Evening Chuckle: This Is Why They Hate Us

Well, I'm back. More later on the 700+ crazy-@$$ things that happened while I was gone. (Can't I leave you people alone for a minute?) For now, enjoy this reminder of one of the reasons why the terrorists hate us: because we're kind of dicks. Tags: Humor, Family Guy, Funny

The @$$-Backwards Napa Valley

I just found out that there will probably not be internet at the place my wife and I going for vacation. So, I will probably be totally out of commission and cut off from news for about a week. So, until I return: 1) Watch this repeatedly. 2) Talk up our man, Jim Webb. 3) Keep pounding on "Senator" Allen and his henchmen. 4) Stop talking about Jews. 5) Play trivia. That is all. Me

Evening Chuckle: Colbert's Focus Group

Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to embed this. But it is very much worth the click through to YouTube. One of Colbert's best bits. "Good, cause I've already got a squaw." Enjoy. Tags: The Daily Show, Humor, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Democrats

Saturday Morning Grab Bag

1) A French newspaper has printed a French Intelligence report of a Saudi security services claim that Osama bin Laden died last month of typhoid in Pakistan. Could this be the "October surprise" that Karl Rove has been telling GOPers about? This outcome, if true, is a mixed bag. On the one hand, is it good that he's dead? Of course. The two most positive aspects of this are that: 1) he died a slow, horrible death (not very Christian of me, I know) and 2) that he didn't go out in a blaze of glory that could be spun as being grandly martyred. Not with a bang, but with a whimper. Ever since we let him go in Tora Bora in favor of invading Iraq, this was probably the best outcome we could hope for short of taking him alive. Let's hope it's true. (Interesting political question: If this was the "October surprise", could the French have deliberately leaked this report to diffuse its impact on the fall elections to hurt Bush? I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'.) 2) There has been a lot of noise about RK reporting Wadham's demotion at Allen HQ (the actual Allen HQ, not the crappy propaganda "blog" that doesn't allow dissent - I mean comments). If it is, in fact, untrue that he's been demoted, I think we should all breathe a sigh of relief that the same ineffective, self-destructing campaign we've seen will continue unabated. Looks like we dodged a bullet. 3) 3 great posts from across the VA blogosphere this morning: The trivia king at Southwest Distress detailing the hypocrisy of the Bush administration's so-called "culture of life" when contrasted with the damage to life their lax, pro-corporation environmental policies have caused. March to a Different Drummer has a post about the ridiculousness of the Republican plan to eliminate the so-called "death tax" in favor of system that promotes the creation of what Warren Buffet derides as "dynastic wealth" in the US. Bearing Drift has an aptly timed call for civility and an end to demonization of our political opponents (the first commenter clearly does not understand the meaning of the word "irony"). 4) Huskers 19, Troy 18

Musings From V: "I Know What I Smelled and That Wasn't No Brimstone"

V weighs in on Hugo Castro, I mean Chavez: So Hugo Chavez gets up at the UN, in New York City, enjoying a freedom of speech that he denies most Venezuelans, and calls W the Devil. And talks of the smell of sulfur W left behind. This is funny on many levels, but here's a thought. See, during the really good times in this country, America was the Great Satan. Remember those days? I think that when we were disliked as a nation, it was indeed largely due to the envious resentment to our prosperity as a whole. The average American was well off and happy, and we were exporting freedom through McDonalds and Coke and Nike and Hollywood. People over the world were picking up on it, and leaders of communist countries and banana republics and religious-wingnut countries were unhappy because of it. Now we are spreading "freedom" through bombs. And we have CEOs and Wall St firms hogging a disproportionate amount of wealth and the average American worker getting the shaft. The hardworking people of our country get neither quarter nor credit --- and the President is hogging the "Great Satan" status. I want this country to get back to being the "Great Satan" collectively, dammit. Because that usually means the people are doing well and freedom is spreading in the correct fashion. Tags: Hugo Chavez, Venezuela, United Nations, UN

Musings From V: George, George, George of the Bungle, Watch Out For That (Family) Tree!

Guest Blogger V is back with his fractured take on modern life: After giving it some thought, I don’t believe that the question about George Allen’s heritage was unfair. Any question that exposes a candidate’s prejudices, as well as his ineptitude at diplomacy and statesmanship, is a good question. All Allen needed to say, with a smile, was, “Yes, one of my ancestors was Jewish, though I don’t see how that is relevant to our discussion today”. If he simply does that Peggy Fox looks like the jerk, not him. Anyway, I think politics today is such a cesspool that we need to provoke candidates more---just to see how they can handle stress and combativeness. Allen’s ‘making aspersions’ (BTW, the phrase is ‘casting aspersions’, Georgie) comment clearly tells you what he thinks of Jewish people. Also, Allen is such an ass that after claiming to embrace his Jewish heritage he promptly felt the need to reassure people of his redneck ways by talking about his love of ham and his mom’s pork chops. Yeee Haw-va nagila haw-va nagila haw-va…….. I pity the fool! (See how I worked in an A-Team reference? Thank you.) To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca

Allen v. Allen: In His Own Words

I keep coming back to the embryonic stem (ES) cell issue because as a (recovering) scientist, I feel it is an issue of significant importance today. So, I did a little digging and found that "Senator" Allen has changed his position on this issue to one more in line with both the President (big surprise) and the conservative base of his party. [Quotes are from the FCCC debate and an appearance on "Crossfire" on January 6, 2003".] From the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Debate: ALLEN '06: The advancements in science over the last several years have shown that there are many people who are having their lives improved...with what are called adult stem cells that are derived from cord blood or various other tissues and that's the sort of funding that I'’m very much a strong advocate for. Allen '03: Now, the issue of using stem cells from embryos, I'm very much in favor of research on stem cells from embryos for Parkinson's, for juvenile diabetes, Alzheimer's and so forth. Allen '06: The fact that there is not federal funding is because in my view the federal government should not fund the destruction of human embryos. Allen '03: And I think that from those embryos that could otherwise be discarded or destroyed, I think that we should go forward and research in that area. Allen '06: If I were Governor, I would want to fund stem cell research that is actually benefiting people's lives right now, but not the kind that would destroy a human embryo. Allen '03: Some people say that [ES cell derived treatment] is not proven. Well, let's do the research under ethical guidelines. George Stephanopoulos: You say you are against any process that creates human embryos that are then destroyed...that happens in the process of in vitro fertilization every single day. So, are you, therefore, against in vitro fertilization? Allen '03: No, No, I am not against in vitro fertilization... GS: So what's the distinction? Allen '06: The distinction is I don't think that embryos ought to be created for the sole purpose of harvesting or destroying them. Allen '03: And I think that from those embryos that could otherwise be discarded or destroyed, I think that we should go forward and research in that area. What does Jim Webb say about ES cell research? Q: Would you have voted for federal funding for stem cell research? Webb: I would have. Senator Allen, it is my understanding, voted for it in '01. This is an issue that has the weight of medical science with it. We all need to show respect for human life but my understanding of this, my reading of it is that these are embryos that were not going to become human life as we know it. That's the strong weight of medical opinion on it. Finally, here is what "Senator" Allen had to say about the Senate's legislative priorities near the end of last year: "If nothing happens on stem cells, it's not the end of the world." Tell that to everyone with diabetes, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. Tell it to everyone who is paralyzed. Tell it to their families. But I guess, as usual, aligning yourself for a run for President is more important than doing what is right. Isn't it, "Senator"? Transcript from Crossfire, January 6, 2003: ALLEN: Now, the issue of using stem cells from embryos, I'm very much in favor of research on stem cells from embryos for Parkinson's, for juvenile diabetes, Alzheimer's and so forth. Not exactly where Bob is on that one. And I think that from those embryos that could otherwise be discarded or destroyed, I think that we should go forward and research in that area. The research, as far as adult stem cells and tissue stem cells, I think we should go forward there as well. And so I think where the consensus needs to be is, number one, an understanding of the definition, the science and what we're doing. Human cloning should be banned. But it should not stop research on embryos -- stem cells from embryos that can be possibly helpful. It is only a prayer, it's only a hope. Some people say that it is not proven. Well, let's do the research under ethical guidelines. To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca, Stem Cells, Science, Politics, IVF

Salon Takes Ridiculous Allen Claims to Task

Salon's War Room has a post taking the Allen campaign to task for claiming the Webb campaign and the media are the source of George Allen's troubles because they are persuing an anti-semetic agenda. It also points out how Jon Henke has changed his tune about Republican control of Congress since becoming Allen's paid blogger. Say what you will about Lowell, but being Webb's paid blogger hasn't changed his beliefs. To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca

Media Matters Fact Checks FactCheck.org on Vote Vets Ad

(H/T to Kos.) Media Matters details that the Vote Vets ad is legitimate and George Allen (amongst others) voted against funding for more body armor and helmets not once, but twice! To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca

Evening Chuckle: Lil' Bush

Since no one could come up with anything positive to say about Bush (ironically, except me), I've come up with something else: He inspired this cartoon. Enjoy. Tags: Bush, Humor

Kurdistan Isn't All Smiles and Sunshine, "Senator"

From Monday's debate: Webb: Kurdistan is in danger of spilling over into Turkey and Iran and Syria. Allen : Do have to be so negative when even the Kurdish area is doing so well you have to be critical of it? Tell us again how well everything is going in Kurdistan, "Senator". Plus: Here's an interesting pair of articles about life in the PKK on the Iranian border. Tags: World War III, Middle East, Politics, Terrorism, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, International, NATO

Alert: Non-Jewishness Related Issue!

People want to talk about policy. Enough with "who's a Jew?", "who hates Jews?", and "who are the Jews who hate Jews?". (Great, now I'm going to come up in a Google search for "hate Jews". Please leave now and re-evaluate your life, Mr. Neo-Nazi.) I've got an issue. I wrote about an issue which piqued my interest at RK to little notice and I've gotten into a bit of a dust up about it over at Bearing Drift. In both debates this week, Allen sounds to me like he advocates nationalizing Iraq's oil industry and giving direct cash payments to the people. [From "Meet the Press" transcript. Emphasis mine.] SEN. ALLEN: The other aspect of this that I've, I've asked Maliki, I've said it to Jafari and all the ministers, is the key for that country, for their economy is oil. And I think that their oil ought to be a national asset, and they ought to create something like the Alaska Permanent Fund where everybody in Iraq, regardless of where they live, regardless of their ethnicity, has a share in that oil. They'll care about building up the oil capacity, upgrading it-and they'll certainly care about anybody who'’s blowing up the pipelines, because that would be money out of their pockets. Alaska they get a dividend. Every citizen ought to get a dividend in Iraq as well. Some of you out there delight in calling people socialists. What would you call someone who advocates this policy? It sounds pretty damn socialist to me, except Allen wants direct cash payments to the people (never mind that this is hardlfeasiblele - as a commenter on RK pointed out). This would be wealth redistribution without the veneer of social programs like healthcare and education. So, you want to debate policy? Tell me why this isn't socialism. And, if you do think it's a good idea, tell me why. Personally, I think it would be a dreadful idea because nationalization of industry has been shown to dissuade foreign investment, particularly in infrastructure. As infrastructure investment is something that Iraq desperately needs right now, I would like to know how this plan will help? If we want to move away from all the recent bull$#!#, this is how we start. To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca

Please Tell Me What Bush Has Done That Is Good

I'm serious. This is not a joke. I really want to know. Please comment on something the President has done that is positive. I only request that you leave out the Iraq War (as we know that this is the most divisive issue of our times), the War on Terror, and the tax cuts (unprecedented during wartime). We all know about those anyway. I want you to tell me something I may not know about. Don't be jerks, I'm trying to learn here. Please be specific. "Made us safer" will not pass muster. I'll even start the ball rolling with the only thing I could think of that I think has been positive: George W. Bush has done more to combat AIDS in Africa than Reagan, Bush I, and Clinton combined. The money that he has gotten for Africa has saved lives and improved the quality of life for millions. (Unfortunately, this has to be qualified to because abstinence only program requirements have forced people in Africa to fight with one hand tied behind their backs. Plus the new USAID administrator seems to think we should stop treatment and only do prevention. That's not good.) This is something Bush has done that can be applauded, even if it doesn't go far enough. (Before anyone thinks a Bush love-fest is breaking out over here, remember I said that this was the only positive thing I could think of.) So, please, I AM ACTUALLY SERIOUS. Please give me concrete examples. I think it could be enlightening. Tags: Bush

Obama and Webb Rock

That was pretty cool. I am somewhat of a novice when it comes to participating in politics. Before Jim Webb I just watched from the sidelines and voted. Being in it is so much more exciting. It feels like you make a difference just by showing up. The Media out in force Here's my somewhat-crackly-but-still -inspiring bootleg of the rally. A crowd of several hundred came out to see the future of the US Senate in Barack Obama and Jim Webb. As you can tell, Obama and Webb lit up the crowd. I finally got a giant "Jim Webb - Born Fighting" sign, too. All in all, that was a great rally and a great experience. Some have criticized Webb for not being an effective public speaker but that's not what we saw tonight. We saw a focused, confident candidate who is going to do what it takes to win this election. PS: H/T to VA Progressive for this NBC news report on the Virginia Senate race. To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca

Evening Chuckle: Even Stepvhen - War in Iraq

I'll have a post with pics and audio from the Obama-Webb rally up first thing in the morning. For now, here's a stroll down memory lane with Even Stepvhen. Enjoy. Tags: The Daily Show, Humor, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Steve Carrell, Iraq

Obama For Webb Rally Today

Just a reminder of today's event with Jim Webb and (future President of the United States) Barack Obama. Come one come all. WHERE: Market Square 301 King Street Alexandria, VA WHEN: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 5:30 PM I should have some pics up from the rally later tonight. See ya there! To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca

Allen's Embryo Hypocrisy

While the A-Team has started putting up comments right away instead of "moderating" them (like AllenHQ - where dissent never sees the light of day), I wanted to re-post a comment I just put up because it deals with a subject brought up in Monday's debate that has been a sore spot for me. Another commenter asked how Allen can justify being against embryonic stem cell research and for in vitro fertilization when both result in the destruction of embryos. Here is my response: Allen’s position (which, unsurprisingly, is the President’s position) is pure and simple hypocrisy. There is NO difference between the embryos discarded in IVF and those used for generating new embryonic stem (ES) cell lines. In fact, excess IVF embryos are what scientists would use to generate new ES cell lines. It is politically expedient for Allen to decry ES cell research because it plays to the conservative Christian so-called culture of life. It would not be politically expedient to attack IVF which has helped so many people become parents. That is called hypocrisy. If you think embryos should be protected in one area of science, why shouldn’t it be protected in all areas? If anti-ES cell people were consistent in their argument, it wouldn’t be so obviously political and hypocritical. I also want to note that, while I do not agree with them, I respect that the Catholic Church has come out against IVF as well. This is a consistent position. Allen does not have one. I would also like to add that the hypocrisy inherent in Allen's ES cell position is why he couldn't answer this question when it was brought up in the debate. The only honest way to answer would be, "Because I'm a hypocrite!" To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca, Stem Cells, Science, Politics, IVF

But When WE Do It It's Cute!

(H/T to Kos.) This is proof that the pundits on the right don't think. Plain and simple. They cannot put 2 and 2 together. They are incapable of introspection. "Everything Bush does is good, everything Muslims do is bad (because all Muslims are terrorists). End of story. Now I'm going to into my cave...on Mars..and shut my eyes and stick my fingers in my ears. Wake me up when it's OK for us to torture people again, or if I need to decry any other country for torturing people." Tags: Michelle Malkin

J-Word: Day 3, M-Word: Day 38

I've gotten bored with this Allen-Jewish-Heritage story faster than I got bored with the M-word. So, hopefully, this will the last time I will feel compelled to write about it. But it is just so bizarre. At first, I thought "Senator" Allen's press release dealing with the incident was the way to go. They learned from their past mistakes and were not going to kick up a fuss about this one. Well, kinda. This morning (again on the front page) the Washington Post has a story entitled Allen Says He Embraces His Jewish Ancestry. Fantastic, good for him. But, I guess I spoke too soon when I said they learned from their mistakes because in the article we are treated to Allen's campaign manager, Dick Wadhams, (again) blasting the media and (again) blaming the Webb campaign for causing this controversy. (As I've asked before, how does Webb manage to make Allen lose his mind on camera?) Allen's folks clearly don't know when to let well enough alone. If I wanted Allen to win, I would be clamoring for them to be fired. (Why are none of Allen's supporters saying this? They've "managed" this campaign from a double-digit lead to a statistical tie - and are soon-to-be trailing. Also, I haven't heard anyone trotting out their old "The Webb campaign is the worst campaign ever" chesnut in a while. I wonder why that is?) Fortunately, I want Allen to lose so I say, "Stay the course, 'Senator'. Its what you're good at." I am personally dubious that Allen only recently found out that his grandfather was Jewish. Do I know one way or the other? Of course not. However, that is just another oddity in this bizarre event. This morning, the RTD brings us by far the most bizarre comments I have heard in this campaign. (Which is saying something.) More bizarre than I made up the M-word, it was a play on Mowhawk, I was calling the kid a $#!#head. This one takes the cake: "Speaking with The Times-Dispatch, Allen said the disclosure is 'just an interesting nuance to my background.' He added, 'I still had a ham sandwich for lunch. And my mother made great pork chops.'" Oh. My. God. "And I washed down that meat with a tall glass of milk...and some shellfish...ON CHRISTMAS DAY!" Thank you, "Senator". We now return you to your regularly scheduled implosion. To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca

Evening Chuckle: Peanut Butter Jelly Time!

I love this. If anyone can explain to me what it means (if anything), I will be eternally grateful. Enjoy. Tags: Humor, Family Guy, Funny

Trivia Quiz For Manhood: 9.19.2006

So, only a couple of responses to the last quiz and the winner is: Liberal Pi of The Southwest Distress. He correctly answered 5 of the 6 questions: 1. "Why can't we have a Trivia quiz for manhood?" Couldn't get this one though. It's from "The Kids in the Hall". Two Pacific Islander brothers are discussing the customary trials that must be passed to become a man. The elder brother continually fails to pass them and suggests that instead of hunting the Great White shark they have a trivia quiz for manhood. "Candidate for manhood, who won the Oscar for Best Actor in 1982?" "Well, O wise one, it was Ben Kingsley for Gandhi, winner of eight Oscars in total. Yes, yes. Hell, I'd be Chief!" 2. "Our tenth caller will receive tickets to Supertramp." Martin Prince on "The Simpsons" speculating as to what the first words were Guglielmo Marconi said over his new invention, the radio. 3. "Screw it. They're dead and you’re not." Carl Brutananadilewski from "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" after Frylock accidentally kills Meatwad and Master Shake. 4. "He has no home...he’s a squirrel." George Costanza from "Seinfeld". Aw, you knew this one. 5. You look like a blueberry! There was some speculation that this was from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" but nope, its Veronica Corningstone from "Anchorman". 6. You are an odd man, but I must say: you steam a good ham. "Simpsons" again. Superintendant Chalmers to Principle Skinner after a dinner consisting of the hamburgers (or "steamed hams") that Skinner made (actually purchased from Krustyburger). So congrat again, Liberal Pi. On to this week's quiz: 1. What breed of dog is Marmaduke? (Hint: see Marmaduke Explained.) 2. What are the first names of the Menendez Brothers? 3. How many inches equal a cubit? 4. What was the name of Roscoe's dog on "The Dukes of Hazzard"? 5. What is the largest Canadian province? 6. Quote: "Beef jerky time!" There you go. (V, if you don't play this time I will be very cross.) Remember, tie-breaker will go to the person with the most detail about the quote. Enjoy. Tags: Trivia Quiz

They Don't Want You to Know the Truth About [Fill in the Blank]

A friend of mine wrote an article that is up on Salon today that everyone should check out. It details the concerted efforts of the Bush administration to control what government scientists said to the public about global warming. As per ususal they throw science in the toilet in favor of their own (unscientific, incorrect, and self-serving) point of view. As a (recovering) scientist this kind of thing makes me sick. (Although, not surprised.) Way to go, Paul! You and Anderson Cooper - Keepin' 'em honest. Tags: Climate Change, Global Warming, Bush

"Senator" Allen's Trigger

Like I said earlier, the new J-word controversy continues to roll on. People on the right are accusing Webb supporters of making this into a campaign issue. That doesn't hold water because we Webb supporters aren't the only people talking about this (as I detailed this morning). The bottom line with this incident is Allen lost it. He keeps behaving in an unacceptable manner for a US Senator. He unleashes tirades in front of crowds and when he is looking directly into cameras that he knows are taping him! (I'm going to go off topic for a minute but I'll bring it back to the matter at hand, I promise.) A lot of people blame TV or music for people's bad behavior. Columbine? Those kids listened to Marilyn Manson (that would make me want to kill someone too: Marilyn Manson). The movie "Natural Born Killers" supposedly inspired a crime spree in Oklahoma. Some people even blame the news for making people act violently. Its important to remember that music, movies, and TV can't make people commit crimes. These people were already predisposed to criminal acts before they turned on the stereo. The media is the trigger for their acts. If the media wasn't there, they would gravitate toward another trigger. (Back to my point.) Senator Allen clearly has an anger problem. Who's fault is that? Certainly not Jim Webb's. Having a tracker with a camera in his face, or having a reporter ask him a question he clearly did not want to answer are just triggers to his angry, bullying behavior (which has been well documented including by Allen's own sister). So, what will set Allen off next? Can we trust a man this ill-tempered in the deliberative body of the US Senate? And God-forbid the Presidency? PS: CNN had a report on just now about the J-word incident that fulfills exactly what I said today. Basically it said: Allen embarrassed about Jewish heritage, he said M-word, he has anger issues. Now Blitzer and Bob Franken are laughing about it. Allen is rapidly devolving into a punch-line. Update: This post was included in the Daily Kos Election Race Diary Roundup for 9.20.2006. That's 2 for me! To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca

The J-Word is the New M-Word

If I was an Allen supporter, I would have a pretty bad feeling in the pit of my stomach today. We all know I'm pro-Webb but let's take a quick non-partisan look at some of the results of Allen's "don't-ask-me-about-my-Jewish-heritage" freak-out from the FCCC debate yesterday: Everybody is talking about this now. If you would have told Allen that there would be a new non-M-word issue dominating the headlines and blogs, he would have been thrilled. Unfortunately, now people on both sides are talking about different variations of "Was the question appropriate?" (Which I believe it was not) or "Why did Allen freak-out about being asked this question?". Some are (correctly, in my opinion) asking both. Don't believe me? Look here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. Not enough for ya? Try here, here, here, here, and here. And Virginia Centrist is tearing this up here, here, here, here, and here. Also, MSM here, here, and here. What's my point? Allen's defensiveness over being asked about his possibly Jewish heritage is in the air now. Everytime someone mentions this incident (and if the M-word incident is any indication, this will stick for a while) they almost necessarily have to mention the M-word again. This means two-things: more people who hadn't been paying attention before will hear of Allen's comments, and Jim Webb's name recognition goes up. Both of these things will drive voters to Webb. So my question: Did the Allen campaign learn anything from the way they botched (and continue to botch) the M-word scandal, or will they keep throwing gasoline on this fire the way they did (and keep doing) with the M-word? My guess is this: we are looking at the Allen campaign burning on a bonfire of their own creation. I really think the poll numbers are going to start separating in Webb's favor fairly soon. Plus, the word is that Webb's campaign received $100K in the 24 hours after "Meet the Press". Look for that trend to continue. Allen for President is clearly dead (despite his obviously lingering hopes for a run that were evident from his refusal to commit to a full 6-year term on "MTP"). As for Senate re-election? Those hopes are now dwindling. I read a comment somewhere right after the M-word incident that said that it was the "beginning of the end" for Allen. At the time I thought it was merely the end of the beginning. This, however, is likely the real beginning of the end for Allen and, from what we've seen from Allen's campaign staff, they will likely act as the accelerant in their own immolation. To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca

Webb 2-0 After This Week's Debates

Here are the highlight of my highlights of this week's debates. Meet the Press [Money quote:] With respect to going in, in, in this situation, we did have other options. This was not a war of necessity at the time...And if we had the right people in the Senate, there would have been more questions asked and a better policy in place in order to defeat international terrorism. That is the focus of our country. We didn’t go into Iraq because of terrorism, we have terrorists in Iraq because we went in there. [This should be the campaign slogan for every Democratic candidate.] SEN. ALLEN: This [Iraq] is a central battle front in the war on terror, and it's not just the president or the vice president or me saying that, that's what al-Qaeda says, because al-Qaeda'’s designs and their goals are to have a caliphate, Islamic caliphate from, from Indonesia to Spain, with the capital being in Iraq, an oil-rich area. And we cannot allow Iraq, which-—where al-Qaeda was [gross mischaracterization bordering on bald-faced lie] and is now [because our invasion was a magnet for them], we cannot allow them to have that haven for terrorist activity. [Al-Queda will never be supported by the Iraqi regime as long as (Bush supported) Shiite elements are in control, which is likely to remain the case as they are the majority in the country -– Hizbullah, on the other hand could receive significant material support considering that Iran and Iraq, both Shia nations (like Hizbullah) are now coming together. Also, the large Shia crescent in the center of the fictional caliphate” will never acquiesce to being part of a Sunni dominant caliphate such as al-Queda supposedly wants.] FCCC NLS says (and its hard not to agree) that, fair or not, everything Allen says or does in this campaign will be viewed through the prism of racism from now on. The M-word question (which made him mad) and, of course, Allen losing his $#!# when asked about his possible Jewish heritage. -In response to Allen's statements about Webb never having been to SW VA, "I've been coming to SW Virginia since George Allen was a Californian." [Great line.] Q: Stem cells. Why are you against funding embryonic stem [ES] cell research, Senator Allen? (applause). Allen: I am for stem cell research (except that he's not). I am not for human cloning [Bold statement, find someone who is.] Lack of federal funding does not prohibit states or private investment from funding es cell research. [Unfortunately, what Allen doesn't know or doesn't understand is that federal funding is the lifeblood of science in the US and, by extension, the world.] Would not like VA to fund ES cell research. Would support stem cell research that is helping people right now. [But not the kind that will help people in the future. To hell with them!] The fact is science shows that you can get all the properties and the potential of ES cells without destroying a human embryo. [That is not true. If that were true, scientists would not bother with research that cannot be funded by the Federal government and ES cells would not be an issue. Simply false.] Snuffy: Are you against IVF? [Great follow-up question because there are over 400,000 excess IVF embryos in America that will never get out liquid nitrogen freezers. They will either sit there until the freezer breaks or they are simply thrown away. This is one of my favorite examples of hypocrisy on this issue. Kudos George (Snuffy, not Allen).] Allen: No. Snuffy: What's the distinction? [Allen can't answer. He simply cannot answer because there is no difference between IVF embryos which are destroyed (and receive no federal protection) and the embryos Allen says he wants to protect. IVF embryos are SOL with Allen.] -Allen wants to continue with the go-it-alone strategy in Iraq that has served us so well thus far rather than put some of the burden on Iraq's neighbors. Webb: Even the President of Iraq is talking to Iran. The President of your regime in Iraq is talking to Iran. You will not have peace in the Middle East unless you somehow bring all the countries into involvement. [I think this was the best off-the-cuff, honest, and powerful substantive remark of the whole debate.] Q: Should Iraq be partitioned?: Allen: This should be determined by Iraq. Northern Kurdish area is a boom town. We didn'’t have to wear flack jackets there [As opposed to the rest of the country. Seriously, he's trying to point out positives in Iraq right? The best he can do is "not everywhere requires Kevlar"?] All the factions have decided to be positive and constructive [This is so naive and/or ridiculously oversimplified and shows a fundamental lack of understanding of Iraqi Kurdistan.– Kurdistan is far more uniform ethnically and religiously than the rest of the country (Kurdish Sunnis far outnumber Arabs - Sunnis and Shiite - Turkmen and the other ethnic groups in the region.) They'’ve had self-rule for 15 years allowing them to have civil institutions in place (which we didn't dismantle when we invaded, unlike the rest of the country). The dynamic in Kurdistan is completely different from the rest of the country. They didn'’t just decide not to kill each other.]. ALL Iraqis are agreed in the gratitude to our country and that Baghdad is essential for security. [I don't think anyone can make any statements that ALL Iraqis agree upon. The closest to universal agreement you could probably get would be that they ALL want US troops out of their country.] They should decide. Oil as a national asset again. [Again, nationalized oil? That'll bring in outside investment. Tell it to Hugo Chavez, "Senator". Also, if Iraqis should decide on partitioning their country, shouldn't they decide on nationalizing their oil industry, too?] Webb: The insurgency is active because they resent the American troops. Kurdistan is in danger of spilling over into Turkey and Iran and Syria. Allen: Do have to be so negative when even the Kurdish area is doing so well you have to be critical of it? [Yeah, ya big meanie! Kurdistan is all candy and sushine. Well, except for the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK), the terrorist organization that wants to carve out a Kurdish homeland from Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey and which happens to be based in Iraqi Kurdistan with the tacit approval of the Kurdish government. They are also the reason that Turkey and Iran have been shelling Iraqi Kurdistan. They are why Turkey has been threatening to invade Iraqi Kurdistan. Oh, and Kirkuk (which the Kurds want to annex because it contain 40% of Iraq's oil) ain't so stable anymore either. But, ya know. All is well. Or, Allen is showing his ignorance, yet again.] Allen: Written words are those that you think about. [I promise all of you here and now - I will NEVER let this quote die.] Webb handily won both debates. Allen seemed at times like the ultra-slick politician and at other times (when knocked off message) flustered, angry, and uninformed. Webb articulated definite positions which are, most importantly, his own and not a) dictated to him by the President, or b) lifted from someone else. To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca

Evening Chuckle: Hold My Ears!

This is probably the funniest thing I've ever seen on "Family Guy" and possibly anywhere else. Enjoy. Tags: Humor, Family Guy, Funny

AllenHQ Does Not Want to Hear Your Opinion (Unless It's Their Opinion)

As I predicted this morning, the AllenHQ blog did not post my comment. Didn't NLS once say that it's not a blog if it doesn't allow comments? I've said it before and I'll say it again: Is patheti-sad a word? To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca

Fairfax County CoC Debate, Part II: "Written Words Are Words That You Think About"

Part II, see Part I. Question: War in Iraq: What are we fighting for and when will our soldiers come home? Allen: Security of the USA. He says there is no difference between him and Webb on this. [Whaaaaaaa?] We agree there should be no permanent US bases. We shouldn'’t talk to Iran and Syria because they are state sponsors of terror. [Sure look how well isolating Cuba has worked. We changed their regime lickety split (in geological terms).] Webb: Last year Allen said we should be talking to our enemies. Part of the success in Afghanistan was due to getting the neighbors involved, including Iran. "No great country should be afraid to talk to any other country." [Fear obviously drives everything in our country now - as long as the Allen types are in positions of power.] The US can begin a process to bring Iran back into the international community, as we did with China in the 1970s. Snuffy: What is the key difference between you and Allen on Iraq going forward? Webb: Many. He is comfortable with the idea that we could stay for 20-30 years. [We've been in Cuba for 100, right "Senator"?] I believe we need to work immediately to get our combat troops out of Iraq. [That seems to be a difference to me.] Allen: Webb has no clear plan. [Does he even listen when Webb speaks?] [Oh, and by the way] Iran and Syria are state sponsors of terror. [In case you missed it the first time.] Webb: Even the President of Iraq is talking to Iran. The President of your regime in Iraq is talking to Iran. You will not have peace in the Middle East unless you somehow bring all the countries into involvement. [I think this was the best off-the-cuff, honest, and powerful substantive remark of the whole debate.] Q: Senator Allen, as a Governor you were against easier motor-voter registration laws because of states rights, but you, as a Senator want to force states to accept concealed weapons permits from other states. How do you reconcile this? Allen: Motor voter is an unfunded mandate. Concealed weapons laws = drivers licensing. Webb: I agree, I have a permit to carry. I'’ve had a gun since 8 I hunt etc. [I didn't really think much of this question and they both pretty much agreed on it. However, this turned into a positive for Webb because he used it to show that he has been a life-long gun owner and hunter. That should play well here in Virginia. My brother (who lives in Pennsylvania) told me about a co-worker of his who, before the 2004 Presidential election, decided he was going to vote for Bush because he didn't believe John Kerry actually hunted (Kerry had had a pretty weak hunting photo-op staged just before this. Of course, he had no problem swallowing Bush's fake-cowboy schtick.) There should be no such problem with Webb, I find that very positive.] Q: Mr. Webb, would you vote to cut off appropriations to fund the Iraq war to end it? Webb: I would want to ask questions about the permanent bases. Iran has more power in Iraq than it has in 300 years. I would not vote to cut off funds. Q: Should Iraq be partitioned?: Allen: This should be determined by Iraq. Northern Kurdish area is a boom town. We didn'’t have to wear flack jackets there [As opposed to the rest of the country. Seriously, he's trying to point out positives in Iraq right? The best he can do is "not everywhere requires Kevlar"?] All the factions have decided to be positive and constructive [This is so naive and/or ridiculously oversimplified and shows a fundamental lack of understanding of Iraqi Kurdistan.– Kurdistan is far more uniform ethnically and religiously than the rest of the country (Kurdish Sunnis far outnumber Arabs - Sunnis and Shiite - Turkmen and the other ethnic groups in the region.) They'’ve had self-rule for 15 years allowing them to have civil institutions in place (which we didn't dismantle when we invaded, unlike the rest of the country). The dynamic in Kurdistan is completely different from the rest of the country. They didn'’t just decide not to kill each other.]. ALL Iraqis are agreed in the gratitude to our country and that Baghdad is essential for security. [I don't think anyone can make any statements that ALL Iraqis agree upon. The closest to universal agreement you could probably get would be that they ALL want US troops out of their country.] They should decide. Oil as a national asset again. [Again, nationalized oil? That'll bring in outside investment. Tell it to Hugo Chavez, "Senator".] Webb: The insurgency is active because they resent the American troops. Kurdistan is in danger of spilling over into Turkey and Iran and Syria. Allen : Do have to be so negative when even the Kurdish area is doing so well you have to be critical of it? [Yeah, ya big meanie! Kurdistan is all candy and sushine. Well, except for the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK), the terrorist organization that wants to carve out a Kurdish homeland from Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey and which happens to be based in Iraqi Kurdistan with the tacit approval of the Kurdish government. They are also the reason that Turkey and Iran have been shelling Iraqi Kurdistan. They are why Turkey has been threatening to invade Iraqi Kurdistan. Oh, and Kirkuk (which the Kurds want to annex because it contain 40% of Iraq's oil) ain't so stable anymore either. But, ya know. All is well. Or, Allen is showing his ignorance, yet again.] Q: Women can'’t fight: Webb: I apologize for the tone of the article. I am comfortable with the role of women today. When I was in government, I opened up more operational blllets than any navy secretary in history. And I instituted stronger provisions on sexual harassment. I apologize to anyone offended by the tone of the issue, 27 years ago. Where we are today is result of the debate discussed in that article. Allen: Written words are those that you think about. [Unlike saying macaca, I guess. Wait, did he really just say that?] Allen pounds on Webb for the article and then goes back to the Reagan ad again. Webb: "Well, I guess this is my macaca payback. Keep tryin' George." [Nice. That pretty much says it all on this issue.] Q: VA transportation: New taxes for road or rail? Allen: Does not want to answer the question because it requires taxes to be raised. Prefers private investment with tolls. Webb: I agree on need for private investment. Should try what he used to bring companies to Vietnam. BOT: A private company Builds roads. They Operate the toll road. Then they Turn it over to the government when they make a pre-determined profit. [This sounds like a pretty smart, detailed plan for one of NOVA'a biggest issues.] Work hard to get full dollar for every dollar in gas tax back from the feds. Virginia has a great Governor in Tim Kaine and I look forward to working with him. Allen: Allen wants to drill for oil in ANWR and off the coast of Virginia. Closing statements: Allen: You know me. [To know you is to want to vote against you.] More microchips than cigarettes were made in Virginia. This is not a one issue campaign. [Pleeeeease believe that. Please, please, please don't think of Iraq when you vote.] I'm the only candidate with an energy security plan [Drill.] We need more people involved in science and technology. [I agree. Does anybody know Allen's stance on Intelligent design being taught in schools? Seriously, I don't know. He'’s a smooth politician, I must say.] Webb: Mark Warner deserves some credit for the technology boom in Virginia. [Touche.] The state of leadership in this country: –Have wanted to see strong affirmative leadership on many issues not just one. 2/3 of American believe this country is headed in the wrong direction. I can bring a new view. "I have written books George, I confess." [Gasp!] I would like to spend the next 6 years giving every ounce of my energy to helping our national defense become properly focused again, to helping to ease the divisions in this country and create more fairness in our economic system and on isues of social justice and to stand up to an administration that, in my view, has abused its constitutional powers over the last 5 years. [Amen.] Webb has a nice little joke at his own expense by standing on his toes to be as tall as Allen when they shake hands. [What is Allen, like 8 feet tall?] So guess who won? Webb. Again. Not by as wide a margin as on "Meet the Press" but still convincing. Allen seemed at times like the ultra-slick politician and at other times (when knocked off message) flustered, angry, and uninformed. Webb articulated definite positions which are, most importantly, his own and not a) dictated to him by the President, or b) lifted from someone else. Post-mortem on both debates to come. To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca

Fairfax Country CoC Debate, Part I

These are some basic impressions of today's debate. Again, with my crappy stenography (note: Snuffy = Snuffleupagus = Stephanopoulus, that's how my brain works). [My comments in brackets.] Opening statements: [Pretty good, positive opening statement by Allen.] Webb talks about how great America is at allowing people to rise and improve their status. [Which I agree with] 3 America's due to class and economic divisions. Allen: "We have one America" [If you are rich and prosperous and don't look out the window of your limo as you drive through DC, I'm sure you would think that, "Senator". Allen: [Still, as yesterday, saying "my opponent" still scared to say Jim Webb.] Allen is pushing for more H1B-Visas. [I agree with this.] Webb says H1Bs are fine if we can't find Americans first find Americans to fill the jobs. [I agree with this more.] Questions: Q: Voting rights for DC: Allen touts "retroceding" [He likes this word. It makes him sound smart. Orrather,it makes him sound like he's trying to sound smart.] DC to Maryland as a way of enfranchising them rather than just giving them voting rights. [He wants DC to be part of Maryland not VA. Because that would be a lot of Democratic voters and minorities that would be added to his constituency.] Otherwise he won'’t answer the question. Webb: "I would support this bill." giving voting right to DC residents. Q: Macaca (pretty early for this): Great question putting all the obvious elements of the controversy together. Allen: More bull$#!#. He's getting' noticeably angry. Falls back on football analogy. Falls back on the (my black friend) Benny Lambert shield. Follow-up question: Are you Jewish? Boos? [This was a cheap and pointless question. Her first question was actually relevant but this is just crap.] He's plenty mad now. Says he won't answer the question based on freedom of religion. Fine. But then he details his ancestry for her. [Again, this question was crap but the one thing it did do was show Allen's temper and showed him bullying the reporter. He should have just stuck with the, "It's none of your damn business" answer. Even though, sadly, the real reason he was upset by the question was that he doesn't want people to think of him as anything other than a red-neck cowboy.] Webb points out that the M-word incident is another example of the negative/divisive politics of Karl Rove. In response to Allen's statements about Webb never having been to SW VA, "I've been coming to SW Virginia since George Allen was a Californian." [Great line.] Applause. [Well earned.] Points out lie in Reagan attack ad. Webb served 4 years in the Reagan administration not 10 months as the ad suggests. [Nice job keeping the high ground by Webb, not attacking on M-word but attacking inherent implication in Allen's behavior that day that residents of SW VA are racist.] Allen: (Flustered) Q: Wal-Mart boycott: good or bad?: Webb: Allen wouldn't meet with labor - we need more collective bargaining. Allen: Wal-Mart is an absolute good. Spouts party line Healthcare talking points. Q: What is the answer for healthcare in America?: Webb: Move toward Massachusetts type plan with preventive care and sliding scale which lets the poorest get more aid. Not opposed to "right to work" law. [I agree,that is a good law.] People wanted Wal-Mart jobs because their old jobs are all going overseas. Allen: Says he has a "concrete verifyable record of performance"? [Is this really something he wants people to know?] Cancer = broken leg? (He's practicing his robotic Presidential hand movements.) Q: Stem cells. Why are you against funding embryonic stem [ES] cell research, Senator Allen? (applause). Allen: I am for stem cell research (except that he's not). I am not for human cloning [Bold statement, find someone who is.] Lack of federal funding does not prohibit states or private investment from funding es cell research. [Unfortunately, what Allen doesn't know or doesn't understand is that federal funding is the lifeblood of science in the US and, by extension, the world.] Would not like VA to fund ES cell research. Would support stem cell research that is helping people right now. [But not the kind that will help people in the future. To hell with them!] Webb: I would have [supported the funding of ES cell research]. Senator Allen voted for it in '01. This has the weight of science behind it. [Yes, but since when does Republican leadership (which tells Allen what to think) listen to science?] These embryos were not going to become human life. Nancy Reagan is for it. [I don't know if bringing up Nancy Reagan is such a good idea any more.] Have to respect the weight of medical science and the need to be able to apply this sort of research to grave illnesses such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. [Do I even need to say that this is the correct position?] Allen: The fact is science shows that you can get all the properties and the potential of ES cells without destroying a human embryo. [That is not true. If that were true, scientists would not bother with research that cannot be funded by the Federal government and ES cells would not be an issue. Simply false.] [I knew he would hit Webb on Nancy Reagan.] Snuffy: Are you against IVF? [Great follow-up question because there are over 400,000 excess IVF embryos in America that will never get out liquid nitrogen freezers. They will either sit there until the freezer breaks or they are simply thrown away. This is one of my favorite examples of hypocrisy on this issue. Kudos George (Snuffy, not Allen).] Allen: No. Snuffy: What's the distinction? Allen: He can't answer. He simply cannot answer because there is no difference between IVF embryos which are destroyed (and receive no federal protection) and the embryos Allen says he wants to protect. IVF embryos are SOL with Allen. [More to come.] To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca

Meet the Press Debate, Part IV

This is it, I promise. This one is worth reading for the Hugo Chavez connection. RUSSERT: Mr. Webb, should we increase American troop levels in Iraq? MR. WEBB: We don't have the troops. I think that you, you, you heard from-you've heard from other military observers on that. We, you know, we've got people now in the Army and the Marine Corps pulling their, their third and sometimes their fourth tours into Iraq. We'’re burning out our people. It's one of the things I was warning about early on when I said that this was a, a double strategic mouse trap. First of all, a mouse trap with-that was going to burn out our conventional forces, and second of all, a mouse trap in the sense that we have gotten so engaged in fighting the Sunni insurgency that we have allowed the Shia to get more power inside Iraq. Now, we need, we need to make a couple of clarifications here. Saddam Hussein was not aligned with al-Qaeda, they were natural enemies. And this came out in, in the Senate Intelligence report Committee report of last week, where we, we were being told that by our, our intelligence advisers, whether it filtered through this administration to get to the Senate or not. And I agree on one thing, let's be clear: We made a strategic error in going into Iraq, but we have a responsibility to, to reduce our presence in Iraq in a way that will stabilize the region. What I've been saying for two years is we need a commitment from this administration that we, the United States, do not want to be in Iraq as a permanent presence and a long-term presence. But secondly, that we have to get these other countries involved, the other countries tangential to Iraq, the countries that have cultural and historical interests in Iraq, involved in an overt way to move toward a diplomatic process. I know what it's like to be on the ground. I know what it's like to fight a war like this. And there's-—there are limits to what the military can do. Eventually, this is going to have to move into a diplomatic environment. Now, that's where this administration seems to have blinders. They're not talking to Syria, they're not talking to Iran. And there are ways that we can do this, move this forward. If you look at what we did after Afghanistan, in the invasion of Afghanistan, we actually brought the countries around Afghanistan to the table-including Iran, by the way. Iran was cooperating at that time, before President Bush made his "axis of evil" speech and they stopped cooperating. The eventual way out of this—and it can be done soon, with the right leadership-is for us to get something similar to what we had with the, the Madrid conference in 1991 after Gulf War I, get these countries to the table, and have them work out a formula. Sooner or later, we're going to leave. And when we leave, the countries that are tangential to Iraq are going to be players. We should overtly push that now. [No comment, I just really liked this assessment.] SEN. ALLEN: The other aspect of this that I've, I've asked Maliki, I've said it to Jafari and all the ministers, is the key for that country, for their economy is oil. And I think that their oil ought to be a national asset, and they ought to create something like the Alaska Permanent Fund where everybody in Iraq, regardless of where they live, regardless of their ethnicity, has a share in that oil. They'll care about building up the oil capacity, upgrading it-and they’ll certainly care about anybody who’s blowing up the pipelines, because that would be money out of their pockets. Alaska they get a dividend. Every citizen ought to get a dividend in Iraq as well. [I think this has been glossed over because no one that I've seen has mentioned it. The good conservative George Allen seemingly is calling for nationalization of Iraq's oil industry coupled with payouts to molify the citizenry. Perhaps he could get a better ideaon how to implement this from an expert in this field, Hugo Chavez.] That's it - did I leave stuff out? Sure. Did I get more half-@$$ed toward the end. Absolutely. But the upshot is this: Allen can't touch Webb on National security which is the issue the Republicans want to make this campaign about. I say we oblige "Senator" Allen on this. To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca

Meet the Press Debate, Part III

These are the last few nuggets I thought were worthy of note from yesterday's debate [This is the NBC transcript. Again, my comments in brackets.]: MR. RUSSERT: Senator Allen, let me, let me just show you The Washington Times op-ed piece that you wrote in January of '05, and here'’s the headline: "“Stay the course." What does that mean? How do you define victory in Iraq, and can it be won militarily? SEN. ALLEN: Military and security aspects of it are absolutely essential. [At this point he lapses into total mindless regurgitation of talking points.] The people of Iraq have voted-last year three times, 70 percent turnout, walking like slow-moving targets to vote. [This one is a classic, I haven'’t heard it a while. I'’m surprised he didn'’t have purple ink on his finger (anybody remember that?). God bless those brave people but note to "Senator" Allen, it takes more than elections to have a Democracy.] And they do want a free and just society there, a country that does have respect for, for... MR. RUSSERT: But what is staying the course? SEN. ALLEN: Stay, staying the course is meaning that [Get ready for the smearing opponents of the war as cowards lightning round] we don'’t tuck tail and run, that we don't retreat, that we don't surrender. This is a central battle front in the war on terror, and it's not just the president or the vice president or me saying that [thank you for neatly summarizing who leads you.], that's what al-Qaeda says [that's what they say now], because al-Qaeda'’s designs and their goals are to have a caliphate, Islamic caliphate from, from Indonesia to Spain, with the capital being in Iraq, an oil-rich area. And we cannot allow Iraq, which-—where al-Qaeda was [gross mischaracterization bordering on bald-faced lie] and is now [because our invasion was a magnet for them], we cannot allow them... MR. RUSSERT: Now, let me, let me show you, let me show, let me... SEN. ALLEN: ...to have that haven for terrorist activity. [Al-Queda will never be supported by the Iraqi regime as long as (Bush supported) Shiite elements are in control, which is likely to remain the case as they are the majority in the country -– Hizbullah, on the other hand could receive significant material support considering that Iran and Iraq, both Shia nations (like Hizbullah) are now coming together. Also, the large Shia crescent in the center of the fictional caliphate” will never acquiesce to being part of a Sunni dominant caliphate such as al-Queda supposedly wants.] MR. RUSSERT: And this is what the Marine Corps has said about Anbar Province. "“The chief of intelligence for the Marine Corps in Iraq recently filed an unusual secret report concluding that the prospects for securing that country's western Anbar province are dim and that there is almost nothing the U.S. military can do to improve the political and social situation there, said several military officers and intelligence officials familiar with its contents." That's the military talking. What do we do? Do we seek a, seek a diplomatic solution, or stay the course militarily for years and years and years? SEN. ALLEN: Anbar was always difficult to govern. [Really? And when did you learn that "Senator"? I can guarantee that you did not know that or anything else about Iraq before you voted to send our troops there.] The focus now is on the Baghdad area. [So to hell with Anbar and to hell with answering your question, Russert!] When I was over in Iraq back in June, whether they were Kurds, Sunni or Shiites, they were all very grateful to Americans for liberating them from Saddam's tyrannical regime. They all also recognize that the key for the country is to make sure there is better security in the Baghdad, the central area. [It is amazing how monolithic in opinion Iraqis are (in Allen's mind) considering their country is slipping into civil war.] The northern part, the Kurdish area, is doing very well. Gosh, they'’re even running advertisements for investment in the Kurdish area. [Thank you for pointing these out, I love them. No mention that they advertize themselves as "the Other Iraq", that's unity.] They're building homes, there'’s a convention center. [Perhaps the 2008 republican convention (where you will NOT be nominated for President) should be held there?] And the southern part, the Shiite part, is, is, is fairly stable, too. [And getting less stable everyday as the various elements of the Shiite political block (and their militias) are fighting with each other and not just Sunnis anymore.] The key right now, the focus, the adjustments, the adaptations that have been made, is to focus on the Baghdad area. [This is getting too long. I guess there will be a part IV.] To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca