I just heard on NPR that Mukasey wants the version of the FISA bill that includes immunity for the telecomm companies passed. *&^%$#@!!

Thanks for the new thread!

Hillary Clinton should rise or fall on her own merits. I know how popular Bill Clinton is, but I don't think it appropriate for him to be everywhere all the time. He's getting all the publicity. Perhaps her campaign believes this is a good thing. Well, Hillary Clinton is running for President. We want to hear from her - only her.

Win or lose, I suspect she could do very well on her own.

Magic, magic, magic! Johnson, Johnson, Johnson!  (Sorry, the echo effect is lost while blogging!)

Ahem, life long Lakers fan!:)

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:47 PM)

I noticed that there were more post from Friday’s Blog then the last time I looked it over.

I don’t think that anyone is Proposing Mass Deportation of Illegal Aliens, and Bush wanted to Normalize them all with-out Securing the Border. Everyone (On Both Side) are now Proposing After the Borders are Secured, to Address what to do with the Illegal Aliens Still Here.

As for what Illegals pay into Social Security, sorry, but they have no Right to the Money that they Paid in through Fraud. And I’m sorry if that means that some, who worked here for many years, never taking-up any of the Opportunities to Normalize themselves, get left out in the Cold.

The reason I used that Story, is that it touched on Several Issues. The Dim-witted Judge who Threw Out Identity Theft, saying that “It isn’t a Crime to Steal someone’s Identity to get a Job”.(Maybe he would be agreeable if someone used his Identity to get a job) Stupid Bureaucrats Harassing the Innocent. (I would Pink Slip those Bureaucrats for Abuse) And the Fact that More and More Illegal Aliens are using Stolen Identities. I hear from friends, that for $2K you can buy a Stolen Identity in largely Hispanic Neighborhoods.

David Molinero (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 11:39 PM)

I'll make you a deal David; when you answer my questions regarding undocumented workers taxes; posed to you five times now, I'll answer any future question you ask of me, including this one.  Until then, I respectfully decline to answer your questions(s).

My questions, again - Where is the money paid by these undocumented workers going? Do you believe George W. Bush and big business really want undocumented workers deported?  How were these numbers obtained David? Were they obtained in large part because both large corporations and OUR government failed to safeguard their employee’s records? Who is to blame for the ease in obtaining these social security numbers?

Thank you!!

GWB has circumvented the Constitution with signing statements over 1100 TIMES!  That's almost TWICE as many times as all of the other presidents COMBINED.  
-- junebug

There are 398 days until the end of this regime on 1/20/2009
There are 383 days until the end of this Congress on 1/5/2009
There are 321 days until election day -- 11/4/2008

The first Caucus/Primary hasn't happened yet!  Evaluate ALL the candidates and think wisely before you vote.
And we are counting down.

For a look at the Keith O "non sequitur" comic, click here.

http://www.gocomics.com/nonsequitur/2007/12/19/

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 2:10 PM)

I completely agree with you Pat; my earlier comments were directed at the many news organizations that chose to mock Senator Clinton as the former president was engaging voters!! I was and am appalled at the juvenile behavior, which includes Countdown's!!

Senator Clinton is most capable; I agree!! I am just fed up with certain media outlets that refuse to let up on Bill Clinton!! I was very disappointed that Countdown joined the juvenile ranks of “those who shall not be named” last night!!

In my opinion, Countdown, CNN (forget Fox, they’re not a legitimate news organization) reported a “nothing story.”!! In addition, both misjudged the public!! I would expect this infantile behavior from Judas Lieberman, his GOP pals and Fox News!! The majorities of Americans like, respect, and many, wish Bill Clinton was still president!!

PEACE PAT & MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND!!

Thank you News Hole for putting up Tuesday's thread.

David Molinero (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 2:22 PM)

See my post below!!

PEACE & MERRY CHRISTMAS DAVID!!

Hi Jamie..my hubby and I are BIG Laker fans too. Never miss a game. Hope all is well with you.

PEACE & MERRY CHRISTMAS DAVID!!
Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 2:38 PM)

You too, and many Blessings as well.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 2:33 PM)

ROFLMAO
(Rolling on Floor Laughing my Ass Off)

Pam, you never need explain anything to me. I knew where you were coming from.

I'm a little ticked off at Hillary's campaign. If she doesn't win, part of me wonders if some blame will go to her husband. That would be a sin. She deserves better. The media is so irresponsible these days in what they are reporting on the campaign trail. Unfortunately like you, I would have wanted Kucinich but he never received the necessary attention.

Merry Christmas to you as well Pam.

But I am as constant as the northern star,
Of whose true-fix'd and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament ...
Chinese Fortune Cookie (quoting Shakespeare, quoting Caesar) (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 8:47 PM)

Hey, Cookie, you inspired me to go back and reread JC (as ghostwritten by Shakespeare) for the first time since high school.  Talks sense about why the Dems don't seem able to go head to head against Dubya's BS:

The fault, dear Brutus, lies not in our stars,
But in ourselves, that we are underlings.

Although over at the Bush WH, {Dubya} is an honorable man--
So are they all, all honorable men--

NOT!

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 2:57 PM)

How true!! Dennis Kucinich has been ignored by the media; it's really a shame!! As I've stated before, he's not "pretty enough" for them!! During any time I find superficiality appalling; I find it even more appalling now with our country in the severe crisis it is in!! Instead of mocking Senator Clinton last night, Countdown could have spent more time with Senator Dodd on a “REAL STORY”!!

The media will continue to act irresponsibly and therefore, our president will be, in large part, selected by the media!! Just as the media has continually cowered to George W. Bush post 9/11, which is why I hold then every bit as culpable as President Stupid himself, they have continued on their irresponsible path during this campaign.  The media will without doubt play an enormous role in selecting our next president; they already have!! This deeply saddens me!!

PEACE!!

The stories in the news do very little to let the American people know what the candidates positions on issues are.  They want to focus on Hillary's cackle, who believes in UFO's.......
Until we demand better of the newscasters, they will continue.  
The Repubicans would love to see Hillary lose the nomination so they can talk on about that endlessly and not have to address the issues. And we already know they love to blame everthing on Bill.  

For all of the Al Gore fans out there.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2007/12/al_gore_takes_on_karl_rove.html

HELLO UPDATE.

Pat, Boston (2:57 PM Post):

One can't blame Bill Clinton for having what Hillary does not have. If she does not get the nomination it will not be because of Bill but rather in spite of Bill. Hillary is no Bill Clinton. Hillary is intelligent but she does not know how to connect with people. She has poor social skills and lacks the ability to express a sincere comfort around people. And unlike Bill she does not possess that charisma that allows one to be well liked even in the spite of any mistakes, personal or otherwise. Hillary may be promising to involve the people in government decisions during this campaign, and she may have made recent apologies for how she once tried to ram her specific plans for national health care down people's throats, but once in the Whitehouse cross this lady with a difference of opinion and you will be reliving the same my-way-or-the-highway attitude that you have seen in the last few years. You can bet on it. Those same people who saw this in GWB before he was elected can see it in Hillary. If Bill is all over the place campaigning for Hillary you better believe it is because she wants him there, and demands that he be there. She is in control of her own destiny. And she knows her chances of winning on her personality alone are slim.

David Molinero (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 2:56 PM)

I'm glad I could make you laugh, but the underlying concept of thought police should scare the pants off of you.  

We had to wait until today to get last night's thread????  Whazzup at the News Hole?  Or is a new thread only going to be put up when the previous thread has 4-5 pages of comments on it and the memory hole is full?

And whazzup with the one font used for the headline and another one for the description of the topic?  Too many hot toddies being consumed by the moderator?

This must improve!

Also, please don't feed the trolls.

Hillary is probably the best thing the Republicans have going for them.I wonder how much Rove money is being dumped in her campaign.Once again short sightedness prevails.They will eat her alive in a major election.What are her attributes?A skirt and a husband who was President?I'm a long time Democrat but I want a candidate that is electable on the national level and not some idealist dream put on the wrong woman.What the hell,I'd rather have Allison Stewart as a woman candidate any day than Hillary,or Angeline Jolie.Just what the hell is the old broads platform anyway but saying a lot of nothing to what you you want to hear and leaving you thinking what was that?Give me Bullworth,or Dodd,or Edwards,or Stewart,and Jolie,but no thank you please no Hillary's.She will loose the big one and there is a lot of Republican money heading in Clinton's campaign knowing that more than likely?BTW just where the hell were these folks the other day when Senator Dodd was doing his job?

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 2:23 PM)

1) Where the Monies go, whichever Black-Hole Congress pours it into. Hell, they spend the Gas Tax on everything but maintaining Highways as it's supposed to be spent on.

2) Bush, and everyone else wants to Normalize the Current crowd of Illegal Aliens, and do Nothing about Securing the Border to get the Next Crowd of Cheep Laborers. But the Public won't put up with it this time. Wouldn't surprise me they're thinking (Both Parties, and Corporations) that if they can delay it long enough, People will forget about it.

3) From what I've heard on the Street, you can Buy Stolen Identities for $2K Each.

4) From Phishing, Lax handling of of Records, Mail Theft, Former Boy/Girlfriends, Drug-Addict Relatives, and wherever else one can find Personal Information.

If I could sell your Identity for $2K, would it matter how I got it?

BTW: I'm a Big Believer in I.D. Protection Services and encourage everyone to get some.

David Molinero (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 3:51 PM)

Thank you for your attempt David; however, you failed to answer any of my questions.  Please refer to my questions in my post above, "Wednesday, December 19, 2007 2:23 PM." These are the questions I would love to here your answers on; if you do not want to answer, please say so.

I don't want to sound disrespectful; however, your answers above sound like a politician avoiding and dodging the "original" question(s)!!

Looking forward to your answers; also, looking forward to you stating you do not wish to answer the questions -- either one!!

PEACE!!

BA (3:45 PM Post):

Very true BA. Bill is not sitting next to Hillary when she is asked questions and refuses to answer them straight up. She is on her own in that regard and has been doing a very poor job of it. She is not to be trusted. If the Dems blow this election it would not surprise me. They have every chance in the world to walk away with a victory (due to the darkness that Bush has brought over this land) but when those Republicans come out to play in the general election campaign the Dems had better get their shit together and be ready to play. These attacks and battles the Dems are experiencing now betwen themselves in the primary campaigns better end soon. They have a habit of destroying each other much quicker and with much more bitterness then the Republican candidates do in their primary campaigns.  

David Molinero:

You are an interesting study my man. You have some pretty right leaning thinking but appear to have become an accepted member of this blog. Kudos to you for being able to temper some of your opposing views with an ability to debate the issues with some decency and openmindedness. I don't know if you are a registered Republican, but if you are, they need more people like you.    

You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation ...

This didn't come through on Mondays thread, so maybe I'll try here. Not that I have alot to see, but here goes..

Thanks Alison for once again doing a great job filling in for Keith.

#5..Oh heck, Bill gets attention anywhere he goes. Hillary should know this..and that look, not unusual for me anyway. I have that same look, as I've been told, everytime my hubby leaves our office after a conversation and before I get a chance to repond..he disappears! I'm often left starting to talk to myself..he does this at parties too.

Magic Johnson is a great asset to Sen. Clinton by endorsing her. A lot of people love and respect Magic..count me as one. What he stands for is courage, dignity and hard work. He is an inspiration to many. Hillary couldn't do better.

Davis Shuster looked very nice in that scarf and winter coat.

If Bush #41 doesn't want to go globetrotting with Bill because of what will be said about what his son had done and the lousy job he is doing as President, then daddy can stay home. Bill can take any number of qualified people to take the message that we're back in business, we want you to like us again. Bill has enough diplomacy for both of them.

Bushed: Any-gate..I'm sure all of California will be thrilled, as I was (insert gagging sound here) that Karl Rove will be in Los Angeles in February to kick off the 2008 Lecture Series. Tickets are now available for this most exciting event! I hope it's a very rainy, downright pouring rain so that Los Angeles can get swept clean after his visit. I'm betting he won't get a whole lot of people attending.

Oddball: Oh dear! another deer incident..ouch!

#3..thanks again to Sen. Chris Dodd for stepping up and giving 'em hell.  Great interview. Rest up Senator, you and all the other senators willing to fight when you all return to DC in January and, hopefully kick butt. I'm glad to hear Sen. Barbara Boxer will be among them. I expect Sen. Boxer to give it her all..right Pam! Senator Dodd, a "kick a** Senator".I like that.

Huffington Post Wedneday - The FCC Voted: Time to Raise Hell

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/josh-silver/the-fcc-voted-time-to-ra_b_77334.html

"Wisdom don't consist in knowing more that is new, but in knowing less that is false" - Josh Billings

Thank you all for your downright depressing comments re: Hillary Clinton. I must have missed something - I didn't realize she was so hated. Isn't she leading in the polls nationally? Don't the folks in New York believe she's been a good Senator?

Evidently not.

Allspice (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 3:15 PM)

Beware the Ides of March, Allspice.  That’s the day we invade Iran.  At least I think I read that around here somewhere not too long ago.

Speaking of media irresponsibility, much of the blame also lies with Rupert Murdoch and President Stupid’s appointed FCC!!

“For those of us who don't want a few big companies deciding what we see, hear, and read in the news, it's a bad day.

The Bush-appointed FCC voted yesterday to loosen media ownership rules so media titans like Rupert Murdoch can swallow up more local news outlets. They did this despite a huge public outcry—when the FCC asked for public comments, 99% opposed media consolidation!

The last thing our democracy needs is fewer independent media voices and more news outlets like FOX. Congress has the power to reverse this rule change, and a bipartisan group of 26 Senators already announced they'll try. We need the rest of the Senate to know we're paying attention and we want action.”

For those who care about this issue, below is the link to sign the petition asking Congress to reverse the FCC's media consolidation decision!!

http://civic.moveon.org/mediaconsolidation/o.pl?id=11825-8604685-zankA7&t=3

PEACE!!

“Emma Woodhouse (yes, ek, THAT Emma Woodhouse) (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 10:39 AM)”
My warm regards to you and Mr. Knightley.
“Texashogfan (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 12:40 AM)”
You a Ponder descendant and Oscar Wilde is Chinese? Genealogy is most mysterious!
“Anna Molly (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 11:46 PM)”
Forgive me, but I will need more time to think about all this before I respond. Miss Bates was in charge of the tedious portion of the meeting today; on top of the caffeine fix I took to combat the holiday cookie sugar crash, my brain is just not up to the challenge right now!
“Chinese Fortune Cookie (Jane Austen Edition) (I’m at my leisure, you can find me in my library) (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 3:07 PM)”
Our resident Flora Poste has sent an email around the office informing us that we have become vastly untidy; Lady Catherine recommends shelves in the closet to contain the overflow. For my part, I will have to wait to see the results—I’ll be leaving early to spend the holdidays with my Aunt Gardiner in town.

Allspice (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 3:15 PM)

Beware the Ides of March, Allspice.  That’s the day we invade Iran.  At least I think I read that around here somewhere not too long ago.

Chinese Fortune Cookie (Shakespeare Edition) (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 4:30 PM)

Treat the Ides of March the same way I treat Friday the 13th, Cookie--I stay in bed with the covers over my head.

P.S. In addition to signing the FCC petition, you can also call your Senators and ask them to reverse the FCC's media consolidation rule.

The Senate switchboard is 202-224-3121. I've already done both!!

PEACE!!

No sooner said than done, Pam!  Why Murdoch is allowed to attempt to monopolize the media, in defiance of all anti-monopoly laws on the books, I don't get.  In fact, I don't get why Murdoch is allowed a foothold in the US anyway, considering how he ruinously rules British media--He's a jerk.  Deport HIM, why don't they?

Pat (4:29 PM Post):

Ooppsss, let's be careful. I was one of those criticizing Hillary but no one said anything about hating her. I criticize GWB as well and hate some of the things he has done as President (and for good reason in my mind) but I don't hate him. Let those who may support Hillary or who may still be open to her candidacy not fall for the same excuse that the right uses when we criticize Bush by claiming that we do so only because we hate him. There is a difference in stating that one does not trust a certain candidate and wish they would anwser questions straight up and hating them. In fact, if one were to look closley at either Hillary or Bush one might even have a bit of sympathy for them. Although most likely for different reasons neither possess the social skills or emotional capacity to establish deep lasting interpersonal relationships. And that can be a very lonely world filled with excruciating emotional pain that often leads to self-destruction.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 4:19 PM)

Independent.

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 4:13 PM)
Thought I did answered your Questions. Except maybe who's to Blame. If so, Ultimately, I would Blame the Scum who Steals Identity. But there are many who are careless with Personal Information. i.e. Some have their SSN and DL# on their Checks. But Personal Information is out there in so many forms (Medical Bank, Employment, Phone, Court Documents, and on and on.) that even the most careful of people with their I.D. become Victims.

I'm trying to Answer your Question, and I hope that I have. If not, could you clarify?

Just in case you guys ever run out of scandals for your "Bushed" segment, I just came across a superb canonical list of Bush Administration scandals at "Hugh Makes a List":

http://www.netrootsmass.net/Hugh/Bush_list.html

As of right now, he's up to 291 distinct scandals!!

Should keep you going for years.

Carol 2:33..thanks for that Carol..I'm LMAO..I sincerely hope Keith sees this.

Okay, I’m going to say it!! I am sick and tired of the anti-Hillary rants; many are outright absurd and unfair in my opinion!! It's gotten me to the point that if Biden drops out, I just may vote for her in the primary.

The attack is now shifting to Obama, which is "odd" for the GOP. McCain slammed him today based on lack of experience; it wasn't pretty; however, it was telling!! Telling of a GOP in a state of disarray; the GOP playbook usually sticks with assaulting the person they want to get the nomination!!  The GOP wants Hillary Clinton to get the nomination; however, they are underestimating her too in m opinion!!
But attacking Obama really blows me away!! It’s a substantial deviation from their “Evil Playbook” and I believe it could backfire on them, badly!! They just might find themselves running against him, which is not what they want!!  They would much rather run against and continue to attack, insult and smear Hillary Clinton!!

While I do like Senator Obama, I am one who really does not think he has the experience right now; if this comment generates hate posts directed at me, so be it; I’m being honest!!. I believe he should have waited until either 2012, depending on the results of 2008, or 2016. His greatest moment was his keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. I sat in awe of him and have listened to that speech over and over again; it was outstanding and one of the best I have ever heard – from anyone!! I also am somewhat frightened that some, not all, of his followers are behaving in “cult-like” fashion!!

His 2004 speech is what gained him notoriety; therefore, his 'leap frog" over the Biden's, Dodd's, Richardson's and some others with more experience and qualifications have been cast aside!! I steadfastly maintain that experience is "relevant" --especially in this election. George W. Bush has caused too much damage; we need solid experience and I believe Biden, Dodd and Richardson have it. Senator Clinton also has experience; although not as much as Dodd, Biden or Richardson; however, in my opinion, her role as First Lady did give her great insight; in addition, her years in the Senate have been impressive!!

I am becoming increasingly more angry over the juvenile, hate-filled and unwarranted attacks on Senator Clinton; and not from the GOP, I expect that behavior; but from the media and many democrats who I respect, both here and elsewhere!!

PEACE!!

ek, Jurisfiction offices at Norland Park, Sense & Sensibility, sometime after chapter 5 (Sent Wednesday, December 19, 2007 4:40 PM)

Don’t forget the sage for the red ants, ek,  Lady Catherine is allergic to red ants, which must explain why she can’t play the piano, even though she is the daughter of an earl, and she would have been a great proficient had she had ever learnt.

I regret to say that Knightley and I were divorced after that rascal Frank Churchill finally left that frigid Fairfax woman and carried me off to live with the gypsies.  Miss Bates took over housekeeping duties for my father, who immediately recovered from all former maladies and moved into Town, where he took up with a woman named Mary Crawford, lately of Mansfield Park.  She seems like a golddigger to me, but her brother is charming.  

While you’re in Town visiting Aunt Gardiner, if Darcy happens to drops by to talk about fishing with your uncle, see if you can rangle an invitation for all of us to Grosvenor street.  I’ve always wanted to meet Georgiana.  

While you’re at Norland, say hello to Elinor and Marianne for me, tell their brother to stop being such a spineless jellyfish and stand up to his wife, and tell their mother not to worry.  I’m sure they’ll find a couple of nice boys one of these days, although Marianne may discover that you have to kiss a frog or two before you meet your prince.  

I’ve got Cold Comfort Farm on my Christmas list, ek.  It’s vastly untidy at my house, and I need some housekeeping tips.  Thanks for the recommendation.

Have a great holiday, and as always for the trip down literary lane.

This article illustrates yet another reason why I'm uncomfortable with the Republican Party, aside from the fact that I'm not a billionaire.  It's the hypocrisy.  

Hard-liners for Jesus

By Harold Meyerson
Wednesday, December 19, 2007; Page A19

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/18/AR2007121801634.html

Lets not let King George and The Sheriff of Nottingham Cheney rip it up with all the other documents they have already destroyed.
gator,stuart,fl (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:14 AM)

cheney/bush gave the remaining annoying documents to larry craig and put him in the closet and POOOF --no more documents.

Vladimir Putin was just named Time's Person of The Year..just have been that photo taken of him bare chested during his vacation.

Carol: the comment you made to David wasn't lost on me. I had to laugh to keep from being scared down to my soul at the very thought of it's implication. Maybe for now it's better to find humor in it. Time will tell if we really will have to be frightened more then we are about other things.

#1. Nothing beats the gas bags running this country. #2. Haven't Britters Judges read the "Trash Goddess Bill of Rights"? #3. Hey, if theiy're elected President, that senator stuff is small potatoes. #4. Tent Revivals and Pig-Eye Gravy? #5. "Blue Light Special in Aisle Fourteen. Blue Light Special in Aisle Fourteen."

Pat Boston- As someone who has said Hillary is not my favorite candidate and bashed her on occasion I will also say that if she wins the nomination I will support her 100%.  I think a lot of people just have Clinton fatigue.  We are just tired of hearing the right yell about and blame everything on Bill and tired of the media deciding who our candidate will be a year before the primaries.  So Hillary takes the heat because she is the one running and she's leading in the polls.    

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