I'm discussing only a couple of events for "this day in history," so I'll be introducing another book into the Countdown diary "lexicon" in a bit.
The first "this day in history" actually allows me to revisit my absolute favorite Family Guy episode EVER!
On this date in 1934, the Federal Communications Commission was created. Y'all know how much of a "free speecher" I am, so my thoughts about the FCC could cover a slew of diaries; I'll let Peter Griffin speak for me.
And, on a much more somber note, Julius & Ethel Rosenberg were executed at Sing Sing on this date in 1953. Their granddaughter, Ivy Meeropol, made a powerful documentary about them, their family, and how their execution still resonates called Heir to an Execution; I own it & highly recommend it.
Tonight's "book selection" is The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. If you want to have an idea of what women’s reproductive rights would be under a Palin administration, read this book.
Let's Countdown.
#5 "Ballots, Bullets, and Blood" AKA "Ultimatum" AKA "The Plan for Iran" AKA "Iran: Now What?" AKA "Politics Near & Far" - Iran’s supreme religious leader – the guy with the REAL power – stood firmly behind President Holocaust Denier & warned of dire consequences if protests continued. However, people are still gathering on rooftops to shout, "God is great" & "Death to the dictator." I have a bad feeling about this. An Iranian journalist has predicted bloodshed at HuffingtonPost. The US & Great Britain were accused of fostering dissent. Well, they haven’t been fans of ours for awhile, so why should that change? The guy even talked Branch Davidians today?! Can you imagine Iran’s supreme religious leader & David Koresh in a room together? Both houses of Congress "officially" condemned the election results, resulting media blackouts, etc. & offered support to the protesters. Yea, I’m sure they appreciate that a lot; what y’all did today in Congress doesn’t do diddly poo except putting Iranians in danger. Rep. Ron Paul was the only Congress critter to vote against it. Paul Wolfowitz thinks President Obama needs to speak out, not be neutral, etc. Um Mr. Wolfowitz, how successful were you the last time you gave advice? I bet Bobby Ghosh is worrying about his fellow Iranians tonight; hell, so am I! The revolutionary guard is taking over security measures in Tehran. Mr. Ghosh thinks President Obama needs to keep doing what he’s doing (or not doing) as far as responding to what’s going on in Iran. Jonathan Alter made a great point about Congress forgetting their Iranian history as far as our country’s roll in it – if they even knew it to begin with!
#4 "Torture Report" AKA "Redaction Inaction" AKA "Torture Secrets" - The CIA was supposed to release their own internal report about torture by today. OK, #1, did anyone REALLY think they’d honor that deadline, and #2, even if they did release it, 90% of it’s going to be redacted. The CIA is pressuring the Obama Administration to keep a lot of the report secret – well duh! They are the CIA; they’re in the secret business! This report might be released next week. The retired CIA guy who wrote the report wants it released?! DAMN! There is specific information publicly available that indicates that CIA sources themselves said that waterboarding was not producing actionable accurate intelligence.
** I love JibJab!! Did y’all catch President Obama’s ears flapping in the breeze when he flew?! Too funny... Look at the guy with the bat! KEWL! The Tour de’ Felon is wrapping up in Paris. A stunt guy in Montana set himself on fire & gave the local fire department a cake. Oh Keith, kudos for the "Flaming Moe" reference! HA! **
#3 "Don’t Call Me Liz!" - Gee, I wonder where Keith read about criticism of last night’s segment?! ;D OK, this chic is officially a psycho *itch; she has a history of not working or playing well with others!
WPITW – "Small Price to Pay" Boehner is now praising the jobs created in his state by the stim money that he said wouldn’t create jobs when he voted against it. The CA Repub Party – oh hell, Keith said "bitching"; people are gonna have a herd about that – hired a guy who’s been convicted of voter registration fraud. A DOJ attorney won’t release DICK’s interview with Patrick Fitzgerald released because he doesn’t want the results on late – night TV.
#1 "The President Meets the Press" AKA "Obama to Address RTCA Dinner" - Keith & Rachel together again – yea! President Obama gives a shout – out to the ladies; good start! President Obama rips on the guests! Nice comedy assist from Robert Gibbs. Chuck Todd got a shout – out, too! How ‘bout the joke about "Morning Joe"?! THAT was good. And, apparently Brian Williams is not house – broken. ;D