Ralph Nader's views were pretty clear.
That's right. Ye hear Bill Maher right. It was in reference to Ralph Nader that he said "This should be the voice of the Democratic Party."
Hmmmm. But not today.
But One Day. Hopefully during our Children's Lifetime. There will be a Party with real stroke, with real representation in Congress and with a real shot at the White House, that takes our Republic with the seriousness that it deserves.
Because we are not there yet, sad fact 2008. Is the only reason Harrogate can think of, not to vote for Ralph Nader.
In the end what we have, those of us worried about the corporate lockdown and who would rather not raise our children to die young, for reasons nobody can even articulate, let alone credibly defend, is the same ole lesser of two evils reasoning.
Yes, the Dems are a lesser evil, Obama is a lesser evil. And MUCH lesser. This is the argument to make against Ralph Nader's candidacy.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
"Look, it's Capital Barbie!"
Judith Warner's piece in the NYT offers a bit of sympathy to "Poor Sarah," who is clearly in over her head. I'm not inclined to feel sorry for Palin, but I did enjoy the comparison to Elle Woods. And I do think that McCain and Palin should put "Country First" and find a new VP candidate. Unless, of course, Americans are realizing what a disaster they represent and her name (or really, both names) on the ticket insures an Obama/Biden victory. In that case, keep her.
"Keep Talking": In Honor of Pink Floyd, Barack Obama, and a Media That Never Fell for McCain's Effort to Shut Up
Well, as ye all know by now, McCain will debate tonight in Mississippi. The link provided shows you how to spin these developments as evidence of McCain's heroism and leadership virtuosity. It seems McCain, whose level of expertise and gravitas on matters pertinent to this bailout, and to the economy generally, is clear to all Americans, was willing to "put politics aside" and "solve problems in a bipartisan manner," but Obama selfishly put his Presidential ambitions above eveything. That is the Spin you're going to see from the Right all day.
Still, it is a wonderful thing that the debate is on, regardless of how they spin it, and regardless of the outcomes. Harrogate therefore posts this song in honor both of Debate in Principle. And in Honor of Barack Obama. Because as Obama demonstrated in his strong response to McCain's FASCISTIC SUGGESTION that discourse be put off in the name of crisis management.
Yes, as he demonstrated in that response, one of Obama's best features is that he understands the life and death stakes of Talk.
Here are the lyrics to Pink Floyd's "Keep Talking"
Still, it is a wonderful thing that the debate is on, regardless of how they spin it, and regardless of the outcomes. Harrogate therefore posts this song in honor both of Debate in Principle. And in Honor of Barack Obama. Because as Obama demonstrated in his strong response to McCain's FASCISTIC SUGGESTION that discourse be put off in the name of crisis management.
Yes, as he demonstrated in that response, one of Obama's best features is that he understands the life and death stakes of Talk.
Here are the lyrics to Pink Floyd's "Keep Talking"
For millions of years mankind lived just like the animals
Then something happened which unleashed the power of our imagination
We learned to talk
There's a silence surrounding me
I can't seem to think straight
I'll sit in the corner
No one can bother me
I think I should speak now
I can't seem to speak now
My words won't come out right
I feel like I'm drowning
I'm feeling weak now
But I can't show my weakness
I sometimes wonder
Where do we go from here
It doesn't have to be like this
All we need to do is make sure we keep talking
Why won't you talk to me
You never talk to me
What are you thinking
What are you feeling
Why won't you talk to me
You never talk to me
What are you thinking
Where do we go from here
It doesn't have to be like this
All we need to do is make sure we keep talking
Why won't you talk to me
You never talk to me
What are you thinking
What are you feeling
Why won't you talk to me
You never talk to me
What are you thinking
What are you feeling
I feel like I'm drowning
You know I can't breathe now
We're going nowhere
We're going nowhere
The Transcript of Bush's September 24th Bailout Pitch
Wednesday night George W. Bush made his bailout pitch on a prime time, 15 minute address to the nation. Rhetorically it was necessary to try it, as every public opinion poll seems to be reflecting this sensibility: "Fuck no you can't have 700 Billion Dollars!!" The real problem now of course is that the GOP has "bailed out" on George W. Bush. Pelosi and others Dems have said that they will not let a Bailout Bill be branded as Bush+Congressioanl Democrats. If we are going to do this, it will have to get at least 100 Republican Congressmen to sign on.
And so part of the fascination is that for the second time ever (the first time being Bush's attempt at an Immigration Bill), we have the poster child for partisan polarization, George W. Bush, basically putting himself at the mercy of the Democrats, asking them to help him get something done at cross purposes with GOP sensibility.
Oh well. But enough parsing what is being parsed to death already. Here is the full transcript of the speech Bush gave.
Somewhere the ghost of Herman Melville laughed when W. said this:
Take that, free market ideologues!!!!! Perhaps now some of ye will be intellectualy honest enough to follow (GASP!) the President's lead, and admit that ye are ideologues who put every marble in the world into a doctrine that depends wholly on the good faith and CONFIDENCE of the people in the society.
That's right, Andrew Sullivan. Your smug little dismissal of Naomi Klein was the last straw for Harrogate, as far as you are concerned.
Sully, while Harrogate will be happy if your blog generates some votes for Obama, that is really where anything other than truly ill will ends. One of the most distasteful aspects of this whole election. for Harrogate, has been getting acquainted with the thought processes of a Randian zealot who is mad at the Republicans for not liking gay people and for neocon adventurism. In truth, ye do not see that all is interconnected. That the forces that allowed the corporate lockdown (which you want to roll around with naked) are interwed with the forces that encourage homophobia at home and push for imperialism abroad (which you denounce).
Ahhh!!! Human frailty. Such is betrayal of our Rhinestone Desires. Suffice it to say, on the level of public policy and social thought, and not to mention on the level of ART, it is people like you, Sully, who have been most exposed this week. Verily, ye forfeit your claim to three-dimensional human staus when your response to a problem like this is to quote Adam Smith.
For God's sake, Sully!!!! Be like (Gasp!!!!) George W. Bush and grow a third dimension into your thinking.
And so part of the fascination is that for the second time ever (the first time being Bush's attempt at an Immigration Bill), we have the poster child for partisan polarization, George W. Bush, basically putting himself at the mercy of the Democrats, asking them to help him get something done at cross purposes with GOP sensibility.
Oh well. But enough parsing what is being parsed to death already. Here is the full transcript of the speech Bush gave.
Somewhere the ghost of Herman Melville laughed when W. said this:
Under normal circumstances, I would have followed this course. But these are not normal circumstances. The market is not functioning properly. There has been a widespread loss of confidence, and major sectors of America's financial system are at risk of shutting down.
Take that, free market ideologues!!!!! Perhaps now some of ye will be intellectualy honest enough to follow (GASP!) the President's lead, and admit that ye are ideologues who put every marble in the world into a doctrine that depends wholly on the good faith and CONFIDENCE of the people in the society.
That's right, Andrew Sullivan. Your smug little dismissal of Naomi Klein was the last straw for Harrogate, as far as you are concerned.
Sully, while Harrogate will be happy if your blog generates some votes for Obama, that is really where anything other than truly ill will ends. One of the most distasteful aspects of this whole election. for Harrogate, has been getting acquainted with the thought processes of a Randian zealot who is mad at the Republicans for not liking gay people and for neocon adventurism. In truth, ye do not see that all is interconnected. That the forces that allowed the corporate lockdown (which you want to roll around with naked) are interwed with the forces that encourage homophobia at home and push for imperialism abroad (which you denounce).
Ahhh!!! Human frailty. Such is betrayal of our Rhinestone Desires. Suffice it to say, on the level of public policy and social thought, and not to mention on the level of ART, it is people like you, Sully, who have been most exposed this week. Verily, ye forfeit your claim to three-dimensional human staus when your response to a problem like this is to quote Adam Smith.
For God's sake, Sully!!!! Be like (Gasp!!!!) George W. Bush and grow a third dimension into your thinking.
Orwell Rolls Over in His Grave
Bush just changed his terminology on the Wall Street bailout.
It's no longer a bailout plan; it's a "rescue package."
And who wouldn't want to rescue something? I mean, a rescue is a heroic deed, where one saves an innocent victim from a dangerous situation.
Yeah, forget bailout. To many associations with poor decisions and criminal behavior. Who wants that?
It's no longer a bailout plan; it's a "rescue package."
And who wouldn't want to rescue something? I mean, a rescue is a heroic deed, where one saves an innocent victim from a dangerous situation.
Yeah, forget bailout. To many associations with poor decisions and criminal behavior. Who wants that?
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Is It Already A Saying???
"If you actually believe X, then there's a bridge in Alaska I'd like to sell you"
????????????
If not, Harrogate calls dibs on it.
????????????
If not, Harrogate calls dibs on it.
Song of the Day
Financial Crisis. Failing Democracy. Forfeiting the Debate?
Who watches the Watchmen?
And the song of the night? "It's the end of the world as i know it (I Fell fine)." It is a song about a debate, one of the only ways in which a person can feel fine when the world ends...
Who watches the Watchmen?
And the song of the night? "It's the end of the world as i know it (I Fell fine)." It is a song about a debate, one of the only ways in which a person can feel fine when the world ends...
Don't Fuck with David Letterman
McCain really pissed Letterman off by "bailing out" on his show--only to do an interview with Katie Couric instead.
My favorite quote:
Noting that McCain wanted to postpone Friday’s first debate with Barack Obama, Letterman said running mate Sarah Palin wanted to put off her debate with Democrat Joe Biden until after Election Day. Letterman said McCain taking Palin to meet world leaders at the United Nations was like “take-your-daughter-to-work day.”
Some Non-Sarah Palin Hunor of the Day
Unfortunately, Palin humor is more dark comedy than anything else. It is no longer funny "Ha-Ha" but funny, "I MY F@CKING G-D THIS CANNOT BE HAPPENING."
However, to understand how we got ourselves in this financial mess, consider this letter to the editor from The Washington Post:
Hat Tip Volokh Conspiracy
However, to understand how we got ourselves in this financial mess, consider this letter to the editor from The Washington Post:
While witnessing, but not participating in, the home real estate frenzy in 2005 and 2006, I kept asking: Who is the idiot buying up all these mortgages issued on inflated home prices to all these people who have neither the capacity nor the intention to repay the loans?
Now I learn it was me.
TED THACKER
Ann Arbor, Mich.
Hat Tip Volokh Conspiracy
Please John McCain, respect Sarah Palin
Free her from your ticket. Respect the Republican. Respect the American people.
This is worse than the previous "Russia" segment. McCain suspended his campaign because of Sarah Palin not the economy.
The short version:
And I quote: "reducing taxes...has got to accompany tax reductions."
As Oxymoron suggests, just watch the eyes of Katie Couric.
Also, if this interview reveals the depth of her knowledge, and her depth is best represented by an evaporated puddle in the desert, there will not be a debate tomorrow night as there cannot be a debate with Palin on Thursday. There may not be a debate at all.
This is worse than the previous "Russia" segment. McCain suspended his campaign because of Sarah Palin not the economy.
The short version:
COURIC: Why isn’t it better, Governor Palin, to spend $700 billion helping middle-class families struggling with health care, housing, gas and groceries? ... Instead of helping these big financial institutions that played a role in creating this mess?
PALIN: Ultimately, what the bailout does is help those who are concerned about the health care reform that is needed to help shore up the economy– Oh, it’s got to be about job creation too. So health care reform and reducing taxes and reining in spending has got to accompany tax reductions.
And I quote: "reducing taxes...has got to accompany tax reductions."
As Oxymoron suggests, just watch the eyes of Katie Couric.
Also, if this interview reveals the depth of her knowledge, and her depth is best represented by an evaporated puddle in the desert, there will not be a debate tomorrow night as there cannot be a debate with Palin on Thursday. There may not be a debate at all.
I could make some $ in Switzerland
Just a little food (and drink) for thought:
A Swiss gastronomist has stirred a controversy in the tranquil Alpine republic after announcing that he will serve meals cooked with human breast milk.
Women will receive just over £3 (US$5.4) for 14 ounces of their milk. The owner of the Storchen restaurant in the exclusive Winterthur resort will improve his menu with local specialities such as meat stew and various soups and sauces containing at least 75 per cent of mother's milk.
"We have all been raised on it. Why should we not include it into our diet?" Hans Locher, who has become Switzerland most controversial restaurant owner, said.
Mr Locher attracted the attention of the leading media of the German-speaking world this week after he posted ads looking for women donors, who will receive just over three pounds for 14 ounces of their milk.
He said: "I first experimented with breast milk when my daughter was born.
"One can cook really delicious things with it. However, it always needs to be mixed with a bit of whipped cream, in order to keep the consistency."
The food control authority in Switzerland was initially confused by the apparent loophole in local legislation regulating the use of human milk and it was not clear whether Mr Locher could actually be banned from serving his specialities.
"Humans as producers of milk are simply not envisaged in the legislation.
"They are not on the list of approved species such as cows and sheep, but they are also not on the list of the banned species such as apes and primates," Rolf Etter of the Zurich food control laboratory said.
A Swiss gastronomist has stirred a controversy in the tranquil Alpine republic after announcing that he will serve meals cooked with human breast milk.
Women will receive just over £3 (US$5.4) for 14 ounces of their milk. The owner of the Storchen restaurant in the exclusive Winterthur resort will improve his menu with local specialities such as meat stew and various soups and sauces containing at least 75 per cent of mother's milk.
"We have all been raised on it. Why should we not include it into our diet?" Hans Locher, who has become Switzerland most controversial restaurant owner, said.
Mr Locher attracted the attention of the leading media of the German-speaking world this week after he posted ads looking for women donors, who will receive just over three pounds for 14 ounces of their milk.
He said: "I first experimented with breast milk when my daughter was born.
"One can cook really delicious things with it. However, it always needs to be mixed with a bit of whipped cream, in order to keep the consistency."
The food control authority in Switzerland was initially confused by the apparent loophole in local legislation regulating the use of human milk and it was not clear whether Mr Locher could actually be banned from serving his specialities.
"Humans as producers of milk are simply not envisaged in the legislation.
"They are not on the list of approved species such as cows and sheep, but they are also not on the list of the banned species such as apes and primates," Rolf Etter of the Zurich food control laboratory said.
"Well, it certainly does..."
Watch CBS Videos Online
My office is next to people in the English Department and the Art Department. Therefore, I have PhDs in English and Art. I just have sooooo much experience in those fields because of our proximity to one another.
If you need me, I will be at the bar. I would look on the floor.
Update: In a bizarre and uncharacteristic moment of humanity, at this point in time, I do hope that someone cancels the Vice Presidential Debate next Thursday. It would be tragic for her to step on stage and discuss almost anything, Moose hunting is the exception. Her stupidity is moving me toward pity.
John McCain, you have made one of the worst choices in the history of politics. Senator McCain please respect Sarah Palin by replacing her as your VP choice. Senator McCain, please respect the American people enough by no longer lying to them and by follwing your campaign slogan, i.e. put your country first, for once during this campaign.
If you show enough kindness by allowing her to return to Alaska I will promise you that I will not attack her replacement, Mitt Romney. Is it a deal?
Palin's Meet and Greet
According to The New York Times, here are a few "conversations" Palin had with foreign leaders.
There is a financial crisis going on right now, you cannot expect Palin to have meaningful conversations with real leaders.
Ever since Senator John McCain made Ms. Palin the first woman to serve on a Republican presidential ticket, pundits and politicians have been walking on eggshells for fear of saying anything about her that might come off as sexist. But in an exchange captured by television cameras, Ms. Palin was greeted by Asif Ali Zardari, the new president of Pakistan, and a delegation of Pakistani officials.
“I am honored to meet you,” Ms. Palin said.
“You are even more gorgeous than you are on the (inaudible),” Mr. Zardari said.
“You are so nice,” Ms. Palin replied. “Thank you.”
“Now I know why the whole of America is crazy about you,” Mr. Zardari continued. At which point an aide told the two to shake hands.
“I’m supposed to pose again,” Ms. Palin said.
“If he’s insisting,” Mr. Zardari said, “I might hug.”
Earlier, Sherry Rehman, the Pakistani information minister, had welcomed Ms. Palin. “Busy on the campaign trail?” she asked the governor.
“Yes, yes,” Ms. Palin replied.
“How does one keep looking that good?” Ms. Rehman asked.
“Oh, oh, thank you,” the governor replied.
Ms. Palin has not held a news conference, and has given only a handful of interviews — including the one with Ms. Couric — in the four weeks since Mr. McCain named her as his running mate. But on Wednesday, reporters asked her how her day was going. “It’s going great,” she said. “The meetings are very helpful and informative. A lot of good people share an appreciation for America.”
There is a financial crisis going on right now, you cannot expect Palin to have meaningful conversations with real leaders.
About that suspension
Yesterday, McCain announced that he was suspending his campaign until Monday because of the economic crisis. This meant no debate, no ads, and, presumably, no campaign spokespersons.
So, this morning, Nicole Wallace appeared on Morning Joe, making the case for McCain's suspension. McCain himself appeared at Clinton's Global Initiative and campaigned, er, not campaigned. And, according to Politico, McCain's ads are still appearing in swing states. A McCain spokesperson, Brian Rogers, stated the campaign "started pulling them down yesterday afternoon. This takes time."
So, what exactly did McCain suspend?
Why did he suspend it? To rush back to Washington (Thursday afternoon) and pressure Congress (even though he is not on the committee and has little economic knowledge) to pass a bill. To prevent the debate? To show that he is in charge?
And Bill Clinton, how is this a "good-faith effort?"
Update: MSNBC reports an agreement is in place. I guess there will be a debate tomorrow night, right Grandpa Simpson?
So, this morning, Nicole Wallace appeared on Morning Joe, making the case for McCain's suspension. McCain himself appeared at Clinton's Global Initiative and campaigned, er, not campaigned. And, according to Politico, McCain's ads are still appearing in swing states. A McCain spokesperson, Brian Rogers, stated the campaign "started pulling them down yesterday afternoon. This takes time."
So, what exactly did McCain suspend?
Why did he suspend it? To rush back to Washington (Thursday afternoon) and pressure Congress (even though he is not on the committee and has little economic knowledge) to pass a bill. To prevent the debate? To show that he is in charge?
And Bill Clinton, how is this a "good-faith effort?"
Update: MSNBC reports an agreement is in place. I guess there will be a debate tomorrow night, right Grandpa Simpson?
A Fun Fact
What *is* $700,000,000? It's approx. $2300 per every person in the United States. I could use $2300. Our family could definitely use $6900.
Edited to add: I know that this is not money that we could really get back. But I do think that the money should return to the citizens in some way. I admit that I don't understand exactly what happened, nor do I understand exactly how this $700 billion is going to help. I just hope that if it's spent, that the money helps more than the already rich.
Edited to add: I know that this is not money that we could really get back. But I do think that the money should return to the citizens in some way. I admit that I don't understand exactly what happened, nor do I understand exactly how this $700 billion is going to help. I just hope that if it's spent, that the money helps more than the already rich.
With Friends Like Bill
According to ABC News, former President Clinton defended McCain's actions to delay the debate, stating McCain suspended his campaign in "good faith." Right.
This is on top of Clinton's appearance on The View, where he discussed how Senator Clinton would handle the crisis, praised McCain, and could not be bothered to mention Obama but asked candidates to vote the "other" way.
Again, it took a comedian to notice the actions of a "statesman." On Letterman, Chris Rock fought for a Democrat. Maybe you should try that Bill.
BTW, McCain praised Clinton at Clinton's Global Initiative this morning. No quid pro quo here.
This is on top of Clinton's appearance on The View, where he discussed how Senator Clinton would handle the crisis, praised McCain, and could not be bothered to mention Obama but asked candidates to vote the "other" way.
Again, it took a comedian to notice the actions of a "statesman." On Letterman, Chris Rock fought for a Democrat. Maybe you should try that Bill.
BTW, McCain praised Clinton at Clinton's Global Initiative this morning. No quid pro quo here.
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