An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
Archive for 20 February 2009
Interesting
Guantánamo Meets Geneva Rules, Study Finds
A Pentagon report requested by President Obama on the conditions at the Guantánamo Bay detention center concluded that the prison complies with the humane-treatment requirements of the Geneva Conventions. But it makes recommendations for improvements including increasing human contact for the prisoners, according to two government officials who have read parts of it.
The review, requested by Mr. Obama on his second day in office, is to be delivered to the White House next week.
The president’s request, made as part of a plan to close the prison within a year, was widely seen as an effort to defuse accusations that there were widespread abuses at Guantánamo, and that many detainees were suffering severe psychological effects after years of isolation.
Well, now….if this was on the news anywhere today, I must have missed it.
And to those who hate America so much, they’d rather see the scum in Gitmo freed to murder again, rather than admit they are wrong?
For My WI Buds :)
98% OF AMERICANS SAY ‘OH SHIT’ BEFORE GOING IN THE DITCH ON A SLIPPERY ROAD.
THE OTHER 2% ARE FROM WISCONSIN or MINNESOTA AND THEY SAY, ‘HOLD MY BEER, I’M GONNA TRY SOMETHIN’ HERE’.
Courtesy of Mr Ol’ Broad.
Rush’s Love Letter To Obama
Mr. President, Keep the Airwaves Free
As a former law professor, surely you understand the Bill of Rights.
Dear President Obama:
I have a straightforward question, which I hope you will answer in a straightforward way: Is it your intention to censor talk radio through a variety of contrivances, such as “local content,” “diversity of ownership,” and “public interest” rules — all of which are designed to appeal to populist sentiments but, as you know, are the death knell of talk radio and the AM band?
You have singled me out directly, admonishing members of Congress not to listen to my show. Bill Clinton has since chimed in, complaining about the lack of balance on radio. And a number of members of your party, in and out of Congress, are forming a chorus of advocates for government control over radio content. This is both chilling and ominous.
Kitty Heaven
Socks, the Clintons’ White House cat, dies
Socks, the White House cat during the Clinton administration who waged war on Buddy the pup, has died. He was around 18.
Socks had lived with Bill Clinton’s secretary, Betty Currie, in Hollywood, Md., since the Clintons left the White House in early 2001.
Currie confirmed Socks’ death Friday evening and said she was “heartbroken.” She did not give details, referring calls to the Clinton Foundation office.
The foundation released a statement from the Clintons:
“Socks brought much happiness to Chelsea and us over the years, and enjoyment to kids and cat lovers everywhere. We’re grateful for those memories, and we especially want to thank our good friend, Betty Currie, for taking such loving care of Socks for so many years.”
I’m not really sure why the Clintons are ‘sad’ at Socks’ passing. They haven’t lived with the cat for 8 years! If the kitty meant so much to them, or Chelsea, why didn’t they take him with them? Whatever.
R.I.P. kitty cat.
Pastor Gets 30 Days
For what? Speaking the truth? Absolutely!
AFRICAN AMERICAN PASTOR SENTENCED TO JAIL FOR OFFERING ABORTION ALTERNATIVES ON PUBLIC SIDEWALK
Rev. Hoye is an African-American pastor who feels a special calling to work for the end of the genocide-by-abortion taking place in the African-American community. As part of his efforts, he stands in front of an abortion clinic in Oakland with leaflets offering abortion alternatives and a sign reading, “Jesus loves you and your baby. Let us help.” That was, until he was found guilty and jailed for “unlawfully” approaching abortion clinic patients because the Oakland City Council passed an ordinance making it a crime to stand on a public sidewalk offering alternatives to abortion.
Watch the video.
Now, you tell me…..just who is harassing whom?
It seems to me that black churches are forgetting something REAL important. The Bible part. While promoting the first black President, they forgot to examine exactly what he stood for….one of which is the murder of babies….. ALL babies.
H/T: On The wRite Side
Weasels
Won’t Let Us Have Any Fun!
OMG! Did Google Earth find Atlantis?
So this guy is trawling the ocean floor with Google Earth–ah, if only we had that kind of free time on our hands–and was quick to announce his discovery. It looks like The Telegraph reported the story first, adding that the exact coordinates are 31 15’15.53N, 24 15’30.53W.
But when it comes to Atlantis, Google totally had to rain on everyone’s parade. “It’s true that many amazing discoveries have been made in Google Earth including a pristine forest in Mozambique that is home to previously unknown species and the remains of an ancient Roman villa,” a statement from Google read. “In this case, however, what users are seeing is an artifact of the data collection process. Bathymetric (or sea floor terrain) data is often collected from boats using sonar to take measurements of the sea floor. The lines reflect the path of the boat as it gathers the data.”
Pfft!
HR 45
1/6/2009–Introduced.
Blair Holt’s Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009 – Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit a person from possessing a firearm unless that person has been issued a firearm license under this Act or a state system certified under this Act and such license has not been invalidated or revoked. Prescribes license application, issuance, and renewal requirements.
Prohibits transferring or receiving a qualifying firearm unless the recipient presents a valid firearms license, the license is verified, and the dealer records a tracking authorization number. Prescribes firearms transfer reporting and record keeping requirements. Directs the Attorney General to establish and maintain a federal record of sale system.
Prohibits: (1) transferring a firearm to any person other than a licensee, unless the transfer is processed through a licensed dealer in accordance with national instant criminal background check system requirements, with exceptions; (2) a licensed manufacturer or dealer from failing to comply with reporting and record keeping requirements of this Act; (3) failing to report the loss or theft of the firearm to the Attorney General within 72 hours; (4) failing to report to the Attorney General an address change within 60 days; or (5) keeping a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and ammunition for the firearm, knowingly or recklessly disregarding the risk that a child is capable of gaining access, if a child uses the firearm and causes death or serious bodily injury.
Prescribes criminal penalties for violations of firearms provisions covered by this Act.
Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish and maintain a firearm injury information clearinghouse; (2) conduct continuing studies and investigations of firearm-related deaths and injuries; and (3) collect and maintain current production and sales figures of each licensed manufacturer.
Authorizes the Attorney General to certify state firearm licensing or record of sale systems.
Psst! HEY….SFB!
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
That ol’ pesky Constitution.
Just Cuz…..
…..I thought it was hilarious!
Courtesy of Chris via email.
A Memphis Tea Party?
Perhaps Nashville? Well, we can do that a whole lot easier than Chicago.
The Chicago Tea Party and Many More to Come
The idea is growing. Online activists are sorting out the different responses at Operation Twitter Tea Party with the hashtag #optwtp. Tennessee activists are not to be outdone. For those unable to take the time off of work or spend the money to travel so far, know the Memphis Tea Party will be happening this July as well! The details will be more clear as plans move ahead but you can keep up with them at Memphis Tea Party! Perhaps we should also do a Nashville and a Knoxville Tea Party.
Well, now. I think the people are speaking up…..loud and clear. No one who works their hind end off to provide for their families thinks it’s a real good idea to carry the water for those who can’t be bothered. Giving of your own volitian is one thing. Being forced to support people who won’t even try to help themselves? Well, that a whole ‘nuther can of worms, isn’t it.
Obamarama
Morning Coffee 02/20/09
Jobless Hit With Bank Fees on Benefits
For hundreds of thousands of workers losing their jobs during the recession, there’s a new twist to their financial pain: Even as they’re collecting unemployment benefits, they’re paying bank fees just to get access to their money.
Thirty states have struck such deals with banks that include Citigroup Inc., Bank of America Corp., JP Morgan Chase and US Bancorp, an Associated Press review of the agreements found. All the programs carry fees, and in several states the unemployed have no choice but to use the debit cards. Some banks even charge overdraft fees of up to $20 — even though they could decline charges for more than what’s on the card.
What a huge pile of steaming male bovine excrement! And that is putting it politely. When you are unemployed, and yes, have been jobless in the past, you need every single dime to make it through the week. I never claimed unemployment, because of the hoops you have to go through just to get it. I was lucky, I had backup funds. These people are being screwed over from every side! I honestly think these banks, and the states that approve of this manure, should rethink their policy. After all, isn’t it OUR money that is propping their sorry hind ends up?
Lutherans propose allowing gay pastors in committed relationships
One of the nation’s largest Protestant denominations would allow gay clergy in committed relationships to pastor local churches, under a new proposal from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Officially, all unmarried clergy in the 4.9 million-member denomination must remain celibate. But since 2007, Lutheran bishops have agreed not to discipline gay clergy who are sexually active.
I guess the Lutherans have forgotten to read the Bible too. I have to say, I am more than just a little surprised, but then, I guess I shouldn’t be, considering the direction the country is taking. They seem to conveniently forget just who, in the ultimate scheme of things, really gives them their ‘rights’.
It’s Final: Peres Entrusts Netanyahu with Forming a Government
Kadima leader Tzipi Livni said she was headed for the opposition. “A person who is willing to give up all of his values to sit on a chair is not worthy of occupying that chair,” she said after meeting with Peres on Friday.
Netanyahu told Peres in their meeting Friday that he is interested in forming a “unity government” – that is, a government that will include Kadima. “I want a unity government and I understand the need for such a government,” he told Peres. “Immediately after you entrust me with forming the government I will invite Kadima to negotiations,” he promised.
I’m finding that Israeli politics is extremely confusing. Does this mean that Bibi is now the PM of Israel? And he’s going to have trouble with the center left folks?
GOP, Dems agree on dislike of open primary
A proposed constitutional amendment would go before voters in June 2010 instituting a “top-two” primary system, which would effectively eliminate party primary ballots, erase candidate party labels in primary elections and allow voters to choose the two candidates – of whatever party – who would compete in the general election.
An open primary would dissolve the current political primary system, and has the potential to seriously erode party power and change the entire landscape of state politics.
Well, hell. Why not! There isn’t a whole lot of difference between the two anymore. Might as well just put a great big, fat, “L” on the end of their names.
Guantanamo Brit Is Cleared For Release
Binyam Mohamed is expected to be freed from the US military detention centre and returned to Britain next week.
A team of British officials travelled to the naval base in Cuba at the weekend and said he was well enough to fly back to the UK.
He went on hunger strike for more than a month this year and had been described by his legal team as “close to starvation”.
Ethiopian-born Mr Mohamed claims he was tortured into falsely confessing to terror activities by intelligence agents – including British MI5 officers.
Pfft! I can claim I’m a toaster, but that doesn’t make it so. Well, Brits….good luck with that one. If he blows up a bunch of civilians, y’all can thank B. Hussein and his anti security policies.
Wall Street falls sharply at opening
Disappointing fourth-quarter earnings reports from Lowe’s and J.C. Penney provided new evidence that the recession is taking a heavy toll on U.S. businesses. The pair also forecast 2009 earnings below analysts’ expectations.
The reports came as investors are increasingly worried about the weakening banking industry and what the government is doing to stabilize it.
The Dow tumbled 131.10, or 1.76 percent, to 7,334.85. On Thursday, the Dow fell to its lowest level since Oct. 9, 2002, the depths of the last bear market.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 index tumbled 14.05, or 1.80 percent, Friday to 764.89, while the Nasdaq composite index fell 16.14, or 1.12 percent, to 1,426.68.
Gee. What happened to all the touchy, feely, feel good, Kumbaya, “hope and change”? Why, it was replaced with a “CRISIS”. 25 times in 10 minutes. Way to go ya putz! Guess what? NO ONE BELIEVES YOU! Nothing like sucking the life out of a country to destroy what made it great. Hey DHIMMIS! Y’all OWN this one!
Chrysler says combination with GM remains ‘best option’
The idea of joining with GM, which also is operating with U.S. emergency loans, was revived by Chrysler in its viability plan filed Feb. 17 with the Treasury Department. Chrysler may be hoping President Barack Obama’s autos task force, which starts meeting Friday, might push for a “shotgun marriage” with GM, said Brian Johnson, a Barclays Capital analyst.
“We expect government aid to continue, with perhaps the condition of a merger of Chrysler into GM,” Johnson wrote in a research note yesterday. The Chicago-based analyst rates GM’s shares “underweight” and doesn’t cover Chrysler, which is owned by Cerberus Capital Management LP.
Chrysler’s request for more federal aid comes after it received $4 billion in U.S. loans. The government has provided $13.4 billion in loans to GM, which is seeking as much as $16.6 billion more. Obama’s autos task force, led by Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and White House economic adviser Lawrence Summers, will consider the automakers’ requests.
Money down a rabbit hole. At this point, I suggest both companies file for bankruptcy, file all those union contracts in trash can, and start over. If they make a good product, then people will buy. If they don’t….well, hey….then they need to go the way of the dodo. Either way, I won’t be replacing my PT with another Chrysler product, or a GM for that matter. When the time comes, I’ll be seriously looking at a company that isn’t whining to Congress all the tme. Some folks might have a short memory, but I don’t.
S.S. D.D.
Verse of the Day
Philippians 3:8-10
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
