Green Eagle

From one of the most hilarious websites I've ever seen, Count Us Out: "Georgia resident Carl Swensson, whose work is detailed on his RiseUpForAmerica.com website, told WND he got tired of the issues over Obama’s eligibility, as well as his performance in office. “I took it upon myself to find as many patriots as I could across the state, for the purpose of seating 25 for a grand jury,” he said. Over the weekend the jurors took sworn testimony from several sources, including Taitz, and then generated an indictment that later was forwarded to the U.S. attorney, the state attorney general and others in law enforcement across the state. “If the government does not amend the error within 40 days after being shown the error, then the four members shall refer the matter to the remainder of the grand jury,” it says. “The grand jury may distrain and oppress the government in every way in their power, namely, by taking the homes, lands, possessions, and any way else they can until am...

"With all 610 precincts counted in New York's 20th Congressional District, Democrat Scott Murphy is ahead by 65 votes. It's not over." Scott, Here's a suggestion. Want to know what the future holds in store for you? Have a talk with Al Franken.

Here is some good news, from the Guardian: " Iran's offer of help to rebuild Afghanistan heralds new age of diplomacy with the US Senior western officials yesterday heralded a new spring in relations with Iran , after the Islamic regime made an historic offer to help US-led efforts in Afghanistan . For the first time since Barack Obama came to office, US and Iranian officials met at an international conference in The Hague, with diplomats saying a possible turning point may have been reached between the US and the country it labelled part of the axis of evil seven years ago.... Mark Malloch Brown, Britain's foreign office minister for Africa, Asia and the United Nations, said Iranian offers o...

Boy, they're flyin' at Red State today: "I don’t know what it will take to show my brothers and sisters in arms here at Red State that our only chance to halt this march to socialism is through Sarah Palin. Trust me on this, I’ve written about her since her 2007 interview with Glen Beck. She is, though the campaign has long since been over, a serious threat to decades of liberalism in America." Baby, you go with this. Man, I'm quaking in my boots over the prospect of Sarah Palin running against Barack in 2012. I'm sure that she will remember what newspapers she reads by then. You know, it's too bad that she couldn't see Iran from her house- she might just have won. P.S.- Glenn Beck? How fitting.

Here's another charming example of wingnut rationality: "At What Point do People Revolt? Posted by Erick Erickson Tuesday, March 31st at 4:08PM EDT Moe wrote about the Washington State lunacy the other day. To recap: Spokane County became the launch pad last July for the nation’s strictest ban on dishwasher detergent made with phosphates, a measure aimed at reducing water pollution. The ban will be expanded statewide in July 2010, the same time similar laws take effect in several other states." Dishwater detergent. Forget about the thousands of dead American troops, the trillions of dollars looted from our national wealth, eight years wasted in dealing with the greatest ecological threat of all time, the pollution of the Justice Department, imprisonment without trial..... No, what is going to finally drive the American people over the edge and unleash a righeous wrath unseen since the Revolution, is d...

From Red State: "The NRCC Needs Some Help Meeting Their Fundraising Goal" It's so much harder when you don't have a government to sell.

Seymour Hersh, as reported on Think Progress: "Hersh: Cheney 'left a stay behind" in Obama's government, can still control policy up to a point." If this is true, and if Cheney has made the slightest attempt to manipulate Obama administration policy in this manner, this animal should spend the rest of his miserable life in total solitary confinement without any possibility of contacting the outside world. This behavior is not a joke. It is so far beyond the acceptable for a person with no role in the government to plant moles in the Presidency, that it should be treated as a form of sabotage of the country. How much more do we need to uncover about Cheney before we understand the damage that he has done to our country, and take appropriate action? I wish I could find my usual sarcastic way to treat this issue, but this is sickening. It makes me almost believe that there is an enemy of our democracy that belongs in a place like Guantanamo.

Glenn Beck, on Fox News today: "Beck: You can't make wind energy work without nuclear energy as well. Wind stops -- Borelli: You know that, but Congress doesn't know that. Beck: Use your common sense! Hey America! Use common sense here! Let just try this out! Wind, when it blows, makes energy. When it stops, you can't store it." Great news, Glenn! Scientists have just announced a great new invention! It's called a battery! Search for it on the web, if you know how. You'll be so impressed!

Sean Hannity: "The federal government -- and I don't think I overstate this for our audience -- is destroying our economic system as we currently know it." God, Sean, I hope so.

There has been a lot of complaint the last few days about the disparity between the government's treatment of Wall Street and Detroit. While it is true that the financial industry has its hooks in Washington far more deeply than any other industry, I do not think that is the whole story. The collapse of the financial sector is a direct result of Republican deregulation under Reagan and the two Bushes, aided and abetted by such Republican luminaries as Phil Gramm and Newt Gingrich. These characters let the crooks loose to overwhelm honest businesses, and large segments of the public bought into their snake oil, bought off with promises of some pathetic tax cuts. Like it or not, we are all responsible for what the government did in our name, and unfortunately we now all get to share in paying the price. The American car companies, on the other hand, have been on a self-imposed road to hell since the 1960's. Faced first with the success of Volkswagen, and then the far greater m...

From our somewhat mentally challenged friends at Gateway Pundit: "Dirty Politics... Dems Blamed For Fake GOP "Impeach Sanford" Signs In South Carolina Someone wants popular Governor Mark Sanford impeached in South Carolina for not taking Obama's tainted stimulus funds. But, it's not the GOP. ....So who are behind these signs? The most likely culprits would be state Democrats..... Democrats are playing dirty politics in South Carolina and posting fake "GOP Impeach Sanford" signs." Truly an interesting take here. Apparently, Republicans were well within their rights to actually impeach Bill Clinton over absolutely nothing, and to talk about impeaching Obama from the day he was elected, but if Democrats talk about impeaching someone, it's "dirty politics." Well, repeat after me: "It's okay if you're a Republican." And apparently,...

Ralph Nader has a long article on line today about reducing the deficit. I am not linking to it, because who gives a flying fuck what this bungling egomaniac has to say.

From the Moonie Times : "A digital war has broken out, and the conservative movement is losing. Read the comment sections of right-leaning blogs, news sites and social forums, and the evidence is there in ugly abundance. Internet hooligans are spewing their talking points to thwart the dissent of the newly-out-of-power. We must not let that go unanswered. Uninvited Democratic activists are on a mission to demoralize the enemy - us.....Much of Mr. Obama's vaunted online strategy involved utilizing "Internet trolls" to invade enemy lines under false names..." Guys, I know you are a little behind us with teh internets thing, but, you know, when you have a blog, it's okay for people to leave comments. That's what it's all about. Now, let me translate your remarks for the rest of us: what you are really saying is that those dirty hippy liberals DARE to DISAGREE with us. Forget that we've just spent the last eight years proving that everythi...

There is one essential step that must be taken if this nation is to see lasting economic recovery. The rich must never again be allowed to have too much money. Lest you think that I am not serious in this suggestion, let me explain. When poor people have extra money, they spend it. When rich people have extra money, they invest it. Now, let's talk about stocks, commodities, real estate, whatever these people invest in. What are these things worth? Traditional, simplistic free market economic theory suggests that the price of, say a share of stock, is based on public assessment of its earning potential. Thus, that share would sell for some reasonable multiple of its yearly earnings- its price-earning ratio- adjusted for public perception of its risk. What happens, however, when there is more money to invest than there are reasonable investment opportunities? Now, the price of these things, stocks, real estate, etc, become detached from their earning potential. The great law of...

"Texas Sen. John Cornyn is threatening “World War III” if Democrats try to seat Al Franken in the Senate before Norm Coleman can pursue his case through the federal courts. " John, in the words of your beloved leader George, "bring it on." I mean, you guys are so good at fighting wars, I think I'll take my chances.

Breaking news: "Chrysler LLC and owner Cerberus Capital Management said Monday they entered into a global alliance with Italian auto maker Fiat" Oh boy! Now we can look forward to cars with the beauty and performance of Chryslers, and the reliability of Fiats. Coming Next: The Detroit Lions to merge with the Los Angeles Clippers.

A long article in yesterday's Washington Post discusses the torture of Abu Zubaida, publically alleged by the Bush administration to be a high-ranking Al Quaeda member: "In the end, though, not a single significant plot was foiled as a result of Abu Zubaida's tortured confessions, according to former senior government officials who closely followed the interrogations. Nearly all of the leads attained through the harsh measures quickly evaporated, while most of the useful information from Abu Zubaida -- chiefly names of al-Qaeda members and associates -- was obtained before waterboarding was introduced, they said. Moreover, within weeks of his capture, U.S. officials had gained evidence that made clear they had misjudged Abu Zubaida. President George W. Bush had publicly described him as "al-Qaeda's chief of operations," and other top officials called him a "trusted associate" of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and a major figure in the planning ...

On the left: Michelle Bachmann and her long lost brother show their excitement at their reunion.

Here's an unfortunately all too typical sample of a wingnut comment that I found on some stupid blog or other: "doofass-the-Clueless: YOU wouldn't know a FACT if it slapped you right in the head! Exactly WHERE in the Constitution it provides authority for Bozo and his henchmen Congress to do anything they've done since 1-20-09??? YOU'VE RUN OFF scared like a coward with NO ANSWER to my question.. every time I've asked!!! It's going on almost TWO DOZEN times I've asked YOU this question... WHY CAN'T YOU ANSWER THAT QUESTION??? Are you a coward? That is too much of a coward to admit that you can't answer the question? Are you too stupid??? Too stupid to know that the answer is that NO WHERE in the Constitution does it give Bozo and his henchman Congress the authority to do what they've done??? What is your problem??? Can't man-up because you...

From Townhall this morning: "9/11 Terrorists have Won: Freedom Removed from Name" Yes, the terrorists have won because the word "freedom" has been removed from the name of the new World Trade Center tower! It turned out to be so easy. And they didn't even have to spend all that time living in caves in Afghanistan, where they can't even get Top Gear on cable! Why, if they had been as smart as, say, Enron executives, or the guys from AIG, they could have saved themselves so much trouble by just having their Saudi backers buy the building and rename it- say, the Al Quaeda World Trade Center. Now, if we Americans were true patriots, we would scream as loud as we can, until the building's owners agree to call it the I Hate the Ragheads World Headquarters. That would really be a victory for freedom. Note: I didn't see any reason to link to this stupid article. Believe me, it's a waste of time.

Pinochet judge weighs criminal probe of Bush 'torture lawyers' Spanish official says arrest warrants 'highly probable'

Well, believe it or not, here is the Republican health care proposal, from their Budget Report- oops, I meant cheap, lying piece of propaganda- issued yesterday. Americans concerned about their health care would be well advised to examine this detailed document with care, even though it may take a good deal of study. To doubters out there, I would like to point out that it is none of your business how the Republicans propose to "reform" medicare, or how they intend to provide "universal access" to health care. Just trust them. Haven't they earned it? I think we can make an educated guess, however, on how they intend to limit federal spending, as we have seen their approach the last eight years. The less the government provides, the less it costs; or rather, the more that will be left over for the insurance companies. But, they never promised you a rose garden, right? Right? I guess I made my point there. And as for that "Republican Road to Recovery...

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today: "Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Friday that liberal groups targeting moderate Democrats with ads should back off, saying pressure from the left wing of his party won't be helpful to enacting legislation. "I think it's very unwise and not helpful," Reid said Friday morning. "These groups should leave them alone. It’s not helpful to me. It’s not helpful to the Democratic Caucus.” Not helpful to YOU? Listen, Harry, the only help I want to give you is helping you find the door. These people are running totally against the will of the American people, and are doing nothing but enabling the Republicans to continue their ruination of the country. You are the Senate majority leader. If you can't deal with this, then get out. Update: from a nice blog post from Whiskey Fire: "Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Friday that John Roberts misled the Senate during his confirmation hearing...

There has already been a lot of derision directed toward the new Republican "budget proposal" revealed today, because it has no numbers in it. This is ludicrous enough, but there is so much more comedy gold to be mined in here. Let's look at some of their major proposals (all of the information below consists of direct quotes from the document): On the tax issue: Republicans propose a simple and fair tax code with a marginal tax rate for income up to $100,000 of 10 percent and 25 percent for any income thereafter…. Our plan would lower the capital gains tax and loosen restrictions on various savings vehicles…. My God. Lowering the tax rate on the top income brackets and on capital gains! Who would have ever thought that the Republican party would propose that! Is there any problem on earth, no matter how serious, that won't prompt the Republican party to use it as an excuse to give more money to the rich? Now, here's their energy proposal: Repub...

Michael Steele: "If I do something, there is a reason for it." Yeah, Michael. The reason is that you're stupid.

What is this? Well, according to a PETA website , it is a "Sea Kitten." When I first looked at the site, I assumed that it was some kind of joke, but no, looking around, I realized that these guys were serious. They have decided to branch out from furry and feathery animals, to try to make people ashamed of eating fish. And they apparently intend to do this by changing the name of fish to sea kittens. Sea Kittens. Just let that sink in for a moment. Now, there are a couple of points to be made here. First of all, this provides further evidence for my theory that members PETA have no real interest in the welfare of animals, but are actually psychologically damaged people who crave public humiliation. Second, the next time you laugh at Michelle Malkin or Glenn Beck, take a second to remember that stupidity can be an equal-opportunity affliction. By the way, what's so bad about eating kittens? -Just kidding. I think.

"Gordon Gekko is a Democrat by Ann Coulter" Yeah, well, Sauron is a Republican. And that Snakes on a Plane guy, well, he was OBVIOUSLY a Democrat. And Mr. Potter was a Republican, and Rick with that cafe in Morocco, he must have been a Democrat. Ann, maybe this slipped your notice, but Gordon Gekko is a movie character. The last time I looked, movie characters, since they are fictional, can't really register to vote, and so they don't really belong to any political party. On the other hand, they can't fight back, so I guess they make pretty good targets for your pathetic assaults. You aren't really making much headway lately attacking real Democrats, so maybe it's just as well that you stick to attacking fictional ones.

From the ever-reasonable Glenn Reynolds at Instapundit : "In a humorous jibe at the AIG bonus tax, Steven D. Lofchie , co-chair of Cadwalader's Financial Services Department, has posted a "Clients & Friends" tax memo on the firm's web site: The Manny Ramirez Lightbulb: Also (2 Ideas in 1 Memo) Putting Pay in Perspective :I am enraged! and outraged! plus morally reprehensibled (did I say I am outraged!), that Manny Ramirez has inked another huge contract -- this time with the Los Angeles Dodgers. For those of you who do not follow baseball, know this: Manny Ramirez was getting paid about $20 million or so a year last season (which is nowhere near a year) by the BoSox..... My Idea . Lightbulb! Goes off! A lightbulb in my mind shining for all the world see my brain's idea! Why not a tax! Because the BoSox receive State Aid (all MLB sports teams do), Massachusetts Secretary of State Galvin, whom I would bet is a huge BoSox fan, should drop a big tax lik...

The following two quotes from John Hinderaker, one of our leading conservative thinkers. One is about George W. Bush, the other about Barack Obama. See if you can figure out which is which: "So evidently we have to add astronomy to history and economics as subjects of which (the President) is remarkably ignorant. I'm beginning to fear that our President has below-average knowledge of the world. Not for a President, but for a middle-aged American." "It must be very strange to be (the President). A man of extraordinary vision and brilliance approaching to genius, he can't get anyone to notice. He is like a great painter or musician who is ahead of his time, and who unveils one masterpiece after another to a reception that, when not bored, is hostile." Is this an example of monstrous delusion, or just unapologetic lying? They've gotten so good at this behavior that it's hard to tell any more.

From the AP: " La. Gov. Jindal urges GOP to stand up to Obama" Because up until now, they have been falling all over themselves to support him. Bobby, a piece of well-meant advice: go home. Didn't you learn your lesson last time?

From one of the sages at Powerline: "Why I am depressed March 22, 2009 Posted by Scott at 8:02 AM I feel utterly powerless to do anything about the fellow in the Oval Office who combines infantile leftism and adolescent grandiosity in roughly equal measures. It seems to me that every day he is responsible for assaults on the freedom and well being of the American people. I can't keep up and I can't stand to pay attention." Scott, I wonder, how powerless and depressed yout felt over the infantile and adolescent behavior that we had to put up with from 2000 to 2008? By the way, Scott, Bush displayed grandiosity every time he pretended that he was competent to be President. I wonder how you felt about the President illegally snooping on millions of Americans, and claiming the right to throw any one of them in prison without a trial. Did you see that as an assault on our freedom? No, I guess you missed that one. Did you happen to notice th...

With the market up 500 points today, it amused me to think about what the Republican response would be if Obama really did succeed in ending the slide at this point and turning the economy around. Well, here's my answer: See, McCain was right all along- the economy WAS fundamentally sound, and Obama used lies and fear mongering to get into the White House. This makes him an illegitimate President, and we owe him nothing in the way of support. Now, it's time to get back to the Government actions that gave us this great economy- tax cuts for the rich and more deregulation. Oh, and also maybe another trillion dollar war. The proof of all of this is that the markets went down for Obama's first month and a half in office, so it's obvious that nothing he did helped. In fact, he promoted godless socialism that just postponed our economic recovery. Whenever it turns around, that's what they are going to say. Have any doubts about that?

Paul Krugman says that Obama's economic plan fills him with despair. Now, I am second to none in my admiration of Krugman. I have often gotten up in the morning, afraid of reading the five most depressing words you can ever see in the New York Times: " Paul Krugman is on vacation. " Nevertheless, I think someone needs to point out that Krugman is something of a chicken little. I remember, for example, several years ago, Krugman predicting that the U.S. economy would collapse if oil reached $60 a barrel. I mean, just look at him the next time you see him on TV. The guy has a perpetual expression on his face like he is afraid the ceiling is going to fall on him any second now. The guy can be almost always right about the essentials of the issues (which he is), and yet be overly alarmist (which, I believe, he also is.) Just sayin'.

I saw that a sign at one of the tea bag rallies said, "You can't blame Bush any more." Oh yeah? I'm not even done blaming Reagan.

Due to the tremendous progressive record that Franklin Roosevelt left behind, most people assume that he was very liberal from the beginning of his Presidential career. This is not, in fact, the case. Roosevelt, of course, came from a patrician background of considerable wealth, and his initial inclinations were far more conservative than his legacy would suggest. I would like to quote here at some length from The Great Depression- America 1929-1941, by Robert McElvaine, a generally available book that I recommend as a good place to start if you would like to know more about this period. These remarks are in pretty close agreement with all of the other material I have seen. McElvaine says: “The way he handled the banking crisis was indicative of his basic approach to the economic catastrophe. Given the magnitude of the problem and his unprecedented support, Roosevelt could have done whatever he pleased with the unpopular “money changers” and their institutions. Had he wa...