Horror fantasy and a trip down memory lane

Boy, now they've done it! I mean, political humor at Bush's expense is a good thing, but putting him in a Marine uniform is going too far!

On the other hand, if he'd put himself in Marine Green back in the day, we wouldn't be in the deep shit we are now because of him. If the Corps had taken leave of its senses enough to accept his puny ass, or been prescient enough to realize they could have saved the world a lot of pain in the now-present future, they maybe could've made a man out of him (yeah, granted there isn't much to work with but ze Corps hass its vays, trust me, I know) and he wouldn't have felt the need to show his dad how macho he is(n't).

One, just one, Drill Instructor having a 'moment of prayer', at high volume and 'up close and personal' of course, could've saved the world.

This completely ignores the fact that Bush has never possessed the balls to do something like try to become a Marine. Or any kind of actual serviceman. No letters, please.

A word about Gomer's utility jacket, which is the same kind I was issued: take note of the covered buttons on the front and pockets. These were an excellent feature. The buttons wouldn't tear off when you were low crawling, and when the laundry broke less than three in a row it wouldn't show when the jacket was starched.

Also, the jacket had a large inside pocket with a vertical full-width opening on the left side. This was ostensibly for carrying a Bible (I swear, they told me that!), but it also came in handy at the PX...

Sadly, these jackets went the way of the buffalo when SecDef McNamara commonized uniform issue amongst the services to save money and started issuing doggie (US Army) jackets to everybody. We also had really comfy and durable rough-out combat boots that went away under the same plan. The old ones were a bitch to shine, but wore like iron and didn't hurt your feet, which were the basic mode of transportation. The new ones shined easy, but also scratched easy and broke in hard.

On the plus side, the common uniforms made it easier to impersonate Army personnel for 're-supply' purposes, and just about anything we 'requisitioned' from the Army was an upgrade. Their C-Rations were even a lot newer than ours, and their toilet paper was less scratchy, given that soldiers were a more delicate bunch...

I can only imagine the finery and luxuries that could have been ours had we had Air Force resources within striking distance nearby! Ah, to dream...

OK, write the damn letters!

The Watada Mistrial: Here's What Really Happened

Truthout

First Lt. Ehren Watada knew exactly what his case was about - and that scared the judge.

There was absolutely no reason to stop the Watada trial.

The judge's claim that Lt. Watada did not fully understand a document he signed admitting to elements of the charges is completely untrue (see Melanthia Mitchell, AP, 2/8/07).

The military seized on that claim and complimented the judge for "protecting the rights of the accused" in granting the mistrial.

Here's what really happened.

If I've set the hook, reel yourself in and go read. Caution: Mass lawyerspeak may make your eyes glaze over like a Krispy Kreme.

Cut to the chase:

I wouldn't bet against these four authorities. Any fair-minded review of this case will reveal that the defense was doing far better than anyone had expected; that Lt. Watada had protected his rights at every turn; and that the judge was scared of letting this case go to any factfinder who had any chance of being fully informed of Lt. Watada's belief that the war in Iraq is illegal.

There's a lot of technical legal details here that led to the declaration of mistrial, but I'll bet that at the heart of it, the judge didn't want this trial - and his career - involved in declaring this illegal war and occupation illegal.

Blogrolls

I'm sure you've all heard the brou-ha-ha over the 'A-Listers' clearing out their blogrolls. Not that Kos or Atrios ever linked to us, nor do I care if they do or not, and I certainly have a grasp of reality to realize we don't hit the 'B-List' (according to Atrios' logic, by our Technorati ranking we're near the top of the 'C-List'), but just for your edification, we have one of the biggest blogrolls around and I like it that way. I link to blogs that don't link to us (if I like them), but I do put up a link to blogs who do, when I notice and if I like them (an email will get me to notice or you'll have to depend on me catching it when I go over site stats).

I realize people get traffic from us. While I don't think a link, or the loss of one, from us affects anybody's ad revenue, I believe the more information and opinion people are subjected to, the more intelligent decisions they can make. If I can introduce them to another voice, good for them and me. The only blogs I clear off the blogroll are ones where nothing new has been posted in months (might not seem like a long time to the average person, but a couple months is an eternity on the interwebs, especially in the politcal blogging world).

Atrios and Kos can do what they want. Their blogs and I don't care. But I don't sell advertising. Some people do to support their blogs and depend on links from bigger blogs to keep their traffic numbers up. Sorta seems to go against the values our side champions to pull the rug out from under a fellow blogger. Just sayin'.

And just to make sure we understand each other, my principles only extend to lefty and progressive blogs. If you have a conservative or right wing blog, you'll get a link from me when you pry it from my cold, dead hands.

Update:

Though not really related, I'm exploring the idea of setting up the Brain on its own server and getting away from Blogger and all the hosting services in general. I'm looking for information from people who've gone down this route regarding costs and technical issues I'd have to deal with as well as good reliable products I should consider. I figure if I have to lay out a couple grand for a server and domain name, it beats paying somebody a monthly fee and be subjected to bandwidth limitations and fees. Send me an email if you would.

The Schizoid New York Times

Okay, I'm not naive but how can the Times on one hand print an editorial like this:

It took far too long, but a report by the Pentagon inspector general has finally confirmed that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s do-it-yourself intelligence office cooked up a link between Iraq and Al Qaeda to help justify an unjustifiable war.

...

And then put unsubstantiated shit like this on the front page on the same day:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 — The most lethal weapon directed against American troops in Iraq is an explosive-packed cylinder that United States intelligence asserts is being supplied by Iran.

...

Any quotes regarding this information are attributed to "officials" or "American Intelligence". What are you saying, Gray Lady? That you understand (now, finally) the WH ginned up its own intelligence then (as your Girl of the Moment Judy Miller helped spread like so much manure) yet you don't believe them capable of doing it again?

And now you let another shill in the guise of Michael Gordon spread it around some more? Do you guys understand the job of an editor? Sorry, but if I get snowed once, I sure as hell ain't taking their word again. Or do you want what credibility you have left go the way of the Chimp's?

If I can weasel the deed for that bridge I sold Gordon away from him, I'll sell it to you guys. You should be able to see it from your window, the big Neo-Gothic structure that spans the East River between Mahattan and Brooklyn.

Update:

Dr. Cole via Rez Dog in comments:

...

Moreover, there is no evidence of Iranian intentions to kill US troops. If Iran was giving EFPs to anyone, it was to the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq and its Badr Corps paramilitary, for future use. SCIRI is the main US ally in Iraq aside from the Kurds. I don't know of US troops killed by Badr, certainly not any time recently.

It is far more likely that corrupt arms merchants are selling and smuggling these things than that there is direct government- to- militia transfer. It is possible that small Badr Corps stockpiles were shared or sold. That wouldn't have been Iran's fault.

...

Update:

Perfect quote from Greenwald:

... The Michael Gordon article from yesterday is so alarming because it stems from this same dangerous and sickly dynamic -- journalists eager to prove to Rush Limbaugh and Hugh Hewitt and Bill Kristol that they are on the Right Side by mindlessly accepting any claims from the military and refusing to examine the urgent questions raised by our increasingly war-seeking posture towards Iran ...

Update:

Cdr. Huber finds WaPo guilty of the same:

With mainstream media patsies like these, who needs Judith Miller?

Wittingly or unwittingly, the mainstream media continues to aid and abet the Bush administration's propaganda campaign on Iran. Shortly after Sunday's round of political gabfests, the Washington Post posted a story online (by Joshua Partlow) that supported the claims of the right's talking cable heads about Iran's actions in Iraq.

...

Child Abuse or Freedom of Expression?

This:

 

in my opinion, is borderline, if not full out, child abuse.


R.

You know ...

A few days ago I posted about the fall of the 'American Empire' and how it's already begun:

...

Look at our infrastructure, our bridges, roads, and services. How many of you have said, 'they can't run a railroad like they used to' or something to that effect? How many have said, 'they don't make things like they used to'? These aren't just things people bitch about. They are indicators of an empire reaching its zenith and is now on the path to decline.

...

Our manufacturing jobs have gone away, to people who's 'imperial star' is rising. The Indians, the Chinese, they are two of the societies who will surpass us in the next 20 - 50 years because they are on the other side. They aren't comfortable and still see the brass ring ahead instead of behind.

...

Today I find this via Blondie:

Thirty-Six Sure-Fire Signs That Your Empire Is Crumbling
...

You know your empire's crumbling when the folks who are gearing up their empire to replace yours start blowing up satellites in space. And then they don't bother to return your phone calls when you ring up to ask why.

You know your empire's crumbling when those same folks are cutting deals left, right and center across Asia, Latin America and Africa, while you, your lousy terms, and your arrogant attitude are no longer welcome.

...

There's 34 more that should give you serious pause.

Weekly blogwhore

Chapter 18 of my novel The Captains is up at The Practical Press.

Same old story ...

Same old song and dance ...

Not that I'm endorsing him ...

But I was impressed with Barack's speech today and I'm glad a black man who isn't a cartoon character (hear me Jesse and Al?) is running. And no, I'm not saying he's 'clean' and 'articulate'. I'm saying it doesn't matter he's black, and it isn't an issue. He's a candidate, period - white, black, or green aside, and has some good things to say.

Foreskin Face Cream

This is more than I need to know about the marvelous potions that ladies put on their faces.

Now, if there's a market for cheese I think I can help...

"We're not gonna leave it to the Republic Party to..."

Go see the video of Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) lay it on 'em.

Today in Iranscam

This tidbit at UPI via Think Progress:

At a farewell reception at Blair House for the retiring chief of protocol, Don Ensenat, who was President Bus'’s Yale roommate, the president shook hands with Washington Life Magazine's Soroush Shehabi. A grandson of one of the late Shah's ministers, Soroush said, "Mr. President, I simply want to say one U.S. bomb on Iran and the regime will remain in power for another 20 or 30 years and 70 million Iranians will become radicalized."

"I know," President Bush answered.

"But does Vice President Cheney know?" asked Soroush.

The president chuckled and walked away.

I think "chuckled" is a polite way of saying "mumbled 'fuckin' media asshole' under his breath". Well, what was Bush gonna say? How about "Of course he knows. He thunk it all up." Nah, Bush hasn't said anything that close to the truth since he claimed to have stopped drinking 20 years ago.

Also at Think Progress:

Evidence Grows That White House Planned To Release Cooked Intel On Iran

Gee, whatever could have possibly given anybody that idea? Oh, their track record.

Despite the intelligence community's intervention, there is still no guarantee that the intel on Iran that is eventually made public will be factual or comprehensive. As yesterday's report on Douglas Feith reinforced, senior administration officials are perfectly willing to work around intelligence professionals to obtain the "facts" that justify their ideology .

Note to the Press Corpse, and particularly that Bush-blowin' Gray Lady: You fuckers better get it right this time.

Torquing sphincters

This should piss Bill Donohue right off. Good.

Why we say 'fuck' ...

I don't know how I missed this the other day, but thanks to the General I got there this morning:

Our Betters—the VRWC and its cocktail wienie-gobbling shills and whores in our famously free press and the Beltway kakistocracy—are clutching their pearls because, ya know, some bloggers use bad words.

...

Housekeeping/Hiatusing

I'll be doing some housekeeping, namely redoing the links that have accumulated in the left sidebar (I pulled 'em already), over the weekend along with a few other things. Don't worry, Gord, I'm not dicking with the layout. Also to staff, if you have any non-blog links you'd like me to add, let me know via email over the weekend (send me a URL).

Regarding my promised hiatus. It looks like I'll be starting in about a week or so (18 - 20 Feb), being all the stumbling blocks to the new construction have been removed as of yesterday and there's a lot of work in my future. More on this next week when I firm up building plans; I might push it off another week or two if we get swamped at the shop with the Indian off on his yearly pilgrimmage to Daytona for Speed Weeks (He and Mrs. Indian are leaving early tomorrow morning).

I will be posting my weekly installment of The Captains at The Practical Press on Saturdays while I'm hiatusing, but you probably won't be seeing as much of me here or around Blogtopia (y!sctp!), though I'll probably have the news on while I'm carpentering and something is sure to piss me off enough to blog about it (and of course if I hurt myself I'll definitely share it with yas. Too bad I wasn't blogging when I stuck my finger in the table saw). Who the hell knows, a couple weeks are an eternity on the interwebs and shit can change a lot between now and then.

Edwards, Shakes, Amanda, Progressive Agenda

The tepid response of the Edwards campaign (an apparently from John Edwards personally) to the brouhaha stirred up by the Catholic League, et al, disappoints me. We need to shove the shit back in the face of the people or it isn't going to stop. Making Shakes and Amanda effectively stand in the corner and effectively apologize for sincerely held opinions is not the way to do it. What, in my opinion, should have happened is that Donohue's record of racist, homophobic, anti-semitic quotes (Example at Crooks & Liars) should have been given the light of day by the Edward's campaign along with the campaign asking the MSM if these are the kind of people that should be given air time and print space. That didn't happen and this whole flap does nothing to disabuse me of the idea that what is really needed, what needs to begin to be built from the scaffolding up is not just a Progressive Movement, but a Progressive Party. Neither of the major parties any longer represent Progressive thinking.

Donohue may have broken the law over Sis and Amanda. Whee!

Talk to Action

According to United States law governing the behavior of 501(c)(3) organizations, it seems highly likely that William Donohue--President of the Catholic League, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization--may have broken the law by attempting to intervene in a political campaign.

Beyond Donohue's appearances on broadcast media, during which he has spoken out against the John Edwards campaign, The Catholic League which Donohue used its 501(c)(3) non-profit status website to publish the following Press Release that included this explicit attempt to intervene in a political campaign:

Catholic League president Bill Donohue is demanding that presidential hopeful John Edwards fire two recently hired anti-Catholics who have joined his team: Amanda Marcotte as Blogmaster and Melissa McEwan as the Netroots Coordinator.

Bill Donohue, of course, has every right according to the U.S. Constitution to use speech as a tactic for intervening in and attempting to influence a political campaign. He does not, however, have the right to use his tax exempt organization to assist him in that task.

To do so is not only wrong, it is illegal.

He who laughs last, laughs best. Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!

Rice Uses Scooter's 'Memory Lapse' Defense

TPMMuckraker

I just got off the phone with Flynt Leverett, a former CIA Mideast analyst and National Security Council staffer during President Bush's first term. Leverett says he finds it "really quite curious" that Secretary Rice is pleading a memory lapse on an Iranian offer shortly after the Iraq war to, among other things, recognize Israel.

Leverett himself says he "saw the actual document" detailing the offer, which arrived at the State Department's Near Eastern Affairs bureau via fax around late April or early May of 2003, when he had left the White House to return to his regular post as an analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency.

Pensito Review

Iran reached out to the incompetent Bush diplomatic team in 2003 but its calls went unreturned by the worst president ever's worst diplomats.

Conjuring deja vu all over again in congressional testimony this week, Secretary of Narcolepsy State Condo Rice said the Iranians just didn't make it clear enough for her or her predecessor, Colin Powell.

Rice told Congress she does not remember seeing the 2003 Iranian proposal, which suggested Iran was ready to discuss its disputed nuclear program, support for militant groups that the United States labels terrorists and the acceptance of Israel…

The document, faxed to the State Department in the early days of the U.S.-led war in Iraq, proposed direct talks, perhaps in Paris. Iraq was at the top of the proposed agenda, with Tehran proposing "active Iranian support for Iraqi stabilization."

Like the infamous "Terrorists are Going to Hijack Passenger Jets and Fly Them into Skyscrapers" memo that Rice's National Security Council couldn't quite parse out the meaning of, the Iranian fax will go down in history as one of the biggest missed opportunities since Capt. Smith said, "Icebergs? Who cares about icebergs? This ship is unsinkable!"

My opinion is that Bush, Cheney, Rice, et al, put the pedal to the metal and drove the damn ship full speed ahead right into the iceberg, just knowing they could knock it out of the way because it was weak and they were strong. God and the neocons told them so.

"But I think I would have noticed if the Iranians had said, 'We're ready to recognize Israel,' " Rice said. "I just don't remember ever seeing any such thing."

Well of course you don't, Condo, and therein lies the problem. The Bush team's idea of diplomacy is sitting back and waiting for the other side to wave a white flag and say, "O.K., we're giving you everything you want and a few things you haven't thought of yet! And would you like that gift-wrapped?"

To them, it's a zero-sum game. Gone are the days of give and take, back and forth, and agreements all parties can live with long-term that win Nobel Peace prizes. Now it's just threaten sanctions, impose sanctions, and send Cheney off to the bunker to await the explosion.

"This administration, out of some combination of ideological blindness and incompetence, couldn't be bothered to explore whether this opportunity was as serious as it looked on paper," [Rice's former National Security Council Aide Flynt] Leverett said Wednesday...

The Bush administration has resisted suggestions, including from the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, that it should engage Iran to try to improve security in next-door Iraq.

And these idiots want us to take their word for it when they tell us now that we might possibly need to go to war with Iran? Don’t!

They didn't 'forget' jack shit. Dialogue with Iran was and is the last thing these megalomaniacal crooks/traitors in the White House want. They've wanted to knock Iran over since forever. They figured they'd bump off Saddam, conquer Iraq easily, and have a jumping-off place with bases, oil, etc. to go into Iran.

That didn't work so pussy good, so now that they've wrecked our Army and Marine Corps they're going to do it from an aircraft carrier. Yeah, right.

They are without a doubt the most incompetent bunch that ever inhabited our halls of power. Not only could they fuck up a junkyard with a rubber hammer, it'd be the wrong goddam junkyard for the wrong reasons!

With a little diplomacy, all this death and destruction could have been avoided. Bush, Cheney, Rice, all of 'em who had a hand in this criminal venture, belong in jail. If I have to live to be 100 to see it, I will. Tomorrow would be better.

The 'can't remember' bullshit? It ain't workin' for Libby and it ain't gonna work for ChimpCo.

Sometimes gossip is fun...

Mrs. G really looks forward to going to the grocery store just so she can see shit like this:

Once in a great while they do something right.

I have been unremittingly critical of the Bush administration and its press shills. But every once in a millenium, they do the right thing, so I might as well highlight that too.

From the San Francisco Chronicle (and numerous other sources):

"The capital saw an unusual tag team in action Thursday when President Bush's spokesman Tony Snow supported House Speaker Nancy Pelosi against an escalating attack by House Republicans over Pelosi's potential use of a government plane to fly nonstop between Washington and her home district in San Francisco.

"This is a silly story, and I think it's been unfair to the speaker," Snow said at the White House briefing."

End of another manufactured "controversy".

R.