tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post4683391895527659741..comments2023-11-24T03:48:54.813-05:00Comments on No More Hornets: Questions for Obama – or His CheerleadersThe Exterminatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452054124550486048noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-48236591332262410792020-11-04T11:06:36.137-05:002020-11-04T11:06:36.137-05:00Better think, bro:
Prayer changes everythn.
GBYBetter think, bro:<br />Prayer changes everythn.<br />GBY-blessed b9, Catalyst4Christhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13650964620664544661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-35256028269850127082008-10-22T02:09:00.000-04:002008-10-22T02:09:00.000-04:00Bullet's arguments aren't even arguments, and they...Bullet's arguments aren't even arguments, and they aren't even his own. They're talking points he has never fact checked and he's dropped them on us like a fundie drops scripture. <BR/><BR/>You ask for what am I annoyed at you for Mr. Bullet? It's because you're a mindless puppet. I would LOVE an intelligent argument about the candidate's plans, but you can't or won't engage in such a thing. Instead, you spout nonsense, unsubstantiated claims that are easily dismissable, or you give us gems like this:<BR/><I>" Obama IS the status quo. <B>Darker wrapper</B>, but the same old shit."</I><BR/><BR/>Good work. If anyone would like to see Mr. Bullet REALLY shine as he "calmly argues a point", <A HREF="http://evolutionarymiddleman.blogspot.com/2008/10/typical-conservative-wedge-issues.html" REL="nofollow">try here</A>. I especially love this:<BR/><I>"Fuck them all and fuck me, too, I guess. If we wanted to be treated well, we shouldn't have reached for the American dream."</I><BR/>This is how he responds to having paragraphs of facts burst his GOP mantras. Rant and rave and throw a tantrum like a child because someone else won't blindly accept what you blindly accept. Hey, if all that crap he says is true, it should be easy to pull up supporting facts right? You'd think so. Instead, he just reaches for more talking points or just flies off the reservation and now he's calling me the irrational bad guy. Well here's my turn to repeat a mantra, back it up jackass. The facts, as they seem to frequently do, contradict your claims.PhillyChiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03355892225956705948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-31747411776172282522008-10-22T01:07:00.000-04:002008-10-22T01:07:00.000-04:00On 2 seperate blogs, philly, you've decided it's ...On 2 seperate blogs, philly, you've decided it's easier to insult me directly and through insinuation than to calmly argue a point. For what? Because I disagree with your choice of a presidential candidate? You have been worse than than any Xian troll I've encountered. More ridiculous and close-minded than any rightwing thug.<BR/><BR/>I'm done with you.bullethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12649812197402491992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-37092260705895269462008-10-21T16:26:00.000-04:002008-10-21T16:26:00.000-04:00bullet:I think you're underestimating the damage t...<B>bullet</B>:<BR/>I think you're underestimating the damage that a Palin presidency could do. It would create a very dangerous <I>atmosphere</I> in this country, and add to the general international sneering at America. As an atheist, you should be particularly freaked out by the possibility of having her hate-filled fundamentalist thugs feel that their voice is even further empowered in our government.<BR/><BR/>Read <A HREF="http://nomorehornets.blogspot.com/2008/10/cynics-endorsement-of-obama.html" REL="nofollow">my latest post</A>, please.The Exterminatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14452054124550486048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-6597702466536421142008-10-21T15:45:00.000-04:002008-10-21T15:45:00.000-04:00So what do you do that makes you more than $250,00...So what do you do that makes you more than $250,000? I have to know, since the only jobs I can think of where you can make that much and be as clueless as you seem to be are pro athlete, entertainer, or President. Don't tell me you play for Oakland or Denver.PhillyChiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03355892225956705948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-17063230656015218742008-10-21T15:15:00.000-04:002008-10-21T15:15:00.000-04:00Having read your blog regularly for many, many mon...<I>Having read your blog regularly for many, many months, I can't imagine that you'd like to see Sarah Palin in the White House.</I><BR/><BR/>This is late, so I don't know if you'll see it, Ex, but you're right. I won't like to see Palin in the White House. I simply don't think she can do nearly as much damage in the four years (tops) that she'll be there as Obama can do in one.<BR/><BR/>I don't know how much we can fight stupidity from the White House. I know that I am doing what I really enjoy less and less because I have to spend more and more time at work to make the same amount of money. My blogging may not make much of a difference, but it's a start. And I have bigger plans. If Obama's taxes go through, I can't see that I'll have the time or money to move forward with those. And that really pisses me off.bullethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12649812197402491992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-50251474678134863872008-10-13T20:34:00.000-04:002008-10-13T20:34:00.000-04:00bullet:I agree with much of what you've said. I de...<B>bullet</B>:<BR/><BR/>I agree with much of what you've said. I definitely think Obama is the same old crap we've always seen from the spineless Machiavellian lying Democrats. <BR/><BR/>However, here's something I care more about than taxes: preventing ignorance on an international scale. I think a vote for the McCain/Palin ticket essentially endorses stupidity; Sarah Palin is a fucking moron. Granted, that has nothing necessarily to do with John McCain, but I think you have to be an ostrich with your head in the sand not to be aware of how doddering McCain really is. Watch him at live events; he's not well. I'm not talking about his age in a general way, or assumptions based on his having been tortured, or actuarial tables. I'm talking about <I>him</I> and his <I>behavior</I>. Compare the current John McCain to the John McCain of eight, even four years ago. He's not well. <BR/><BR/>That's why, based on the evidence of my own eyes and ears, I think there's a better than usual chance that he won't live out his four years, or, alternatively, will find himself in a position in which he's not competent physically to serve. In most elections, the vice presidential choice is dismissible; focusing on it is a smokescreen either <I>for</I> or <I>against</I> the presidential candidate. But not in this election. <BR/><BR/>So I don't care how much you agree with Republican policy. Having read your blog regularly for many, many months, I can't imagine that you'd like to see Sarah Palin in the White House. We've had an uncultured, quasi-illiterate, know-nothing president for eight years. Let's not extend that period.The Exterminatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14452054124550486048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-5832696555419269972008-10-13T17:30:00.000-04:002008-10-13T17:30:00.000-04:00"Of course if you'd rather just yammer like an idi..."Of course if you'd rather just yammer like an idiot as usual instead, knock yourself out."<BR/><BR/>Fuck you.<BR/><BR/>"I didn't know Jeremiah Wright was a racist fuck."<BR/>"I didn't <I>really</I> talk to Franklin Raines."<BR/>"The Democratic Party has always been a party of faith."<BR/>"The economic crisis is <I>all</I> the Republicans fault."<BR/><BR/>That good enough?<BR/><BR/>I didn't say the Republicans don't do the same thing. Just don't tell me Obama isn't the same old crap we've seen for years and years.<BR/><BR/>Voting for anybody but Obama is better for one reason and it's the same reason: taxes<BR/><BR/>Obama's income tax plan is bullshit (unless you want the 30% of Americans who don't even pay taxes to get a "rebate" made of your money). His Windfall Profits Tax and "emergency energy" rebate will be disastrous (Let's see, the price of every fucking thing I buy that has to be packaged or transported will go way the fuck up because our President is under the illusion that he can keep big companies from making money...Yeah, that's worth 1000 bucks). When he raises payroll taxes and I can't make payroll, you can decide which one of my employees gets laid off.<BR/><BR/>Before you ask, yes that is worth another four years of war to me. That is worth another four years of Constitutional assault. People who can take care of their families can fight against injustice. To those that can't, the war is too far away to care about and injustice is an abstract concept that doesn't seem to have any impact on their daily lives. There is not a single thing or even a combination, short of nuclear war, that McCain (or Palin) can do in four years that will equal the potential damage Obama can do in just one with just one policy.<BR/><BR/>Besides, if the Democrats in Congress could be counted on to keep their word, none of this would be an issue. Why assume they're going to be anything other than the cowards they've shown themselves to be just because they have a President?<BR/><BR/>Furthermore, why are any of the Obamatons even deigning to argue with the yammering idiots? It's going to be a landslide, right? That's what I keep hearing. Right before I hear how important this election is and I can't "waste" my vote.<BR/><BR/>I'm supposed to believe that these people can keep me safe and in business?<BR/><BR/>Give me a fucking break.<BR/><BR/>Obama <I>might</I> be genuine. After he loses, he's got four years to prove it. In the meantime, the country will survive.bullethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12649812197402491992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-27813543340192892742008-10-10T19:56:00.000-04:002008-10-10T19:56:00.000-04:00Give me some examples of what you'd call half trut...Give me some examples of what you'd call half truths for Obama.<BR/>Show me how half truths and sidesteps are indicative of the Democratic party.<BR/>Show me how they're not of the Republican party.<BR/><BR/>Take your time. I'll wait.<BR/><BR/>In the mean time, you might want to explain why:<BR/>1) Voting for McCain would be better than voting for Obama<BR/>or<BR/>2) Why not voting at all would be best<BR/><BR/><BR/>Of course if you'd rather just yammer like an idiot as usual instead, knock yourself out.PhillyChiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03355892225956705948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-16788560632569452662008-10-10T18:58:00.000-04:002008-10-10T18:58:00.000-04:00if he REALLY was the "Bringer of Change", he'd wea...<I>if he REALLY was the "Bringer of Change", he'd wear a cape</I><BR/><BR/>But then everybody would want one and Big Cape would have years of record profits, causing a giant cape bubble. We've seen how that plays out.<BR/><BR/>Whatever, Philly. You can't promise me change I can believe in and then deliver the same old half-truths and sidesteps for which the Democratic Party is famous. He's just a regular old politician.bullethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12649812197402491992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-11794036885682795532008-10-10T08:37:00.000-04:002008-10-10T08:37:00.000-04:00Ex, I perform as "wall paper" several times a year...Ex, I perform as "wall paper" several times a year for groups which would be discribed as politically "liberal" or "conservative". When I do, I see several people who are present at events by both of these entities, and very well recieved by the movers and shakers of both groups. <BR/><BR/>If you go any of our state and national reps local offices you usually see a group of people waiting to get a moment of The Great Person's time, and one sees these people, when they enter, ushered right into the inner sanctum, not compelled to kick their heels in the ante room with the hoi poloi.<BR/><BR/>When they express their wishes in hearing, if one is observant, one notices that these things come to pass. And if the hoi poloi don't like it, they have the option of sucking a hatchee for a GI watchee.<BR/><BR/>I doubt if these people represent the Lollipop Guild. I suppose the same thing happens in DC.<BR/><BR/>Our current "representative" got his position without being elected at all. His father was elected (long time incumbent) but was looking at an investigation for misconduct and resigned two weeks after he was sworn in. His son was appointed in his place.<BR/><BR/>Why his son? Who actually picked him? No one really knows.<BR/><BR/>Is there a secret cabal? No. Just the voice of what has the real power. And it ain't the folks on my street no matter what the civics books told us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-9678625627474766522008-10-09T19:35:00.000-04:002008-10-09T19:35:00.000-04:00Philly:For Obama, there's far too much emphasis on...<B>Philly</B>:<BR/>For Obama, there's far too much emphasis on campaign strategy and far too little on acknowledging what's really going on: The economy is totally fucked up. Apparently, judging from what the market is doing, people have no trust in the bailout or in either of the candidates.<BR/><BR/>He doesn't even have the courage to admit that our economy is totally in the crapper. The voters know it, though. Why can't he just say something like FDR did while campaigning in 1932: <I>The "mirage" of American economic invulnerability has vanished, along with much of the savings of thrifty and prudent men and women.... We have not been brought to our present state by any natural calamity -- by drought or floods or earthquakes or by the destruction of our productive machine or our man power. This is the awful paradox with which we are confronted, a stinging rebuke that challenges our power to operate the economic machine which we have created."</I><BR/><BR/>I guess he doesn't want to sound too "liberal."The Exterminatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14452054124550486048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-21162809543993387592008-10-09T18:26:00.000-04:002008-10-09T18:26:00.000-04:00Hmmm, this sounds like where I was goingHmmm, <A HREF="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/09/victory-within-grasp-obam_n_133346.html" REL="nofollow">this sounds like where I was going</A>PhillyChiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03355892225956705948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-11098584283464718042008-10-09T17:02:00.000-04:002008-10-09T17:02:00.000-04:00You know what else invalidates him as a Change can...You know what else invalidates him as a Change candidate? He's not wearing a cape. No one has worn a cape before, and if he REALLY was the "Bringer of Change", he'd wear a cape.PhillyChiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03355892225956705948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-55370219182659556742008-10-09T16:40:00.000-04:002008-10-09T16:40:00.000-04:00Good questions, Ex. In response to those who woul...Good questions, Ex. In response to those who would say, "No one else has ever had to do/done that," I would ask, "Isn't he supposed to be the Bringer of Change?" What better way to illustrate it than to be perfectly transparent on each and every detail of at least ONE of his promises.<BR/><BR/>Obama IS the status quo. Darker wrapper, but the same old shit.bullethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12649812197402491992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-42068788496346293192008-10-09T16:02:00.000-04:002008-10-09T16:02:00.000-04:00He's either sincere in his belief that he can fund...He's either sincere in his belief that he can fund these things, or he's full of shit. We don't know. I think that even if he is sincere, he's either mistaken or the further drop in the economy will prevent him from doing what he wants to do without increasing debt.PhillyChiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03355892225956705948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-22415953540861863812008-10-09T15:22:00.000-04:002008-10-09T15:22:00.000-04:00Philly:Ack! Are you saying that it's necessary for...<B>Philly</B>:<BR/>Ack! Are you saying that it's necessary for a candidate to mislead certain Americans into voting for him or her? Isn't that a classic example of the end justifying the means?The Exterminatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14452054124550486048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-74642151375927517232008-10-09T15:05:00.000-04:002008-10-09T15:05:00.000-04:00Well I think it's not just flimflam, but rather ho...Well I think it's not just flimflam, but rather how you have to talk to those "low info voters".PhillyChiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03355892225956705948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-28146455423647830512008-10-09T14:58:00.000-04:002008-10-09T14:58:00.000-04:00Philly:If you admit there's never been a comparabl...<B>Philly</B>:<BR/><I>If you admit there's never been a comparable effort in the past, how exactly could he provide evidence that his steps might work?</I><BR/>Well, the operative word there is "might." Obviously, it would be unfair to ask for evidence that his steps <I>would</I> work. But I think he should have to describe some <I>likely</I> cause-and-effect relationships between any government programs that he advocates and their potential results. Neither you nor I put any credence in the power of prayer.<BR/><BR/><I>It would appear that it's inevitable that he'll further increase the deficit. I don't see how he couldn't...</I><BR/>Yep, my sentiments exactly. And I agree with you that the hoped-for return is worth an increase in our national debt. But it's flimflam not to talk about costs, to imply that the desired result will magically be free for "the middle class."The Exterminatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14452054124550486048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-21530242190221811942008-10-09T14:35:00.000-04:002008-10-09T14:35:00.000-04:00Ok, so we're talking Exterminator standard. Just m...Ok, so we're talking Exterminator standard. Just making sure.<BR/><BR/>Now as long as we're riding that tram into the town of make-believe, yeah, I'd like those answers too.<BR/><BR/>I believe his goals are to reduce oil consumption and create new jobs in the process. I don't know specifics other than the $150billion over 10 years and the tax credit for buying hybrid cars. Personally, I think he should include a tax credit for homeowners who add or fully convert their homes to geothermal and solar. Some states already have programs like this, but the federal government could make that more robust. In fact, the feds could enact a New Deal program where they put people to work doing those conversions. <BR/><BR/>If you admit there's never been a comparable effort in the past, how exactly could he provide evidence that his steps might work?<BR/><BR/>I would assume legislation would come from Congress, no? I would further assume that no new agency would be needed since this should fall under the DOE. <BR/><BR/>I think he's claiming the money will come from increasing the higher tax bracket to 39%, the repeal of the tax cut for oil, and that windfall tax on oil companies (that latter sounds like nonsense to me). It would appear that it's inevitable that he'll further increase the deficit. I don't see how he couldn't, but if we're going to go further in debt, I think he has the greater potential of yielding some kind of return. I see no return from McCain. In fact, I see things getting worse. His new mortgage plan just screams "shenanigans".PhillyChiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03355892225956705948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-10667372598155773872008-10-09T14:17:00.000-04:002008-10-09T14:17:00.000-04:00Philly:I don't think there ever has been a compara...<B>Philly</B>:<BR/>I don't think there ever has been a comparable effort to overhaul U.S. energy policy, but even if there had been, it's irrelevant. Here's what I'd like to ask Obama -- or anyone else -- about an energy plan. I like this version of the "item" better than the one in my post, because I think the questions are less snarky -- and more precise. Wouldn't you also like to hear answers to the following?<BR/><BR/>(1) What's the goal of your energy plan?<BR/>(2) What <I>specific</I> steps are you suggesting that the government take?<BR/>(3) What evidence can you present to show that those steps <I>might</I> work? <BR/>(4) Who will enact the necessary legislation, and when do you foresee that happening? <BR/>(5) How will that legislation be enforced?<BR/>(6) Are you planning to create any governmental agencies in the executive branch? If so, who will head up those agencies? How will those agencies be monitored?<BR/>(7) How much will you need to pay for all that, and where will the money come from?<BR/> <BR/>I don't think those questions are asking too much. Members of both parties have been shooting off their mouths about energy independence ever since Nixon's presidency. So far, we've heard lots of empty rah-rah phrases, but nothing has been done. I think it's reasonable to check Obama's claims and promises, and see if they have any substance.The Exterminatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14452054124550486048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-19232177266998681572008-10-09T13:12:00.000-04:002008-10-09T13:12:00.000-04:00Has there been a comparable effort, or promise of ...Has there been a comparable effort, or promise of an effort to overhaul the US energy policy before? I can't think of one. Has there been a comparable effort, or promise of an effort to make such a change or achievement before in any other sector? I'm at a loss, but you being so old and wise might be able to enlighten me, for surely there are prior examples, right? I mean, the level of detail and specifics you demand must surely be based upon prior comparables, or perhaps your objections stem from a desire for Obama to reach a very personal, imaginary, Exterminator standard?PhillyChiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03355892225956705948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-74365835436315976742008-10-09T12:40:00.000-04:002008-10-09T12:40:00.000-04:00Sarge:...the real powers that be.I assume you're r...<B>Sarge</B>:<BR/><I>...the real powers that be.</I><BR/>I assume you're referring to the secret government that controls <I>both</I> major parties. I'm agnostic about that, although some evidence does seem to indicate that there's something bigger than the President and Congress out there. Looking at our current White House resident, we can infer that someone, somewhere, somehow must be pulling his strings. And the huge rush to pass the bloated bailout bill argues convincingly that our Senators and Congresspeople don't take the time to think for themselves. <BR/><BR/><B>Philly</B>:<BR/><I>Do you have a link for JFK's detailed outline for how we'd get men on the moon by any chance?</I><BR/>The JFK "man on the moon" reference always pisses me off when it's used as a bogus comparison to overhauling U.S. energy policy. It's insulting to our intelligence. Getting to the moon was (1) essentially carried out by a single, well-funded, quasi-military, scientific agency with (2) a very specific mission that (3) did not affect the day-to-day lives of most American citizens nor (4) require their cooperation, and that (5) was not intended to result in an enormous overhaul of any "system" necessary to keep the country and its people functioning. "Man <I>on</I> the moon" is deceptive Democrat-speak for "man <I>in</I> the moon" promises.<BR/><BR/><I>I reject the claim that Obama is advocating class warfare.</I><BR/>Well, my question was rhetorical; I don't think that Obama is <I>actually</I> advocating class warfare. But he's sure milking the anger and resentment for all it's worth. Take a look at some of the language in those position papers. Or just listen to the way he blames the credit crisis <I>only</I> on Wall Street, the lobbyists, and the wealthy. A few months ago, a blogger named <B>PhillyChief</B> wrote <A HREF="http://youmademesayit.blogspot.com/2008/06/free-government-money-for-irresponsible.html" REL="nofollow">this post</A> about subprime lending and the greed of all Americans. <BR/><BR/>By the way, the Bushes, Clinton, and Reagan are irrelevant. Unlike Jim Lehrer, Gwen Ifill, and Tom Brokaw, I'm going to insist that commenters stick to the questions.The Exterminatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14452054124550486048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-10108796967036329002008-10-09T09:24:00.000-04:002008-10-09T09:24:00.000-04:00Do you have a link for JFK's detailed outline for ...Do you have a link for JFK's detailed outline for how we'd get men on the moon by any chance? Just curious.<BR/><BR/>I reject the claim that Obama is advocating class warfare. The top tax rate has been as high as 90% and has been in the 70-90% range for most of the history of our income tax system. Reagan cut it to as low as 25%, Bush I raised it to 35% and Clinton balanced the budget with it at 39%. It's currently 35% and conservatives are crying because they assume he'll raise it to as high as (gasp) 39%. Yeah, that sounds like class warfare. You know what sounds like class warfare to me? Reagan reducing the rich's tax burden by 2/3, forcing ends to government programs such as state mental hospitals which dumped thousands of mentally ill people onto the streets. Where'd all those homeless people come from in the 80s? This was where most of them came from, and some jackasses want this guy on Mt. Rushmore.PhillyChiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03355892225956705948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-69338093838836210082008-10-09T08:36:00.000-04:002008-10-09T08:36:00.000-04:00Also, it appears that the status is required to me...Also, it appears that the status is required to memain pretty well quo in the interests of the real powers that be.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com