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Obama calls role-players-gamers bitter: Clinton responds
2008-04-16 18:57:00
Obama mocks a Paladin of Ilmater at a Pennsylvania gathering. Barack Obama drew the ire of gamers across Pennsylvania for making the following comments before the Scranton PS3 club: "Look, you got these guys- umm- they don't have a lot of social interaction- nobody likes them- and they're feeling the pinch from competing role-playing games like the Hero system and even electronic, console-based PS-3- so they're bitter. They cling to their dice- their pencil and paper-based Dungeon and Dragons- probably still using the 2nd edition rules, mind you- I was asking some of my independent graphic prose supporters- 'Can you imagine them telling each other that they want to lower their armor class [laughter]?' ... watching the world pass them by. So it's no wonder that they feel antipathy to people who play Tunnels and Trolls, X-Box, computer games, and Minis- people who weren't there at the beginning. And when a black guy like me comes along, well-umm- they just remember how uncool...
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Obama speech- Why elitists admire him more than Mitt Romney.
2008-04-16 05:00:00
From here. First: “I am amused about this notion of elitist, given that when you’re raised by a single mom, when you’re on food stamps for a while when you were growing up, you went to school on scholarship….” he said, also talking about his wife Michelle’s money troubles. “So when somebody makes that argument, particularly given that I spent my entire life working with workers, low-income communities to try to make people’s lives a little bit better, then that’s when you know we’re in political silly season,” he told a veterans forum in Washington, Pa. Obama can't be this naive. In America, esteem doesn't come from your family background. In fact, a tough background is, in individual achievement-oriented America, prestigious in and of itself which is why Obama (and Edwards) keeps mentioning his hardscrabble life on the beaches of Honolulu and in the halls of prep school and Clinton, Kerry, and Bush never menti...
More About: Mitt Romney , Romney , Speech , Mitt

Pope's family one of Germany's anti-Nazi families
2008-04-16 03:50:00
Many people, like Bill Maher, couldn't care less about the truth. He, like some people I know personally, called the Pope a Nazi (or, former Nazi). Not true. It's also not true that the Pope covered up sex scandals. Not that Bill Maher would ever apologize. Maher has the anti-honor of joining the Nazis in mocking the Church (No, you're not a Nazi for criticizing the Church, but you have than in common with them.). Hey, I just thought of something: Did any of the people who criticized McCain for accepting pastor Hagee's support condemn Maher?Powered by b2evolution.
More About: Family , Families , Anti

Pope ashamed of American priest-sex scandal.
2008-04-15 19:13:00
Story here. "It is a great suffering for the church in the United States and for the church in general and for me personally that this could happen," Benedict said. "It is difficult for me to understand how it was possible that priests betray in this way their mission ... to these children." "I am deeply ashamed and we will do what is possible so this cannot happen again in the future," the pope said. Good for the Pope . I believe him too. Clergy who were in a position to stop the abuse like Cardinal Mahoney should be more than ashamed.Powered by b2evolution.
More About: Scandal , American , Priest

Do we need more female engineers-brothel experts?
2008-04-15 19:08:00
Guess the engineer. This story describes an effort to get more females interested in the sciences. On 2005's National Assessment of Educational Progress, high school girls trailed their male counterparts in scoring for nearly all science and math categories. Yet in elementary school, females scored similar to the boys in their classes. Secondary teachers face the same conundrum every year: How to get girls interested in math and science beyond their elementary years. If this is funded by a corporation that designs blouses with pocket protectors, who cares? But if it's our tax dollars, how does this kind of program serve the national interest? Are female designed bridges sturdier? Do female engineered servers have less down time? Really, why must we spend money to realize somebody's socialist fantasy? If we do need more scientists, we should steer scholarships to useful college majors that lead to inventions and innovation from, say, "American studies." Speaking of which:...
More About: Female , Experts , Engineers

Why would anybody consider the Democratic leadership elitist?
2008-04-15 16:45:00
Just because Democrats have super ("elite") delegates that can over-rule their proletariat doesn't mean that they're elitist.Powered by b2evolution.
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Obama conversation on race watch
2008-04-15 16:42:00
Is his psychoanalysis of rural whites, Obama 's continuation of his important dialog on race?Powered by b2evolution.
More About: Watch , Race , Conversation

The best George Will column I've ever read.
2008-04-15 07:30:00
Erudite, calm, non-exploitive, educational. Wow! Candidate on a High Horse.Powered by b2evolution.
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How non-bitter, elite, highly educated liberals decide whom to vote for
2008-04-15 01:36:00
Mostly identity politics, I think. you may want to take an aspirin before reading. Hey, Obama boys: Back off already!Powered by b2evolution.
More About: Liberals , Vote , Bitter , Elite

Letters to the U.S.S. Russell
2008-04-14 16:42:00
Blogging buddy Gazing at the Flag invites us to write letters to the U.S.S. Russell , one of the boats in our Navy. You can ship your response here.Powered by b2evolution.
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Movie Review: Street Kings- A pauper's Training Day
2008-04-14 11:29:00
Youtube video. David Ayer wrote Street Kings and Training Day, both movies are about corrupt cops, and yes, both are destined to coexist within the shrink-wrapping of a Sam's Club two-pack; but although Keanu Reeves also has a hot Latina girlfriend, Denzel Washington is clearly taller.** As to their relative cinematic worth, Street Kings is a Geo Metro to TD's Toyota Corolla- essentially the same, but with cosmetic differences and less resale value. Street Kings versus... Training Day Training Day In Street Kings, Keanu Reeves is Detective Tom Ludlow, a loose-cannon cop who's more than willing to take a beating to bring down the bad guys. And bring them down he does. Like some feverish ACLU fantasy, Ludlow breaks into a room of child enslavers and immediately starts picking people off. Luckily, Jack Wander (Forest Whitacker), his task force commander, is there to cover up Ludlow's bloody mess. Ludlow finds out that his former partner, Terrence Washington, may be snitchin...
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On Obama, bitterness, limousine leftism, and the religion necessary to deal
2008-04-13 22:48:00
Although not the only way to divide Republicans and with the knowledge that overlap exists between the groups, most agree that rich, economically-driven Republicans have very different concerns than those motivated by social issues; small business owners; and members of the "leave me alone" coalition. Leave Us Alone: Getting the Government's Hands Off Our Money, Our Guns, Our Lives by Grover Norquist Democrats come in inner-city, government dependent; the sufficiently-isolated-from-the-effect-of- liberal-policies (graduate students and people who live in very safe neighborhoods and have a very secure existence- heiresses and the limousine liberals); actors; and union member varieties. Well, Barack, speaking to the limo-liberal type insulted everybody else on both lists. I won't repeat the excellent arguments here and here, but let me just point out why Barack will have problems living down his suspicion-confirming statement. The most insulting thing one can do in an argument i...
More About: Religion , Obama , Deal , Bitterness , Limousine

Movie Review: Nim's Island- As fun as a day at the beach.
2008-04-13 10:16:00
Youtube movie trailer. Nim's Island is a soft-edged, FAO Schwarz-like couple of hours that kids will find fun, perhaps even adventurous, and parents won't mind. Nim (Abigail Breslin) is a twelve-year-old girl who lives on a secret (Apparently, Google Earth missed that spot. I actually overheard the coordinates Nim gives to Alexandra, but if I tell you, it wouldn't be secret, now, would it?) South Pacific island inhabited only by her father, Jack (Gerard Butler), and herself. The father spends his time studying sea protozoa while Nim plays with her animal friends and reads Alex Rover books. Alex Rover (Also, Gerard Butler) is a Scottish-burring(?) cowboy and archetypal American action hero: Rough and daring as opposed to a suave or brainy English Holmes or Bond. Alex-fount Alexandra Rover is an agoraphobic priss with an extreme resistance to adventure: Alex's ironic opposite, in other words. Needing a plausible scenario for her past-due Alex Rover novel, Alexandra emails Nim...
More About: Movie , Beach , Movie Review , Review

The only constituency Obama hasn't insulted is...
2008-04-13 07:19:00
From Michelle Malkin ...secular, afrocentric, liberal gun control advocates. Let's see. So far he's gone after: 1. Whites, typical or otherwise. 2. The religious. 3. Gun Owners. 4. People who believe in physical manifestations of patriotism. 5. Colombians and Canadians. And, by claiming that without his help they'd "fall prey" to people who wave papers with numbers in front of their face, the under-prepared homeowner (Really, anybody who thinks they can survive without Obama 's direct intervention.). To his credit, Obama hasn't, Kerry style, directly insulted the military. I don't recall any comments about midgets, the near-sighted, mustachioed women, or Iranian madmen either.Powered by b2evolution.

Goodbye Prius. Hello Hummer
2008-04-11 17:01:00
Got this from the Corner. It's about the BAkken oil formation in North Dakota. This pretty much solves everything.Powered by b2evolution.
More About: Hummer , Goodbye , Prius

Colin Powell: The nail in McCain's coffin?
2008-04-10 18:55:00
Colin Powell , the first black man with a chance to win the White House, could help McCain by supporting him or assure his defeat by endorsing Obama. Two reasons: 1. It would neutralize Obama's leader/patriotism issues. Not only do people still respect Powell, but a military endorsement is especially important for a "weak" leader like Obama. It effectively neutralizes McCain's possible Obama-himself, Zero-hero narrative. 2. Conversion story. Why is Whittaker Chambers' story so powerful? Why did the Pope publicly baptize a Muslim? Why do conservatives like conservative blacks like Powell or Liberals like liberal generals (Blacks aren't "traitors to their race-" they just don't follow the position associated with their group)? Why do Muslims wish to kill converts from Islam? Why did conservatives go gaga over David Mamet's repudiation of necrocephalism? Because, more than any single act, conversion demoralizes the apostate's former belief system. Powell, in whom conservatives ...
More About: Colin Powell , Coffin , Colin , Nail

McCain tolerance campaign ad and money
2008-04-10 04:17:00
I admit this thought contains a little bit of "sweet lemon," but McCain may benefit in some way from participating in public financing. First and foremost, it tarnishes Obama's outsider image. His waffling is unbecoming, to say the least. It also gives McCain an underdog sheen, and it may actually drive people to his site for advertising. Free ads! The youtube ad below cuts in on Obama's "uniter" message. It's a little wordy and tough to follow at times, but if McCain wins on "tolerance," better for him. Powered by b2evolution.
More About: Money , Campaign , Tolerance

Rockefeller making Obama seem weak
2008-04-10 04:02:00
According to Dick Morris, Obama 's weakness is that people perceive him as weak. That Obama didn't condemn either the "Warmonger" charge or the Rockefeller insult only makes him look weaker.Powered by b2evolution.

America and China: Very far apart historically?
2008-04-10 03:17:00
China, the stronger, more economically advanced and aggressive nation conquers Tibet, a relatively backward people with a unique culture, one that- because of assimilation, intermarriage, and plain force- stands little chance of surviving (The unlikelihood of the Dalai Lama's return and thus the resumption of his full power makes Tibetan theology especially fragile, one would think.). Most Tibetans decry their fate while the Chinese position is that Chinese rule materially and philosophically improves Tibet. Sound familiar? Although one can quibble over this or that fact, China-Tibet sounds very similar to the America n relationship with the Native-American population. I don't really have a larger point; just reflecting on the tides of history.Powered by b2evolution.
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A fair criticism of McCain from the Nation and conservative book bias
2008-04-10 00:50:00
This article criticizing McCain's handling of the Rockefeller affair seems fair. It's tough to counter such attacks without seeming self-righteous. The article isn't filled with the mocking invective one expects of the Nation . Another article has cases of conservative bias in a textbook. That's a switch! The criticisms aren't serious, but they are valid.Powered by b2evolution.
More About: Book , Conservative , Bias , Fair

Liberal Double Talk: Patriotism-Love of country or love of socialism
2008-04-09 20:26:00
I read Joe Klein's article on Barack Obama's "patriotism problem" and heard Michael Medved interview Eric Liu, the writer of a short book on progressive patriotism. Klein and Liu make the case that liberals can be as patriotic as conservatives, which is fine. What's laughable is their insistence that progressives are the truer patriots. Their reasoning: 1. True patriots want what's best for their country and their fellow Americans and support policies that help Americans as a whole instead of just oneself or one group. Additionally, true patriots show appreciation for what the government has given them. 2. Government is good. Leftist policies help Americans, offering opportunities that Americans wouldn't otherwise have. Wealthy people disproportionately benefit from government (have more to appreciate). 3. Therefore, a true patriot votes for bigger government and progressive taxation. Right. As if people were less patriotic before the Johnson administration. The above art...
More About: Country , Love , Double , Patriotism , Liberal

Hater pots lying about McCain's kettle: Comments to his wife.
2008-04-08 22:59:00
From here. We always knew that Republicans were jerks, but they often do such a good job of mugging for the cameras that it's hard to get that story out to the public. Oh, come on, people say, do they really hate brown people and the poor and the gays and the disabled? Yeah, they do. But from Newt Gingrich to Rudi Giuliani, they also tend to hate on their wives, those lumps in the bed next to them, which I guess is just the natural consequence of being misogynist creeps. It's also an easy point of character reference for the body politic, which is perhaps why the press has so delicately refrained from pointing out what terrible spouses so many of these wingnuts really are. And being a jerk in public to your spouse, humiliating them, the person who will put up with more crap from you than anyone in your life besides your parents, that's just beyond the pale. In this, John McCain showed himself during his 1992 Senate campaign to be not an independent maverick, but a dyed-in-the...
More About: Wife , Comments , Lying , Hater

Should Bush boycott the Olympics?
2008-04-08 20:49:00
I plan on boycotting the Olympics , but, then again, I've boycotted every Olympics since 1976 (I don't count the attention I paid to the 1984 games because they were in Los Angeles and, thus, unavoidable). I didn't boycott the Seoul Olypics because of the rust on my Kia or Atlanta because of that modern Nostradamus, Ted Turner. In fact, my Olympic aversion has nothing to do with politics: The Olympics are just deadly boring. All of those "profiles" stuck in between a tiny bit of action; the announcers and their "let's go tos." There's the explosion of events that nobody cares about. I get that people in Bulgaria like handball because they could conduct illicit tournaments in abandoned wherehouses, but synchronized swimming? Somebody tells their little girl to keep practicing their aquatic robot moves so that one day they can be the Olympic laughing stock? The male-female equivalence kind of bugs me. I imagine that both men and women find female weight lifting disgusting. Hones...
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Retort Exhort: How McCain can answer the bush third Term Charge
2008-04-08 20:48:00
OK, Team McCain: Obama dropped the 100 years thing and is now on "McCain is running for Bush 's third term." Try this for a reply: "Obama is running for Hoover/ Carter/ Johnson's second term." Or, what about Wilson's third?Powered by b2evolution.
More About: Answer , Charge , The Bush , Term

Obama caught lying about 100 years in Iraq Charge
2008-04-08 18:43:00
I said that this line of attack would come back to bite Obama . Getting caught lying is worse for Obama than it is for Hillary because the majority of Obama's appeal is as a "transcender" of politics while everybody knows that Hillary is a liar. McCain, the "honor" candidate, is also especially susceptible. Enjoy: Powered by b2evolution.
More About: Iraq , Charge , Lying , Years

McCain does well with warmonger charge
2008-04-08 15:59:00
Story here. Liberal radio host Ed Schultz, warming up the crowd at an Obama fundraiser in North Dakota on Friday, calls John McCain a "warmonger." Obama isn't there, arrives later. McCain's campaign calls on Obama's campaign to denounce it. Obama's campaign does: “John McCain is not a warmonger and should not be described as such. He’s a supporter of a war that Senator Obama believes should have never been authorized and never been waged.” Not good enough! This afternoon the McCain campaign is still on it: "This issue won’t be closed until Barack Obama personally and publicly repudiates this smear attack." McCain does excellently here, forcing Obama to be the "different" kind of candidate he insists he is- keeping him on the defensive. "We should each repudiate attacks on each other's honor and make this campaign on the issues, McCain should continue." Avoidance of personal attacks hurts Democrats more as a big part of their strategy is dismissing ...
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The pro-war left
2008-04-04 17:10:00
Years ago, I read ads in the Nation for Spanish Civil War memorabilia. Nobody who doesn't at least think it was a good idea to fight buys war trinkets. Those ads serve as tangible proof that many leftists cheer their side in war as lustily as any Neocon. There's plenty cheer-worthy (from their perspective) war to choose from as well. Communists have stoked conflict on every continent-Latin America, Africa, Asia, well, not Australia- and have killed far more than any single movement- including religion- in history. Besides usual suspects Che and Castro, the American Communists in the Spanish Civil War get lefty war-juices flowing. Here's an article on a memorial to the Lincoln Brigade in that most jingoistic of cities, San Francisco.Powered by b2evolution.
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Why corporations like Clinton, Obama, and Democrats
2008-04-04 05:20:00
Story here. For now, though, Sen. Clinton of New York is leading the way, bringing in at least $6.29 million from the securities and investment industry, compared with $6.03 million for Sen. Obama of Illinois and $2.59 million for McCain, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Those figures include donations from the investment companies' employees and political action committees. And, here. The Republican standard-bearer's attempt to claw back financial support from the GOP's business base could be a pivotal factor in determining the outcome of the presidential race. Employees of financial-services, insurance and real-estate companies so far have donated to Sen. Obama over Sen. McCain by almost two-to-one -- and favored Sen. Clinton by even more. Health-care and pharmaceutical firms have given three times as much to each of the two Democrats as to Sen. McCain. Defense firms put Sen. McCain ahead of Sen. Obama, but behind Sen. Clinton. Energy, construction and agri...
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McCain may have two sons in Iraq during his presidency
2008-04-03 23:09:00
Story here.Powered by b2evolution.
More About: Iraq , Presidency , Sons

Retort Exhort: McCain needs to answer economic questions part 2
2008-04-03 01:04:00
During a town-hall-style meeting here, Obama said McCain offered "four more years of the same George W. Bush policies that have gotten us into the pickle that we're in right now." He argued that McCain was most interested in tax cuts for wealthy Americans and trade agreements "that fail to look after American workers." McCain's response to the housing crisis, Obama said, "amounts to little more than standing on the sidelines and watching millions of Americans lose their homes." OK. From here, it looks like McCain will need a fuller answer than the one I provided here. 1. McCain should counter the "running for Bush's third term" charge with: Obama is running for Jimmy Carter's second. 2. "The economy doesn't move when the president says so. Neither does the government 'help.' I refuse to take money from hard-working Americans to help the irresponsible." 3. "It's interesting that Obama, who claims to understand the economy, "stood by" and said nothing, nothing! about hous...
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