|
 |
February 21, 2004 THE PRICE OF SUCCESS....In retrospect, it turns out that the State Department's intelligence operation made a pretty good threat assessment of Iraq's prewar capability. They were more accurate than the CIA, more accurate than the DIA, and way more accurate than the Pentagon's boutique shop, the Office of Special Plans. Their reward? Republicans don't want to hear from them anymore:
It's conservative postmodernism at its finest. We don't want accurate threat assessments, we want scary threat assessments. Anyone who insists on bringing actual facts to the table is no longer welcome. Posted by Kevin Drum at February 21, 2004 09:19 AM | TrackBackComments
Just as PBS reported a week or so ago, the State Dept. and
Powell all knew the WMD reports were overblown and
distorted. One of their "insiders" blew the whistle on it (on
PBS) after being shocked at Powells address at the UN being in complete
opposition to what was known within State. In other words, Powell knowingly lied to the UN. Mental health and gays: http://www.narth.com/docs/whitehead.html With a little search, I found a good summary of mental illness and homosexuality. The author looked at all the studies and concluded the following: Gay suicides occur most often as the result of a relationship break up. This also would seem to occur in heteros, except gays break up more often. The second cause seemed to come from a subset of gays that engage in an outlaw lifestyle. The rate of suicide attempts seemed to be comparative across nations with a history of gay acceptance and nations without. In general, cultural bigotry was about third on the list of causes. By the way, gays are 3-6 times more likely to kill themselves. Which brings me back to my main thesis. Gay marriage is great theater. Gay marriage is good for hetero marraige to the extent that it attacks government's stranglehold on hetero marriage. But gay marriage is not likely to ease the mental health concerns for gays. except to the extent that divorce for gays become more difficult. The idea that gays or heteros are seeking some kind of government police and legal framework to insure their relationships is rather disturbing.
Don't you see how clever we're really being? Why concern ourselves with actual threats, when we need to prepare ourselves for anything that might happen. That's why we got a bunch of Hollywood people to think up possible future terrorist attacks. Perhaps these movie people work up the special effects and could supply some footage to our news outlets if none of these scenarios actually come to pass. Then, not only don't we need accurate intelligenge, but we won't need the actual terror attack, either. We can keep our citizens right where we need them: scared shitless! Posted by: Republican National Committee at February 21, 2004 09:42 AM | PERMALINKMatt, So the fact that homosexuals are considered pariahs by the society at large, constantly vilified by the major religious denomimations, legally discriminated against nationwide, and now openly plotted against by the administration has nothing to do with a hightened suicide rate? Must be a mental disease thing. Acceptance of their humanity by acknowleging that they have the same rights as the heteros around them wouldn't do a thing to help them feel as if they were actually a part of society, would it? I wonder if african-american suicide rates were appreciably higher
before the Civil Rights Movement. Would be worth checking out. The recent decline in Bush's approval rating has been almost entirely a result of decline among independents and Democrats. Republicans still revere him, and will, apparently, go to any lengths to maintain the necessary shield of denial.... Posted by: howard at February 21, 2004 10:01 AM | PERMALINKActually, we wait for a substantive rebuttal from Al. Posted by: M. at February 21, 2004 10:02 AM | PERMALINKUh, guys? The gay marriage thread is the one below this one... Posted by: Anarch at February 21, 2004 10:03 AM | PERMALINKFear drives hate. And the Republican genome feeds on hate. So the more dire the assessments, the more powerful the enemy, and the more worthy they are of our hate. I don't believe there is a better way to control a population. Posted by: -pea- at February 21, 2004 10:09 AM | PERMALINKThe press won't run this. It's going to get "plowed over". I can see it now: "While we appreciate their interest, the State Department has little ability to conduct threat assessment ... " Posted by: David at February 21, 2004 10:11 AM | PERMALINKWhy the surprise here? This bastard administration is controlled by the Religious Right and therefore they are BELIEVERS. Believers have no need for facts and logic and will cling to an obviously faulty world view. When facts dispute belief, it's the facts that have to go. This will lead to the demise of this regime, but not before the waste of American blood, treasure and credibility. Posted by: Bill From PA at February 21, 2004 10:17 AM | PERMALINKDavid: I suspect you're correct. It was only by accident that I happened upon the State Dept. "whistle blower" interview, and I have seen nothing about it since in any of the other media. One would think that such a revelation might garner some form of more "mainstream" attention. Alas, not so. It comes as no surprise that State is now "unwelcome" at the White House, having been so brazen as to allow one of their analysts to tell the truth. Posted by: Alli Gator at February 21, 2004 10:19 AM | PERMALINKJust like you all smearing Bush with the awol rumors, then dismissing
the Kerry Aldultry, you selectivly look at one little hearing. Actually, we wait for a substantive rebuttal from Al. Just like you all smearing Bush with the awol rumors, then
dismissing the Kerry Aldultry, you selectivly look at one little
hearing. and we are still waiting. Posted by: ____league at February 21, 2004 10:29 AM | PERMALINKAnybody else read Fallows' and Pollack's articles in the Jan-Feb issue of The Atlantic? They're both pretty damning. Posted by: Linkmeister at February 21, 2004 10:30 AM | PERMALINKFYI, the gay marriage thread is EVERYWHERE, and that's by the choice of Republicans, not gays. BTW, just exactly how immoral and demonic is MARY CHENEY, the Vice President's GAY DAUGHTER? How much do we need to erase her bad and immoral example from America? That's Republican family values for you. Posted by: Brian at February 21, 2004 10:31 AM | PERMALINKI direct attention to the following: http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0220-03.htm An eyewitness testifies that the so-called "intelligence" machinery behind Iraq policy had no use for the truth, if it conflicted with prearranged "talking points."
God help us. America's current national leadership seem to have no conception of the value of truth - except as a rhetorical device to gull the credulous with useful illusions of legitimacy. Nor, apparently, have they the smallest capacity to intelligently consider emergent facts the least bit at odds with their crony-autocratic delirium. Shameless, smirking arrogance, smug manipulation of people's fear and credulity, no capacity for self-criticism - these things lead inevitably, sooner or later, to ineptitude in dealing with the large part of reality not consistent with one's ignorance. God help us. Posted by: haze at February 21, 2004 10:33 AM | PERMALINKAl: Sorry; have to disagree. I did not dismiss the
"Kerry adultery," the alleged participant (now living in
Australia I believe?) did. I doubt that anyone here is
dismissive the fact that such accusations and occurrances have been
going on among those in "power" (of either political sripe I might add)
since the dawn of this nation and before. The list of
"affairs" is quite lengthy among the White House roster. I
do, however, find such things of infinitely less significance
than the deaths of thousands based upon what are seemingly aforeknown distortions of fact. So, Al, it's okay with you that the Senate Intelligence Committee won't be hearing from the only people who came close to being right on the Iraq/WMD question. Please explain your reasoning. To the extent you reasoned it out at all, hampered as you are by your irrational Bush-worship. Posted by: dix at February 21, 2004 10:44 AM | PERMALINKMan, easy questions are posed on this website! Powell's State Department is just window dressing anyway, and the black man is just there to take the public heat while the Vice President runs the government, collects all the Iraq contracts and sells his own gay daughter down the river, making his own daughter, Mary Cheney, the new Willie Horton! Next question? Posted by: Brian at February 21, 2004 10:44 AM | PERMALINKI for one am SO SICK of the television and print media sticking up
fot the BuSh admin.This is evident by the way they just overlook all the
real truths.This story of chalabi is a huge issue and yet the tv says
NOTHING!The supeanas(sp)comming from the justice department are all
overlooked by the mainstream.All the tv and papers can focus on is the
spew comming out of the whitehouse,noone seems to actually look into the
"facts" comming out in the form of press releases.I would like the
press to be even a little more objective and less rah rah over the
w/h.It seems the current resident can do no wrong.You have to wonder if
the big 6(newsies) really are on the take from the conservatives,they
sure do pander to them.When the 4th estate fails all of us we are all in
serious trouble,conservatives and liberals alike. Kevin, I like your phrase "conservative postmodernism." Karl Rove and his like have seized upon "indeterminacy," "play," and endless iterations of representations as darned good techinques of power. I am afraid that they learned it from the more misty-eyed left. Yet another reason for the left to regroup as a serious movement of thinking people. Posted by: anonymous at February 21, 2004 10:48 AM | PERMALINKlinkmeister asks: Absolutely. The Fallow's article in particular should be required reading for every American. Interestingly enough, I came across an article by Pat Buchanan in the "American Conservative" that absolutely blasts the neoconservatives--particularly Perle and Frum. He basically labels them as being insane. The link and title to the Buchanan article: Look...there are things we know we know...then there are things we thing we know but we don't really know...then there are those things that might be unkown except for the fact that we know we don't know them...then there are those things that aren't "known knowns" but are indeed unknown...then of course there are things we know we know but we don't want to know.... Posted by: donald R. at February 21, 2004 10:52 AM | PERMALINKHeres another story the press has completely passed over. http://www.laweekly.com/ink/04/13/news-cooper.php Posted by: smalfish at February 21, 2004 10:54 AM | PERMALINKSmalfish: "I often wonder if we should just cave in and let the Bushies win and watch the crash and burn in the next term ... " Only the mainstream press can bail us out in these perilous times. I believe the ballot box may be more at issue than the media. Electronic voting anyone? I don't know about anyone else, but given the Ashcroft obsession with electronic spying, I fear the end to which undocumented electronic voting may be twisted given the observations you have stated above and etc. Posted by: Alli Gator at February 21, 2004 10:55 AM | PERMALINKThis and other examples need to be used by the Dem nominee to reiterate the point (or make for the first time, to some) that the nation can literally not trust one word or action of this administration. Trust and strength are Ws talking points this year, and he needs to be hit on these repeatedly. He and his lie and hide behind others. Posted by: Fred Arnold at February 21, 2004 10:56 AM | PERMALINKI agree with the people saying that the goal of the administration is to scare people sh!tless. But the great thing about Bush's long overdue credibility meltdown is that it's entirely possible that artificially "scared" swing voters might be even more reluctant to return Bush when they've seen how "trustworthy" he is in a scary time. The collapse of his "straight shooter" image might be fatal, because it was the main reason middle roaders were comfortable with someone who apparently wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer. The wingnut vote alone can't win it for him. Posted by: hueyplong at February 21, 2004 10:57 AM | PERMALINK>>Karl Rove and his like have seized upon "indeterminacy," "play," and endless iterations of representations as darned good techinques of power. I am afraid that they learned it from the more misty-eyed left. Yet another reason for the left to regroup as a serious movement of thinking people. Right on, Anon. I'm not anti-PoMo (it explains a hell of a lot about contemporary existence), but every now and then I try to get a dialogue going on its practical limits with people who should know better. I'm invariably slapped silly . . . The real problem is that too much of this post-modern existence thing is thinly disguised narcissism. If everything is "indeterminate" and "playful," it's essentially an invitation for non-stop ego-rama, no? Everything is constructed in our own minds . . . Just ask anybody from BushCo; the poster child for post-modern relativity. Geez . . . P.S. Some friends have mentioned that a number of critical thinkers are proposing a return to more communitarian thinking, I guess as an antidote to the individualism. Can anybody recommend anything good in this vein?
"The wingnut vote alone can't win it for him."
Huey, you couldn't be more right. What does America need to wake up to? Duhbya is not just stupid. He's A LOOSE CANNON who got us into a war just because, and impoverished our children through the deficits to pay back his campaign contributors. He's not a steady hand, he's a LOOSE CANNON. Posted by: Brian at February 21, 2004 11:02 AM | PERMALINKOn march 20(the anniversary of the invasion)there are going to be
anti-war rallies going on all around the country,Crawford TX is the one
I'm going to be at.I think this is our last best effort to wake the
country as to whats really going on.If enough people participate The 4th
estate will have no choice to pay attention.I.m looking for the link to
the main site for more information. Here is some more wood. for that fire: "The authors avoid a direct attack on Bush by blaming the
striped-pants brigade at the State Dept. for pursuing its own foreign
policy, though they offer little evidence of that. They seem to think
that the term "rogue state" refers to Colin Powell's minions." Of COURSE we only want scary threat assessments in the Bush administration. We need a scared and cowed populance to re-elect our Great Leader. Remember: It's your patriotic duty to cower in terror. Only if you're shaking in fear, believing there to be a terrorist behind every bush and shrub, can you believe in our Great Leader and His administration enough to let us do our job of killing Islamists world-wide to make the world safe for Christian missionaries. Yours in Christ, It's conservative postmodernism at its finest Though Mr. Drum is almost always right, this may be extending a back-handed plaudit or even a heavyweight word to where it's least deserved. These committee Republicans are not announcing an end to ideology and all claims to objective truth. They are far more plebian than that and seem to be simply rejecting any fact that contradicts a White House S.O.S. of imagined fear and trembling. Indeed, they are so eager and so willing to accept whatever Bush claims about terrorism, even before he finally says all of it, that he should instruct them, as Daryll F.Zanuck used to tell his flunkies at 20th Century Fox, just for the sake of appearances, "Don't say yes until I finish talking." Posted by: Harry Lime at February 21, 2004 11:14 AM | PERMALINKSmalfish: Thanks for the link to the LA weekly bit. Posted by: Alli Gator at February 21, 2004 11:18 AM | PERMALINKThere is nothing "postmodern" about a preference for scary threat assessments. For one example, the cia consistently over-scared us about Russia's military capability throughout the cold war. But this is really an old, old story: "You better listen to me because the tribe over in the next valley is going to attack us with huge clubs studded with shark's teeth. They have evil intentions, so you better make me your chieftan becuase these wimps who advocate peace and tolerance are going to get us all massacred. Just look at the size of this shark's tooth I found down by the watering hole." Posted by: David Langton at February 21, 2004 11:19 AM | PERMALINKHarry Lime, I agree with you that the goals of the Republican National Committee are hardly those of utopian postmodernism, but the means they use to achieve those goals do resemble the techniques of postmodernism. Here is the problem: postmodernism effectively describes communication both in the mainstream press and on the internet. Many commentors have referred to the "echo chamber" of the media (all outlets included), and in such an environment it is very difficult to insist on truth and rational discussion of facts. I would argue that the republicans have used the means of postmodernism to conservative ends in order to pull the wool over sophisticated (and jaded) professional journalists. Posted by: Anonymous at February 21, 2004 11:22 AM | PERMALINKHeres an abuse of the power the president. "The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next session."
Smalfish: Thanks for the ANSWER link. DejaVu. Feels just like Berkeley during Viet Nam! :=( Posted by: Alli Gator at February 21, 2004 11:41 AM | PERMALINKThe title from the LA Times piece “State Department Excluded From Senate Threat Hearing”, the some of the text in the article, and some of the commentsin this section seem to be a bit misguided. “Republican Leaders” can’t “exclude” the State Department from testifying as per the Rules of the Select Committee on Intelligence (http://www.access.gpo.gov/congress/senate/srules23.txt). The members of the committee can request specific individuals or organizations appear to testify, if the committee deems the SD a knowledgeable intelligence entity. Many here might want to look and the list of committee members
(http://intelligence.senate.gov/members.htm). The SIC members receive
similar briefings to the President and have not insinuated the “goal of
the administration is to scare people sh!tless”. That is the whole
point of the committee so the Administration can’t hi-jack intelligence
assessments. If I’m wrong on this, please let me know. I’d like to
read up on any statement or publication from the committee that
contradicts the administration (my wife can use it against me). Shorter Al: "BUSH HATER!" zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... Posted by: scarshapedstar at February 21, 2004 11:59 AM | PERMALINKSome friends have mentioned that a number of critical thinkers are proposing a return to more communitarian thinking, I guess as an antidote to the individualism. Holy shit, that's the LAST thing the left wants now. What's "communitarianism" but "groupthink I agree with"? And where is there "individualism" in the BuSh administration? Their whole history is one of playing whack-a-mole with those who stick up for themselves. Posted by: sagesource at February 21, 2004 12:09 PM | PERMALINKHey Al... spin this!!
From the Feb 19, 2004 edition of the LA Times:
Look for another "terra" event before the elections. The problem with relying on fear (which seems to be all they have outside their core base) is that, after awhile, the emotional impact eases off and it can't be used to control as well. That's why you have to keep it coming.... Posted by: Ducktape at February 21, 2004 12:26 PM | PERMALINKPosted by smalfish: "Heres an abuse of the power the president. "The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next session." This states that only during a recess when a judge vacates office may the president use this power. Not during a congressional debate. This president abused the power granted him by installing a judge illegaly.And noone objects? What am I missing here?" I'm not sure if you're missing anything or not. Clearly, the wording
you provide would seem to indicate that presidents may make temporary
appointments ONLY when positions become vacant during a Senate recess,
such as was in place this past week for the President's Day holiday. But
as the Democrats have raised no objection on procedural grounds, nor
did they last month when Bush appointed Pickering, it may be that what
you are missing is precedent. Clinton, for instance, made a recess
appointment when he gave Roger Gregory a seat on the 4th Circuit Court
of Appeals in December 2000. As in the Bush recess appointments, the 4th
Circuit Court seat did not become vacant during the recess in which
Clinton made the apointment. So it may be that practice has allowed a
non-technical interpretation of presidential appointment power. In any
case, if a more strict interpretation were enforced, what would stop
judges and others from simply arranging to vacate their seats during
recesses, such that virtually ALL vacancies could bypass the Senate and
be filled via presidential appointment? Of course, one might also ask
what is stopping Bush even now from appointing during recesses all of
the judges who have been blocked by Democrats? It's only a matter of
about six, I believe. Too bad Clinton didn't think of that with the 111
of his judicial nominees who were blocked by Republicans. Their bubble will pop. No fantasy can withstand the pressure of the real world. Keep this blog rolling! Posted by: Sugar Plum Fairy at February 21, 2004 12:57 PM | PERMALINKhere is a great book to read. Not for the perma Bush lovers but for those who are willing to hear about different opinons. sorry here is the link Al Tubes? Look, only you liberals know how to cook the books. Posted by: Al at February 21, 2004 01:12 PM | PERMALINKThe Neocons who lied us into this war and who are pushing for more wars. (Syria,Iran) are now trying to shift the blame for their lies. Raimondo, at antiwar.com has a great piece on this: http://www.antiwar.com/justin/ Posted by Ducktape: Look for another "terra" event before the elections. Implying here that the Bush-junta might hire-a-calamity. But I doubt that. Even if their bodies were willing... their minds are too weak: they'd botch that assignment up as well. But I agree with the sentiment. Bush is a sitting duck and one doesn't need Scalia and his "quack quack" comment to tell us that. Bush is dead in the water and there is only a few things that can save him: Either a another "terra" attack or the capture of Osama. The latter is far more likely. It would be interesting to know if more $$$ is being thrown at trying to pull that rabbit out of its hole. As I suspect the sense of desperation is there. Bush's ebbing relevance hinges on Osama's pelt. Posted by: -pea- at February 21, 2004 01:18 PM | PERMALINK Al: You have to admit that there seems to be an eerie sort of pattern to the administration's cavalier attitude toward fact-finding. Dick Cheney said that "deficits don't matter" according to their hero Reagan. They didn't matter when it came to reelection strategy, but they certainly matter to the long term economic health of the economy. The same attitude is present, apparently, with the President’s credibility. They must have learned from Clinton that you can get away with lying to the American People and took it way beyond the personal and into policy-making. The list of truth assassinations goes on and on and is well documented on this and many other blogs. The AWOL thing is just an example of the phenomenon. It was seized on precisely because here at last was a questionable assertion by the President which could (or should) have been proved or disproved relatively easily, without consulting any experts to debate their opinions, through readily available documentation. That the debate goes on is somewhat due to partisanship to be sure, but they should have been quieted with simple, verifiable evidence answering their questions. To dismiss the question and questioner itself is a specious argument. My question has been for a while, why hasn't W’s buddy James R. Bath come forward? He was Bush's former business partner, they met in the guard and both were suspended from flying in August and September 1972, respectively, for "failure to accomplish annual medical examinations.” I’m sure he could clear the whole thing up. He certainly knows a lot we’d like to examine, including the exact nature of W’s connection to the bin Laden family, and his Enron-like shady oil deals. This guy certainly could clear up a lot of the left’s suspicions about W’s motivations, they’ve known each other for years and he should know where all the skeleton’s are buried. Posted by: Mark Adams at February 21, 2004 01:40 PM | PERMALINK I don't know why you guys even bother responding to Al's remarks. In the months that I've followed the discussion here, Al hasn't made me say to myself, "hmmm, I never thought of it in that way" even once. That's incredible given the amount of metaphorical ink he has spilled in the comments section during that time. Posted by: oneangryslav at February 21, 2004 01:55 PM | PERMALINKsomewhat OT, but this is a great Cleland quote from this NYT story: ``For Saxby Chambliss, who got out of going to Vietnam because of a trick knee, to attack John Kerry as weak on the defense of our nation is like a mackerel in the moonlight that both shines and stinks.'' Mackerels in the moonlight. Couldn'ta said it better... Posted by: dm at February 21, 2004 02:00 PM | PERMALINKal at none@none certainly summarizes himself very well. thelrd in TEXAS Posted by: Larry Davis at February 21, 2004 02:04 PM | PERMALINKI think Al and his like are spies trying to see what we're talking about here so that the resident can then go on tv and try and refudiate us thru smear some more.After all they need all the help they can get so why not get al to do some science for them. Posted by: smalfish at February 21, 2004 02:13 PM | PERMALINKI call it as it is. Then I read some weird conspircy theory by smalfish, and it re affirms the fact about liberals being hoo doo merchants. Posted by: Al at February 21, 2004 02:25 PM | PERMALINKPNAC Kids: Parent-Teacher Conference Minutes of Meeting Mrs. Yewessy: Thank you so much for being here today. Dr. Wrights and I have called you to this meeting as we feel there is a situation which needs to be addressed. We feel the reputation of West Minster Drive is at stake and we need your cooperation as parents. As you know, WMD has been held in the highest regard as a private learning institution and we have little tolerance for behavior which threatens our good standing. But it has become increasingly clear that your children have violated the strict rules we have on gang-related activities. We have also learned that their activities have had an effect at another private school across town. I had a very heated discussion with an administrator from the East Valley Institute of Learning yesterday, which prompted me to call you here. This situation cannot continue and I have assured the people at EVIL that everything will be done to bring this matter to a satisfactory conclusion. Now, you parents need to be aware of the fact that I've received multiple reports of wrongdoing concerning your children. From simple infractions like lying in class to more serious complaints regarding harassment of students and faculty, it has become apparent that your cooperation with some difficult decisions is needed. Mr. and Mrs. Powell, it would seem that your son has fallen in with a "bad crowd," as we say. He has us worried because he used to be such a good little student. But lately, well, we just can't believe a word that comes out of his mouth. He's been spreading rumors and gossip about the kids over at EVIL and we can tell he's just doing what the others tell him. We'd like to suggest that you stress to him that he try to get new friends. We know he's done things in the past to "fit in" with this crowd, but we feel that he's just too smart a child to be allowed to go down with the rest of them. Please see what you can do on your end and we'll keep up the same effort here in school. Now, Mr. and Mrs. Rumsfeld, your little Donny is another matter. To say he needs an attitude adjustment is an understatement. He comes across at times as very friendly, but he is actually rude and disrespectful. He has also been spreading vicious rumors about the kids over at EVIL and now the whole student body here thinks that these kids are going to beat them all up. When we confronted him about this, he just sat there and rolled his eyes and called us "old." Now we keep hearing that Donny is getting a gang of 5th and 6th graders to go over there and cause trouble. But let's try to remember -the kids at East Valley are only K- 4. This is totally unacceptable and, if Donny is going to continue at WMD school, there have to be some immediate changes in his behavior. However, we don't see this happening. Mr. and Mrs. Ashcroft, it is because of your son's behavior that Dr. Sybil Wrights is present during this meeting. Your son is, for lack of a better term, delusional and has no regard for the privacy of other students or faculty. We've continuously caught him breaking into lockers and standing outside staff meetings eavesdropping. He was also caught red-handed vandalizing Sybil Wrights' office last week and threatened her when she confronted him. He seems obsessed with an imaginary friend named "Al Cater." And when we ask him why he's always breaking the rules, he just stands there with a blank look singing "The Bible tells me so" over and over. And another thing that distresses us. Last week, a student brought her calico cat in for Show and Tell and your son started screaming, grabbed the cat and threw the damn thing out the classroom window! I'm sorry, but we can offer no advice except for you to get your son some intense therapy -- and we will not allow him back in school until you do. Now Mr. and Mrs. Cheney, we have a unique situation with little Dick. First of all, he's hardly ever in school. At least we think he's never in school. We're just not sure. We tried asking the Bush kid where he was and all he said was "some disclothed area." At first we were hoping we just misunderstood because we're all aware of the Bush kid's speech impediment. But we just can't be sure and the thought of one of our students running around the halls naked is causing some of the faculty undue stress. We've also received reports of him strong-arming other students for their lunch money, as well as being a part of this nasty rumor spreading all over the school concerning the kids at East Valley. Between your son and the Rumsfeld kid, our students are scared to death of the kids at EVIL and it is becoming virtually impossible for them to concentrate on their studies. What complicates this situation even more is that the principal at East Valley tells me that little Dick has been setting up Kool-Aid stands with some of EVIL's students for quite some time now. That, in and of itself, wouldn't be of any concern except for the fact that he has a nasty habit of running off with the entire cup of nickels when the Kool-Aid runs out. It has become quite clear that little Dick is nothing more than a truant problem with misplaced values. We feel that he only wants to cause trouble and bully other kids while stealing their lunch money. Like I've stated, we've tried to confront him about this, but we just can't find him most of the time. We'd like to suggest counseling accompanied by expulsion from school until further notice. Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Bush. I feel secure in saying that your behavior during this meeting confirms the suspicions held by Dr. Wrights and myself. I've noticed, Mrs. Bush, you've kept slapping your husband in the head during various points of my presentation. We have often felt that little George was the product of a domineering, yet enabling household. It is obvious to us who's who in the makeup of your family and that is your business. But you should be aware of the effect it's having on your son. His grades are horrible and he seems to have no sense of direction - except for what the Cheney and Rumsfeld kids tell him. He is also very unaware that these boys are taking advantage of him. He seems perfectly willing to spread rumors about the kids from East Valley, yet it's come to our attention that he has no idea where that school is! He struts around the halls and claims he's the leader of this gang of rule-breakers here at WMD, but when we questioned him, he obviously had no idea just how much trouble he was causing or how much trouble he's in. It wasn't until two weeks ago that we realized that there was a problem at home as well. When we last confronted him with the possibility of being kicked out of school by next fall because of what he's done, all he had to say was, "That's all right. Mah Daddy kin fix that!" Then he started to walk away, stopped and turned around and said, "But PLEE-OZ! Don't tell mah Momma!" George has also been running a money scheme with the students. It would seem as though he's taking a quarter from students and giving them back three pennies. Then he tells them it's a great deal because they have more coins than before. Unfortunately, many of the kids believe him and they end up with not enough lunch money. He's also been spotted several times plugging the toilets, emptying the paper towels and toilet rolls all over the floor - basically making a horrible mess out of the environment around here, but it has been hard to catch him in the act. We just all know he's responsible. He's also guilty of many other violations of the rules here, but they are just too numerous to mention. We cannot accept, let alone afford, any more of his shenanigans. The time has come for us to make a decision. Mr. and Mrs. Bush, we truly appreciate the money you and the other
parents here have donated to WMD, but we just can't tolerate the
complete chaos and unproductive atmosphere which your son and his
friends have caused here. We regretfully have to demand that you remove
your son from this school and place him elsewhere. We'll be as
cooperative as we can, but by next fall we have to insist that your son
and his friends be gone. We feel it would be best for the school. Thank
you for your time and understanding. This concludes our meeting.
--02.19.04 I'll take Bo Derek over Babs any day. Sorry, that was supposed to pasted in an email. Bo over Babs? BWAAAA HAAAAAAA Posted by: smalfish at February 21, 2004 02:39 PM | PERMALINKSmalfish: Postmodernism is not what is going on with Bush. Rather totalism, the very antithesis of postmodernism is the technique. There is a very fine book by Jean Francois Lyotard that explains these concepts perhaps as clearly as they ever will be explained. It's called The Postmodern Explained and its short. Briefly, according to Lyotard, postmodernism is not a technique but the condition people find themselves in today, when the major explanatory ideas and stories that we've told ourselves for the past 200 plus years no longer fit the reality in which we live. These obsolete ideas/stories Lyotard calls "meta-narratives" and among them are the Enlightenment idea of scientific progress, the absolute moral value of rationalism and conversely, the moral value of irrationalism and spirituality. These are all failed meta-narratives and since they've failed, the postmodern condition is one of transition, where new metanarratives have the potential to be constructed. Nevertheless, the postmodern era is a time of deep confusion and chaos. Postmodernism, at least as described in this book, is not "anything goes" but a far more subtle concept. Nor can there be, in Lyotard's view a "conservative postmodernism" which is an oxymoron. The techniques used by the Bush administration are simply the tried and true techniques of totalist societies, among them prot-fascist, fascist, and similar regimes of both the right and the left. As I see it, the Bush administration is not as totalist as the classic totalitarian/authoritarian regimes. But his administration and fellow travellers (eg Limbaugh) are deeply attracted to many of the political structures. (I think Dave Neiwert explains this better than me over at his blog, Orcinus, which Kevin lists in his blogroll.) Lyotard and other writers like him often overreach and are often incoherent. But the fundamental insight, that the metanarratives of the past no longer hold, is I think, as close to inarguable as any major assertion as any I can think of. Rousseau, Voltaire, Marx, and going backwards, even such "masters" of philosophy as Plato and Aristotle, seem to be describing a world with troubles, joys, and structures that bear little relation to our own. Concepts like "man in a state of nature," "idealism," and so on seem, imho, pretty useless today as philosophical premises. Agreed, many writers have made fools of themselves writing about the male chauvinism in Newton's Principia and other idiocies. But the postmodern condition will not go away by (rightly) dismissing such trivia. Lyotard (at least in this book) and many others, do not deny "reality" or even the worth of many ideas that stem from the Enlightenment or ancient Greece. What he does deny, and forcefully so, is that these thinkers have a privileged, unchallenged and unchallengeable role to play today in shaping and understanding our culture. I think he's absolutely right. Posted by: tristero at February 21, 2004 03:10 PM | PERMALINKI think Dave Neiwert explains this better than me over at his blog, Orcinus, which Kevin lists in his blogroll. I don't think Kevin does, does he? I asked a few days ago why Orcinus wasn't linked, but I think it disappeared amidst the TXANG furore... Posted by: Anarch at February 21, 2004 03:20 PM | PERMALINKAli_Gator Sadly I did not write that.It was unsigned,otherwise I would have put their name on with the post.I found it at Bushwatch.com Posted by: smalfish at February 21, 2004 03:40 PM | PERMALINKOK, a gift for finding wonderful stories Posted by: Mark Adams at February 21, 2004 03:49 PM | PERMALINKcheck this out: www.blackboxvoting.com Doesn't look good for real democracy. Posted by: me at February 21, 2004 04:25 PM | PERMALINKSmalfish: Applause for sharing it then. I shall have to add bushwatch to my list! :=) Posted by: Alli Gator at February 21, 2004 04:30 PM | PERMALINKInteresting postings in the "cut & run" thread. Posted by: Alli Gator at February 21, 2004 04:32 PM | PERMALINKMe: Al Tubes? Look, only you liberals know how to cook the books. The above makes me wonder if Al is finally having some doubts about the lies he is being fed by his leaders. Of course, I am probably wrong and he is just giving us the lines he has been fed. Posted by: ____league at February 21, 2004 07:56 PM | PERMALINKActually, ___league, that comment makes me pretty damn sure that Al is somebody's impersonation of a conservative. "only you liberals know how to cook the books"? Nobody's that blind. Posted by: obeah at February 22, 2004 03:04 PM | PERMALINK
I have become Death, the destroyer of worlds. Posted by: Alexander Phil at March 17, 2004 04:55 PM | PERMALINKLove can damage more than you can heal with drinking. Posted by: Bailey Jake at May 2, 2004 12:02 PM | PERMALINKA solved puzzle is just a picture. Posted by: Caglayan Emily Rekow at May 3, 2004 12:17 AM | PERMALINKMediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius. national alert registry | net detective | net detective plus | omni casino | orbital casino | palace of chance | party poker | phoenician casino | planet luck | platinum play | play and deal | poker room | portofino casino | prestige casino Posted by: fortune room Casino at July 1, 2004 12:20 AM | PERMALINKlesbian sex laina sex online dating service anime porn live webcams rape stories gay sex asian sex
handjob movies hi. i'm 20 .. from Brazil... how r u? http://www.latina-sex.name WOW! I like this guestbook... that's cool http://www.online-dating-service.com free anal sex movies gay sex video free gay sex video free gay sex video gay sex asian sex animal sex free anime cartoon porn free lesbian porn sex movies free lesbian porn sex movies public nudity public nudity indian sex movies stories free rape stories videos sexy naked girls porn
animal sex, horse sex, god sex, rabbit sex, fish sex
WOW! I like this guestbook... that's cool http://www.online-dating-service.com http://www.free-anal-porn-sex.com
animal sex, horse sex, god sex, rabbit sex, fish sex
5364 You can buy viagra from this site :http://www.ed.greatnow.com Posted by: Viagra at August 7, 2004 02:35 PM | PERMALINK6752 Why is Texas holdem so darn popular all the sudden? http://www.texas-holdem.greatnow.com 7510 Why is Texas holdem so darn popular all the sudden? http://www.texas-holdem.greatnow.com Best XXX Sites - Best XXX Sites - 8687 ok you can play online poker at this address : http://www.play-online-poker.greatnow.com Posted by: online poker at August 10, 2004 11:54 AM | PERMALINK4589 get cialis online from this site http://www.cialis.owns1.com Posted by: cialis at August 11, 2004 12:16 AM | PERMALINK4751 Keep it up! Try Viagra once and youll see. http://viagra.levitra-i.com Posted by: buy viagra at August 14, 2004 06:43 AM | PERMALINK2801 Get your online poker fix at http://www.onlinepoker-dot.com Posted by: online poker at August 15, 2004 04:46 PM | PERMALINK4730 black jack is hot hot hot! get your blackjack at http://www.blackjack-dot.com Posted by: play blackjack at August 17, 2004 02:17 AM | PERMALINK3861 so theres Krankenversicherung and then there is 1913 Its great to experiance the awesome power of debt consolidation so hury and consolidate debt through http://www.debtconsolidation.greatnow.com pronto Posted by: debt consolidation at August 18, 2004 09:45 PM | PERMALINK155 http://www.exoticdvds.co.uk for
bad breath
409 check out the hot blackjack at http://www.blackjack-p.com here you can play blackjack online all you want! So everyone ~SMURKLE~ Posted by: play blackjack at August 24, 2004 05:19 AM | PERMALINK809 Herie http://blaja.web-cialis.com is online for all your black jack needs. We also have your blackjack needs met as well ;-) Posted by: blackjack at August 24, 2004 08:02 AM | PERMALINK7383 check out http://texhold.levitra-i.com for texas hold em online action boodrow Posted by: texas hold em at August 26, 2004 06:29 PM | PERMALINK |
|
|
Powered by Movable Type 2.63 
|
||||
