Attention All Hippies! Obama Gives You a Reason to be Groovy

For all my crunchy friends, who might be upset that Obama isn't acting "progressive" enough for appointing that mean warmonger Gates, cheer up! Obama just appointed Samantha Power to the State Department transition team. Read all about it...right here!

Creepy Anti-Homosexual 501 Group is Reaping Federal Charity

One of the biggest issues to fallout of the November elections has been the Proposition 8 fiasco in California. There has been some incidents that do not speak well for proponents of gay marriage including the new "blacklist" in Hollywood and thugs beating up an old woman at a protest. But equally egregious are some of these "culture warriors" with seemingly endless amounts of money to run ridiculous advocacy campaigns. Wonkette flagged this one about gay hairdressers spreading their homosexuality to small-town America (it's pretty funny):

What was surprising with the group that published this tripe, the American Family Association, is that it's on the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) list of charities. The CFC is a program where federal employees and military personnel fill out an annual form to have their paycheck garnished to go to charities of their choosing. Supposedly, the groups on the list to receive money get vetted heavily, but a website which devotes an entire section to "exposing the homosexual agenda" seems like a big waste of money.

All this culture war crap could be solved with the simple axiom "Mind Your Own Damn Business". America is a very cosmopolitan place and people who can't accept that need to get over themselves.

Consumerism Runs Amok on Black Friday

Who Ever Though the Walmart Greeter Would Be the Angel of Death?

An innocent man was stampeded by a mob of unruly shoppers at Walmart, while attempts to revive him were met with laughter by onlookers. Two were shot dead at a Toys R' Us in California. Black Friday has certainly lived up to its macabre name, as America has become out of control in an orgy of spending. Despite polling a drop with shopping this holiday due to a lousy economy, it is clear that Americans urge to splurge continues unabated. It is short-sighted to use a few isolated incidents to make an indictment on American society, but our obsession with buying crap we don't need rarely gets discussed, and today seems appropriate. Certainly cheap megastores like Walmart help average citizens get materials they need for daily living, but our acceptance to go into massive amounts of credit debt is a disturbing sign of the times.

The advertising industry spends billions of dollars every year to dupe the public mind into buying products that are unnecessary for survival, needlessly driving up costs so that the consumer gains a false sense of social status. The big flat screen, the nice car, and the latest electronic gizmo of the moment are mere illusions of the Joneses while they fall deeper into their own self-defeating debt. Owing a significant amount of money to a financial institution that charges usurious rates that would make Shylock blush greatly hampers an individual's sense of freedom. Indeed, a society perpetually in debt and perpetually paying taxes for "necessary" government benefits like Social Security and Medicare can assure that regular Americans "won't make trouble". What's frightening are the large media corporations cheering us along on all this. Hosting wave after wave of afternoon economists encouraging people to buy more to do your patriotic duty.

Ownership is an important part of society, and the last hundred years has seen a rise in normal people living a life of modest luxury. But, it has become the gold standard for how successful you are and how happy you are while our planet goes down the tubes. A Fight Club quote seems appropriate "Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don't need." An apt quote when one of the best selling holiday gifts this year is most likely going to be Barry Manilow's 80s CD.

The Ultimate Stocking Stuffer: Barry Manilow + Teh 80s

Now that you've finished gorging yourself on Grandma's stuffing, it's time to start thinking mindless consumerism to reboot our shitty economy. One album that's fun for the whole fam is Barry Manilow's 80s CD, which is running commercials every 3 fucking minutes during my TV time. In response to Rick-Rolling going mainstream, Manilow takes on Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up". He also sings "Careless Whisper", a karoke favorite amongst drunk sailors for reasons beyond my comprehension, and he promises to butcher "I Just Called to Say I Love You". If Stevie Wonder weren't blind, I'm sure he show some Motown attitude and punch Barry right in his goofy face. Why the hell is Manilow-mania sweeping the nation anyways? Did I miss something?

Godzilla-sized Manilow Terrorizes The Hilton in Vegas

One More Zawahiri FAIL

Al-Qaeda's media wing, As-Sahab, continues its unsuccessful targeting of a Western audience. Since calling Obama a "house slave" didn't go over too well, they've tried advertising another piece in English entitled The Lion's Den (Counterterrorism Blog has the details). Obviously, the spell checker was turned off.

FAIL

Credit Where It's Due on Thanksgiving

As the hostage crisis continues in Mumbai (Subrookie provided a good twitter feed as well), it's time to thank the military, intelligence operatives, law enforcement officials, diplomats, and aid workers who all contribute globally to ensure that our great civilization does not grind to a halt at the hands of terrorism. The plague of suffering and violence knows no international boundaries, as Bali, Amman, New York, London, Baghdad, Kabul, Islamabad, and many more cities from different cultures and continents have all been targeted in the last decade.

The global community should be thankful for people like Hemant Karkare, head of Mumbai's anti-terror squad, who was killed in the line of duty yesterday and is being hailed as a martyr by the Indian press. We should also be thankful that the Iraqi Parliament passed the Status of Forces Agreement today, which will help facilitate a peaceful exodus of coalition forces with adequate time for transition in a country that was once at the brink. The wags who predicted the Saigon-style evacuation from a country in chaos were thankfully proven wrong.

Mudville Gazette has a comprehensive list of bloggers who are forward deployed, and we should all give them kudos, because the stabilization of troubled states ensures that the enemies of modern civilization do not have a base to spread their viral ideas. They offer their own thanks, but surely you can drop the drumstick for two seconds and give 'em some credit.

Abby Takes Care of Business

Photo of the Day: Train Station Mumbai

(pic from Reuters)

Unless you live in an information vacuum, you've heard about the grizzly attacks in Mumbai, India that have killed dozens. This Ain't Hell has published emails from a friend inside the besieged city and the Long War Journal has insight into the terror networks. Undoubtedly the most high-profile American, President-elect Obama, has issued a condemnation statement.

Smokey McBongwater

While anti-drug PSAs from the 80s usually provide the most kitsch value, this 70s anti-Marijuana PSA says the main reason to not get high is to prevent getting slapped with the dreaded "Smokey McBongwater" nickname. No wonder so many kids were listening to Pink Floyd.

Admiral Mullen Nixes Holiday Wingding Since the Economy Blows

Fancy Pentagon Gala Downgraded to Cheap Get-Together

Many of our leaders come from the upper crust of society, but unlike Big Three executives, they understand that when hard times hit the people, you've got to tone it down a bit. Winston Churchill famously walked through the bombed out wreckage in England during WWII, and Robert E. Lee even wrote letters to Southern kids about Santa during the Reconstruction era. Admiral Mullen is following that trend by canceling a big holiday ball and replacing it with a small get-together for wounded vets. From U.S. News:

If you didn't know that the two-war Pentagon was operating on shoestring, here's the latest evidence. Adm. Michael Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has just canceled his annual Christmas party. The chief has just sent out cards announcing that he and his wife have decided to "forego their holiday reception this year" in light of the "trying financial times."

Everyone in the military knows that if the top officers waste money like a bunch of drunk frat boys in Vegas, it's license for their subordinates to do the same. Hence "setting the standard" of being humble and thrifty while our economy collapses and the military is about to get its budget slashed is a smart move for public relations on the Mullens part.

Are the top politicians doing the same during this nationwide belt-tightening? Well, Obama's inauguration is going to cost millions, and Bush pardoned a delicious and nutritious turkey to go on a plane ride to LA that could have fed someone. Next year when we're all eating pigeons we shot at the garbage dump for Thanksgiving, we're going to look back on that free turkey with regret.

The Art of War

Paintings from the combat zone are interesting and provocative, but scarce to come by. While looking on the blogs for information on the IZ, I came across Ramblings from a Painter. He works for the State Dept., and he posted one of his sketches. It looks like a Peruvian Triple Canopy guard at one of the checkpoints at the embassy:
Really captures the ambiance. I like it. A pleasant memento from an area of conflict.

Funny Lede of the Day: Obama Vows to Cut Back on Bad Programs

Obama might've gotten a customary fist bump for picking Gates as his SECDEF, but his economic policies are still sketchy. A lede in Politico summarizes the mass confusion behind how he's going to pay for all the things he promised:

President-elect Barack Obama is vowing to watch spending carefully even as he plans to push for a stimulus package of $500 billion or more.

The article expounds on Obama's rhetoric that he's going to cut "wasteful spending" and hold back "special interests", but never provides an example. Cruising over to the NYT, they can't even justify their guy's politician-like distractions:

Mr. Obama cited, as an example of the sort of cuts he expects Mr. Orszag and Mr. Nabors to find, a recent government report showing that farmers whose incomes exceeded $2.5 million had probably wrongly been paid some $49 million in government subsidies over a three-year period.

But he did not offer any other specific targets, and by itself, correcting the problem with the farm program would make only a trivially small dent in the budget deficits the federal government will face for years.

$49 million is no small chunk of change, but considering that Obama's entitlement obligations are wracking up well into the trillions, he's going to have to start slashing and burning government spending a little further.

The Obama T-shirts are still selling well amongst college students, perhaps the President-Elect's advisors can start selling this wardrobe for the coming hard times to generate a little revenue.
(x-posted at The Obacalypse)

Blogging To Be So Slowly Killed Off in WA State

End of an Era?

The editors of Reason wrote an article praising the libertarianism inherent in the aughts, calling the internet "a tax-free distributed network and alternative universe where individuals, usually without effective interference from government, can reshape their identities, transcend limitations of family, geography, and culture." The article also gives ample warning that the nature of the political beast is "the B.A. Baracus of American society, the last one through the door". Well it seems the A-team van of politics is crashing through the door in WA state. There's pressure from lobbyists to impose draconian restrictions on internet freedom in order to squash dissent. From the Seattle Times:

Lobbyist Steve Gano, who represents business clients in Olympia, said he's not troubled by activist bloggers who practice a form of journalism. But the increasing presence of Web-based advocacy groups are a different story, he said.

If an online group doesn't have to report the type of activities that would otherwise be considered lobbying, Gano asked, why shouldn't lobbyists just close up shop and relaunch their efforts online?

Steve Gano represents a host of big business interests, and the perceived "chatter" from people without ties to elite institutions must threaten his livelihood. This tactic was tried before when there was discussion in the FEC to impose restrictions on politically-themed mega-blogs Daily Kos and Red State. Most people who blog, comment, or lurk are average schmoes who can finally take what they've been talking about at the dinner table to a wide-scale audience (at low cost). A true Vox Populi. It really has been a boon to our democratic process that regular people can access information and delve into the policies affecting our world. This might shake up the ruling class that has traditionally run our society, because it's best if we shut our yaps, pay taxes, and quietly die off on the Social Security dole. Expect threats to this newfound availbility to information to come from those that seek to keep their stranglehold on power.

Gates to Stay SECDEF

Hippies Sad that Secretary of Defense Not Brought Up on War Crimes

Politico and Mudville Gazette have the latest leak from the Obama transition team, and this time it's actually some good news:

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has agreed to stay on under President-elect Barack Obama, according to officials in both parties. Obama plans to announce a national-security team early next week that includes Gates at the Pentagon and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) as secretary of state, officials said.

The current SECDEF, Robert Gates, has been hailed as competently running our counterinsurgency conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The loudest opposition has been from the anti-war fanatics in Code Pink, who could not be reached for comment at this time, since they are busy committing treason in Iran. The other reason for opposition seems to be that putting a Republican in charge of the DoD will show that Democrats are weak on national security. From Open Left:

Further, keeping Gates on would only worsen Democratic image problems on national security, as he would be the second consecutive non-Democratic Secretary of Defense nominated by a Democratic President. The message would be clear: even Democrats agree that Democrats can't run the military.

For the record, Gates is a registered Independent, and I'd wager most Americans are more interested in successfully stabilizing Iraq and Afghanistan than the John Wayne-like branding of the Democratic party.

Shaq's Week-Long Twitter Session

Shaq started Twittering last week when he found out a phony Shaq was on the loose besmirching his good name. The modern day Renaissance Man continues to prove that he is the jack of all trades in one-line Twitter format.

Shaq the Comedian: Im wearing a jacket dat says 1946, a lady asked me wat it means, i replied, mam its the yr i was born. Lol

Shaq the Philanthropist: I called my main man figs son bcuz da xcellence of a gift lies n its approiateness ratha than its value

Shaq the Muckraker: Does anyone have the names of the 14 people bush gave pardons

Shaq the Criminal Justice Expert: Detective oneal does not jordan vander sloots story about what happened to natalee

Shaq the Chiropractor: I get my neck cracked b4 everygame, today i felt a xtra clikadee clak

Shaq the Spartan: On my way 2 da arena. I feel like the main charachter n da movie 300

At least Shaq is not going to get slapped for being a smug and elitist web personality. He responds to a lot of his Twitter followers, and with that same one-line wit like "@phoenixsunsgirl i'm a vampire i neva sleep shaqula". Well, it's a lot more insightful than that stupid McCain/Obama staff Twitter debate.

Underneath the SOFA Cushions

A ruckus broke out in Iraqi Parliament on 19 November when they were debating the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), mostly instigated by the Sadrists (seen in the abayas). The NY Times Baghdad Bureau has some insight on why the debate is so heated:

During one of the debates a Sadrist asked: ‘are there any guarantees that the Americans will not use Iraqi land to attack Islamic and neighboring countries?’ But the agreement clearly says: ‘Iraqi land, sea, and air shall not be used as a launching or transit point for attacks against other countries.’

The opponents of the agreement are using this big national issue to blackmail the government, and they are forgetting their duty to their voters.

For example, during the last five years they spent all the time raising their slogans to request the Americans’ withdrawal. They said they would accept any schedule for withdrawal, even if it takes 10 years. Now this agreement will give them guarantees to withdraw completely in the next three years. But they reject it because they will have no excuse left to toy with the government, and with their voters.

Some of them try to use our religion to convince their voters that this agreement will make Iraq submit to the Americans, and they use people’s ignorance about what exactly this agreement includes to make them support their party’s position.

It almost seems like the Sadrists are taking part in the anti-foreigner show for the cameras to appease their Shi'ite voting bloc, and Spencer Ackerman explores how a confirmed withdrawal date for Coalition Forces will further weaken Sadr and his followers political positioning. The SOFA sounds like a good compromise to eventually get our troops home and leave the Iraqi Security Forces in decent shape. But anytime there is political turmoil or elections in Iraq, there seems to be a spate of violence to accompany it. It's politics by other means, and, like Joe, the reason I'm hesitant to support Victory in Iraq day at this time.

Uncle Sugar's Money Dump at Citifield

It wasn't long ago that sports arenas were named after great heroes instead of lame corporations on the verge of bankruptcy. Take Joe Louis arena in Detroit, which is named after the badass American boxer who struck one of the first Allied blows against the Nazis in 1938. The Red Wings still play there, but most large cities are cursed with tax-funded monstrosities that reek of shameless corporate branding like a Costco-sponsored Blink 182 concert. Ed Morrisey has a list of the offenders. But, at least you used to be able to say that it was driving down ticket costs as you stared at a basketball court adorned in trashy advertising.

That's not the case anymore, as the $20B the feds just dumped on Citigroup will help pay to keep their name on the new stadium for the NY Mets. From ABC:

Struggling Citibank just sealed a multi-billion-dollar emergency "backstop" deal with the U.S. government. The financial behemoth, suffering with billions in bad mortgage-related assets on its books, recently shed 53,000 workers and saw its stock price lose over half its value. Yet it's in a 20-year contract to pay the New York Mets $400 million to name the team's new stadium "Citi Field."

That's right, $400M of that $20B is going to pay for New Yorkers to understand irony better, I guess. I suggest the name "Uncle Sugar's Money Dump", because it will be a lesson for our nation on the kind of society you get for handing out billions of dollars to incompetent companies with no accountability. Is there anyone that still thinks this bailout is a good idea? Even with $7.4 Trillion in loans that the federal government has promised to disburse?!? It's okay if you once supported these ridiculous cash injections, just listen to Dierks Bentley's "What Was I Thinking?" and vote smarter next time.

Breitbart's Plan for the GOP: More Babes

Amidst lolly-gagging by the unattractive squares who run the GOP, Andrew Breitbart has an idea from babe central, Los Angeles, that the party should utilize sex appeal from the young and beautiful. From the Washington Times (h/t Libertarian-Republican):

With the economy in the pits, the young, the restless and unapologetically handsome should use their looks, vigor and Internet knowledge to wrest away elective office from joyless bureaucrats who gallingly repackaged the soiled utopian promises of their overly replayed Woodstock days as "hope" and "change."

Those young adults who weren't duped this time around can be at the forefront of cluing in their friends that were. In Facebook I trust.

The Gutfeld/Breitbart conservatism brand of small-government/big-defense/pro-good times could take off if the Obama presidency crashes and burns. After all, Palin's babeness, according to the commentariat on this blog, helped propel her to #1 conservative of the year (it certainly wasn't her knowledge of foreign policy). But for everyone who tries to put a Hooters-like brand on the GOP, you'll get two or three girdle-wearing Huckabees saying Thou Shall Not Support Gay Marriage. We'll see what happens in the future. In the meantime, it's just easier to criticize Obama than to try and find a new vision for the sodomized corpse of the Republican Party.

Why is the President-Elect Reading Your Embarrassing Diary From Middle School?

Find out why at The Obacalypse. You can't make this stuff up.

Be a Cool Kid, Follow This Blog

There's strength in numbers, and it's a rough world out there, so follow this blog and prevent yourself from getting shanked by the mean people out there in the blogosphere. Technically, I'm not really sure what "following" does, except the blogs show up in your blogger profile. But I added a widget on the sidebar so your avatar will be forever associated with this wretched cesspool. Cheers!

Drug Warriors Holder and Rambo: Fighting the Wrong War At the Wrong Time

Obama's top pick for Attorney General, Eric Holder, has been going through the wringer for the Marc Rich pardon and the Elian Gonzalez debacle during his Clinton daze. But, the only major media publication that has been grilling him on his failed drug policies are those pesky libertarians at Reason. How far did he go with national drug policy? He coerced the city of Washington D.C. to "get tough" on that great scourge of our society, marijuana. From a 1996 Washington Post article (h/t Eric):

In addition, U.S. Attorney Eric H. Holder Jr. said in an interview that he is considering not only prosecuting more marijuana cases but also asking the D.C. Council to enact stiffer penalties for the sale and use of marijuana.

"We have too long taken the view that what we would term to be minor crimes are not important," Holder said, referring to current attitudes toward marijuana use and other offenses such as panhandling.

Ever since Richard Nixon declared the War on Drugs, we have seen the explosion of meth and crack, continuous erosion of our civil liberties, and a string of lousy federally-funded PSAs of McGruff jamming out to 80s music. Our War on Drugs goal has even hampered the fight against terrorism as President Bush actually gave the Taliban federal aid to halt heroin traffic prior to 9/11. Don't expect Obama's pick for Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel, to distinguish between the high-priority War on Terror as opposed to the War on Pink Floyd as evidenced to a press release he issued back in 2006:

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Representative Rahm Emanuel released the following statement in response to reports that Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez’ called the war on terror a real war, not like the war on drugs.

“Thanks for the white flag. From the United States’ most senior law enforcement official, the man who should be leading the war on drugs, this white flag of surrender will not be reassuring to the millions of parents trying to protect their kids.”

To help out Obama's Chief of Staff, here's a couple of photos to emphasize the priorities based on the current threats to our democratic society.

Islamic Terrorists, seeks to wipe out Western civilization, a high-priority

Marijuana Users, seek to eat a whole bag of Doritos while watching Scooby-Doo, a low-priority

Thai General Re-assigned to Lord of the Dance

A Thai General, who made threats against protesters staging a sit-in at the Prime Minister's office, has been re-assigned to being in charge of Aerobics. From Breitbart:

An army spokesman said that Khatiya, who has written books about his combat exploits, had been appointed by army chief General Anupong Paojinda to lead the military's health club promotion task force.

Khatiya, who is under investigation on disciplinary charges, told newspapers that his new posting was "ridiculous".

"The army chief wants me to be a presenter leading aerobic dancers. I have prepared one dance. It's called the throwing-a-hand-grenade dance," the Bangkok Post quoted Khatiya as saying.

The "throwing-a-hand-grenade" comment was ill-advised, as protesters have been targeted with a grenade attack last month and today. The People's Alliance for Democracy is trying to oust the current Prime Minister because he is viewed as a puppet of the previous corrupt Prime Minister, who got booted by a military coup in 2006. No word yet if Olivia Newton-John was on hand to offer her expertise to the General.

Death Metal Has Paid Its Dues

Wek has a post about the importance of Death Metal to Generation X culture and its origin in Florida. Of Morbid Angel, he says:

Death Metal filled a canyon sized void in hard music at the time. Hair Metal owned the airwaves for most of the 80's, Metallica torched their head-banging fans by giving us ballads and Seattle bands made guitarists ashamed for knowing scales. These Floridians couldn't be bothered with what was popular, they just wanted to bust ear drums and shred.

This is much better than whatever is passing for music these days. Check out this latest POS from Hot Chicks with Douchebags:
Land Rovers, Bleached Blonde Emo Hair, and a pig costume. What the hell is matter with you kids.

Unashamed Fatsos to Get 2 Airline Seats For the Price of 1

Being such a grotesque lardass that you would require two coach seats is a lifestyle decision, and therefore, fatitude is an open grounds for ridicule. Society is not expected to pay for a dozen extra big macs to shovel in their face, wheelbarrow replacements every quarter to get them from point A to point B, and a wardrobe consisting of moo-moos, so why would we have to pay for additional airline seats? Apparently, the Supreme Court of Canada says thinner consumers all have to bear the "hefty" cost of transporting the obese. From Reuters:

Obese people have the right to two seats for the price of one on flights within Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on Thursday.

The high court declined to hear an appeal by Canadian airlines of a decision by the Canadian Transportation Agency that people who are "functionally disabled by obesity" deserve to have two seats for one fare.

On the bright side, collectively chipping in so that a triple-rolled forearm isn't drooping over the copy of Newsweek on your lap might be a good investment.

And the Mother of the Year Award Goes to...

It's often joked about amongst military personnel that their wife will try and kill them to get at their massive $400K SGLI life insurance policy. This is the first time I've heard of it actually being attempted. From Seattle P-I:

An Army wife accused of setting her apartment on fire botched an attempt to collect on her husband's $400,000 insurance policy when he survived and her two children died instead, a federal prosecutor said.

Billi Jo Smallwood, 35, was denied bond at a Friday hearing in northeast Georgia, where she appeared on federal charges of damaging government property by fire.

"She set fire to her own home in hopes of killing her husband and wound up killing her kids," Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Gabay-Smith said.

Damn, that's messed up. At least the lady who drowned her five kids in the bathtub could blame her psychosis on a momentary rush of Post-Partum. And when I say "blamed", I mean about a 50,000 Volt difference in the judge's sentencing decision if you catch my drift...bzzzz, sizzle.

Late Nite Tunes: Social Distortion - Another State of Mind

Hopefully you all are enjoying the weekend in "Another State of Mind", just not operating a vehicle or heavy machinery, of course. Here's a pin-up babe for the road from Viva's Gallery by way of the great site Porn for Troops.

Iraqi Terp Speaks About the Mask Ban

(pic from The Guardian)

Last week we got news that one of our most important allies on the battlefield, Iraqi interpreters, were being forced to lose their identity-concealing mask for "professionalism" reasons. Like any thoroughly lousy idea (think Joe Biden's "Plan for Iraq"), it got vocal opposition from a wide range of people like The Captain's Journal, Brandon Friedman, and Some Soldier's Mom. But what do the Iraqis have to say about all this? Turns out an Iraqi Interpreter spoke against this policy last month (h/t Mad Tom):

They issued a new rule say:

NO MORE MASK FOR IRAQI INTERPRETERS.

It's like they want to say :

HEY IRAQI PEOPLE...HERE THEY ARE...THE IRAQI INTERPRETERS...NOW YOU GET CHANCE TO SEE THEIR FACES...DO WHATEVER YOU WANT TO DO OF THEM,KILL THEM,TOURTURE THEM, WE DON'T CARE.

Yes, that was the truth, and I challenge any body has ability to give me another reason that make this commander took decision such this.

I guess he thinks that looking "professional" takes a back seat on the priority list to threats against his life. Who would've thought!

Code Pink Blogs From Iran About Its Great Fundamentalist Regime

Code Pink to get tips on sharpening their anti-American rhetoric in Tehran

They may have packed up shop from protesting our troops in Berkeley, but the women you love to hate at Code Pink have taken their clown show to the streets of Iran. A blog post from the group's website indicates they are cruising around on some sort of "peace delegation" and getting fed a line of bullshit from puppets of the atrocious Iranian regime. From the Code Pink blog:

After a hearty Iranian breakfast that included delicious tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh eggs, cheese, yoghurt, flat bread and mouth-watering olives, the “work day” began for the three of us—myself, CODEPINK cofounder Jodie Evans and Col. Ann Wright. Our first meeting was with our dear friend Rostam Pourzal, who works with the anti-sanctions group CASMI. Rostam used to live in Washington DC, but moved back to Iran recently. Thank goodness he came to greet us, because it turned out that the government person who was supposed to set up our schedule today didn’t show up. So Rostam filled in the day for us with an amazing variety of activities and meetings.

Rostam Pourzal is an apologist for the theocracy on staff at the Campaign Against Iranian Sanctions who wrote an article on mass murderer Ahmadinejad's rise to power as "Not that Bad". He also has criticized human rights activists who speak out against abuses by the Iranian regime, and even gave $2,300 to the failed presidential campaign of perennial peace wacko, Dennis Kucinich. While being led around this ridiculous propaganda tour, Code Pink swung by the abandoned American embassy:

Then we went to his office, but along the way he stopped to show us the old, abandoned U.S. Embassy. It is now surrounded by murals with anti-American slogans—a stark reminder of the harsh rhetoric emanating from both governments.

It's a real shocker, I know, that the site where 52 American hostages were captured might have a touch of "anti-American" feel to it. Code Pink then goes on their little escapade to talk to Iranians about their government, and are surprised that they don't like a brutally oppressive regime that has driven the country's economy into the ground:

People in Iraq were afraid to speak out against Saddam, people in Iran aren’t. We heard criticism of the government while we were still on the plane. Then in customs, when an official asked our guide why we had come to Iran and she replied “trying to make peace,” he laughed and said, “Not with this terrible government of ours.” The taxi drivers complain; western-educated elites complain, businessmen complain. While most wouldn’t want to be filmed venting against their government, they talk to us in an amazingly open fashion, barely looking over their shoulders to see if anyone is listening.

I'm sure Medea Benjamin and Jodie Evans will have no qualms signing these people's death warrants by turning in these malcontents to the Iranian authorities. On the plus side, maybe the Code Pink leadership will decide to stay over there and not come back.

Huffington Post Empire To Spread Its Tentacles Further

Independent Bloggers Taking on Arianna "Mother Brain" Huffington

It's sites like The Huffington Post that make me long for the bad-old-days of the internet, circa 1999, with failed start-ups producing zero profit who ran stupid blinking banner ads and pop-ups everywhere you surfed for your evening porn. Ironically, the dreaded Huffington Post had help getting launched in 2005 by Hollywood conservative and all-around good guy Andrew Breitbart, but this liberal beast of a site (#1 blog according to Technorati) has transformed into a Leviathan and produced enough wretched dotsam and netsam to clog up the innertubes worse than a Britney Spears twat shot.

Sure, there are a few decent archived bits there, notably from veterans Rieckhoff and Soltz, plus some hilarious commentary from Greg Gutfeld, but they are the exceptions not the rule. Time after time again, Arianna Huffington has been disastrously wrong about the War in Iraq. The guest posts are chocked full of morans, including agitating that Bush has already declared martial law and why billions in bailout money needs to go to fund Neil Young's electric car company. Other postings include anti-semitic commentary, that isn't even grammatically correct, from imbecile celebrities like Roseanne Barr, and Clinton flaks referring to our President-Elect as "boy" during the primaries.

You'd think this would be enough to sink a political blog's credibility faster than Larry Johnson and his crazy rumor about the "Michelle O Whitey Tape", but Arianna just keeps raking in the dough. From the London Times:

Arianna Huffington looks set to cement her position as the Queen of Capitol Hill in the next few days.

The Times has learnt that the Huffington Post, her influential political website, will confirm within the next week that it has completed a $15 million (£10 million) fundraising from investors.

The money will finance the expansion of HuffPo, as it is known, into the provision of local news across the United States and into more investigative journalism. And it will ensure that Ms Huffington's influence continues to spread across the US political scene.

Dear god, why do you internet people have no taste? Seeing how Arianna is nothing more than a shameless PR shill for the incoming administration, perhaps people will get tired of being force-fed kool-aid and seek commentary elsewhere. Don't give up hope and meticulously plan your apocalypse fantasy just yet.

Obama's Job Program

Read all about it at The Obacalypse.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Expect Shit From the New Administration

Obama Turn his Back on the LGBT community

Despite making a campaign promise to repeal the 15-year long policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell in the military to allow homosexuals to serve openly, it's not going away in the near future. As co-blogger Jonn writes at The Obacalypse:

So far Obama has tossed the anti-war crowd and women aside and now the gays. I guess the "95% of Americans will get tax cuts" is next. Who would have thought that he's just another Democrat politician who thinks it's fine to ignore campaign promises.

Personally, I'm opposed to DADT for two reasons. One is that the arguments pushed for by June Cleaver-like culture warriors, such as Elaine Donnelly, about homosexuals spreading their "Teh Ghey" all over the place in close-quarters if they are allowed to come out of the closet is dumb. Speaking from personal experience on a sub, there are no secrets after weeks stuck in a tube with a bunch of other dudes, and whether or not someone can "legally" be permitted to say "Guess what, I'm Gay!" isn't going to come as a big surprise at the unit-level. Two, is that it has a counter-recruitment effect at colleges like Columbia, that continues to bar ROTC from campus since they perceive the military as hostile to homosexuals (the fact that the Federal Government sets this policy for the military seems to be lost on them).

But, that's neither her nor there, the point is that Obama isn't even in office yet and he's already scrapping the promises he made. Under the bus, indeed. Maybe he'll just gut the whole military instead of trying to reform it.

Stench of War Protesters May Be Lingering For Awhile

According to Jonn writing at The Obacalypse, some anti-war groups are not happy with "Barack the Hawk", so expect them to be lingering around for the next 4 years. That's okay though. Besides feeling better about yourself when you see unemployed hippies parading around in costumes, we will be treated to more excellent videos like this 2004 gem called "Weapons of Mass Affection":

The Rise of Trojan Horse Politics

Easily Fooled Citizens Dragging in the Horse That Will Be Their Demise

The Soros-funded Center for American Progress has been a huge advocate of regulating free speech in their favor via legislation and policy. One example of this brand of regulation is the wretched Fairness Doctrine, which, luckily, went tits up on the house floor last year. If it had passed, you would have to be listening to Praise for Dear Leader on the TV/Radio/Paper, and not just the TV/Paper. So the wonks are trying to find new clever ways to silence the opposition. On the think-tanks website, one of the "Top Features" is an article about the "imbalance of political talk radio", where they desire leveling the playing field by a concept known as "localism", which means you grant "friendly" broadcasters access to the airwaves while imposing heaping mounds of regulations on those nasty wingnuts. Even though it is painfully obvious that this progressive think-tank wants to crush dissenting voices of the mostly conservative airwaves, one of their employees says we're all crazy for thinking it's a return to The Fairness Doctrine! From Yglesias at Think Progress (the blog for the CAP):

Marin Cogan has a great piece on the right-wing’s mobilization against the phantom menace of the fairness doctrine...It’s very strange. Political movements mischaracterize the other side’s general goals all the time. But I’ve never heard of anything like the current conservative mania for blocking a particular legislative provision that nobody is trying to enact.

A phantom menace? It doesn't take a tin-foil hat to be concerned with Obama hiring the head of the Center for American Progress as a leader in his transition battalion, and the case for more regulations of free speech still being up on the CAP website. The fact that a writer employed by the same think-tank calling us Cassandras for dreaming up conspiracies of the collapse of the 1st Amendment is creepy. Just like all this newfound outreach of hugs n' kisses from the left, it seems to be a big ruse to float a bunch of turds through congress while we're off getting shitfaced like Troy.

Humanitarian Aid at Gunpoint? Hot or Not

Marines Deliver Bottled Water in Bangladesh in 2007 (From The Donovan)

A Spanish-based group called the Development Assistance Research Associates (DARA) has chastised the United States for using humanitarian aid for political/diplomatic means. It has also criticized humanitarian aid from the United States for being too focused on utilizing the military. From the Washington Post:

It ranked near the bottom in adherence to principles and guidelines established in 2005 by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development -- which includes the United States and other industrialized powers -- to ensure that political considerations do not exclude worthy recipients of aid.

DARA's findings reflect what it called the United States' use of humanitarian assistance to achieve military or political goals in eight crisis zones the group studied, including Afghanistan, Colombia and the Palestinian territories. The assessment challenges the United States' view of itself "as the paragon of global compassion," Larry Minear, a retired professor at Tufts University, wrote in the report.

This is not the first time that non-profits have voiced concern over humanitarian missions meshing with military objectives. But, the fact of the matter is that in countries like Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq, Western aid workers with little to no means of security have been targeted by thugs repeatedly and ruthlessly. The humanitarian mission has to go hand-in-hand with the Armed Forces in some crisis areas for the sake of self-preservation of those involved. Also, the military has the expensive resources and expensive training to respond quickly to disasters like the Tsunami in 2004. Democracy Arsenal also criticizes DARA's assessment because of the counter-insurgency aspect of civil/military relations.

I don't understand what DARA is advocating that the United States do, just use the military to drop bombs on everybody thereby alleviating the need for aid, or just shell out more money to the grossly incompetent United Nations? DARA should have spent more time snooping around their own backyard of Spain. That $23M waste of money on a palatial piece of mural art at the U.N. was partially funded by Spanish tax dollars meant for overseas development aid. Of course, I'm sure the starving children in the third-world were excited about it.

Vengeance is Ours: Possible Culprit of SSGT Maupin Murder-Abudction Killed

Staff Sgt. Matt Maupin was abducted and murdered doing convoy operations near Baghdad International Airport in 2004. He was declared in "missing-captured" status until 2008 when his remains were found. But today brought some news that one of his possible captors, an AQI operative, has been killed in the Mansour neighborhood in west Baghdad. From CSM:

An Al-Qaeda in Iraq leader believed by US officials to be responsible for one of the most notorious attacks on US soldiers was killed during American military operations earlier this month, military officials said Thursday.

Hajji Hammadi, the regional Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) leader, was shot dead by US forces in a raid in the upscale Mansour district of Baghdad on Nov. 11, according to US military spokesman Brig. Gen. David Perkins.

While this probably doesn't provide much solace for his family, it is nice to know that justice was served.

7,552.29

Also, The S&P is at its lowest level since 1997.

Thank You Readers: Results of the Political Compass Poll

Thank you all for taking the political compass quiz to gage the political associations of this blog's readership. The internet provides an interesting opportunity for people from various demographics to voice their opinion at very little cost and with very little effort. However, political blogging has become too polarized along party lines in many cases, thereby making it as dull and predictable as a press release from whatever party happens to be swarming cyberspace that day. Generally, I write from a pro-market, pro-military, anti-"modern liberal" point of view, often in a manner that some might deem a tad "offensive" if you aren't in agreement. This is for the purpose of soliciting comments and interest in the links provided in a provocative manner and it often spawns opposition, which is good. I also try to throw in some humor now and then so that people don't get bored with the place and that they keep coming back. I'm glad you're all so opinionated and I believe it keeps things interesting in a world with a questionable future where politics plays such an important part. You can be assertive about your views, razz people who don't agree with you, and it's all in fun and games. I've only had to kick off 1 commenter during my year-long blogging adventure because he threatened to beat up one of the other commenters. It goes to show that you can respectfully disagree without having to resort to absolute douchey "let's kiss and make up" type nonsense. Keep up the good work and thanks for all the visits.

Anyhoo, here's how everybody weighed in.

[Left-Libertarian Quadrant, 12 Total]: MezzoSF (-4.0/-0.7), Barrage (-6.3/-3.6), Sisu (-2.9/3.1), CathCatz (-5.0/-4.1), Jess Roxx (-6.0/5.7), ABWF (-2.0/-2.9), Gecko (-3.3/-3.0), Liz (-6.0/-5.4), Wek (-3.5/-4.3), Brandon Friedman (-4.8/-6.2), Arli (-4.1/-3.9), Ms. Kiyum(-3.0/-5.4), Logically Locked (-4.6/-4.3)

[Right-Libertarian Quadrant, 12 Total]: M (1.5/-2.4), LT Nixon's Mom (8.5/-4.5), SubRookie (3.8/-0.4), ibelieveinlifeafterlove (4.8,-2.7), A-Ro (0.5/-3.5), Amagi (4.3, -4.1), Randy K (4.5/-0.1), Blendy (0.6/-5.2), Mike (7.4/-4.5), Antoinette (0.3/-3.4), DaveC (1.6/-2.7), Me (3.1/-2.9)

[Right-Authoritarian Quadrant, 8 Total]: Kevin Gregory (4.3/0.5), Consul Clemens (5.8/3.9), Mike (5.3/2.0), OlGreyDog7 (0.0/1.4), 509th Bob (2.5/1.2), Caroline (1.8/2.6), Brandon (5.7/2.8), Desert Sailor (1.3, 2.1)

Obviously, everyone has a different opinion, but these are my own generalizations:

Left-Libertarians perceive corporations as untrustworthy actors in modern society for causing damage to the environment and seeking only to line their own pockets. They are much more interested in the power of everyday citizens to end poverty, promote social justice, and create a more peaceful civilization through mutual understanding. Being more libertarian, they are tolerant of other people's lifestyles and think that the government is trying to curtail their freedoms. Modern issues they more than likely support are a more fair healthcare system, ending the Iraq war because it was waged for the benefit of a small group of powerful people, and they are slightly disturbed that Prop 8 passed in CA even though Obama won the election. Famous Left-Libertarians include Gandhi and the Dalai Lama.

Right-Libertarians perceive corporations as beneficial to society because they aid the common good through efficient techniques that provide services/goods for the least amount of resources. They are interested in policies and abstract ideas that provide increased wealth, peace, and prosperity. In general, they view the government as a complicated, bureaucratic mess that promotes bad ideas because it can readily secure its power by curtailing people's natural rights. Being Libertarians, they are tolerant of others lifestyles, but realize that some people are just inherently more brilliant thinkers and doers than others. Modern issues they more than likely support are an end to the bailout madness, despair over the slow corrosion of our Bill of Rights, and they are very curious about how Obama will govern the nation during these hard times. Famous Right-Libertarians include Thomas Jefferson and Ayn Rand.

Right-Authoritarians perceive corporations as beneficial to society because they provide economic stability for our nation, and that leaving them, for the most part, unregulated is what's best for America. They are interested in law and order, national strength, and patriotism to provide a bulwark due to the moral/economic decay of other nations and more degenerate parts of our own country. In general, they view the government as a necessary evil that must do what it has to do to keep America from perishing. They are supportive of our current foreign policy, because they believe that 9/11 was so egregious, that we needed to act to prevent similar attacks. They can also be very interested in faith and believing that they are living their life correctly. Modern issues they are more than likely to support are succeeding in Iraq, keeping their taxes low, and they are deeply concerned by this newfound "Hope and Change" foolishness. Famous Right-Authoritarians include Dwight Eisenhower and Abraham Lincoln.

Of course, if you want to be a dick, you can always say this:

Left-Libertarians are low-life hippies driving around in Volvos with 17 Obama bumper stickers for every square foot of aqua-blue metal. Supporting their terrorist friends through mass protests against our troops when they should be out getting a damn job. Living in trash-strewn urban hellholes so they can attend art shows where they burn wax Jesuses on stage...with federal funding! An endless tirade of sexual hedonism and "feel-good" slogans where they can wash away all their responsibilities by getting an abortion the next day at Planned Parenthood. Teaming up with union bosses and trial lawyers to steal money from decent Americans while they advocate cop-killers from being freed from prison. Famous Left-Libertarians include Charles Manson and Bill Ayers.

Right-Libertarians are the weirdos at the end of the block who own 20 assault rifles because they think the U.N. is stealing their mail from the local militia. Cooking up meth in rural areas of America so they can save enough money to get a ride on the Ron Paul blimp. A dangerous obsession with anime and science-fiction, these grown up nerds can usually be found cruising Hannah Montana websites to search for their sexual prey on a Saturday night because they have nothing better to do except for possibly ranting against the government. The fact that Lt. Nixon's Mom spawned a child with the same political leanings is a good argument for publicly funded contraception. Famous Right-Libertarians include Timothy McVeigh and Ed Gein.

Right-Authoritarians are the rich assholes who go to church every Sunday followed by taking their snotty little kids to the golf course in their massive SUVs that choke up the planet. They are criminals for who supported the Iraq War because they had all of their money invested in Hallibruton and their whale-killing yacht has big "Bush/Cheney" sticker. They only support because he torturing brown people and they all masturbate to Fox News. Famous Right-Authoritarians include Richard Nixon and Mr. Burns.

It's too easy to portray groups of people one way or another, and it's much more difficult to hear out every individual's opinion, but ultimately beneficial. The Political Compass Quiz provides some insight, but the modern era is almost so complex you might get yourself in trouble quickly making broad assumptions about anybody. However, huge polls like this can often show which way society is trending or what its baseline is. But enough rambling, here's a blinged out political compass quiz...for the memories.
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Riding the Tube at 2am To Sadr City

Passed Out Drunk on the Subway, A True Urban Classic For Any City

Iraq's cabinet has earmarked $3B for constructing a subway line in Baghdad:

The subway is the first in Baghdad and will have two lines. One would run 11 miles from Shiite-dominated Sadr City in the east to the predominantly Sunni neighborhood of Azamiyah in northern Baghdad. The second line would be cover 13 miles and link the mixed neighborhoods of central Baghdad to the primarily Sunni western suburbs. Both lines will have 20 stations.

That would've been unthinkable in 2007 with sectarian violence rife in Iraq's capital, and only recently did the bridge from Kadhimiyah and Adhamiyah get reopened. Good for them. But I can't fairly characterize Iraq as a "modern democracy" until hippies start bitching about stupid trees getting cut down whenever the government wants to build new infrastructure so people can get to work on time.

What do Zawahiri, Nader, and Some Weird German Newspaper Have in Common...

...they all need to go away. But, they also all referred to our President-elect as an "Uncle Tom" or "House Negro". Spencer Ackerman is scheming up some interesting ideas on how to exploit this abominable statement by Zawahiri to our advantage, but Abu Muqawama suggests that getting labeled a racist thug might not have the same pariah-like stature here as it does "over there".

Stock Market Tanks, How Low Can It Go!

Getting Lower!

The stock market was -427 and closed at 7,997 today. Gateway Pundit suggests it's because of a looming Obama presidency, but in fairness, the Bush administration were the ones involved in the corporate welfare giveaway, while CEOs fly around in private jets. Time to take the advice of my elders and bury a shoebox full of cash in the backyard instead of investing in the circus sideshow known as the stock market. It would also be prudent to bury cartons of Newports, as cigarettes will most likely be our future form of currency as the dollar becomes worthless and society starts to look more like a prison.

Getting Tagged

Army Wife Toddler Mom tagged me in one of those blog loopdy-loops. Not gonna be a pariah after almost getting beat up for being slow on supporting VALOUR-IT, so here goes. I'm supposed to write a couple sentences on page 56 from my nearest book. It happens to be Paul Rieckhoff's Chasing Ghosts. From pg. 56:

Walls were collapsed and missing; the windows were all blasted. The looters had stolen anything of value before U.S. forces had arrived. The locals knew where the money was. The ministry building was one of the tallest in the city, and the stairs seemed to last forever...

Political Compass Thing

There's still one more day to take part in the Fun Times Political Compass quiz. Leave your score in the comments on this post here. A nifty blinged out graph with all the readers will be posted tomorrow. Thanks to everybody that has participated thus far.

Gen. McKiernan Calls For Reconciliation with the taliban

Gen. McKiernan, ISAF and U.S. Forces Commander

That's lower case "t" taliban. Not these guys, but the Afghans that are just working with the Taliban for opportunistic reasons like money and power. This may be an effective tactic in turning the tide for a counter-insurgency operation that has seen an increase in violence. I've been weary of reconciliation because Pakistan trying to cut deals with the Taliban have been met with disaster, and possibly because the word "Taliban" is akin to "AIDS" or "The Plague" or "Guns N' Roses without Slash" in our modern lexicon. However, he's not some mealy-mouthed politician looking to stir up lies about war to get votes, so I'm giving him a chance. Wired has the full story.

Moran Reporter Thinks the Military Not Going to Follow Obama's Orders

Could Admiral Mullen Be the Next Idi Amin...you decide!

With Juan Cole dubbing Fox News racist for not calling Obama the "Commander in Chief" (probably because he hasn't been inaugurated yet, Juan), Glenn Greenwald stating that the term "Commander in Chief" is actually deeply offensive, and John Amato thinking the first priority of the new Commander-in-Chief is to bitchslap Petraeus, it's not surprising that some on the left have no understanding of how civilian-military relationships are supposed to function. This evidenced itself with this ridiculous question at a press conference being held by Admiral Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. From Castle Argghhh! (full transcript here):

Dumbass Reporter: So on the question here of Iraq, how, with no disrespect, sir, how do you begin to support the president-elect's stated policy of a timetable for withdrawal, not the SOFA? How do you support his policy, stated policy of closing Gitmo, when that is something that you have led troops on for the last term of your office?

How do you, just to help people understand, how do you suddenly shift gears and say, okay, that's what my -- that's the strategy I was leading the troops on before; now I'll do this. Can you help people understand that?

ADM. MULLEN: Well, first of all, as I said in my opening comments, I serve the sitting president and certainly will until he turns it over to President-elect Obama. Should President-elect Obama give me direction, I would carry that out. I mean, that's what I do as a senior member of the military.

It does not exactly come as a shock that the top uniformed man in our Armed Forces would not advocate a military coup like we lived in a god-awful banana republic. Yes, the military is accustomed to following orders, and even the Moonbat-Busting Jonn Lilyea proudly served under the Carter administration. The fact that a reporter asked a question regarding the military's "loyalty" is incredibly embarrassing, and it shows how far journalism standards have slipped.

Doctor and Nurse Shortage to Get Worse

More swell news about the collapse of our society from Fox (by way of Nutty News):

And 60 percent of 12,000 general practice physicians found they would not recommend medicine as a career.

"The whole thing has spun out of control. I plan to retire early even though I still love seeing patients. The process has just become too burdensome," the Physicians' Foundation, which conducted the survey, quoted one of the doctors as saying.

The survey adds to building evidence that not enough internal medicine or family practice doctors are trained or practicing in the United States, although there are plenty of specialist physicians.

In a similar fashion, there's also not enough nurses. With an entire industry of parasitic lawyers suing medical professionals, a President-Elect that thinks people have a right to free health care, and low-lifes using ambulances as a taxi service because bus-fare was too expensive, I can't imagine why the medical community would be having second thoughts about their careers.

Wacko Netroots Praise Hijacking of Saudi Supertanker

Fortunately, their blogging might be hampered by that straitjacket

With the entire developed world being dependent on trans-oceanic commerce, and the long-standing right of passage for ships in international waters, you'd think it'd be a no-brainer on whether or not you support the Somali pirates. Even the Daily Kos called for putting a boot up their ass in response to the most recent hijacking of a Saudi supertanker. But, alas, it appears some bloggers are so hell-bent in protesting every perceived injustice in the modern world, that they actually support these marauders. Ahmadinejad-apologist Juan Cole's post is simply a picture of poverty in Somalia contrasted to wealth in Riyadh. Presumably, this is to offer justification of why high seas thuggery should be tolerated. Charles Mudede of The Stranger takes it one step further:

Does this boldness have anything to do with Obama? Are Africans now feeling that the whole world is possible? Certainly the scale of this theft has defeated my imagination.

Whatever few marbles are rolling around in Mudede's moral compass might get shaken up a bit if these pirates run the supertanker up onto shoal water, causing an environmental disaster worse than the Exxon-Valdez. These are the same people who wear around mass-murderer Che shirts and praise Moqtada al-Sadr for fighting our troops, so it's really no surprise.

Greg Gutfeld blames this muddled thinking on Johhny Depp, who never should've left 21 Jump Street.

Tough Economic Times Are Great for Cougars, Divorcees, MILFs

After a a peak of interest surrounding older women dating younger men with the 1967 film The Graduate, cougar culture has, sadly, been on the decline. With women rushing to make themselves look younger via poisonous Botox injections, society adopting childish norms like Cuddle Parties, and tweeny-looking gals like Britney Spears soaking up the limelight, it's tough out there to be a woman over 40! However, there's a silver lining to every crappy economy, and a team of university eggheads report that a "mature" look for women is the new chic. From the NYT (h/t Wonkette):

The Environmental Security Hypothesis that he and his colleagues have been testing, positing that people look for reassurance in worrying times, also helped explain why Playboy magazine’s Playmate of the Year in bad times tended to have a more mature appearance — that is, to be older, heavier, taller and less curvy — than those selected when times were good. Similarly, in a study of American movie stars from 1932 to 1955, he found actresses with mature features — small eyes, large chins, and thin faces — more popular in hard times.

With waves of jobless young men hitting the streets in hard times, this allows them to fall prey to the illustrious, fake-tanned cougar with promises of free food and a place to crash. The demographics of single women in the U.S. show an alarmingly higher percentage of older women to men, making the cougar's hunting ground that much more "target-rich". The website UrbanCougar.com offers advice for the ladies on how to sink your teeth in a younger man (colloquially referred to as a "Cub") for those interested.

For the bros out there looking at an empty wallet, the option of going "cougar" should not be ruled out categorically as the taboo that it once was, as dating an unemployed twentysomething girl who gets upset that you don't text her every 15 minutes might be a bad idea considering our current economic malaise.

Fun Times Political Compass Quiz

From a suggestion by ABWF on this post, it's an open call to all readers, commenters,well-wishers, and haters to take the political compass quiz to better gage how people's politics line up in Obama's America. It doesn't take long, and it is based on a two-dimensional model of how you think on economic and social issues, rather than the traditional lib'rul/conservatoid 1-dimensional view. As you can see, I am way in the drugs n' porn wingnut territory:
Some other readers have taken it and their scores are as follows:
Ms. Kiyum: Econ -3.0, Social -5.4
DaveC: Econ +1.6, Social -2.7
Logically Locked: Econ -4.6, Social -4.3

Take the quiz and leave your score in the comments, and I'll try to make up a consolidated graph of everybody, perhaps with some bling added.

Creepy Pastor from Calvary Temple Sure Knows How To Rake in the Dough

Because God Wanted You to Spend Thousands of Your Disciples Money on a Mid-Life Crisis

As a disclaimer, I'm not religious, but I don't have anything against how people choose to worship and I understand our society is sort of based on Christian-Judeo ethics. However, I have everything against psychotic whackjobs and people who exploit the misery of others to fund their crooked little schemes. Hilzoy directs our attention to Pastor Star R. Scott who runs a Pentecostal church out in Virginia. The dude preaches a strict interpretation of the bible, which is probably where he came up with the idea for his out-of-print book "Adam's Rib". The description:

Contrary to what many psychologists and leaders of the current men's movement say, there is no place for role reversal in marriage. In this book, Pastor Scott gives straightforward counsel on what the Bible says about the roles of the husband and the wife. God ordained the husband to be the head. The woman was created for the man. The husband is to love, cherish, and honor his wife. The wife is to undergird, support and give balance to the man.

Not sure what planet this guy is living on, but saying "thou art my undergirdle" to any woman in this modern age would more than likely get you smacked upside the head. The Washington Post exposes more of his spiteful teachings, which he claims all derives from the Bible, and even talks about how he spends some of the 15-20% tithing members of the church are required to chip in:

County building department records show what many former members describe: a 2,400-square-foot garage on church property where he stored the vehicles. Until last year, when he quit going on the road, Scott carted the vehicles to shows and races across the country in a huge trailer attached to a motor home with granite floors and plasma TVs, said Star Scott Jr., who added that he traveled for years with his father to car events. The son said that his father would be on the road for weeks and that Calvary would pick up the tab, which sometimes included snowmobiling, casino gambling or attending concerts.

He said his father lives off church-paid credit cards, and 2005 card statements he provided to The Post, addressed to Calvary Temple and sent to Pastor Scott's house, show personal spending of $10,000 to $13,000 a month. Items include $2,377 to a company that makes wheels for Harley Davidson motorcycles, $1,450 to a sports memorabilia firm and $544 to a winter sports rental center in Lake Tahoe.

The NASCAR evangelical outreach program or whatever this thing is can be found at the website Finish the Race. The site features multiple pics of Star R. Scott speeding around a race track and it's unclear where the evangelicals are supposed to flock to lest they be run over at 180 mph. Jesus might have built some hot rods (cf. Ministry), but he certainly didn't drive around in one like an asshole. This pastor is a low-grade hustler seeking to fund his lifestyle by saying he's a "man of God". Don't buy into it, even if he claims you're going to hell.

Americans Think We're Not Killin' Enough

I don't have any particular sympathy for convicted murderers, but I'm opposed to the death penalty on principle, since the state should only have the right to kill people in self-defense and armed conflict (IMHO). But looking at the latest Gallup poll on the subject, it seems as though I'm in a political minority shrinking faster than the rEVOLution. The public discourse over the matter is probably not going to budge, as The Obama has also blessed off the death penalty, even saying that it should be applied to child rapists.

The Gallup poll states 23% say the death penalty is imposed at about the right amount, 21% say too much death penalty, and 48% say it's not applied enough! Pretty surprising seeing how other great societies like Iran, Saudi Arabia, China, and that creepy bunch of kids from Children of the Corn all support capital punishment.

Ayers Book Signing in DC

I was never big on the Ayers-Obama connection cooked up by the McCain campaign as they were declining in the polls, because it was a bit flimsy and Obama was just a youngster when protesters were throwing dogshit at returning vets. But, I certainly think Bill Ayers is a fucking terrorist asshole. Jonn Lilyea was with some folks to protest one of his book-signings in Washington DC. Check it out at This Aint Hell.

Jonn also got yelled at for "Outing Valerie Plame"...uh, okay. He was also accused of being a spy for the NSA earlier this week, so I figure he's doing something right.

Comments All Jacked Up

Sorry, the comments from Haloscan are busted...again. This is due to the company being bought out by JS-Kit. Apologies for the inconvenience.

Update: Should be working again...

Great News: Somali Pirates Seize Saudi Supertanker

From CNN international:

The Sirius Star -- a crude "super tanker" flagged in Liberia and owned by the Saudi Arabian-based Saudi Aramco company -- was attacked on Saturday more than 450 nautical miles southeast of Mombasa, Kenya.

The crew of 25, including British, Croatian, Polish, Filippino and Saudi nationals, are reported to be safe

U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet Cmdr. Jane Campbell said the super tanker weighs more than 300,000 metric tons and "is more than three times the size of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier."

Supertankers are the hulking beasts of the high seas, and this one was reportedly carrying a full load of 2M barrels of crude. Despite some new techniques being developed to combat piracy, it seems like the international community is losing this battle. That's great for a band of marauding thugs off the coast of Africa, bad for the rest of the world that depends on commerce.

Wired: Danger Room has more details.

Iraqi Terps The Latest Victims of the Good Idea Fairy

Interpreters May Have to Reveal Their Identities in Well Thought-out Plan

In the world of counter-insurgency, interpreters (or terps) are crucial individuals to ensuring that our troops break down the language and cultural barrier to get the natives on the side of the good guys. Obviously, our troops go into some dangerous neighborhoods (why else would they need to patrol), so revealing the identity of an Iraqi interpreter may put him/her at great risk of being targeted by the local thugs for colluding with the "infidel".

But, Brandon Friedman notes that caution has been thrown to the wind, and interpreters are required to take off that mask in the name of professionalism. From Washington Post:

Many Iraqis, however, fear the relative calm won't last long. To them, ordering interpreters to work without masks suggests that some top U.S. officials are taking an unrealistically rosy view of the security situation in Baghdad, which remains a dangerous city.

U.S. military officials said they began to enforce the mask ban in September because security in Baghdad has improved dramatically.

"We are a professional Army and professional units don't conceal their identity by wearing masks," Lt. Col. Steve Stover, a spokesman for the U.S. military, wrote in an e-mail.

Since I had the pleasure of working on a staff in Iraq for a year, allow me to shed some light on how these policies are born.

• A Flag Officer mentions at a staff meeting that Iraqis working with the coalition "need to look more professional"
• Colonel sits his cell down and says "Team, the general wants our Iraqi troopers looking better, we need a 'Way Ahead'"
• Lt. Colonel or a motivated Major comes up with a "Great Idea" to unmask terps without thinking about the consequences
• Disgruntled Majors and Disheveled Captains/LTs (that's me) forced to make 10-slide powerpoint highlighting "The Way Ahead" for "A newly aligned Professionalism"
• General sees powerpoint and congratulates Colonel and his team for their contributions to the war effort at the next weekly staff meeting

So the big question is who is to blame? Is it the General for upholding professional standards, the Colonel for trying to get things done, the Junior Officers for doing what they are told? No, it's the goddamn Good Idea Fairy's fault! Luckily, someone at the O-5/O-6 level can cut down ideas like this by saying "Seriously, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard", but that process seems to have failed in this case. I'm sure there is some parallel in the corporate world.

Usually good idea fairies are confined to dreaming up costly schemes like the Baghdad Pool Plan, which have marginal effectiveness in winning the war. But it is truly disturbing that one could potentially be harmful to our greatest allies.

More Bob on the Fobs available here

Weblog Awards Nominations

The prestigious Weblog Awards are taking nominations for the best military-themed blog out there on the innertubes. One of my favorites, Fobbits Need Ice Cream Too, has already been nominated, so I put in a nom for one of my other faves, War on Big Tobacco. Bloggers are notorious egomaniacs, so go give them a false sense of hope by nominating one of them...right here.

Palin Named Favorite of the Right

Right Wing News has named Sarah Palin as the #1 Most Favorite Person, even beating out "Teh Fred", who clocked in at #4. Can someone please make a reasonable argument about why Palin is so awesome in the comments? I'm curious as to why you would think so. I'll post your reply and thereby make you a pariah amongst your friends for being associated with this obscene blog.

The Peace FUPA

Whatever the hell this lady is selling, I doubt anyone's buying. (pic from Moonbattery)

Bonus: The phrase "FUPA" may be strictly an American euphemism, as I once heard an Australian refer to this phenomenon as a "Gunt".

Burmese Blogger Jailed for 20 Years

Nay Phone Latt, a Burmese blogger who dared to speak up against the thugs in the military junta, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. From BBC:

Nay Phone Latt was arrested in January; the sentence delivered on Monday included 15 years for offences under the Electronics Act, two years for "creating public alarm" and three and a half years for offences under the Video Act, his mother said.

One of his offences was apparently the possession of a banned video.

His blogs during the September 2007 uprising provided invaluable information about events within the locked-down country.

The state-censored Myanmar Times did a short piece on Burmese bloggers in August 2007 that said "During the seminar, well-known Myanmar bloggers will share their own experiences with online writing and host discussions on the nature of blogging, its advantages and disadvantages, and give information about the group’s website." Apparently, exercising the natural right of free speech wasn't allowed, and it's very sad to hear.

Obama Gussies Up Website to Take Credit For Iraq Withdrawal

Iraqis and an American Soldier Dancing as SOFA is Announced, which Obama had nothing to do with [h/t MadTom]

The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) in Iraq was put together by the executive branch of the current administration and is currently in the approval process by the Iraqi government. It was just approved by the Iraqi Cabinet today [AP], and awaits Parliamentary approval. The agreement requires that Coalition Forces be withdrawn from Iraq by 2012. This is a testament to the effectiveness of the surge in crippling the enemies of Iraq, the improvement of the Iraqi Security Forces, and highlights that the Iraqi people are comfortable that the worst is behind them. Journalists familiar with being on the front lines are saying that the war is essentially over.

Obama has been advocating for withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq for quite some time; however, he did so when violence in Iraq was at its peak in 2007 and he even suggested that some level of genocide would be acceptable if troops were withdrawn early. But all is hunky-doory on Obama's website as he is still pushing his own withdrawal agenda, despite the fact that the SOFA is already done being negotiated by the Bush Administration. From Change.Gov:

The removal of our troops will be responsible and phased, directed by military commanders on the ground and done in consultation with the Iraqi government. Military experts believe we can safely redeploy combat brigades from Iraq at a pace of 1 to 2 brigades a month -- which would remove all of them in 16 months. That would be the summer of 2010 -- more than 7 years after the war began.Under the Obama-Biden plan, a residual force will remain in Iraq and in the region to conduct targeted counter-terrorism missions against al Qaeda in Iraq and protect American diplomatic and civilian personnel. They will not build permanent bases in Iraq, but will continue efforts to train and support the Iraqi security forces as long as Iraqi leaders move toward political reconciliation and away from sectarianism.

This plan sounds closely analogous to the SOFA, and no doubt The Obama is going to be the hero to anti-war lefties who have been clamoring for an end to the Iraq war ever since it began. The original Change.Gov Iraq Agenda called the Iraqi government a bunch of imbeciles for not making enough political progress. I guess "going with the program" and taking credit for other people's hard work is a step up. But, why does Obama feel like he has to cater to MoveOn.Org types who have been feeding us talking points about Iraq that conveniently ignore reality? At least he's not pushing that dumbass Biden plan from 2007 that went over like a lead balloon throughout the Middle East.

(x-posted at The Obacalypse)

Jonestown Massacre: Spreading the Hate in '78

Almost 30 years ago was when 900+ members of the People's Temple cult, led by the vile Jim Jones, committed "revolutionary suicide" by ingesting cyanide-laced Kool Aid in Guyana. Today, Tim Reiterman writes of how Jonestown thugs shot at him when he came with a team of reporters and Congressman Leo Ryan to investigate the cult. Ryan has been the only congressman to die in the line of duty, as he was not as lucky as Reiterman. Interestingly, many big-wig politicians in the Bay Area supported the sexual abuse and fraud of Jim Jones prior to the mass suicide, including former SF mayor, Willie Brown, who said "Jim Jones is a rare, rare specimen. Jim Jones is a symbol of what we all ought to be about. . . Jim Jones is, in my opinion, a true human being. The U.S. government even dispensed welfare and social security checks to the cult's members so that it could stay afloat. How could we have been so fucking stupid to support these people?

Like Hitler said, people are more willing to fall for a big lie than a small one, and this is a tragic event in American history that shows how economically depressed people can succumb to mass hysteria. Fortunately, easy access to information has kept cults like the Church of Scientology on the defensive, but I fear the tough times ahead might make Americans more ready to fall victim to a demagogue.

Jonn Lilyea, NSA Spook, Hassles Protesters

The number of bumper stickers on your car is directly proportional to how much "teh crazy" you can bring

While the anti-Prop 8 protests were mostly peaceful yesterday in my neck of the woods (a boon for those of us who would like to see equal rights for the LGBT community), Jonn Lilyea of This Ain't Hell shows us that our fellow veterans are doing their bestest to give us a bad name. Veterans for Peace have chosen to "occupy" the National Archives Building (home to our beloved Constitution and Declaration of Independence) to drum up support for arresting BushMcCheney. In this video, Jonn is accused of working for the "NSA", and there's shots of a hippie-mobile that still has an "Impeach Nixon" bumper sticker, despite the fact that former president Richard Nixon has been dead for over a decade. This would all be completely hilarious if it wasn't for the fact that one of the motivations by milbloggers is to give a bettter public image of veterans. These yahoos certainly aren't helping matters.

War on Big Tobacco Vs. The Sandbox

You gotta hand it to the infantry, they are pretty funny guys, regardless of who they piss off. Big Tobacco cuts through the bullshit that all soldiers are little angels missing Mommy and Apple Pie and directs some much deserved criticism to some of the Army's more nonsensical practices with politically incorrect hilarity. A true NCO...go read him!

Economist: The Grand Ole' Party of Rubes

Bobby Jindal Shaking Hands With Bubba Joe

Calling all Republicans a bunch of brain-dead hicks from flyover country is about as fair as dubbing Democrats a pack of anti-American twits from Park Avenue, but the Economist writes some decent criticism of the anti-intellectual malaise that has gripped the GOP:

The Republican Party’s divorce from the intelligentsia has been a while in the making. The born-again Mr Bush preferred listening to his “heart” rather than his “head”. He also filled the government with incompetent toadies like Michael “heck-of-a-job” Brown, who bungled the response to Hurricane Katrina. Mr McCain, once the chattering classes’ favourite Republican, refused to grapple with the intricacies of the financial meltdown, preferring instead to look for cartoonish villains. And in a desperate attempt to serve boob bait to Bubba, he appointed Sarah Palin to his ticket, a woman who took five years to get a degree in journalism, and who was apparently unaware of some of the most rudimentary facts about international politics.

Indeed, politically toxic issues such as views on abortion, xenophobia, and being a dunce on foreign policy caused the downfall of Sarah Palin. But, a crafty, libertarian message of being anti-government waste and anti-"Do what we tell you, citizen" could help bolster the "individual rights/fiscal conservatism" principles that supposedly govern the GOP. That could resonate with all Americans, regardless of their cultural demographic.

Weekend Haps

• The stock market tanks
• Hillary Clinton seems to be a shoe-in for Secretary of State
• Anti-Prop 8 Protest at some wealthy Mormon's house in Seattle

Might sound like gloom and doom, but fortunately for y'all, after much googling, I found this classic 90s tune that I had stuck in my head. Check it out (there's also a chipmunk version):

It reminds me of a Tijuana dance club full of teens circa 1999. Good Times!

Neil Young Wants Billions in Bailout Money to go to Neil Young's Company

I have to hand it to these aging hippies, they sure know how to make a quick buck by playing on people's guilt

There's been a lot of hand-wringing in Washington over whether or not the auto industry is going to get bailed out by the feds, but one only needs to stop by the Huffington Post (gossip-cum-dumbass politics site) for new ideas for The Obama administration. Neil Young recently started up some electric car company under the guise of saving mother earth. Electric cars might help significantly reduce carbon emissions if our country didn't consume energy from primarily fossil fuels, or if electricity grew out of the wall socket of your house. But logic like that can't stop Neil "Heart of Gold" Young from trying to extort taxpayer dollars to fund his crooked little business. From HuffPo:

Detroit has had a long time to adapt to the new world and now the failure of Detroit's actions is costing us all. We pay the bailout. Let's make a good deal for the future of America and the Planet. Companies like UQM (Colorado) and others build great electric motors right here in the USA. Use these domestic electric motors. Put these people to work now. This plan reverses the flow from negative to positive because people need and will buy clean and green cars to be part of World Change. Unique wheel covers will identify these cars on the road so that others can see the great example a new car owner is making. People want America to win!

Notice how "World Change" is capitalized meaning Neil did way too many drugs and can't type correctly or there's some new program we don't know about that's going to flush a bunch more of our taxpayer dollars down the tube. With 60s icons-turned-geezers trying to dictate our consumer habits, and the loathsome Hillary Clinton possibly being the face of America to lead the State Department, I'm half-expecting Medea Benjamin to be appointed the new SECDEF. It can only be concluded that we are living in the Twilight Zone. Get used to it, as it'll be a very weird four years.


(x-posted at The Obacalypse)

Heavy Metal Iran

With tunes like this, Iran is not alone

Presently, the religious fanatics continue their reign in Iran, despite their oil-based economy collapsing. Even the promise of Obamamania isn't enough to convince the powers that be in Iran to become more moderate. But, like any oppressive regime throughout history, there is hope that the people will throw off the shackles of their tormentors in a fit of V-guitar solo rage. People living under the Soviet regime were clamoring for blue jeans and Michael Jackson around the time it fell apart, and now some Persians seem to have caught the metal bug. From Coilhouse (by way of Reason):

The music seems to find a way to get out. Iran’s regime is among the most repressive, forcibly cutting metal fan’s hair and crushing concerts outright. So the bands take it online, like this particularly raw piece from Arthimoth...It is also a reminder that alternative cultures have no borders, and that globalization doesn’t move in just one direction. Thirty years from now, metalheads worldwide may remember a day when a faltering genre was revived by powerful new influences. When it comes to the human need to be moved by song or cry out in rage, there is no They.

I'm liking these Arthimoth guys already, mostly because it's cool to hear cookie monster lyrics, and you have to respect their dedication to the cause amidst adversity like Acrassicauda in Baghdad. So do your humanitarian duty for our oppressed brothers and sisters in Iran: stop downloading wussy Jack Johnson iTunes and pick up some Dragonforce and Hammerfall to help spread the metal militia worldwide.

Bonus: There's been scholarly research done on this subject as well.

Apologies to Obama Supporters, Please Follow Link

I'm sorry I went on an unhinged rant when Obama won the presidency. Please click on the following, well-designed website "Secure Our Dream" to let the healing begin.

Fixin' Up the Republican Party 101

Uh..."Clean Up" of the GOP Might Take Awhile

I haven't taken the political compass quiz in awhile, but last time I did it, I was way in the libertarian-right quadrant. So, in full disclosure, seeing a viable Republican party does pique my interest and give me "starbursts" in my pants. However, the last 8 years have seen a failure in neo-conservative policies that democracy could just take hold instantaneously, and a failure in "compassionate conservatism" as a front for economic intervention, which has not gone well during Bush's last death rattle. People that outrank me think that one of the next great hopes is Bobby Jindal (Govn'uh of Louisiana), and Hot Air has a clip of what he thinks needs to be done. Allahpundit even suggests sacrificing Mitt Romney in the 2012 election to the incumbent Obama, which is pretty hilarious in its pessimism. But, whatever, I'm no political operative, and I think bloggers get too carried away with coming up with these strategies like they are Washington insiders. When they come up with a decent agenda, maybe I'll consider voting GOP. Does anyone have any ideas for the Rethuglicans? I bet Subrookie does.

So here's something within my capabilities as a blogger. Did anyone see the self-deprecating McCain appearance on Leno? He seemed a bit down and like he was hoping that better GOP people would come after him. It almost reminded me of Harry Dean Stanton in Red Dawn yelling "Boys, Avenge Me":

Somali Pirates to Get Blasted with 140db of Angus

The Telegraph reports that the U.S. Navy is seeking non-lethal methods to fight piracy involving AC/DC:

A second system, the Long Range Acoustic Device targets a suspect with a 500 yard beam of excruciating noise. Sailors can attach the device to an Ipod or MP3 player to repel pirate boats with renditons such as Hells Bells by the heavy metal group AC:DC.

International navies are having some recent successes against the pirates, but pumping out AC/DC might not have the desired effect. Have you ever heard Angus' intro to Thunderstruck, it's pretty bad ass! The ATF tried using Jingle Bell Rock to flush out the Branch Davidians, and even that didn't work. Allow me to suggest piping the tune "Jesus is My Friend" from our Naval forces. No person could survive 30 seconds of this (h/t Sisu):

Many Not Happy With Prop 8 Thugs

Back in 2000, when I lived in CA, there was a similar Proposition 22 to ban gay marriage, in which I voted "no", but it passed overwhelmingly (61.4%). I don't recall a lot of "Fuck Mormons" banners being displayed throughout the state like this time around, but perhaps my memory is shoddy. MezzoSF, a member of the SF arts community, is very upset that the director of the California Musical Theater was forced into resignation over giving a whopping $1,000 to the Yes on Prop 8 campaign (she voted No on Prop 8). There's always going to be a few kooks out there for any political cause, but the whole tone of No on Prop 8 protesters seems to be downright nasty. They certainly aren't interested in winning over moderates.

To reinforce that point, here's some Prop 8 thugs beating up an old lady in Palm Springs:

More E-Z Money From Uncle Sugar

Remember the "Buy My Shit Pile" meme a couple months ago in which we all shared a laugh over getting free government money for running a shitty business? Well, now there's actually a 5-page application to extort taxpayer dollars via something called the "Treasury Capital Purchase Program" to purchase toxic assets. From ABC (h/t apocalyptic-font at Drudge):

No Troubled Asset Purchases? Then what are they doing with that $700 billion blank check? They are buying bank stock, not troubled assets. We probably shouldn't call it the TARP anymore. Instead, they are focused on a capital purchase plan (CPP) which is the widely reported $250 billion plan to use taxpayer money to purchase a stake in banks. "By October 26th we had $115 billion out the door to eight large institutions," said Paulson. "In Washington that is a land-speed record from announcing a program to getting funds out the door. We now have approved dozens of additional applications, and investments are being made in approved institutions."

At least entitlement programs like Medicaid can operate under the guise of helping the poor, this bailout turd just seems to reward failure and excess.

Morans Continue to Berate Petraeus

Me Losing My Soul to General Petraeus...That Demonic Rovian Operative

Every U.S. military officer has to take an oath saying they will defend the constitution, and Obama was elected through a process laid out in that parchment fair and square. Therefore, I'm not too concerned that Petraeus will rile up all the combat forces in CENTCOM to pull a Cobra Commander and attempt world domination. He has repeatedly stated that he is apolitical to avoid controversey and supposedly didn't even vote this election.

But that doesn't stop military experts like John Amato of Crooks and Liars to dream up bizarre scenarios. In response to an interview where Obama indicates that he will be the boss of Petraeus if he wins the election (a shocking revelation, I know), Amato writes that Petraeus is going to up and walk off the job:

I'll be a wonderful day when he is gone, but I think what this interview signals to me is that when the time is right, Petraeus will quit his job and turn into a full-on political machine. He's a darling of the right, and if you witnessed any of his briefings you know that he will love being in the limelight.

Of course he has to cite Digby, one of the netroots that spent most of 2007 spreading lies about what was going on Iraq in order to whip up partisan support for a Democratic takeover in 2008, culminating in a disastrous Moveon.Org ad in the New York Times in September 2007 that was equally offensive and inaccurate.

But, due to economic concerns, the Dems won by a landslide! So why all this fuss now about our head of CENTCOM from the netroots. The only reason I can come up with is that they have some unresolved "jocks vs. nerds" resentment from high school that resulted in one too many wedgies, much like the infamous wine critic at the LA Times. Well, guess what, poindexters, he's your general too, get over it.

Wednesday Gossip: Cindy McCain Caught Sucking Face With Mystery Musician

Agitprop directs our attention to this juicy tidbit from the National Enquirer that Cindy McCain was smooching with some guy (not John McCain) at the 2006 Tempe Music Festival:

"I couldn't believe I was watching Cindy McCain passionately kissing and hugging another man!"

That's the stunned reaction of an eyewitness who says he watched in shock - and snapped photos - as the former presidential candidate's wife romantically kissed a long-haired man who resembles "a washed-up '80s rock musician."

The grainy photo at the Enquirer looks like the balding dude in question could be none other than Ronnie James Dio! Of course, that would make this account of the lovebirds inaccurate, because Dio is not "washed up", he's still kicks ass! Cindy has finally found her Sunset Superman, good for her.

Ronnie "Attitude" Dio...He's Still Got It!

Michigan's Auto Industry Gets Nationalized

The New Model From Detroit

With the collapse of General Motors, the $50B Auto Industry Bailout is in the works. From the Detroit Free Press:

GM said it was focused on cutting costs and seeking aid. GM, Ford Motor Co., Chrysler LLC and the UAW have asked for $50 billion in aid for the industry -- $25 billion for general business use and $25 billion to put toward the UAW's trust fund for retiree health care.

"It is our view that providing emergency assistance to this uniquely important industry, which is struggling to meet the challenge of a severe financial crisis that has spread far beyond Wall Street, is consistent with the authority granted to you," Michigan's lawmakers said.

While Congress is throwing around billions to unprofitable insurance companies, what's another 50? Having grown up in Michigan, you pretty much understand that the only reason you aren't living in frozen wasteland is because of the auto industry. Japanese cars were looked upon with scorn, everyone's Dad worked for one of the big three, and tough times in the car business meant crime and poverty went through the roof in cities like Flint. Hell, I even worked a summer in college inspecting intake manifolds for the Jeep Cherokee at an assembly plant. Now, we are all eating the government cheese. How shameful.

Truck Nutz Losing Out To Libertarianism for New GOP Ideas

The wise-asses at Wonkette have voted "Truck Nutz for F-150s" all the way to the #2 slot for Ideas to Rebuild the GOP. Pretty funny, but a bit of a downer for people holding out that the GOP will mend its over-spending, corrupt ways to be viable once again. Meh, I've been holding my breath for the GOP to clean up their act for about 8 years, why stop now.

A Plea to Obama Regarding Afghanistan: Don't Be Ellis!

For those not familiar with '88 classic action movie, Die Hard, Ellis was the sleazebag who unsuccessfully tried to appease his terrorist captors to get an early release, but was shot in the head. A "Don't Be Ellis" plea was issued months ago to the newly formed Pakistani government regarding misguided negotiations with the Taliban insurgency in the FATA, and a similar plea is being issued to the President Elect today.

Granted, Operation Enduring Freedom is in need of a serious overhaul as enemy combatants continue to operate freely in the Pakistani tribal areas and violence has risen rapidly this year. But, according to the Washington Post, Obama might be leaning a bit too precipitously towards negotiations and reconciliation with the fanatics in the Taliban to end a long war in a quick fashion:

The incoming Obama administration plans to explore a more regional strategy to the war in Afghanistan -- including possible talks with Iran -- and looks favorably on the nascent dialogue between the Afghan government and "reconcilable" elements of the Taliban, according to Obama national security advisers.

This tactic of "reconciliation" worked well in Iraq, as Coalition Forces teamed up with Sahwa councils (many of whom were ex-insurgents) to give Al-Qaeda the boot. However, you get into an "apples and oranges" argument, because the Sunni insurgency in Iraq was largely motivated by power and money (which is easier to co-opt), while the Taliban are much more motivated by religious fanaticism. A look at Musa Qala, which fell under Taliban control in early 2007, demonstrates this fact. From The Long War Journal:

Four Afghan men are hanged for allegedly spying for American forces. Locals claim that the Taliban closed all of the schools in Musa Qala and force females to wear a burqa and be accompanied by a male relative when traveling in public; they also claim Taliban FM radio program airs during the day. A hefty Taliban tax has also been imposed on the impoverished citizens and tales of forced military conscription have merged.

Attempting to negotiate with a bunch of crazies may prove completely worthless, as Pakistan has learned the hard way. General Petraeus (CENTCOM Commander) has given subtle indication that some level of reconciliation would be a "positive step", but it is certainly unwise to make it the cornerstone of a new strategy in Afghanistan.

Obama also is considering talking with Iran to achieve some level of common goals in Afghanistan[WaPo]:

Obama said during the campaign that his administration would explore talks with countries such as Iran and Syria, rejecting bedrock Bush policy and rhetoric that some U.S. military officials believe may have outlived their usefulness.

Iran, on Afghanistan's western border, has played a mixed role over the years, at times indirectly cooperating with U.S. objectives and at times assisting the extremists.

It is true that the Iranian theocracy has a vested interest in keeping the bordering countries of Afghanistan and Iraq stabilized. But the past few years has shown that they are much more interested in fighting their holy war against The Great Satan. Whether it be using Hezbollah surrogates to murder our troops, shipping weapons to the Taliban, or deliberately undermining newly-formed democracies to make America look bad, the motivation for Iran's nefarious activities remains clear.

The President-Elect needs to weigh these options carefully and consider the consequences. As our Commander-in-Chief, we hope that he leads the world in stomping out the murderous brand of terrorism that has besieged civilization. But, we are deeply concerned that he may try to pander to the far-left base that is already banging on drums and proclaiming "war is over". These are tough times for our country, and we urge Obama not to cave-in to a quick fix like Ellis.

(x-posted at The Obacalypse)

AIG Sure Knows How To Partaaay (on the Taxpayer Dime)

Your Income Tax Supported This AIG Conga Line

When President Bush warned that "Without Immediate Action by Congress, America can slip into a major panic" in response to the $700B+ bailout, you kind of expected the titans of corporate America to understand that they were now being closely scrutinized by the general public to "not fuck nothin' up". Unfortunately for us, as stock markets worldwide collapse, AIG is like Nero playing the fiddle as our 401Ks burn in a drunken orgy. From ABC15 on site at a posh resort in AZ (h/t Hot Air):

The conference at the posh resort included many senior managers at American International Group, or AIG, one of the world's biggest insurers and recipients in September of more than $85 billion from the federal government. AIG made significant efforts to disguise the conference, making sure there were no AIG logos or signs anywhere on the property.

An AIG spokesman responded to Ed Morrissey at Hot Air, claiming that executives had been directed to "reduce expenses and conserve cash". However, these plutocrats are a little unclear on the concept of when you get paid by the public, you are a public servant. Our JAG recently had a one-hour discussion with our command because he was concerned the some sailors took one of our vehicles with government plates to the local McDonald's for lunch. He said "it sent the wrong message to the taxpaying public" that we were being wasteful. Sure, a 9-pc. McNuggets might look like the military is pissing away cash in the public troff, but a $400K boondoggle to California is now considered justified? The AIG spokesman can feel free to peruse the Code of Ethics for Government Service, since they had no qualms extorting cash from John Q. Public.

It has really struck me as a surprise that we as a society are not more furious at these conniving scoundrels. Mark Penn wrote that new breed of affluent, conscientious voters is reshaping the political landscape, and that they supported the bailout. I'd sure like to know why slapping a "Keep Tahoe Blue" bumper sticker on their Volvo entitles them to massive amounts of taxpayer money to keep their lousy, overpaying jobs around. Ma, where's my pitchfork at?

Mars Phoenix Lander Croaks

Johnny 5...Not So Alive

Welp, it was fun learning about our Martian overlords while it lasted, but the NASA Phoenix Lander has succumbed to the winter [Bloomberg]:

The solar-powered Phoenix Lander, which searched for signs of life on Mars, has succumbed to frigid weather and a dust storm after five months on the Red Planet.

The golf cart-size probe survived two months longer than expected, making its last radio contact Nov. 2, NASA said yesterday. Windy, dusty weather obscured the sun and probably forced the probe to drain its batteries while powering heaters, said mission manager Barry Goldstein in a call with reporters from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

The mission came with a hefty price tag of $475M, but it was still a much better investment than throwing away billions to those dickheads at AIG. R.I.P.

Waxy has a link to an interview with the woman who twittered in the first-person for the now deceased robot.

Veterans Day...Today!

Nothing much to say that hasn't already been said, but did you notice that even Teh Google gave a shout out to veterans after notably neglecting Memorial Day the past 3 years. Nice.

IAVA has a new website and accompanying 30 second advertisement to encourage veterans to have an easier transition into civilian life. The cultural differences between civilian and military are vast, and it's not like previous wars where there was a large number of vets to hold serious cultural influence. So this has become a bit of a problem, especially with a shit economy that is unforgiving towards people without perceived "real world" experience. The new GI Bill that will be implemented (in'shallah) by August 2009 shows some promise though, and I always encourage sailors getting out to go to college to open their minds or to one of the trade schools if that's not their thing. An interesting group to be part of, and I hope to see great things from them in the future.

90s Dance Party

Amidst the Clinton-era retro going on in the Obama campaign, Subrookie was itching for a 90s dance thread by linking to a chintzy Third Eye Blind tune, but I'll do you one better and put together a full-on dance party. So bust out the Doc Martens and give yourself a flat top for these hot licks:

EMF - Unbelievable (why did these guys only have one song!)


Le Click - Tonight is the Night (awesome Eurotrash music)


DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince - Summertime (before Rap got all mean and nasty)


Technotronic - Move This (they don't make em like this anymore)

NYT: Providing Aid and Comfort to the Enemy

The NYT runs their mouth...again!

Even though running highly classified information in an international publication is incredibly illegal, the New York Times should have at least considered that publishing the details of Special Operations could have devastating consequences for our new president...you know, the guy they endorsed. From today's front page [NYT]:

The United States military since 2004 has used broad, secret authority to carry out nearly a dozen previously undisclosed attacks against Al Qaeda and other militants in Syria, Pakistan and elsewhere, according to senior American officials.

These military raids, typically carried out by Special Operations forces, were authorized by a classified order that Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld signed in the spring of 2004 with the approval of President Bush, the officials said. The secret order gave the military new authority to attack the Qaeda terrorist network anywhere in the world, and a more sweeping mandate to conduct operations in countries not at war with the United States.

Obama comes to power when he faces difficult challenges of hammering out diplomatic negotiations with the newly formed government of Pakistan and possibly some carrot-and-stick type balancing act with Syria to defeat the international threat posed by terrorism. Running lengthy stories formulated from "anonymous officials" lets the enemy know how we can target them and could potentially lead to lost lives for our SpecOps guys.

Other traitors in the mainstream media include Karen DeYoung of the Washington Post for disclosing classified information. As for the sources of these leaks, they're either disgruntled with the Bush administration and seek to dish out a parting slap, or they are trying to make the new President's foreign policy wrought with problems. If they want to engage in NoBama activity, that doesn't involve high treason, they can feel free to swing on by The Obacalypse for cheeky criticism without the illegal disclosure of classified programs.

Change.Gov Agenda is Gone

Like the crafty Keyser Soze, no one knows what the hell happened to the Office of the President Elect's Agenda. Like my sense of self-respect, it's just not there anymore! Ridiculous tin-foil hat speculation about government cover-ups and purging political enemies can be found at The Obacalypse.

Moran of the Day: Revival of Boomer Self-Reighteousness at Salon

Gen Xers Now Can Feel the Same Moral Certainty as Boomers? Get Me a Bucket, I Need to Puke

TSO has the details on the latest craze of "Being proud of your country for the first time" with this latest tripe from Salon regarding our President Elect. Unless your name is Wek, trying to attribute cultural characteristics to an entire generation is going to have a lot of shortcomings as America tends to be a pretty diverse place. Heather at Salon takes this politically opportune moment to shelve her VHS copy Slacker, stop reading The Onion, and embrace the self-righteous tendencies of many of our predecessors to Hail the new Obama Administration:

But when we watched Barack Obama's victory speech on Tuesday night, we looked into the eyes of a real leader, and decades of cynicism about politics and grass-roots movements and community melted away in a single moment. We heard the voice of a man who can inspire with his words, who's unashamed of his own intelligence, who's willing to treat the citizens of this country like smart, capable people, worthy of respect. For the first time in some of our lifetimes, we believed.

She goes on to point out that even the 9/11 attacks were as "Gen X kitsch" as references to Vicki from Small Wonder:

Just when we were starting to understand how to be a part of the larger world outside, Al Gore had the election stolen right out of his hands in Florida, and then the twin towers collapsed before our eyes. At first we felt moved to act for the greater good in the wake of that tragedy. But then the whole country seemed to implode in front of us, from our invasion of two sovereign nations to the rise of celebrity culture to tanning beds to McMansions to Guantánamo Bay to Hummers and a big, faceless herd of humans in low-rider ass pants, chattering about whether or not to get Botox. It was so sad and pathetic that it was funny to us, even if it was only sad and pathetic to you.

I don't think it's fair to assert that the cultural response from 9/11 was a big laughable joke for some Gen Xers, because some of us still think about its ramifications a lot. How far are we supposed to mimic our Baby Boomer elders anyways? Should we start treating veterans like shit and obsessively consume in a "greed is good" mantra to make up for our own vacuous lives? This "feel-good" politics is dangerous, because it means the ruling administration can float any turd our way an we're expected to gobble it up like it was the Golden Goose laying an egg.

But don't take my word for it, let me introduce you to another Gen Xer:

More 90s Retro on Obama's Transition Board

At This Rate, Vanilla Ice May Be Head of the Dept. of Energy

Following up on Obama's tendency to bring about a new age of politics by advancing far-left ideas from the 1990s, he has selected various Clinton-era relics for his Economic Advisory Board. Politico has a scoop that Robert Reich, former Clinton Secretary of Labor, and Laura Tyson, Clinton's Head Economic Advisor have all been tapped. These wonks have been safely sequestered at UC-Berkeley during the "rethuglican" rule of the last 8 years. Bu,t hopefully they don't run America into the ground the way the the lavish expenses for the UC system is making the CA state economy teeter on bankruptcy. The Obacalypse also hopes that Robert Reich's advice on Iraq isn't followed by The Obama. From his blog in January 2007:

Let’s be clear: Twenty thousand additional troops won’t quell the violence in Iraq. It will only lead to more American deaths. The civil-war bloodbath there is escalating and it’s out of our hands. The only practical issue here in the U.S., over and above the additional losses of life, is who will be blamed for this slaughter – and its repercussions throughout the region – especially during the runup to the 2008 election.

Luckily for those Americans that were there and the Iraqis, the violence was quelled with additional troops. However, Reich doesn't think much of our military in the first place, as he sees them as underskilled, undereducated rubes with no choice but to suck off the teet of Uncle Sugar. With a crack advisory team like this, Obama's off to a great start.

(x-posted at The Obacalypse)

WTF Haloscan!

Any other bloggers or readers having trouble with the Haloscan comments? For some reason it's not sending the comments to my gmail account and the gravatar of my ugly mug isn't showing up. Please advise and sorry for the inconvenience.

Happy Birthday to Our Beloved Marine Corps

If you worked at the embassy in Baghdad, and the only thing preventing you from being turned into a shrapnel sandwich by whichever thugs wanted to blow you up that day was a bunch of well-trained Marines, you'd be wishing them happy birthday too. Semper Fi!

Bonus: Gateway Pundit has a neat story about Sgt. Tyson Two Two being honored by his tribe (Northern Cheyenne) after coming back from Iraq. Kind of reminds you of the legendary Ira Hayes, who is seen in the above picture at Iwo Jima.

Obama to Hire Economic Advisor to Ruin America Like She Did Michigan

Everywhere in the U.S.A. To Now Look Like Detroit

Once upon a time, Detroit was a great metropolitan where people flocked to work in the auto factories that provided a decent wage and quality of life. Of course, that was before imbecile politicians like Gov. Granholm (and other union stooges who bankrupted the Big Three) began sending businesses fleeing to the hills with ridiculous tax policies to give away free iPods to students, thereby ensuring they bought the vote with someone else's cash. Since money doesn't grow on trees, the Michigan state government is now begging the feds for a bailout to disguise their gross incompetence.

If this were any kind of a country, Gov. Granholm would have to flee to nearby Canada, but instead she is getting rewarded with a seat on The Obama's economic transition team. From the Detroit Free Press (h/t Moonbattery):

Gov. Jennifer Granholm and former U.S. Rep. David Bonior will serve on a panel of financial luminaries and corporate experts advising President-elect Barack Obama on the nation’s hard-bitten economy, ensuring Michigan, its troubled auto industry and labor has a seat at the table.

Michigan, and its once proud city of Detroit, have been a sad model for what happens when you have high-taxes, high-regulation, political corruption, and handing out free goodies like health care without any concerns for unintended consequences. I suppose Obama is trying to emulate this greatness for the rest of the country.

(x-posted at The Obacalypse)

Voting for the Party of Patriotism

The military vote may not be the largest voting bloc in America, but its coveted by politicians across the country because "Supporting the Troops" is about as non-controversial and gratifying a statement to a voting public as "America Rocks". But, the military is a fairly diverse cross-section of people, therefore the opinions on politics are going to be all over the spectrum. That's why Peter Kauffman's article at Politico about the military lurching way to the left is rather bizarre:

For decades, Republicans have worked to perfect the art of lapel pin patriotism – creating and exploiting iconic imagery for political gain while neglecting the substantive needs of our veterans. We see the devastating effect of this focus on rhetoric over reality in the dismal treatment of our wounded heroes at Walter Reed, attempts to block the new GI Bill, and the Bush Administration’s failure to adequately fund mental health care.

For all the GOP’s patriotic imagery and testosterone-infused rhetoric, the sad truth is that most of the current crop of Republican leaders – Rudy Giuliani; Mitt Romney; Newt Gingrich; Mitch McConnell; John Boehner; etc. – were all of age at the time of Vietnam but avoided serving in the military.

Whether or not a politician tries to win the majority of military votes with something as chintzy as a lapel pin isn't saying much for the troops. The "not being a chickenhawk" issue may sway some votes as well, but it doesn't always apply. Robert Gates (SECDEF) only served a couple years in the Air Force during Vietnam and he is well respected, while a war hero like Rep. Murtha frequently gets called an asshole by veterans.

I'm a pretty big NoBama guy, and there are others in the military that have similar concerns, but trying to lay a claim to a voting bloc from all generations and all parts of the country just ain't gonna happen. Give it up, pundits.

Mormons Getting Pummeled Over Propostion 8

Nice churchy types now qualify as a hate group according to these protesters

I didn't support the gay marriage ban in CA (Proposition 8) due to the 1st Amendment restricting religious involvement in legislative affairs, but there has been some equally vile reactions to the proposition being passed by popular referendum. From the Chicago Tribune covering the protests at a Mormon temple in L.A.:

Outside the Los Angeles temple Thursday, dozens of protesters screamed "Bigots" and "Shame on You" at half a dozen men in button-down shirts and ties who looked out at the demonstration from behind the temple's closed gates.

Some pics of the protest are here. Throw your stereotypes of gay people being friendly folks with good fashion sense out the window, because these people are absolutely pissed that the democratic process failed them.

WorldNetDaily has the details of people calling for churches to be "burned to the ground". Blogs have popped up overnight condemning the "hate church" with such nasty rhetoric as this:

Protesters gathering in front of the Mormon Church's headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah to rage against the money thrown into the fray in California over gay marriage do so to allow the cult members in the barren wastelands to see what happens when tax exempt religious organizations stick their noses into other people's business.

It would behoove these people to remember that the Mormon church has been one of the most persecuted religions in America's history. It began with their founder, Joseph Smith, being murdered by an angry mob in Carthage, IL, and continues to this day with stereotypes of LDS members as perverted polygamists, despite the practice being outlawed in the late 19th century so that Utah could attain statehood. There's even talk of boycotting Utah! Los Angeles has sometimes been a hotbed of various ethnicities/sects erupting in violent rage against one another. In the words of Rodney King, "Can't we all get along!"

Nationwide Obama Smug Reaching Dangerous Levels

Recuperating after the great Obama-gasm of Nov. 4th [Seattle Weekly Cover]

Despite the country being in a serious economic crisis and two conflicts, the stories of the nation-wide orgy that took place on November 4th just won't go away. Americans feeling "proud of their country for the first time" in Seattle, New Yorkers whooping it up in the streets of the East Village, and people gettin' it on across the nation to produce Obama babies in Summer 2009. "Try anal...yes we can!" may have been symbolic of the liberating feeling that came with an Obama landslide for many Americans, however there seems to be one group in society that isn't getting its rocks off: The United States Military. A poll at Military.com (h/t Sodlier's Mom) shows that there may be some deep reservations about what an Obama presidency means for our fighting men and women. Screenshot as of 8 November:

Now, there's no reason to fear that the military is going to fly the coop to Canada IVAW-style, try and orchestrate a coup, or stop doing our job. This just represents some legitimate concerns military members have about this "Hope and Change" administration. Maybe it's the fact that Barney Frank wants to slash and burn the military's budget, maybe it's that Obama/Biden made a huge blunder in their horrible plan for Iraq to carve it up along ethnic lines, or maybe it's the fact that 51% of the military is a bunch of assholes because they're not, like, totally inspired. The poll does not get into specifics. But the fact that the Four Horsemen, all of whom are vets, are not getting that smug, self-righteous thrill up their leg may help to reinforce the point that, you know, there are concerns.

The smug is rearing it's ugly head in other way on the intertubes too. The new "52 to 48 with love" phenomenon is designed to make sure people who didn't vote for Obama don't feel like their left out of the big tent. Cutesy flickr pictures of red-staters and blue-staters smooching to show that we are "one nation of love" disguises the serious policy concerns some may have with Kindergarten-like stunt. This blog is not intended to ignite some kind of Red State v. Blue State civil war, so all this hanky-panky about peace, love, and understanding needs to die (which Horseman War tries his darnedest to accomplish). The need to "feel good" about ourselves should not supplant the fact that our country is a great Republic...if we can keep it.

(x-posted at The Obacalypse)

Slam Dancing to the Classix

Take your electric slide somewhere else, this is the only way to dance at a show.

Screaming Eagles to Re-Deploy

Two brigades of the 101st Airbone Division will be heading back from Iraq this month, with one of them heading back 6 weeks early [Stars and Stripes]. One of the brigades was deployed in Baghdad which has seen a 90% drop in murders in Baghdad during its time there.

From 1945...


...to 2008.

Fuck yeah, good job.

Moran at the AP No Longer Ashamed to be an American

Following up on the hipster/leisure class being proud of their country for the first time ever due to Obama's rise to power, the good folks at The Sniper find this delightful turd floating in the toilet bowl of the AP wire entitled "Suddenly, it may be cool to be an American again":

Overnight, Americans did something their harshest critics in Europe have yet to do: elect a person of color as head of state and commander in chief. That gives U.S. citizens some bragging rights, even if a lot of us would just as soon eschew hubris and embrace humility.

I'm a marathon runner, and I have a red, white and blue singlet that I've seldom dared to wear on the Continent. Marathons are difficult enough without enduring catcalls and jeers from spectators.

But my best friend and training partner — who is French — just gave me his stamp of approval.

"Will you wear your Stars and Stripes shirt now? You're allowed!" he told me.

I'm so thrilled that we must judge the merits and ideology of our nation based on whether or not this douchebag can wear an American T-shirt in public. A long time ago, many of our ancestors were brave enough to flee the "old country" to save themselves from famine, devastating and pointless wars, and the crushing oppression of whatever nobleman happened to be in charge. So let's be nice to our friends across the pond, but they aren't the sole arbiter of "coolness". There's a lot worse countries you could be from...regardless of who is elected president.

Hope and Change Taking Us Way Back to the 1990s

Zack Morris, Ginormous Cell Phones, and Other 90s Quirks To Define Obama Presidency

With the stock market dropping further and further into sub-10K levels, and Obama bringing about a new America by hiring a former Clinton staffer, it's starting to look like America is caught in some kind of time warp during the boring 90s. A cursory examination of President Elect Obama's new website [Change.Gov], shows an agenda that is riddled with far-left policies from the Clinton era including:

Gun Control: They also support making the expired federal Assault Weapons Ban permanent, as such weapons belong on foreign battlefields and not on our streets.

Drastically increasing the minimum wage: As president, Obama will raise the minimum wage to $9.50 an hour by 2011 and index it to inflation so full-time workers can earn a living wage that allows them to raise their families and pay for basic needs such as food, transportation, and housing – things so many people take for granted.

Messing With NAFTA: Obama and Biden believe that NAFTA and its potential were oversold to the American people. They will work with the leaders of Canada and Mexico to fix NAFTA so that it works for American workers.

Remember when millions of Americans who work for a living had to unite under the NRA lobby to prevent gun control weenies from labeling them a bunch of brain-dead, violent hicks? Remember the whole "living wage" debate in the mid-90s designed to cripple small businesses? Remember the anti-free trade movement which culminated in the destruction of downtown Seattle circa 1999? Like my mother said, it's deja vu all over again! Someone bust out Season 2 of Friends.

(x-posted at The Obacalypse)

Zing! (Bill Paxton Style)

An Obama supporter on YouTube zings me regarding this post last night during election hoopla (even though I'm not a Republican). Touche...Touche.

World's Troublemakers Weigh in on Obama

Iraqpundit writes that many of our allies are pleased with the selection of Obama as President. This is good news, as America's standing in the world needs some serious repair in light of recent worldwide opinion polls. But what about the quasi-dictator hooligans who continue to oppress their suffering people? Iran says Obama must stop the "war mongering", Chavez hopes he can meet the president select on "equal and respectful terms", and Al-Qaeda thugs in the online forums said "Today America elected Obama because al-Qaeda wanted it, after God desired it! In 2004 America elected Bush because al-Qaeda had wanted it, after God desired it!". Ho-hum. This is normal and silly chatter from the usual rabble, but another questionable regime appears to have taken action. The apparatchiks at Pravda wrote a glowing review of Obama in yesterday's edition:

Those of us in the international community who predicted eight long years ago what would happen if Bush were elected must do two things. First, never forget the damage done by George W. Bush and his minions of evil and make sure that, like the generations after Hitler, history does not pardon these criminals as well-meaning politicians who were the victims of tough times. Secondly, we must give Barack Obama a blank page to write on, and hand him the pen with a sincere and open smile.

Welcome back, people of the United States, welcome back into the fold of the international community, where you will find friends and not foes, where you will find we all prefer to smile and not to cry and that when we do cry, our tears taste of salt just like yours do, whether we are pink, blue, white, yellow or black.

Sounds like kind words from our sometimes friends across the pond. Unfortunately, President Medvedev decided to deploy the nuclear-capable Iskander missiles today in an attempt to spook the incoming Obama administration. The President then prattled on about the U.S. being the architect behind the global financial crisis. The Telegraph reports that some Russian media delved into the ridiculous:

Several tabloids incorrectly reported that the main message of Mr Obama's final campaign speech was a call on young African Americans not to let their underpants show above the waistline of the jeans.

Jeez. It's like these guys want to go back to the good old days of the cold war, replete with shoe-banging and thermo-nuclear annihilation. Despite a resurgence in classic movies like Matthew Broderick's War Games, our country doesn't need this headache while we are already engaged in a difficult fight against Islamic extremism.

Joe Biden originally gave us six months before Obama would face a serious crisis. President elect Obama didn't even get 24 hours before Russia started puffing it's chest Soda Popinski-style. Please have a plan, Mr. Obama.

Russian President Trying to Act Tough

Obama Derangement Syndrome

Grave Concerns About the Next 4 Years

While the media ejaculates on itself over the election of their guy, and urban hipsters take pride in being Americans again, it's important to discuss what kind of criticism will be levied against The Obama. Ed Morrissey of Hot Air says that it's time to gussy up the Republican Party, but Lela offers up much better advice:

Because I respect the office he will hold, I will act respectfully to the man who hold it. Don't misunderstand me, I will still speak out when I believe a policy, judgment, or action is wrong; that is my right, obligation, and privilege as a citizen. I will do so thoughtfully and respectfully. (Of course, I do reserve my right to be sarcastic when sarcasm is warranted, and I hope I never lose my sense of humor.)

Spewing forth blogorrhea about Obama's creepy "Muslin" heritage or how he smoked crack and had gay sex with Larry Sinclair are repulsive tactics, untrue, and ill-advised. But criticism of his disastrous policies, which remain rather unclear, are completely warranted and necessary during these tumultuous times. The Republican Party's choice of a dunce for a Veep candidate, electing a convicted felon to Senate, and supporting an intrusive proposition into the personal lives of gay Californians have shown that they have not learned the error of their ways. The Republican apparatus may no longer a viable mechanism to halt the disastrous ideals of people in power to nationalize 401K plans and to cut military spending in a time of war.

Sure, there are a few good things about Obama, like talking about keeping on the extremely competent Secretary of Defense Gates, and the fact that I'm sure he's a "swell guy" in person. But even progressive values once supported by some Democrats that sound suitable for our modern age, like ending the death penalty and our disastrous War on Drugs, have been met with opposition by the messiah who promises us so much Hope and Change.

Surely, you can understand why some Americans are deeply concerned about what this presidency will mean for the republic, and by extension the rest of civilization. If that is what passes for Obama Derangement Syndrome, then sign this blog up. And if you don't believe me, remember the words of Thomas Jefferson:

All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.

Mankind's worst atrocities have been committed by governments with absolute power in a quest to remake society. Don't let it happen here.

(cross posted at The Obacalypse)

Shaddap, Nader

From Fox News, Ralph Nader has no regrets about calling Obama an "Uncle Tom" . Even the conservative-minded commentators at Fox News were visibly pissed. Why did so many people vote for this Corvair-flipping gasbag in 2000? What a fuckin' dickhead.

(h/t Crooks and Liars)

Vets Sound Off on Obama as CinC

Interesting round up of what people in the military (or who served in the military) have to say about Obama as the Commander-in-Chief. A bit more diverse in political commentary than the stereotype that we're staunch repubs:

A Soldier's Perspective: The fact of the matter is that whether we like it or not, Barack Hussein Obama will be this nation's 44th President of the United States. Like Bush before him, he deserves the respect that the office commands. The fact that Obama has won an office that only 43 people before him have ever held is an achievement that we must recognize.

The Sniper: I don’t like you because I don’t trust you. I think you’re a socialist, I think you’re a media whore, I think you’re a flash in the pan… but you won. So congratulations… you now own the most powerful office in the world. Everyone in the world is looking at you as an example of America and more importantly, an example of an African-American. Little black kids across America are lloking up to you. Try not to eff it up.

Tough Girl 101: Obama is President and America will not crumble beneath our feet. Fire will not reign down from the sky. America tomorrow will be very similar to what it was today and any economic disasters that happen next month, next year, the next four years are likely to be just another part of the natural cycle of the economy. On that same token, GW isn't solely to blame for the current state of the economy either.

GI Kate: Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit! I'm excited, I'm nervous, I don't believe it yet...I might cry (tears of joy.) My friend just called me. I answered the phone, "I know!!" Then we just started screaming.

Blackfive: I see that John McCain has called Senator Obama -- now President-elect Obama -- to concede defeat. Our country has made a horrible mistake; that much is clear. We will raise taxes in a recession, and cut military spending during a war.

Jarhead Online: I guess I didn’t get my information out quick enough. Now just like the girl who gets sweet talked and bought with a couple drinks and a flashy smile we are going to get screwed.

No Angst Zone: There won't be rioting in the streets, there won't be endless lawsuits, and there will be an orderly transition of power. Far be it from me to suggest that certain elements of our society may be predisposed toward these actions (it was, after all, a Republican who sued in 2000), but it would behoove all of us to remember and be thankful of these facts. And while you're at it, help certain fellow citizens off their knees; it's been a long campaign and I think they need a break before the inauguration.

Me: While I am deeply disturbed by the fact that America picked this guy as prez, it's a historic moment that we have a black president after our shameful past of racial violence. And even though I think his policies are going to be a complete disaster, I hope that he can turn things around in Afghanistan and finish our military involvement in Iraq. In other words, America First, Obacalypse second.

Four Horsemen of the Obacalypse

Join us in blogging the fall of America at a new group blog during these tough times with War (aka TSO), Pestilence (aka Jonn Lilyea), Death (aka Amy), and Famine (aka LT Nixon).

Welcome to The Obacalypse!

It's Obama...It's Obama!!

Fox just called it, even though Lemmy called it 20 years ago.

For all the Obama supporters who happen upon this post, congrats! I still love you.

Landslide

Remember in Aliens when the plane crashed and they couldn't get off the planet...and Bill Paxton totally flipped out: "Well that's great! That's just fucking great, man. Now what the fuck are we supposed to do, man? We're in some real pretty shit now!" It feels kind of like that when Obama already has 200+ and they haven't even included any of the "left coast" states. Game over, man.

Bonus: Murtha is making his acceptance speech on the tee-vee screen right now. Brit Hume on Fox looks really sad about this whole ordeal.

Public Service Announcement From LT Nixon's Mother

My Mother is one of those ladies who volunteers at the polling stations to hand out the "I Voted" stickers and to make sure there's no hanky-panky going on in the booth. She wrote this in recent snail-mail correspondence:

I'm resting up for the chaos I'm sure I'll find at my poll on election day. I remember how depressed I was when Clinton was elected in 1992. It's Deja Vu all over again.

With Obama currently ahead 174-49 based on the CNN electoral map, I blame you, America, for hurting my mother's feelings. Foreshame!!

Vote, Stupid!

It's Gonna Get Ugly

In case you hadn't heard, there's an election tomorrow or something. So don't forget to exercise your right to write-in crazy people and dead celebrities for the local offices no one cares about like County Judicial Treasurer. And don't forget to vote for who will lead America into it's inevitable malaise. If you're a low information voter, remember that even though Obama had the cheeky Barack O'Bollywood video and McCain was endorsed by McBain, Bob Barr got to meet Borat. The Borat! Too bad it's not 2006, that would have given him a serious bump.

Anyways, the voiced in my head are saying the election is a pretty big deal, so here's the same song I listened to before final exams in college and before going out to sea. It's The Final Countdown by Europe, and since the band is named after a geographic location (like Boston, Kansas, Chicago, and Asia) it has to be good. Also the mullets are epic:



Subrookie wanted a thread to leave comments as he fights off the Hope and Change hordes storming his domicile in Seattle. Hang in there, bro, it's going to be a rough few years!

Al-Masri Must Be Arabic for "Just Kill Me"

Recently, a top Al-Qaeda propaganda maestro was killed in by a UAV strike in North Waziristan [AFP]:

An Egyptian Al-Qaeda operative -- described by the United States as the terror network's propaganda chief -- was killed in a missile strike in Pakistan, security officials said on Saturday.

Abu Jihad al-Masri was among several rebels killed when two missiles fired by a suspected US spy drone hit a truck in the North Waziristan tribal region bordering Afghanistan on Friday night, they said.

This is Abu Jihad Al-Masri, not to be confused with Abu Khabab Al-Masri, the "Mad Scientist" of Al-Qaeda, who was killed in an airstrike in July. Then there was the commander Abu Saeed Al-Masri, shot dead by the Pakistani military in August. Also, don't forget Abu Obaidah Al-Masri, who died of natural causes. And then their is the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq, Abu Ayub Al-Masri, who sucks at his job so bad that Zawahiri sent him a nasty letter, and even he has been confused for being dead or captured a couple of times.

Keeping up with all the permutations of "Al-Masri" in the "who's who of terrorism" can give someone a headache worse than trying to remember all the Chets at the yachting regatta. The name Al-Masri, which actually means The Egyptian in Arabic, can best be associated with the red-shirted extras on Star Trek for simplification purposes. They usually don't stick around for the next episode.

Late Nite Tunes: Johnny Cash - I've Been Everywhere

Blogging might be a bit lite as I have to going to the Navy's "How to be a Civilian" class (formally known as Transition Assistance Program). I'm guessing they tell you not to obsessively call your boss "sir" or "ma'am" and that bragging to your co-workers about the STDs you contracted in the PI might be considered a "faux pas" in the real world. Anyhoo, I have no idea how late this wingding goes, but I'll try and post something in the evening. As for the election...vote early and vote often. It's gonna be a wild one.

How To Break the Internet: The Stranger Hell Houses Edition

A reader, who shall remain nameless so that he doesn't get a brick through his windshield, passed me a tip yesterday regarding Seattle's The Stranger publishing photos of houses with McCain-Palin and Dino Rossi signs (Dino Rossi is the GOP candidate for Guv'nah). The piece was poking fun at these residences for being "Hell Houses" for daring to post pro-GOP signs amidst a country being swept up in Hope N' Change. That's all fun and games as far as liberal hipsterism goes, but they definitely crossed the line by publishing the addresses of the residences, which could potentially lead to vandalism/death threats/etc. against private WA citizens. I passed the tip along to Van Helsing, who has a blog devoted to some of the ridiculous antics of the left. The story was picked up by some of the big-time right-wing bloggers like Instapundit, Drudge, Ace of Spades, and Little Green Footballs, because it was a sad display of a news outlet engaging in brownshirt-like tactics to intimidate political opposition.

I'm usually a big fan of The Stranger's snark and tips about what's happenin' in Seattle, so I initially felt a bit of guilt that their website getting flooded with 1000+ comments, and the fact that they had to redirect the Hell Houses piece to Drudge (pdf version available here). But picking up a copy of this week's print edition of The Stranger, their attempts to scrub the website amidst immense criticism are in vain, because the story has already hit kiosks throughout the Puget Sound. Check it out:

Cover of Oct 30 - Nov 5 issue advertises Hell Houses piece (unsurprisingly, the outlet endorses "That One" for Prez)

Addresses of homes have been blacked out by yours truly, but you can see they were in large font. The convenient inset map with numbers in the upper-right was not included on the web version.
You get the idea...

This is bullshit. It's a moot point who your candidate is or what platform you support. No American deserves to be intimidated with thug-like tactics designed to persuade voting patterns or to silence opposition. Whether it's throwing moltovs at politically-minded supporters or using the internet to plan the assassination of a presidential candidate, take that shit somewhere else, like Zimbabwe or Venezuela.

Super Fun Time Weekend Thread: Zombie Edition

Zombies stormed Wall Street recently to feast on the oversize, Ivy-leagued brains of investment bankers and traders. Of course, we're better off trusting flesh-eating zombies than the government to manage our retirement accounts. At least the undead aren't going on a taxpayer-funded vacation during a "house recess" every two months.

Anyone got any groovy Halloween pics or costume idears?

Director of White Aryan Resistance Endorses...Obama?!?

What in the Hell?!?

Tom Metzger, who runs a friendly organization with games for children on its website called "Shoot the Fags Before They Rape You" and "Don't Let Those Spics Cross the Border", has decided to tell Esquire who he feels will best support his vision of a racially segregated society. As a side not, his son was part of the skinhead rabble on Geraldo during the famous Ouch, My Nose episode that saw Geraldo get hit in the face with a chair. Obviously, he's a swell guy, so here's his endorsement and the rationale [Esquire]:

The corporations are running things now, so it’s not going to make much difference who's in there, but McCain would be much worse. He’s a warmonger. He’s a scary, scary person--more dangerous than Bush. Obama, according to his book, Dreams Of My Father, is a racist and I have no problem with black racists. I’ve got the quote right here: 'I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother’s white race.' The problem with Obama is he’s being dishonest about his racial views. I’d respect him if he’d just come out and say, 'Yeah, I’m a black racist.' I don’t hate black people. I just think it’s in the best interest of the races to be separated as much as possible. See, I’m a leftist. I’m not a rightist. I hate the transnational corporations far more than any black person.

Obviously this doesn't say anything about Obama or the majority of his supporters, but it's an odd commentary on how politics make some fucking strange bedfellows.