River Valley Blogs

Michael Welch Okay Wait Til Next Year... wrote on May 30, 2008 11:53 AM:

" Okay; compliment accepted and fine, I do understand your complaint. MY difficulty -- I can't speak for Rick although I sort of did below didn't I -- with 'liberals' is that I am NOT a 'liberal' but a socialist and therefore I KNOW that liberals are NOT socialists and often will and do disappoint. If there is indeed a 'President Obama' next year and we're still commenting on Jim's blog, you will read complaints from me (and possibly, probably, Harsch too) about the new prez. Obama MAY be 'the most progressive [mainsteam] candidate' in decades (Fidel Castro) BUT presidents CANNOT behave as they might. They are extremely powerful in theory -- however there ARE those MORE powerful than even they... "

To Michael wrote on May 29, 2008 1:17 PM:

" See, Michael, you at least responded. rather than do what Harsch did and just say "You're irrelevant". THAT is my whole point. Harsch fully admits he isn't nearly as smart as you, but rather than even ATTEMPT a response he plays these silly word games. You and I disagree, but at least we dialogue. Harsch refuses to. You asked my problem with him? Well, that is it. "

Michael Welch For Instance --... wrote on May 29, 2008 11:58 AM:

" Re: the comment you refer to, what are the Obama views that one ought to 'dissociate' himself from in order to prove 'independence'? His contention that Pakistan may 'need' to be bombed? Harsch already criticized that a long time ago. Obama's support for an intensification of the war in Afghanistan? I've criticized that. I don't obviously attack Obama on issues with which I agree -- why would I or anyone? -- and neither it seems does Harsch. We apparently both regard the Illinois senator as a possible revival of the old liberalism, which is in my opinion at least, a better aspect than the present, re: especially a national health care program. The charges against Obama on this blog are largely ridiculous hyperbole, a smear campaign; and I'm STILL waiting for an intelligent defense of McCain -- other than mine that is... "

To Michael wrote on May 28, 2008 3:43 PM:

" Sorry, it wasn't me who made the Lebanon comment. I did actually re-explain my point yesterday at 8:38am, and referred to my first post on the matter. You weren't clear what I was referring to, which is why I referenced the date and time and blog of the original post. Yeah, it does feel like we are going in circles. But, if you're interested, there you have it. "

Michael Welch You Cant Just SAY IT... wrote on May 28, 2008 12:00 PM:

" You're just referring me to other comments without simply making your points explicit. (It can't take you that much space to put it in ONE comment can it?!) By the way what DOES 'Ever heard of Lebanon?' mean to you? What WAS your point? It appears you're going in circles for your own entertainment and that Harsch has decided to get off your unmerry-go-round. Well: I at least see HIS point... "

To Michael Welch wrote on May 27, 2008 3:39 PM:

" See 5/22 3:41pm post. If I could beg your indulgence, go to the blog referenced and read the post entitled "Observation". Then, see Harschs response. Then, if you would, come back here and state honestly who can't continue a line of arguement, and who is prone to word games. "

Michael Welch WHAT Points Do You Mean... wrote on May 27, 2008 12:32 PM:

" WHAT 'points'? The only one I note is 'Ever heard of Lebanon'? So WHAT are the other 'points' supposedly Rick didn't address? Write them out please, in response, so I can be clear about what you are trying to say. Can't you do that?... "

To Michael Welch wrote on May 27, 2008 8:38 AM:

" I guess I don't get it either. I go back to the original post("observation")that accused people on the left AND the right of sometimes not thinking independently. Rick never did address the points made-he just dismissed them as irrelevant. So, in this instance, it appears it was Rick, not the "righties",who could not continue a line of arguement. "

Michael Welch Above Below Around In Back Of My Uh Head... wrote on May 24, 2008 11:43 AM:

" Sorry I still don't get it -- it just seems that Harsch disagrees and someone then wants to put him into a corner he refuses to go. Sometimes I think Rick IS too 'dismissive' in a sort of wise-assy way -- like Brian Smith can be -- but when the righties can't continue a line of argument that's pertinent they often resort to these extended word games. 'Ever heard of Lebanon?' Well the US in a de facto way just made an agreement with IRAN-BACKED HEZBOLLAH to share power between the US-backed 'side' and the Iran-backed 'side.' That may not be 'talking to the terrorists' directly but it IS certainly making a deal with them. So -- I ask YOU: ever heard of Lebanon?... "

To Harsch wrote on May 23, 2008 2:39 PM:

" I guess so. "

harsch wrote on May 23, 2008 12:06 PM:

" I guess one man's right to idiocy is another man's right to life. "

To Harsch wrote on May 23, 2008 8:39 AM:

" You asked why people on the right are relectant to disassociate themselves from Beck. The poster ("observation") reponded.(in a nutshell, an inability to think independently)The poster provided relevant examples illustrating this. Sorry if the dialogue was over your head. "

Harsch wrote on May 23, 2008 5:37 AM:

" Yes, that was one of the posts I had in mind. The poster defines without content, compares without knowing what he is comparing, speaks in vague and general terms, and makes false assumptions, all the while ignoring the substance of any relevant post. It is tiresome to respond to such posts, including yours, and I long for someone with an independent mind to attempt to engage me in argument. "

Harsch wrote on May 23, 2008 5:33 AM:

" No, fella, it was my own posts that included many points that went undisturbed. I appreciate a clear attempt to discuss what I post, but the post was indeed irrelevant and it contained only one 'idea', a bizarre defense of Beck (if we are discussing the same post) and meanwhile every critic of my posts post post say absolutel nothing of their own. "

To Michael Welch wrote on May 22, 2008 3:41 PM:

" My problem with Rick is illustrated on the $3 million book deal blog. Someone posted a thought provoking comment on that blog(5/21 3:45pm). Rather than even attempt to discuss it, Rick just calls it irrelevant and moves on. Here, he criticizes attempts to explain things to people. He isn't willing to learn, nor is he willing to even consider other points of view. "

Harsch...help terrorists help wrote on May 22, 2008 2:52 PM:

" Among others, yes, the 'terrorists' could help the U.S. a great deal if the U.S. would listen to them. Terrorism does not emerge from a vacuum, nor are most people Americans consider terrorists actually terrorists. Nature abhors a dictator, but America does not, and a great deal of the hatred of America originated in decades of establishment and support of dictators, and continues with U.S. support of select dictators. "

Michael Welch Whats The Trouble... wrote on May 22, 2008 2:10 PM:

" Just WHAT, pray tell, ARE you trying to 'splain Lucy? I don't see your 'point' other than you disagree? What troubles you so about Rick? Please tell me although I probably won't be able to respond until Sat so I apologize that you must wait... "

Michael Welch Learning Curve... wrote on May 22, 2008 1:36 PM:

" As for listening to 'terrorists,' remember that one's 'terrorist' (say the contras during the Reaganite subversion of Nicaragua in the '80s) might be another's 'freedom fighter' -- as Reagan deemed that largely mercenary force, armed indirectly by Iran by the way through RR's 'arms for hostages' deals. (Some wag said that 'freedom fighter' had the same sort of definition as 'fire fighter' in the Reagan case but well, certainly most Nicaraguans saw it as such.) Yeah even north Korea has a point of view worth knowing -- I mean have you ever learned what war crimes against the north the US committed during the 1950-53 war? No? Well the north Koreans have you betcha. Everybody has his 'side' -- 'know' your 'enemy' after all means to LEARN who he REALLY is, not who YOU assume he is... "

To Michael Welch wrote on May 22, 2008 1:02 PM:

" Well, just don't try explaining(or expaling-sorry, couldn't resist) anything to him, and you may keep that rage at bay. "

Michael Welch Rick Rage... wrote on May 22, 2008 12:36 PM:

" Having been Rick Harsch's friend even when I was a fervent Reaganite back in the 1980s, I can say that Rick is inordinately 'tolerant' when he judges someone has an interesting 'character,' though he may hold views he, Rick, finds repulsive. He also respected me for my knowledge of motion pictures and trivia pertaining to, so we didn't spend all our time arguing pollyticks. In the course of another decade I gradually became more like Rick politically, though we can still disagree (to degrees) about say Castro or Chavez or Leninist communism -- but we DISCUSS and Rick, who's great fun in person, lightens everything with wit and/or silliness. I do sometimes RAGE; Rick rarely expresses such, with maybe the exception of his very longstanding, deep (and apt in my opinion) disgust with and abhorrence of Henry Kissinger... "

To Harsch wrote on May 22, 2008 12:22 PM:

" So, the terrorists could help us, if only we would let them explain things to us? "

Michael Welch Finland... wrote on May 22, 2008 11:39 AM:

" I don't generally like Bushite divisions of 'good and evil'; re: Herr Professor Freud I think human qualities, 'dark' and 'light,' are mixed in all of us, nations too of course. I for instance recognize that the United States is inordinately rich and powerful and in THOSE aspects obviously 'superior' but I don't think this country is more humane or sensible than Canada. Canada was extremely fortunate I'd say to have General Sir Isaac Brock (a personal hero of mine!) who turned back the rapacious American invasion of 1812 at the cost of his life. Sweden is a gracious country with a great culture; the Finns are, by current research, actually 'the smartest people in the world'; proof: they have no troops in Iraq!... "

Harsch...Rage and Education wrote on May 22, 2008 11:31 AM:

" I have never posted out of rage or in a rage, though at times (usually I am smiling or laughing) I am feeling sickened when I post. Regarding education, I believe that American diplomats, administration officials, and children, require help from outside rather than the other way around. I reapeat that the assumption that one side must or can educate the other with no sense of reciprocity is arrogant, self-defeating, and in some case even deranged. We know from many recent comments from both Bush and McCain that either they need education regarding the Middle East, or if they are simply liars, then the public need a great deal more so that they suffer the embarrassment and defeat they deserve. "

Michael Welch History Is An Unhappy And Scratchy Record... wrote on May 22, 2008 11:29 AM:

" Re: 'Bugs's reasonable observation, no I don't like 'demonizing' anyone; history is mainly the records of plenty of leaders who have, one way or another, caused the deaths of thousands or hundreds of thousands or more, and that can include say Abraham Lincoln eh? The Kennedy brothers approved of plots to assassinate Fidel and disrupt the Cuban economy; they initially increased the commitment to south Vietnam; Jack signed off on the Diem coup though he hadn't really understood, it seems, that Diem and his notorious brother-in-law, Nhu, were to be killed. Alexander the uh 'great' spread hellenistic ideas and created political and cultural unities still pertinent today but at what a cost to so many slain... "

Regarding Harschs Typo wrote on May 22, 2008 8:57 AM:

" I wasn't hacking on you-I knew you got all worked up about the US "expaling". I honestly couldn't think of a word that fit in the context of your post that would cause so much rage on your part. Now that you clarified you meant "explain", I am even more confused. What is wrong with explaining how things are and need to be to others? If America is the standard by which other countries are measured, and if the goal is to get along, what is wrong with educating others? "

Cage Fighter to Harsch wrote on May 22, 2008 8:35 AM:

" Well, you were the one to come right out and say other countries are superior to America, and I admit, I became fed up with your idiocy. Hence my response. "

Im sure theyll occasionally regress wrote on May 22, 2008 5:58 AM:

" I guess it all depends on what your defintion of occasionally is. Rest assured that BHO Campaign will be full of lobbyists and the like, just like everybodsy else's. And although BHO has said his wife is off limits when it comes to criticism, rest assured his surrogates will continue to beat the drum regarding Mrs. McCain.
As Peter Townsend penned in "We won't get fooled again" - "meet the new boss, same as the old boss". "

to harsch wrote on May 21, 2008 8:08 PM:

" I don't think of myself as being more superior as a human than any other human on the planet. What is superior is the ideas, policies, and defense of freedom over dictatorship, totalitarianism, and slavery. If a country or leader of a country chooses to followed an inferior policy that threatens my freedom or the freedom of my friends and allies, then actions, including war, should be done to protect freedom. It doesn't matter how "intelligent" you are, if you stand for freedom, you are taking a superior position to say that of Obama's, which is surrendering to terrorists. "

Harsch to CF wrote on May 21, 2008 6:28 PM:

" I responded to your first post of this post. Planet, by the way, can you spot the superiority complex in those who come right out and say they are superior or just those who are fed up with idiocy? "

Harsch wrote on May 21, 2008 6:26 PM:

" I, Rick Harsch, typoed. I spelled explain expale. I am deeply sorry. As for superiority being gauged by exits versus entrants, go save your soul if you think you can buy goodness. "

Harsch to Planet wrote on May 21, 2008 6:23 PM:

" A man of your experience should have the wit to engage the post. Give it a try. "

Planet Stasiak to One Sixteen PM Post wrote on May 21, 2008 4:57 PM:

" My experience has been that anyone who starts spouting off about being equal to or superior to others is probably inferior. "

Cage Fighter posts on wrong blog wrote on May 21, 2008 4:08 PM:

" I posted a comment on the Beck blog that is actually more apropos here in response to Rick Harsch. If you don't think there is something special, even superior, about the US compared to other countries, you likely have ice water running through your veins and/or lack a pulse. "

Re Harsch wrote on May 21, 2008 3:47 PM:

" Expaling? "

To Harsch wrote on May 21, 2008 2:14 PM:

" Take a look at how many people are trying to get into the US. Then take a look at how many people are trying to get out of the US. Then tell me the US isn't superior. "

Bugs Raplin wrote on May 21, 2008 2:13 PM:

" Let's not demonize someone who let 3,000 sailors be killed at Pearl Harbor? Hmmm. Pray tell, Michael, how do we deal with FDR's legacy? Officially, of course, the 'system' will never acknowledge FDR's treachery. That wouldn't play well in the schools. "Gee, Mommy, I learned a lot today. President Roosevelt purposely let Japan attack Pearl Harbor without warning the commanders there and 3,000 sailors died. That wasn't very nice, was it Mommy?" Was it? "

Harsch to to Harsch wrote on May 21, 2008 1:16 PM:

" Tired as I am of engaging weak minds, I feel compelled to point out that diplomacy is not diplomacy if it only involves 'expaling things to them'. 'They' are as human as you. You are an American and that is all; you are not a superior being and in fact by virtue of being an American are probably intellectually inferior to the vast majority of people on the planet who have the benefit of an education. The very fact that to you diplomacy suggests telling equals what is what suggests that you are demented by your experience as an American citizen. "

Michael Welch Let Me Recommend Again --... wrote on May 21, 2008 1:12 PM:

" I'm sure I've written this before but I do recommend Robert Stinnett's 2001 study 'Day of Deceit: The Truth about FDR and Pearl Harbor.' My objective, let me say, is not to demonize Roosevelt and neither does Stinnett's detailed and judicious book -- Stinnett even sympathizes with Roosevelt's ultimate (worthy) aim of bringing the US into the war against Hitler. FDR however KNEW there had to be a 'first strike' as the American people, like so many Europeans, had been hugely disillusioned with the horrid results of the first world war and wanted no part in another conflagration in chaotic Europe. But it is ALWAYS important to see your country's history without flinching. Stinnett doesn't flinch... "

Michael Welch Gerron Lenya And The OLD Pearl Harbor... wrote on May 21, 2008 11:59 AM:

" My IMPRESSION from a fine PBS documentary on Gerron, 'Prisoner of Paradise,' was that Gerron indeed originally sang 'Mack the Knife' but while interesting, I'm not also claiming that Gerron was Lotta Lenya's 'brother' turned at whim into a 'nephew' so --. As for the Japanese attack, I think Harsch is correct that IF the Roosevelt administration had wanted to avoid war it could have by not denying the Japanese access to western hemisphere oil markets and other strategic goods. The Japanese were, true, ruthless imperialists in Asia, as were the Europeans, but then the chief 'sin' for the Japanese was in not being 'white' while in doing it. They somewhat arrogantly AND trepidatiously attacked Pearl Harbor but then the FDR administration KNEW they would: it wanted them to... "

to harsch wrote on May 20, 2008 6:48 PM:

" That's b.s. about America being able to avoid war with Japan if we only explained things better to them. On the issue of diplomacy, you need a few things. Number one is you need to find ground of common agreement. Iran, North Korea, and Syria have made comments that they want to see things like peace and prosperity for all, but their actions have ALWAYS been against those things. Obama and people like you think you can ignore their actions and trust their words without any proof. In todays reality of nuclear weapons, we can't take that risk. One other thing about diplomacy is that the other side believes you will use the "stick" if they don't take the "carrot." Democrats of recent times (Carter, Clinton) have shown they are all talk and no real action. Obama is guarenteed to be all talk. "

Harsch wrote on May 20, 2008 3:46 PM:

" So Barack HUSSEIN Obama does not need to get anyone in Iran to see things his way. More than likely what he needs is to see things THEIR way as it is their region, their sphere of influence that the U.S. has made its bloody concern. The U.S. needs to stop demonizing and punishing nations that behave on a relatively very small scale like the U.S., which has effectively made the globe its sphere of influence. Even war with Japan would have been avoided had the U.S. simply and honesly acknowledged that their designs on their region were nothing more than a Monroe Doctrine of their time and space. Better yet, the U.S. crumbles and nations cease to assume a right to power over other nations; until then, a great deal of diplomacy will be necessary. "

Harsch wrote on May 20, 2008 3:40 PM:

" Throughout history diplomacy--especially talking with and making deals with the 'enemy'--saved innumerable lives. Even the Roman empire arguably extended its life by hundreds of years, long enough to leave the Byzantines and the HRE in its wake, by talking with and making deals with 'Barbarians'. Even the notorious Alaric would have been satisfied with honest diplomacy, but an attempt was made to kill him at a fulcral moment and he went on to sack Rome with his army, which could easily have become an army purely within the empire had the romans dealt with him in good faith. "

Bwaa ha ha ha to Brian Smith wrote on May 20, 2008 2:51 PM:

" Suppose we did meet somewhere and I kicked your @zz, would that change any of your political views? I'm guessing NO is the answer. So here's the question, how is Barack Hussein Obama going to get Ackmadidajob to see things his way? Shoot, how is Barack Hussein Obama going to get people in West Virginia or Republicans in Congress to see things his way? You left wingy-dingys have been trying for months on these boards to convince us on the right side to the errors of our ways, but have convinced no one. Even if you brough physical violence, it would change no one's mind. The answer is that Obama's words do nothing to bring people togather or change people's minds. Obama's words only soothe his robot followers and anger his opponents. "

harsch wrote on May 20, 2008 1:33 PM:

" Michael, now that I recall, the film of Dreigroschenoper had a man singing Mackie Messer, which was done in typical street musician style. So, though Lenya sang it, now that I think about it the original threater production probably had a man singing it and I don't know who the hell it was. So YOU may be right. "

Michael Welch About Kurt Gerron... wrote on May 20, 2008 12:24 PM:

" Was Lenye the first? Then okay MY 'mistake' -- Rick oughta know but Gerron (like MANY Jewish Germans a veteran of WWI) became, post-war, a very notable figure in the Berlin theatrical scene during the Weimar republic. His rendition of 'Mack the Knife' was very popular and he did sing it in a production of 'Three Penny Opera.' Gerron also appeared in many films in the '20s and '30s, including von Sternberg's 'Der Blauer Engel' with Marlene Dietrich in which he portrayed the stage manager. He became a famous director too but with the Hitler government's notorious 'Nuremberg laws' restricting Jewish participation in so many areas of work, including cinema, Gerron fled first to Paris and then to Amsterdam but of course Hitler eventually 'caught up' with him via blitzkrieg... "

Michael Welch Obama Is Charged With Guilt By Association Thats All... wrote on May 20, 2008 12:06 PM:

" Despite what's implied by the 'Johnny-Tess' 'funster' (he hasn't got a clue with which to even BUY a 'joke' I'd say though 'Tess' as an ivy league elitist MAY qualify) those who actually research Obama's background find (I've said it time after time) his father's and stepfather's religious backgrounds were 'nominal,' just as some folks call themselves 'Catholics' or 'Methodists' but don't attend church. The 'Muslim Manchurian candidate' charge is based ENTIRELY on assumptions of guilt by association and the idea that ALL Muslims are by definition 'terrorists.' There is nothing more than that -- no proof is ever offered, no sources, nothing but assumed anti-Muslim prejudice... "

Michael Welch The Smears Will Go On... wrote on May 20, 2008 11:52 AM:

" I don't think Huckabee 'meant' to say what it sounded like -- as Jimmy's links show the 'joke' fell flat, about as flat as 'Johnny-Tess's 'witticisms' -- but clearly the ugliness presuming an Obama victory, first in Denver and then perhaps in November too, so agitates the extreme right that the vitriol just flows. If Obama does really become president no doubt the sleaziness will continue, rivalling the stuff directed as Franklin Roosevelt, accused of being 'Franklin ROSENFELD,' a cryto-bolshevik Jew, a syphilitic, and whatever other fevered horrors could be imagined -- his erratic but populist 'New Deal' was often characterized by the wealthiest as 'the JEW Deal.' Smear and slander of Obama will continue too, on Jim's blog and in the Limbaughian depths... "

Michael Welch Ahm Talkin About A Crime Bill... wrote on May 20, 2008 11:38 AM:

" I'm not smearing McCain nor do I believe I am smearing Bush but I do think there are questions about 9-11 that need be explored just as did/does the Kennedy assassination(s). 'Yer talkin' 'bout the president of these Yew-nited States?!!!' 'No Bill, Ah'm talkin' about a crime' -- as goes the exchange between Big Jim Garrison and one of his attorneys in 'JFK.' If CRIMES have been committed -- no matter for what perceived 'good' purpose and even by the covert government -- those ought to be exposed. As 'Bugs' says there are a number of books and studies (he can direct you to) that raise important questions. W isn't running for prez anymore (as I've been told) but his actions (or inactions) should still be scrutinized... "

Cage Fighter to Brian wrote on May 20, 2008 11:25 AM:

" I know as I type this some stoic people on this board will be rolling their eyes thinking "how childish", but I simply can't resist. When you speak of "smear", I think of those times you were "smeared" on the wrestling mat. I love it! It's just too easy-Brian, put an end to this by just admitting you were basically a high school wrestling jobber(just to clarify, a "jobber" in pro wrestling are the TV wrestlers whose job it was to get destroyed each week on TV by the "stars"). Difference here being, since high school wrestling was an actual competition, it means BGS was just, well, superbad. "

Dear Kevin wrote on May 20, 2008 10:35 AM:

" Obviously you didn't read his book. Pathetic smear attempt however...duly noted. - BrianGSmith "

To whospeaksforarth wrote on May 20, 2008 9:19 AM:

" Re 5:32pm Uhhhhh, dude, that would be a "smart" thing regarding Huckabee's beliefs. People are trying to ridicule him, and you are thwarting their effort. Please go away. "

Re Chris Matthews wrote on May 20, 2008 9:15 AM:

" Has anyone checked out the first post on Jimmys "3 Cheers for Chris Wallace" blog several weeks back? It is extremely odd that liberals don't bat an eye over Barack Hussein Obamas outspoken support of infanticide, yet blow a gasket over a joke. I mean, Bugs in constantly blogging about BHO being assasinated, but people just chalk that up as "Bugs being cute and quirky." "

Bugs Raplin wrote on May 20, 2008 8:54 AM:

" Tess mentions our national passtime in her most recent "effort." I'd say that Barack Obama is the Arizona D'Backs of politics. That is..he has the best record compared to McCain of Keating 5 fame. Big Jawn is a big flip-flopper and panderer and, who knows, perhaps an adulterer with that attractive lobbyist that was in the news a few months ago. I'd rate him baseball-wise right "up there" with the La Crosse Loggers. Go Obama! "

Kevin wrote on May 20, 2008 8:34 AM:

" My take on Obama originates right now from three places: his book, listening to what he says in his speeches, and who he has apparently historically consulted/associated with. In his book he thinks that it would be okay to allow harm to come to 'good whites' and I'm sure other peoples if it meant improving life for his people. I will not vote for that philosophy or even a shadow of that philosophy. His speech talking about the bitterness/meaness of people tells me he does not see the good that happens in the united states. That speech tells me that he has not grown out of those thoughts as he as aged. He has an axe to grine, and I don't want me or my family to be the grindstone. He is not a president, and I am far from a cross burner. "

Tess Trueheart wrote on May 20, 2008 6:42 AM:

" Barrack Hussein Obama needs some toughening up and with every opportunity, he shows himself a child attempting to do an adult's job. "The Hucksters" on target, subtle joke was a good example. As a notorious Chicago gun-grabber, like his buddy Richie Daley, Mr. Obama would likely hit the deck if someone brandished his or her Constitutionally-protected side arm. With no military service or police background, old Barry is a typical elitist, wine and croissant crowd liberal/socialist. Huckabee took a hanging curveball and went yard with it. (Baseball reference for you lib/socialists.) "

Dear Bwa ha ha wrote on May 20, 2008 2:03 AM:

" Look who hasn't a sense of humor. Seeing you admire the joke in the WH so much and his belligerent style one would think your types only respond to physical threats or force. Another point Stymie...you haven't a clue what "liberal" means do you? You simply repeat it like some vacuous ditto head. Our Founding Fathers were majorily LIBERALS...if they were con's we'd still be toastng the Queen, but maybe that's what you want. Free trade is liberal, open democracy is liberal, liberating people from tyranny is liberal, allowing citizens to have guns is...yes...a liberal policy. I have no intention of changing your 'political" views...we need the odd one or two wing-dings to feed us the meat pitches. Keep up the mediocre work. - BrianGSmith "

Bwaa haa ha ha to Brian Smith wrote on May 19, 2008 6:45 PM:

" You are quite ironic. What is this "go to the river after hours...bring it on" supposed to mean? Is this your idea of humor or is it your idea of intelligent debate? You seem to think that if we met down at the river and you 'beat me up' or murdered me that your views would be justified. The irony is that you believe that your arguments have more force because you are willing to bring physical force to back them up. Yet Barack Hussein Obama criticizes Bush for threatening physical force to back up the free worlds need for nuclear security. I would gladly meet with you and, even if you got lucky and 'kicked my @zz', you wouldn't change any of my political views. "

Just when you thought Republicans couldnt sink any lower... wrote on May 19, 2008 5:55 PM:

" Right on, Jimmy...this not only sounds racist, but it sounds like he is goading deranged racists to carry out this despicable and terroristic threat.

Frightening thought: Huckabee could end up as veep this time around...and he therefore could wind up as the prez soon after. That ought to keep you awake tonight! "

RE Chris Matthews wrote on May 19, 2008 5:40 PM:

" Matthews is not a liberal...he is a sycophant. He lives and feeds of the famous and powrful and he supports with his dialogue those in power. When Bush landed in his one-time worn flight suit Matthews and the closet homo G Gordon Libby could not stop fawning over the occupants bulbuous cockpiece. Here we now, over 5 years later an Matthews finally undressed a right wing radio blowhard ditto head. That single action don't make Matthews liberal....fool. - BrianGHusseinSmith "

whospeaksforearth wrote on May 19, 2008 5:32 PM:

" I'm an Obama supporter, but in no way, shape, or form do I think that Huckabee meant anything by that comment. He was making a gun joke at an NRA rally; I don't think he thought for a second about "assassination." It may have been an unfortunate comment, but it wasn't malicious. There was no "element of race." There are plenty of ridiculous things about Huckabee to point out without resorting to this type of stuff....I mean the fact that he doesn't "believe" in evolution for one. "

Dear MK wrote on May 19, 2008 3:36 PM:

" The republicons are all closet gays.....look at all their leaders recently busted for doing the gay dance...Foley, Haggard, Craig and Bush....flamers....Personally I don't care except for Foley who was/is a paedophile (like the catholic priests...what a disgrace(i was catholic)). Drop the partisan BS "MK"...Bush sucks royally and we're gonna party crazy when his lumpy body exits the white house. - BrianGSmith "

Dear Bwa ha ha wrote on May 19, 2008 3:32 PM:

" Maher's show is one of HBO's highest rated. He makes you look like a loon.....intellect over stink. Maher has a show with his name, I write with my nameand you are a gutless yeloow coward who is to "ascared" to identify herself. In the end, no one can take gutless weasels like you serious so go to the river...after hours. - BrianGSmith (Bring it on) "

Dear MK wrote on May 19, 2008 3:28 PM:

" You didn't get the memo, obviously. Bush is an idiot...it's obvious to the world. The MF'r gave up "golf" to be in solidarity with dead US Soldiers. If this were 200 years ago we'd have hung his pathetic corpse. Why won't Bush talk of his grandaddy finacinf the Nazi war machine? I gues financing a war machine and "appeasing" are two differnt things...financing being worthy of execution. You got nothing to stand on boy, give it up.
- BrianGSmith "

Dear Kevin wrote on May 19, 2008 3:23 PM:

" Don't be an idiot. The press frames Obama as black and you follow their lead. Why won't the ha-ha-ha 'liberal media' quit calling Obama black? He ain't black....i'm darker than he is. Enjoy your cross burnings this summer
"

MK wrote on May 19, 2008 2:47 PM:

" Michael Welch don't you try to take the moral high ground here. I don't know how many times you and Bugs have criticized our president with commentary that goes as far as accusing him of the plot to kill 3000 people on September 11th. When I referenced Bill Maher I referenced a very public individual viewed by millions upon millions of people. When people make ignorant and racist comments here it is wrong however it is viewed by far less people in comparison. I only ask why media members like Jimmy and even the larger press (CBS, NBC, ABC) seemed to ignore very hateful, stereotyped statements by Bill Maher yet find it necessary to report every negative joke or comment made about Obama. "

Michael Welch Join Me On This One Thing MK... wrote on May 19, 2008 2:10 PM:

" If 'MK' is REALLY against sleaze and FOR 'speaking up' about it, I'd like to see HIS comments condemning the anti-Jewish, racist, crypto-nazi attacks by 'Johnny-Tess' and others. Bill Maher doesn't write on this blog after all so if you ARE 'upset' 'MK' why have you NEVER objected to that sort of nastiness and the smears that regularly appear right here? I'm all for a 'civilized' discussion that concentrates on ISSUES and not on personal attack, but if that's going to go on and on and on re: the 'J-T' junk, then I'm fighting it as I said below. Join me? Join me! Maybe we can at least agree on that... "

Harsch...Mackie Messer wrote on May 19, 2008 2:07 PM:

" Lotte Lenya with Brecht and Weill in Berlin, Mike: she was the first to publicly sing Mack the Knife, in German of course. And if Lenya is actually spelled Lenye, see the post that serially misspells Schickelgruber. "

Bugs Raplin wrote on May 19, 2008 1:57 PM:

" Maybe Jimmy should call the Orkin Man whenever Johnny/Tess posts. "

Michael Welch Maybe Ill End Up Like Kurt Gerron... wrote on May 19, 2008 1:38 PM:

" I don't know by the way what 'Lebanon' means to that commenter; I presumed I knew by a comment I made on that particular Jim blog. If I got his referencing wrong maybe he'd let me know. I agree with Rick that IF the sleazy-smeary dreck that flatulates forth from so many 'Johnny-Tess' types who choose to defecate here IS 'the real America' I'm headed for 'the camps,' like W's 'Guantanemara,' in which I'll be joined no doubt by 'Bugs' and 'Starfish' et. al., and there I can feel a little like the first singer of 'Mack the Knife,' the great Jewish German actor Kurt Gerron in 1944 -- should've got out when I could, when Peter Lorre offered to help... "

Michael Welch Why I Fight -- I Uh Love My Country... wrote on May 19, 2008 1:23 PM:

" Well I think the 'Johnny-Tess' stuff would be marginal if its cockroachy 'spirit' hadn't been dominating this blog so lately. I don't believe that MOST Americans -- not the record 75,000 in Portland for Obama yesterday surely! -- are racists, crypto-nazis etc., and think mocking things Jewish is 'funny'; but I HAVE ignored this 'J-T' beast in the past and I find that only encourages it to come up something even more repulsive in order to get attention. And as I've said, I believe the sleaze-smear campaign against Obama also involves Rick's old jousting partner (and mine) 'Phil O'Bates.' If Jimmy's blog is going to be inundated by 'PO'B's and 'J-T's then yeah I'm fighting that flood. (I do get to go out occasionally, however, into the Arizona desert where, as 'Lawrence' once remarked, 'It's clean!')... "

MK wrote on May 19, 2008 1:19 PM:

" BUGS you forgot to mention that he appointed you to be his chief investigator of the 9-11 conspiracy plot. Since you never travel out of state he has granted you unlimited internet and satellite access from the comforts of home to aid you in your investigation. He has also appointed you to discover the true identity of the Boogey Man, the Midwest River Serial Killer, and Big Foot. "

MK wrote on May 19, 2008 1:11 PM:

" BrianGSmith-Gay Old Party, real clever, how long did it take you to think of that one? What I find funny is that we daily hear very deragatory comments, made in the form of jokes, about our current president, yet writers like Jimmy never mention a thing about it. What about the constant and often times beligerant comedy of comedians like Bill Maher? When he went so far as to call Roman Catholics "pedophile supporters" "who belong to a cult" not a thing was written and harsh critism of such sterotypical comments were few and far between. Where is Jimmy and the liberal left when things like this is said? "

Tess Huckabee wrote on May 19, 2008 1:03 PM:

" Yeah, there's somethin' about Arkansas that produces strange characters like my Uncle Mike and the Clinton's. Come to think of it, Johnny Hobo spent a lot of time in Mena back in the 80's and look what a character he's turned out to be. "

Johnny Trueheart wrote on May 19, 2008 12:59 PM:

" Well, everybody knows that George Lincoln Rockwell and Norman Rockwell were brothers. Here's what you don't know. John McCain's great uncle was....Adolf Hitler. You see McCain's real name is Bernie Schicklegruber. Bernie's mother was Adolf Schicklegruber's brother. Both Schicklegrubers realized their last names were...well...not very cool, so they changed them. This is so true. Just ask my sister Tess. "

Bwaa ha ha ha ha harschy doesnt think chris matthews wrote on May 19, 2008 12:51 PM:

" is a liberal!!!

That is funny!

What is amazing is that anyone thinks that bill mahr is funny. he got drummed out of prime time because he wasn't funny and he got his liberal butt handed to him more than once and it exposed the weakness of liberal thought. HBO carries him because of their liberal slant. HBO gets their money from their movies not bill mahr. "

Michael Welch WHAT Your Taxes Buy You Is What Counts... wrote on May 19, 2008 12:08 PM:

" A Democratic president -- Obama OR Hillary -- will always be caught in that dilemma of higher taxation or higher deficits. The Republican presidents going back to Reagan have 'solved' their aspect of the dilemma by making sure their HUGE deficits were based upon tax cuts and high defense spending and consequently deemed more 'popular' and 'patriotic' so to speak. I myself am NOT a deficit 'hawk'; I do not object to higher taxes either -- PROVIDED they result in services for the American people that they NEED, especially and primarily a truly NATIONAL health care plan, preferably 'single payer' re: Canada... "

Harsch continuing wrote on May 19, 2008 12:06 PM:

" Welchy needs, in my opinion, to worry less about this Johnny-Tess thing, because they are only meaningful to the extent that they reflect a voting block that is capable of electing anyone. Common sense says no. If yes, Welch needs to get out of that country because it is doomed. I hold out the hope that Americans will vote in droves against what may best be termed moronism. The posters here are irrelevent and should not be taken seriously enough. For instance, someone wants me to answer the question 'have I ever heard of Lebanon', rather than discuss an issue I raised in which I named some Mid-East countries. What would be the point? Should I ask him to first name the highest peak in Europe? "

Bugs Raplin looks ahead wrote on May 19, 2008 12:04 PM:

" Dateline January 20,2009: Barack Obama was sworn in today as the nation's 44th president. In his inaugeral address, the first black chief executive declared that all US occupation forces in Iraq would be withdrawn within 6 months. The Illinois Democrat further stated that Attorney General Designee John Conyers would immediately begin investigations into 1) the Bush administration's tailoring of intelligence to fit its Iraq War policy; 2)it's illegal use of torture, 3)its illegal surveillance of Americans, and 4)Dick Cheney's energy task force. Obama, who carried all 50 states, said there will be drastic changes in American foreign policy, dramatic reforms in health care, an end to free trade legislation, and a new emphasis on caring for the environment. "

Harsch wrote on May 19, 2008 12:00 PM:

" To be fair, I understand Huckabee's 'joke' to mean, vaguely, that Obama is oposed to NRA beliefs and policies (if indeed it meant anything). I wouldn't call it an assassination joke, though it possible was an attempt at one. Nonetheless, it's interesting that all the funny guys are liberal (Smith did not mention Bill Maher). More important is the very mainstream media, represented recently by Chris Matthews who often fawns over candidates from both sides. When seriously interviewed by Rachel Maddow he expressed extreme disgust at the level of discourse, the type of bandying about of empty terms and phrases replacing real discourse. Matthews on air is no liberal, but he is clearly sick of critics of the administration being put on the defensive by the moronic repetition of vacuous language (cut and run was a good example). "

Michael Welch The Guns And Butter Dilemma... wrote on May 19, 2008 12:00 PM:

" Let me add that I am at least heartened to read below some actual criticism of Obama that isn't total sleaze. It is legitimate to imply that more social programs mean more tax resources directed domestically. Those of us who are indeed 'soshies' want those revenues to come from the wars and other 'defense' spending boondoggles but liberal Democratic presidents after Truman (Truman CUT the defense budget drastically in 1949, then came the Korean war and that was that!) have usually gone the LBJ 'guns and butter' route and unfortunately 'guns' nearly always beats 'butter'... "

Republican humor wrote on May 19, 2008 11:50 AM:

" Here's an example: SENATOR John McCain on President Clinton's then teenage daughter: "The reason she's so ugly is that Janet Reno is the father." Need more? How about, "Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran?" I see what you mean, Johnny-Tess. We lefties will never be that funny! "

Michael Welch The Sleaziaks Are More And More Desperate... wrote on May 19, 2008 11:31 AM:

" Re: Huckabee, I once thought him a reasonable guy who might well make McCain a good veep; now indeed I wonder: what made those associations -- guns, shots, Obama -- congeal; was it the impulse to please the audience, presumed a bunch of 'Phil O'Bates,' 'Johnny-Tess,' 'Planet Sleaziaks' etc.? As it turned out the NRAers were NOT as tickled as the ol' preacher thought they'd be, i. e. the NRAers actually had had mothers who had properly socialized them that assassinations, even imagined, were NOT amusing. The sub-campaign against Obama IS sleaze and smear -- we see it on Jim's blog EVERY DAY -- but 75,000 enthusiastically greeted Obama in Portland Oregon yesterday, a record crowd. PRESIDENT Obama -- it looms larger and larger... "

Michael Welch Funny As A Crutch Johnny-Tess... wrote on May 19, 2008 11:21 AM:

" Nothing 'Johnny-Tess' ever writes is funny; rather it's condescending, uh ELITIST, insulting and downright creepy at its worst, which is often. I guess that sound of the chair smacking was 'Johnny-Tess' chortling over Huckabee's 'joke,' a joke akin to the laugh whompers of a George Lincoln Rockwell, son of 'Doc' Rockwell, an actual vaudeville comic who found his son, once at large, not very funny, not very funny at all. 'Johnny-Tess' needs more jokes about the Holocaust to really get the laughs -- or more about Jimmy as a crypto-Muslim radical, now that's a knee slapper eh 'Johnny Tess'? Yeah as we used to say -- these guys are funny all right, 'funny as a crutch'... "

Bwaa ha ha ha ha good one bugsy wrote on May 19, 2008 11:08 AM:

" barack hussein obama certainly has issues, MANY ISSUES! his twenty year following of Wright, his endorsements by Louis Farakan, the New Black Panther Party, the Communist Party of Illinois, the Socialist Party of America, and admitted terrorist Ayers. What barack hussein obama doesn't have is a plan. All he has is pipe dreams dressed up in the words of 'hope' and 'change'. McCain has at least given details on his plans. Ask an obama follower what and how obama will accomplish anything and all you will hear is empty rhetoric like "he'll change 8 years of bush policy." On the topic of guns, you can bet BHO will work to eliminate the 2nd amendment. "

MK wrote on May 19, 2008 10:51 AM:

" Bugs if Sen. Obama becomes president I hope you are ready to open up your pocket book even more. Because if any of his agendas pass the house and senate more of your pay check will be going to Uncle Sam in the form of taxes. You and all the other democratic supporters best not whine about things like gas and food prices amongst other things (increased state and federal taxes) if his agenda comes to pass. "

BrianGSmith wrote on May 19, 2008 10:07 AM:

" The GayOldParty hasn't any gas in the tank. They are an empty vacuum and thusly rely heavily on garbage politics. They're due for an historical landslide. Huckabee is an idiot, plain and simple. Johnny Hobo obviously hasn't seen the Jon Stewart or Steven Colbert shows. Liberals know how to laugh, it's the uptighty whitey Gay Old Party that can't handle humor. What Huckabee said wasn't funny...simple as that. Liberals like to smoke pot and date folks from other races, conservatives want to stop them with their guns. That is the difference between the two. "

Froto wrote on May 19, 2008 9:48 AM:

" Ah yes the gullible public. both sides will say all sorts of things to get the media to publish it and make a big deal out of it. The ingnorant public of course will eat it up, paper sales will increase and advertising revenues will go up. Nothing new here. "

Re Bugs wrote on May 19, 2008 9:42 AM:

" The issue the GOP has that needs to be discussed is the big talking, spineless democratic led House. Nancy and company with all that talk about stopping the Iraq war, and bringn our troops home and what have we seen out these folks. Not a blessed thing. When at least one of there own called the president to task and actually tried to hold him accountable, all those rabbits ran for their holes. Bring Gingrich & company back, at least they had the stones to make things happen. Any reduction in spending and the deficit belong almost solely to them.... "

Kevin wrote on May 19, 2008 9:35 AM:

" Absolutely right, no democrat has ever been condescending, mean or otherwise unscruplious when running for office. ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha (lol). I am not sure how you folks can even vote for one of your top two candidates. Barack, has thrown his caucasion roots under the bus. We never hear him talk about his 'white' roots. For a raceless uniter he spends alot of time in his book talking about good whites and bad whites....What about all the other 'races' in america? He never even touches on those. Hillary, it's clear she's a carpetbagger, but at least she's honest about what she wants(the presidency). There's not a genuine bone in any of their bodies....(Lol) this is little article is such a laugh..... "

Bugs Raplin wrote on May 19, 2008 9:23 AM:

" Good analysis, Jimmy. The GOP has no issues. Therefore, they'll try to whip up a frenzy on such things as flag pins, burning the flag, pledge of allegiance, Obama's middle name, Reverend Wright and so on ad nauseum. But it won't work. So Tess, Hobo, Phil, Kenneth..get ready for President Barack Obama. Man, the thought of that cheers my soul. "

Johnny Hobo wrote on May 19, 2008 8:53 AM:

" Years ago, Secretary of the Interior James Watt hit the nail on the head, when he stated, "Liberals need to learn to laugh at themselves." The current coarsening of the public debate can be traced back to the faux sensitivity that liberal/socialists injected into the debate beginning in the 1970s. As comic Dennis Miller stated, "Reach into your piggy bank and buy yourself a clue." "

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