Tonight, at sundown the sounds of the shofar will be heard to symbolically awaken Jews from their "slumbers" and alert them to the coming judgment.  It's Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.  (Can you believe it's 5770 I just got used to writing 5769 on my checks!)

There is a lot to be thankful for in the past year; we may be poor but we got our health and our happiness.  Barack Obama was elected, and IS our President.  Hope still springs eternal in our heart. 

But as we approach the New Year there is a great sadness and concern for our country.  As of late there has been an ill wind.  Racism, and prejudice, and hate have reared their ugly head.  They, whoever they are, have turned us against each other for their own self-interests.  It's enough to make one want to drop out, just like we have done times before.

But it's New Years.  A time to renew faith.  Renew hope.

There was a time when I produced the High Holiday services with our Rabbi.  One of my functions was to pick the readings for the services.  We would always end the Erev Rosh Hashanah service with a humorous story.  My favorite was the story of Harry and Larry, "The Optimist and the Pessimist."  As we begin this New Year it carries a special meaning...

    You may have heard the story of the little twin brothers, Hershel and Laybel; Harry and Larry.  Harry is a pessimist and Larry is an optimist.  The little pessimist was always complaining and very negative, while the optimist viewed everything through rose-colored glasses.  It was their birthday, and their father decided to test their attitudes.  He bought every kind of beautiful toy imaginable for the pessimist - a new bike, a basketball, a baseball, bat and glove and dozens of things that would make a little boy happy, but for the optimist, a pile of horse manure was to be his only gift.

    When Harry, the pessimist, saw all of his beautiful gifts, he immediately began to complain.  "If I ride this bike on the street, I might wreck it and hurt myself, and I know if I take this basketball outside, someone will probably steal it, and baseball is dangerous.   If I miss the ball with the glove it will hit me in the head and I'll probably end up hitting the ball too far and breaking somebody's window." Harry went on and on in deep negativism.  He had turned his birthday into doom and gloom.

    Then it was the little optimist's turn for his birthday present.  When Larry saw the pile of horse manure with his name on it, he enthusiastically began to run throughout the house looking in all of the rooms, in the garage, and in the backyard.  When his father caught him by the arm and asked, "Son, what are you looking for:" Larry replied, "Dad, with all of the horse manure you gave me, I just know there's gotta be a pony around here someplace!"

    In the New Year may we all find the pony we've been looking for!

"Shana Tova Umetukah;" may you all be written and sealed in the book of life for a good and sweet year.

Happy New Year.  Keep Hope alive...

There is an old saw, "you can get a grand jury to indict a ham sandwich."  There needs to be a new saw, "you can get the media to run with any story as long as it's anti-Obama."

Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research has an excellent blog on the topic on Huffington Post; Governor Palin's Crazed Health Care Rant: Blame the Washington Post. (emphasis mine)

As a basic rule, politicians will say anything they can get away with. If an effective politician thinks that he can call his opponent a drug-dealing, serial-murdering gangster, and have the charge taken seriously by the media, then he will do it, even if there is no reality whatsoever to the allegation. The reason that most politicians don't describe their opponents this way is because the media will denounce them as liars, who are unfit for responsible public office.

This basic truth must be kept in mind in understanding the health care debate. The debate has trailed off into loon tune land, and it's the media's fault.

Baker uses as an example Sarah Palin's outlandish fabrication, "Obama's plan would force her to stand in front of a "death panel" to argue for the life of her baby with Down Syndrome." 

The reason that Governor Palin thought she could make up stories about President Obama's death panels is that the media have treated all sorts of other absurd inventions about his health care plan with respect. At the most basic level, opponents have repeatedly said that President Obama's plan will lead to rationing of health care.

There is not an iota of truth to her statement (and she has since walked it back) yet the media are all over it like pigs in a blanket (with all respect to mini-hotdogs and crescent rolls).

The media have allowed the politicians to turn life into death and night into day when it comes to the health care debate because they decided that anything said against President Obama's plan should be treated with respect, no matter how absurd it might be.

The media have the job of informing the public. They have the time and the resources to know that when opponents of President Obama's plan talk about rationing, they are not telling the truth (i.e. they are lying). If the media just pass these assertions on to the public without comment, then they are giving them credibility.

Why are the media enabling these lies and deceptions?  We know why Fox News does it, they have a very specific right wing agenda.  Let's face it they make Radio Moscow look like amateurs in the propaganda wars.  But what about the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, and MSNBC.  Are they patsies for the right wing?  Their big pharma advertisers?  The corporate masters?  In search of a shrinking audience?  Or, are are they just plain stupid?  I vote for all of the above.

This is partially our fault.  Instead of demanding the truth from these people we look away in disgust.  I for one stopped watching cable news months ago.

Winston Churchill knew from where he spoke, "A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on."

Baker sums it well:

And if the opponents of health reform think they can get away with one really big lie, then why shouldn't they start moving forward with even bigger ones. It was only a matter of time before someone came up with Governor Palin's death panel line. For this we owe our thanks to The Washington Post and the rest of the mainstream media.

 If you can control the media you can control man's mind.  May God have mercy on our collective souls...

Here we go, again...

A friend forwarded the following e-mail, "Fox News: Will You Join the Tea Party Express":

Fox News Channel's "Fox Nation" has featured the upcoming "Tea Party Express" national tour and is polling their viewers to ask "Will You Join The Tea Party Express?"  You can read all about it - HERE.

"HERE." takes you to the The Fox Nation website for a video created by Tea Party Express a group funded by Our Country Deserves Better PAC, a political action committee formed in 2008 to oppose Obama.

The Fox Nation, in case you missed it is a is a conservative web site operated by of all people, Fox News. It came online March 30, 2009.

According to Fox News, "Fox Nation will be a forum for Americans to speak out on important and controversial issues, and to act on their beliefs and values -- while always upholding the traditional American ideals of free speech, fair play, and tolerance."

The site features news articles, video clips, and links to editorial blogs by noted conservative political commentators like Bill Kristol and Charles Krauthammer, as well as some liberal political commentators, like Susan Estrich. In keeping with the site's purpose, viewers are invited to post comments about the various topics featured on The Fox Nation, which Fox News described as "a new community where all Americans are encouraged to share, discuss, and debate."

Fair and balanced to be sure:

The Fox Nation has been criticized by liberal web sites for posting inaccurate or misleading information that promotes a conservative viewpoint. According to Mediamatters.org, "The Fox Nation has displayed an uncanny ability to mislead readers, twist the truth, spread wild conspiracy theories, and misrepresent the reporting of legitimate journalists and media outlets."[3] Likewise, Huffington Post has stated, "[O]ne of the main functions of the political content at the site appears to be crafting inflammatory and widely misleading headlines for links to articles by news organizations whose content contradicts the Fox headline."[4]The Fox Nation provides links directly to other media outlets for their viewers to read and make their own informed decision. (Wikipedia)

The tea parties are starting up Friday, August 28th on the State Capitol steps, Sacramento, CA and culminating, Saturday, September 12th in front of the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. The tour is scheduled to fulminate in over 30 cities across the country.

For sure they will suck up lot and lots of media oxygen during a critical period in the health care debate.

This begs the question, is there is anything we can do?  There is.  If you live in any of the 30+ tour cities please show up with your trusty video camera, some burly friends and wearing one of your favorite authorized Rush Limbaugh T-shirts.  My fave is The Club Gitmo T-shirt - When America Was Safe. 

Don't be aggressive, don't be belligerent, be their friend, you never know when there will be another "Macaca" moment (from my mouth to God's ears).  You might want to practice-up for your CNN interview.  Post your tapes everywhere you can, you look like a CNN I-Reporter to me.   The more the country gets to know and love those lovely folks who are against everything we want, need and voted for the sooner they will marginalize themselves.

"Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light." - Helen Keller

Like any loyal true, red white and blue, 2nd Amendment carrying, born and raised, and I got the papers to prove it, American c-i-t-i-z-e-n I am truly, madly, deeply concerned that the President of the United States, Barack Husein Obama may not be a bona fide John/Jane Q. Public, naturalized person of this great land. I'm serious here.

So as any good blogger should do I Googled, the birth mother of the birther movement, Dr. Orly Taitz and frankly I'm very concerned what I learned.  Dr. Orly Taitz is not a naturalized American citizen!  In fact I saw no documentation that she is a U.S. citizen at all!!!

Here's what's scaring the crap out of me:  According to the Orange County Weekly Dr. Taitz, immigrated to the United States from Israel in 1987.  It's a well known fact that Israel is no fan of President Obama.  Could they have sent Doc. Taitz to undermine his Presidency?  I need to see proof, and now that Ms.Taitz is not and has never been a Mossad agent. 

But wait, there's more:  Before Israel, Dr. Taitz lived in what was then the Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldavia.  You heard me right, Dr. Orly Taitz could very well be a pinko commie.  Now I know she claims that she's concerned because she "came from a communist country."

"I saw the things that Obama is saying that really did not make sense and that concerned me. One, of course, that had to do with the all-civilian army. And I saw footage of children dressed in uniforms, saluting Obama and doing drills. That reminded me of young communists."

I mean what do you expect her to say, I'm a communist agent sent to subvert your democracy, hell no, she's going to wrap herself in the American flag so we can't see her true colors.  You know what they say "однажды КГБ всегда КГБ," "Once KGB always KGB."  How do we know she's not one of Stalin's children?  I saw, The Boys From Brazil.  They didn't call him Papa Joe for nothing.  I want to see proof and now, are you or were you ever a member of the Communist Party? 

This is getting really scary, but there's more:  Dr. Orly Taitz is a dentist!  I know what you are thinking, Dustin Hoffman , Marathon Man, one of the most agonizing torture scenes ever portrayed. You'll never see your dentist the same way again.  Me too.  But that movie was about Nazis. Try this Stephen Colbert thanks Dr. Taitz for being one of the few people willing to compare the Obama administration to Nazi Germany (footage below). 

Now I'm not saying that Dr. Orly Taitz is a communist-Nazi-Mossad agent but I sure as hell need some proof, and quick that she's not.

I know that this is a lot to absorb and I haven't gotten personal yet like, what's with that hair, the last time I saw a do like that was on Gidget and before that Eva Braun.

Below is and interview with Dr. Taitz and Stephen Colbert, you decide.  But I'm afraid, unless she comes up with the proof, America she's taking YOU for a ride, and Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is driving.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Womb Raiders - Orly Taitz
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Tasers

If you think that love isnt found on the radio
Well tune right in you made find the love you lost
cause now Im sitting here with the man I sent away long ago
It sounded really loud they said it really loud
On the radio whoa oh oh
On the radio whoa oh oh
On the radio whoa oh oh
On the radio whoa oh oh
On the radio whoa oh oh
On the radio, radio, radio (fade)

"On The Radio" -  Donna Summer

Me thinks dear Sarah's (Palin) secret plan is out of the bag - she's going on the radio.  And you know what - it's a smart move.

Inside Radio has the story; Palin tests radio waters:

Alaska's now former Governor is coy about her future political plans, but radio is at least one option she's leaving on the table.  While not exactly shopping the GOP's 2008 vice presidential candidate, sources say Palin representatives have been quietly testing the waters to see how much interest radio syndicators have for her.

Radio is a perfect fit for her:

• She never has to leave Alaska - they can build a studio in her house
• She's a lazy one that Sarah - work no - hunt yes - all she has to do is talk for three-hours then take the rest of the day off... (very bad news for the moose population)
• She couldn't care less about being President - you mean like work
• If you want to be a power in the Republican party you need to be on radio - right Rush?
• It pays a couple hundred times more then being President - why have one pair of Manolo Blahniks when you can own the whole factory

The market for Sarah would be huge, and she could still tease to higher ambitions:

It isn't unusual for a defeated national candidate to turn to radio.  Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee's short-form commentaries air on more than 400 stations via Citadel Media.  He remains among the names circulated for a potential presidential run in 2012.

Sarah would never run out of talk because the only thing her fans hear are the key demigod phrases. Remember the dog, Eddie on Frasier?  Frasier would be pontificating and they would go inside Eddie's head so you could hear what he heard, "Blah, blah, blah, Eddie."  Well this is what Sarah's non-sequiters sound like to her peeps..."Blah, blah, blah, tax cuts."  "Blah, blah, blah, Obama's a raciest." "Blah, blah, blah, kill moose and squirrel."

Sarah and radio is a win-win-win situation - red meat for the base - we get to laugh at her - and she becomes richer then Rush.  Can you say, private 747?

[Niles watches Martin working out a chess problem]
Niles: Uh-uh.
[Martin reaches for another piece]
Niles: Mmm-mmm.
Martin: All right, what would you do?
Niles: Well for starters, I'd take that corn-nut off the board.
Martin: That corn-nut's my bishop. Eddie ate the real one.
Niles: In that case, Corn-nut to Rook Seven. 
Frasier - TV series 1993-2004

Would God sue Dick Day for defamation of character?   LisaB for collaborating with said blasphemer?  Murry for misquoting Bo Obama?  It could happen in Italy:

This week in Rome, bloggers and activists wore gags to protest a proposed law that could impose heavy fines on bloggers who don't correct "offensive" comments within 48 hours.

"48 hours"! it takes Day longer then that to wake up from a bender.  And, how could he smoke with a gag?! (Knowing Day he would find a way, especially if it were made of hemp - say hey Billy Mays...)  But I digress...what's this lovely law all about?:

...the law would force bloggers to edit any post denounced to the government as defamatory. If the blogger refused, the denouncing citizen could sue for as much as $18,000.

"$18,000"! that's more then Day spends a week on booze and butts.  This all begs the question are Italians anti-Day rights or...:

"They are trying to reduce the number of bloggers in Italy," said Scorza, a lawyer and expert in digital civil rights. He said the internet has given Italians the tools to question their elected representatives.

"Scorza, a lawyer,"how did he get one name?  I thought that was resirved for like, Madona.   I digress, so who speaks out for the oppressed blogger:

One such Italian, the comedian-turned-blogger Beppe Grillo, has used the web to expose the Italian Parliament's inability to act on crucial issues such as conflict of interest, corruption and the environment.

"Beppe Grillo," what kid of a name is that for a comedian, ours have real names like Patrick J. Buchanan, and Rush Limbaugh, now those are comedians!

 So who is this funny man?:

Every year, Grillo organizes a popular event called "V-Day," which promotes active citizenship, and the use of the web as a news source. Recently, Grillo's popularity won him an online election as the next secretary of the Italian Democratic Party (PD). The party, however, refused his candidacy.

Sounds like, Michael Steele, but I digress.  Surely, someone else speaks for the destitute, despotized, and subjugated bloggers:

Antonio Palmieri, a Parliament member from Berlusconi's People of Freedom Party (PdL), said the Alfano law aims at stopping bloggers from abusing the freedom of the internet.

"How would you feel if you were anonymously insulted on the internet every day?" he said.

My kind of guy... Wait a gosh darn minute doesn't Berlusconi like own Italy?:

In a country where the prime minister owns the three largest commercial TV channels, the biggest publishing house, a leading advertising agency, and -- as head of state -- oversees Italian public television...

Wow a trifecta plus-one of power and control with just one righteous dude, we needed two, Rupert Murdoch and GW Bush.  But I digress... Just how far will this law go?:

Palmieri defended the "Alfano" proposal but also said it was written as an emotional reaction. He is working to improve the language of the proposal by clarifying what kinds of blogs and web sites should be liable. Palmieri thinks bigger blogs and online newspapers that affect public opinion should be regulated.

"Palmieri thinks bigger blogs and online newspapers that affect public opinion should be regulated."  And, you said Mussolini was dead.

So, nu, what brought this all on?:

In 2007, a YouTube video of a recorded phone call between then-opposition leader Silvio Berlusconi and a former RAI director exposed Berlusconi to public scrutiny. In the call, Berlusconi asked the RAI director to hire two women as a favor for a senator of the majority. Berlusconi said explicitly that he expected the senator to return the favor by helping him regain a Parliamentary majority.

The nerve of some people.  What are you going to tell me next, Berlusconi is having an affair with an 18-year-old?

Recently, now-Prime Minister Berlusconi has been under heavy public scrutiny for an ambiguous relationship with an 18-year-old aspiring TV star. Within days, the internet was saturated with satirical renditions of the alleged relationship via print, audio photo and video.

Wow, just like any old Republican.  Hey, it's Italy, it's expected there dudes.

Could it happen here?  Well. if the economy doesn't start creating jobs.  Wall Street pays themselves billions of our dollars in bonuses.  Heath care reform breaks a tailbone.  And, Bo Obama pees on the Presidential Seal (arf), we could have another Bush in the White House.  If I were Josh Marshal I'd get misanthropic, itinerant blogger insurance just in case.

Now back to Dick Day you, Sir, on multiple occlusions, called me a "feline canine."  The nerve of you to offend me in that way!  You can expect a call from Murry's lawyer!

PS I know what you are thinking, we have a Constitution, a First Amendment, Keith Olbermann.  Let me me put those thoughts to rest with two of the scariest words in the English language...Dick Cheney.

Italian bloggers strike: Proposed law would fine web sites denounced for defamation.

Lonesome Rhodes: This whole country's just like my flock of sheep!
Marcia Jeffries: Sheep?
Lonesome Rhodes: Rednecks, crackers, hillbillies, hausfraus, shut-ins, pea-pickers - everybody that's got to jump when somebody else blows the whistle. They don't know it yet, but they're all gonna be 'Fighters for Fuller'. They're mine! I own 'em! They think like I do. Only they're even more stupid than I am, so I gotta think for 'em. Marcia, you just wait and see. I'm gonna be the power behind the president - and you'll be the power behind me!
A Face in the Crowd (1957)

A Face in the Crowd, a classic film written by Budd Schulberg, and directed by Elia Kazan that launched the career of Andy Griffith. 

Andy played Larry 'Lonesome' Rhodes, an Arkansas hobo who became an overnight media sensation.  At the top of his game Rhodes becomes drunk with fame and power.  In the tradition of classical tragedy, he is undone by his own narcissism, and arrogance, and by Jeffries, the woman who built his stardom, and who becomes so fed up with him that she turns on the mic that allows him to expose his contempt for his very fans on the air.

What does this have to do with Sarah Palin?  She is 'Lonesome' Rhodes, and we have box seats to watch Little Miss Populism's rise and fall.

As a public service, and because I suffer from terminal OPD (Obsessive Palin Disease), today is the first is an occasional blog -  Palinliography, an academic, cultural, and snidely study of all things Palin. 

 So with much fanfare and ado let's catch the Wasilla Express to Palin Land and beyond...

First up Margaret Wente in the Globe and Mail; In Sonia v. Sarah, GOP is doomed: The Bronx judge, the Alaska pin-up girl and the Republican Party:

The Democrats have Sonia Sotomayor. The Republicans have Sarah Palin. That's all you really need to know. Between them, these two women explain why the Republicans are doomed.

Sonia Sotomayor, a Latina who grew up in a Bronx housing project, is a shoo-in for the Supreme Court. Barack Obama knew exactly what he was doing when he picked her. She is a symbol of Hispanic aspirations in a country where Hispanics are an increasingly powerful political force. She's known for her ferocious drive and work ethic and, despite what you may hear, she appears to be a moderate. She represents the American dream in action. The Republicans hate her.

Sarah Palin was the most scarily incompetent vice-presidential nominee in the history of the United States. She graduated from the University of Idaho, where she majored in communications (still not her strong suit). She represents the Peter Principle in action. The Republicans love her.

Ms. Wendte sums her position:

I used to think that, after the debacle of the Bush years, the train wreck of Sarah Palin and the Obama rout, the Republican Party would recover its sanity and regroup. Clearly, I was wrong. People who argue that Sarah Palin is good for America while Sonia Sotomayor is a threat are obviously out of their minds. They are determined to drive their own party off a cliff into oblivion. And they're succeeding nicely.

Now for the big question; is Sarah staying in politics?  How's this grab you, an op-ed in the Washington Post; The 'Cap And Tax' Dead End, by Sarah Palin.  Betcha Todd was up all night writing this honey:

In addition to immediately increasing unemployment in the energy sector, even more American jobs will be threatened by the rising cost of doing business under the cap-and-tax plan. For example, the cost of farming will certainly increase, driving down farm incomes while driving up grocery prices. The costs of manufacturing, warehousing and transportation will also increase.

The ironic beauty in this plan? Soon, even the most ardent liberal will understand supply-side economics.

The Americans hit hardest will be those already struggling to make ends meet. As the president eloquently puts it, their electricity bills will "necessarily skyrocket." So much for not raising taxes on anyone making less than $250,000 a year.

How's this for originality:

Can America produce more of its own energy through strategic investments that protect the environment, revive our economy and secure our nation?

Yes, we can. Just not with Barack Obama's energy cap-and-tax plan.

Of course there is the big question, just how popular is dear Sarah?  CBS has a new poll; Most Say Palin Resigned To Help Her Career:

Just 24 percent of those accept Palin's explanation that she resigned because it was the right thing to do for Alaska. More than twice that percentage - 52 percent - cited her political ambition as the reason for her resignation. An additional 14 percent said they don't know the reason.

Even Republicans are skeptical of the explanation, with a higher percentage saying Palin resigned for her political career (36 percent) than saying she did so for Alaska (31 percent).

Cool.  But how many would vote for her?:

Less than one in four Americans - 23 percent - hold a favorable view of Palin. Thirty-seven percent hold an unfavorable view of the former Republican vice presidential nominee. Another 39 percent are undecided.

"23 percent," isn't that the number of registered Republicans?  Hmmm...

What do the Republican elite think of Sarah's ambitions?  Not much according to the Los Angeles Times; Republican pundits open fire on Sarah Palin:

Since announcing her resignation, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has been pummeled by critics who have called her incoherent, a quitter, a joke and a "political train wreck."

"People at the grass roots see a charismatic personality who is popular with other people at the grass roots. But their horizon only goes so far as people who think like them," said Mike Murphy. The veteran GOP ad man eviscerated Palin -- a "political train wreck," "an awful choice" for vice president, her resignation an "astonishing self-immolation"

Shades of Lonesome Rhodes, eh...  But, how well does she do among the Rednecks, crackers, hillbillies, hausfraus, shut-ins, and pea-pickers?:

Consider a USA Today/Gallup poll released last week. About 7 in 10 Republicans said they would be likely to vote for Palin if she ran for president. Other surveys place Palin in a statistical dead heat with Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee...

Oy.

Who will speak out against this one woman political mulching machine?  Every Holmes must have a Dr. Moriarty skulking in the foreshadows - yes, it is he, Levi Johnston, Bristol Palin's former fiance, speaking his mind on the "Today" show; pretty weighty stuff from her sworn enemy; fame "got to her head," she talked about doing a reality show, and he wouldn't vote for her for president, he's not sure she could handle the pressure. (Johnston On Palin: Fame "Got To Her Head" (VIDEO))

Well, that's all for now but stay tuned to this channel for the further adventures of our own Sarah Palin.  She's going to be around for a long while.  God, I love it!  That is until she quits again...

"Excessive speculation is distorting prices, undermining our commodity markets and hurting our economic recovery" - Senator Carl Levin (D-MI)

Remember last summer when speculators drove the price of oil to more than $140 a barrel and you paid $4.00 a gallon for gas. Well, "They're back."  For no apparent reason oil has gone back up to $70 a barrel, today in CA gas is $2.99. Staycation anyone?

Attention speculators; the jigs up:

In response to gyrating oil and commodity prices, the CFTC announced this week it was planning to clamp down on big market players by implementing position limits on all commodity futures contracts of limited supply, focusing especially on energy.

Detractors suggest the regulation process could take months. Not so, according to Bart Chilton, a CFTC commissioner:

"We're looking at a pretty fast timeline,"  "We're going to use our authority to the fullest extent possible. (Commodities trading limits fast tracked)

Who exactly are these reckless speculators that seem hell bent on taking down our, and the world's economy?  I know, Dr Evil.  No?  Then who?

While traditional speculators go in and out of the markets, big pension and endowment funds in recent years have also diversified their investments into commodities to hedge against inflation and a weaker dollar. Some positions grew so large that legislators and analysts said the trend was pushing oil prices to levels that couldn't be justified by fundamentals. (Regulator to consider limits on commodity speculators)

"...big pension and endowment funds!"  You mean tens of thousands of auto and airline workers lost their jobs and/or saw their pensions drop perspicaciously because of geniuses who run their pension funds?!   No one can afford to send their kid to Harvard because of the Harvard endowment fund?!  What is wrong with this picture?

What's the plan, Boss?  It's called, "position limits."  Roughly translated it means no one, country, institution, investor can corner the market and drive up prices.  Like the California Public Employees' Retirement System, the biggest U.S. public pension fund, now has about $600 million in commodities.  Maybe someone should tell the financial wizards that California is like broke.  Like can't afford retirement contributions.

Of course there are those against regulation like trading firms, brokers and big banks.  You know the companies that the taxpayers had to bail out the last time we had $4.00 gas.  (Pass the Tums.)

The world has gotten too big and too greedy not to be regulated, worldwide. Of course Republicans will scream, cause that's the only thing they know how to do.  Then again whose ever heard of a Republican worker or businesses affected by high gas prices?  Calling Dr Evil...

Dr. Evil: Gentlemen, I have a plan. It's called blackmail. The Royal Family of Britain are the wealthiest landowners in the world. Either the Royal Family pays us an exorbitant amount of money, or we make it seen that Prince Charles has had an affair outside of marriage and therefore would have to divorce!

Number Two: Prince Charles *did* have an affair. He admitted it...

Dr. Evil: Right, people you have to tell me these things, okay? I've been frozen for thirty years, okay? Throw me a frickin' bone here! I'm the boss! Need the info.

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

I've been been accused, on these very pages, of supporting torture (TPM member Steve Katz wants the USA to opt out of the Convention Against Torture)!  He did spell my name right.

My position has always been clear, I favor an investigation, when the time is right.

Well, get the kids, make the popcorn, get into your snuggies, "They're here."

Daniel Klaidman writes in Newsweek; Independent's Day: Obama doesn't want to look back, but Attorney General Eric Holder may probe Bush-era torture anyway.

Four knowledgeable sources tell NEWSWEEK that he (Holder) is now leaning toward appointing a prosecutor to investigate the Bush administration's brutal interrogation practices, something the president has been reluctant to do.

"...leaning toward..."  Really.  Ponder this:

The night before (Holder), he'd stood on the roof of the White House alongside the president of the United States, leaning over a railing to watch fireworks burst over the Mall, the monuments to Lincoln and Washington aglow at either end. "I was so struck by the fact that for the first time in history an African-American was presiding over this celebration of what our nation is all about..."

Let see, I'm pondering what may be one of the most important investigations in the history of our Republic and I'll invite Newsweek to my home for breakfast to...ponder.  I don't think so.

Holder fully understands the implications:

While no final decision has been made, an announcement could come in a matter of weeks, say these sources, who decline to be identified discussing a sensitive law-enforcement matter. Such a decision would roil the country, would likely plunge Washington into a new round of partisan warfare, and could even imperil Obama's domestic priorities, including health care and energy reform. Holder knows all this, and he has been wrestling with the question for months. "I hope that whatever decision I make would not have a negative impact on the president's agenda," he says. "But that can't be a part of my decision."

"...negative impact on the president's agenda," I think not.  If all the media is talking about is, health care, what do we get, wall-to-wall Republican anti-health care propaganda.  The bill is DOA.

But, as the media can only handle one story at a time, barely, this will suck up more air time then Michael Jackson.  Meanwhile the heath care and energy bills will be written and dumped on Johnny Republican's desks in the middle of the night.  And, rightfully so.

What do we get?  Hopefully, the truth to what was one of the most heinous crimes against our Constitution, in history.

Hey, all you conspiracy theorists out there, don't you find it just slightly coincidental that this week, Obama extended Cheney's Secret Service protection (so we'll always know where he is?). Let us pray that someday they ask him for his passport.

So, let freedom ring.  May Bush and friends be treated, fair and balanced.  Pass the popcorn.  And, God bless the United States of America.

With homage to: Who killed Cock Robin? Tommy Thumb's Pretty Song Book, published c. 1744     Source Wikipedia

"Only dead fish 'go with the flow.'" - Sarah Palin

Who Killed Sarah Palin('s Political Career)?

    Who Killed Sarah Palin?
    I, said John McCain,
    for getting her in the national game.
    I killed Sarah Palin.

    Who saw her die?
    I, said the non-stop negative media eye
    with a Couric's view we did pry.
    I saw her die.

    Who caught her blood?
    I, said greed,
    with a book deal, a speaking tour, and God squad's speed
    I caught her blood.

    Who will make the shroud?
    I, said her inner diva
    no more fancy pageant walking, for this I sit Shiva
    I will make the shroud.

    Who will dig her grave?
    I, said hypersensitive,
    can't take criticism, makes her apprehensive,
    I will dig her grave.

    Who will be the parson?
    I, said narcissistic,
    say bad things about her and she goes ballistic.
    I'll be the parson

    Who will be the clerk?
    I, said Levi Johnston,
    I'm writing a book and need to get my bitter-pill on.
    I'll be the clerk.

    Who will carry the link?
    I, said scandal,
    there's lots more of me to come, and I've got a handle.
    I'll carry the link.

    Who'll be chief mourner?
    I, said Mitt Romney,
    I'll bring my supporters, we're all real smarmy.
    I'll be chief mourner.

    Who'll carry the coffin?
    I, said the social conservative base,
    to us she is more then a very pretty face.
    I will carry the coffin.

    Who will bear the pall?
    I, said Bill Crystal,
    she's my first choice and I'll take her in a pistol.
    I will bear the pall.

    Who will sing the psalm?
    I, said pressure,
    or all be told she is only a political fresher.
    I will sing the psalm.

    Who'll toll the bell?
    I, said the GOP's,
    she was getting too big for her britches and me too weak in the knees.
    I will toll the bell.

    All the right pundits of the air
    fell a-sighing and a-wailen,
    when they heard the bell toll
    for poor Sarah Palin.

    Who Killed Sarah Palin?
    I, said Sarah Palin,
    all my political life it's me whose been a-flailin.
    That is why I killed Sarah Palin.

    Why oh why did she do herself in?
    That my friends is the purpose of this rhyme,
    the truth must be told (and she knows it)
    our Sarah is not ready for prime-time.
   
    You betcha...

Possible 2012 Republican presidential candidates seem to be dropping faster then flies in the East Room of the White House.

With due continence and approbation to TPM Poet Laureate, and Resident G-D Fearing Scholar, Sir Dickish Daze, I offer for your effusive consumption, "10 Little Republicans."  Who will, or Will it be?

                    "10 Little Republicans 2012" (a children's rhyme)
(ahem)
        Ten little Republicans standin' in a line,
        Jindal answered the President address and then there were nine;

        Nine little Republicans swingin' on a gate,
        Who knows what sex Lindsey Graham is and then there were eight.

One little, two little, three little, four little, five little Republican boys,
Six little, seven little, eight little, nine little, little Republican boys, and one little Republican girl.

        Eight little Republicans gayest under heav'n.
        Charlie Crist ain't conservative e'nuff and then there were seven;

        Seven little Republicans cuttin' up their tricks,
        Newt is yesterday's salamander and then there were six.

        Six little Republicans all alive,
        Rush found out Cantor is Jewish and then there were five;

        Five little Republicans on a cellar door,
        Nobody likes Romney and then there were four.

        Four little Republicans up on a spree,
        Huckabee caught his G' string and then there were three;

        Three little Republicans out on a canoe,
        Sanford took a hike and then there were two.

        Two little Republicans foolin' with a gun,
        Sarah got shot down and then there was one;

        One little Republican havin' some fun,
        Dick's battery dies and then there were none.

With homage to "10 Little Injuns" - Septimus Winner, 1868

"I don't believe what I just saw! " - Jack Buck calling Kirk Gibson's epic one-handed World Series home run

The nicest thing I can say about Joe Scarborough is that I think he actually believes the conservative clap trap that comes out of his mouth.  It's so bad for me that I skip over my preferred news source MSNBC when he's on. 

Tomorrow I'm tuning in.  How is Scarborough going to follow this; today he took John McCain, and Lindsey Graham to the woodshed, and gave the a whooping, with a leather strap.  Ouch!

The piece starts with McCain and Graham, voices quivering, unconvincingly spouting Republican counterintuitive talking points on the Sunday talk shows, "the President needs to do more." 

Then Joe,takes them to school shouting; if we do what McCain and Graham say, "we will undermine their cause.(Iran)"  He is officially pissed.  "It's so shortsighted I find it stunning!"

Mika is good, "I don't understand what they want him (Obama) to be doing?"

Scarborough picks up the ball and runs with it, "That's what I'm trying to figure out."  "What would John McCain, and Lindsey Graham, specifically have the president say?"  Touchdown!

Joe goes on to talk about the hate mail he's getting, someone dared to call him a "Liberal!"  (The offending e-mail has been forwarded to the FBI.)

Could it be that Joe as suddenly gained cognitive skills?  Is this a temporary disturbance in the force?  Is Joe Scarborough a mini Iran where Joe Scarborough is in a fight for his freedom from dictator and Supreme Leader, Joe Scarborough?

Decide for yourself.

morning joe goes off the reservation?

From: Mir Hossein Mousavi
To: The Dignified People of Iran

Do Not Allow Liars and Cheats Rob You of the Flag of the Islamic Republic.

In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

So begins a memo published on Juan Cole's Informed Comment web site.  If one has any doubts as to Mr Mousavi's leadership ability and commitment to change in Iran this press release should dissuade them: 

The Dignified and Astute People of Iran:

In these days and nights, a historical crossroads is taking shape in the history of our nation. People ask each other, and they ask me, as to what should be done and what path should be taken.

Mr Mousavi lays out his reasons for running for President.  How he saw Iran not staying true to the course of the 1979 Revolution, not keeping faith to the people.  His platform was that it "wasn't too late."  That it was, "possible to lead a spiritual life in a modern world."  To, "convey the warnings of our Leader [Ayatollah Khomeini] about [the dangers of] stone-age mentality."  That, "circumventing the law leads to dictatorship."

With honesty and candor Mr Mousavi admits that he did not affectively convey his message, yet it was heard by the people, and now he is being led by them:

In this mission, I was not eloquent. Despite my deficient speech, the genuine message of the Revolution touched the hearts of the young generation--which had not experienced those [early] days. Having found a large crevasse between itself and the lofty ideals [of the Revolution], the youth reconstructed scenes that we had not witnessed since the early days of the movement [to depose the Shah] and the Sacred Defense [against Saddam's Iraq].

The self-propelling movement of the people chose green as its iconic color. I admit that in this I followed their lead.

He then answers Supreme Leader's stern warning to the people not to protest from his in his Friday sermon of June 19th with a stern warning of his own:

If the people's good opinion and trust is not reciprocated by protecting their votes, or if they're denied civil and peaceful channels to defend their rights, then dangerous paths will lie ahead. And those who refuse to tolerate peaceful conduct will bear the responsibility for any consequences.

If the very large magnitude of the cheating and vote-rigging, which has fueled popular discontent, is cited as proof of the absence of cheating, then the Republic is headed for the slaughterhouse, and the allegation that Islam and republicanism are contradictory will have been proven.

He goes on to say to the people not to engage in Iranian to Iranian conflict.  "We're not the opponents of the Basiji; the Basiji is our brother." "We're not the opponents of the Revolutionary Guard; the Revolutionary Guard is the protector of our Revolution and our Republic."  "We're not the opponents of our Sacred Establishment or its legal infrastructure; this infrastructure is the guarantor of our independence, freedom, and our Islamic Republic."

He sums up what is transpiring thusly:

As I gaze upon the political landscape, I find it engineered for purposes that transcend the mere imposition of an unwanted Chief Executive. It's an attempt to impose a new political reality on the nation.

As a companion who has seen the beauty of your green wave, I will never permit myself to endanger your lives by my actions. Nevertheless, I'm firm in my view that the recent election is invalid, and I insist on the fulfillment of the people's rights.

Despite my limited authority and influence, I continue to believe that your motivation and creativity--expressed through novel civic activities--will enable you to pursue, and attain, your legitimate rights.

And for the pontificating pundits who question his sincerity:

Rest assured that I continue to be at your side.

Your brother and companion,

Mir Hossein Mousavi.

It is too early to predict how the metamorphosis that is taking place in Iran will end but I think we can all agree that the genie is out of the bottle.

This interview was conducted by p-mail, and peetweet (we are working on a nose-to-you-know-what chat in the near future).  Special thanks go out to Sara, Leo, Maxie, Cookie, Rex, Fido, Butch, Taffy, Lilly, Puppy, Watson, and DickDay, their owners, and understanding gardeners for all their help. - Murry

Murry: Bo, thank you on behalf of all your four-legged fans for granting us this, your first interview.  We're all wagging to know, what's it like being FIDOUS (FIrst Dog Of the United States)? 

Bo: It's pretty cool.  We live in a big house with a really big yard and lots of people visit so there are always new smells.

Murry: What are Sasha and Malia like, they look so sweet.

Bo: They are so wonderful, we play all kinds of games like fetch, and hide the treat.  And, they are so loving...

Murry: Do you sleep in bed with them?

Bo: Of course.  I go from bedroom to bedroom.  But I have to be careful to not wander into the hall.  A man wearing sunglasses and a thing in his ear always wants to check my dog tag.

Murry: I smelled that the girls like to dress you up.

Bo:  I'd prefer not talking about that.  I may want to run for office someday.

Murry: What's Michele Obama like?

Bo:  Really loving, and caring.   But tough.  You don't want to cross her.  But she doesn't hold a grudge.

Murry: There was that incident in the Lincoln Bedroom.

Bo: That wasn't my fault, Murry.  I smelled a cat.  It was my duty to leave a scent.  You know.  Sadly, Mrs. Obama did not believe me.  Even after I gave her my best sad look.

Murry: That's not fair, the Clinton's had a cat.  When you see President Clinton ask him if he ever had Socks in the Lincoln Bedroom.

Bo: I really like Mrs. Clinton.  Very nice to me.  You know she just broke her paw.

Murry: Please give her our best.  Does she have to wear one of those plastic cone collars?

Bo: I'll check.

Murry:  Now, for the big question, what's President Obama like?

Bo:  As you know, Murry he is the leader of all our packs.  Except when we go walking.  Then I'm the leader of the leader of the free world.  He has a problem keeping up.  I sent you a picture. (laughs)  He really is a great dad.  You should see how far he can throw a ball.

Murry: Just make sure he picks up your poop.  Don't want to give the Republicans anything to use against him.

Bo: Republicans.  Don't like them.  They smell bad, and are mean to my dad.  Ever watch Fox news?  I would of marked the TV but Mrs. Obama was in the room.

Murry: We know you are new to Washington but do you have any thoughts on politics?

Bo: Well my dad is working really hard on this health care thing for people. Maybe when he's done he can come up with a plan for all us four-legged folk.  Mandatory Veterinary Care. I need to talk to Uncle Teddy.

Murry: I like it.  You're really getting the hang of Washington.

Bo: I've got Kennedy bloodline.

Murry:  We can't thank you enough for spending time with us.

Bo:  It was my pleasure, Murry.  We'll have to do it again.  Now, if you can excuse me, I just heard there is a fly bothering my dad in the East Room.
 
                      Bo Leading The Leader Of The Free World

Today, during a CNBC interview (video below) on health care, and financial industry reforms, President Barack Obama sent a scathingly sharp subliminal message to belligerent regimes everywhere, I will crush you like a bug. 

During the interview the President was aggressively buzzed by a bellicose fly.  The militant Diptera irritated the Commander in Chief, and leader of the free world one time too many. 

Sans a scintilla of swagger, with a move so blindingly fast and smooth guaranteed to make Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid envious, the President took out the annoying insect.

"That was pretty impressive wasn't it?" President Obama said after the clean take down. "Anyone else want to mess with the United States of America?"  Well actually President Obama said, "I got the sucker."  But they got the message.

CNBC was able to get a close-up of extremely dead pest.  Under intense magnification one can see that Obama's blow as so accurate as to cause massive brain trauma without effecting any other body parts. 

After the interview the President picked up the invader with tissue and put it in an evidence bag (made that part up), for further analysis by the Pentagon, and the CIA.

Update:  After further analysis of the closeup of the dead fly in Photoshop it appears to have something akin to a dog tag around it's neck, it either says "Property of Kim Jong-il." or "Rush Limbaugh."  Watch this space for updates.