Paul Revere by Cyrus Dallin, North End, Boston

~~~

~~~

Sunday, May 10, 2009

BIG DICK CHENEY CHOOSES LIMBAUGH OVER COLIN POWELL


It's official. Big Dick is insane.

Why the cable news stations [or anyone] listens to this has-been is a mystery to me. Maybe the reason can be found in the old "train wreck" analogy. It's awful to watch, but you can't take your eyes off of the disaster.

Cheney prefers Limbaugh's brand of Republicanism to Colin Powell's. Really. He stated that on the teevee today.

Big Dick prefers a thrice-married, former drug addict, undereducated, overfed demagogue to Colin Powell? That says it all.

Stick a fork in the poor, benighted, confused old rot. He's now in the company of every family's crazy old uncle.

Cheney: As a Republican, I choose Rush Limbaugh over Colin Powell.



Last week, former Secretary of State Colin Powell said that the Republican Party is in “deep trouble” because it is “getting smaller” and being led by far right polarizing figures. Specifically, he said that Rush Limbaugh “diminishes the party and intrudes or inserts into our public life a kind of nastiness that we would be better to do without.” Limbaugh then responded that Powell ought to “close the loop” and leave the Republican Party instead of “claiming” to be interested in reforming it. Today on CBS’s Face the Nation, host Bob Schieffer asked Cheney about the spat. Cheney said that he comes down squarely on the side of Limbaugh:

CHENEY: Well, if I had to choose — in terms of being a Republican — I’d go with Rush Limbaugh, I think. My take on it was that Colin had already left the party. I didn’t know he was still a Republican. [...]


SCHIEFFER: And you said you’d take Rush Limbaugh over Colin Powell?


CHENEY: I would. Politically.

93 comments:

Anonymous said...

Who listens to that old disgraced washed up politician except the dead-enders trying to relive their glory days of invading countries that didn't attack us and the awesomeness of torture as an American value.

I understand the herpes virus is more popular than that joke of a man.

Anonymous said...

What did you think about that Obama worshipping lesbian Wanda Sykes saying "I hope Rush's kidneys fail?

Typical liberal sense of “humor”. What would happen if Rush said..
I hope Obama’s kidneys fail.

We would be hearing about it for 18 months.

Shaw Kenawe said...

First of all, TS, Sykes is a comedienne, just like Limbaugh--an entertainer.

Mr. Obama didn't tell that joke, Sykes did, and your hypothetical means nothing.

But the fact is that the comedian, Limbaugh, has made fun of a man with Parkinson's disease, and humiliated a 12-year old girl (Chelsea Clinton) on national teevee. (Those are only two of his many stupid antics. He once told an African-American caller to take the bone out of his nose and call back later.) So Limbaugh deserves all the contemptuous invective he earns.

Good luck with defending that overfed and undereducated bigot.

He's all yours.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for SIDE-STEPPING the question.

I kind of thought your answer would be like it was..

When against the wall call republicans bigots. It always works for you guys. LMAO!

I'll take Rush Limbaugh over Obama any day of the week... If that makes me a bigot, then so be it.

Listen To John said...

Give us a break! Blacks are as bigoted as Whites, in fact I’d say even more so.. i.e. Al Sharpton who is the poster boy for BIGOTS! . Stop spreading your lies and deal with the truth.

There are things that are in human nature and you don't rise above them by being in denial. You do so by facing them and working on them.

Saying one whole group of people is one way and the other group is all another way is in itself evidence of your willingness to group people together and ascribe negative characteristics to the group to which you do not belong...in other words, you displayed your own Democratic bigotry.
I love how Obama campaigned with the idea of mending party lines but as soon as he gets in office he cowers in the corner of left wing radicals, fearing that he won't survive if he upsets his base camp. It kind of shows his real “color” YELLOW! He is Pathetic.
Obama should stick to his day job. Now that's where all the real comedy is. Joe Biden & the president of these 57 states. That's the comedy gift that keeps on giving..
As for Wanda Sykes she is a tasteless, talent less despicable human being...she takes her rightful place behind the members of the main stream press. Birds of a feather...
The "woman" if you want to call IT that, was not funny. She completely misrepresented what Limbaugh said. She is a waste of human flesh - her oxygen should be cut off. Love Limbaugh or hate him, her remark was beyond the pale.
And let’s NOT forget Obama's joke about grounding his daughters over a joy ride to Manhattan on Air Force One. Do you think that was funny? I don’t, I thought it was way over the line to make a joke at of that! Once again he shows his lack of compassion.

Listen To John said...

And as far as Dick Cheney He is not afraid to step on toes and calls a spade a spade. What he said about Powell is absolutely right, and i wish more Republicans had the stones to speak out and say the same thing..

I Want To Set It Straight said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
dmarks said...

"lefty libtards"

Thank you for bashing the mentally disabled while you are trying to bash liberals. I doubt you will apologize for this one (unlike Obama with his Special Olympics joke).

Dave Miller said...

Shaw, I had to reread your post as I was sure I missed the Wanda Sykes part of it based on the importance others seemed to be giving it.

But alas, there was none.

I noticed none of the right leaning contributors even dealt with the real issue, the rapidly shrinking GOP.

For the record Stones, I think Shaw only called Rush a bigot, not Republicans in general.

Your Sykes concerns notwithstanding, I assume if you are angry with her for her tastelessness, you are just as disgusted with Rush, unless you are choosing to be inconsistent in your concern.

Hamster said...

It does appear that the Republican party is heading down the road to extinction.
As soon as you see Republicans tearing each other apart you know that the end is near.
What if you are a moderate Republican...say someone who believes that humans DO contribute to global warming, or that stem cell research SHOULD go forward, or that gays should be allowed to marry?

If Rush Limbaugh has his way you'll be forced to hide your views in the closet.

This is the worst thing that could happen to the Republicans at the worst time

The conservatives say they don't care....they'd rather be pure than popular.

Sounds good but being pure doesn't win elections...being popular does

Joe "Truth 101" Kelly said...

I thought it nice that our President called out to say hello to Republican Chairman Michael Steele. It showed that even though we can be on different sides, we can still be kind and gentle my friends.

Personally, I don't listen to Rush or Wanda. But I sincerely hope neither of them suffer kidney failure or get bones stuck in their noses.

Thank you all for allowing me to be part of the conversation.

Shaw Kenawe said...

Throwing Stones,

I said Limbaugh was a bigot, not "republicans," as you typed. YOU made the leap to include all Republicans, not I.

That's an error on your part in reading comprhension and an illogical conclusion.

Secondly, if you prefer Rush over Mr. Obama, that's your tragedy, not mine, and it doesn't necessarily make you a bigot (I don't know you personally, so I can't assess you in that area), but it does say a lot about your character and the people you admire.

Shaw Kenawe said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shaw Kenawe said...

To the rest of you who are angry over this Sykes character--I find her just as tasteless as Limbaugh. I had never heard of her before I saw her on YouTube.

This post is about Cheney and his insane preference for a pathetic gasbag over a West Point graduate, a 4-star general who was the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and a past Secretary of State.

If you can't make a comment on the subject, please don't bother typing here.

Shaw Kenawe said...

Listen to John typed: "Give us a break! Blacks are as bigoted as Whites, in fact I’d say even more so.. i.e. Al Sharpton who is the poster boy for BIGOTS! . Stop spreading your lies and deal with the truth."

John, when you type this sort of opinion, it's a good idea to at least try to back it up with a link or some facts. Since you didn't, I file this sort of stuff under "C" for "claptrap."

I thought this part of your rant was especially precious:

"I thought it was way over the line to make a joke at of that! Once again he shows his lack of compassion."--Listen to John

Your indignation is noted.

dmarks said...

Listen To John: "Dick Cheney He is not afraid to step on toes and calls a spade a spade. What he said about Powell"

Nice subtle use of a racial pejorative. At least it wasn't the N word.

Dave said: "I noticed none of the right leaning contributors even dealt with the real issue, the rapidly shrinking GOP."

I don't think it is much of an issue, and the real test of this will be in November of 2010.

dmarks said...

Also, the closest parallel I can think of for Sykes' statement was when Julianne Malveaux made a racist statement in which she wanted Clarence Thomas to die of heart disease.

I Want To Set It Straight said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
I Want To Set It Straight said...

dmarks said...
"Listen To John: "Dick Cheney He is not afraid to step on toes and calls a spade a spade. What he said about Powell"

Nice subtle use of a racial pejorative. At least it wasn't the N word."


Oh so now we can't use common terms either... Do we need permission to use these common terms without YOU calling us BIGOTS?

What a joke you are...Shame on YOU!
Do blacks ever use that term "call a spade a spade" or is it just whites that are not allowed to use it?

Craig Bardo said...

Colin Powell is irrelevant, unless you're a Democrat. He's of no use to Democrats as a Democrat, which is why he continues to call himself a Republican.

I Want To Set It Straight said...

CB said...
"Colin Powell is irrelevant, unless you're a Democrat. He's of no use to Democrats as a Democrat, which is why he continues to call himself a Republican."

Right,
I'm still waiting for someone to explain to me why I should care what liberals think!

dmarks said...

First Anon: "dead-enders trying to relive their glory days of invading countries that didn't attack us"

That's a big change of topic. Since no such dead ender was mentioned in the parent post.

Shaw Kenawe said...

IHtSI,

We know Limbaugh is not the president. He's the head of the Republican party and the go-to guy for ass-kissing by all the bigwigs in the GOP.

Today, Dick Cheney, a former vice president of the United States, proclaimed to the world that he admires this multi-millionaire asshat over General Colin Powell, and all you lemmings gladly nod your furry little heads in agreement over how Limbaugh is a much worthier human being than Powell.

Well Good for you.

Cheney's comments perfectly sum up what appears to be the collective thinking of the radical wing of the GOP.

After years of railing on and on about patriotism and the honor of military service, they willingly choose to follow the bloviations of a former prescription drug-abuser entertainer--a man who avoided military service during the Vietnam War because of a cyst over that of a seasoned, intelligent and honorable veteran. It speaks volume about the mentality of the current Republican party.

Imagine all the retired veterans hearing this. Ha!

A radio-personality is better liked by Mr. "I had better things to do than serve in Vietnam" Cheney than a man who served his country.

You and the GOP are welcome to admire those two guys as heroes.

The rest of us are enjoying the hilarity of it all.

Thank you all for the free entertainment.

Christopher said...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Isn't it the best? The leaders of the GOP today is:

1. the 400lbs. junkie and pedophile, Rush "avoided the military due to an anal cyst" Limbaugh

2. Newt "serial adulterer" Gingrich

3. Sarah "fucked her husband's business partner" Palin

It just gets better and better with the GOP freakshow.

dmarks said...

Sometimes, it is kind of fun to see what the trolls pull out from under the bridge.

For example, seeing a Democrat, without any sense of irony or history, criticizing a Republican leader of the past for supposedly being a serial adulterer.

And then turning from that to a sexist bashing of a Republican woman that is akin to high-school students reading a false claim about a girl on in the bathroom stall and whispering "she's a slut" (male gossip).

--------------

I'm Here To Say It: Using the "call a spade a spade" phrase when referring to what a white man said about a black man is undeniably clumsy and ill-advised.

I Want To Set It Straight said...

Christopher said...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Isn't it the best? The leaders of the GOP today is:

1. the 400lbs. junkie and pedophile, Rush "avoided the military due to an anal cyst" Limbau
___________________________________-

Oh I thought we were talking about wanda sykes, a dumb, classless, lesbian, unfunny piece of crap that Obama picked up out of the streets to counter a Smart, elegant, knowledgeable talk show host!

Christopher said...

It's laughable to see the usual GOP clowns try to defend Newt "traditional marriage" Gingrich from attack.

Apparently, they think it's acceptable that Gingrich committed adultery over and over and over and marry as many times as you feel like it. Newt even committed adultery while he tried to bring down Bill Clinton for, committing adultery.

So, let's review:

Gingrich's #1, was his high school math teacher whom he cheated on and served divorce papers to while she was in the hospital with cancer. So classy.

Gingrich's #2, he cheated on and dumped for his congressional aide and the aide admitted they fucked in Newt's Capitol Hill office after hours. What? No by the hour hotels in Montgomery County?

Gingrich's #3, and current wife (as far as we know) is Callista! No word yet who he's cheating with behind her back.

Apparently, adultery, lying and cheating, really are core Republican values.

OK, dmarks, give it your best shot. This promises to be embarrassing for you.

And to I'm Here to Say It, I'll talk about any damn thing I want. Haven't you figured that out yet?

Debbies Choice said...

The other nights display of an attempt at humor was a disgusting display.
At these diners the speakers always made fun of each other, NOT at the opposing party as these fools did. Where was that? I must have missed her jokes about Obambi’s giant ears
As a conservative I don’t mind liberals using humor but this crosses the line.
Obama made cracks about the Air Force One flyover as well. Something about his kids being responsible. I didn’t think it was appropriate considering the hordes of people who were running for their lives when they saw that 747 buzzing Manhattan. I didn’t think that was anything to joke about. Also, it’s interesting the Left considers 9-11 worth joking about, but wants to ban all footage of the day lest we remember and honor those killed. Yep, 3,000 dead on American soil is such a funny thing. I bet Osama bin Laden is still laughing too, along with the gathered Obama worshipers. This lady ( and I use that word loosely) needs to go visit some of the graves of the fallen from 9/11.

Sykes is the perfect example of an incompetent lying democrat who looks at corruption as a career goal. Her total lack of a perception of reality makes her fit right in with the other brainwashed lemmings. Having no class whatsoever only reinforces who she is.

Well done Wanda, bravo….
Wanda, you are a fool.
And by the way, wasn’t Obama the “ONE” that was going to unite us?
What is real funny here are you people trying to defend her.

I Want To Set It Straight said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
I Want To Set It Straight said...

Christopher said..."And to I'm Here to Say It, I'll talk about any damn thing I want. Haven't you figured that out yet?"
----------------------------------
AND SO WILL I!FIGURE THAT OUT! In Spades! call me a bigot,or a racist, like I really care.

janjan said...

Wanda Sykes has never been funny, so why should she be referred to as a comedian. She is a foul mouthed race baiter that can only get attention by being loud and crude.
Typical hate filled sanctimonious sewage coming out of the mouth of the typical big tent we are oh so tolerant flaming liberal. I have such contempt for these people I have run out of words to describe it. I have fully unleashed the last true liberty left in America - the mute button.

I would expect something like this from a skank like her. But 0bama should not have laughed at it, he should have sat there looking uncomfortable. But Mr. Cool-Breeze feels that ANYTHING he does is the right thing. HE is the worst part of the joke, not Sykes.

He does not even try to represent all Americans, just the ones who voted for him. Which is why this American does not consider him to be my President.

Patrick M said...

As the Kinder and Genler 101 has yet to bring peace, allow me:

We should listen to others, especially if we disagree. Because how else will we persuade them if we don't listen prior to gently correcting them and kindly persuading them.

As for getting offended by people who make their living stirring the shit pot, we shouldn't. After all, if they didn't stir, would we really think about anything, or just revert back to talking points?

And as for the original subject, why the hell wouldn't Cheney pick the consistent over the inconsistent?

This is the same Colin Powell who wanted the GOP to move left with McCain, then supported Obama. He's a Democrat. Period.

Anonymous said...

If this worthless, spineless Colin Powell, who disgraced his country in the Valarie Plame matter, wants to speak to the GOP, he should try actually talking to the GOP, rather than his Obama support group and his fan club in the liberal media. And he might try explaining why exactly he is a Republican. He voted for Obama, is pro-affirmative action, pro-tax increases, pro-big government. Why is he a Republican? Has he been given the job of making sure there is effectively only one party in this country, by having the two parties agree that the Obama way is the correct approach on every issue? That's not democracy, it's tyranny.

Fundamentally, I think Powell just like the attention he gets from the media. It's obvious he was an affirmative action, political brown-noser who kisses up to whomever is a power and gets ahead accordingly. What he really stands for, if anything, is anyone's guess. He has no honor and no shame. Powell is a disloyal sellout . . . he trashed his principles, friends, party, and benefactors in favor of Obama's skin color.

dmarks said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
dmarks said...

JanJan said "Which is why this American does not consider him to be my President."

I don't use the "unpatriotic" label often at all, but I did tend to think that way of those who in 2001 went around saying that Bush was not their President, for the fact that Bush dared to defeat their favored guy and that Bush had different political views.

I hate to break it to you, but now, as it was then, Barack H. Obama is our President. Take a gander at the Constitution; you can't deny it. This is the way it works. Often (or even most of the time) we will get a President that we don't think is perfect. But this does not mean that he is not our President. And it certainly does not mean that you can't still to oppose every single one of his policies by lawful means and speak out against him.

Patrick: You have a good point. Cheney was acting as a Republican. And, as a Republican, he chose the Republican figure over a a figure who is pretty much not a party man, but leans Democratic.

I'm Here: So, are you actually including "lesbian" in your list of what is wrong with Sykes?

Anonymous said...

dmarks what you said, is all liberal double spin. Sure shoot the messenger The real problem here was Wanda Sykes ...
Not JanJan, or RightisRight, I'm Here or Patrick.
When are YOU going to admit that?

If these people have that opinion of Sykes, then so be it.
It never ceases to amaze me how liberals talk about free speech .. But don't want to hear it from those they do not agree with.

My Files said...

These so call jokes were not funny, you can't make fun at other peoples expense, and the most insulting part of all was to see the president of the United States sit there an laugh at that trash. It just goes to show you where his heart really is.
The whole premise of that diner was to make fun at yourself and each other. Not about the former VP or a Radio talk Show host.

Shaw Kenawe said...

Right is Right typed:

"If this worthless, spineless Colin Powell, who disgraced his country in the Valarie Plame matter..."POWELL TESTIFIED BEFORE THE GRAND JURY: Though not a subject of the inquiry, then-Secretary of State Colin Powell testified before the federal grand jury on July 16, 2004. Powell’s appearance was seen “as the latest sign the probe being conducted by prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald [was] highly active and broader than [had] been publicly known. Sources close to the case say prosecutors were interested in discussions Powell had while with President George W. Bush on a trip to Africa in July 2003, just before Plame’s identity was leaked to columnist Robert Novak.” Sources saw the decision to question Powell as indicative of “the thoroughness with which Fitzgerald is conducting the probe–and that knowledge about Plame was circulated at the highest levels of the administration.” [Newsweek, 8/9/04]

Right is Right also typed:

Fundamentally, I think Powell just like the attention he gets from the media. It's obvious he was an affirmative action...Be careful here, madame, since flinging that accusation around without one shred of evidence can come back and bite you on your GOP ass.

If you believe Powell attained all he achieved because of affirmative action then that same accusation can be leveled at Condi Rice, Clarence Thomas, and Michael Steele.

It's always a good idea to know what one is talking about; and at the very least, back up an accusation with evidence.

Since you won't or can't, I will take your statement as something you made up because you have nothing better to say.

Shaw Kenawe said...

You know what's funny? This is what's funny:

All the GOPers who come here and get their knickers in a twist over tasteless jokes, but support the idea of the USofA sinking to the level of barbarism and torturing people held in its custody.

Actually, that's not funny. That's an indication of how crazy some people are.

dmarks said...

america guy said: "dmarks what you said, is all liberal double spin"

Well, tell me what exactly I said that was "liberal"?

Are you actually disputing my contention that the President is, according to the Constitution, the President of all Americans, whether or not they voted for him? A statement I also made to sore-losers (supposedly-informed Americans who rejected Bush as President) back in 2001?

Shaw: You quoted Right as saying "Fundamentally, I think Powell just like the attention he gets from the media. It's obvious he was an affirmative action". and you had a problem with it.

Well, this is one reason that affirmative action should be abolished. It gives one more tool to race-card players, when they don't like a black man, to say "Oh. He's just there because of affirmative action".

My Files said...

Race-card players? Isn't it alway that!!!

Attention Shaw, this is still American people can say what ever they want to as YOU and your gang of followers do without having to prove it or show YOU links. If Do you sho links in all your posts? I must have missed it if you did.

Shaw Kenawe said...

dmarks,

Affirmative action isn't practiced just with African-Americans.

Shaw Kenawe said...

My files,

You obviously don't read my blog on a regular basis.

dmarks said...

True. It is practiced on gender, and for other racial groups.

However, in this discussion, it was early on used as a sort of racist attack on Powell from RiR (i.e. Powell is not really qualified, he's only there due to affirmative action).

Such arguments will always float around as long as we have affirmative action, which boosts (and pushes down) people for skin color and gender instead of actual and meaningful qualifications.

My Files: Your first and last sentences made sense, but you fluffed what was in the middle. Try again. I had no idea what you were trying to say.

"...this is still American people can say....if Do you sho...."

Arthurstone said...

Abolishing affirmative action programs out of hand (programs which, in my opinion, have done much good) because *some* MAY belittle a beneficiary point out the need to make the point that such programs do no lower standards. Lawyers still have to pass bar exams. Architects require licensing exams. Doctors must complete residencies.

Opportunities, even in this 'enlightened' age are NOT equal and affirmative action programs still are necessary.

Likewise affirmative action differs from tokenism. A black law student admitted to Yale based partially on racial considerations can be a sensible and wise use of affirmative action. Naming Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court is tokenism.

dmarks said...

Arthur said: "Abolishing affirmative action programs out of hand (programs which, in my opinion, have done much good)"

I know affirmative action is more than quotas/preferences/etc. But the part which IS quotas should be abolished. It is racist, and does no good.

"make the point that such programs do no lower standards."

They DO lower standards. At the university I went to and the degree program I was in, you had to have a 3.5 grade average. African-Americans had a special 3.0 average. Telling them they did not have to try as hard.

And, even when the standards supposedly the same, putting something in there to boost people just for having the right skin color diminishes real qualifications.

"Opportunities, even in this 'enlightened' age are NOT equal and affirmative action programs still are necessary."

Affirmative action quotas MAKE opportunities less equal.

"Likewise affirmative action differs from tokenism."

Quotas are nothing but a big form of tokenism. People there just due to skin color.

"A black law student admitted to Yale based partially on racial considerations can be a sensible and wise use of affirmative action.

Your situation is blatantly racist, and as such is not wise. And what do you end up with? Someone who is in the law program not because he belongs there, but because of skin color.

"Naming Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court is tokenism."

So, I see. If you like a black man, it is wise to put him in a place he is really not qualified to be in. If you hate him, he is a token.

Anonymous said...

I think Obama owes Rush Limbaugh a personal, public apology for his boorish, inappropriate behavior and for Wanda Sykes idiotic jokes at that dinner. HE'S PRESIDENT. He Should be above all this, not getting down in the mud with them.

Patrick M said...

Finally heard the Wanda Sykes comment. The Oxy crack was kinda funny. On par with what I'd expect from Wanda Sykes.

Anonymous said...

I'm no Rush supporter, but I think watching Wanda Sykes do comedy could be considered a terrorist act. I think watching her perform is a crime against humanity.

Shaw Kenawe said...

Dear Anonymous and Bob,

You indignation is duly noted.

And appropriately filed under "hypocrisy."

Anonymous said...

Shaw Kenawe said...

Dear Anonymous and Bob,

You indignation is duly noted.

And appropriately filed under "hypocrisy."
____________________________________

Ms. Pot calling the Kettle black again.

Or Am I Not Allowed To Say That Either?

rockync said...

Colin Powell just an affirmative action hack?!? WTF! Powell is one of the few Republican leaders that I have always respected and admired.
Among his accomplishments:

Powell was commissioned a second lieutenant and was one of the military advisors dispatched to South Vietnam by President Kennedy in 1962.

He was wounded in Viet Nam in 1963 and received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

On his SECOND TOUR of Viet Nam he was injured in a helicopter crash but still managed to rescue his fellow solidiers from the burning wreckage and was awarded the Soldier’s Medal and the Legion of Merit.

He got his MBA form George Washington University.

He served under Nixon in the Office of Budget and Management.

After study at the Army War College, he was promoted to Brigadier General and commanded a Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division.

Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberger called on him to assist him during the invasion of Grenada and the air strikes against Libya.

As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Powell was instrumental in the success of Desert Shield and Desert Storm operations.

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Secretary Powell took a leading role in rallying America's allies for military action in Afghanistan.

Rush Limbaugh?

After growing up in comfort and privilege in a family of judges and lawyers, Rush, at his parents insistence, attended Southeast Missouri State University but dropped out after two semesters and a summer session having, according TO HIS MOTHER, flunked everything including a ballroom dancing class.

Rush then began his radio career, first in sports and later to become the bloated, drug addicted, silver spooner and talking head of the Republican party.

Now, tell me again who has actual bonfide creds and who is the recipient of a free pass…

Shaw Kenawe said...

Bob,

I was referring to your indignation over a tasteless joke about Rush Limbaugh, who, as everyone knows, has never shied away from heaping scorn, contempt, and humiliation on other people.

While Rush was shoving fistsful of illegal Oxycontin down his prodigious maw, he proclaimed Kurt Cobain [also a drug user like Rush], on hearing of his death, a piece of human waste.

Oh. And Limbaugh never apologized.

rockync is correct in pointing out the difference between Powell and Limbaugh.

You mock yourselves when you defend that demagogue.

Arthurstone said...

dmarks typed:


So, I see. If you like a black man, it is wise to put him in a place he is really not qualified to be in. If you hate him, he is a token.


Not put dmarks. Elected.

Clarence Thomas was 'put' and to suggest otherwise has nothing to do with 'hating' the guy and everything to do with his lousy politics and his lousy work record. The most rara of avis is the radical, black conservative. The GOP has very few and nurturing and cultivating the species is an an immensely important piece of work. It cannot be overestimated how important placing Thomas in a position beyond his capacities is the the right.

Arthurstone said...

Colin Powell is not an affirmative action 'hack'. He's a completely different sort of hack

He is one of the more spineless leaders ever to have served in Washington DC. His rolling over and playing dead for Cheney and the neo-cons in the run-up to Iraq is not an episode in the life of a great statesman.

Powell is a completely

dmarks said...

Rocky: It's always funny how most of the time Limbaugh's weight comes up as a valid, serious reason for criticism.

Arthurstone: "Not put dmarks. Elected."

Who was elected? We were talking about the hypothetical Yale law school guy of yours who got in not because of meaningful qualification, but because of skin color. Are these elected?

And Clarence Thomas..."his lousy politics and his lousy work record"

Ignoring the first part since it is mere political "he does not share my ideology" opinion, please explain the next part. Is he one of those guys who does not bother to show up and/or votes present? What is his lousy work record?

dmarks said...

Arthur: "Colin Powell ...His rolling over and playing dead for Cheney and the neo-cons ...."

As yes, the mostly mythical neocons. Curse Powell for not wearing a tinfoil hat to deflect their mind-control beams. It would have saved him from Illuminati onslaughts too.

Actually, Powell is to be commended for his role leading up to fighting back against the terrorists. Where he turned into a hack was when he backed away from it and started to backstab and lie.

Anonymous said...

December 8, 2008: Several news sources reported this week that it has been two years since Clarence Thomas, (a.k.a. "The Silent Justice") has asked a question during oral arguments.

Last November, noting that Thomas last asked a question on Febrary 22, 2006, the Wall Street Journal Law Blog stated that they were officially on "The When-Will-Justice-Thomas-Ask-a-Question Watch."

Thomas didn't ask a single question in the year 2007. Do you think that Thomas will ask a question in 2008?


(The writer of this question will check the transcripts periodically and report back in the comments section if nothing appears on the blog...see settlement details for location of transcripts)


http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2007/11/06/the-when-will-justice-thomas-ask-a-question-watch/


No other justice in the history of the SCOTUS has ever been so silent.

Wonder why.

dmarks said...

Gee. I hope he shaved, too! Otherwise, we would "wonder why".

The real meaningful thing to know is whether or not he showed up to do his duty, and if he did, did he refer to the Constitution as his authority in his involvement with rulings.

Where does asking meaningless questions get you? I suppose Ruth Bader Ginsberg did, yet she sided with 3 others on the losing side in a recent ruling, trying to eliminate the 2nd Amendment for the citizens of Washington DC. He tongue wagged, but she forgot the Constitution.

rockync said...

dmarks - I actually wasn't referring to his weight, but to his puffed up, self-indulgent posturing and self-important bellowing - but now that you mention it, with that cigar in his maw, he does resemble a cartoon I once saw of a cigar smoking bull frog.

Arthurstone - I don't think Powell is so much any kind of hack, he's just not a politician and therefore has no stomach for the dirty, rough and tumble arena of Washington politics.

Joe "Truth 101" Kelly said...

General Powell left his convictions behind when he joined the Republican Party. Had he been chosen over Bob Dole to run against Clinton in 96, I think he would have won. But that would have left the Republicans with another Eisenhower. A real American concerned with the well being of our Nation instead of a party hack concerned with the welfare of the richest and most powerful.

When given the Secretary of State post by the Bush Administration, Powell got a dose of reality when all he stood for about building coalitions and consensus were flushed down the toilet for "You're with us or agaisnt us."
He should have resigned then but his soldiers loyalty trumped his personal honor and beliefs. That led to the debacle before the United Nations and weapons of mass destruction.

While I am glad General Powell finally left to support the candidacy of Barack Obama, to put this as kindly as I can, my opinion of General Powell is very high. My opinion of him after he left the Army, then served in the Bush Administration, his late support of Barack Obama, after Obama's victory was all but sealed up, is quite low.


The discussion is going well Shaw. Excellent post. Thank you all for allowing me to be a part of it.

Arthurstone said...

We're in agreement dmarks.

I have a difficult time imagining Justice Thomas asking anything but a meaningless question. The article from which the fact of Thomas's lack of participation was only one of several cringe making facts in the article. He strikes me as a man almost utterly without curiosity.

Joe "Truth 101" Kelly said...

As a kind and gentle soul, I have great sympathy for Justice Thomas. Instead of being remembered for wise jurisprudence. Or representing Black Americans with honor and great decisions on the Supreme Court, the poor guy will mostly be remembered for likening himself to Long Dong Silver.

Of course being a Nihilist, that's good enough for me.

Beth said...
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Beth said...
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Crossing The Line said...

After what Beth said there's nothing more that I can add.
For that toilet mouthed imbecile to be invited to a presidential diner is as disgusting as the things she said.

Anonymous said...

The President is SUPPOSED to represent our highest standards, but instead he's just another clown from the "Hood" Like Chris Rock, P. Diddy. Snoop Doogie, and 50 cents. He fits in perfectly with the rest of them!!

Wanda Sykes has never been funny, so why should she be referred to as a comedian. She is a foul mouthed race baiter that can only get attention by being loud and crude.
She is typical of the hate filled sanctimonious sewage coming out of the mouths of the typical tolerant flaming liberals. I have such contempt for these people I have run out of words to describe it. jokes were based on lies and very undignified. That's enough for me, no matter WHAT color Sykes happens to be

Shaw Kenawe said...

To the highly indignant "Anonymous:"

The president had nothing to do with Sykes' invitation to speak at the Correspondents' Dinner. It was THAT organization that invited her to come, not Mr. Obama or the WH.

The second part of your screed sounds like a description of Rush Limbaugh.

Thayer Nutz said...

Cheney's approval numbers: 18%
Limbaugh's approval numbers: 26%
Powell's approval numbers: 80% (Rasmussen), or, 54% (CBS/NY Times).

Either way you slice it, Colin Powell is more popular than Cheney and Limbaugh combined

Shaw Kenawe said...

Debras Page, enlighten us, please, as to what Beth said. She has an annoying habit of posting her comments and then erasing them. She does this all over the blogsphere. No one knows why.

janjan said...

Shaw Kenawe said...

To the highly indignant "Anonymous:"
The president had nothing to do with Sykes' invitation to speak at the Correspondents' Dinner. It was THAT organization that invited her to come, not Mr. Obama or the WH

___________________________________

Can you also justify why "The President"
found that trash to be so funny that he was hysterical over it?

I didn't find his actions so presidential, did you?

James' Muse said...

Have you seen the one where Stephen Colbert comes to the Correspondants dinner, and Bush is there, and Colbert just reams everyone in the entire administration in the same fashion? Bush was laughing right along with it for much of the roast, while he makes fun of just about everyone in the administration.

Where was your indignation then? The president laughed at inappropriate jokes! OMG!

Anonymous said...

Shaw Kenawe said...
enlighten us, please, as to what Beth said. She has an annoying habit of posting her comments and then erasing them. She does this all over the blogsphere. No one knows why.



I also saw it, Can't exactly remember what she said, but it was a long rant

Uncle Swopes said...

Not so much a joke, as a suggestion to employ Limbaugh's style against him. For example:

Sykes suggests Rush is the 20th hijacker. All she did was suggest it. That's her opinion, and she has a right in this country to express that opinion. After all, can we really prove that Rush wasn't the 20th hijacker? I'm not saying he was, mind you, but merely asking a question, as is my responsibility to public discourse to do so. Now, bear in mind, I have yet to see anyone step forward and provide evidence that Rush wasn't the 20th hijacker, so I don't see how Wanda Sykes should be viewed as crossing the line for pointing out what her opinion on the matter is. It isn't the responsibility of Wanda Sykes to prove Rush is innocent. No, my faithful listeners, it is the responsibility of Rush himself to prove that he isn't the 20th hijacker. And you know what? So far I haven't heard a peep from the man... So what should we make of that?

janjan said...

Obama thinks Special Olympics are a joke. He makes lipstick on a pig jokes, flips people the bird ala MIB, was in stiches over Wanda Sykes' non-jokes.
The man has a twisted and sick sense of humor.

James' Muse said...

Back to the topic of this post:

Colin Powell is a leader most would follow. Dick Cheney is a joke, and one of the WORST vice presidents we have ever had. He shot someone in the face! Not to mention haliburton, etc...

Colin Powell, and others like him, are the future of a successful Republican Party. If the hard-right wingers want him out for making a stand and trying to help the Republican Party survive Rush Limbaugh's poisoning. If the Republican party wants to "purify itself" and get rid of those who are trying to help it survive, then the Republican party will go the way of the Whigs and Federalist parties, and a new party will come, made up of true leaders, like Colin Powell.

Anonymous said...

James' Muse said...
"Back to the topic of this post:

Colin Powell is a leader most would follow. Dick Cheney is a joke, and one of the WORST vice presidents we have ever had. He shot someone in the face! Not to mention haliburton, etc"

What a stupid thing to say. What about haliburton? What exactly was the problem with haliburton, and why did your pretty boy Bill Clinton chose to use haliburton?
You know why? Because it's the best in the business!!

As for What Colin Powell needs to do is close the loop and become a Democrat instead of claiming to be a Republican interested in reforming the Republican Party, because everybody knows he's full of crap.
I have lost all respect for this turncoat. Enjoy your liberal love fest with him...

Arthurstone said...

Conservative wondered:

'What about haliburton? '

For one thing clearly they are war profiteers. Likewise the engage in cronyism, fraud and bribery on a massive scale.

Oh and the former vice president (and former Haliburton CEO) personally has involved Haliburton and various subsidiaries (KBR) in helping to set government policy trough the VP's Energy Taskforce.

http://www.halliburtonwatch.org/

Arthurstone said...

While a great many conservatives are wetting themselves over Wanda Sykes (torture is not a problem but bad jokes send staunch 'real Americans' into a swoon) comedy routine her best bit has seemingly gone unnoticed.

“Sean Hannity said that he was going to get waterboarded for charity for our armed forces. He hasn’t done it yet I see. Talking about he can take a waterboarding, please,ok you might be able to get waterboarded by somebody he knows and trusts, but let somebody from Pakistan waterboard him, or let Keith Olbermann waterboard him. He can’t take a waterboarding. I can break Sean Hannity by giving him a middle seat in coach.”

Now that's funny. She has that particularly 'fearless', American flag pinned keyboard warrior dialed in.

dmarks said...

James said: "Colin Powell, and others like him, are the future of a successful Republican Party."

Of course, someone of the Democratic Party pursuasion would think that the future of the Republicans lies with Democrats.

JanJan: Obams's joke bashing Special Olympians was pretty bad, but it was a while ago and he did apologize. I was one of those who raised a stink about it here, but have dropped it. It's now history, but I will be sure to remember it if/when he makes similar jokes in the future.

dmarks said...

Anon said: "The President is SUPPOSED to represent our highest standards, but instead he's just another clown from the "Hood" Like Chris Rock, P. Diddy. Snoop Doogie, and 50 cents. He fits in perfectly with the rest of them!!"

I'm surprised that the N-word did not slip in there. Since you were posting as Anonymous, you might have been able to get away with it here.

So, what is the common denominator between the 5 men of varying backgrounds and demeanors that you named?

James' Muse said...

Dmarks: I'm not a democrat. I've been a Republican since I registered at age 18 (and was unofficially much earlier)...I've been fed up for a few years with the "pre-emptive" strategy (a page directly out of the neo-conservative book)...so yeah, I'm a fan of Colin Powell. I wish he had run for President. If he had run in McCain's place, and against Obama, I would have voted for Powell.

Conservative: Your ignorance regarding Haliburton is profound.

Its strange that when Powell, a longtime Republican says he'd rather vote for Obama instead of McCain that people label him a turncoat instead of seeing that something is wrong with their side.

Its also strange that conservatives would rather have Rush Limbaugh, an entertainer and former drug addict, not to mention a racist, sexist inciter, over Colin Powell, a proven leader.

dmarks said...

James: I wonder what you have been reading, with neo-cons (who have been rare with little influence and pre-emptive (which never did occur) and all that. Paranoia about "neocons".

As for Powell vs Limbaugh, you mentioned Limbaugh's racism. Powell is racist too, but his racism goes as far as urging policy (as opposed to Limbaugh's several racists gaffes). Years ago, Powell came out in favor of quotas (and thus against equal opportunity). And there are a lot of former drug addicts out there. Obama himself has admitted to abusing illegal drugs in the past.

If he had run instead of McCain, we'd have had Democrat vs Democrat.

I don't label Powell a turncoat. Nor is his change anything to do with anything "wrong" with the Republican side. He's just going home to the party he has long tended to line up with. It is kind of similar to what happened with Arlen Specter. Except, Arlen Specter is a turncoat who has turned his coat once before this. It his previous "from Dem to GOP" turning that completes the case of how shifty Specter is.

Arthurstone said...

Colin Powell is not a racist nor has he supported 'racist' policies.

dmarks said...

No quotes needed on racist. He supports admission/etc policies which punish and reward people based on something as irrelevant as skin color. That's racist. As opposed to fair treatment of all, regardless of color.

This CNN interview contains him being outspoken in favor of racism.

"I believe race should be a factor among many other factors in determining the makeup of a student body of a university.", he says, as he opposes making matters "Race neutral".

In Colin Powell's preferred Jim Crow world of college admissions, people CAN be made to sit in certain sections of the bus just because of skin color.

It's clearly racist. Especially compared to the alternative, which is college admissions policies which treat all fairly, all the same, regardless of their race.

Arthurstone said...

Nope.

Affirmative action is the right thing to do. Morally and legally.

Here's a very good discussion of the issue.

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/affirmative-action/

James' Muse said...

Dmarks:
Neo-conservatism DOES exist. Pre-emption DID occur. The whole Iraq war was pre-emption. The Bush Doctrine was a prime example of neo-conservatism. Iraq did not attack us nor did they attack any of our allies. Thats Neo-Conservatism. Paleo-conservatism's response would have been to not invade Iraq and concentrate instead on Afghanistan.

dmarks said...

Arthur: I guess I am not seeing where it is moral and right to discriminate based on skin color.

--------------

James: Pre-emption did not occur during the Bush administration. In the period leading up to the large-scale retalation in 2003, Saddam had ordered many attacks on US and UK patrols in the no-fly zones. He was also funding, hosting, and encouraging terrorists which were killing Americans, and also Israelis. So, historical fact, did "attack us" and at least two allies.

The most recent example of the "Bush Doctrine" as you describe it (attacking a country that did not attack us) occured during the Clinton Administration, when Bill Clinton ordered us to war against Serbia. Serbia had not attacked the US in any way, nor was it attacking any of our allies, nor was it killing Americans by proxy through its support of terrorist organizations.

As for "paleoconservatives", I am not sure who counts as one at this time, but last time I heard Pat Buchanan was a major leader of the movement. Buchanan is the type of guy who would not retaliate against either Iraq nor Afghanistan, but attack Israel just because there are Jews there.

Arthurstone said...

dmarks-

I guess you have a difficult time with the 'one factor among many' concept. Racial discrimination continues to this day and remedies are necessary. We as a people have decided to end racial discrimination and affirmative action is a tool (and certainly not the only one) to achieve that end.

And you should leave phrases like 'Jim Crow' out of this discussion. Accusing Colin Powell of being a racist and particularly a segregationist is preposterous.

James' Muse said...

James: Pre-emption did not occur during the Bush administration. In the period leading up to the large-scale retalation in 2003, Saddam had ordered many attacks on US and UK patrols in the no-fly zones. He was also funding, hosting, and encouraging terrorists which were killing Americans, and also Israelis. So, historical fact, did "attack us" and at least two allies.Those attacks on us were AFTER we began our attack on them. We struck first. We officially invaded in March '03, but we started bombing Iraq in June '02.
As for funding and hosting terrorists, that was Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, not Iraq. The last time Iraq was an actual threat to us was during the Persian Gulf War during the first Bush administration.

The most recent example of the "Bush Doctrine" as you describe it (attacking a country that did not attack us) occured during the Clinton Administration, when Bill Clinton ordered us to war against Serbia. Serbia had not attacked the US in any way, nor was it attacking any of our allies, nor was it killing Americans by proxy through its support of terrorist organizations.1st of all: Serbia was already in a civil war, between the Serbs and the KLA. This was much more like the Persian Gulf, where we intervened in an existing conflict. But it wasn't "Clinton" it was NATO and the international community, excluding those with ties to Yugoslavia.

2nd: The Bush doctrine is comprised of many parts:
I) The US can attack countries that harbor terrorists. (Afghanistan)
II) The US can depose regimes that pose a potential future risk to the US or its allies.
(Iraq).
III) The US can install democracy around the world to combat terrorism. (Iraq).

From September 17, 2002, in the National Security Strategy of the United States :

"The security environment confronting the United States today is radically different from what we have faced before. Yet the first duty of the United States Government remains what it always has been: to protect the American people and American interests. It is an enduring American principle that this duty obligates the government to anticipate and counter threats, using all elements of national power, before the threats can do grave damage. The greater the threat, the greater is the risk of inaction – and the more compelling the case for taking anticipatory action to defend ourselves, even if uncertainty remains as to the time and place of the enemy’s attack. There are few greater threats than a terrorist attack with WMD.

To forestall or prevent such hostile acts by our adversaries, the United States will, if necessary, act preemptively in exercising our inherent right of self-defense. The United States will not resort to force in all cases to preempt emerging threats. Our preference is that nonmilitary actions succeed. And no country should ever use preemption as a pretext for aggression."

On June 1, 2002, addressing West Point Military Academy, George W. Bush said

"We cannot defend America and our friends by hoping for the best. We cannot put our faith in the word of tyrants, who solemnly sign non-proliferation treaties, and then systemically break them. If we wait for threats to fully materialize, we will have waited too long — Our security will require transforming the military you will lead — a military that must be ready to strike at a moment's notice in any dark corner of the world. And our security will require all Americans to be forward-looking and resolute, to be ready for preemptive action when necessary to defend our liberty and to defend our lives."

As for "paleoconservatives", I am not sure who counts as one at this time, but last time I heard Pat Buchanan was a major leader of the movement. Buchanan is the type of guy who would not retaliate against either Iraq nor Afghanistan, but attack Israel just because there are Jews there.

Paleo-conservatism is a synonyme for traditional conservatism as a response to neo-conservatism, which pushes for unilateral military responses globablly to protect the United States' interests, including pre-emption.

dmarks said...

Arthurstone: "I guess you have a difficult time with the 'one factor among many' concept."

One racist factor among other factors is still one racist factor. Get rid of the racist factor, and take care of the problem.

"Racial discrimination continues to this day and remedies are necessary."

We are discussing an example of racial discrimination, and you are on the side supporting it.

A policy which blindly injects more racial discrimination is not a remedy. If you want to work toward a remedy, why not focus on individuals who practice or are victimized by actual discrimination?

"We as a people have decided to end racial discrimination and affirmative action is a tool (and certainly not the only one) to achieve that end."

How can it be a tool to achieve the end when it adds more racial discrimination?

As for "We as a people", some states are voting in favor of Civil Rights Initiatives to protect equal rights and reduce racism. Blue states, not red states.

"And you should leave phrases like 'Jim Crow' out of this discussion."

They belong in the discussion. It is quite appropriate to compare Jm Crow to affirmative action: both are explicit policies of discrimination.

"Accusing Colin Powell of being a racist and particularly a segregationist is preposterous."

Well, you do have a point there. Affirmative action shares in common with Jim Crow the racism against indivuduals, but AA does not include the segregation aspect. About Powell, it is not a false accusation to point out his racist views. His own words supporting punishing/rewarding people based on their skin color make him racist.


James said: "Those attacks on us were AFTER we began our attack on them."

The cease-fire terms allowed the no-fly zone patrols. Saddam did not have a right to engage in aggression against them. The attacks and other aggressive acts (flagrant cease-fire violations) were the actions of Saddam Hussein.

"We struck first. We officially invaded in March '03, but we started bombing Iraq in June '02."

Actually, we had been forced to bomb at other times, as well, during the Clinton years. All in response to Saddam's previous cease-fire violations.

"As for funding and hosting terrorists, that was Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, not Iraq."

Sadsam Hussein was funding and hosting several terrorist groups, aside from Al-Qaeda (which he did have positive ties with). The cease-fire terms prohibited any involvement by Saddam with terrorism, at all.

"But it wasn't "Clinton" it was NATO and the international community, excluding those with ties to Yugoslavia. "

Were you even around then? It was Clinton all the way. who pushed and cajoled the other NATO countries, who resisted the idea.

And, unlike Iraq, Serbia had not attacked us or our allies, and unlike Iraq, was not killing Americans through terrorist proxies. The war on Serbia did not fit any of your "planks" of the Bush Doctrine either, but it is the most recent example of the US attacking a country that never attacked it or its allies.

"The Bush doctrine is comprised of many parts"

None of which mention specificaly fighting back against countries which have attacked us (Iraq and Afghanistan).
"neo-conservatism, which pushes for unilateral military responses globablly to protect the United States' interests, including pre-emption."

Well, since that did not happen during the Bush years (large alliances fighting back against attackers precludes "unilateral" and "pre-emptive", it is some evidence of how powerless Neoconservatives are and were.

Arthurstone said...

Enough.

Colin Powell isn't a racist pushing Jim Crow. You should be a little more careful on how you use the term.

Affirmative action isn't racist.

And, for good measure, atheism isn't a religion.

Cheers!

dmarks said...

OK. So Powell is a racist pushing a racist policy (affirmative action). Only a racist would want race as any factor "among many" (or even among any) when it came to judging human beings. There are far worse types of racism than this, but it's still racist.