Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Poor Poor Palin
I know conservatives consider CNN pretty liberal, but I think they're pretty even sided. Regardless this is pretty damning.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
The One Question Someone Needs to Ask John McCain
It is not quite hard to play "stump-the-candidate" as Sarah Palin called it, while being stumped. But McCain, and apparently all Republicans cannot grasp economics. I never want to hear the phrase free-market economy from the right ever again. Really, people who still believe in it should get a CAT scan and a full psychological evaluation. Without going further off into a tangent the question I want asked:
After we drill, drill, drill, and have barreled the between 20 to 60 billions barrels of oil... Then what? Let me clarify, let's say when all is said and done it cost ten dollars to produce one barrel of oil. Then it goes to the market. At which point China (being communist) could offer to buy it all for fifty dollars a barrel. Oil sell for what Wall Street says it will sell. If someone is willing to buy it for a hundred dollars that's what it's selling for. Saudi Arabia can produce a barrel of oil for something like three dollars. It still is selling high. Industries in the free market will attempt to manipulate said market to get the best bang for the buck. Usually with disastrous results - Mortgage crisis.
After we drill, drill, drill, and have barreled the between 20 to 60 billions barrels of oil... Then what? Let me clarify, let's say when all is said and done it cost ten dollars to produce one barrel of oil. Then it goes to the market. At which point China (being communist) could offer to buy it all for fifty dollars a barrel. Oil sell for what Wall Street says it will sell. If someone is willing to buy it for a hundred dollars that's what it's selling for. Saudi Arabia can produce a barrel of oil for something like three dollars. It still is selling high. Industries in the free market will attempt to manipulate said market to get the best bang for the buck. Usually with disastrous results - Mortgage crisis.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Random Thoughts Today
1. Todd Palin refused to testify after being served a subpoena. I thought the Palin administration was going to cooperate fully with the investigation, now they've change their tune because of "partisanship." Really? Republicans voted for this investigation as well. They're stalling until after election. They might not have anything to hide, but it sure as hell seems like it. Todd Palin is a fucking coward and so is Sarah, the last people I'd like in the White House.
It does bother me that she abused her executive power, but these grudges happen all the time in state and local governments. It just kill me that her husband was invited into the meetings with Walt Monegan. He's not a government official, therefore, he shouldn't be there, at all. Put his ass on the stand. Unfortunately, he can refuse for months without punishment. I forgot Republicans don't give a damn about the integrity of the legal system.
2. McCain doesn't know that Spain is in Europe, or in Nato, or one of out best allies, or very supportive of our "War on Terror." I'm sorry but he's a senile as Regan was in his last term.
3. McCain has a new ad:
He lies about raising taxes. I love the smug, "I've taken on tougher guys than this before." Sorry, I still see some Bush brown on your nose. Why do you want a liar and spineless man to be President?
4. Palin called it a Palin-McCain administration. I don't know why anyone is surprised. Her supporters secretly want her to be the President. That means someone has to get out of the way. They're hoping that old age starts to kick in.
5. A real Maverick.
It does bother me that she abused her executive power, but these grudges happen all the time in state and local governments. It just kill me that her husband was invited into the meetings with Walt Monegan. He's not a government official, therefore, he shouldn't be there, at all. Put his ass on the stand. Unfortunately, he can refuse for months without punishment. I forgot Republicans don't give a damn about the integrity of the legal system.
2. McCain doesn't know that Spain is in Europe, or in Nato, or one of out best allies, or very supportive of our "War on Terror." I'm sorry but he's a senile as Regan was in his last term.
3. McCain has a new ad:
He lies about raising taxes. I love the smug, "I've taken on tougher guys than this before." Sorry, I still see some Bush brown on your nose. Why do you want a liar and spineless man to be President?
4. Palin called it a Palin-McCain administration. I don't know why anyone is surprised. Her supporters secretly want her to be the President. That means someone has to get out of the way. They're hoping that old age starts to kick in.
5. A real Maverick.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Go Joe Go
A little older:
Two great lines: "What do you talk about when you have nothing to say? What do you talk about when you can't explain the last eight years of failure?"
Quoting: "'Give 'em Hell Harry.''I'm not going to give 'em Hell, I'll give them the truth and they'll think it's Hell.'"
And Today:
Two great lines: "What do you talk about when you have nothing to say? What do you talk about when you can't explain the last eight years of failure?"
Quoting: "'Give 'em Hell Harry.''I'm not going to give 'em Hell, I'll give them the truth and they'll think it's Hell.'"
And Today:
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Another Lazy Sunday
Again I'm lazy so here's a great article, by Michael Seitzman posted a few days ago and I just found it, go me.
Sarah Palin Naked
An interesting article by Alec MacGillis:
As Mayor...
I'm totally addicted to the Huffington Post. Thank you Adam McKay:
We're Gonna Frickin' Lose this Thing
Best Line: "Think this is some opinion being wryly posited to titillate other bloggers and inspire dialogue with Tucker Carlson or Gore Vidal? Fuck that. Four corporations own all the TV channels. All of them."
I agree with Karl Rove. WTF?
Interesting video on John McCain's health records at Brave New:
John McCain's Health
Sarah Palin Naked
An interesting article by Alec MacGillis:
As Mayor...
I'm totally addicted to the Huffington Post. Thank you Adam McKay:
We're Gonna Frickin' Lose this Thing
Best Line: "Think this is some opinion being wryly posited to titillate other bloggers and inspire dialogue with Tucker Carlson or Gore Vidal? Fuck that. Four corporations own all the TV channels. All of them."
I agree with Karl Rove. WTF?
Interesting video on John McCain's health records at Brave New:
John McCain's Health
Friday, September 12, 2008
Facts for Chuck Norris
Robert Bateman scores one in this great read:
"Facts for Chuck Norris"
Best line: "He is funny, of course, right up until the point when he claims to have done "two tours in Iraq." At that point he just pisses me off."
"Facts for Chuck Norris"
Best line: "He is funny, of course, right up until the point when he claims to have done "two tours in Iraq." At that point he just pisses me off."
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Part Four
Again, lazy, but I'm not doing part four because it's bullshit, pure and simple. I'm sick of it. But the Obama campaign is not feed up. Obama, while charming and nice, is not stepping up. This is a culture war and we as liberals and Democrats have to fight back. For once we cannot play defense it is time to play hardball. Obama needs to say Palin is a liar, because she is. Say she's a sham, a hack, a corrupt business-as-usual politician - because she is.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
An Analysis of Sarah Palin's Speech: Part Three
Part three rolling out.
1. I fought to bring about the largest private-sector infrastructure project in North American history.
And when that deal was struck, we began a nearly forty billion dollar natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence.
That pipeline, when the last section is laid and its valves are opened, will lead America one step farther away from dependence on dangerous foreign powers that do not have our interests at heart.
Analysis
Wait! I thought you reformed big oil... private-sector... It's not done yet? Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
2. The stakes for our nation could not be higher.
Analysis
You're damn right they couldn't be. Which is why you are the wrong person for the job.
3. When a hurricane strikes in the Gulf of Mexico, this country should not be so dependent on imported oil that we are forced to draw from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
Analysis
This just proves she's and idiot. Yes, oil is imported from New Orleans, but the major cause of disruption is the oil drilling facilities in the Gulf of Mexico. There's over 4,000 of them. Hurricanes wreck havoc on them. Those are not foreign oil sources, many are American.
4. And families cannot throw away more and more of their paychecks on gas and heating oil.
Analysis
Gas prices are coming down, because of something remarkable, people are driving less. Which they should be. Any energy plan (including Obama's) that doesn't start with energy waste reduction isn't and energy plan. Walk more, take the bus. Live closer to work. Besides gas and oil are contributing to global warming, which will only increase energy demand. Vicious cycle, break it now.
Most people don't realize that going green is not a question of how. Going to the moon was a question of how... The technology did not exist we invented it. Green technology is here. The question is when... When will it be put to good use? Not with Sarah Palin.
5. With Russia wanting to control a vital pipeline in the Caucasus, and to divide and intimidate our European allies by using energy as a weapon, we cannot leave ourselves at the mercy of foreign suppliers.
To confront the threat that Iran might seek to cut off nearly a fifth of world energy supplies ... or that terrorists might strike again at the Abqaiq facility in Saudi Arabia ... or that Venezuela might shut off its oil deliveries ... we Americans need to produce more of our own oil and gas.
Analysis
Really do you need to do a little more saber rattling? We're not going to attack Russia over oil, well you might.
6. And take it from a gal who knows the North Slope of Alaska: we've got lots of both.
Analysis
Actually, we only have 3% of the world's oil under our feet, but one of the best wind corridors for natural wind energy. Plenty of desert space for solar power.
7. Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems - as if we all didn't know that already.
But the fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all.
Analysis
No, you misheard us. It won't solve any of our problems, just make it worse.
8. Starting in January, in a McCain-Palin administration, we're going to lay more pipelines ... build more new-clear plants ... create jobs with clean coal ... and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal, and other alternative sources.
We need American energy resources, brought to you by American ingenuity, and produced by American workers. I've noticed a pattern with our opponent.
Maybe you have, too.
Analysis
Obama has promised more energy, with more American jobs. Except the energy is green and doesn't pander to the oil companies that have enslaved us.
9. We've all heard his dramatic speeches before devoted followers.
And there is much to like and admire about our opponent.
But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform - not even in the state senate.
Analysis
Flat out fucking lie. Obama authored a major bipartisan bill. And a list of bills he sponsored. Many passed and expired, but it is to be expected from a junior Senator. What are Palin's stunning legislative accomplishments? Wait she was an executive, never mind.
10. This is a man who can give an entire speech about the wars America is fighting, and never use the word "victory" except when he's talking about his own campaign. But when the cloud of rhetoric has passed ... when the roar of the crowd fades away ... when the stadium lights go out, and those Styrofoam Greek columns are hauled back to some studio lot - what exactly is our opponent's plan? What does he actually seek to accomplish, after he's done turning back the waters and healing the planet? The answer is to make government bigger ... take more of your money ... give you more orders from Washington ... and to reduce the strength of America in a dangerous world. America needs more energy ... our opponent is against producing it.
Analysis
I'm almost sick of talking about Iraq. There cannot be a victory, we are not fighting a clear enemy. Terrorists lurk in the shadows and underground. The are not a country that will surrender or admit defeat. We'll never kill them all.
Cloud of rhetoric? Wait, what is this called? When the roar of the crowd fades away when does this speech become about what to do rather than a hit job on Obama? If you want to talk about contrived showmanship you can blame the RNC as well.
Obama's been explicitly clear on what he wants to accomplish, so much that any supporter could talk about it in their sleep. Make government bigger? No, that's what Bush did. Cutting 95% of the people taxes is taking their money? Where you removing math books from the library?
Give more orders from Washington? You want to tell woman what to do with their own bodies. Reduce the strength of America? Listen, the military is strained to the limit. We don't have the strength we once had, Republicans made it weaker.
Obama doesn't want more energy? If you really can't follow a thirty second spot on his plan, you don't have the attention span we need for a president.
11. Victory in Iraq is finally in sight ... he wants to forfeit
Analysis
No, he wants to bring our troops home responsibly. As the Iraqi government has asked us to do. I though the plan was to turn their country over to them. Well they've asked for the keys, time to let them drive.
12. Terrorist states are seeking new-clear weapons without delay ... he wants to meet them without preconditions.
Analysis
It's called diplomacy, try it sometime.
13. Al Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America ... he's worried that someone won't read them their rights? Government is too big ... he wants to grow it.
Analysis
Sadly, Palin demonstrates her complete lack of understanding of the U.S. legal system. We're not reading them their rights. I'm not explaining the subtleties of it here. Actually, Republicans have been growing the government.
14. Congress spends too much ... he promises more.
Taxes are too high ... he wants to raise them. His tax increases are the fine print in his economic plan, and let me be specific.
Analysis
No, he will let the tax cuts for the rich expire, because guess what? The gravy train is over. He wants to spend more on things like health care and eduction, not guns and wars.
Yeah, going to part four.
1. I fought to bring about the largest private-sector infrastructure project in North American history.
And when that deal was struck, we began a nearly forty billion dollar natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence.
That pipeline, when the last section is laid and its valves are opened, will lead America one step farther away from dependence on dangerous foreign powers that do not have our interests at heart.
Analysis
Wait! I thought you reformed big oil... private-sector... It's not done yet? Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
2. The stakes for our nation could not be higher.
Analysis
You're damn right they couldn't be. Which is why you are the wrong person for the job.
3. When a hurricane strikes in the Gulf of Mexico, this country should not be so dependent on imported oil that we are forced to draw from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
Analysis
This just proves she's and idiot. Yes, oil is imported from New Orleans, but the major cause of disruption is the oil drilling facilities in the Gulf of Mexico. There's over 4,000 of them. Hurricanes wreck havoc on them. Those are not foreign oil sources, many are American.
4. And families cannot throw away more and more of their paychecks on gas and heating oil.
Analysis
Gas prices are coming down, because of something remarkable, people are driving less. Which they should be. Any energy plan (including Obama's) that doesn't start with energy waste reduction isn't and energy plan. Walk more, take the bus. Live closer to work. Besides gas and oil are contributing to global warming, which will only increase energy demand. Vicious cycle, break it now.
Most people don't realize that going green is not a question of how. Going to the moon was a question of how... The technology did not exist we invented it. Green technology is here. The question is when... When will it be put to good use? Not with Sarah Palin.
5. With Russia wanting to control a vital pipeline in the Caucasus, and to divide and intimidate our European allies by using energy as a weapon, we cannot leave ourselves at the mercy of foreign suppliers.
To confront the threat that Iran might seek to cut off nearly a fifth of world energy supplies ... or that terrorists might strike again at the Abqaiq facility in Saudi Arabia ... or that Venezuela might shut off its oil deliveries ... we Americans need to produce more of our own oil and gas.
Analysis
Really do you need to do a little more saber rattling? We're not going to attack Russia over oil, well you might.
6. And take it from a gal who knows the North Slope of Alaska: we've got lots of both.
Analysis
Actually, we only have 3% of the world's oil under our feet, but one of the best wind corridors for natural wind energy. Plenty of desert space for solar power.
7. Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems - as if we all didn't know that already.
But the fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all.
Analysis
No, you misheard us. It won't solve any of our problems, just make it worse.
8. Starting in January, in a McCain-Palin administration, we're going to lay more pipelines ... build more new-clear plants ... create jobs with clean coal ... and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal, and other alternative sources.
We need American energy resources, brought to you by American ingenuity, and produced by American workers. I've noticed a pattern with our opponent.
Maybe you have, too.
Analysis
Obama has promised more energy, with more American jobs. Except the energy is green and doesn't pander to the oil companies that have enslaved us.
9. We've all heard his dramatic speeches before devoted followers.
And there is much to like and admire about our opponent.
But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform - not even in the state senate.
Analysis
Flat out fucking lie. Obama authored a major bipartisan bill. And a list of bills he sponsored. Many passed and expired, but it is to be expected from a junior Senator. What are Palin's stunning legislative accomplishments? Wait she was an executive, never mind.
10. This is a man who can give an entire speech about the wars America is fighting, and never use the word "victory" except when he's talking about his own campaign. But when the cloud of rhetoric has passed ... when the roar of the crowd fades away ... when the stadium lights go out, and those Styrofoam Greek columns are hauled back to some studio lot - what exactly is our opponent's plan? What does he actually seek to accomplish, after he's done turning back the waters and healing the planet? The answer is to make government bigger ... take more of your money ... give you more orders from Washington ... and to reduce the strength of America in a dangerous world. America needs more energy ... our opponent is against producing it.
Analysis
I'm almost sick of talking about Iraq. There cannot be a victory, we are not fighting a clear enemy. Terrorists lurk in the shadows and underground. The are not a country that will surrender or admit defeat. We'll never kill them all.
Cloud of rhetoric? Wait, what is this called? When the roar of the crowd fades away when does this speech become about what to do rather than a hit job on Obama? If you want to talk about contrived showmanship you can blame the RNC as well.
Obama's been explicitly clear on what he wants to accomplish, so much that any supporter could talk about it in their sleep. Make government bigger? No, that's what Bush did. Cutting 95% of the people taxes is taking their money? Where you removing math books from the library?
Give more orders from Washington? You want to tell woman what to do with their own bodies. Reduce the strength of America? Listen, the military is strained to the limit. We don't have the strength we once had, Republicans made it weaker.
Obama doesn't want more energy? If you really can't follow a thirty second spot on his plan, you don't have the attention span we need for a president.
11. Victory in Iraq is finally in sight ... he wants to forfeit
Analysis
No, he wants to bring our troops home responsibly. As the Iraqi government has asked us to do. I though the plan was to turn their country over to them. Well they've asked for the keys, time to let them drive.
12. Terrorist states are seeking new-clear weapons without delay ... he wants to meet them without preconditions.
Analysis
It's called diplomacy, try it sometime.
13. Al Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America ... he's worried that someone won't read them their rights? Government is too big ... he wants to grow it.
Analysis
Sadly, Palin demonstrates her complete lack of understanding of the U.S. legal system. We're not reading them their rights. I'm not explaining the subtleties of it here. Actually, Republicans have been growing the government.
14. Congress spends too much ... he promises more.
Taxes are too high ... he wants to raise them. His tax increases are the fine print in his economic plan, and let me be specific.
Analysis
No, he will let the tax cuts for the rich expire, because guess what? The gravy train is over. He wants to spend more on things like health care and eduction, not guns and wars.
Yeah, going to part four.
An Analysis of Sarah Palin's Speech - Part Two
Here's part two.
1. [Referring to people in small towns] I grew up with those people.
They are the ones who do some of the hardest work in America ... who grow our food, run our factories, and fight our wars.
They love their country, in good times and bad, and they're always proud of America. I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town.
Analysis
What... the... fuck? There are factories in big cities. People from cities enlist in the military. I like to think most Americans work pretty damn hard: whether they are in the city or country, blue-collar or white-collar. I also like to think we all love our country. You know the twin towers were located in New York City. I think New Yawkers love there country just as much as you do. Except for the fact you wanted to succeed from the country you love so much.
I lived most of my life in a small suburb of a big city. Not quite a small town, but roughly the same amount of residents as Wasilla, AK. The people in the cities and suburbs love their country as well. But some of us are not proud. How can anyone be proud of Bush and the GOP's corruption?
2. I was just your average hockey mom, and signed up for the PTA because I wanted to make my kids' public education better.
Analysis
Try funding it. Whereas "No Child Left Behind" had the governing philosophy of well if we leave them all behind it really doesn't count.
3. When I ran for city council, I didn't need focus groups and voter profiles because I knew those voters, and knew their families, too.
Analysis
I know most of my hometown too. Not all 8,000 residents but enough of them to get a good feel for the community. I'm sure you did this too. The U.S. has 300 million residents. Polling helps gauge "what the people want." Listening is not something you seem to do well.
4. Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown.
And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves.
Analysis
No, we don't look down on it, we think you served your community honorably. But being the executive of a small town is not the same as President, executive of the country, leader of the free world.
5. I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a "community organizer," except that you have actual responsibilities. I might add that in small towns, we don't quite know what to make of a candidate who lavishes praise on working people when they are listening, and then talks about how bitterly they cling to their religion and guns when those people aren't listening.
We tend to prefer candidates who don't talk about us one way in Scranton and another way in San Francisco.
Analysis
Well, by now you should have seen how I feel about community organizing. But I'd just like to point out that Jesus was community organizer. Pontius Pilate was a Prefect, that is a Roman Governor.
Oh, and Obama made a gaffe. I think we should be able to forgive him for it, you know like our religion dictates.
6. As for my running mate, you can be certain that wherever he goes, and whoever is listening, John McCain is the same man.
Analysis
Actually, he's changed a lot to secure this nomination, for the mere sake of political immediacy.
7. I'm not a member of the permanent political establishment. And I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone.
Analysis
No, you are just unqualified. There's a difference between qualified and experience. Experience comes from years on the job, which neither of you have much of. Qualifications are recommendations and achievements done that show you can perform a task. Obama is a lawyer, an expert on constitutional law. Palin could not even figure out what the Vice President does, which is clearly outlined by the Twelfth Amendment.
8. But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion - I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country. Americans expect us to go to Washington for the right reasons, and not just to mingle with the right people.
Analysis
A majority of us want us out of this war. And it seems like you mingled with enough right people to get a VP nomination. You know, because you weren't even on the short list.
And if you are not part of Washington, why did you have Matthew Scully write your speech. If you don't know who he is that's a George W.'s speechwriter.
9. Politics isn't just a game of clashing parties and competing interests.
Analysis
You're right, with Republicans it's a fucking war.
10. The right reason is to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good, and to leave this nation better than we found it.
Analysis
Like George W. Bush did? Because let's be honest you're giving us four more years of the same. Actually, you'll probably make it worse.
11. No one expects us to agree on everything.
But we are expected to govern with integrity, good will, clear convictions, and ... a servant's heart.
Analysis
Integrity? You're under investigation and took so many earmarks you make Ted Stevens look like a joke. A servant... Like a community organizer is a servant of the community.
12. I pledge to all Americans that I will carry myself in this spirit as vice president of the United States. This was the spirit that brought me to the governor's office, when I took on the old politics as usual in Juneau ... when I stood up to the special interests, the lobbyists, big oil companies, and the good-ol' boys network.
Sudden and relentless reform never sits well with entrenched interests and power brokers. That's why true reform is so hard to achieve.
But with the support of the citizens of Alaska, we shook things up.
Analysis
You love big oil. Your husband works for big oil. Spirit? Your spirit is tainted.
13. And in short order we put the government of our state back on the side of the people.
I came to office promising major ethics reform, to end the culture of self-dealing. And today, that ethics reform is the law.
While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor's office that I didn't believe our citizens should have to pay for.
That luxury jet was over the top. I put it on eBay.
Analysis
So what? You're going to sell Air Force One? I could think of a few ways to make it more effective. Give it to the National Guard. Convert it to fight forest fires.
14. I also drive myself to work.
And I thought we could muddle through without the governor's personal chef - although I've got to admit that sometimes my kids sure miss her. I came to office promising to control spending - by request if possible and by veto if necessary.
Senator McCain also promises to use the power of veto in defense of the public interest - and as a chief executive, I can assure you it works.
Analysis
It looks like you've abused your line-item veto to pass what you like and what you don't. Which, frankly is too much power for one person to have. Which is why it was taken away from the President. I'm glad you drive yourself to work and I'm sure you and your husband are fine cooks.
15. Our state budget is under control.
Analysis
You passed the largest budget in state history.
16. We have a surplus.
And I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending: nearly half a billion dollars in vetoes.
I suspended the state fuel tax, and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress.
I told the Congress "thanks, but no thanks," for that Bridge to Nowhere.
Analysis
You cut mostly local construction projects as I noted in my Jackass column. And you also kept the Federal money for that bridge. It was more of a, "thanks, I'll just take this and do what I want with it."
17. If our state wanted a bridge, we'd build it ourselves. When oil and gas prices went up dramatically, and filled up the state treasury, I sent a large share of that revenue back where it belonged - directly to the people of Alaska.
And despite fierce opposition from oil company lobbyists, who kind of liked things the way they were, we broke their monopoly on power and resources.
As governor, I insisted on competition and basic fairness to end their control of our state and return it to the people.
Analysis
I like competition, but how about moving to green energy?
This might go to four parts... Part three is on its way.
1. [Referring to people in small towns] I grew up with those people.
They are the ones who do some of the hardest work in America ... who grow our food, run our factories, and fight our wars.
They love their country, in good times and bad, and they're always proud of America. I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town.
Analysis
What... the... fuck? There are factories in big cities. People from cities enlist in the military. I like to think most Americans work pretty damn hard: whether they are in the city or country, blue-collar or white-collar. I also like to think we all love our country. You know the twin towers were located in New York City. I think New Yawkers love there country just as much as you do. Except for the fact you wanted to succeed from the country you love so much.
I lived most of my life in a small suburb of a big city. Not quite a small town, but roughly the same amount of residents as Wasilla, AK. The people in the cities and suburbs love their country as well. But some of us are not proud. How can anyone be proud of Bush and the GOP's corruption?
2. I was just your average hockey mom, and signed up for the PTA because I wanted to make my kids' public education better.
Analysis
Try funding it. Whereas "No Child Left Behind" had the governing philosophy of well if we leave them all behind it really doesn't count.
3. When I ran for city council, I didn't need focus groups and voter profiles because I knew those voters, and knew their families, too.
Analysis
I know most of my hometown too. Not all 8,000 residents but enough of them to get a good feel for the community. I'm sure you did this too. The U.S. has 300 million residents. Polling helps gauge "what the people want." Listening is not something you seem to do well.
4. Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown.
And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves.
Analysis
No, we don't look down on it, we think you served your community honorably. But being the executive of a small town is not the same as President, executive of the country, leader of the free world.
5. I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a "community organizer," except that you have actual responsibilities. I might add that in small towns, we don't quite know what to make of a candidate who lavishes praise on working people when they are listening, and then talks about how bitterly they cling to their religion and guns when those people aren't listening.
We tend to prefer candidates who don't talk about us one way in Scranton and another way in San Francisco.
Analysis
Well, by now you should have seen how I feel about community organizing. But I'd just like to point out that Jesus was community organizer. Pontius Pilate was a Prefect, that is a Roman Governor.
Oh, and Obama made a gaffe. I think we should be able to forgive him for it, you know like our religion dictates.
6. As for my running mate, you can be certain that wherever he goes, and whoever is listening, John McCain is the same man.
Analysis
Actually, he's changed a lot to secure this nomination, for the mere sake of political immediacy.
7. I'm not a member of the permanent political establishment. And I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone.
Analysis
No, you are just unqualified. There's a difference between qualified and experience. Experience comes from years on the job, which neither of you have much of. Qualifications are recommendations and achievements done that show you can perform a task. Obama is a lawyer, an expert on constitutional law. Palin could not even figure out what the Vice President does, which is clearly outlined by the Twelfth Amendment.
8. But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion - I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country. Americans expect us to go to Washington for the right reasons, and not just to mingle with the right people.
Analysis
A majority of us want us out of this war. And it seems like you mingled with enough right people to get a VP nomination. You know, because you weren't even on the short list.
And if you are not part of Washington, why did you have Matthew Scully write your speech. If you don't know who he is that's a George W.'s speechwriter.
9. Politics isn't just a game of clashing parties and competing interests.
Analysis
You're right, with Republicans it's a fucking war.
10. The right reason is to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good, and to leave this nation better than we found it.
Analysis
Like George W. Bush did? Because let's be honest you're giving us four more years of the same. Actually, you'll probably make it worse.
11. No one expects us to agree on everything.
But we are expected to govern with integrity, good will, clear convictions, and ... a servant's heart.
Analysis
Integrity? You're under investigation and took so many earmarks you make Ted Stevens look like a joke. A servant... Like a community organizer is a servant of the community.
12. I pledge to all Americans that I will carry myself in this spirit as vice president of the United States. This was the spirit that brought me to the governor's office, when I took on the old politics as usual in Juneau ... when I stood up to the special interests, the lobbyists, big oil companies, and the good-ol' boys network.
Sudden and relentless reform never sits well with entrenched interests and power brokers. That's why true reform is so hard to achieve.
But with the support of the citizens of Alaska, we shook things up.
Analysis
You love big oil. Your husband works for big oil. Spirit? Your spirit is tainted.
13. And in short order we put the government of our state back on the side of the people.
I came to office promising major ethics reform, to end the culture of self-dealing. And today, that ethics reform is the law.
While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor's office that I didn't believe our citizens should have to pay for.
That luxury jet was over the top. I put it on eBay.
Analysis
So what? You're going to sell Air Force One? I could think of a few ways to make it more effective. Give it to the National Guard. Convert it to fight forest fires.
14. I also drive myself to work.
And I thought we could muddle through without the governor's personal chef - although I've got to admit that sometimes my kids sure miss her. I came to office promising to control spending - by request if possible and by veto if necessary.
Senator McCain also promises to use the power of veto in defense of the public interest - and as a chief executive, I can assure you it works.
Analysis
It looks like you've abused your line-item veto to pass what you like and what you don't. Which, frankly is too much power for one person to have. Which is why it was taken away from the President. I'm glad you drive yourself to work and I'm sure you and your husband are fine cooks.
15. Our state budget is under control.
Analysis
You passed the largest budget in state history.
16. We have a surplus.
And I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending: nearly half a billion dollars in vetoes.
I suspended the state fuel tax, and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress.
I told the Congress "thanks, but no thanks," for that Bridge to Nowhere.
Analysis
You cut mostly local construction projects as I noted in my Jackass column. And you also kept the Federal money for that bridge. It was more of a, "thanks, I'll just take this and do what I want with it."
17. If our state wanted a bridge, we'd build it ourselves. When oil and gas prices went up dramatically, and filled up the state treasury, I sent a large share of that revenue back where it belonged - directly to the people of Alaska.
And despite fierce opposition from oil company lobbyists, who kind of liked things the way they were, we broke their monopoly on power and resources.
As governor, I insisted on competition and basic fairness to end their control of our state and return it to the people.
Analysis
I like competition, but how about moving to green energy?
This might go to four parts... Part three is on its way.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
An Analysis of Sarah Palin's Speech - Part One
As promised, here is a thorough analysis of Governor Sarah Palin's speech delivered last night.
1. Mr. Chairman, delegates, and fellow citizens: I am honored to be considered for the nomination for Vice President of the United States...
I accept the call to help our nominee for president to serve and defend America.
I accept the challenge of a tough fight in this election... against confident opponents ... at a crucial hour for our country.
And I accept the privilege of serving with a man who has come through much harder missions ... and met far graver challenges ... and knows how tough fights are won - the next president of the United States, John S. McCain.
Analysis
Well, this is all good.
2. It was just a year ago when all the experts in Washington counted out our nominee because he refused to hedge his commitment to the security of the country he loves.
With their usual certitude, they told us that all was lost - there was no hope for this candidate who said that he would rather lose an election than see his country lose a war.
Analysis
Those same experts would be right, but McCain changed a lot of a opinions. The police action in Iraq has started to go better. And guess what? They've asked us to leave, on a time line, which was a Democrat demand. The forgotten military action, Afghanistan, has not gone as well, but guess who was right about that? Obama, when he said we should send two more combat brigades to Afghanistan.
3. But the pollsters and pundits overlooked just one thing when they wrote him off.
They overlooked the caliber of the man himself - the determination, resolve, and sheer guts of Senator John McCain. The voters knew better.
Analysis
He flip-flops fast enough to break John Kerry's neck.
4. And maybe that's because they realize there is a time for politics and a time for leadership ... a time to campaign and a time to put our country first.
Analysis
So this speech will bridge the gap between liberal and conservative in our country? No, this ends up being the same divisive politics Republicans are known for and I hope most people are sick of.
5. Our nominee for president is a true profile in courage, and people like that are hard to come by.
Analysis
I'll give you one - Barrack Obama's mother.
6. He's a man who wore the uniform of this country for 22 years, and refused to break faith with those troops in Iraq who have now brought victory within sight.
And as the mother of one of those troops, that is exactly the kind of man I want as commander in chief. I'm just one of many moms who'll say an extra prayer each night for our sons and daughters going into harm's way.
Our son Track is 19.
And one week from tomorrow - September 11th - he'll deploy to Iraq with the Army infantry in the service of his country.
My nephew Kasey also enlisted, and serves on a carrier in the Persian Gulf.
My family is proud of both of them and of all the fine men and women serving the country in uniform. Track is the eldest of our five children.
Analysis
Good, say a prayer for Beau Biden. It's ironic, that his service was only alluded to, never explicitly mentioned by himself or his father. You know why? Because they have something called humility.
7. In our family, it's two boys and three girls in between - my strong and kind-hearted daughters Bristol, Willow, and Piper.
And in April, my husband Todd and I welcomed our littlest one into the world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig. From the inside, no family ever seems typical.
That's how it is with us.
Our family has the same ups and downs as any other ... the same challenges and the same joys.
Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge.
Analysis
I will not attack this woman's family.
8. And children with special needs inspire a special love.
To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters.
I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.
Analysis
I call bullshit! She cut special education in her state by 62% in two years.
9. Todd is a story all by himself... She continues about her family. Again, a good story and I'm not even going there.
10. A writer observed: "We grow good people in our small towns, with honesty, sincerity, and dignity." I know just the kind of people that writer had in mind when he praised Harry Truman.
Analysis
You mean the Democrat Harry Truman? The one who helped found NATO? The UN? Used the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe? Desegregate the military? Helped established Israel? He did have unpopular ratings, but now is ranked as one of the top ten Presidents? Yeah, Democrat!
Okay, to be fair he did plenty I disagree with.
Part two coming soon.
1. Mr. Chairman, delegates, and fellow citizens: I am honored to be considered for the nomination for Vice President of the United States...
I accept the call to help our nominee for president to serve and defend America.
I accept the challenge of a tough fight in this election... against confident opponents ... at a crucial hour for our country.
And I accept the privilege of serving with a man who has come through much harder missions ... and met far graver challenges ... and knows how tough fights are won - the next president of the United States, John S. McCain.
Analysis
Well, this is all good.
2. It was just a year ago when all the experts in Washington counted out our nominee because he refused to hedge his commitment to the security of the country he loves.
With their usual certitude, they told us that all was lost - there was no hope for this candidate who said that he would rather lose an election than see his country lose a war.
Analysis
Those same experts would be right, but McCain changed a lot of a opinions. The police action in Iraq has started to go better. And guess what? They've asked us to leave, on a time line, which was a Democrat demand. The forgotten military action, Afghanistan, has not gone as well, but guess who was right about that? Obama, when he said we should send two more combat brigades to Afghanistan.
3. But the pollsters and pundits overlooked just one thing when they wrote him off.
They overlooked the caliber of the man himself - the determination, resolve, and sheer guts of Senator John McCain. The voters knew better.
Analysis
He flip-flops fast enough to break John Kerry's neck.
4. And maybe that's because they realize there is a time for politics and a time for leadership ... a time to campaign and a time to put our country first.
Analysis
So this speech will bridge the gap between liberal and conservative in our country? No, this ends up being the same divisive politics Republicans are known for and I hope most people are sick of.
5. Our nominee for president is a true profile in courage, and people like that are hard to come by.
Analysis
I'll give you one - Barrack Obama's mother.
6. He's a man who wore the uniform of this country for 22 years, and refused to break faith with those troops in Iraq who have now brought victory within sight.
And as the mother of one of those troops, that is exactly the kind of man I want as commander in chief. I'm just one of many moms who'll say an extra prayer each night for our sons and daughters going into harm's way.
Our son Track is 19.
And one week from tomorrow - September 11th - he'll deploy to Iraq with the Army infantry in the service of his country.
My nephew Kasey also enlisted, and serves on a carrier in the Persian Gulf.
My family is proud of both of them and of all the fine men and women serving the country in uniform. Track is the eldest of our five children.
Analysis
Good, say a prayer for Beau Biden. It's ironic, that his service was only alluded to, never explicitly mentioned by himself or his father. You know why? Because they have something called humility.
7. In our family, it's two boys and three girls in between - my strong and kind-hearted daughters Bristol, Willow, and Piper.
And in April, my husband Todd and I welcomed our littlest one into the world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig. From the inside, no family ever seems typical.
That's how it is with us.
Our family has the same ups and downs as any other ... the same challenges and the same joys.
Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge.
Analysis
I will not attack this woman's family.
8. And children with special needs inspire a special love.
To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters.
I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.
Analysis
I call bullshit! She cut special education in her state by 62% in two years.
9. Todd is a story all by himself... She continues about her family. Again, a good story and I'm not even going there.
10. A writer observed: "We grow good people in our small towns, with honesty, sincerity, and dignity." I know just the kind of people that writer had in mind when he praised Harry Truman.
Analysis
You mean the Democrat Harry Truman? The one who helped found NATO? The UN? Used the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe? Desegregate the military? Helped established Israel? He did have unpopular ratings, but now is ranked as one of the top ten Presidents? Yeah, Democrat!
Okay, to be fair he did plenty I disagree with.
Part two coming soon.
First Thoughts: Sarah Palin Typical Republican
I've had a night wracked with nightmares of the McCain/Palin ticket actually taking the White House. I think it was brought on by her speech, which one writer, Michael Landauer, described as, "It was 10 percent a family history, 10 percent a homage to McCain and 80 percent a schoolyard attack on Obama." I think she knowingly has fired up her base, but unknowingly infuriated her opponent's. She asked a question of the difference between a bulldog and a hockey mom, which the answer was lipstick. Honestly, Palin is better looking than a bulldog.
Regardless, I found the speech to be typical of a Republican, lie your way through it and suck up. It was the same divisive rhetoric we hear again and again from the right. I will, for kicks, do a line by line of her speech in three parts. I want to highlight what I mean by lies and sucking up.
Regardless, I found the speech to be typical of a Republican, lie your way through it and suck up. It was the same divisive rhetoric we hear again and again from the right. I will, for kicks, do a line by line of her speech in three parts. I want to highlight what I mean by lies and sucking up.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
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