILLUSIONS that what "we, the people" think means a tinker's damn to anyone in DC, here's the website address to contact your senator to express your views on the Attorney-General designate:

http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

To all our CA and NY bloggers, at least you're pretty safe in knowing that your senators will go 50-50; I'm clueless on what Senators Bayh and Lugar will do.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:25 PM)

Looks like my earlier prediction regarding inauguration day 2009 is getting more and more likely.  With an hour left in his presidency W pardons everyone.  W then resigns and Dick is sworn in as #44 just in time to pardon W before Dick's presidency ends.  They all skate, laughing all the way to the Capitol for the swearing in of President #45.

Dennis, rural Kansas (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:27 PM)

Associated Press

BAGHDAD - Five more U.S. troops were killed in Iraq, the military said Tuesday — making 2007 the deadliest year for American forces in Iraq, according to an Associated Press count.

At least 852 U.S. military personnel have died in Iraq so far this year — the highest annual toll since the war began in March 2003, according to AP figures. Some 850 troops died in 2004.

The grim milestone passed despite a sharp drop in U.S. and Iraqi deaths here in recent months, after a 30,000-strong U.S. force buildup.

THE SURGE IS WHAT? WORKING? BRING OUR TROOPS HOME, NOW!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:50 PM)

Keith Olberman:

Your special comment about President Bush and water boarding was absolutely disgusting. You are so full of hate and anger toward our President. You show no respect for our President whatsoever. I will never watch your hateful news casting ever. Your liberal remarks only degrade the office of Presidency. America certainly has lot is ways. Rose

Rose Dillon, McDonough, GA 30253 (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:53 PM)

why bother. news hole does not care

? (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:59 PM)

Dear Keith,
Today, November 6, 2007 I tuned in to C-Span and am appalled that the House of Representatives is debating a resolution to commend the Boston Red Sox.  

What the heck is going on!?

Don't our representatives have any better use of their time especially considering the war and the degradation of the "Bill of Rights".

Shame Shame!
How about a comment on how our representatives use the time "We The People" pay for.

Nick, Alex, Va. (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:59 PM)

I have sent your commentary to everyone I know, both pro- and anti-administration.  At some point, the politics have to be disregarded and criminal behavior investigated properly.  This is a critical moment in American history - a test we will pass or fail.  Using fear of terrorism to bend and break the rule of law in this country is also terrorism.  

And now the Genius at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. wants to support Turkey against the Kurds in NW Iraq.  Nice going George.  There wasn't enough sectarian violence going on in Iraq to suit you?

Lars Hanson, Seattle WA (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:07 PM)

I just found out that some lunatic at MSNBC is hiring Rosie "911 Conspiracy Nut" O'Donnell for a late-night talk show!

God, please say this is a joke.

The woman is loud-mouthed, idiot bully. She has NO PLACE on MSNBC. You guys have been legitimizing yourselves as a network with journalistic integrity and actual balanced reporting.

Do you really want to give FAUX NOISE a whole box full of Rosie-quotes for ammunition?!?

She's never lasted in anything she's done. She always  implodes. What little ratings you think you're going to get by having this blow-hard on is nothing compared to the damage you're going to do to the network's rep.

MSNBC's ratings, particularly this program, have been going up as Fox's are dipping. People were tired of the extremist politics and the rantings. And you're about to throw all of it away.

SOMEONE! SOMEONE, please! STOP THIS ANY WAY YOU CAN!!

WJ

Walter J. Murdock, Cincinnati OH (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:10 PM)

SECOND ATTEMPT TO POST!!

Keith - Excellent, excellent, excellent!! Yes, George W. Bush is a "liar" and I believe you are the first person on non-pay TV who has had the guts to say so!! It was a brave statement, a deserving statement and an accurate statement sir!!

If anyone had told me seven years ago that one day the United States of America, to include government officials and civilians, would even be discussing "torture", to include what is or is not torture; or that a future president would make the statement, “The United States does not torture”, in defending his/her policies; I would have never believed it!!

George W. Bush has destroyed nearly everything this country was founded upon; however, he has not destroyed the hearts and souls of millions of Americans.  As you so eloquently stated, we have always been "better"; we have preached the moral high ground; we have protested against such brutality in other countries; we have voiced our outrage about waterboarding, in addition to other draconian, monstrous and illegal actions of the administration of George W. Bush!!

While it will take years, probably decades, to undo the terror George W. Bush has instilled globally, I know "we the people" will prevail, we will win!! I only hope the world forgives us!!

"The problem of power is how to achieve its responsible use rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use -- of how to get men of power to live for the public rather than off the public."-- Robert F. Kennedy - The Pursuit of Justice, 1964

“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:11 PM)

Unnamed sources claim that due to a Freudian Typographical Error, the name of Michael Musto instead of Michael Musakey, will be submitted to the Senate for the position of Attorney General. (Maybe this will get him off Countdown, to the relief of all his detractors. Then again, maybe he'll be on every night, huh?)

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:12 PM)

Isn't that supposed to read "Wall Street/FOX Journal"?

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:14 PM)

SECOND ATTEMPT TO POST!!

Associated Press
BAGHDAD - Five more U.S. troops were killed in Iraq, the military said Tuesday — making 2007 the deadliest year for American forces in Iraq, according to an Associated Press count.

At least 852 U.S. military personnel have died in Iraq so far this year — the highest annual toll since the war began in March 2003, according to AP figures. Some 850 troops died in 2004.
The grim milestone passed despite a sharp drop in U.S. and Iraqi deaths here in recent months, after a 30,000-strong U.S. force buildup.

THE SURGE IS WHAT? WORKING? BRING OUR TROOPS HOME, NOW!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:16 PM)

Ahhhh, a big fresh blast-o-truth!  Thank You Keith!

My submissions aren't always getting posted, but we'll try again....

Steve Turner, I realize this is probably too late but if you haven't voted yet today I'd be grateful if you'd consider casting a vote for my old friend Michael Douglas, he's running for Council at Large.  I had a Hunter S. Thompson moment in Cedar Falls back in the mid 70's and still keep in contact with a few folks.  I had the pleasure of spending a weekend with either the "Brotherhood" or the "Sons of Silence".  It was kind of a friend of a friend deal, but we got invited out to the clubhouse, an old small farmhouse really.  I walked in and the guys were tearing a transmission apart in the kitchen sink.  No food anywhere, no furniture save for a ratty couch with a poster of Peter Fonda above it.  Beautiful choppers parked everywhere and all the beer a young man could drink (they charged me 50 cents a can, I paid it), good times in Cedar Falls, good times.      

Rocky Mountain Guy, Colorado (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:16 PM)

as well as undergo water-boarding themselves!  THANK YOU, Keith Oberman, for speaking the truth!    
Mary Snyder, Corpus Christi, Texas (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:20 AM)

Seems to me that you and others are only interested in bringing down the presidency, not because you have some moral authority regarding torture.  If you did indeed feel that no human should be subjected to such a tactic by the United States, then you would not be suggesting that those that perform said practices should also be subjected to waterboarding.  Sounds like just partisan politicans and fake moral outrage

Kevin of NJ (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:18 PM)

There is little that I can add that Joan (previous comment) didn't articulate.
It is a pity that Olberman has been warning us, prodding us, urging us, to wake up and see the real evil (I almost didn't use that word, but it does fit) that this administration is.
We have the power of the vote and of the pen.  One of the first things I did this morning was write my Sentator, Diane Feinstein, to express to her my dissatisfaction with her decision to approve the Judge.  Speak up, show up, stand up and be heard.  All of us!

Joyce P., Los Angles, CA (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:19 PM)

Seven comments posted in over 11 hours? oh boy.

?? (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:21 PM)

How about interviewing a guest who specializes in "subliminal language" to explain why govermnent employees refer to "people" as CONSUMERS!

We The CONSUMERS... don't like it!

Nick, Alex, Va (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:22 PM)

Memo to Countdown – Do not invite immigration chief to next Newshole Smiley Face Caves Halloween costume party.  Click here to see why.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/05/ice.costume/index.html

Here’s a group photo from this year’s party.  I’m the one in the “different” costume.  Scott from Naples and Rocky Mountain are also in costumes appropriate to their stated preferences.  (I’ll let them figure out which is which.)

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Marian (Robin Hood's Maid) (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:25 PM)

"but the Democrats evidently don't have the back bone to do anything but to let this administration get away with everything."

so they can't stand up to bush.. and you expect them to stand up to al-queada????

Alan, FL (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:26 PM)

Anyone wanna take a guess about that possiblity?
Ferris Valyn, Ann Arbor, Mi (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 2:00 AM)

Sadly, Senator Feinstein is and always has been a republican.  I lived with the horrors of her as mayor of San Francisco!!

She only assumed that role after the assassination of the late and wonderful Mayor George Moscone.  Her career took off from there.  She was always viewed in a negative light in San Francisco.

What hurts me more is that George Moscone was a wonderful man with a brilliant political career ahead of him; yet one crazed man and one bullet ended his life and he was taken from us.

The thought that Feinstein is where she is because of this is sometimes too painful to bear.

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:29 PM)

Keith,
Yesterday you gave a brillant summary of Bush's actions and responsibilities regarding waterboarding.  

We believe that George W. Bush is mentally ill.  Do you?  Would you address this in your commentary?

Ron Taylor and Christine Schanes, J.D., Ph.D. (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:33 PM)

Associated Press

BAGHDAD - Five more U.S. troops were killed in Iraq, the military said Tuesday — making 2007 the deadliest year for American forces in Iraq, according to an Associated Press count.

At least 852 U.S. military personnel have died in Iraq so far this year — the highest annual toll since the war began in March 2003, according to AP figures. Some 850 troops died in 2004.
The grim milestone passed despite a sharp drop in U.S. and Iraqi deaths here in recent months, after a 30,000-strong U.S. force buildup.

THE SURGE IS WHAT? WORKING? BRING OUR TROOPS HOME, NOW!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:33 PM)

True Liberal, while the criminal, anti-constitutional behavior of this administration goes on in earnest, you cling to political urban myths, using the name "Clinton" like a boogeyman, avoiding the documented FACTS about this band of thugs.  Give it up, rule of law is what the U.S. goes on, and not a SHRED of real evidence exists to back your outrageous, whiney claims.  I'm not Clinton fan, but if it hasn't had enough evidence to burn WJC for anything other than lying about a BJ, the GOP smear machine should just stfu until it has something real.  That administration is gone.  Get over yourself.

A.Response, Greenville SC (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:34 PM)

Dear Keith,

I just wanted to thank you for bringing some relief to me at the end of my day.  I work in a facility that plays the Faux News Channel on all four televisions in our break room every day, all day.  I work second shift and if not for my smoking habit, would have to endure Bill O'Reilly's "No Spine Zone" during my dinner break.  I tried to quit smoking a while back, but found I'd rather riddle my body with carcinogens than sit in the break room and contaminate my brain with the rants and raves of a former tabloid "news anchor" turned .. well, tabloid "news anchor."

Your show helps me to see the light after hearing the darkness as I pass through the halls at work.  I appreciated the commentary Monday evening (11-05-07) and hope many others did as well.

Thanks again,
Randall Roe

Randall Roe, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:35 PM)

and that this administration has no clue what to do if anything about them. We are in a free fall regarding our foreign policy.
C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 8:40 AM)

Could not have been stated any better C A!! They have no clue; in conjunction with their illegal activities and absolute immorality, it's terrifying!!

Again, I truly pray the world forgives us when this nightmare is over, if we survive it!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:37 PM)

Yes to MSNBC becoming more liberal
NO!!! to Rosie O'Donnell getting her own show.

Rosie may be a liberal but she is not articulate nor intelligent.  MSNBC does not need the left-wing version of Bill O'Reilly (a bloviating, self-obsessed, uninformed boor).

How about keeping Abrahams?  He's doing a great job!

OR take the big step and bring back Donahue!

Just Say No to Rosie!!!

Bill Brantley, (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:45 PM)

Kevin, NJ (7:58 AM Post): I to was a little taken back Kevin when I saw the possibility of Rosie having a talk show on MSNBC. I would vote not to give her one.

Regarding what will Keith do once Bush is out of Office. My bet is that he will keep an eye on the new administration whether Dem or Republican and use his same ripping criticism if the new administration even remotely begins to act like the Bush administration, or acts like they intend to pursue a different agenda from that desired by the American people. I don't recall the date, but when the Dems voted to approve further funding for this Iraq surge Keith ripped the Dems in a pretty good commentary as well.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:46 PM)

wow, you must've drank the extra-strength kool-aid before that rant, keith... hope your re-entry back to earth is a smooth one.

Dave, CT (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:47 PM)

I stand corrected, Hillary did not start MoveOn. She started Media Matters and a few others. I have to admit Rana was right ; however , George Soros does heavily fund the organization as a front group for Hillary. Even I am left to confusion over these non profits set up to circumvent the campaign finance laws.
Larry Charleston, SC (Sent Monday, November 05, 2007 10:44 PM)

Larry, I knew I was right but I thank you for acknowledging it here.  Also, an apology would be nice, as you implied I was “a liar.”  While I was raised to forgive without an apology, you took the first step, why not take the next.

I was in classes yesterday and read what you wrote last night.  I was not going to reply to you for two reasons.  I did not want to make the same mistake I did last week when I let my anger get the best of me; and second, others, including my mother, had already corrected you many times.

Larry, one more thing; why didn’t you just stop at "I was wrong and Rana was right" then apologize.  Why did you feel the necessity to bring George Soros into your admission? We were not discussing Mr. Soros; in my view, there was no reason to mention him.  

For example, I read many comments from bloggers attacking Mr. Olbermann for apologizing to Rudy and then awarding him all three slots for "Worst Person in the World” on Friday’s show.  

Do you see the parallels there Larry? I am off to my three-hour class; perhaps you will reconsider during this time.  I will find out tonight.

Rana, Purchase, NY (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:52 PM)

"It seems to me, that as much as some who post here, as much as you may dislike these mad dogs who have stated their goal is to enslave the world with their twisted understandings of Islam, you Hate Bush even more. That to me seems to be short-sighted, and dangerous." David Molinero



General Colin Powell said it best:

“What is the greatest threat facing us now? People will say it's terrorism. But are there any terrorists in the world who can change the American way of life or our political system? No. Can they knock down a building? Yes. Can they kill somebody? Yes. But can they change us? No. Only we can change ourselves."

I agree with the General, George Bush and his loyal bushies are a greater threat to America that all the "islamofascist".

Scott Copeland,Naples Fl (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:53 PM)

Mr. Molinaro, what is the thrust of your comment?  That we should allow our government to do anything it wants to anyone at anytime?  Nobody loves any al qaida operatives, but the point here is that America runs on RULE OF LAW, not wild west justice or the Vengeance upon our enemies axiom.  you seem to think that if you catch a terrorist, you should be allowed to do what you want.  what next?  political activists?  Once the "Axis of Evil" speech was entered into the American lexicon of ridiculous phrases, all logic went out the door and a LOT of people went with their gut.  Even when it's wrong.  We are not that nation.  Arrest them.  lock them away after due process and you prove them guilty beyond a shadow of a reasonable doubt.  Don't evesdrop on your own citizens without a warrant, heed habeus corpus, don't despoil the constitution, and don't dare call me "unpatriotic" for wanting the constitution to be upheld.

A.Response, Greenville SC (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:55 PM)

I have three kids who plan on joining the military after High School
David Molinero

---- you have my sympathy

nuanced (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 2:01 PM)

DG - The only way Oprah limited access to the girls at the school was that parents had to come during visiting hours and not during class hours which they had been doing and students were forbidden from using thier cell phones in class.  There was also security which limited visitors to family members on a list.  Of course, this has all been worked through, because unlike our president, Oprah takes responsiblilty and works through problems.  I don't understand the hate.

jen,il (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 2:18 PM)

Earth to little scottie (True Liberal):  Our president's name is Georgie, not Bill.  You've got nothing, so you pull the Bill card.  It really bugs you that nothing positive can be said about the current regime, doesn't it, little scottie?  Ya got nothin'!  Go away little troll.

mad in Madtown (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 2:22 PM)

"Having yourself waterboarded is NOT the same as having it done to you.  Levin knew, even at the back of his mind, that he wouldn't be killed." ET, Houston

I believe Keith mentioned that, so what's your point?

Amber Fields, PA (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 2:33 PM)

Thank God!  Someone finally realizes what's going on.  I feel like chicken little - telling everyone the sky is falling re: this criminal presidency.  Keith, I'm sixty three years old and I have never heard anyone so unafraid to tell the truth on national news.  Our constitution is trashed, the dems aren't offering any resistance and people are afraid to speak the truth.  I've never subscribed to conspiracy theories but Keith, baby, please watch your back.  Thanks again.

suzanne shea (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 2:35 PM)

Please if you loved what Keith said last night call your senators and insist on a filibuster.  Keith can't save the country himself and the democrates in the senate have shown themselves to be frightened of this administration.  If we want them to have a back bone they have to know we have thier backs.  

jen,il (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 2:55 PM)

I have never been SO PROUD of someone finally saying what needs to be said. No one could have done it better. I am very proud of Keith. Keep up the great work. I watch every nite. No calls whil e Keith is on the air.
I hope NBC appreciates this gem of a journalist. keep going after them. Maybe the democrats will finally listen.

Brian Fraser Southard, Melbourne Florida (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 3:03 PM)

"So he is admitting this is a conscious decision to go down the Bush bashing show path."

You mean, telling the truth???  I would certainly hope so.  BTW, Mr. Bush has just broken Richard Nixon's record . . . he is the MOST unpopular president since Gallup began it's polling.  Good old George beat Nixon by 2 whole percentage points. I'd say that Keith is speaking to the masses  . . . and they AGREE with him.

junebug (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 3:05 PM)

Kevin of NJ (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 7:58 AM)

Kevin,

What is Keith going to do in 13 months?  I hope and pray he will be reporting our brave men and women are out of Iraq and home safely with their families; I hope and pray he will be reporting on our healing missions around the world; I hope and pray he will be reporting legal and honesty versus the illegal actions and nearly seven years of dishonesty from the administration of George W. Bush; finally, I hope and pray he will be reporting on the trials of George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Alberto Gonzalez; Condoleezza Rice and Donald Rumsfeld at The Hague.

I know we disagree on many issues Kevin; however, I see you as one who wants to engage in debate and see both sides.  You are different and in no way, shape or form are you a "troll or flea".  I enjoy your writings even though I disagree with much.  Your taking the time to re-read S-CHIP, then change your mind and support it, then to take the step and announce it here speaks volumes for your character.

We don't have to agree; however, it's much better to disagree in the manner you do here.  I respect you, we just disagree!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 3:10 PM)



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