Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

George, Boston MA — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:47:25 GMT

where is story that aired Mon night about the students who gave President Bush the anti torture petition? I can't find it.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:52:18 GMT

#1. Well, they can't kill Harry, that would be a built in bummer to future readers and renters. That leaves the rest, which roughly rhymes with gorefest. #2. It wasn't the pants that Paris was wearing when she got pulled over, was it? That should be worth at least $50 million by now, don'cha think? #3. Nothing funny here. Just the eternal question. Why do people do such things? #4. Well, they're both the full Green Party poster kids, aren't they? #5. Don't tell me...he was picked by God, and Dubya was picked by Mrs. God. The real Power Behind Heaven.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Jamie, Chula Vista, CA — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 01:03:48 GMT

'He's the enforcer.' Okey-dokey. If you don't know how the branches of government work Ms. Perino, perhaps you have NO business being the interim White House Spokesperson.

I know, they thought if that got an attractive woman up there to take Mr. Snow's place while he is ailing, that people would just forget everything. The only problem though, is that she pretty much SUCKS at her job, and America just isn't buying it.

Sorry Ms. Perino, you don't have near enough of the BS look or words to make it work, nor the savvy way of dissing people and not answering the question.

NEXT!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Bonnie — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 01:05:36 GMT

I haven't read one word of the Harry Potter books, but after Countdown's essay tonight, I could almost be persuaded that I have read all of them. More to the point, I think it's time to read them. (In fact, J.K. Rowling ought to pay Countdown for that promotion.) What a wonderful, lucid, entertaining piece of work. Almost poetic. A little magic of Countdown's own? Bravo.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

B. A. Buddusky — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 01:20:38 GMT

Why is that the guy that always looks down when he is talking like I am one lying S.O.B. of the G.O.P. and proud of it.
Ah what the hell we deserve it our Congress stands around and does nothing.
If he is President of the Senate can they call for a quorum call every session and request his presence of every session of the Senate to preside as the President of the Senate.Let the Dick earn his salary?I mean that is his job and what he is being paid for?
So Penguin get get your frumpy oil dripping ass over there and preside over the Senate.
Then you got the biggest scam in history pulled by yourself.The master Dick of searching for himself.Master of Dick.The Bater of Bush.The Bater of the U.S. and gutless Congress.The Masterdebater!Who is this leader look up in the sky ! It's bird it's a plane nope it's Dubya's ,"Dick" the leader of the free world the Jerry Springer of the White House.Duck and cover before he poops or shoots.

Soon to be on dancing with the stars with Condoleezza Rice doing the Gonzo Tango and I Don't Got's to Show No Stinkin Papers or Badges.Roll Over Beethoven Tell Tchaikovsky the News.There's a new show in town and it ain't the dee dog Dubya Barney Blues.

It's a coup and I am in charge.Al Haig you weren't squat.All Hail The Dicker!You are some kind slicker you Exxon Mobile Dicker.

Just remember shhh "there is a Deep Throat out There some where." A guy like you screwed somebody over that will talk.Everybody has a price.Maybe old Scooter as we post on this blog is singing away.Who knows maybe he has seen the light.Those little twits they have called to testify a waste of time.But it's coming little turd just as sure they are going to get big turd blossum Rove.

So enjoy it while you can before the Judicial Branch catches up with you.And screw Gonzo the Committee can handle your sorry ass.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Peter Bidalek — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 01:20:53 GMT

Dear Keith,
Do more and more of this about this lying, cheating and unethical Vice President; while you're at it get rid of the President too.
Only until the US rids itself of this corrupt administration can the country regain its standard of excellence in the World, that includes Canada.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Tru M., Cleveland, Ohio — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 01:35:08 GMT

Oh, Keith. I could just squeeze ya. Behind that suave, sophisticated facade we see on the news five nights a week beats the bespectacled heart of a closet Harry Potter nerd. I knew it. I think your idea for the ending of his story was right on the money. I just feel sorry for poor Jo Rowling now--how's she going to maintain the suspense now that you've figured it out? My only question: is it really going to be Snape, you figure, who gives Harry this all-important information? That would make him essentially good, wouldn't it? Is that the side you come down on? Then there are a few other things you need to explain too. And I'm probably going to have to go back and read Order of the Phoenix to remember them all...I would like to share my personal theory, however: I believe Voldemort will ultimately meet his end while doing the nasty in an airplane washroom with Bellatrix Lestrange. No idea where I got that idea from, but there it is.

Aside from that, thanks for, you know, the real news. About Dick "Voldemort" Cheney, whom many of us have suspected has been president all along. Now the big question is, how do we get rid of all HIS Horcruxes? You can lead a Hor to Cruxes, but you can't make it shrink. Where IS a teacher of Defense Against the Dark Arts when you really need one?

In other news, thanks for staying on the Rudy Giuliani anti-hero beat, not overdoing the Jessie Davis story like everyone else on TV, letting us know that our long national dry-cleaning nightmare is over, and last but not least, keeping the Paris Hilton news to a blessed minimum. Tomorrow will be soon enough to get blasted around the clock with the story of her release. I hope, Keith, that once again your grandmother is on fire and you won't be able to wait with bated breath while MSNBC's reporter at the jailhouse stands there waiting...and waiting...and waiting for her to come out. Because whoever is, I won't be watching!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 01:50:51 GMT

Lucky lucky me! Part of my education tonight included 2 of my favorites - Richard Wolffe and John Dean. I hope Mr. Dean is not being overly optimistic about the impact of the POST articles on Congressional will to finally act on all the &^%#@?! that's been going on. For all it's worth, I'm going to try to do my part and write to as many Senators and members of the House as time, stationery, postage, and funds will allow. My emails about overriding the veto allowing increased federal funding for stem cell research yielded mainly just automated replies with very little (if any) personal references. Maybe an actual letter, something they can hold in their grimy paws (OK...that wasn't very nice or constructive - sorry), will help and maybe, forgive me for not giving credit to the person who posted this suggestion in an earlier blog, a deluge of letters may be what it takes - or at least a beginning.

And, I can just hear the cries of being unpatriotic and coddling terrorists if someone dares criticize Mayor Rudy for his handeling of 9/11 and the recovery efforts. After learning that 41% of Americans still think Iraq had something to do with the attacks, the cries will probably work. Who knows...maybe I'll be wrong. I think more firefighters will have to make their concerns a little more vocal beyond the NYC area if they're to make much of an impact. Speaking from "America's heartland," unless you watch COUNTDOWN, most people still believe all is peachy-keen with Mayor Rudy and 9/11.

And, to end tonight on a lighter note, it pains me to infinity to the Nth degree to disagree with Keith on ANYTHING, but I nearly croaked when he admitted to reading all the HARRY POTTER books. I may have mentioned my feelings a few weeks back when the final POTTER book was mentioned as a possible topic, but when my nephews were young enough to want HARRY POTTER to be read to them, it took everything in me just to get through it. And, I tried to sit through the first movie with my husband and couldn't do it. I have other friends who are counting down both the movie and the final book, and I'm just sitting there thinking, "WTF?!" Oh well...not everyone can like the same thing, and this would be a pretty d**n boring country if that was the case. This is, the last I checked even though people are trying to change this fact, A FREE COUNTRY. When all the POTTER poo hits the fan, I'll patiently sit through the wailing and gnashing of teeth and go on. Besides, as I'm typing my thoughts here, I'm watching FAMILY GUY, which I KNOW Keith and I agree on!!;)

Everyone gets a good night's rest in preparation for the next POST VP article, and I'll be back tomorrow. SWEET DREAMS (or at least try)!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Kat Olivares, New York, New York. — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:11:59 GMT

In a totally fannish-inspired comment, damn it if your logic doesn't make sense Mr Olbermann. Damn it to hell. Because in all of my explanations and guesses of the end I never once considered the financial repercussions of the end of book 7 and of course that's a huge factor.
And that totally changes the conception of Snape as a big bad guy, and of course he can't end the saga being evil because that would be against the whole moral message of the books.
I'm sligthly peeved that you may have gotten it like that. I bow to your greatness Keith.
Also, how many jobs do you have and you still have that much free time on your hands, to come up with something like this?

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:31:17 GMT

Isn't "Dick World" the name of Heidi Fleiss's...uh...Rental Agency?

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Ian Patton, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:36:11 GMT

I wasn't worried about how you thought Harry Potter might end Keith because I figured it out 3 years ago, and you're correct :-)

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Gerald Von Riesen Parker CO — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:42:42 GMT

If it is truly The Cheney Presidency then why haven't we invaded Iran sense that was and still is his main pot of black gold?

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Gerald Von Riesen Parker CO — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:56:12 GMT

Attorney general wins "sitting duck award" <p>
American newspaper columnists' annual "Sitting Duck Award" for being an easy target. Mike Argento, president of the society, explained Gonzales' selection, "We gave it to him but we can't remember why."

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Gerald Von Riesen Parker CO — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 03:00:50 GMT

Will the News Hole follow suit in the latest Administrative propaganda? Gone are the insurgents only to be replaced by “al-Qaida” Fighters!!!!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

R. Northern California — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 04:34:36 GMT

The Cheney Presidency? If he and Bush were the only two choices, I'd rather have Bush.

If this abuse of power by a member of the executive branch isn't enough reason to impeach them both, NOW, then that just confirms that there never was any possibility that the Demo-Rats would obey their mandate and impeach these two clowns.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

whizbang121 — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 04:38:03 GMT

Nice ending to Harry Potter, but I prefer the Catch-22 ending.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

nanalinda — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 04:53:39 GMT

Is anybody there???

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Jamie, Chula Vista, CA — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 05:01:49 GMT

"With our limited resources, the societal impact is going to be very bad," predicted Haider Abdul Muhsin, one of the country's few child psychiatrists. "This generation will become a very violent generation, much worse than during Saddam Hussein's regime."

Ahhh, the legacy that will be left in Iraq thanks to George W. Bush and his ignorant arrogance.

Of course, it should be no surprise. Our own military aren't getting the help they need, why should we expect the Iraqi children to get the help they need. What a shame.

PEACE!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Carol, Long Valley NJ — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 05:05:47 GMT

Dear Keith,

I too have read all six Harry Potter books, and I too, am looking forward to the seventh. I wouldn't want to bet against your flawless logic on how it all ends, it was pretty impressive.

I needed the levity to offset the all the other news that makes every one angry over the executive abuses.

I also believe that another Special Comment is due soon.

Thank you.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Joe Palen, Eugene, OR — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 05:09:24 GMT

OK Spoiler, a great theory and hopefully J. K. Rowlings will do as well. Now, how does the Iraq War end? Or does it?

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Todd, New Orleans, LA — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 10:50:08 GMT

RE: Cheny's Coverage on Hardball. I saw Chris Matthews DEFENDING Cheney, saying, "He's got a point, his power is derivative from the President. He has no Constitutional authority" blah blah blah. Well gee Chris, thanks for showing that you too have drank the Kool-Aid and how poorly you understand Constitutional Law. Ever hear the word "semantic"? How about "specious"? Does "intent" ring a bell? Oh, how the framers of the Constitution would laugh in your face, Chris, and kill Dick with their bare hands for violating the Constitution in this way. It would be ugly. The Vice President is a member of the Executive Branch, period, end of story. There is NO DEBATE except amongst the Bush Co. fascists that is even REMOTELY legal either in letter or spirit of the law. Got it?

Hardball? More like Hardlyball, you hack. I am NEVER watching Hardball again. I used to just think you were annoying Chris, with your ubiquitous and sheep-like bleating "HA", because now I see you are a truly a fascist supporting blow hard with the moral fiber and intestinal fortitude of a Tower of Jell-o. Journalistic integrity? Whatever, windbag. Come back when you understand THE LAW, not what some GOP propaganda pinhead feeds you. In one show, you effectively wiped out ANY credibility you had left. KO should be ashamed to share a network with a Neocon GOP whore like you. I now have a higher opinion of Tucker Carlson and if you knew what I think of him, you'd know what an insult that is, Chris.

RE: Whitman. The Republicans are eating their own. They are fascists now, not really Republicans, and not bothering to hide it anymore. Does this surprise anyone? The more I hear about Rudy, the more he needs to stay home.

RE: $54 Million Dollar Pants. Judge Pearson losing this case needs to be filed under "D" for "Duh". Now he needs to be censured by the bar for acting like a jackass and abusing the process. Respect is earned, Your Honor, and you have earned the finger. $54 million for pants . . . get real, jerkwad. What did you think would happen? You'd win? Did you think you could collect such a judgment against a DRY CLEANER even if you had won?

No, your goal was to drive these people out of business, these legal immigrants working hard to legally live the American Dream, to drive them out of business with litigation costs because you are a
spoiled
arrogant
jackass.
It's that simple. You are She Who Must Not Be Named with a gavel and without the hotel money. What a lovely combination; judicial authority and a personality disorder. It's ALL about YOU, isn't it? I bet you'd try to sue your mom over losing your favorite blankie too, ya big whining baby. What? You couldn't afford another pair of pants with the OVERLY GENEROUS $12,000 settlement offer? You could have bought solid gold pants for $12,000, you malicious petulant child.

What you have done does not technically merit disbarment, but you should CERTAINLY be censured for acting this way. BTW, the COMPETENT judges are all rolling their eyes and LAUGHING at you. So are most of the lawyers. And every real man on the planet, you big sissy. Grow a pair and buy some new pants. Get on with your life (such as it is).

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Todd, New Orleans, LA — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 10:59:51 GMT

And the top headline this morning at CNN, MSNBC and every other big corporate media outlet? She Who Must Not Be Named Walks Free.

WHO GIVES A DAMN? THAT CLUB SKANK IS OF NO CONSEQUENCE TO ANYONE BUT HER PARENTS. LEARN TO PRIORITIZE. THE VIOLATION OF THE CONSTITUTION IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN A TRASHY PARTY GIRL. Idiots. 4th Estate, my ass. Panderers.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Independent, Texas — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:46:52 GMT

Attention: Signs of progress. Sen. Lugar (R) Ind says exactly what I've been wanting to hear re Iraq. Also, it is important that this is coming from such a highly respected republican. This is good news. I don't think it would have been as important coming from a democrat.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/06/25/iraq.lugar/index.html

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Independent, Texas — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:48:16 GMT

Further evidence that, bombast to the contrary, this administration has not been fighting a Global War on Terrorism.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/06/25/terror.report/index.html

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

LA, Seattle — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:06:42 GMT

I've already said my piece over the last couple days regarding Cheney and I'm tired. Everyone will be up in arms about what he has done for the next few weeks; maybe month, and as with the Gonzalez attorney firings scandal, there will be no consequences for any of the guilty parties.

Regarding the top newsmakers- the 50 high school students giving Bush the letter to stop torture. While I was watching Keith tell about the story I shouted "Bravo!!!". They are also my heroes. Looks like they also have been reading about Cheney in the Washington Post. Bush's "We don't torture" comment... yeah right. And a bear doesn't... well, you know.

Regarding the Harry Potter finale - sorry Keith. Never been much of a Harry Potter fan. I tried reading the first book to my youngest when he was about 6 or 7 and he wasn't the least bit interested so that was that. (He preferred the Capt. Underpants series). I am very glad, though, that these stories got so many children to become interested in reading when they might not have. I have always been thoroughly disgusted with parents who will not allow their children to read them because it involves Wizardry which is associated in some way with the Devil, I guess. Give me a break.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Independent, Texas — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:22:50 GMT

Gitmo a model prison: Ok guys. No inflated rhetoric from either side, please. This NYT op ed written was Morris D. Davis, a colonel in the Air Force, who is the chief prosecutor in the Defense Department’s Office of Military Commissions.

So. Have the major problems at Gitmo been resolved? This is a direct contradiction of the recent testimony of one of the prosecutors. What do you think?

Here is how Col. Davis ends the article:

"Guantánamo Bay is a clean, safe and humane place for enemy combatants, and the Military Commissions Act provides a fair process to adjudicate the guilt or innocence of those alleged to have committed crimes. Even the most vocal critics say they do not want to set terrorists free, but they scorn Guantánamo Bay and military commissions and demand alternatives. The facts show the current alternative is worth keeping."

source: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/26/opinion/26davis.html?th&emc=th

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Independent, Texas — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:33:05 GMT

Again - If only Cheney had worked for good instead of evil just think how effective and wonderful our government would have been over the last 6+ years.

I believe this to be the only instance I've ever seen of Gonzales standing up for something. Of course, it was standing up in the pursuit of a Democrat, but still.....

Also, this may explain why the Republicans have been so leery of moving toward Gonzales' no confidence votes.

"When the FBI seized files from the office of Rep. William J. Jefferson (D-La.) as part of a bribery investigation, House Republican leaders erupted. With a number of their own members under investigation for other matters, they charged that the search violated the Constitution. They demanded the return of the files.

Cheney quickly gravitated toward the House's position, aides said, but Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales; his top deputy, Paul J. McNulty; and FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III threatened to resign if forced to hand over evidence they believed had been properly collected under a warrant."

Continuing piece of this truly wonderful
Angler" series. (Why oh why did they wait until now to publish it?)

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/cheney/chapters/a_strong_push_from_back_stage/index.html

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Ian Patton, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:44:09 GMT

Two comments.

1. Keith, you're right about Harry. I figured a while back that at the end Harry would be given a choice to kill or not kill Voldemort ... problem is, if he kills V, he looses all his magic. I congratulate you in weaving Snape and the Horcrux's into the climax.

2. Nominee for WPITW. The AEUB in Alberta Canada. Have a look at this video and you'll get the idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PPTrEQcpzs

... as it turns out the "big scary threat" (as I found out yesterday) was an 80 year old woman with cancer who was so upset by the dismissive attitude of the AEUB board members, that she slapped one of their neo-con lawyers.

Beam me up Scotty ... please!!!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:54:46 GMT

What the deuce?! I can't BELIEVE there's no comments on last night's show at 5 'til 9 am the next morning. I know I posted something last night. Hope everything's OK!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Jan from CA — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:56:13 GMT

Great insight and analysis, Keith, of the Potter saga and potential finale. Logical and astute.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Independent, Texas — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 13:15:05 GMT

The one "positive" thing I've ever been able to find about the current administration is the "No Child Left Behind" initiative. "Positive" in the sense that independent studies assert that student skills have improved since this initiative was deployed.

Today's WP says that this initiative is under attack by the very aides that helped draft it. My immediate reaction to the title was "aha!". However, further reading seems to imply that the attack is primarily, but not exclusively, based on lack of force behind school vouchers. I disapprove completely with the voucher program. I disagree that any school should be considered "private" if receiving federal funding under any guise. I also think that moving funds away from public schools, no matter how terrible they may be in a specific area, defeats the public school system.

That being said, this article is another indication of "lead in" and titleing grabbers used by the press today. People who don't read the article will assume that the attack is on the program rather than the enforcement of it.

We can't win for losing. I'm angry that the press has not reported what we need to know and I'm angry that when they do report they use such tactics.

Anger, anger, anger, about so many things.

CA - in another thread you listed 4 "things/people" that were to blame for our country being in the shape it is in. I think you should add an item and put it at the top of the list: 1) The abdication of the "free" press of its role in investigation and reporting of information to inform the citizenry.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Independent, Texas — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 13:16:07 GMT

Sorry - the "no child left behind" article can be found here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/25/AR2007062501897.html?referrer=email

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

D. Vandermus, Houston, Texas — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 13:38:04 GMT

With how much this administration has been allowed to get away with and how much it continues to get away with, that is all the proof anyone needs to show that we've become a nation of complacent, decadent, and ignorant sheep. We are the Roman Empire, we are already on the decline, and it is only a matter of time before we fall completely. We allow our elected officials to unethically and illegally use their positions to cater to their own greed for money and power, because we are consumed with the frivolous.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:43:09 GMT

Independant: Sorry to bust your balloon about No Child Left Behind, but the truth does break it wide open. The only reason that the test scores show improvement is that the teachers are now "teaching to the test". That is, instead of the curriculum of the school, the students are only taught material that will be on the test. That's why teachers are so angry.

Students are no longer educated, they're being taught the answers to a test so they pass. With school funding dependent upon the school passing, emphasis on the results of the test are changing what is taught in schools.

As a result, look for these students to be different from us. They won't be independent thinkers who search for the truth. They WILL be great future Kool Aid Drinkers who will accept any answer which is poured down their throats because that's how they have been educated in school.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

politically WAY incorrect — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:46:05 GMT

"Mommy was crying" Mommy broke the table" Mommy was in the rug" "mommy wants to know when Al Sharpton is going to say "why they treatin' daddy this way?".

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:47:57 GMT

Fred Thompson's lobbying career is finally being exposed:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/06/25/fred-thompson-the-philip_n_53736.html

Enjoy the shocking revelations

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:47:58 GMT

Wow - I see ONE republican has finally put his head where it should have been for a long time, and a forceful republican to boot!! It should be interesting how the GOP & BushCo handle this devastating blow to their ongoing "Iraqi Enduring Incompetence Plan"!! Hmmm, redeploying troops, I believe I've heard that plan before, and is has been coming from the democrats. Senator Lugar, while I am pleased to see you finally have your Kool-Aide problem in check, you are preaching to the choir - "WE THE PEOPLE"!! Now can we discuss IMPEACMENT??!!

“WASHINGTON - Sen. Richard Lugar, a senior Republican and a reliable vote for President Bush on the war, said Monday that Bush's Iraq strategy was not working and that the United States should downsize the military's role.

The unusually blunt assessment deals a political blow to Bush, who has relied heavily on GOP support to stave off anti-war legislation.”

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Lisa - Fort Worth TX — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:50:22 GMT

Independent, thanks for the links. If our "war on terror" is as successful as our war on drugs, we are in for some BIG trouble!

D Vandermus, you are correct in your assessment of our complacency. Most Americans will not pay attention to the corrupt state of our government unless it directly affects them. As Independent said, the press should be exposing the acts that help to destroy the ideals upon which our nation was founded.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:54:38 GMT

[insert big sigh of relief here] Yea! Great to see everyone still here! I was starting to think I was losing it when I didn't see any posts here for awhile.

You know, it's not very often that I get the opportunity to cheer one of my representatives, but I will absolutely and enthusiasticlly echo Independent TX's kudos to Senator Richard Lugar, former mayor of Indianapolis AND sponsor/contributor to one of the scholarships for incoming freshmen at the institution where I work. WHAT A GUY! It was especially gratifying to hear about his comments on the same day when another big news story here in Indianapolis today is the fact that Elvis performed his final concert before his death 30 years ago today in what used to be Market Square Arena and is now a parking lot. Oh well...at least the news balances out a little. ;)

I'm sure there will be a link soon to part 3 of the POST article that I've already read, have taken many notes, have stiffled the urge to revisit my breakfast, and will throw in my 2 cents' worth later.

HOORAY FOR SENATOR LUGAR! HOORAY FOR SENATOR LUGAR!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Jamie, Chula Vista, CA — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:54:49 GMT

Independent: I posted a link to an article from another general that is pretty much the opposite of what 'your' general says regarding Gitmo. Go figure.

No Child Left Behind: Interesting read. As a Mom of three elementary school students, I spend a lot of time at their school and I have a pretty good relationship with their teachers. I know that they, the teachers, get incredibly frunstrated with this law, and they feel like 'teaching' has been taken away from them in favor of competition.

My sister taught at a school in Compton for 7 years. Talk about children being left behind. That school was punished and the teachers punished because they didn't perform as well-the end result was the children being punished. Unfortunately what this law doesn't recognize, is that parent participation and/or what the hell is happening at home, has a HUGE impact how well children do in school.

It has gotten to the point that teachers are basically cheating-telling the kids how to cheat-so the kids past all the requirements. My sister even told her principal that she will teach the kids what they need to learn to succeed in life, not what they need to to past an arbitrary test that let's the school stay off of a 'list.'

I live in a middle class neighborhood where we have most kids with two parents living at home and at least one parent is actively involved with their kids. Our school is one of the top schools in SD county. We are even a school that is 75% Latino/Latina, we an awesome ESL program.

In Compton at the school my sister worked, for many reasons, mostly financial, the kids fall far behind. When you have a child that comes to school and says that their uncle was shot over the weekend and makes it seem like just another trip to the store, you know it's bad.

I don't know how they could 'tweak' the system to make it work, but from my humble perspective and observation, it doesn't work so well.

PEACE!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Pat, Boston, MA — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:08:51 GMT

Todd, I concur with you regarding your statements on Chris Matthews. He is the ultimate inside the beltway political hack. I don't see him having much in the way of journalistic integrity. His excuses for these republican rats in DC turn my stomach inside out. I love when he's on vacation. Hear what he said last night to one reporter? - "you know as much as me"!!! What an arrogant jerk. I just hope as more and more of us tune Hardball out, it doesn't end up hurting Keith's ratings. That's all I care about. Ann Coulter on tonite. Can you imagine? I always thought if we wanted her opinion, we'd have to go to FOX Propaganda. Not anymore!! Scary isn't it. If MSNBC doesn't want to thought of as a "far left" news station, there are plenty of other conservatives they can put on besides her. She's pure evil.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Linda, Pittsburgh — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:14:17 GMT

My issue with No Child Left Behind and nearly every other educational remedy is that they "misunderstand" education as the transmission of facts rather than as an experience that engages students with the literacies needed to test "facts" inside intellectual frameworks (i.e., science, American History, fantasy novels, baseball) in order to discover something useful or new.

This problem can be most clearly seen in the standardized tests that states use (developed at the cost of millions of dollars) that reduce learned to identifying the "correct" multiple-choice answer. Other modes of assessment (portfolios, exams that call for extensive writing and problem solving) are deemed too expensive or not "standardized" enough.

One observation about the Harry Potter books: they are very complex in terms of syntax (sentence structure), as one of my students found out when attempting a syntactic analysis of her books.

I agree that a Special Comments is in order, but I vote for one heavy on satiric wit and humor. Cheney is a dangerous guy but humor is a weapon he can't fight, being humorless himself.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Monkey Spanky — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:27:58 GMT

Maby it`s just me,but I think this daytime spatter on MSNBC comes off as too fluffy. Maby 10% entertainment/90% news would be better. Anybody concerned with Paris Hiltons little jail stint is probably hanging out on the porch anyway.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Monkey Spanky — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:31:59 GMT

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Independent, Texas — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:43:27 GMT

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, June 26, 2007 10:43 AM)/Jamie, Chula Vista, CA (Sent Tuesday, June 26, 2007 10:54 AM)/Linda, Pittsburgh (Sent Tuesday, June 26, 2007 11:14 AM)

I'm not surprised. A few weeks back (can't really remember how long ago) when I posted this "positive" report, I said that I was surprised as Mr. Bush's approach in Texas had led to many issues with the schools gaming the system but "teaching to the test".

I was (and still am) trying to prove to myself that I am not just blindly anti-Bush since no one is ever or has ever said anything good about the administration, I get worried about true balance.

As I said today, this "education" issue article irritates me less for what it says than how it is positioned by its title.

Thanks for the feedback, all.

Jamie - Not "my" colonel!! Please !! I just think that when a large NYT opinion is published it gets a lot of attention. It concerns me greatly that this is so, er, positive about Gitmo.

I really have to know - 1) is what this guy is saying true? and 2) Is it a result of all the work that Congress, public outrage, and ally disgust have shown?

I notice that no where in this article does this Colonel say that the charges were Never true, just that it isn't true now. Especially about the Australian guy. Remember the story about the deal worked with the Australian Prime Minister theoretically to ensure that PM's relection?

What is the true state of gitmo now? If it has been cleaned up then we don't need to close it, right?

I just don't know what the current state is now.

Thanks to all for your fast replies.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Pat, Boston, MA — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:47:24 GMT

D. Vandermus, I had believed what you are saying to be the case but I don't any longer. Bush's ratings, together with polls showing that this country is in dire need of a new direction, leads me to think that maybe we the people all across this country want less arrogance in exchange for moral, capable, ethical leadership. Cheney, etc. may have thought we could become the Roman Empire, but they were wrong. Most everyone who contributes to Countdown's Blog from what I'm reading here and from people I speak with, all truly believe that this Administration can't get out of Dodge fast enough, because of the reasons you set forth above.

Troubling news: A new poll shows 41% of Americans believe Iraq was responsible for 9/11. The media has to do a better job. Keith is the only prime time journalist on tv who has been miles ahead of everybody on his reporting. Every single story he has reported on has come to fruition; the Iraq War, Donald Rumsfeld, Alberto Gonzales, Guantanamo Bay, John McCain, Rudy Guiliani, the Administration's scare tactics, the hypocrisy of so-called christian conservatives such as Bill O'Reilly, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity. Keith makes apologies for no one. Thank goodness.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

George, Hammonton, NJ — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:52:42 GMT

In my mind, the No Child Left Behind program was always about a movement to the voucher system....the first part of the plan was to label certain schools inferior, label others superior, then the voucher system would kick in...thankfully, many people saw through the fraud...

I was an English professor teaching first semester freshman, and like already posted, high school teachers are teaching for the test not really teaching the students...I have several friends who teach high school and they are pressured by the administrations to teach for the test to keep the scores up...sad really that most freshmen cannot write a coherent three page research paper...many cannot write a coherent paragraph...English is only our native language...while European children learn their native language plus two others while in high school...America barely teaches English anymore...Bush keeps cutting the education budget while saying education matters...another Bushworld fraud....

Mega congrats to the 50 high school students who are more clued in than the President...there letter to him was amazing...at least students are learning somewhere...amazing that 50 high school students are more plugged in than the 30 percent still supporting Dick and Bush...maybe there is still hope..

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Independent, Texas — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:56:04 GMT

Another thing about the Luger piece: In this article, Senator Kay "baby" Hutichson is asked her opinion (it is to laugh). Sen. Hutchison has never formed an independent opinin about anything. I think she is physically incapable of doing so.

She is, however, an excellent tool for us to use when trying to determine the "official" RNC position on anything. Notice in this article, she says we'll have to examine this (or something to that effect.) What that means is that the RNC has not yet published a talking point. It also means that the RNC hasn't rejected Sen. Lugar's position (yet.)

If you use Kay Baby as this kind of weather vane, she has use. If you expect her to represent your views in the Senate, you have to give that up. Ain't gonna happen.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:57:17 GMT

Jamie. I wonder what the Child Psychiatrists say about America's children who will reach adulthood the same time as the Iraqi children?

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:28:32 GMT

As a part-time college professor in addition to my job as an academic advisor, I have to echo the comments on NCLB made by Jamie, Chula Vista, CA and Sue, West Allis, WI. One of the classes I teach is a basic English composition class. The vast majority of my students are adult learners who've decided to go back to school for job promotion reasons or have just made the brave decision to go to college after leaving high school upwards of 20 years ago. Every once in awhile, though, I get a "traditional" day student, meaning they're basically 18 years old and right out of high school. Since NCLB, the written expression and overall communication skills of the adult learners and the fresh out of high school students are like night and day. High school students that have been in my class seem to want to be spoon-fed EVERYTHING, and they want short sweet definate answers that will be enough to get them past the present task and onto the next one with no questions asked. The adult learners are SO NOT LIKE THAT.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Independent, Texas — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:34:48 GMT

RE the SCOTUS decision handed down yesterday re "issue ads":

It is not the fact that this decision was made it is the fact that, when put in context with more recent decisions, this Court has gone to the dark side.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/26/opinion/26tue1.html?th&emc=th

While saying that the "speaker" wins over "censorship" on this case, they also said that the boy with the "bong for Jesus" sign had no right to display that sign? Where is the logic that allows both of these decisions to be made by the same court?

As the NYT says in today's editorial section: "the professed devotion to the First Amendment did not extend to allowing taxpayers to challenge White House aid to faith-based organizations as a violation of church-state separation." Allowing a citizen to seek relief from the government is in the Bill of Rights.

Each of these decisions has a plus and minus side.

The point is that the Roberts Court is deliberately moving toward a specific political view of the government's role in our lives.

That is not the job of the Supreme Court. (You'd be surprised at my view of some of the past courts' behavior in this regard.) The role of the Supreme court is to ensure that the constitution is being upheld. Since Roberts is a Bush appointee and we know how much regard the Bush/Cheney cabal has for the constitution, this shouldn't be a surprise.

Just like Bush's signing statements, this Supreme Court is ignoring precedent and deciding what laws should be upheld without declaring those laws void. In essence, they are saying a law can be enforced when they want to be rather than all the time. This is a signal for chaos in the judicial system regardless of your opinion on specific cases.

The known vacancies in the judicial system that were up for Presidential appointments was the primary reason I never supported Bush. I didn't want him to have that power. I was right.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

LA, Seattle — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:35:04 GMT

I hope you all caught The Daily Show last night and Jon Stewart's take on the whole Cheney-in-Charge comments. It was priceless, as always.

In my opinion: Cheney is the one running the show in the White House? Why I'm surprised; shocked even! C'mon! We have a President who says things like "strategery" and "decider" (Commander in Chief just had too many big words to remember), bungled completely the "Fool me once.." phrase and was more concerned about "the pig" when he was meeting with Chancellor Merkal of Germany than he was discussing foreign policy. If anyone doesn't think GWB rode the short bus to Yale, they are just as clueless as he is. Like in the movies, Cheney is the real President and GW just his stand-in.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

C A, Tuscaloosa, Al — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:44:32 GMT

Todd: I agree with you regarding Chris Matthews. I did at one time watch his show but the more I watched the more I seemed to learn what this guy truly represented. I have seen Matthews change positions on a dime depending on who was making news at the time. I have seen him crawl on his knees to get guests on his show. Not to give him the opportunity to challenge them but to boost his ratings. I have seen him make obvious comments of suppport for Presidential candidiates only to change his tune when some other candidate appeared to be taking the lead. I recall he was a staunch and very vocal supporter of John McCain when McCain was running against Bush in the primaries, and then when Bush took the SC primary Matthews changed his tune about McCain and backed down from how the Bush campaign was unfairly crucifying McCain. I have seen him give way so easily to republicans supporting this administration with no hard questions or challenges on their positions. Matthews has been a waffler on the Iraq issue as well, appearing to be against the conflict one day and then softening his opinion about the conflict and this administration the next day. When covering the recent debates (along with Keith) all Matthews could do was plug his college tour specials and spend the entire evening begging candidates to call him for a spot on this college tour. He promotes himself, his books and his appearances on TV outside of Hardball and it has become so obviously self-serving. I used to think he knew quite a bit about politics but even on that score I have changed my mind. He calls his show Hardball and advertises the same by stating this is where the hard questions are asked. But if you watch the show there is nothing Hardball about it. MSNBC needs to change the name of Matthew's show to I'll Kiss Your Ass If You Come On My Show So I Can Get Ratings and Sell My Books and Promote My College Tour Specials". Or better yet, fire Matthews and stick in his place Bill Mahr or expand Countdown to take up Matthews slot as well. You know, nothing has been directly stated on television during the debates or the like, but when Matthews is talking to Keith and/or sharing a stage with him, it is so obvious from Matthew's comments and mannerisms he does not like Keith and sees Keith as a threat in getting the attention that Matthews obviously and so desparetly wants and needs.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:56:35 GMT

Don't be shocked at Richard (another Dick) Lugar. The closer the next election comes, the more Repugnikants are going to jump off the sinking ship. It's not that they're waking up, it's just politics as usual.

It's like all those Repugnikants rushing to donate Abramoff money to charity after he was indicted. It wasn't that they developed a sudden interest in doing good or a distate for money, it was politics again and the need to get a hasty divorce from anything Abramoff.

Countdown: Please, please limit your Paris coverage to a mention only. We've had enough today on MSNBC including plenty of Musto. Yuck.

Instead, how about a mention of "239"? That's the number of bills passed by the House only to be blocked by the NeoConJobs in the Senate. Read about that and more here"

http://thinkprogress.org/2007/06/26/thinkfast-june-25-2007-2/

Kudos given there to those Presidential Scholars. Those young people certainly didn't have any problems telling truth to power. People could learn a lot FROM THEM.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 17:20:25 GMT

Hmmmmmm all that stuff coming out...about us. About Cheney. About our new boy Fred Thompson. Demanding information during a time of war. And the nerve of those High School kids to even question a President in a time of war. And that Rahm Emmanuel - the nerve of him even suggesting to cut off the money to a Vice President in a time of war. And those DemocRAT Senators and Congressmen with their stem cell research bills in a time of war. And even our puppets - er - people - in Congress won't help us to get that Immigration Bill passed so we get a bump in the polls for getting something done while helping our corporate donors.

And even Rudy is in trouble. Our go-to guy to remind them about 9/11 and terror and stuff. Our buddy McCain already on the way out too. In a time of war, too!

We gotta stop this. This news must not get coverage.

Good thing Paris is getting out of jail - they'll all cover that. Hours and hours of it. Also the investigation of the death of that pretty pregnant white lady - yeah, they'll cover that too. Lots of nice juicy details. Less time for those bad stories about us. Our boys on Fox will help us out, but those "other guys" gotta fall in line. It's a time of war!

We need something more to distract them. Another missing pretty young white woman. Some scandal like the astronaut in diapers. Something to stop the stories about us from coming out.

Maybe it's time for us to reach into that folder we keep on those terror cells - you know the ones - those terrorist wanna-be's that can't tie their own shoes - and make a big round up. Great big arrest. A big TV show that they can play over and over again on how we're keeping America safe. Remind them over and over again that there hasn't been a terrorist attack while we've been keeping them safe.

Note to self: Gotta develop more talking points about the space between 1993 and 2001 where there weren't any attacks either. We don't have propaganda - er - a good argument for that yet.

Karl Rove
on an undisclosed email server
from an undisclosed location
delete when read
scheduled for self-destruction after being read unless deleted

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Tom, Kansas — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 17:46:32 GMT

Hi folks, today is June 26,2007. What the hell happened to the America that I was born in?? The government has dropped the ball on all of us, corporate America runs everything, by paying off every politician they can reach. We focus on rich little bitchy brats, instead of what is really important. No body does there job anymore, they would rather pass the buck to the next guy in line. This includes every one from government to the private sector. I am ashamed to say that I am an American, and you all should be too. We let this happen. We would rather sue someone to get something we dont deserve, rather than go get it the good old fashion way, work for it. What a great example we set for our children and grandchildren. Lets all lie, cheat, and steal to get what we want. Let's all just start car jacking everyone, because its easier to do that, than going out and get an honest job. What a sad place the USA has become!!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 17:51:06 GMT

Todd & Pat - How correct you both are about Chris Mathews; as I stopped watching him after his Tom Delay "nice nice" interview.

I tuned in a couple of times when NOTHING else was on and that lasted no longer than two minutes at the most.

Hardball is indeed disgracing MSNBC and I surely wish Chris Mathews would join the FOX team so he would not be affiliated with MSNBC at all!!

I'm so upset about the Ann Coulter interview; I will boycott anything he is on, including debates sponsored by MSNBC. I'll just get the "cliff notes" elsewhere - like from all of you knowledgeable people!!

Linda - I love your posts and have learned a great deal from you. I just wanted to thank you. I concur with you on the "No Child Left Behind"; in addition, thank you for your expanded explanation.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 18:01:18 GMT

CA -

As you said in your excellent post:

"MSNBC needs to change the name of Matthew's show to I'll Kiss Your Ass If You Come On My Show So I Can Get Ratings and Sell My Books and Promote My College Tour Specials". Or better yet, fire Matthews and stick in his place Bill Mahr or expand Countdown to take up Matthews slot as well."

I agreeeeeeeee soooooooo much. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm 2 hours of Countdown. Or an hour of Bill Mahr and an hour of Countdown. Now that's what I call "must watch TV."

Remember folks - Part 3 of the Cheney revelations are out today. You can also access the previous 2 parts from here too. You've got that extra hour to read it that you're not going to use watching Screech-a-lot Anorexic Ann CoulterGeist on Softball tonight.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/cheney/chapters/a_strong_push_from_back_stage/index.html

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Buzz — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 18:38:52 GMT

Independent- It just occured to me; now that the supreme court justices ruled on something totally opposite the way I think they should have ruled, I can now pepper everything I say with comments about the current crop of ACTIVIST judges, right?

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Independent, Texas — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 19:23:49 GMT

Well Buzz (2:38) I've always ranted about an activist judicial system, so yeah. I guess.

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 19:31:19 GMT

Sue - I've been emailing MSNBC regarding getting Bill Maher on board for MONTHS!!!! Wouldn't that be great!!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 19:42:21 GMT

Independent 11:43 said

"I was (and still am) trying to prove to myself that I am not just blindly anti-Bush since no one is ever or has ever said anything good about the administration, I get worried about true balance."

Stop trying to stretch for good Bush. There ain't any. I'm sure that you and the rest of us are perfectly fine and of sound mind with politics not entering into the equation. BushCo is simply existing in an opposite universe.

He's against everything we're for:

He's FOR exploiting anything and everything for political gain; we prefer truth and honesty.

He's FOR benefiting the wealthy and corporate; we would like to see families afford food, housing, medical and dental care, education, etc. without incurring massive debt.

He's for war - lying if needed - to get it; we're for peace and harmony with others with war as an absolutely, positively last resort for our self defense.

He's for enriching military contractors; we're for giving the military a much needed pay raise so they don't need to rely on federal welfare or local food stamps and housing programs.

He's for enriching insurance companies by allowing them to deny worthwhile claims; we believe that insurance is a guarentee that when something bad happens - you're covered.

He's for dictatorship; we're for a republic (sounds like the 3rd episode of the Star Wars saga).

He's for federal involvement in private behavior (birth control, abortion, marriage, etc.); we're for personal rights and freedom.

He's for sending other people's kids to die and bleed in war, but avoiding service himself; we believe that when this country is in war that we all should sacrifice to bring a swift and speedy end to conflict.

It's not that we hate Bush - it's that we hate everything he has done and is continuing to do to our country.

Don't worry - you're fine.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

LA, Seattle — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 19:59:52 GMT

Sue and Pam,

It sounds like a good idea to get Bill Maher on MSNBC but I think he would lose his edge if he swtiched over from the no-censor HBO format. He would have to bow to the network's "can't say this, can't show that" censorship and it just wouldn't be the same. Now on the other hand, I would LOVE to see Keith on Real Time or even have his own show on HBO or Showtime so he could REALLY tell it like it is, no holds barred.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Independent, Texas — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 20:01:13 GMT

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:42 PM)

Thanks Sue, I needed that. (smile)

I am worried however, that I still can't trust the press. They waited until public opinion swung against Bush before they started printing anything negative. How do I know that they are simply swinging the other way now?

Thank god for the internet and non-MSM sources

and for you bloggers, of course.

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Bill Rochester NY — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 20:51:57 GMT

Great piece on the 50 scholarship winners yesterday! It took guts to tell the emperor he's buck naked to his face!
Countdown people. please please please no more pieces about Paris Hilton, Harry Potter, Anna Nicole, Lindsay et. al. It is all so much fluff to keep our eyes off of the ball. If I or tanyone of the vast majority of yuor viewers and bloggers wanted stories of that kind we'd read the damned tabloids.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 20:53:26 GMT

LA and Independent: Maher would be fine - he got fired by Comedy Central because he said anti-Bush things while the medial was choking on all the Kool Aid they were drinking. The media doesn't really care about what people say. They care about bucks. Making lots and lots of bucks. When they made bucks supporting BushCo, they supported BushCo. Now that the tide is starting to turn, maybe they'll make more bucks covering the other side. We have a corporate media...the bottom line is the bottom line. Money money money makes their world go round (not the laws of physics).

They tend to support the Repugnikants because their corporate masters make loads of bucks from them.

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Jamie, Chula Vista, CA — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 20:58:29 GMT

Independent: I was only meaning 'your' post about a General and Gitmo, as opposed to 'my' post. I won't put that general on you brother.:)

My thoughts and feelings about No Child Left Behind have absolutely nothing to do with this administration, but everything to do with being a Mom of four young boys who is concerned, as most parents are, about their childrens education. So, no worries about Bush.

Chris Matthews: I can't watch him-period. It's not his guest, it's his spitting when he speaks, and the fact that he interrupts his guests even more than Oprah does hers-very annoying.

PEACE!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

C A, Tuscaloosa, Al — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 21:14:53 GMT

There is nothing wrong with inviting Coulter on a talk show. I would watch. But only if the hosts will graciously make a few points to shove her one-sided money making ludicrist comments right down her throat. And if that didn't work perhaps a pie or two in her face like happened before. Listen to me discussing such acts when I stress diplomtic approaches all the time. Oh well, this is one person I really, really can't take and wished I had sat behind in grade school. I would have been pulling her hair all the time to get her into trouble. The trouble is, Matthews is not the person to challenge her garbage mouth. Hell, he is probbaly pissed she most likely sells more books then he does. Now let's get her on Keith's show. That I believe most would watch.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

C A, Tuscaloosa, Al — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 21:17:40 GMT

Better yet. How giving Coulter about 30 minutes or more on the Bill Mahr show. Now that I would really watch! Trouble is she would not accept the invite. She wouldn't have the balls.

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Jamie, Chula Vista, CA — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 22:13:24 GMT

Hey Krista. I love it when Richard Wolffe is on too! First, the man is very intelligent and very well spoken, all without being condescending. And.....

....I have a bit of a crush on him.:)

PEACE!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 22:20:12 GMT

CA - The point is NOT that CoulterGeist is on Softball, but the kid glove treatment he gives her - he's drooling all over her - but the fact that he would not give equal access to a full hour of his show to, lets say, Michael Moore.

Fair is fair, but to Matthews unfair is also fair. Shame.

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 22:35:46 GMT

LA - I hear you, but I think Bill Maher would make an excellent news anchor. He would tell it as it is and never let up. He despises Bush and is brilliant.

Maybe he could go back to HBO after the Administration from Hell is out of office!!

PEACE!!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Jamie, Chula Vista, CA — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 22:35:59 GMT

Hey CA: The first time I ever heard of or saw the Coulter, she was on Politically Incorrect. HAH! The way she dressed, her hair, everything, I seriously thought she was an a pole dancer coming on defend her profession and talk about how incorrect it was to label her-I'm serious.

When she started speaking-I wish I could remember who else was on there-she was seething and shaking and could barely get her words out. Mahr was decent to her, but she wasn't the same hateful speaker she is now. Don't get me wrong, she was hateful, but she obviously has finessed the interview part and being able to speak without sputtering.

I want to say one of the other guests was Jeanane (sp?) Garafolo, but I could be wrong.

PEACE!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 22:37:38 GMT

C A - For some "odd" reason, Ann Coulter loves Bill Maher. She's been on his HBO show, not recently, but about a year ago.

She really likes him, she acts differently so Bill wouldn't get the chance to attack her crap. She admitted she likes Bill Maher AND has a great deal of respect for him. - GO FIGURE!!

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Connie South Bend In — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 22:59:21 GMT

Keith's Harry Potter theory isn't original or anything new. Someone else already thought of this idea and it's been on different Potter websites for awhile.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Jamie, Chula Vista, CA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:19:06 GMT

Here are some quaint little anecdotes for those that love to love the Coulter:

Yep, her ability to predict is as about as good as her ability to speak politely-clearly not evident!

"I think [Whitewater]'s going to prevent the First Lady from running for Senate."---Rivera Live 3/12/99

"My track record is pretty good on predictions."---Rivera Live 12/8/98

THIS, my fellow Americans, is what a true patriot says:

To a disabled Vietnam vet: "People like you caused us to lose that war."---MSNBC

Um, if this is her 'thought' process, it wouldn't bode well for King George!

"I think there should be a literacy test and a poll tax for people to vote."---Hannity & Colmes, 8/17/99

Okay, these two go without saying. At least we know Bill was gettin' some:

"We're now at the point that it's beyond whether or not this guy is a horny hick. I really think it's a question of his mental stability. He really could be a lunatic. I think it is a rational question for Americans to ask whether their president is insane."---Equal Time

"It's enough [to be impeached] for the president to be a pervert."---The Case Against Bill Clinton, Coulter's 1998 book.

Obviously stating the obvious about her good 'Christian' values. A one night stand is okay, as long as you're not married. Mmm, k!

"Let's say I go out every night, I meet a guy and have sex with him. Good for me. I'm not married."---Rivera Live 6/7/00

Too late:

"You want to be careful not to become just a blowhard."---Washington Post 10/16/98

Yes, the uber Christian, patriotic love filled representative of the far right. You all must be soooo proud!

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Independent, Texas — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:53:31 GMT

Fellow bloggers. Ms. Coulter would be so proud to know that she is causing this much trouble. It would please her no end to know that we discuss her so much. Remember - there is no such thing as bad press. All the stuff you guys are saying about her is why she is making money.

Ignore her and maybe she'll go away.

Simple sentences to the media that cover her will do it: If you cover her, we will not buy your product. Period.

Otherwise, all the ranting just puts money in her accounts which is why she does it anyway.

I'm as tired of hearing about her as I am of hearing/seeing she-who-must-not-be-named.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

B. A. Buddusky — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 01:12:06 GMT

I hear Ann Coulter loves giving Dubya's VP Dicks,Head ..Information of HQ,Head of Heading the Head Department of Head Intelligence,to Head up the Committee of Head of the Departments that Head those Departments that Head.

It's run by James Carville with no hair on his head.He is our secret plant Dick.The Ragin Cagin has had enough.
Ann you make Monica Lewinsky look like Mother Teresa.

You are the porn star of the Republican party you show your ass so much when you open your mouth Britney is getting pissed your walking on her turf.The Head RNC Cheerleader X Rated Ann Loose Lips No its fill in the T Coulter.
What a man she is.
Go see scott he'll fix you a Neutron Burger in NV desert or maybe Larry can take you for a ride on his Condi Raft down in the Charleston swamps with the other snakes.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 02:18:59 GMT

Sue - Michael Moore would be a great guest for Chris!! How brilliant!! I would cut the boycott for one night in order to see that interview!! I think you've found the answer my friend!! Start emailing - PEACE!!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

John, Phila — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 02:20:42 GMT

Sorry Bill from Rochester, the 50 kids, presidential scholors are not scholorship winners. These kids were invited to go to Washington to participate in workshops. They pay they own way, about $5000 each. You need to know who these kids are before you embarass yourself again. Of course no research on this site or countdown. I also heard that 50 of the boys were looking for Bill Clinton hoping to experience the ultimate BJ, you know , the real gov't by liberals.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

James, Richmond — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 02:29:06 GMT

Hey yall, the 19 % that approve of Cheney is still 6% higher than the Congress , so who should go ? The democrat party is in shambles, can't pass a thing, can't figure out why a lying cheating torturing murdering misleading illiterate cowboy is still more popular than they are. It's very simple - liberalism is dead. Never has worked and never will. Same old ideas bring the same old results. GOp in 08 looking better every day !

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 03:25:14 GMT

Jamie - Great work on the collective hate-filled speech from Ann Coulter!! Oh, but I'm sure she at her "House of Worship" every Sunday in that stupid black mini dress she ALWAYS wears!! You’d think with all the money she makes off her repellent books, she could afford a new outfit.

Every time I’ve seen her, she’s in that same “repeat” dress, spewing the same vile!! Maybe she just tape records her “answers”, or screeching interruptions, as she never listens to what anyone says anyway. Whoever is bigoted and stupid enough to have her on his/her program perhaps just edits her in!!

I will never watch Hardball again and hope Chris Mathews' pays for this with bad ratings until he's off the air!!

CHRIS - YOU ARE A DISGRACE!!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 03:27:30 GMT

Thanks Jamie - that must have taken you some time to research and compile.

I deliberately didn't watch the slime ball tonight. I'm so not ever watching Softball anymore either until he devotes a full hour interviewing a real liberal.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 03:55:11 GMT

Sue - The circus has come to town again AND brought a friend!!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Jamie, Chula Vista, CA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 05:12:17 GMT

John in Philly: Grow up. You come out with something to argue with, then you bring it all down with the bj crap. ZAP! There goes your credibility.

James in Richmond: 'can't figure out why a lying cheating torturing murdering misleading illiterate cowboy' Well, at least you can admit your boy is exactly what we all know he is. Thanks. BTW, we're called progressives, and they won in '06. To be true they're acting like a bunch of bungholes right now, but to sure, there won't be the GOP in '08. Why? Because your boy George is in the red when it comes to 'political capital,' and he's taking the GOP down with him.

Sue: Not too much research. Being the media whore that Coulter is, it didn't take much to find a few websites devoted to her, uh, take on America. Funny, I only found one that was actually positive-her own.:)

I don't watch Chris Matthews anyway for reasons stated earlier: Too much spit and too many inerruptions of his guests.

PEACE!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Independent, Texas — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 05:33:01 GMT

Hey Jamie - Don't you love it when statistics about "popularity" of the congress are low that it is assumed to indicate a problem with the Democrats? Hmmm - how're 270+ bills sitting in the Senate republican chamber doin'?

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Tru M., Cleveland, Ohio — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 11:33:42 GMT

Connie from South Bend, who cares if Keith's idea for how Harry Potter ends is original or not? Point is, it's his, and I assume he arrived at it himself, even if it has been voiced by others. Actually I'd be kind of surprised if it hadn't, now that I've heard it. I'm curious to see how things go. I'm sure there are some other ending theories that have been arrived at by more than one person theorizing on his or her own.

As for Ann Coulter, I'd like to see her given no air time by anyone again...ever. Bill Maher? Frankly, don't like him and don't know why anyone else does, Keith included. I know that probably makes me a traitor, but I don't.

As for the high school kids who presented Bush with the request to end torture, bully for them and thanks to Keith for telling us about these "heroes."

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Say it's not so, New York — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:49:05 GMT

Coulter she must been kidding me last night. I only could take her a few minutes at one time because either she doesn't know how stupid she sounded or she is just that stupid period. Now recording to her Afganistan was a not involved in 9/11 but iraq was? are you kidding? also Saddan and Ban Ladden where allies are you kidding? al qaiida wasn't in Iraq under Saddams control can somebody explain that to her? How can anybody be lising to her or take here serious? poor Hunter , if she indorces him he will loose for sure.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:22:37 GMT

LOL Pam - yeah the circus is in town again with some additional fleas. Ignore them and they'll find another dog to pester.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:13:11 GMT

Say it's not so, New York - If God were to come down personally to "explain" reality and the truth to Ann Coulter, she'd most likely would begin advocating for His/Her assassination too!!

I indeed hope for Senator Edwards and his wife have some legal avenue they can pursue against her. There is no word, in any language, to describe this vile piece of crap!!

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Karla Singh, Toronto, Ontario — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:15:47 GMT

I agree with Keith's theory about how the series will end. I think additionally the spell or curse to remove someone's magical powers will be some dual-spell that only works if two people perform it on each other. And that will be where Draco comes back.

Snape will have kept Draco somewhere safe and away from the Deatheaters, and then will bring him back and explain to him how it was Dumbledore who forced Snape to kill him in the event that Draco was going to. Dumbledore wanted to save Draco from the dark side(tm). Draco's redemption will be giving up his magical powers along with Harry to finally end the reign of Lord Voldermort.

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Bill Rochester NY — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:38:35 GMT

John in Philly atb least I got ht number right. It was 50 kids total girls included. Since the R's have been in power for most of the past 27 years how can those kids find government by liberals that doesn't exist? You Righties take the cake! You've been in charge all that time and still try to pin your own mistakes on liberals. remember the Dems have only been in the majority (a small one at that) for slightly over 5 months

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Bill Rochester NY — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:47:27 GMT

John in Philly Why the hang up over Clinton and the bjs? Could it be that he's had one more recently than you? His future prospects for another greater than yours perhaps? Jealous maybe?
One more thing you sound an awful lot like Larry from Charleston an alias perhaps?

Countdown Monday: It's Dick's World

Wayne, M'town TN — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:45:35 GMT

Say its not so said
"are you kidding? also Saddan and Ban Ladden where allies are you kidding? al qaiida wasn't in Iraq under Saddams control can somebody explain that to her?"
Ansar al-Islam was banrolled by Bin Laden, its command structure was staffed by al-Qu'ida and al-Qu'ida connected Taliban.
Bin Laden and Saddam had different agendas just as WW2 Japan and Germany had different agendas yet they did cooperate.
Bin Laden made it clear in his public messages that he supported Saddam's Regime against the US.
Al-Zarqawi Leader of "al-Qu'ida in Iraq" also made his intentions plain enough.
Believe it or not, Northern Iraq was still in Iraq, it hadn't moved nor had its borders somehow changed to suit common misperceptions.