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June 30, 2004

linkage + caption contest = lazy yet fruitful blogging

* Baseball Crank is on a roll. Just start at the top and scroll down. Don't miss the Clinton post. * Sharp Marbles opens up John Kerry's divorce papers. * Dodd talks about how no one talks about Statement #15. * Cam is putting together a weekly Blogger Roundtable for his radio show. * Gratutious link to Bill for linking to the hypnotoad. * Gratutious link to Meryl because she has been consistently spectacular of late. Re Gmail invites: Everyone who donated should get their invite by tonight. If you don't, please email me in the morning. Thank you once again to everyone who donated either money to the Eggers family or their own Gmail invites. Speaking of Gmail, users might want ot check this out: Gtray (via Bill) And now, for your amusement, Cheney's blank slate: cheneyblank.jpg Fill in yourself or just provide a caption in the comments.

milking the cheney thing for all it's worth

cheney2.jpg Reference.

Acid Rain: Fighting Against the Black Cloud of the Left

Every morning I wake up with the intention of writing something positive here; something non-war, non-politics related. But no sooner do I start thinking about movies or comic books or home repair stories when it all disappears. I read my mail, read some blog posts, check the news and other sites. The negativity crawls back. Not my negativity, but that of others, whose black cloud vibes seep out of their web pages, filter out of my monitor and do a slow crawl above my head, where the cloud will perch most of the day. Most days, I try to dispel the cloud, make it go away. I try to poke holes in it, but this only serves to let the acid rain flow and I'm left feeling a bit radioactive. Glowing with the power of ire, you could say. It's becoming impossible to stave off the negativity. Even if I hold off on reading the news and blogs, it's everywhere. I see it on bumper stickers, I overhear it at the pharmacy, I'm confronted with it on the radio. Today, I am thinking about Maha Alattar, who I listened to on WABC radio yesterday as John Gambling filled in for Sean Hannity. Maha was born and raised in Iraq. She left that country for the United States in 1983. You can read her story here. Yesterday, she spoke about her hopes for Iraq and all her relatives that are still there. She mentioned that she lost cousins in this war, but that she still finds the war necessary in order to preserve Iraq's future. She talked about young girls with a chance to have a life like her own. She talked about life under Saddam, about young men stolen away in the middle of the night, about children never heard from again. Maha is filled with hope. She already sees changes and even the simple ones, like young Iraqis using the internet to communicate with the world is something that she feels bodes well for the future of her homeland. It's a freedom she never had as a teenager. It's a step forward. But others, who have never been in Maha's shoes, would pour cold water on her hopes and dreams. They will speak only of death and destruction, only of darkness and hopelessness. They never see the silver lining because their cloud is always, only black. And the acid rain falls. Today I am thinking about three Iraqi brothers; Omar, Mohammed and Ali. They talk about Iraqi freedom, about things going on in their country that you don't see in the mainstream media. Then I think about those who doubt the veracity of these three brothers, all of whom have lived under Saddam's reign. I read words that cause my blood pressure to rise, doubts that the brothers exists, or that if they do, their words don't really matter. It is the voice of denial coming from the left. If it does not fit their agenda, it cannot be true. And more rain falls. Today I am thinking about the presidential campaign. Not the official campaign, but those being run by the supporters of either candidate. There's a line from a favorite song of mine by Bill Nelson that says build on hope, hope lasts forever. That's what I'm looking for. Hope. And then I read about an ad being run in The Nation. That image is the first thing you see when you go to this site. I cringe and watch the black cloud loom larger. Another drop of acid rain falls, and I'm feeling radioactive. I think of the soldiers who are fighting this war for us, the soldiers who believe in what they are doing and are proud do to it, the soldiers who see the good things in Iraq. And then I think of those who oppose these soldiers, those who try to tell the soldiers what they are doing wrong, those who cry for them to desert, to run away, those who call them baby killers. The black cloud hovers, sways in the breeze and drops some more rain. I think about September 11, 2001. I remember the terror, the fear, the overwhelming grief, some of which is still with me today. Two and half years later, there has not been another attack on US soil. Our homeland has not been attacked since that day. I feel confident that future attempts at attacks will be foiled. I feel confident that the war on terrorism will be won. Yet there are those who spew venom on a daily basis in the form of tall tales. Bush planned 9/11. Bush made it happen. These are the same people who practically wish for another attack to happen, just so Bush can be blamed and lose the election. Of course, in the same breath these people will tell you that Bush is actually planning another attack on our country, so people will rally behind him again. A lie is a lie is a theory. Either side of the mouth talks as fast as the other. Here comes that rain again. I think about my country. United we stand, divided we fall. I heard that a lot in my youth and it was a sentiment I truly believed in. I still do. Unfortunately, that sense of unity I once felt is gone. We truly are a nation divided. It's not a fringe thing, because I see and hear on a daily basis words from moderates and mainstream liberals that used to be used only by the fringe elements of their political parties. Perhaps the far right is engaging in these tactics as well. I don't know because I don't pay any attention to them. But I do pay attention to the left if only for the very fact that they hate me. And if you think like me, they hate you, too. They have declared themselves my enemy and, as such, I am obligated to pay attention to them. I imagine them as anger personified; a massive swarm of bad feelings and bitterness, all shouts and shrill screeches and phasers set on stun. They come at me (and when I say me, I mean anyone who is planning on voting for Bush) every day and no matter how I try to repel them, they will not back off. They are immune to facts, to truth, to reasoning. They beat you back with the only weapons they have: denial and distorted truth. No matter how many Iraqis you throw at them, they won't believe a word spoken by them. No matter how many statistics you hit them with, they will deny each one to the very end. No matter how much good news you give them, they will search out any tidbit of bad news to fight back with. They don't want to hear good news. It defeats their purpose. Give them a soldier telling them the truth and they will stick their fingers in their ears. What makes me so different from them, you ask? Well, while they are totally negative, I'm not totally positive. I recognize flaws within my party. I recognize the faults of George Bush. I don't deny that there are some days the news out of Iraq is disheartening. They won't say anything that strays from the basic tenet of their movement, which is: If it's good for Bush, it's bad for us. Their chants and mantras are nothing but bashing; their fight songs are funeral dirges. They are like goth teens gone wild. Death, despair, life sucks because you made it that way. What also makes me different is my hope. I think of the future of Iraq and I envision thousands of Maha Alattars, girls becoming doctors, lawyers, equals and not having to sneak out of their country to do it. I think of Omar, Mohammed and Ali and how many young Iraqi men will follow in their footsteps, but do so without fear of being kidnapped in the middle of the night. It gives me hope not only for the people of Iraq, but for the people of America and the rest of the world as well. Start with one country, let the other willingly follow. Some day we might see a free world. If we don't, perhaps our children or grandchildren will. It is not fair of us to sit here and think only of us and our time on this planet. We must set the pace for the future. Obviously, I think George W. Bush is the person who can help us set that pace for the future. I think he's the only who has the vision to look forward; a vision that includes the rest of the world, not just the U.S. It would be wrong to not consider the entire world, as the fate of the world is our fate as well. I'm starting my own campaign for George W. Bush and it will have no black clouds. I'm going to build on hope, because hope lasts forever. So can pessimism, if you let it. Don't let it.

remember lisa

13231959.jpe Please remember Lisa Steinberg Launders as her murderer Joel Steinberg walks out of jail as a free man today. Previously: I wish him nothing but the worst fate possible I still wish him nothing but the worst fate possible Other articles about Lisa Steinberg Launders and the man who called himself her father but was her prisoner and murderer. A Child Not Breathing The murder of Lisa Steinberg Launders To New Yorkers: bq. Joel Steinberg doesn't like to be stared at. That rattles him. That's why he broke apart a baby girl with his bare hands. She was staring at him, he thought.
So stare at him.
Do not touch him. Do not do him harm. Do not spit on him. Do not curse him aloud. Say nothing. Just stare.
Just stand back, give him room, and stare at Joel Steinberg, every hour of every day.
Let him never forget how much he is despised, forever. I Wish You Didn't Know My Name: The Story of Michele Launders and Her Daughter Lisa. Remember Lisa today as her killer goes free.

New Yorkers Boo a Politician!! Breaking! Amazing!

Another morning that I'm working on something a bit long that won't be done for a while yet. Meanwhile, here's something amusing: Cheney was booed at the Yankee game last night. The DU people think this is HUGE news. A political figure booed at a sporting event? Wow. Will wonders never cease? I don't think I've ever seen a politician at a sporting event who wasn't booed. And in New York? Not exactly a Bush state, so I wasn't expecting cheers and accolades for Mr. Cheney. But, hey. If this is what makes the DU folks wet their pants, then I'll just sit back and laugh at them. This is not HUGE news, as they put it. It's typical, it's expected and it's been going on for years and years, no matter who the politician shown on the big screen is. It is to laugh. Ok, nevermind that. Go read this lengthy, but excellent piece by Ed Moltzen: More Than Just Digital Brownshorts.

June 29, 2004

Cheney in the hizzouse!

cheneyfuck.jpg [Yahoo Photo: Cheney at Yanks/Sox game]

Gmail Update

Still answering mail and hooking up people who made donations with their Gmail benefactors. Sit tight, I'll get back to work on that tonight and you should all be set up.

is that a threat?

This is the second time today someone posted my personal info (which has now been changed at Whois). At Pandagon, some cretin named Kate suggested that they look up my info and post it. [big portion of post deleted] Update: Kate has apologized both in email and at Pandagon. End of story.

Game On: Flaming Voodoo Time

soxbuddy.jpgIt's Game Day. Which means it's time to work the voodoo that I do on days such as this. This is my Red Sox Buddy. I take him with me wherever I go on days that the Yanks are playing the Sox. I actually have many copies of him, as we often like to set him on fire. Tonight, as a special treat, we are going to barbecue. Not the doll, silly. Just regular hamburgers. But we are going to make Boston baked beans. And then we will light our farts on fire and use that fire to enflame our Red Sox Buddy. Maybe later I'll let you catch a glimpse of my Headless Ted doll. If I don't feel the good voodoo vibes coming on strong before game time, I'll have to whip out the cleavage hex. Game Time: 7:05 p.m. EST. I'll be in my backyard using nature's flamethrower to light the passion of the Sox/Yankee rivalry. You're welcome to join us. Just bring a can of Glade air freshener. You think I'm kidding, don't you?

Three Moore Posts in One!

Out today. Coming soon. Steal F911, with Moore's blessing. Bonus poetry. Update: I swear, this was totally random. I did not choose this result. I swear, this was totally random.
michael moore is poisonous! Induce vomitting if ingested.
N
POISON

Username:
From Go-Quiz.com [stolen from evil Red Sox fan Jim]

When The Truth is Found Made out to be Lies

Or, alternately titled, When the truth does not coincide with your world view, call it lie. Last night I posted some thoughts from Iraqi bloggers on the handover. They were positive, joyful thoughts. Someone in the comments wanted to know how I knew these people were really Iraqi bloggers. This is how the left deals with any kind of news that does not fit in with their perspective: it must be a lie. Oliver says: bq. If I was in the Bush administration's communications department, and I knew that things were not going well in Iraq, and I wanted to spin the message my way -- I would set up a number of "Iraqi blogs" and use the information within to sway influential American opinionmakers. However, when I mention in his comments about the typical lefty response being the one where they yell LIE!, he says: bq. Michele, I'm not saying those blogs are lies or anything. I'm just saying that people who can afford to be online in Iraq and writing blogs probably aren't the best representative sample. And if I were running a disinfo campaign, that would be one avenue I would go down. His post and his comment say two entirely different things. I wonder why some people have a hard time believing that there could possibly be any Iraqis pleased with the handover. I know it's not some magic panacea that just cured Iraq of all its ills, but some Iraqis do see it as a step - if a symbolic one - towards their ultimate freedom. Also, the naysayers seem to forget one thing: Saddam is gone. You can bet that most Iraqis are pretty damn happy about that. But that's not enough for those who want to throw cold water on any good news from Iraq. The fact that the torturing, murdering, evil dictator no longer runs their country through fear and intimidation is not enough. And who are they to speak? Who are they to say what Iraqis should or should not be happy with? They add their but onto every sentence (Saddam is gone, but....), never stopping to fully appreciate the enormity of that one part of the sentence. Saddam is gone. That means a lot to the people who lived under his rule. It doesn't take much to figure that out. The new Iraq has a long way to go. I'm not a Pollyana who thinks that yesterday marked the beginning of some wonderful world where everyone in Iraq is safe and prosperous. But it is a beginning. It's more than they had before. It's better than what they had before. So why is it so hard to believe that some Iraqis would treasure that moment, or that some Iraqis are truly thankful to the United States for ridding them of Saddam? This is the kind of thing that happened under Iraq's previous government: bq. "This is when they brought out his wife, who was five months pregnant. One of the guards said that if he refused to talk he would get 12 guards to rape his wife until she lost the baby. Amer said nothing. So they did. We were forced to watch. Whenever one of us cast down his eyes, they would beat us."

"Amer's wife didn't lose the baby. So the guard took a knife, cut her belly open and took the baby out with his hands. The woman and child died minutes later. Then the guard used the same knife to cut Amer's throat." (Read the rest here) This is what the coalition is taking away from Iraq. What they are giving to them is a chance to live in a place where an incident like that would be unheard of. We have sacrificed the blood of our sons and daughters for that, yes. I know that is what some of you are thinking. But doesn't a peaceful Iraq bode well for our own future? Or were we to let them suffer, die and be buried in mass graves for all of eternity, while their leader plotted and planned to kill us as well? It is interesting to juxtapose the left's feelings about Iraq with their feelings about Sudan. After reading through this DU thread about the genocide taking place in Sudan, I was struck by this post: bq. I've always wished that Africa could deal with its own problems. But since it can't(or won't), we have no choice but to intervene here in some manner. I would personally threaten the Sudanese government with war unless they stopped. Threaten them with war? For the crime of killing their own people? But isn't that what Saddam was doing? Remember those mass graves? But the left will turn that around and say, we went to war over WMD and we haven't found those stockpiles yet. So, because we didn't go to war over what you thought was a good reason, the fact that we stopped Saddam from committing even more genocide doesn't matter? Yet, it matters in Sudan. Why? Why make this about your agenda? Why are the tortured, murderered people of Iraq any less important to you than the dying people of Sudan? And if we do go to war with the Sudanese government and our soldiers die in the process, who will you blame? And what about Iran? They are pushing their limits with the U.S., flaunting their disregard for international law and human rights. You can read about the suppression, oppression, murders, tortures and blatant disregard for human life here. That's not even counting the stories about Iran wanting to build up its nukes. But the people reporting and writing those stories are students and activists. Is someone going to ask how we know they are real? How soon before some loony left site comes up with the theory that activistchat.com is just a big lie, run by some Bush cronies in order to build up a war effort against Iran, which is just part of the Bush administration strategy of wanting to be the ruling overlords of the entire world? Oh, I bet it's out there already. Everything that does not fit their agenda is a lie. Find a happy Iraqi, he must be made up. Find some chemical weapons? They were planted. Saddam captured? Nah, got him in a deal ages ago - that whole capture thing was a set up. Yea, just like the moon landing. It's very easy to get discouraged when you post something positive and the negativity soars through the comments like a freewheeling electric current. Perhaps they have no other recourse. I'm not sure why they do it. I am not here to give you all the news that makes the rounds. If, for a day, a moment or the rest of my blogging life - choose to just pick out the good news and good quotes and put them here, that's my perogative. Enjoy it or don't. I just think it's awfully juvenile of someone to come in here and stomp on the joys and hopes of Iraqis by implying that a) they don't really exist and/or b) their joy is stupid, their hope childish. I want to see what happens if/when we intervene in Sudan and/or Iran. I want to see how the left reacts because it seems to me that they pick and choose the beneficiaries of their "good will" at random. The Iraqi people, their lives and freedom don't matter because it is Bush's war. The people of Sudan matter. I have yet to see the left weigh in on Iran, specifically on the way the mullahs are cracking down on any form of dissent. Honestly, I'm not sure what matters to the left anymore. I'm not sure what they stand for, if anything except Get Bush Out of Office. It's interesting to note how they have embraced Michael Moore when just a year ago, they were calling him a fringe element. Anytime I would mention the left and Moore in the same sentence, I would be taken to task for lumping the loonies in with the more moderate lefties. Suddenly, they are all Moore fans and he is their hero. How did he go from being a fringe moonbat to being embraced by mainstream Democrats, even running politicians? And therein lies the answer to my question on what the left stands for. They don't stand for anything, really. They stand against Bush. Moore gave them F911 and it became ok to call Moore one of their own. And even though the Iraqis are walking towards freedom now, the left won't accept that as good because it is not good for them. Remember that quote from Metafilter I highlighted yesterday? Ugh. Now every time Bush refers to the handover, he'll be able to say "accomplished ahead of schedule." Yea. That about sums it up. The hell with everyone else, we just want to see Bush lose. It's a selfish goal, really. I once was on the left, you know. But back then the left was mostly selfless. It's strange to see what they've come to be.

Early Morning Required Reading

Regular blogging will be a little late today. Meanwhile, please read this article by Robert Stewart about the Iraq handover. Today Iraqis, not a dictator or outside force, are in charge of Iraq. It is a significant day for a nation and a region in need of, and yearning for, self-governance and an unshackling from dictatorships and oppression. I'll have more on this later. Also, please note that Robert Stewart's sister, Jen, who blogs here, will be participating in the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk in July. If you are so inclined, you can still sponsor her. (I also posted about Jen before, here). I'm really, really annoyed about some of the comments here and some other blog reactions to it. Wait for it.

June 28, 2004

Words From Iraqis on This Day

1 bq. Hail our true friends, the Great People of the United States of America; The Freedom giving Republic, the nation of Liberators. Never has the world known such a nation, willing to spill the blood of her children and spend the treasure of her land even for the sake of the freedom and well being of erstwhile enemies. The tree of friendship is going to grow and grow and bear fruit as sure as day follows night. And the people deep down at the bottom of their hearts, they appreciate. Make no mistake about that. The people have voted today, the pulse of the street is clear, without any hesitation I would give 90% of all Iraqis are hopeful and supportive of the new government, and this is a tacit indirect yes to the U.S. which has been the prime mover of all these events. This is what the foolish fail to understand. Why is this a different situation from that for example of a Vietnam? The answer is very simple: Because, the U.S. has achieved something very popular around here; which is the removal of the Saddam regime. Those who are really against the U.S. from amongst the Iraqis have been and remain a small minority; all other forms of resentment are simply disappointment and disgruntlement resulting from the discomfiture of the present situation and will simply disappear with progress and gradual improvement. -- Aala Read the rest. 2 bq. Our hope and our goal is to see the day when we can elect our representatives freely and more important is to be aware that the process is moving as we wish and there will be no room for those who dream of bringing back the past.
I can see only one bright road and I believe that going to the end is worth the sacrifice and we’ll never be discouraged by the dark pictures shown by the evil propaganda machines.
To me, we didn’t get rid of a military occupation today as I never considered the coalition’s presence as an occupation even if the whole world told me that I’m wrong.
Today we were freed for ever from the fear that a man and his family might once again control Iraq. -- Mohammed Read the rest. 3 bq. Thank you united state of America for your great Job you done here . Thank you coalitions forces for you brave work and supporting good. Thank you all Brave mans ,who lost there life here ,your bloods will be the river of hope for us.
Thank you all good friends out there ,thank you for being with us all the way , minute by minute ,day by day ,living our sadness and happiness ,standing beside us ,encouraging us Supporting us ,worry about us ,we always felt that you are there beside us ,with us .
Thank you all brave Iraqis who stand out there to fight for better future and freedom. I will go now to celebrate with all people for this happy moments ,it has been long time since we celebrate . -- Sarmad Read the rest. 4 bq. I hold high hopes in Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi and his courageous team. Yes, you could say every negative thing about them. But, those people wake up every morning to go to work not knowing if they'll be alive be end of the day. Cowards don't do that.
Thank you to everyone who helped Iraq since the collapse of Saddam's regime. Thank you to everyone who encouraged the Iraqi bloggers to write their thoughts even when everyone felt down. No, I'm not going to stop blogging. I'm just thankful to the people who read these amateur Iraqi blogs, which represent the new Iraq and its newborn democracy. -- Fayrouz Read the rest. 5 bq. Today is new day and it is a great day for all Iraqis and for freedom lovers. I have been waiting for a day like today for the last twenty two years I have lived here in the states. I as well as so many Iraqis thought we would never see a day like today. However, the day the coalitions decide to proceed toward Baghdad, I thought that is the beginning to a new era. Anyway that is that and we have to look forward and toward the future of Iraq. There are so much potential for Iraq as a country not to mention the people of Iraq. Now they have tasted some freedom they will never let go of it, I am certain of that. I am extremely optimistic about the new government and the new Iraq -- Baghdadi Read the rest.

More Gmail for a Worthy Cause

Come on, you know you want that Gmail account. Gmail is the new black! Having a Gmail account will make you prettier, smarter and get you more booty than Wilt Chamberlain on Viagra. Honest. That's why you need one now. What's that? You can only get one with an invite? Well, then. You are in-vi-ted! All you have to do to score one of these preciousssss invites is donate five dollars or more to the family of Dan Eggers. Full information is on this earlier post. Chris O'Donnell already gave away six. I gave away two. Faith gave out her last invite for this cause. Mary Pat has two to offer. (Mary Pat's invites have been taken) Charlie has a couple to give away. Reader Cobby would like to give you a Gmail account in exchange for you donation, as would Zomby boy. Update: Zomby Boy gave away two of his four invites to donaters. Like I said, it's a very worthy cause. Just go look at the picture of Dan Eggers' son. Bill is keeping his fund drive open until he raises $3,000 for the Eggers family. He's halfway there. Let's help him out. And you can get a cool, hip, sexy Gmail account in return. If you are interested in getting one of the Gmail accounts in return for a donation, just go to Bill's site, hit the donation button and forward your receipt to me. I'll then hook you up with one of the wonderful people who are offering up their invites. Thanks.

Vroom

Don't really know what it's off topic off, as this is a new post and the topic can really be whatever I want it to be. That said, the topic right now is how much I enjoy those motorcycle building shows. All of them. I suppose it's too late in life to become a biker chick, but I don't think biker chick is what I would go for, anyhow. I'm more like the chick who sits home on the couch eating a gallon of ice cream and drinking a bottle of cheap wine while watching guys on tv work on a motorcycle. It's a lot safer than actually being the biker chick as I don't actually have to ride on the bike. Also, you don't need a helmet to eat ice cream. Plus, I really don't look that great in a sleeveless denim jacket, tattoos and leather pants. But I'm real handy with a switchblade. Yea, it's too late to be the biker chick. Which is why I'll just watch tv.

How France Describes One Who Decaptitates Innocent People

If you're one of those people who hate when the words insurgents or resistance fighters is used to describe terrorists, you're gonna love this: From Reuters France, first in French, then translated: A trois jours du transfert officiel de souveraineté, la situation restait très tendue dimanche en Irak, où des activistes menacent de décapiter trois otages turcs... At three days of the official transfer of sovereignty, the situation remained very tended Sunday in Iraq, where activists threaten to decapitate three hostages Turkish... Activists. Activists. I wonder how they will report it when these "activists" take hold of a French soldier in Iraq, I bet..... Oh. Nevermind. via LGF

Gmail Give Away Update

Chris still has four Gmails to give away in exchange for your donation to the Eggers family. Update: Chris only has one none left! Thanks, Chris and all who donated through him. Faith is also offering her last invite in return for a donation. (Update, Faith's offer has been taken. Thank you, anonymous generous person). See here for details. Mary Pat has two Gmail accounts to offer. Charlie also has a few to give away. Please drop a note in the comments or email me if you want to take any of these people up on their generous offers. It's for a good cause.

The Bush Campaign and the Fence Sitters

Maybe in a different year 8% of the people being undecided about who to vote for in a presidential election wouldn't be a big deal. But Rasmussen's latest numbers look like this: That 8% looms large. If the Bush campaign plans on winning this thing, they better start concentrating on those undecided voters. Right now, the Bush ads sing to the choir. They are talking to people who already understand, follow and probably donate to the Bush campaign. The 8% of available voters out there are somewhat different than undecided voters in other elections. The 2004 election seems larger than life simply because we are at war. We are at war in Iraq and we are fighting the war against terrorism. These are the issues that are being addressed every day, in every newspaper, on every talk radio station, on every news channel. We are bombarded with images, sound bites and story upon story and we get it from all sides; war, anti-war, conservative, liberal and everything in between. So who are these undecided voters and why haven't they decided yet, given all the information available to them? They are, of course, the fence sitters and there two different kinds of people that sit on that fence. The first kind - we'll call him Type A- could be swayed to jump off the fence with just a slight push. Even a small breeze could tilt them off to one side. This person is easily swayed by imagery and sound bites; they need no facts, they don't do any research on their own. Words and pictures are presented to them and they take them as fact because they are too lazy or unknowledgeable or gullible to do the work on their own. They want someone to make all their choices for them, so they just sit on the fence and wait to be told what to do. You know this type. They believe all the chain mail they receive. They are often talked into buying things they don't need. These are the people that F911 will sucker in. They will be dragged to the movie by well meaning friends and relatives and they will gasp in all the right parts and come out of the theater believing that George Bush is the devil and Michael Moore is a god, and they most likely will take that to the voting booth with them in November. Notice something missing there? Why, it's John Kerry! Here, we have a voter who is being swayed against a candidate rather than towards a candidate. This voter, who just minutes ago was sitting on that fence, is now standing on the ground where he believes the grass is greener, even though that grass is maybe just painted green. Ask this voter why the other side of the fence is so bad and he'll reiterate everything he just saw and heard. Ask him why the grass is so green on his side and he will only be able to say because it's not the other side. The problem with the Type A fence sitter is that she is fickle. Anything can change her mind. Perhaps one week after seeing F911, she goes out to lunch with a friend who is a staunch Republican. By dessert, the friend has convinced her that Bush is a god and Michael Moore is the devil. Now, she wants to hop onto the other side, because she's sure the grass is just a shade greener over there. And so it will go with Type A until the election. Who gets her vote depends on who she last spoke to before she headed into the booth. It makes no sense to go after their vote. You will never be assured of it, anyhow. The people the Bush campaign should be going after is the Type B fence sitter. This guy needs to be pushed or dragged off the fence. He wants fact and figures, not flashy films or staged press conferences. He gets his news from fifteen different sources. He reads, he digests, he thinks. And right now, he hates both sides. He thinks Bush isn't great with the economy and Kerry isn't great with security. He knows he has to make a decision and it's not going to be Nader. He's not going to be swayed by a negative campaign ad because he already knows what he doesn't like about each candidate. And he's going to wait as long as possible to make his decision. This is the guy Bush needs to talk to. This is who the Bush ads should speak to. Not the fence sitter who changes his mind every ten seconds, depending on who he's having lunch with. Not the fence sitter who can be pushed over the wall by a small touch. He doesn't need to speak to Humpty Dumpty. No, he needs to speak to the guy whose butt is so firmly placed on that wall that it may as well be glued down. The Bush campaign staff needs to find a way to dissolve that glue and get him over the fence. The thing is, this guy is not going to listen if this is what you're saying. And he's certainly not going to be swayed by this: [click for larger image] That's a screenshot of the official Bush campaign site. I see Kerry's name at least four times. I see his face three times. I see six points of negativity towards Kerry. This is a big turnoff for Fence Sitter Type B. This is not going to win him over. The campaign site speaks to those already on the campaign trail. If Bush wants to win over this guy, he needs to choose positive over negative. His campaign staff should be emphasizing Bush's qualitites instead of Kerry's detriments. Like I said, Type B isn't swayed by images or sound bites, but he can be turned away by too many of those things if they are all negative. I think the Bush campaign is speaking to the wrong people. They are speaking to those who already made up their minds. They should regroup, focus on that 8% and the focus even more on those in the 8% undecided group that make up the Type B voters. They have got to sell Bush as a someone to follow over to the other side of the fence rather than selling Kerry as someone to run away from. So far, this looks like it will be a very close election. If the Bush people don't start focusing on the fence sitters, they're all going to be trampling on Kerry's grass come November. These people feel alone and they need someone to cling to. By concentrating on Kerry's negative aspects, Bush and his staff are making this yet another lesser of two evils election. The Type B guy wants a leader, not a lesser devil.

More GMail Invites

eggers.jpg



Chris O'Donnell, in his usual kind and generous manner, has offered up his six remaining Gmail invites to continue with today's offer. Same as before. Donate five dollars or more to the family of Dan Eggers. Forward your receipt to Chris: chrisod@gmail.com. Then Chris will send your Gmail invite. The photo is of Dan Eggers' son, at his father's funeral. Am I tugging at your heartstrings? Damn straight, I am.

[If you have Gmail invites to give away and you want to do it this way, please email me (use the enevlope icon to the left)]

Gmail Invite (Update: All Gone)

Working on a post that may take a while. Meanwhile, I have two Gmail invites left. If you want one of my invites, this is all I ask of you: Give at least five dollars to the family of Dan Eggers. Forward the receipt to me. First two to do so get the Gmail invite. Also, please go over and read this at Silent Running. It's a great post that Wind Rider wrote while he was at my house, so I'll take partial credit for it, just because I gave him the Guinness and Wendy's that fueled his brain power. Seriously, go read it. It's good stuff. Update: The Gmail invites are gone. Thanks to Angie and Matt for making generous donations to the Eggers family. If I happen to get a hold of more Gmail invites, I'll let you know.

Iraqis Control "Their Own Destiny"

bq. At a small ceremony Monday morning inside the heavily guarded Green Zone area of Baghdad, Iraq’s chief American administrator, Paul Bremer, reading a statement, turned over legal documents to interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, officially giving Iraqis long-awaited sovereignty.
“We welcome Iraq’s steps to take its rightful place with equality and honor among the free nations of the world,” said Mr. Bremer. Why wait? Two days early, the handover happens. Congratulations, Iraqis. Update: The moonbats would like to thank Michael Moore and F911 for making today's ceremony happen. Really. Oh, people of Iraq? The liberals over at that link don't seem very happy for you. In fact, they think your freedom is a joke. Isn't that sweet of them? Update: My favorite line so far comes from the Metafilter thread on the subject: Ugh. Now every time Bush refers to the handover, he'll be able to say "accomplished ahead of schedule." posted by scarabic at 12:50 AM PST on June 28 Translate: The hell with you Iraqi people and your damn freedom. If it helps Bush, it disgusts me! Also, it seems pretty clear that the early handover was meant to pre-empt Michael Moore's big news week. Right. Turn the screws on that foil a bitter tighter, guys. It's not working.

June 27, 2004

Things that make you go hmm...

Ok, so let me get this straight. The top selling film at the box office - a film which has made 20 million dollars already - is a purported documentary whose sole purpose is to discredit, disgrace and oust the sitting president. Who is paying to see this film? Why, the very people who cry that America is now a police state where dissent is crushed and our civil liberties have been taken away. Strange, that.

Marine Taken Hostage

I'm covering this at Command Post.

Farenheit 72 over here.

The new found enjoyment of having my own backyard combined with incredibly pleasant weather has kept me from my appointed blog rounds. And so shall it be as long as the weather cooperates. However, I had to stop in to direct you to an astounding review of Farenheit 9/11. Three words: Deep. Fried. Mink. Oh, yea: Matsui!!

Yankee/Met Game: My Just Punishment

Yea, yea. So the Mets won. Listen, I told you that I would probably regret my boasting and goading, but the boasting and goading is half the fun of a rivalry. Anyhow, I was dutifly punished for my sins of arrogance. Witness this short movie from my cousin's graduation party yesterday. This is what I was subjected to for about four straight hours. The ringleader is my father. My sister says I should title this movie Dad and His Mental Equals. Two games today. Bring it, beeyotches.

Sunday prelude (WR)

Yes it's Sunday Morning. No, the free ice cream isn't ready yet. Hey, we're talkin here! I'll let her start posting in a little bit. [posted by Wind Rider] ed note: A reminder: Captain Dan Eggers, Rest in Peace Read Bill's memories of his friend Dan. Then open your hearts and wallets and give to the Eggers family.

June 26, 2004

company's coming!

Hey, I'd love to sit and chat with you about the Yankee game, but I just found out that Mr. Wind Rider is on his way to my little abode right now. Time to break out the whips and chains. No, no. I meant for the kids. To whip them into cleaning the house before WR gets here.

Bush Ad Part 2: Critique

The first post on this subject dealt with Kerry's dishonest reaction to the Bush/Hitler ad. So I get emails asking if I really thought the ad was good enough to defend. I wasn't defending the ad. In fact, I said I didn't like it. I was merely responding to Kerry's response to it. However, I do feel the ad needs critiquing. I've never been a big fan of negative campaign ads. And let's be honest; the Bush is, despite its theme of Kerry supporters being negative while Bush stays optimistic, is, in the end, a negative ad. Campaign ads should focus on the person running for office. They should not focus on opponents. Whenever an candidate issues an ad - be it a presidential race right down to your local school board - that highlights how bad his/her opponent is, it makes me think that the candidate's campaign team cannot present their candidate in a positive light. Why would you spend money to say how bad your opponent is when that money would be better spent telling everyone how wonderful you are? Say we have Candidate A and Candidate B. Candidate A's ad should note even mention B. If Candidate A is running on a theme of positivity and optimism, then that's what the ad should reflect, not Candidate B's negativity. Extoll your own virtues. Share your hopes and dreams for your constituents and tell us how you are going to realize those hopes. Show us your smile, your warm personality. Don't show us Candidate B's scowl. Run on your record. Don't run on your opponent's surliness. Back to the Bush ad: It does little to show me why I should vote for Bush. Using images of Kerry's supporters berating Bush only tells me that Kerry's supporters hate Bush. We know that already. It lends nothing to new to the campaign. And, as if those images of Michael Moore and Al Gore weren't enough, the Hitler imagery is a bit disconcerting. I don't see what this ad accomplishes, except to hammer down an idea that's already beened hammered to death. The ad could be fixed in a few ways. Cut the Hitler images. Splice the images of Kerry supporters with those of Bush supporters saying and doing positive things. After the image of Kerry, show one of Bush being positive and optimistic. A smile on top of some rousing music isn't enough. Show me the money. Let me see Bush being positive right after you show Kerry being negative. Better yet, forget all the negativity. If you want to run a positive and optimistic campaing, can the ads that only serve to show how "bad" the other side is. Don't show the other side at all. Let's see a montage of Bush's positive messages to this country. Let's see him talking about resolve, democracy, peace and prosperity. Let's see him smilikng and shaking hands and being warmy greeted by crowds. Show him giving hope. Show him telling us that he's going to help our dreams be realized. The best ad would be that which never mentioned Kerry or his supporters at all. A candidate should be able to wage a campaign by just showing what he's done and what he's going to do. Don't tell me what Candidate B hasn't done or won't do. Tell me what you are going to do for me. Tell me why I should vote for you, not why I shouldn't vote for the other guy. The fence sitters - and there are plenty of them in this election - will not be swayed by negativity. They will be won over with optimism and postiive messages. The ad gets a D.

Reminder

Just a standard reminder to those who think their puny rebel alliance can do any harm to us. We are the dark empire. We will crush you.

Ridiculous Item of the Day #2: Let's Not Offend Our Enemies!

bq. Israeli-made bullets bought by the U.S. Army to plug a shortfall should be used for training only, not to fight Muslim guerrillas in Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. lawmakers told Army generals on Thursday.
Since the Army has other stockpiled ammunition, "by no means, under any circumstances should a round (from Israel) be utilized," said Rep. Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii, the top Democrat on a House of Representatives Armed Services subcommittee with jurisdiction over land forces. Got that? No Jew bullets! bq. Although the Army should not have to worry about "political correctness," Abercrombie was making a valid point about the propaganda pitfalls of using Israeli rounds in the U.S.-declared war on terror, said Rep. Curt Weldon, the Pennsylvania Republican who chairs the subcommittee on tactical air and land forces.
"There's a sensitivity that I think all of us recognize," Weldon told the Army witnesses, including Maj. Gen. Buford Blount, who led the U.S. Third Infantry Division that captured Baghdad in April 2003. Yes, we must be sensitive towards the people who are trying to kill our soldiers and the people who are trying to kill innocent Iraqis. It is imperitave that we not offend them with Jew bullets. So, is it ok for the terrorists and insurgents to be shot by Jewish soldiers, or should we put them all in non-combat positions? Just asking.


Spoons has more. So does Allah, who has two great posters to go with the story, including the one pictured right. Silent Running also weighs in. Update: As always, Jeff brings something interesting to the conversation table.


Ridiculous Item of the Day #1: Kerry Hates Hitler!

My daily email from the Bush campaign:
On Thursday, the campaign launched a web video titled Kerry's Coalition of the Wild-eyed. The video featured Democrats who support John Kerry making negative and baseless attacks against the President. Interspersed in the video were segments of two ads that appeared on a website sponsored by MoveOn.org - a group campaigning for Kerry - in January. On Friday night, John Kerry's campaign denounced our use of these ads, and called that use "disgusting." The Kerry campaign says, "The use of Adolf Hitler by any campaign, politician or party is simply wrong."
This can't be right. It's almost funny, it's so disturbing. The Bush people use images of liberals basically associated with the Kerry campaign comparing Bush to Hitler, and Kerry goes off on them for using Hitler images. Does anyone see the dishonesty here? Oh, it gets better. I see now that the Kerry campaign took this to their people in an email, as reported at Oxblog. bq. Yesterday, the Bush-Cheney campaign, losing any last sense of decency, placed a disgusting ad called "The Faces of John Kerry's Democratic Party" as the main feature on its website. Bizarrely, and without explanation, the ad places Adolf Hitler among those faces.
The Bush-Cheney campaign must pull this ad off of its website. The use of Adolf Hitler by any campaign, politician or party is simply wrong. I suppose that included Al Gore and his brownshirts remarks? Everyone knows that one of the main mantras of Kerry supporters is the whole Bush/Hitler comparison. For them to send out this email and feign indignation make both Kerry and his staff look incredibly - and knowingly - dishonest. The fact that they end the email to supporters by asking for money just makes it all the more ridiculous: Hey, Bush said something about Hitler, quick, send us some money! If Kerry truly wants to denounce the use of Hitler imagery, if he truly believes that The use of Adolf Hitler by any campaign, politician or party is simply wrong, then he will denounce those who are even unofficially campaigning for him who have used such images or words. Al Gore. Michael Moore. George Soros. He would also direct his campaign staff to remove the link to Democratic Undeground from his official site, as they folks at DU are some of the most prolific usurpers of the Hitler image in regards to Bush - and most of them are Kerry supporters, using Kerry buttons, stickers and images in their signature lines on those message boards. And let's not forget that Kerry hired Zach Exley to his staff. Zach was formerly head of special projects for MoveOn.org. You know, those people who helped get those Bush=Hitler ads out there. On the Kerry blog, campaign spokesperson Phil Singer issues this statement: bq. The fact that George Bush thinks it’s appropriate to use images of Adolph Hitler in his campaign raises serious questions about his fitness to spend another four years in the White House. Adolph Hitler slaughtered millions of innocent people and has no place in a campaign that is supposed to be about the future and hope of this nation. The President’s use of these images during a month that evoked the memory of World War II is remarkably insensitive to the sacrifices of the millions of people who lost their lives during Hitler’s reign of terror.
“The Bush Campaign should immediately remove these hateful images from its website and apologize for using them. The use of Adolph Hitler by any campaign, politician or party is simply wrong.” Either they don't get it or, in their rush to smear Bush with something terrible, have eschewed honesty for a quick stab at Bush's campaign. I think I will send an email to Phil Singer explaining to him in as simple terms as I can just what is going on: Kerry supporters liken Bush to Hitler. Bush ad shows Kerry supporters likening Bush to Hitler, to show that Kerry supporters are from the dark side. What part of this do you not get? Hey, but don't forget to send your money to Kerry, kids. Because he vows to keep Hitler out of the campaign! So I'll just sit here and wait for him to denounce every single one of his supporters who have used the image/idea of Hitler and Nazi Germany in describing George Bush and his adminstrations. Waiting..... As far as the Bush ad goes, I don't think it's a very good ad. I see what they were trying to convey, but I think it would have come out better and sent the message in a clearer way if the negativity of the Kerry supporters was interspersed with shots of Bush being positive.

June 25, 2004

link o rama

Moe found out that a local umm....adult establishment is running a voter registration drive. And it looks like some of those dancers are just crazy for Kerry! So Moe is looking for a few slogans that will help Kerry cash in on the new voting niche. Double D's for Democracy! Now, it's time for the 'rama part of link o rama. Want to whore yourself in my comments? Now is the time. Go for it. Any post on any topic. Link away. Hey, wear your digital brown shirt proudly! Make Al Gore smile! bshirt.bmp Update: My pet link of the day: Give to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, via Bill.

Mr. Met, Mr. Vet (and a note to Devil Ray fans)

A note to Devil Ray fans: Your team is only five behind the Red Sox. It would be very smart of you to cheer on the Yanks when they face the Sox this week. If we put all of our good vibes together, we can double whammy Boston with our nefarious groupthink. Meanwhile, Allah sends proof that Mr. Met was indeed Mr. Vet. MrVet.jpg I'm not buying it. Looks to me like he was trying to do the YMCA, not plant a flag. I mean, he might have served, I'm not doubting that. But in what capacity? Entertainment director? And just how old is that deranged bobblehead, anyhow? Update: Those are not the Devil Rays! It's Farenheit 1918!

Rival Week

beatthemet.jpgThus begins quite a week for Yankee fans. Subway Series this weekend and the Red Sox during the week. Will the House that Ruth Built still be left standing at the end of these two series?

I’ve explained the difference between the Yankee/Met rivalry and the Yankee/Boston rivalry before. Or at least my take on it. I hate the Mets with a broad, sweeping hatred that knows no depth nor width. It is endless, black and unforgiving. I hate the Red Sox with a vague sense of loyalty to my team and a certain yawning complacency that comes with having the upper hand in a rivalry for so long.

I do prefer to rumble with Sox fans rather than their Met counterparts. Met fans are like little children. They stick their fingers in their ears when you confront them and they can often be seem having ugly tantrums. They are also less likely to give an inch when discussing baseball. Boston fans will grudgingly admit to the greatness of one Yankee or another. Met fans will chant Jeter Sucks for as long and hard as New York Ranger fans yell chants about retired-ages-ago Denis Potvin. Two peas in a pod, those Met and Ranger fans. Sucks is about as good as their insults get.

Sox fans are good to argue with. They come right at you, they are relentless. And they know how to throw down. I always enjoy a good spar with a Boston fan. A spar with a Met fan just leaves me feeling like I kicked an infant.

So here I begin my ten days (The Yanks head to Shea the weekend after this to finish off the Subway series) of antagonizing Met and Red Sox fans. Sure, the results of either series may cause be a bit of regret in being so obnoxious, but I’m a firm believer in having fun while you can. And this is fun.

  • standard talking shit about the mets disclaimer: This is meant as no offense to two of my favorite Mets fans. There are exceptions to every rule.
  • second disclaimer: Yea, I know that Mr. Met is a vet and fought for this country. Let's try to separate the man from his ugly ass costume, ok? It's a dumb, funny looking mascot.

Something Nice

Now I actually feel good about all the money I've dumped into the Home Depot cash registers since we bought the house. bq. Retailer Home Depot Inc. is donating $1 million in tools and materials to support the U.S. military in Iraq.
The company said it is sending eight truck trailers to the military, filled with 100,000 tools and materials, including shovels, table saws, concrete mixers, safety scaffolding, power generators, light bulbs and jackhammers. The donated goods left San Diego on Thursday.
Earlier this year, the company also donated $1 million, as well as a million volunteer hours by its employees, to help military families repair and maintain their homes while a family member is deployed. The company said it has more than 1,800 employees currently serving in the military effort. It has about 300,000 employees nationwide. Thank you, Home Depot and emplyees.