OK folks, taking a moment to lift my nose from the grindstone... OK, Graphics tablet and keyboard. Taking in the Day's headlines, and have to just toss my dose of invective rant in the general direction of today's ass-hattery. And all of it courtesy of Yahoo News... I am almost afraid to even LOOK at the NY Times today.
So with no further delay... I don't want to go off on a rant here, but on to the jackasses...
Ill. Gov. charged in Obama successor probe
"CHICAGO – Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday on charges he brazenly conspired to sell or trade President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder as part of what federal prosecutors called a "political corruption crime spree."
Oh yeah, it goes ON...
Prosecutors did not accuse Obama himself of any wrongdoing.
Blagojevich also was charged with illegally threatening to withhold state assistance to Tribune Co., the owner of the Chicago Tribune, in an attempt to strong-arm the newspaper into firing editorial writers who had criticized him.
The 51-year-old Democrat was also accused of engaging in pay-to-play politics — that is, doling out jobs, contracts and appointments in return for campaign contributions.
"We were in the middle of a corruption crime spree, and we wanted to stop it," U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said, calling the charges against Blagojevich "a truly new low." He added: "The conduct would make Lincoln roll over in his grave." ..."
Full Story HERE - Yahoo News
In a word... ASSHOLE.
Like the President-elect doesn't have ENOUGH to deal with going into a Presidency beset with the trouble of a Nation and World in multiple crisis, without having a jerk running his home state. Democrat or not, time to break out the tar and feathers. And if the Dems circle the wagons to protect this guy, just because he's a Democrat— Then they are jerks too, and up theirs for not tossing this vile chump under the rails for blatantly violating the public trust and adding to the negative opinion most Americans have of ALL politicians.
Top Senate Democrat sees auto bailout by Wednesday
"WASHINGTON – Congress and the White House struggled to clear the final obstacles on a $15 billion bailout of the auto industry on Tuesday, seeking agreement by day's end followed by swift passage.
The unresolved issues concerned the precise extent of the authority to be given to a powerful new auto czar named by President George W. Bush, according to congressional aides, although it was clear the companies could be forced to return any aid if they did not use the money to ensure their long-term survival.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he hoped for a vote by Wednesday, as congressional Democrats and White House officials traded legislative proposals behind the scenes, nearing agreement on the final details. ..."
Full Story HERE - Yahoo News
So, ANYONE thrilled about this? Probably not, unless you're an Auto Worker or Executive. <lj user="krazykrafter"> and I were coming home from Brooklyn yesterday and were hearing a bit about this story over the radio. We were passing a gas Station and I looked over the line of cars queued up on the inner lane. About 12 vehicles and not an American make in the stack.. Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Huyndai, Volvo, BMW... I'd say that Americans have been voting with their feet in a while. I submit that if the American auto makers want to survive, instead of spending your money on PACs and lobbyists to hold back environmental and mileage standards, try a little more R&D and build cars THAT PEOPLE WANT TO BUY.
With the notable exception of the Fuel Injection Computer, the 2000 Toyota Camry that I currently drive as our primary vehicle, has been the most trouble free and low maintenance car I have EVER owned. Used no less. The the Ford Taurus that was it's predecessor was a howlingly expensive white elephant that required one expensive fix after another that finally succumbed to a blown head gasket that was a glaring design flaw of the ENTIRE MODEL LINE. And Ford has the BALLS to proclaim "Quality is job One." White boy, PLEASE.
Bush defends his record of using military might
"WEST POINT, N.Y. – President George W. Bush on Tuesday defended his doctrine of pre-emptive war and warned that the United States must remain willing to "to take the fight to our enemies across the world."
Down to his waning days in office, Bush is trying to define his own legacy, never more clearly than during his sprawling account here of how the U.S. armed forces have changed under his watch.
The president declared that today's military is "stronger, more agile and better prepared" than the one he inherited in 2001. It was a defense against criticism that Bush has stretched the military to dangerous levels with wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan. ..."
Full Story HERE - Yahoo News
AS IF George ever had any cred as a diplomat. And he's a global bully. A guy, surrounded by guys who're happy to beat you up, if you don't do what they say. Oh yeah, I'M impressed. This as much as anything else has burned any good will America had in the Global Community post 9/11. George Carlin had the "Bush Doctrine" nailed YEARS ago, "Do what we say or WE'LL BOMB YA, then send our guys to bust up your country, piss on your customs, rape your culture and TAKE YOUR OIL."
"Bush lauded his own administration for beefing up and reshaping its intelligence community, cutting off the assets of terrorist groups, [ while driving recruitment! ] and employing diplomacy [????!!!!] to attract world partners." But to give the dude some credit, I am sure he actually BELIEVES this bale of buffalo bagels. "Employing diplomacy?" Strong-arm tactics maybe... Diplomacy? I don't think that word means what you think it does! Do we want to even talk about what all the dangerous international dick-waving has COST? No, I didn't THINK so. Epic lameness, George.
Sen. Craig loses appeal in airport sex sting case
"MINNEAPOLIS – Idaho Sen. Larry Craig has lost his latest attempt to withdraw his guilty plea in the Minneapolis airport men's room sex sting that effectively ended his Senate career.
A three-judge panel of the Minnesota Court of Appeals on Tuesday rejected the Republican's bid to toss out his disorderly conduct conviction.
Craig still has the option of appealing to the Minnesota Supreme Court, and he said Tuesday he was considering future options.
Craig was arrested June 11, 2007, by an undercover police officer who was conducting a sting operation against men cruising for gay sex at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
He quietly pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor and paid a fine, but changed his mind after word of his arrest became public that August. Craig insisted he was innocent and said he was not gay. His attorney argued that the police officer misconstrued Craig's foot-tapping, hand movements and other conduct. ..."
Full Story HERE - Yahoo News
I can pretty much sum this one up in two words. SEE YA. Was there ever any question that you should be driven out of office? Even GAY people are going, "Oh man, DUDE. That's SO weak." It's not even a question of Gayness... it's just frakkin' SLEAZY. And a US Senator should just BEHAVE BETTER. Cruising airport rest rooms? Just.. ewwwww. "Craig lost several GOP leadership positions in the wake of the scandal, and the Senate Ethics Committee said in February that Craig had brought discredit on the Senate. The committee members said they believed he was guilty, and that his attempt to withdraw his plea was just an effort to evade the legal consequences of his own actions."This is the sort of Republican hypocrisy that has essentially pissed off a Nation and cost you not only the Presidency, but an amazing harvest of Republican candidates and incumbents. And the squirming weaseling is just plain SAD.
A clump of short ones, but fresh and crunchy! That's just my opinions, and of course, I could be wrong. But I don't THINK so.
Banzai, patriots!