Numbers of the Day: U.S. Auto Sales Dismal December, Down Overall in 2008
Filed under: Big Three Automakers, Recession, U.S. Economy
Will I Read Ann Coulter’s Stupid F’ing Book? No. Will I Trash It? Yes.
Let’s apply the same intellectual rigor and honesty to Ann Coulter as she applies to the rest of the world. In other words, let’s bash the shrew.
The Drudge Report says tonight that the stringy-haired bitch has been BANNED from NBC, MSNBC, 37 states and all the provinces of Canada. Hallelujah!
In her new book, I Was Unloved As a Child, Coulter reportedly refers to President-elect Obama as B. Hussein Obama and ridicules First Lady to-be Michelle Obama’s style. I say reportedly because I have not read Coulter’s new book, Dan Coulter: My Transgendered Journey.
As happens often with those who have nothing redeeming to offer humankind, Coulter is again reverting to name-calling and inanity. This shrew will not be tamed.
Hey Senator Feinstein - Get Over Yourself!
Sen. Diane Feinstein, D-CA, Simulates Fellatio in Recent Senate Hearing on Aggressive Interrogaton Techniques.
The more I think about it, the more inspired I think President-elect Barack Obama’s pick of Leon Panetta for CIA Director is.
Senator Diane Feinstein apparently doesn’t. Why? Because she wasn’t consulted. CALL THE WAHMBULANCE!
Dame Feinstein is apparently having a hissy. Here’s what she’s sending around to the media this afternoon:
“I was not informed about the selection of Leon Panetta to be the CIA Director. I know nothing about this, other than what I’ve read,” said Senator Feinstein, who will chair the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in the 111th Congress.
“My position has consistently been that I believe the Agency is best-served by having an intelligence professional in charge at this time.”
Guess what, Lady? The O is in charge of presidential appointments. You’re just making yourself look like an ass by complaining. I should also note that as of 5 p.m. EST, your crybaby statement wasn’t posted on your Senatorial website for all of the constituents to see what a political hag you are.
Just looking at what’s on the president-elect’s plate - Gaza, depression economics, Wild Man Putin, China building aircraft carriers, Gitmo, his girls starting at a new school, Bill Richardson - do you think you could give the man a break, Diane?
Seeing as how Leon Panetta is supposedly a friend of yours, could you have handled this tirade with a call to Rahmbo? This the kind of shit that guy lives for - Rahm would’ve made it right.
Instead, you act like a bitter, old hag and look like a tool. Get over yourself!
Leon Panetta a Curious but Intriguing Choice as CIA Director
We’ve become a nation of technicians, specialists, degreed and certified to do specific things. When the big jobs come up, you’ve got to have experience in a specific area to get noticed. We often overlook making personnel choices which could add another dimension, challenge the status quo or effect change merely by dint of the choice being made.
The potential appointment of former Congressman, White House Budget Director and White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta to lead the often embattled Central Intelligence Agency is a refreshing appointment by President-elect Barack Obama. Rather than choose a technician from either the operations or analytical ranks of the intelligence community, Obama’s choice is to put a public service-oriented smart-guy manager in charge. With Panetta’s service in the Clinton White House, Obama will be served by Panetta’s perspective on what the chief executive needs from the CIA.
There is a great deal of analytical and operational skill within the ranks of the CIA. Putting a big picture-oriented thinker and manager in charge who brings a better understanding of intelligence product from the customer’s perspective is a worthy experiment.
We are at a time when the CIA is also smarting from the influence of the Cheney Vice-Presidency. Panetta is smart enough - and humble enough - to not come to the intelligence table with unsubstantiated pre-conceived ideological notions which may bring outcomes damaging to our country’s standing in the world. Panetta is also service-oriented, spending time over the last few years helping to build the Leon & Sylvia Panetta Institute for Public Policy at a branch of the California State University sited on a former U.S. Army base.
Obama’s choice may get some flak from intelligence community insiders and pundits who were awaiting the annointing of the next director from within their own ranks. Putting a citizen in charge with a fresh perspective on the world and our place in it may turn out to be a tremendous win for Obama.
Avian Flu Resurfaces in Hong Kong
Check out this story today from the L.A. Times. The Avian Flu virus (H5N1) is still out there and health officials believe there is still a chance of a pandemic. Hong Kong, which had been free of the virus in its poultry population for years had had to recently cull thousands of birds after an outbreak.
The map below came out in December from the World Health Organization. It shows human cases of Avian Flu for the last half of 2008. I hope that the worldwide recession won’t harm the good work being done to contain H5N1 and monitor its whereabouts.
Click Map for Full Size View
Bill Richardson a Single Example of Democratic Party Core Off the Beam
N.M. Governor Withdraws Name from Commerce Secretary Consideration
This is what happens when we finance all of our political activities the way that we do. Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico is under investigation for allegedly pressuring N.M. state authorities to steer financial services business to a firm which donated money to his political organizations.
Since the Clinton Administration - of which Richardson was a high-profile member - our Democratic Party has been owned by hedge funds, limousine liberals and other interests who make their money through market manipulation and investing rather than by adding to the economy in a manner which creates tangible value and employs people. When these big donors come calling, the doors to Congressional suites and governors’ offices come flying open.
DICK Cheney and State Sponsored Torture
Filed under: Afghanistan, Bush Foreign Policy, Terrorism
VP DICK Cheney appeared on CBS’ Face the Nation this morning. This interview wasn’t substantively different from any of the others he’s done in the past month:
Cheney also urged the Obama administration to continue the Bush administration’s interrogation policies.
“I would hope [Obama] would avoid doing what others have done in the past, which is letting the campaign rhetoric guide his judgment in this absolutely crucial area,” Cheney said. “We were very careful, we did everything by the book, and in fact we produced very significant results.”
So many problems with that statement, DICK. There are a great many smart people, including former members of the Bush Administration who warned you and David Addington about getting too carried away with agressive interrogation techniques. Chief among their concerns was something we patriots like to call the U.S. Constitution. There’s also this other little concern known as the Geneva Convention. You can argue all you want that our foes in the war on terror are not lawful combatants, but the rest of the world needs to somewhat agree, or, it looks like selective application of an international human rights treaty. And, what about the old bromide that we’re not going to stoop to their level. There’s so much more than campaign rhetoric behind the criticisms of the Bush Administration’s endorsement of torture.
Transcript: Sen. Harry Reid on Meet the Press | Israel, Roland Burris, The Economy | Sunday, January 4
Filed under: Barack Obama, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Obama Transition, Recession, State Governments, U.S. Congress, U.S. Economy
(Source: NBC’s Meet the Press)
MR. GREGORY: And here with us now, the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid.
Welcome back to MEET THE PRESS and happy New Year.
SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV): Thank you very much.
MR. GREGORY: Let me ask you about the ground invasion into Gaza. Do you think on the part of this Israeli–of the Israelis this was offensive or defensive?
SEN. REID: I spoke to Prime Minister Olmert a couple of days ago. He indicated that they would do the ground activities. Let’s understand the background. For eight years they’ve been firing rockets into Israel. They’ve become more intense the last few months. Israelis have been killed, maimed and injured. Sometimes more than 200 a day coming into Israel. If this were going on in the United States from Vancouver, Canada, into Seattle, would we react? Course we do. We would have to. I think what the Israelis are doing is very important. I think this terrorist organization, Hamas, has got to be put away. They’ve got to come to their senses. The Fatah group, which is–makes up part of Palestinian group, has a peace arrangement with Israel. Hamas should do the same.
Video: Hairy Reid’s Taint
Sen. Harry Reid on Meet the Press
Still Says Burris Appt Tainted
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Ohio Sunday Papers | Sunday, January 4, 2009
Filed under: Cuyahoga Corruption, Energy Policy, Gov Strickland, Marc Dann, Ohio Economy, Recession, State of Ohio Budget, State of Ohio Govt, U.S. Economy, ohio politics
- Insight: How Bad? 5 Economists Answer Questions About Recession, Ohio Economy - Columbus Dispatch
Editor’s Note: Just when you think the Dispatch editorial staff is still on vacation, they came up with this interesting piece in Sunday’s Insight section. Let’s hear it for localizing a national story and doing it from a broad perspective. The economists include a liberal, conservative, a federal reserve staffer, and private sector expertise. Check it out.
- After the Flames: The Story of the 1969 Cuyahoga River Fire - The Plain Dealer
- Killings rip apart city’s fabric - Cincinnati Enquirer
- Cuyahoga sheriff lays off some, rewards family friends with raises - The Plain Dealer
- Op-Ed, Thomas Suddes: Suddes’ Crystal Ball
- Op-Ed, Joe Hallett: Brown, Strickland optimistic on economy turning corner - Columbus Dispatch
- Editorial: That Sinking Feeling - Toledo Blade
- Strickland, Governors call for $1 trillion in aid to states - The Plain Dealer
- Measure takes aim at sexual slavery - Toledo Blade
- Plans afoot for coal to liquid fuel plant in Wellsville - Youngstown Vindicator
- New Ohio legislature begins Monday - Dayton Daily News
- Ohio AG’s Washington Office closing - The Plain Dealer
- Columbia Gas, state reach deal on gorge - Columbus Dispatch
- Fewer truckers needed as economy gears down - Columbus Dispatch
- Fighting off the bear market - Columbus Dispatch
- Dick Feagler talks about 45-year career - The Plain Dealer
- Consumer advocates see bright spot in 2009 - The Plain Dealer
- Most important Ohio legislation passed in 2008 - The Plain Dealer
- Editorial: Husted made his mark - The Plain Dealer
- Editorial: Husted won’t just warm senate seat - Dayton Daily News
- BGSU to lay off 43 salaried workers - Toledo Blade
Israeli-Gaza Update Sunday a.m. | Ground War | Jan. 4
- Israeli troops bisect Gaza - New York Times
- Israeli Govt: No intention of taking over Gaza - Jerusalem Post
- Civilians die in Gaza fighting - al-Jazeera
- Civilian toll rises; operation could take days - Reuters
- Bodies of Hamas leader’s children paraded - Daily Mail (U.K.)
- Egypt condemns Gaza attack - Bloomberg
- Gaza attacks further split Arab rulers, people - Washington Post
- Analysis: Invasion a double-edged sword - Washington Post
Is Pepsi Ripping Off Obama?
Maybe I’ve looked into the “O” too much over the past year, but I think Pepsi is changing its logo to appear more like the Obama for America “O” logomark:
This is Pepsi Branding Circa 2007.
This is the Obama for America 4 Color “O” logo.
This is Pepsi’s new branding. Makes me think “Obama.”
Everyone’s a Committee Chair! An Ohio House with 32 Standing Committees
Rumor on Cap Square in Columbus has it that House Democrats want to reward each of their 32 returning members with their own committee to chair in the 128th General Assembly.
The current number of committees stands at 20 and would increase to - you guessed it - 32.
You know, times are tough, the economy is in the crapper, I’m surprised the Republicans didn’t think of this. Everyone knows that adding committees to the state legislature is the only thing Ohio hasn’t done to attract new business to the state. Lord knows, we don’t have enough laws - not near enough. The more I think about it, we ought to be creating committees for the freshman Democrats too. It would make them feeeel good and do that much more for the economy.
Another good thing about 32 committees is that the education funding thing - good as done. We’ve never had enough committees in the House to adequately address the issue.
You know something else? Vernal G. Riffe - he never had 32 committees. Actually, The Speaker didn’t actually need that many. That guy was a committee unto himself.
Organized labor will be ecstatic. This is the seniority system in its purest form. Madame Legislator, have you been here for at least one term? Well, here’s the keys to the hearing room - don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.
Recycling - The Next Industry to Be Damaged by Recession
Greencycle warehouse in Bowburn, County Durham, UK
I came across this article in the Daily Mail (U.K.). Great Britain is experiencing a collapse in demand for the discarded paper and cardboard stock which is used to produce recycled paper products. The stuff is piling up in warehouses like the one to the left.
I guess the bright side of problems such as this is that a fairly robust market for our recyclables has finally taken hold in countries like the U.S. and Great Britain.
The downside is that this market - one which also has an altruistic side - is now as prone to the laws of supply and demand as any other market. Because of the environmental and societal benefits of recycling, it’s still subsidized here and abroad through locally administered curbside recycling programs. In order for the still youthful recycling market to stay viable through the lean times, local taxes or fees could increase - let’s hope those are temporary. At any rate, I’ll be willing to pay a little more for such a worthy municipal service.
Israeli Ground War Begins in Gaza Strip - Newsclips
Israeli soldiers advance near the border with northern Gaza during a ground operation by the Israeli army late January 3, 2009. Reuters
- Israeli ground troops enter Gaza - al Jazeera
- At least 30 Hamas gunmen dead so far in Israeli ground incursion - Jerusalem Post
- Israeli tanks, soldiers invade Gaza - Reuters
- Israeli tanks roll into Gaza to crush Hamas - Times of London
- Israelis launch Gaza ground war - New York Times
- Analysis: End the rockets or Hamas? - New York Times
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Reuters Business Wire- Asia stocks edge up for 7th day
- Car sales plunge heralding bleak 2009
- Prosecutors seek to jail Madoff
- Toyota says plans 11-day factory halt in Japan
- Merrill brokerage chief McCann to leave
- Oil falls to $47 on profit-taking
- Fed buys MBS in latest unconventional move
- Economists seek solutions, signs of life in housing
- Apple's Jobs reassures investors about his health
- Cigna to cut 1,100 jobs, citing weak economy
- Washington Post - World Headlines
- Putin Orders Reduction in Gas Sent to Europe Through Ukraine
- To Rid Slums of Drug Gangs,Police in Rio de Janeiro Try War Tactics
- Self-Styled 9/11 Planner On Trial in Tunisia Blast
- Afghans Rally in Support of Palestinians
- At Main Gaza Hospital, a Scene of Chaotic Desperation
- Wounded Israeli Troops Yearn to Be in the Fight
- India Gives Pakistan Findings From Mumbai Probe, Urges Action Against Suspects
- White House Defends Efforts in Darfur, Plans to Airlift Equipment Into Region
- Bush Blames Hamas for Starting Gaza Conflict
- Gazprom reducing supplies through Ukraine
