moscero's Blog

moscero Commented on The President IS a King by moscero

2008-12-25T05:07:06Z

Nadler's reading of the Constitution makes it clear that, with unlimited pardon power, the President is a dictator, free to break whatever laws he is willing to pardon himself for. The only thing keeping him from doing this is public opinion.

So, is the blaring "we're proud we tortured" to (a) legitimize the blanket pardons when they come in 3 weeks or (b) dare Obama to appoint Fitzy to come after them?

I'm hoping for (b), but Constitutionally they can go with (a) and they would be untouchable by criminal charges.

moscero recommended The President IS a King by moscero

2008-12-24T12:30:06Z

moscero Commented on The President IS a King by moscero

2008-12-24T16:07:21Z

I hope you are right about the blanket pardons - their belief in their own rightness could be a weakness.

On Presidential power, a lot of people took this exchange to be a weaker "Frost/Nixon" moment.

WALLACE: This is at the core of the controversies that I want to get to with you in a moment. If the president during war decides to do something to protect the country, is it legal?
CHENEY: General proposition, I'd say yes.

Standing alone its not quite that, but looking at the history its clear he thinks that. Nadler has pointed out a fundamental flaw in the Constitution. Nadler, Glenn Greenwald and others calling for criminals investigations appeal to the spirit of the law, but the pardon power trumps that.

moscero Commented on What We're Doing -- And Spending -- To Stave Off A Financial Collapse by Zachary Roth

2008-11-26T22:28:34Z

Can anyone explain to me why the govt isnt taking a majority ownership stake in these companies they are bailing out? Citigroup is only worth $30B, a fraction of what they are guaranteeing ($249B+) and bailing out (~$52B).

At least if they own it they can replace the management with responsible civil servants who are actually going to use the TARP money to lend, instead of buying up other banks as has been reported.

As investments on behalf of the American people, these suck.

moscero Commented on At Private Meeting, Top Union Leaders To Plan Huge Campaign To Press For Labor's Demands by Greg Sargent

2008-11-12T22:55:20Z

I'm sorry but I don't remember in any of Obama's speeches the promise to give big auto a $50 billion dollar bailout so they can further renege on their pension obligations and keep making cars nobody wants to buy.

Granholm is cute, but WTF? And if he is giving them money, why doesn't he take shares in return?

moscero Commented on GOP Outworking Dems In Georgia Senate Runoff, NRSC Throws In New Attack Ad by Eric Kleefeld

2008-11-12T19:57:00Z

"too high-risk in terms of the public relations problems that a potential defeat would create."

This is a typically lame rational for the Dems. Pathetic! Do you think the Reps would just roll over because it might look bad if they lose?

I've sent Martin a chunk of change already, and will send more. But I also want to see the Senate Dems send some of their war chests his way!!!

moscero Commented on Lieberman Aide Threatens Reid: He'll Bolt Dem Caucus by Greg Sargent

2008-11-07T19:14:30Z

Yeah. Let him go, even if we get 58 + Sanders, do we really want that turd being the break vote on a filibuster? He is going to betray whenever its important anyway.

I stood in the rain trying to convince CT voters to go for Lamont. Then they figured out their colossal fuck up like 6 months later.

moscero recommended Obama's Politicization by moscero

2008-11-07T13:35:40Z

moscero Commented on MSM To Obama: Be Wary Of Left-Wing Groups Demanding Too Much Change by Greg Sargent

2008-11-06T14:59:58Z

It is this kind of defeatism that lead to the last eight years. I don't want blood. I want indictments, convictions and commutations. They don't have to spend time in jail, just have it be said they were CRIMINALS.

moscero Commented on MSM To Obama: Be Wary Of Left-Wing Groups Demanding Too Much Change by Greg Sargent

2008-11-05T17:57:05Z

I hope that comments about "conflict with some Democratic constituencies" is only about timing strategy. One of the big errors of early Clinton was the gays in the military issue. A worthy cause, but not just out the gate.

He needs to dig us out of this Bush hole we're in, but key for political strategy is what ChicagoJoe mentioned. Obama needs to change the way elections are run, starting with paper ballots and sufficiently funded polling stations!

And it will be a huge mistake to not prosecute the Bush Gang - otherwise they'll be back again 10 years from now running the government. Don't believe me? Look into the history of Iran-Contra.

moscero Commented on Outside Groups Dumped Big Money Into Presidential Campaign by Greg Sargent

2008-11-04T18:42:02Z

Sam Wang's permutation model which is supposedly more comprehensive than the 538.com bootstrap gives McCain essentially NO chance of winning.

http://election.princeton.edu/todays-electoral-vote-histogram/

But thats just based on poll data - if there is election theft in PA etc, then who knows?