Obama's having a great honeymoon.

From CNN: Obama Transition draws approval of 4 in 5 Americans.

The 82 percent approval is higher than then President-elect George W. Bush 8 years ago, who had a 65 percent transition approval rating, and Bill Clinton, at 67 percent in 1992.

Those are some MIGHTY impressive numbers for Obama, especially with the hard-right declaring when he first won that he was the most hated President-elect of all time. Your words, let me feed them to you.

He's even won over 61% of Republicans. That right there, for the 'most liberal Senator' is an acheivement. He's polling higher than Reagon did on confidence in his leadership.

Meanwhile President Bush manages to poll 3 in 4 Americans.

3 in 4 who are happy to see him go that is.

You know what? I think it's important to let everyone know, again, that the problem most of us on the left had with Bush was never really that he was a Republican, its that he had NO idea what he was doing. Looks like most of the country agrees with us on that. Republican, Democrat? Obama is showing that doesn't matter, and never really did. A good President is a good President. And a bad President, is President Bush.

Even Newt thinks you're stupid.

From CNN: Gingrich to RNC: Drop Blago video, help Obama instead

In a letter addressed Tuesday to Mike Duncan, chairman of the RNC, Gingrich slams the committee for releasing a recent Web video that seeks to connect Obama to embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

When even Newt "Contract on America" Gingrich thinks the RNC is going too far, and just being destructive and divisive, there's a definite problem. Seriously, this attempt to tie Obama to Blago is just STUPID. The ONLY connection is that they're both from Chicago, that's it. Christ. From this point on, every Republican who's from the same city as a serial killer has to bend over backwards to prove he's not an accomplice. Or else "Questions still remain".

9th-Level Crazy

From Pandagon: Want to see a Grade A homobigot? Meet Firpo W. Carr.

Oh, and let’s not leave out lesbians. Law enforcement agencies are struggling with a new phenomenon. “Butch” lesbians who physically abuse “lipstick” lesbians can easily penetrate the defenses of women’s shelters where victims seek refuge since they, too, are women. The original purpose of the shelters was to provide safe haven for women abused by men.
-- Dr. Firpo W. Carr, in his unhinged Los Angeles Sentinel screed, “God Pays Gays With AIDS”

You have to read all of this jaw-dropper to believe it. Someone needs to break it to the fact-free loving Dr. Firpo Carr (a self-proclaimed spiritual adviser to Michael Jackson and his family) that heterosexuals engage in sodomy. Look at him frothing over it with quite graphic, almost obsessive prose:

This guy is a grade-A psycho crazy frothing bigot. I wonder if he realizes that, once his homobigot compatriots stamp out the "gay menace", that he will be next in line?

Posted Without Comment

From yesterday's Journal-Gazette Letters Page

Christians will pick up the pieces

With Barack Obama’s election, progressives, secular humanists and every other stripe of liberalism have won the right to remake the world into their own image.

It is time not to oppose the insanity the left wants to impose upon America but rather to embrace it. These fools are going to destroy the economy and degrade civil society to the point where Americans will warmly embrace the Judeo-Christian values and principles that were once embedded within the founding documents and instruments of the United States.

Let us give the left its way and prepare to pick up the pieces. When the real crisis comes, we can emulate our Founding Fathers and institute a second Christian, American revolution.

When the inevitable failure of the left’s socialist experiment arrives in a national crisis, God’s children must be prepared to promote, create and maintain a Christian, values-based framework that protects God’s sacred civil gifts of life, liberty and the pursuit of property.

MICHAEL LEWINSKI Auburn

The Cycle Begins Anew

From Media Matters for America: Media Matters: Media pick up where they left off 8 years ago

I'd suggest you go read it. It's a pretty in-depth article pointing out how the media's back to its old tricks - trying to tie a popular, Democratic candidate to scandals by any means possible. Remember the Clinton era, when Whitewater was the biggest scandal ever and everything was proof that they were hardened criminals?

Media Matters does- and they know the media's setting up to try that shit again.

Rod Blagojevich: Criminal

What amazes me out of this whole story, is the near immediate attempt by the right to tie Obama to this. Everything from hints that he's somehow involved in it all, to simply implying he's a child of the same 'Chicago Politics', and will end up doing the same thing.

The disconnect from reality by these people is amazing, so let's look at the facts.

In the Blagojevich incident, he was, as it was aptly put "on a crime spree" it wasn't merely trying to sell Obama's senate seat, but everything from trying to surpress the press, to trying and pull funding from a CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, because they wouldn't give him a $50,000 contribution. So to try and tie it to Obama, you'd need to try and tie it to a children's hospital, and the Tribune as well, otherwise you're just being dishonest.

Secondly, is Obama involved? Yes, but not how they want you to think. There are tapes of '7' senate candidates for his seat - only one of which (number 5) seems to have done anything grossly unethical. Number 1, in fact said all she could offer was "gratitude" in exchange for the seat. Who is number 1? It's now believed to be: Valerie Jarrett.

This is how Obama is involved. Valerie Jarrett is in fact who Obama was backing for the position, and Jarrett and Obama offered, as I said "gratitude" in exchange for the seat, nothing more. Blagojevich's response to that? "Fuck him. For nothing? Fuck him." On top of that, it seems a call Obama may have gotten the ball ROLLING on him being investigated.

Mr. Obama placed the call to his political mentor, Emil Jones Jr., president of the Illinois Senate. Mr. Jones was a critic of the legislation, which sought to curb the influence of money in politics, as was Mr. Blagojevich, who had vetoed it. But after the call from Mr. Obama, the Senate overrode the veto, prompting the governor to press state contractors for campaign contributions before the law’s restrictions could take effect on Jan. 1, prosecutors say...

Mr. Obama used leverage that he had seldom employed — publicly, anyway — and strongly urged Mr. Jones to bypass Mr. Blagojevich and approve the ethics bill, banning the so-called pay-for-play system of influence peddling in Illinois...Mr. Obama’s intervention deepened a rift between him and Mr. Blagojevich that had been growing for some time.

Leading to:

...the government obtained court approval to intercept oral communications in certain locations in the offices of Friends of Blagojevich. In addition, as part of its investigation, the government obtained court approval to intercept wire communications on the home phone of ROD BLAGOJEVICH.

Ta-da.

On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Stupidity

From The New York Times Online: Deal Close on Auto Bailout, but Obstacles Remain

WASHINGTON — Congressional Democrats and the Bush administration inched closer on Wednesday to an agreement on a taxpayer rescue of the American automobile industry, but major obstacles to a rescue were developing in the Senate.Congressional aides said a deal between House Democrats and the White House was close, and White House aides said good progress had been made. But House Republicans, who are at a 236-to-198 disadvantage, were circulating an alternate plan that they said would allow the car companies to be competitive again without putting public money at risk.

A House vote on the Democrats’ rescue plan was set for Wednesday afternoon, but even if it passes that chamber by a wide margin, it could be blocked in the Senate because of Republican opposition.

“Republicans will not allow taxpayers to subsidize failure,” Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican minority leader, said on Wednesday. And Senator David Vitter, Republican of Louisiana, said he would use procedural tools to delay a vote in the Senate.

Great. Let's throw some more money into a sinkhole. Yes, I understand the consequences of letting them fail (which probably wouldn't be failing anyhow); that doesn't mean I like this. I also seriously doubt we're going to see the changes they're supposed to make that are tied to this - if it iasn't changed at the last second, then they'll simply "forget", and slip a few contributions to politicians to make sure they "forget", too.

If American automakers made cars right, we wouldn't have this problem. Or, at least, it wouldn't be so bad.

And am I the only one who notices a small irony in a Rethug saying "Republicans will not allow taxpayers to subsidize failure"? Really now, Sen. McConnell? So what do you call the billions thrown into the illegal occupation of Iraq? Oh, wait, you war-drum pounders think that's a massive success.

Palin's shopping spree cost goes up.

From CNN: More Spending on Palin revealed

The Republican National Committee's total fashion bill for Sarah Palin's nine-week stint on the GOP presidential ticket is in: $180,000.
But honestly, is anyone ACTUALLY surprised that it went up?

Actually the only part of the article that struck me was:

The RNC also spent close to $24,000 in several high end stores, including Ann Taylor, Bloomingdales, Brooks Brothers, Neiman's, Nordstrom, Macy's, Saks, Target, and Victoria's Secret.

... Wait. What? Let's look at that again.

The RNC also spent close to $24,000 in several high end stores, including Ann Taylor, Bloomingdales, Brooks Brothers, Neiman's, Nordstrom, Macy's, Saks, Target, and Victoria's Secret.

...

Victoria's Secret.

Why in the Hell does the vice presidential candidate need to purchase ANYTHING from Victoria's Secret as part of campaign spending? This just raises MORE questions!

Robert Novak: Proud Traitor and Douchebag

From Think Progress: Novak: ‘I Don’t Think I Hurt Valerie Plame’ And I Would Out Her Again Because The Left ‘Tried To Ruin Me’

During a recent interview with the National Ledger, conservative columnist Robert Novak was asked if he would reveal Valerie Plame Wilson’s secret CIA identity if he could go back and do it all over again. Novak noted that he has previously said he “should have ignored” what he had been told about Plame, but he now claims he is “much less ambivalent“:

NOVAK: I’d go full speed ahead because of the hateful and beastly way in which my left-wing critics in the press and Congress tried to make a political affair out of it and tried to ruin me. My response now is this: The hell with you. They didn’t ruin me. I have my faith, my family, and a good life. A lot of people love me — or like me. So they failed. I would do the same thing over again because I don’t think I hurt Valerie Plame whatsoever.

Unrepentant treason and outright pride in bringing harm to another person. And yet this man is allowed to walk free.

Go ahead, Republicans, tell me again about how much you cherish the "rule of law".

The Yearly Question

How long before a letter in one of the local fishwraps, decrying the mythical "War on Christmas" and babbling about "the reason for the season" and whatnot? Now taking all wagers, high bets, low bets, hard bets, yo bets.

Ann Coulter Shuts the F Up

From the NY Post's Page Six: WE HEAR... THAT although we didn't think it would be pos sible to silence Ann Coulter, the leggy reactionary broke her jaw and the mouth that roared has been wired shut...

I admit it's be outright wrong to laugh at someone else's misfortune, even someone horrible and hateful like Coulter.

But, on the other hand, "Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you fall into a open sewer and die."

Therefore: AH HA HA HA HA HA!

Of Change.

It's time, once again, for the podium!

So Obama's been slowly unveiling his cabinet, and what we've found so far is a good number of folks from the Clinton days (including one Clinton herself), some more 'centrist' choices, and as we found out today, Bob Gates, current Secretary of Defense staying on at least temporarily.

What has been the response? Whining. Bitching and whining. A LITTLE from the Democratic side, mostly the much more hard left side, from what I've seen, and a lot from the Neocons and those that just plain hate Obama. Why? Because they don't have anything left to complain about.

Yes, the latest volley is the declaration that Obama's choices show that the "Change" mantra is hooey. "This isn't change!" "I want my change!" "I knew he was lying!" seem to be the rallying cry of the stupid right now. Obama has made VERY wise choices right now, from what I can see, do I like all of them? Not really, but I do understand all of them. He's finding the best people for each position. In the times we're in, that's the best thing an incoming President can do.

I swear, it seems as if some people expected "Change" to mean that he was bringing in college students. What I always took it to mean, was taking what wasn't working, and making it work. You do that by using the best people. Seriously, what next? Complain because he's still married to Michelle? "That's not change we can believe in!"

Do Not Attempt to Logically Reconcile the Following Statement

Conservatives claim the media is liberal.
Conservatives oppose the Fairness Doctrine for fear that the media will have to present all sides of an issue.

Mike Pence and Jack Thompson: Idiots of a Feather

From Reverent and Free: More Pence Nonsense

Congressman Mike Pence is obsessed with the latest boogieman concocted in the bowels of the conservative movement, the reinstatement of "The Fairness Doctrine." Thursday, Pence's blog linked to an article by Jack Thompson, warning of the doctrine's reinforcement.

Well, besides the inherent hypocricy of a known advocate of censorship whining about how the Fairness Doctrine would supposedly limit free speech (by the way, genius, there's an inherent flaw in your logic there, but I'll save that for next post), which Craig points out anyway, I have to wonder: Is it wise to get your opinions from a guy who, among other things, threatens people with legal action if they e-mail him and have any disagreement with his opinions, threatens people who donate to charity when he welches on an offer, walks out on his own disbarment proceedings in clear contempt of the court, submits gay porn as evidence that there's a conspiracy against him and thus makes it possible for anyone to see it while simultaneously claiming that the people he was submitting it with regards to are the ones making it available, and has a laundry list of other misuses and abuses of the legal system on his record? Is that really smart, Rep. Pence, to associate yourself with that level of reprehensible filth?

Oh, wait, you're a GOPper trying to keep other people's opinions out of the public square. It's natural for you.

Hate Pushers Want to Violate Constitution

From KCBS San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose: Gay Marriage Opponents Want Prop 8 Retroactively Enforced

Lawyers for the Yes on 8 campaign said they would argue the California Supreme Court should not only uphold the state ban on gay marriage but invalidate same-sex weddings performed before November 5.

Ahem.

Idiots.

No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.

I know you're stupid. I know you see only two or three lines of the constitution as applicable to anything you do.

But if you're going to ask for treason, you'll be treated as the traitors you are.

The Universe hates Sarah Palin.

God.

Steven's career IS GOING DOWN A SERIES OF TUBES.

From MSNBC: Begich takes Steven's senate seat

WASHINGTON - Sen. Ted Stevens, the longest serving Republican in Senate history, narrowly lost his re-election bid Tuesday, marking the downfall of a pillar of the U.S. Senate and Alaska icon who apparently couldn't survive his conviction on federal corruption charges. His defeat to Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich moves Senate Democrats closer to a filibuster-proof 60-vote majority.

BWAH-HAHAHAHA.

Cheney indicted. Taking all bets on him blowing this off too.

From CNN: Texas grand Jury indicts Cheney, Gonzales

A grand jury in south Texas indicted Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on separate charges related to alleged prisoner abuse in federal detention centers, Willacy County District Attorney Juan Angel Guerra told CNN Tuesday.

Yay!

Though let's be honest, I expect nothing to come of this. Cheney's shown time and time again he can get away with anything he wants, the sooner this man is out of power, the better.

And just to demonstrate my point about him blowing this off:

Cheney spokeswoman Megan Mitchell said, "The vice president has not received an indictment."

Oy.

Can we all just relax for five minutes?

From CNN: LIARman keeps his position

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Sen. Joe Lieberman retained his chairmanship of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Tuesday following a lengthy and often heated debate over what — if any — price the Connecticut Democrat-turned-Independent should pay for his vocal support of Republican Sen. John McCain's presidential bid.

Do I dislike this decision? Yes. Am I going to act as if it's the end of the world, and all the Democrats in power have betrayed me? Hell no. Yet, I'm seeing my fellow progressives panic and fume over this in ways that leave me shaking my head. I simply can't get that angry over this, because as much as I've ALWAYS hated Lying Joe, I can see the political reasoning behind this.

Obama hasn't betrayed us, the Democrats haven't 'surrendered'. They're playing it smart for the moment, since we're not going to have a solid 60 majority, it's going to be MUCH easier to hit the 60 needed to prevent a filibuster on some issues with Joe than with outright Republicans, and on the ones we have a problem with Joe, we should be able to pick up a Republican or 2. And frankly, he's really not that dangerous in that seat anymore, not with the overwhelming majority we hold now.

People need to calm down and relax. Give the system a chance to work, before you cry that the sky is falling.

Meet our new Secretary of State.

From the Guardian: Hillary Clinton to accept Obama's offer of secretary of state job

Hillary Clinton plans to accept the job of secretary of state offered by Barack Obama, who is reaching out to former rivals to build a broad coalition administration, the Guardian has learned. Obama's advisers have begun looking into Bill Clinton's foundation, which distributes millions of dollars to Africa to help with development, to ensure that there is no conflict of interest. But Democrats do not believe that the vetting is likely to be a problem.

Honestly? I like the choice. Hillary has instant name recognition, and foreign respect. For an incoming President, who needs to rebuild our foreign relationships, that goes a long way. There won't be the long awkward time period where foreign leaders slowly get to know the new Secretary of State, because a lot of them will already know her well, both from her time in the senate and presidential bid, and also as the former first lady.

I'm hoping we'll get some stateside confirmation on this soon, the Guardian's usually pretty reliable, but another source would be great.

One-Man Hiatus

I'm taking some time off from this whole thing. I can't do anything but get angry these days.

I'm sure I can leave it to the others to see that this place is well-kept.

Gingrich: You Know He's Lying Because His Lips Are Moving

From Media Matters for America: Gingrich falsely touted GOP governors of Utah and Indiana for "lowest unemployment rates in their respective regions"

During the November 16 broadcast of CBS' Face the Nation, former House Speaker and Fox News contributor Newt Gingrich said that Republicans "who are about to face this question of, how do you get the economy growing again" should ask Republican governors Mitch Daniels of Indiana and Jon Huntsman of Utah, "[H]ow did they get to the lowest unemployment rate in their respective regions?" However, the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics records show that Gingrich's claim is false. In fact, neither Utah nor Indiana has the lowest unemployment rate in its region, and several states with lower unemployment rates are governed by Democrats.

You may want to have a look at this, it's fascinating stuff. I especially mean you, Newt, you libeling lying layabout.

On Veterans' Day

No more veterans.

No more war.

Is that too much to ask?

Fact-Checkers: They Aren't Hard to Find

Attention, Associated Press: If you're going to essentially accuse someone of being a complete and utter cockmonger, then you might want to get the story correct before you do so, you stupid fucks.

State Sen. Ernie Chambers is suing God. He said on Monday that it is to prove a point about frivolous lawsuits.

Chambers said senators periodically have offered bills prohibiting the filing of certain types of suits. He said his main objection is that the constitution requires that the doors to the courthouse be open to all.

"Thus anybody can file a lawsuit against anybody -- even God," Chambers said.

Chambers said he decided to file the lawsuit after a suit was filed in early September in federal court against Lancaster County Judge Jeffre Cheuvront. He's the judge who was hearing a sexual assault case in which the plaintiff wants to use the words rape and victim during her testimony.

Hat tip to Pandagon for the story, and commenter Kaethe for bring the facts to light before things got much worse.

Boy, 8, Kills Dad and Man

From MSNBC: Boy, 8, charged with killing two, including dad

FLAGSTAFF, Arizona - Police in this small eastern Arizona community are looking into the possibility that an 8-year-old boy who is charged with killing his father and another man with a rifle had been abused, the police chief said Saturday.

The boy, who faces two counts of premeditated murder, did not act on the spur of the moment, Police Chief Roy Melnick said.

I'm just left wondering when the vultures will descend on this one. This sounds like a prime opportunity for them to re-establish a foothold in the media, now that the election is over.

And to go with the new name...

a new look!

Courtesy of your graphic monkey, Phage. Slight tweaks still coming, but it's getting there.

Nebraska splits.

From Omaha.com: Obama wins electoral vote in Nebraska

The Democratic presidential candidate claimed an electoral vote in the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District — the first time in more than four decades a Democrat won any of Nebraska’s electoral votes.

See, now? Now we're just being greedy.

The future of the Republican party.

Hello again all, it's time for another edition of: The Podium

So the election has come and gone, and Obama won with 364 electoral votes, and 53% of the popular vote, a win over his opponent of 7%.

A sound drubbing against the Republican machine, and now we watch as the Republicans turn on themselves. I've seen numerous hard-line conservatives saying that they lost because they weren't conservative enough, that they must ostracize and cast off the moderates, the "mavericks".

Other than the ridiculous logic of that, "The country went left, what will we do?" "I KNOW! Let's go farther right!" I have been giving it some thought.

To any conservatives out there, I think you're right. No really, I think the only option is to refine your message, make it more 'pure'. Absolutely. Toss out the intellectual Conservatives, toss out the moderates, the libertarians, the mavericks. Kick them to the curb.

It's for the good of your party, and more importantly our nation. Because you'll never be anything but a regional party again by doing that, and that's good for everyone.

(Edit. I fucked up the percentages.)

The Last Frontier of GOP Dishonesty

Stop Alaska Voter Fraud

Seems there's a bit of a discrepancy in Alaska. Oh, obviously it doesn't mean there's anything foul afoot; that would be dumb of us to say, right? I mean, obviously things like ACORN are real fraud while stuff like this is just us being evil liberal partisans, right?

Doing favors

And now, a message from your local skeptic:

Sylvia Browne

I encourage everyone to put that link on their weblogs, in their link lists, everywhere they can. Go here for more info.

Chris Wallace on Daily Show

COMEDY GOLD.

Watch it here.

The Palin reveal begins.

I'm expecting quite a bit of this in the next few days, as the avalanche of information about Sarah Palin begins to appear - after all they don't need to put up appearances anymore.



We are SO lucky to have dodged this bullet.

Michael Crichton Dies at 66

From the Chicago Tribune: Author Michael Crichton dies at 66

LOS ANGELES - Michael Crichton, the doctor-turned-author of bestselling thrillers such as "The Terminal Man" and "Jurassic Park" and a Hollywood writer and director whose credits include "Westworld" and "Coma," has died. He was 66.

Crichton died in Los Angeles on Tuesday "after a courageous and private battle against cancer," his family said in a statement.

It's tempting to point up the fact that Crichton had submitted to right-wing hackery and immaturity in recent years... but if it's all right with everyone, I'll just remember him as the guy who wrote Jurassic Park.

Adpot-A-Wingnut Returns

Well, now that things have changed somewhat in this former rathole of a country, I feel it's time to do something good. I'm restarting my Adopt-A-Wingnut program.

You see, now that we've come to our senses and gotten past bigotry (somewhat), wingnuts are going to be taking it pretty hard. Wingnuts aren't like you and me; they're unstable and prone to harming themselves or others when they lose. Sane right-wingers aren't like that, but wingnuts certainly are.

Therefore, now is the time to adopt your favorite wingnut and make sure they don't do anything stupid.

A New Name for a New Era

At long last, I gave this place the new name I've always wanted to give it.

The URL hasn't changed, just the name.

Now how much do I need to change to totally revamp this place...?

INDIANA TURNS BLUE!

MSNBC JUST CALLED INDIANA FOR OBAMA.

Attn. John McCain:

Thank you for being the better man. For knowing that you shouldn't fight in a situation like this.

But fuck your crowd for still being gutless slime.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Next President of the United States of America

This is it!

MSNBC is calling it for Obama after he won the entire West Coast.

I'm gonna go dance in the street now.

Live from the LHP Election Results Center 9

The Flip is in: NM for Obama.

Live from the LHP Election Results Center 8

Fox has called OH for Obama and MSNBC has followed suit.

THIS ONE'S OVER.

Really?!

Fox calls NM for Obama.

Wow.

EDIT: And now they've taken it back.

Double wow.

Live from the LHP Election Results Center 7

Obama: NY, MI, MN, WI
McCain: KS, ND, WY

Too close: AZ (WOO!), TX, CO, LA, NM, NE, SD
Still close: FL, NC, VA, MO, IN, OH

More tips for MSNBC

I know you need to prove you're not TEH LIBROOL for the right-wing talking heads (like they'd care anyhow), but hosting convicted criminal scumbag Tom DeLay does nothing for your rep with sane people.

Thank you.

Live from the LHP Election Results Center 6

I'm starting to worry.

Live from the LHP Election Results Center 5

Mitch Daniels is keeping his seat.

Well, at least I didn't vote for him.

WOOOOO-HOOOO-HOOO-HOOO-HOOO!

MCCAIN'S STRATEGY HAS FAILED!
BARRING A HUGE UPSET, OBAMA IS THE PRESIDENT-ELECT!

Okay, calm, collected... we need Obama to win a Bush state.

Live from the LHP Election Results Center 4

Illinois, PA, NJ, MA, MD, CT, NH for Obama.
TN for McCain.

Think of the Hitchhiker's Guide

When it comes to those states where McCain is ahead, I've heard that there are good reasons to not give up: rural right-wing districts always report in first, and they aren't calling states that McStale should have walked away with.

In short: DON'T PANIC

Live from the LHP Election Results Center 3

NC, OH, and WV closing.

Indiana is slipping away from Obama, unfortunately.

Attention, MSNBC Anchors

Souder is pronounced "SOW-der", not "SO-der", and Steuben has its stress on the last syllable: "Steu-BEN".

You're not from here, so it can be forgiven.

Live from the LHP Election Results Center 2

It looks like Mitch "The Sell-Off" Daniels is going to keep his ill-gotten, ill-used office. Piss.

Live From the LHP Results Center 1

MSNBC isn't calling Indiana yet. It's too close.

How great is that?

A song for today

This is the song I am going to listen to all day today.

This is the song I will forever associate with today, if everything goes as predicted.



Apocalyptica, "HOPE"

The downpour continues

From Hart's Location: Obama wins.


Another city that hasn't gone to a Democrat in well, from the info I can find, EVER. It's also the largest margin a presidential candidate has EVER won in that city. Let the heavens open, here comes the rain!

It begins.... Now.

From the AP: Obama wins in earliest vote

DIXVILLE NOTCH, N.H. (AP) — Democrat Barack Obama came up a big winner in the presidential race in Dixville Notch, N.H., where the nation's first Election Day votes were cast and counted early Tuesday.

Obama defeated John McCain 15-6. Independent Ralph Nader was also on the ballot, but received no votes.

Oh. My. Word. Dixville Notch? Seriously? Dixville hasn't gone to a Democrat since 1968, and just as a reference, had 26 voters last year. Compared to this year's 21. Last year they chose Bush over Kerry 19 to 7. We're seeing a near complete flip in numbers.

Buckle up, guys, this could get epic.

The Rage That Was

After hearing about what the slimier portions of the right are saying in response to the passing of Obama's grandmother, I was all set to just tear into them, profanities flying in all directions in a perfect storm of unquenchable rage.

But you know something? I'm not going to do that. Why should I soil my hands with them? They're already miserable, and it would do me no good, what with my already-elevated blood pressure.

No, I figure that life will shit on them in due time.

Me? I'm just going to keep on being okay.

One Day.

One day.

One day more and she would have seen history in the making one more time.

It isn't fair.

But I'm thinking she went knowing that we'd do the right thing tomorrow.

Let's make sure we do, if we haven't already.

Breaking: Obama's grandmother passes away.

From CNN: After long battle with cancer, Madelyn Dunham has passed away.

Just over a week after he took a break from the campaign trail to visit his ailing grandmother, Barack Obama's campaign said that 85-year-old Madelyn Dunham had died "peacefully" after a battle with cancer.

Our hearts go out to Senator Obama, and his family.

Countdown to slimey, worthless republicans claiming Obama is responsible in 3, 2, 1...

EDIT by Damian, 11/3/2008 6:25 PM: As much as I hate Little Green Footballs - I usually call the site "Little White Hoods" for a reason - the guy in charge there has preemptively warned commenters that "nasty comments" will result in immediate loss of account.

Now, that doesn't fix the fact that the site itself is nasty, racist, hateful, and paranoid, but he at least has the good sense to try and stop people where he can. To paraphrase him, "It's ridiculous that I even have to say this."

Not everyone on the other site of the aisle is heartless. Most aren't. Everyone's got some class, somewhere. It's just that some won't show it.

Palin hides her medical records.

From CNN:Palin Stonewalls release of her medical records.

With less than 24 hours to go before the presidential election, Sarah Palin still has not released her medical records and there is no indication the campaign is planning to do so.

What a surprise. Once more the Republicans lie to us, promising to have these records released last week. I'd like to know why they're so intent on keeping us from seeing her medical records. Something's not right.

Abysmal Stupidity Results In Deadly Explosion

From: A nameless idiot on a site called Wajas

"McCain isn't much better. But he's certainly a break from either side from the past, the corrupt Bushies in power now, and the Big-Government left trying to muscle their way up to the trough."

I think it's funny that people accuse Obama of being "big government," and then turn around and claim that McCain is any better, or any different than the administration we're currently under (when McCain voted WITH Bush 90% of the time. Some "maverick.") It shows that they're uneducated on the matters, and just buying into the propaganda being fed to them by Fox News and the far right.

Newsflash: Some government control is NECESSARY for things to function as they should. Deregulation is BAD. Massive tax cuts for big corporations (especially those that ship our jobs overseas) are BAD. Not having a solid, sensible economic plan IS BAD.

Would Obama's policies "fix" everything? No. At this point, only the world's biggest miracle could do that (thanks to eight years of cronyism, deregulation, "trickle-down economics," and Bush Administration policies that favor Big Business and the super-wealthy top 5% over middle- and lower-class consumers.) But they would do far, far less harm than McCain's shoddy proposals, which read like four more years of Bush, Jr. Plus, his tax plan is more sensible and sustainable, giving MORE back to 95% of all Americans, as opposed to catering solely to the super-wealthy in the mistaken belief that THEIR prosperity will "trickle down" to make the rest of us wealthier.

Not to mention "conservatives" like McCain want to EXPAND government to intrude upon Americans' personal lives - phone tapping, domestic spy programs, intrusion into your bedroom and personal relationships through "legislated morality" and Constitutional amendments set up to DENY personal freedoms, etc. How is THAT not "big government"?

Also, Obama's running mate isn't a power-mad, borderline psychotic religious zealot/country bumpkin who hobnobs with violent secessionists (who, in turn, associate with Chechen separatists) while claiming to be "country first!", as well as has ties to militant Christian hate groups (see Joel's Army) whose ultimate goal is to engage in worldwide mass murder of everyone who doesn't side with them. Also, Biden's idea of foreign policy experience is NOT "I can see Russia from my house!"

Yeah. I think I'll take Obama/Biden's sensibility and SANITY over what's being served up by the Republican party this go-round.

To the cowards who tore down our yard sign.

You can wreck our sign, but we won't let you wreck our country.

Obama '08.

(And we voted earlier, so your immature little stunt was in vain anyway!)

The Crux of Republican Selfishness and Hate

From MyFox Detroit: No Treats for Obama Supporters

A Grosse Pointe Farms woman is accused of pulling a political dirty trick. Instead of giving away treats to every child who knocks on her door, parents say she's only giving them to kids who agree with her choice for president. FOX 2's Andrea Isom talked with the woman accused of denying children candy.

Follow the link for the news clip related to the story.

Lady, I hope people egging your house wasn't the worst thing that happened to it last night. You deny candy to children on Halloween just because of your self-righteous political hate? You're a fucking monster.

Follow up to Palin Pranked

The Palin camp has responded with the following comment.

"Governor Palin was mildly amused to learn that she had joined the ranks of heads of state, including President Sarkozy, and other celebrities in being targeted by these pranksters. C'est la vie."

... seriously. Anyone who listens to the audio sees just how vapid and frankly stupid she is - and her response is 'C'est la vie'? JESUS.

When the election is over, I'm going to be putting up a donation box on lefthandplay, the goal? Get Gov. Palin a really nice gift basket, signed "Thanks! We couldn't have done it without you!"

Palin. Pranked.

Wow. Just wow, she's a smart one!

On the subject of access to voting

I've never voted in an election in a big city until today. I lived in Garrett before, and before that I lived in a village of 80 people.

I didn't realize that one might have to wait for two and a half hours just to vote.

Can't something be done about this?

The Regular Reminder

YOU!

GO VOTE!

I DID!

EARLY!

Yep, She's Ready, All Right

From Daily Kos: Palin, interrupted

Wacky Sarah Palin plays "Constitutional Scholar" dress-up.

Palin told WMAL-AM that her criticism of Obama's associations, like those with 1960s radical Bill Ayers and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, should not be considered negative attacks. Rather, for reporters or columnists to suggest that it is going negative may constitute an attack that threatens a candidate's free speech rights under the Constitution, Palin said.

"If [the media] convince enough voters that that is negative campaigning, for me to call Barack Obama out on his associations," Palin told host Chris Plante, "then I don't know what the future of our country would be in terms of First Amendment rights and our ability to ask questions without fear of attacks by the mainstream media."

From Amendment 1 to the U. S. Constitution:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

I want every idiot who screams "FREEDUM UV SPEACH!" anytime they're criticized (read: every wingnut) to read that, and read it again. Read those first five words in the context of every part of that quote. Read it again, and again, until you get it.

It's this level of abject stupidity that makes people like Palin so dangerous - they twist freedom into protection for themselves and themselves alone, and willingly misinterpret the law for their own purposes.

If this woman is allowed anywhere, ANYWHERE, near the White House, we are in grave danger.

Obama: American Citizen.

From the Washington Times: State Declares Obama Birth Certificate Genuine

Health Department Director Dr. Chiyome Fukino said Friday she and the registrar of vital statistics, Alvin Onaka, have personally verified that the health department holds Obama's original birth certificate.

Of course, all of us here in SANE LAND knew this already. Of course the argument will now be that Obama must have paid them off.

ABANDON SHIP, WE'RE GOING DOWN!

Stolen from the Daily Kos: Fmr. Reagan Chief-of-Staff endorses Obama, and slams McCain and Palin.




YEEEE-OUCH. The complete implosion of the Republican party continues.

And Knowing Is Half the Battle

So what's the other half, then?

What Buzzcut teaches us.

Right-wingers are disingenuous little trolls. Creating false strawmen to tear down.

BEHOLD THE PAINFUL STUPID.

Also, Buzz? The "Quotes" "Around" "My" "Handle" are stupid. It just makes you look even more like a pathetic tool.

My response to his inane dribble:

Wow. How ridiculous, I am a college educated man who works an average of 43 hours a week, I am also just BARELY making a living wage. Which was of course, my argument.

I claimed nothing about certain people not working enough hours. I claimed that there was a number of people working 40 or more hours, and still barely scraping by at best.

And I'll use your own evidence to prove it. 100% hours worked is what we're shooting for, which would fall between second and middle, an average income of the two classes being, about 26,000.

My argument is that 26,000 is just barely scraping by at best. The majority of those families are either, 2 parents one child, or one parent one child by your own charts.

http://www.livingwage.geog.psu.edu/results.php?location=10874

This is my own area. The living wage required for those groups fall between 23,000-26,000. As I said, barely scraping by with a living wage. That is the average, meaning there are going to be a number of those that fall bellow it. My argument is not only sound, but provable and now, proven.

Your argument is at least somewhat statistically accurate. However, you misrepresented my argument, and myself completely, to make it. I'd demand a retraction, but I'm certain you're too much of a coward, and insecure in your own beliefs, to ever accept someone who wasn't yourself being right. So I expect nothing of you, which is fitting, as it is what I think of you as well.

This Is What Conservatives Believe, Part 3

From Think Progress:Dennis Prager: Equality ‘Is A European Value, Not An American Value’

Right-wing radio host Dennis Prager spoke before an audience of 3,000 at Minneapolis’ Orchestra Hall, during which he attacked the “left” for constructing “a grand edifice of lies about America.” One of those lies, according to Prager, is that “equality” is an American value:

Equality, which is the primary value of the left, is a European value, not an American value. Let me tell you that right now. I know this sounds offensive to half of my fellow Americans, because they have been Europeanized in their values. The French Revolution is not the American Revolution. The French Revolution said Liberty, Fraternity, Equality. The American Revolution said Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. We have lost touch with what our distinctive American values are. We have distinctive American values. … We have a better value system, and this is being protected by one of the two parties: the Republican party.

It’s a good thing Prager was there to explain the ideals behind the American Revolution. Otherwise, Americans might have relied on “Europeanized” documents like the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…

Or if they had looked to the United States Constitution, they may have erroneously thought “equality” was an important American value:

No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Thankfully, Dennis Prager is here to protect and defend American inequality.

Yes, this is what the nutbars actually believe - that equality isn't American. That people should be divided into classes and given rights accordingly (so long as they're the ones on top).

These people are dangerous. They need to be stopped, NOW. This is why people need to get out and vote, and stop telling themselves the self-pitying and paranoid lies that make them stay home.

It's Not All That Good

I admit we've talked a lot about the presidential race and how well it's going for us. Problem with that is, it's about the only race that is.

In the governor race, Mitch "The Sell-Off" Daniels is looking to beat Jill Long Thompson soundly. And in the IN-3 House race, Mark "DFHs Can Go Die" Souder is still a touch ahead of Mike Montagano.

I'll feel better about an Obama presidency, but on the local level, I'm still stuck in the northernmost southern state. Still, at least they're having to fight for it.

SRSLY NAO??

Ron Paul will be on the Rachel Maddow show to talk about Gov. Palin's plans to run for Prez in 2012.

Well, if you want an expert on failed presidential runs, I guess you can't get much better than Paul.

Bye-Bye, Buzzy Beetle

Guess who's not over there in my sidebar anymore?

Yep, Buzzy's gone from LeftyBlogs. Turns out he was deleted from the list, then mistakenly restored from a backup. Problem solved.

So, how long before he starts claiming "censorship"?

The Obama Infomercial

Just saw the second half of it, since I'm an idiot and forgot it was on. What I saw, though, was powerful: A combination of Obama's background explaining why he believes what he believes, looks into the daily lives of people who will benefit from an Obama presidency, and a few minutes of the soon-to-be-President-elect at an event in Florida whre the place was absolutely PACKED, which is surprising considering it was in Florida. (Let's see McSame pull those kind of numbers down.)

I know there's going to be a lot of talk about this in the next couple days, and I know that there will be people for it, and people against it, and people who will bash it who didn't even see it, but I'm content in saying that I liked what I saw.

Damian is Right, Buzzcut is Wrong

And it also seems our little pal Buzzy Beetle is a racist, too.

This is what right-wingers are really like.

Lying for Fun and Profit

Lying punk Buzzhump is lying about me again. Must be tough getting all those facts wrong, eh, Buzzy Beetle?

Left-Wing Mailbag, "OUCH!" Edition

J-G Letters Page, 9/29/2008

Terrorists missed ‘real Americans’

I imagine the terrorists must be disappointed now that Sarah Palin and John McCain have revealed that only true Americans live in small towns. I guess the 3,000-plus people they murdered in New York and Washington weren’t real Americans, so I guess the war was about oil all along.

TONY RUMPEL Fort Wayne

I believe the kids these days say you should get them some ice for that one, 'cause that's a WICKED BURN.

The Internet Is Over; Go Home, Everyone

From PunkAssBlog via Pandagon:A comment on the post, "(waving hand wildly in the air) Me, me! I have one!"

“Democrats think they ought to live in a society where success is determined solely by personal merit; Republicans think they already do.”

That's it, the Internet is over, Andrew has won, we can all go home now and resume our normal lives.

Freep: "WE (HEART) NEO-NAZIS"

From Mark Casey Online: “Free Republic:” Neo-Nazi Assassins Not Manly Enough

I usually try not to link to rabid wingnut sources, but a recently frontpaged “commentary” (EDITOR'S WARNING: THE PRECEDING LINK LEADS DIRECTLY TO A HATE SITE) — or whatever you want to call it — at Free Republic was just too nutty not to publicly object to.

It’s basically a short ramble about how the author thinks Nazis are generally gay (and perhaps that gays are generally Nazis?), based on a totally un-gay trip he once took to Knott’s Berry Farm. Here’s my favorite part:

The first thing that came to my mind was– “awwww… a little gay couple, how cute.” But when they got on the ride, before they were shot into the air, they gave Hitler salutes and yelled “White Pride!” There was a black lady behind me, and she was as surprised as I was.

So my point is this– My gaydar is pretty well spot-on, so I’m wondering if white supremecy has less to do with blacks in general, and Obama in particular, and more with gender confusion, rosy cheeks, white tuxedos and hello sailor.

Less to do with blacks, more to do with gender confusion. And speaking of confusion, the fella that wrote this clearly has no experience categorizing and rejecting entire groups of people based on superficial attributes, so I think we should take what he has to say about racism being a non-issue among Neo-Nazis seriously.

The rest of the thread, including comments, makes fun of the two skinheads and their plans to go on a killing spree as not nearly manly enough. Please don’t visit the website.

So, I'm just wondering: Can we have the Freepers classified as traitors yet, or do we have to wait until they do something?

Spah Sappin' Mah Sentry!

Despite the fact that I told the folks at LeftyBlogs about the lying, trolling douchewad Buzzcut and his smear-site being somehow entrenched into the Indiana feed, he's still there. And the guy in charge at LB even sent me a message thanking me for telling him.

So what's it take to get Mr. Big Whiner in a Red State removed? Do I have to send you a goddamn screenshot or WHAT?!

Negligent Homicide: 8-Year-Old Boy Shoot Self with Uzi at Gun Show

From Pam's House Blend: Boy kills self with Uzi at gun show while family members stand by

The next time you hear a hate-spewer talk about how teaching tolerance or skepticism is child abuse, bring this up. THIS is child abuse.

The implosion continues.

Dozens of McCain staffers walk off in protest.

"We were asked to read something saying [Obama and Democrats] were against protecting children from danger," this worker said. "I wouldn't do it. A lot of people left. They thought it was disgusting."

This is all McCain has left. Slime so bad that call center employees refuse to read it. They're desperate and pathetic.

Bravo to those who risked their jobs, rather than read this trash.

The implosion of a campaign

What? Sarah Palin cares more for herself than the McCain campaign?! SHOCK.

Heh, but seriously I've been waiting on this for a while now.

“She is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone,” said this McCain adviser, “she does not have any relationships of trust with any of us, her family or anyone else. Also she is playing for her own future and sees herself as the next leader of the party. Remember: divas trust only unto themselves as they see themselves as the beginning and end of all wisdom.”

Update: She just doesn't stop.

A senior adviser to John McCain told CNN's Dana Bash that the comments about her wardrobe "were not the remarks we sent to her plane this morning." Palin did not discuss the wardrobe story at her rally in Kissimmee later in the day.

McCain Campaign: Pants Aflame

From Daily Kos: What Did The McCain Campaign Know And When Did They Know It?

Just how involved in pushing the now discredited fake attack story was the McCain campaign? Remember, before the police had released any details on the alleged attack, it was being reported that:



The McCain campaign later retracted their claims, and now tonight, are denying they were the source of the quotes in the first place.

If the media doesn't ignore this (like they have with so many other damning stories about McShame's campaign), this could very well end this election now. This is outright fraud.

On the Subject of Flaming Trousers

From KDKA CBS Channel 2, Pittsburgh: Police: Campaign Volunteer Lied, Injured Self

Ashley Todd told investigators today she "just wanted to tell the truth" -- and was not robbed or attacked
Todd, 20, is now facing charges for filing a false report to police

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― Police say a campaign volunteer confessed to making up a story that a mugger attacked her and cut the letter B in her face after seeing her McCain bumper sticker; now she's facing charges.

At a news conference this afternoon, officials said they believe that Ashley Todd's injuries were self-inflicted.

Todd, 20, of Texas, is now facing charges for filing a false report to police.

So let me see if I've got this right. A McShame supporter claims a "dark-skinned African-American man" mugged her, then beat her for having a McSame sticker on her car. She claims this happened right in front of an ATM, despite the fact that the video doesn't show anything like that (you'd think she'd realize that ATMs are video-surveilled). She also claims that this mugger carved a B into her cheek, supposedly to make her think of Obama. (Am I the only one thinking this sounds like something out of South Park?)

Now she admits that she's a lying sack of shit, despite nobody really believing her anyhow. And, thanks to her filing of a false police report, she's facing charges.

Hmm... a white woman is suddenly attacked, blames a scary black man, then admits she was lying and is the real criminal. Sounds familiar.

And now for something positive.

This is the greatest political commercial I've ever seen in my life.

GREATEST.

"Get the Obama signs off your property—now,"

"Failure to obey this order will result in the immediate death of all family members."

Don't believe what you just read?

Believe it. People are getting DEATH THREATS for supporting Obama now.

Two supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama found handwritten death threats in their mailboxes Thursday and reported them to Villa Park police.

A 74-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man with Obama signs in their front yards near the 600 block of South Villa Avenue received similar letters that had a Villa Park Village Hall return address. "Get the Obama signs off your property—now," the letter reads. "Failure to obey this order will result in the immediate death of all family members." Both residents said they will not remove their signs, though the man, who had voted Republican for 25 years before switching parties this year, said his wife is worried about letting their 7-year-old son play alone outside.

Village President Joyce Stupegia said she has not heard about any other letters.

"I'm quite troubled," she said. "It's obviously a person who's a little nutsy getting carried away. But it's unacceptable."

So, McCain.... Are you still "proud" of your supporters? Are you going to come out and condemn this action as the despicable criminal behavior that it is? Are you going to stand up, take the HIGH ROAD for once, and say "This is NOT what the Republican party stands for, and I will not tolerate this sort of behavior from people who claim to support me"?

Of course not. Whatever it takes to either win the election, or burn the country down after losing, right?

Seriously, now. I wonder if the fucknut who wrote those letters would have been even half as bold if those signs had read "Gun Owners For Obama". And it's people LIKE that, that are making me seriously think about getting a big, fierce-looking German shepherd and a .35mm for personal safety - just BECAUSE people like that seem to be becoming more and more common, and more and more unhinged, thanks to McCain/Palin's stirring up of hatred and violence.

This is what the Republican party has sunk to, people - Not ALL, but ENOUGH - violence, vandalism, and death threats. And then they have the nerve to call themselves "freedom-loving", "Pro-America", and "Christian"....

Hack Jumps Ship from CNN for Fox Noise; Nobody Surprised

From HuffPo: Glenn Beck To Host 5PM Show On Fox News

Update: Fox News has announced that Glenn Beck will host the 5PM hour, beginning next spring. Beck signed a multi-year agreement to host a weekday program at 5PM as well as a weekend show on the network.

Well, color me unsurprised. I figured it was only a matter of time before Hack realized he's basically a third-rate Jesus-Boy Hannity clone and went to rejoin the slime he dripped from. Now maybe they can get something intelligent to replace Hack's screefest of a show - like a test pattern.

Get rid of Nancy the Murderess and you've got a nice, solid, four-hour block you can actually do something with. Maybe they could put the same half-hour of news they repeat for most of the day in there, like they used to have. It'd certainly be more informative. OR maybe they could get some real journalism in there. Oh, no, wait, this is a cable news network. They don't have any of that to spare, and Anderson Cooper has his own show.

Good riddance, Glenn Hack. Go back to the Propaganda Channel, and take that fat-headed racist and xenophobe Lou Dobbs with you. He'd fit in well there, too, except for his talk about the middle class.

Wherein Phage demolishes the 'birth certificate' non-issue.

Anyone else tired of the ridiculous claims going around about Senator Obama's birth certificate?

Let's destroy those.

To start: The claim his birth certificate is a forgery, or photoshopped.

This all started from the copy was provided, claims that there was no signature or raised seal. Well, since then we have new photos of the birth certificate.

http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/born_in_the_usa.html

Let's see. Raised seal? Clearly visible (Gee, I wonder if it wasn't visible before because scanned images don't display DEPTH well?) and Signature, which is located on the back of the certificate (Gee, maybe why it didn't show on the front only scan originally provided)


Now. It provides everything necessary for a birth certificate to be legit, including the Hawaii Dept. of Health saying it is.

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2008/jun/27/obamas-birth-certificate-part-ii/

“It’s a valid Hawaii state birth certificate,” spokesman Janice Okubo told us.

"BUT WAIT!" You cry in your wingnuttery, "that may be a 'real' birth certificate, but it's short form! A short form birth certificate isn't acceptable!"

Ah, again, you are mistaken. A short form certificate ISN'T acceptable, that is true, UNLESS it has the names of both parents listed. Hawaiin versions, do in fact. In the case where both parent's names are listed:

The short form typically includes the child's name, date of birth, sex, and place of birth, although some also include the names of the child's parents. When the certification does include the names of the parents, it can be used in lieu of a long form birth certificate in almost all circumstances

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birth_certificate#Short_forms
Yes, that includes U.S. citizenship.

"...Well... Okay... BUT!" You again interrupt, most rude, "It's suspicious he won't provide a long-form copy!"

And there is a reason for that. Long-form Hawaiin birth certificates are, in fact, not public record. The Hawaii Dept. of Health only makes available the certified copy, or... short-form.

http://hawaii.gov/health/vital-records/vital-records/vital_records.html

Of course that's moot anyway, as his short-form is of the variety that is considered an acceptable form of Primary identification.

In short, what has been provided is all that he needed to provide. It proves his citizenship as well as yours, mine or Joe the Plumber's. You may not LIKE it, but it is the TRUTH.

Dear Mr. McCain

....Where was your FLAG PIN tonight? I thought people who really loved America wore FLAG PINS. But you're not wearing a FLAG PIN, so does this mean you hate America?

Right-wingers: Are you going to throw a fit because McCain wasn't wearing a FLAG PIN, like you did with Obama? I mean, when Obama didn't wear a FLAG PIN, you accused him of being unpatriotic, unAmerican, all kinds of nasty things... But somehow... Somehow I think you're going to give Mr. McCain a free pass, even though he wasn't wearing a FLAG PIN tonight, either - but Obama WAS.

Hypocrites.

Live Blogging: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Shit

McCain makes a snide comment at Obama. Real classy there, Senator.

Here's the end, and McCain SOMEHOW didn't explode. He came close, repeatedly, to such a point that it was quite noticable. We'll see what the public thinks.

Live Blogging: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Shit

McCain more or less comes out against Roe v. Wade, and says "No Litmus test" but then questions if a pro-choice judge could cut it.

Jesus.

Live Blogging: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Shit

This just in: I hate Joe the Plumber, I'm sure he's a nice guy, but McCain is driving the poor bastard into the ground.

Live Blogging: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Shit

McCain is trying to paint Obama as this scary, tax raising, monster. And it isn't working at ALL. This is his hail Mary, it's brutally apparent. If he doesn't get something big tonight, he's DONE.

Frankly he's coming off like the sword of Damocles. I'm just waiting for him to fall.

Live Blogging: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Shit

VP Question. McCain's going to get murdered on this.

Live Blogging: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Shit

McCain is losing it. LOSING IT. I'm waiting for him to snap.

Live Blogging: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Shit

HA. Obama calls out Faux Noise. Nice. Also shut him up on the "YOU'RE TOO LIBRUL" point.

So far Obama is slapping down every claim.

Live Blogging: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Shit

And McCain brings out the damn Planetarium meme again.

This is starting to sound just like the last debate - and that's BAD, BAD, BAD for McCain.

Live Blogging: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Shit

McCain sounds angry, thought he was going to lose it for a second.

Right into the "PEOPLES DON'T LIKE OBAMAS" comments, I could care less about Joe the Plumber's misunderstandings.

Face. PALM.

The RNC Wastes More Precious Oxygen With Pointless Bitching

This time, they're calling Obama "unprincipled" because... get this...

Because the MLB has agreed to POSTPONE a WORLD SERIES game for EIGHTEEN MINUTES while he gives his thirty-minute speech. OH MY GOD, THE HORROR! WHAT KIND OF MONSTER WOULD DO THAT?!

(CNN) – The Republican National Committee took aim at Barack Obama Wednesday over the Illinois senator's half-hour ad buy that will delay the start of a World Series game by 18 minutes.

"It’s unfortunate that the World Series’ first pitch is being delayed for Obama’s political pitch," RNC spokesman Alex Conant said. "Not only is Obama putting politics before principle, he’s putting it before our national pastime.”

Major League Baseball has agreed to a request from Fox to delay the start time of Game 6 of the World Series (if a Game 6 is necessary) so the network can air the 30-minute Obama spot, a Fox spokesman confirms to CNN. The Illinois senator has also bought similar time on CBS and NBC, set to begin at 8 p.m.

“FOX will accommodate Senator Obama's desire to communicate with voters in this…format," Fox spokesman Scott Gorgin said. "We are pleased that Major League Baseball has agreed to delay the first pitch of World Series Game 6 for a few minutes in order for FOX to carry his program on October 29."

It's the first time a presidential candidate has bought that length of airtime on network television since Ross Perot purchased several 30 minute blocs in 1992.

"This is a big platform, this is a big megaphone, the interest level is clearly there and people will watch," Evan Tracey of Campaign Media Analysis Group, CNN's consultant on campaign advertising said.

The October 29 game will now start at 8:38 instead of 8:20.

Pay careful attention to that emphasized text up there. READ what this guy is saying. Actually READ it - that he's saying that BASEBALL is more important than the Presidential Election.

Even though it's not.
Even though the MLB ITSELF agreed to the short delay.
Even though, here in Grown-Up World, IMPORTANT MATTERS like elections sometimes have to come before fun and games and frolicking through the fields with bunnies and fawns.

Dear Mr. Conant;

I know that you, along with a handful of other rabid, die-hard baseball fanatics, are antsy about the World Series and seeing who goes where as soon as possible.

But your whining about Obama's speech (when you wouldn't be bitching if it were McCain doing this) and all but saying that baseball is more important than the future of this country... It doesn't make you look bigger or more important or even slightly intelligent. It makes you look like a small-minded, petty, petulant, and ignorant sore loser. This is the kind of behavior I would expect from third-grader BULLIES, NOT a supposedly-competent grown man.

It's a GAME.

Delaying it by LESS THAN TWENTY MINUTES is not going to end the world.

Jesus Christ, man. Grow up and get a grip on REALITY. I know it's unpleasant and sometimes ugly right now, but that's no justification for your ignorant remarks.

Of Right-Wing Trolls

Time for another edition of... THE PODIUM.
With your, not-so libertarian anymore, host: Phage.

Anyone involved with the left leaning blogosphere has probably noticed within the last couple of weeks a growing trend for more, and more vitriolic trolls. I therefore give you, Phage's quick guide to modern trolls.

Firstly, establish what kind of troll it is. This is important, as there are different kinds - I'll point out two kinds we'll see in our current climate.

- The "I don't buy into any of this, but watching people get pissed off is funny" troll. Easy to deal with, ignore them, they'll get bored and slink off to bother someone else.

- The panicked pundit troll. This is the troll that we've been seeing more of lately. With a tanking Presidential campaign, the very real possibility of dramatic losses in both the senate and house, and the public turning on their ideology; the modern 'conservative' (and I use the term loosely, as most true conservatives would be disgusted at what the Republican party became) has finally come to grips with a sobering fact. The Republican party is dying. Thus, like a drowning victim they are now thrashing and flailing about, grasping, rasping and cursing.

The best way to deal with the panicked pundit troll, is to give them no quarter. Give them nothing to try and hold onto. Continue just as you have been doing, my fellow Progressives. Oh sure, they'll make a lot of noise, throw a lot of insults and raise a lot of Hell; but to go back to my drowning analogy, it'll all be over soon enough.

If they really become too much to endure (and on some blogs this may be possible, especially if you become inundated with far too many) - simply remove their ability to comment, they'll curse about having their right to free speech taken away - but let's be blunt. These are blogs, not a public forum, there are plenty of places for them to go and speak their mind. Their ability to 'speak in our homes', to turn a phrase, is a privilege, not a right - and don't let any of them try to convince you otherwise.

Until next time, stay progressive.
- Phage

Seems I've Made a (Stupid, Whiny, Lying) Friend

Seems the whiny, lying, paranoid, trolling, pathetic piece of shit who runs "Blue County in a Red State" (you remember, the spy sappin' mah sentry at LeftyBlogs IN) is throwing a fit over the fact that I called him on his bull.

Sarah Palin. Liar.

Tells the press she has been cleared of any hint of unethical activity.

"Well, I’m very very pleased to be cleared of any legal wrongdoing, any hint of any kind of unethical activity there,” Palin said on a Saturday conference call with reporters from the Anchorage Daily News, KTVA-Channel 11 and KTUU-Channel 2. “Very pleased to be cleared of any of that."

OH COME ON. The report itself says she broke ethics laws. ARGH! She is the worst person in history!

Bad. Guys.

Sarah Palin implies Democrats are 'the bad guys'

“Help me, Ohio, to help put John McCain in the White House,” she said. “He understands. He understands you. We understand how important it is that this team be elected. For one thing, we know who the bad guys are, OK?”

Well... I suppose she could be saying that the terrorists are the bad guys... right, I mean c'mon Phage, don't you think you're reading a bit much into this...?

NO. Because she then CLARIFIES.

“We know that in the war, it’s terrorists, terrorists who hate America and her allies and would seek to destroy us, and the bad guys are those who would support and sympathize with the terrorists,” she said. “They do not like America because of what we stand for. Liberty. Freedom. Equal rights. Those who sympathize and support those terrorists who would seek to destroy all that it is that we value, those are the bad guys, OK?”

We all know how the Republicans have tried to paint anyone who isn't in line with their ideology as terrorist sympathizers. It's well documented. The next step has just been taken, slowly shifting who the 'villain' of their warped little fantasy is. And they've put us in the crosshairs.

They're playing the most dangerous of games, and I have a message to Mrs. Palin. Stop. Before you cross a line that can't be uncrossed. This is the only warning, and the most polite statement in this regard that I, myself, will give you.

Sarah Palin: The Anchor on McCain's sinking ship.

Gov. Sarah Palin abused her power.

Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin abused her power as Alaska's governor and a violated state ethics law by trying to get her ex-brother-in-law fired from the state police, a state investigator's report concluded Friday.

I don't think I need to say anything else, really.

Obama makes a BIG push.

Obama buying 30 minute blocks of airtime on the major networks for October 29th.

Barack Obama is buying 30 minutes of airtime on the major television networks just days before the presidential election, the Obama campaign confirms.

Sources with the Obama campaign say half hour blocks have been purchased on Wednesday, October 29 on CBS and NBC. The campaign is also in negotiations with Fox, though that day will conflict with the World Series if there is a game 6.

This is HUGE. I don't think any nominee for President has ever pulled this one before, and it's definately a sign of the kind of cash flowing in from his revolutionary grass-roots style financing.

I can't wait to see what he has to say, and I'm sure a large number of people, regardless of their political affiliation, are going to feel the same way. October 29th folks. Be there.

All Indiana LeftyBlogs Members and Readers MUST READ THIS

Some of you may have noticed Blue County in a Red State showing up in the post list on occasion.

THIS SITE IS NOT A LIBERAL BLOG. IT IS A FAR-RIGHT DEMAGOGUE WHO THINKS EVERYONE WHO ISN'T A REPUBLICAN IS CORRUPT.

I advise everyone concerned about this type of trolling contact LeftyBlogs' parent company, Mandate Media, and ask them to pay more attention to who they allow in. While they're at it, maybe they could add an actual contect link to LB so we don't have to contact Mandate Media directly?

At least he didn't call us his friends again.

"My fellow prisoners"

Wow, McCain seems to be having war flashbacks. The implosion of a candidate, folks.

You want to talk about "that one", McCain?

Well, I want to talk about this one:

Live Blogging from the Debate (Strikes back)

That's the end, folks.

I'm calling it for Obama, FIERCELY. He showed he wasn't going to take crap, he gave solid answers, and frankly still managed to show respect to McCain, something the old man seemed incapable of doing.

Adding something after the fact. Behold, McCain's dickishness knows no bounds. He won't even shake Obama's hand.

Live Blogging from the Debate (Strikes back)

Tom gives up trying to reign in the candidates. I'm not surprised, with the political climate as it is, there was no way not to get some back and forth.

ESPECIALLY WITH A CERTAIN OLD MAN LYING AS HIS FINAL STATEMENT, SO OBAMA WOULDN'T HAVE A CHANCE TO RESPOND. YOU DOUCHE.

Live Blogging from the Debate (Strikes back)

I'm wondering how many alcohol related deaths are going to come from people taking a drink everytime Senator McCain said "My Friends" tonight.

Jesus. You're not my friend, knock it off.

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF.

He's now starting to layer it into the same answer, over and over!

Live Blogging from the Debate (Strikes back)

McCain calls Obama "That one".

Nice. FUCKING NICE, Senator. Dehumanize your opponent. FUCK you.

"I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve"

Remember Sarah "Mooselini" Palin saying Sen. Obama was "palling around with terrorists"?

Looks like the Obama campaign isn't going to take that kind of smear lying down.

The campaign has built a site to show what happens when you start playing with fire: Keating Economics: John McCain and the Making of a Financial Crisis.

Like I keep saying: You fuck with the bull, son, you get the horns.

On the VP debate

I didn't get to see the VP debate for the most part, as I had to work. I saw abotu the last 15 minutes of it on the TV at work, with one guy with remarkably similar beliefs to mine sitting there watching it as well.

What little I saw nauseated me. Palin got annihilated even in that short timeframe, refusing to answer questions as she apparently had the whole time.

I'm just left wondering what desperation tactic the GOP will be pulling this month.

Best. Slip. EVER.

"He is the man that we need to leave... lead!" - Palin on McCain.

Way to go there, Mooselini!

Oh my god.

Oh my god.

Mrs. "I OPPOSE ABORTION IN ALL INSTANCES, EVEN WHEN THE PREGNANCY WOULD KILL THE MOTHER." and "I charge rape victims for their own rape kits!"

.....just had the NERVE to mention "equal rights!"

Oh. My. GOD. The hypocrisy BURNS.

Good lord, the last time I saw something falling apart this badly, I was watching a bad zombie flick.

This is just disappointing.

Live Blogging from the debate part 2

YOU'RE FROM ALASKA. WE GET IT. KNOCK IT OFF.

Live Blogging from the debate.

Dear Sarah. ANSWER A DAMN QUESTION.

Seriously, she seems to be flat out REFUSING to answer the questions asked, instead spinning it to the topics she can actually talk about without sounding like the bumbling fool she is.

A few times, most people won't notice, this many? You're pushing it, lady.

Dear Mrs. Palin;

PLEASE ANSWER THE GOD DAMNED QUESTION.

No more of this rambling, babbling, nonsensical bullshit. ANSWER THE DAMNED QUESTIONS PRESENTED TO YOU.

And do it WITHOUT resorting to outright and many-times-debunked LIES, please and thank you.

In light of the financial woes...

I thought it'd be good to provide some comedy to lighten everyone's mood.

Man, Tina Fey is HILARIOUS.

..................................................what do you mean that's not Tina Fey?

And just like that, it's over.

I'm calling it for Obama. McCain's condescending, rambling bull just didn't sell.

God damn it McCain

STOP FUCKING SAYING OBAMA DOESN'T UNDERSTAND. HE UNDERSTANDS ONE FUCKING HELL OF A LOT MORE THAN YOUR SENILE, WAR-MONGERING ASS!

EDIT: Fortunately, it seems like that line isn't paying off for McHate.

EDIT 2: OH GOD HE SAID IT AGAIN

Watching the Debate, Question 5

Did anyone else say "OH SNAP" when Obama brought up McShame's Spain gaffe?

Watching the Debate, Question 4

McCain, do you have any positions, or just a lot of folksy bullshit?

Watching the Debate, Question 3

McCain starts yammering about troops "not wanting their kids coming back" to Iraq.

Wasn't he the one who said "100 years"?

Watching the Debate, Question 2

McCain, did you just try to push yourself and Failin' as mavericks AGAIN?! Nobody believes that shit anymore but the 28%ers.

Watching the Debate, Question 1

Does McCain ever stop lying?

Jack Thompson Disbarred; World Slightly Less Crazy

From Kotaku: Jack Thompson Disbarred

Is it finally game over for Florida lawyer and violent video game opponent Jack Thompson? Judgment has been entered in the case that started last year and came to a head when Judge Dava Tunis recommended permanent disbarment for the bombastic, showboating law man. The court has approved the report and has ordered that JT is officially disbarred as of 30 days from today.

The Court approves the corrected referee's report and John Bruce Thompson is permanently disbarred, effective thirty days from the date of this order so that respondent can close out his practice and protect the interests of existing clients. If respondent notifies the Court in writing that he is no longer practicing and does not need the thirty days to protect existing clients, this Court will enter an order making the permanent disbarment effective immediately. Respondent shall accept no new business from the date this order is filed.

Note that Thompson still has a chance for a retrial, only due to court sanctions the motion must me submitted by a member of the Florida Bar in good standing, and I don't know that anyone wants to touch this one. It's also worth noting that along with disbarment, Thompson has been ordered to reimburse the Florida Bar fees amounting to $43,675.35. Ouch.

Well, Jack, I guess that's what you get when you harass, threaten, and slander people for a living.

Naturally, Thompson is swearing revenge, in his usual insane, unrealistic, vaguely-threatening way, not realizing that nobody's going to listen to him since he's shown himself to be nuttier than a squirrel's lunch. And, just to rub it in, people are celebrating.

I think it's best summed up by a video I found on YouTube while looking for information on this. As the song says, "Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na, hey hey hey, goodbye!"

Remember when Sarah totally beefed it?

Couric: You've said, quote, "John McCain will reform the way Wall Street does business." Other than supporting stricter regulations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac two years ago, can you give us any more example of his leading the charge for more oversight?

Palin: I think that the example that you just cited, with his warnings two years ago about Fannie and Freddie - that, that's paramount. That's more than a heck of a lot of other senators and representatives did for us.

Couric: But he's been in Congress for 26 years. He's been chairman of the powerful Commerce Committee. And he has almost always sided with less regulation, not more.

Palin: He's also known as the maverick though, taking shots from his own party, and certainly taking shots from the other party. Trying to get people to understand what he's been talking about - the need to reform government.

Couric: But can you give me any other concrete examples? Because I know you've said Barack Obama is a lot of talk and no action. Can you give me any other examples in his 26 years of John McCain truly taking a stand on this?

Palin: I can give you examples of things that John McCain has done, that has shown his foresight, his pragmatism, and his leadership abilities. And that is what America needs today.

Couric: I'm just going to ask you one more time - not to belabor the point. Specific examples in his 26 years of pushing for more regulation.

Palin: I'll try to find you some and I'll bring them to you.

facepalm.jpg

My Political Stunt Senses Are Tingling.

John McCain to suspend campaign to work on financial crisis.

“Tomorrow morning, I will suspend my campaign and return to Washington after speaking at the Clinton Global Initiative. I have spoken to Senator Obama and informed him of my decision and have asked him to join me,” he said in New York.

And McCain more or less backs Obama's campaign into a corner here, though all things considered, I wouldn't be surprised to see Obama push past this attempt and stab at the heart of the issues. He's exceptional at that, really. McCain is also asking the Presidential debate be postponed, what a surprise.

How a campaign can be this poorly managed, this... hidden away, and still even be holding ANY ground against their opponents is astounding to me.

My paranoid streak is also, unfortunately, flaring up and it makes me uncomfortable to see the words "Suspend Campaign" this close to the election, it causes my mind to immediately ask the question, "For how long?"

Piss Off a Censor - Read

The week starting next Saturday is the American Library Association's annual Banned Books Week.

Piss off those who want to control what we see: Read a book.

Better Yet... (Follow-up to Previous Post)

How about I state my point with a short video:

You Mess With the Bull, You Get the Horns

From The Register: Conservative commentator Bill O'Reilly's website hacked

Two days after someone broke into the email account of vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, unknown intruders have hacked the website of conservative commentator Bill O'Reilly and posted personal details of more than 200 of its subscribers.

The breach into BillOreilly.com came as retaliation for remarks O'Reilly made on Fox News condemning the attack on Palin's Yahoo email account, according to Wikileaks, a site that makes it easy for whistleblowers, hackers and anyone else to leak documents.

As proof, Wikileaks posted a screenshot of the BillOreilly.com administrative interface that showed the names, email addresses, passwords, and home town of 20 subscribers of the website. In all, information belonging to 205 subscribers was intercepted, according to Eric Marston, CTO of Nox Solutions, the company that maintained the O'Reilly website.

The hack came in response to comments O'Reilly made on Fox News about the posting of contents of Palin's email account, including pictures of her daughter and her contact list.

"I'm not going to mention the website that posted this, but it's one of those despicable, slimy, scummy websites," O'Reilly said, according to this snippet from YouTube. "Everybody knows where this stuff is, OK, and they know the people who run the website, so why can't they go there tonight to the guy's house who runs it, put him in cuffs and take him down and book him?"

It's evident from the remark that no one bothered to tell O'Reilly that Wikileaks, the first site to publish the Palin email, is a multi-national, bulletproof organization that has successfully withstood serious take-down efforts before.

I'm not going to say I approve of things like this, but, well, that's what happens when you run your mouth, Billo. You keep talking shit and you'll just make whoever did this angrier. And the angrier they get, it seems, the more people are going to notice what you're doing, and what they're doing.

Is all this beneficial? Probably not. Does it help anything? Certainly not. Is it damn fine schadenfreude? You bet your bippy it is!