a Pithy diarist

The Center for Arizona Policy Doubles Up on Marriage

2011-07-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it is now time for Cathi "what happens in Clark County, stays in Clark County" Herrod to come out for what she really believes marriage to be....

Since CAP wants the secular power of the state to do their religious bidding I think it only fair to talk of marriage on CAP's terms. May I suggest we start with this video?

How's that arrangement work for you, ladies?

2011-05-05T21:54:00.001-07:00

Listen to more Linda Ronstadt at Wolfgang's Vault.

Sonoran Alliance: Newer, Lower, and finally Goner

2011-03-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

Deschene for Arizona

2010-10-04T18:29:00.000-07:00

Brock Landers too Radio-Active for RWNJ Host

2010-09-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

Hugh Hewitt is coming to AZ to raise dollars for Dr. Gosar (go-czar), David "Mr. Potter pays fifty-cents-a-dollar" Schweikert and Jessssssssssssssssssseeeeee Kelly. Who's missing?

Is this a signal the Republican Party is writing off Arizona's Third Congressional District? Where's the unity?

Lesson in Really Bad Political Ads

2010-09-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

If a campaign is going to spend major cash they should get a voice-over actor who doesn't sound like he does porn on the side. Dr. Gosar (go-czar) apparently feels his name recognition is fine in AZ-01 because he never tries to make a positive case for his own campaign. When you stack your ad with some many easily provable untruths and relate only, "I will never walk out on you," you are begging to be answered by your opponent. When the opponent is the incumbent and can outspend you, then all you've done is prove your campaign is badly mismanaged.

Bad ad, bad campaign, and we have no idea what the candidate is like. But on the ad alone I would not want this guys fingers in my mouth, would you?

Out of the Mouths of Douche Canoes!

2010-08-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

From Facebook, 08/04/2010

A $1.2 Million Dollar Question Begs Almost 1.2 Million More Questions

2010-07-29T18:17:00.001-07:00

I don't know if anyone else has written about this so I thought I'd contribute it to the conversation. It seems the Republican Governor's Association decided to drop some coin in Arizona. Under the entity RGA Arizona 2010 PAC (filer ID 201000467) Haley Barbour et. al. have decided to be a player in Arizona. The PAC already pumped $25,000.00 to the Arizona Republican Party, well over a fourth of their income for the reporting period.

While I'm not shocked the RGA had designs on this race there are some observations that must be shared. Jan Brewer chose the politics of the "Clean Elections" label, along with the public moolah, knowing she would get a butt-load of cash from outside Arizona. What is peculiar is the timing. The RGA by moving the money into the state this early "tipped their hand." There are more questions as well, like how badly did AZGoP need the cash infusion? What did the RGA get for their $10,000 spend on the Colorado firm known as the "illuminati?"

The reason the last question comes to mind, besides why a political firm uses the name "illuminati," is that money was spent during a contested primary. Several candidates were active in the race at that time and the expenditure came not long after Buz Mills dropped some $2 million of his own into the race. Maybe some Republicans would like an answer to my questions as well?

"MaryVale" and Other Racists

2010-07-25T19:11:00.000-07:00

My post about Wercinski opponents was read by some in the Wercinski camp. Now all the comments to the Arizona Republic endorsement all include a disclaimer about not having a preferred candidate in the race. Yup. After being called out for her apparent racism I expected "MaryVale" to at least claim he/she isn't playing by Breibart rules. But he/she didn't:

I guess if you can characterize ten years in the Marine Corps, a Masters in Mechanical Engineering and a Law Degree as shallow, then the way one measures the rest of the world is off kilter too!

Why Do Wercinski Supporters Behave So Badly?

2010-07-24T22:32:00.000-07:00

This is a screen grab from a comment made by a supporter of Sam Wercinski. This person claims the Arizona Republic endorsed Rep. Chris Deschene for Secretary of State because he's a Native American. "MaryVale" is a bitter bigot. Shamefully, I came across other Democrats who still were captured by racism when I worked for the Obama campaign.

Here's my question; when will Sam Wercinski make it clear he does not share the same narrow-minded view of Rep. Deschene?

Would You Buy Real Estate from Gila Courier?

2010-07-23T22:01:00.000-07:00

Gila Courier is one-man show. He uses several pseudonyms, but only one person writes the blog posts. Today (July 23, 2010) he decided to push his agenda Andrew Breitbart style, you know, without actual facts. He made shit up again!

Listening to Jon Justice this morning I heard him read an email from a listener relaying a story about the Elton John concert.

During the concert, Sir Elton didn’t mince words about those demanding that he boycott Arizona and cancel his concert as a protest of SB 1070. We won’t repeat his exact words but he made it clear that he wouldn’t have missed playing Tucson for the world and curtly told the Boycott Arizona mafia that he did not agree with them. According to the Justice listener, John’s comments were well received by the audience who gave him a roaring applause.

I thought, wow, this is kind of newsworthy so I went to the Arizona Daily Star to check out the concert review.

Emphasis mine.

Here's the rub. Elton John didn't call out the folks calling for the boycott. He swore about the musicians who would diss Arizona. One comment mentioned Elton's words:

alan y. (ayoung)
16 hours ago
Elton also asked the crowd what was wrong with those who refused to play in Arizon; to which he answered:

"They are a bunch of F+(*wads"

Great show by a legend!
Report | Quote | -3 +35

Couldn't be clearer. The Gila Courier lied again. Here's my question, if you knew someone faked statistics, made up quotes, even published materials that didn't belong to him but could possibly ruin someone's reputation using that material (sound familiar?), would you close on a real estate deal with that person?

Don't Ask Jonathan Paton about Repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

2010-06-06T12:29:00.000-07:00

Click here to getImages &
Daffy Duck Looney Tunes Pictures

It get's in the way of what he wants!

Florence + The Machine - Cosmic Love

2010-05-18T23:34:00.000-07:00

When One Has Seventeen Loyal Readers, One Must Be Customer Oriented

2010-05-18T23:33:00.000-07:00

It has been pointed out that I failed to provided a link to the piece I wrote about Greg Patterson on Monday. Here 'tis!

The Closest Thing to an Espresso Retraction We'll Ever See

2010-05-18T14:07:00.001-07:00

Greg Patterson seems to have corrected himself with a post today. Yesterday I showed you his posting that claimed President Obama himself apologized to China for Arizona's SB 1070, the fruit of Senator Russell Pearce's racist agenda.

Opportunist Greg here:

Obama Apologizes to China for Arizona...

Fact checked Patterson here:

China Syndrome

When someone is willing to write anything to make a political and personal attack, he will write absolutely anything indeed. The real question is this, when an actual elected racist gets cover from an actual bigot, what is next from Messrs. Patterson and Pearce?

Espresso Hypocrite

2010-05-17T20:20:00.001-07:00

I've pointed out before some "foibles" of Greg Patterson of Espresso Pundit. I showed how he's a bigot. I showed how even though he's the self-appointed pope of newspaper ethics, he is far from infallable. In fact, he fails by his own standards but can't bring himself to acknowledge those errors.

Now he just flat out lies.

No where in an article Mr. Patterson himself uses as an excuse to make a claim does it back his insane claim. No where.

Mr. Patterson, when will you have the standards you demand of others?

When the Shameless use the Personal to Promote the Political - A Widow Asks Rusell Pearce to Stop using Her Husband's Name

2010-05-06T18:39:00.000-07:00

Jonathan Paton takes a page from the Karl Rove Cheatbook

2010-04-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

It seems Jonathan Paton isn't just picking the pockets of Karl Rove, he is also picking Bush's brain. When a person asked on Paton's Facebook page if Rep. Giffords was supporting a move by Rep. Grijalva to strategically boycott Republican business interests in Arizona, Paton lied:

Vote Jonathan Paton
Her spokeswoman told the Yellow Sheet Report that she didn't have time to say...
about an hour ago

Here's the screencapture:

Rep. Gifford's stand on a potential boycott has been well known since yesterday. The only explanation for Paton's deliberately misleading someone is that he is bought and paid for by the Bush/Rove machine. Jonathan Paton, with candidates like this, who needs felons?

For Matt & Trey

2010-04-23T11:34:00.001-07:00

Not Ready for Primetime Players, Paton Pending

2010-04-07T15:23:00.001-07:00

Friday, April 2 found the four contenders for the ~~Tea Bagger~~ Republican nomination to oppose Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (AZ-8) on Arizona Illustrated, the local "socialized media" outlet of television.

Jonathan Paton, one of the 'Rightastic Four', seems to have acquired a convenient case of amnesia on war strategy and history, his supposed strong points. When asked by host Bill Buckmaster about our effort in Afghanistan, Paton blundered.

[starting at 18:52] JONATHAN PATON: "You can say what you want about the past President (Bush, apparently). He at least listened to the Generals that he talked to. The current President has not listened to what the General wanted."

I guess that's true. Bush listened to his Generals except for General Anthony Zinni. Oh and then there was General Eric Shinseki. But other than those very public examples Paton is good at horseshoes.

Let's be clear because Mr. Paton will not; on Friday evening Jonathan Paton endorsed an open-ended commitment to the notoriously corrupt government of President Hamid Karzai. Additionally, Mr. Paton shamelessly pandered to the so-called tea party movements when he questioned the prerogative of President Barack Obama as Commander-in-Chief to set our nation's foreign policy during a time of war.

Mr. Paton's pander routine would be the most shameful in Arizona if it weren't for Sen. John McCain's self-immolation. Coincidentally, Mr. Paton has endorsed McCain for re-election against tea party favorite, JD Hayworth.

Maybe it's time for Paton to step out of McCain's shadow of desperation. May I suggest addressing the question "Do you support the effort to repeal the military policy known as Don't ask, don't tell?" I believe it should be debated in the Republican primary and I think Mr. Paton's Director of Communications, Daniel Scarpinato should write up Mr. Paton's debate notes. After all, having a Communication's Director who works the closet door like a Geisha works a fan might be the only way Paton can show McCain just how 'Mavericky' he really is.

The Post About the Blogger Who Used the Word "Vitriol"

2010-04-03T17:17:00.001-07:00

...without knowing what the word "vitriol" means.

Seeing Red AZ is one of the more hilarious blog nut jobs in Arizona although I'm sure it's unintentional. Even the blog name makes me chuckle.

But when your indignation is corrupted by your ignorance, well that's just precious!

BREAKING: Jesse Kelly Signs Pledge from Out of State Lobbyists

2010-04-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

Jesse Kelly, a Republican candidate for his party's nomination in Arizona's Eighth Congressional district, is the first of the candidates in that race to sign the Club for Growth "Repeal It" pledge.

See what Jesse Kelly would repeal for the citizens of AZ-8 here.

Jonathan Paton, you are on the clock.

Feed Readers Share the Darndest Things

2010-03-31T15:55:00.001-07:00

Greg Patterson of Arizona's Own Espresso Pundit fancies himself as some kind of leader of a 'reformation' of American Journalism. Never mind he seems incapable of living up to his own standards, holier-than-thou types rarely do; but when one catches him in a faut-pas it becomes that much more enjoyable.

Take this example:

See? That's a picture of openly gay State Sen. Ken Cheuvront just beneath the word "blows." Hilarious!!! Did I just hear the bell for seventh grade chemistry? And what's even more fun, someone else posted the vid with the caption, but Greg is the one who thinks it is funny.

Here's the another thing, you won't find this post on Greg's blog. What you are seeing is a screen capture from my RSS feed reader. It was posted at some point, my Google Reader picked it up and I read it. But when I went to Patterson's blog, no fag joke! If Greg had published "old school" on dead trees and stuff, he would need to subsequently retract his juvenile joke. It's as if he didn't have the "guts" to run the picture, but then he did and then he didn't.

Instead he got busted by someone else. FML, eh Greg?

Music for the Masses

2010-03-26T17:25:00.001-07:00

h/t Donna at DemocraticDiva.com

Last year's CPAC featured lots of patriotic conservatives making stage entrances to alleged pedophile R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly."

Today the McCain Campaign is teasing the crowd with "A Well Respected Man" from the Kinks just prior to a joint appearance with a leather-clad Sarah Palin.

Cause he gets up in the morning,

And he goes to work at nine,

And he comes back home at five-thirty,

Gets the same train every time.

cause his world is built round punctuality,

It never fails.

And hes oh, so good,

And hes oh, so fine,

And hes oh, so healthy,

In his body and his mind.

Hes a well respected man about town,

Doing the best things so conservatively.

And his mother goes to meetings,

While his father pulls the maid,

And she stirs the tea with councilors,

While discussing foreign trade,

And she passes looks, as well as bills

At every suave young man

Cause hes oh, so good,

And hes oh, so fine,

And hes oh, so healthy,

In his body and his mind.

Hes a well respected man about town,

Doing the best things so conservatively.

And he likes his own backyard,

And he likes his fags the best,

cause hes better than the rest,

And his own sweat smells the best,

And he hopes to grab his fathers loot,

When pater passes on.

Cause hes oh, so good,

And hes oh, so fine,

And hes oh, so healthy,

In his body and his mind.

Hes a well respected man about town,

Doing the best things so conservatively.

And he plays at stocks and shares,

And he goes to the regatta,

And he adores the girl next door,

cause hes dying to get at her,

But his mother knows the best about

The matrimonial stakes.

Cause hes oh, so good,

And hes oh, so fine,

And hes oh, so healthy,

In his body and his mind.

Hes a well respected man about town,

Doing the best things so conservatively.

Maybe someone has read the rumors contained in "Game Change."
Maybe Mark Halperin will stop referring to the event as occurring in "Puma County." *error corrected at Time.com.

Weak Tea, part 1

2010-03-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

"We're from the Arizona legislature that just reduced your state government by twenty-two percent. Effectively negating the effect [sic] Janet Napolitano had on our budget." - Rep. Vic Williams (R-26) bragging for himself and Sen. Al Melvin (R-26) at the Tucson Tea Party Town Hall, 03/25/2010.

Sen. Melvin on March 16 voted against cutting his Senate salary by five percent.

Gumbo with a Heap of Irony

2010-03-17T00:15:00.001-07:00

The Pima County Young Republicans are having a "New Orleans Style Fundraiser."

Really?

Seating is limited, so bring your own rooftop for emergency seating. Potable water will be made available, eventually.

Where A Conservative Blog Makes a Claim They Cannot Back With Facts

2010-03-06T20:31:00.000-08:00

SeeingRedAZ is blog. That means someone or a group of someones use electronic means to comment and then use digital means to distribute those opinions.

Like much of the Far Right, this blog is done anonymously. It is often an echo chamber, wherein the poster makes some far-fetched comment or in-artfully declares what "conservatism" really is or how un-American a political opponent must be and the commenters try to out-do each other in agreement and/or escalation.

In a lexicon they would understand, SeeingRedAZ is comprised of fucktards.

Now these sooooper geeeeeniuses have made this claim, "The soaring national debt is projected to be 90 percent of the economy by 2020." (italics theirs)

So, where is the source for this assertion? Who came up with this huge threat to our nation?

Don't ask SeeingRedAZ, they won't tell you.

What is Jonathan Paton Hiding?

2010-03-06T15:12:00.000-08:00

Here is a Boston Globe article by Matt Viser. He wrote up a story about the enthusiasm whipped up by Scott Brown's victory in Massachusetts. At a JD Hayworth rally, Jonathan Paton spoke of the victory by the pro-choice, pro-marriage equality Republican Senator as a model for his campaign.

Like any good politician, he made sure the article was put on his campaign website, after all, the Globe is a big timey publication of the east coast elite. His website article is here.

Here's the rub; Paton scrubbed out the reference to JD Hayworth, hmmmm....

The People's Front

2010-02-26T15:54:00.001-08:00

When I come across another of the numerous "Tea Party" groups declaring their relative purity in comparison to the other "Tea Party" groups, I think of this scene from Monty Python's "Life of Brian."

Vampire Weekend music

2010-02-19T14:05:00.001-08:00

Because It's as Plain as the Nose on His Face

2010-01-10T11:59:00.001-08:00

Because rasism is wrong.

Because Democrats have been relentless (and rightfully so) in calling
out rasists in the Republican party.

Because pieces of the Republican party animate themselves with racism
(eyes on tea baggers).

Because we are about to begin debate on what our nation is to do about
immigration and the millions who entered this country illegally.

Because this is a clear instance when principle should triumph over power.

Senator Harry Reid must resign as Majority-leader immediately.

--
Sent from my mobile device

Ken Jacobs

"The strongest democracies flourish from frequent and lively debate,
but they endure when people of every background and belief find a way
to set aside smaller differences in service of a greater purpose."

--BARACK OBAMA

Happy New Lie Year

2010-01-04T09:46:00.001-08:00

My favorite fake patriot at Gila Courier pulled another doozy over the holidays. In the comments of a piece ostensibly about Rio Nuevo, 'Ryan' got backed into a rhetorical corner on the definition of Transaction Privilege Tax as it pertains to a Tax Increment Finance district. Instead of saying something like, "my bad," or "I see your point," 'Ryan went to his/her/their old standby. It lied.

'Ryan,' when you place your answer in quotation marks it is customary to include the entire sentence or an ellipsis to indicate more text remains. Simply ending a quote at the point where you get the answer you need and ignoring the fact the entire sentence actually proves YOU are wrong only clears up one issue. You are an asshat.

Note to Humberto Lopez: keep your lawyers close at hand, the crooked crowd at Gila Courier will do anything to get their way, especially with your money.

The Republican 'Death Tax'

2010-01-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

I had a strangely emotional reaction to this story from the Arizona Republic. Here's the short version; woman loves Arizona parks, woman dies, woman leaves $250,000 to said parks, Republicans spit on her remains.

The legislature goes back into session on January 11. On that day, various Republicans will decry taxation of all forms. When will somebody show Arizona voters how much fees and taxes at all levels of Arizona governance have gone up due the decisions of the Republican-controlled legislature?

شب عاشورا، حمله به سخنرانی خاتمی در جماران

2009-12-26T22:07:00.001-08:00

This is very disturbing video. Much of what is going on requires more context than I can provide. Here are my questions:
1. When/where does this video occur?
2. Translate please?
3. What is chanted just after the 2:05 mark?
4. What is chanted just after the 3:03 mark?
5. How did this much video of this quality make it out of Iran at this time?
6. (an odd question just for me) Why does the camera operator constantly and repeatedly go back to the the double doors with glass panes? This seems an odd preoccupation when the former Prime Minister is speaking and the remark are supposedly broken up by "thugs."

Learn To Speak TEABAG!

2009-11-16T20:00:00.001-08:00

Because other languages are just too hard!

Chelsea Lately: Leave Sarah Alone

2009-11-16T16:55:00.001-08:00

Sonoran Alliance Disenfrancised Thousands in LD-26

2009-11-13T13:23:00.001-08:00

Finally, in a burst of honesty, Shane Wikfors over at his blog Sonoran Alliance has decided a peculiar and green legislative candidate is going to win because she has found a way to please the peculiar and red teabaggers of NW Pima County.

What isn't explained is why he cruises gay internet websites. Maybe his wife already knows?

Pigeon: Impossible

2009-11-11T17:59:00.001-08:00

For the Ages

2009-11-10T22:48:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Remarks of President Obama

Memorial Service at Fort Hood
November 10, 2009

We come together filled with sorrow for the thirteen Americans that we have lost; with gratitude for the lives that they led; and with a determination to honor them through the work we carry on.

This is a time of war. And yet these Americans did not die on a foreign field of battle. They were killed here, on American soil, in the heart of this great American community. It is this fact that makes the tragedy even more painful and even more incomprehensible.

For those families who have lost a loved one, no words can fill the void that has been left. We knew these men and women as soldiers and caregivers. You knew them as mothers and fathers; sons and daughters; sisters and brothers.

But here is what you must also know: your loved ones endure through the life of our nation. Their memory will be honored in the places they lived and by the people they touched. Their life's work is our security, and the freedom that we too often take for granted. Every evening that the sun sets on a tranquil town; every dawn that a flag is unfurled; every moment that an American enjoys life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - that is their legacy.

Neither this country - nor the values that we were founded upon - could exist without men and women like these thirteen Americans. And that is why we must pay tribute to their stories.

Chief Warrant Officer Michael Cahill had served in the National Guard and worked as a physician's assistant for decades. A husband and father of three, he was so committed to his patients that on the day he died, he was back at work just weeks after having a heart attack.

Major Libardo Eduardo Caraveo spoke little English when he came to America as a teenager. But he put himself through college, earned a PhD, and was helping combat units cope with the stress of deployment. He is survived by his wife, sons and step-daughters.

Staff Sergeant Justin DeCrow joined the Army right after high school, married his high school sweetheart, and had served as a light wheeled mechanic and Satellite Communications Operator. He was known as an optimist, a mentor, and a loving husband and father.

After retiring from the Army as a Major, John Gaffaney cared for society's most vulnerable during two decades as a psychiatric nurse. He spent three years trying to return to active duty in this time of war, and he was preparing to deploy to Iraq as a Captain. He leaves behind a wife and son.

Specialist Frederick Greene was a Tennessean who wanted to join the Army for a long time, and did so in 2008 with the support of his family. As a combat engineer he was a natural leader, and he is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Specialist Jason Hunt was also recently married, with three children to care for. He joined the Army after high school. He did a tour in Iraq, and it was there that he re-enlisted for six more years on his 21st birthday so that he could continue to serve.

Staff Sergeant Amy Krueger was an athlete in high school, joined the Army shortly after 9/11, and had since returned home to speak to students about her experience. When her mother told her she couldn't take on Osama bin Laden by herself, Amy replied: "Watch me."

Private First Class Aaron Nemelka was an Eagle Scout who just recently signed up to do one of the most dangerous jobs in the service - diffuse bombs - so that he could help save lives. He was proudly carrying on a tradition of military service that runs deep within his family.

Private First Class Michael Pearson loved his family and loved his music, and his goal was to be a music teacher. He excelled at playing the guitar, and could create songs on the spot and show others how to play. He joined the military a year ago, and was preparing for his first deployment.

Captain Russell Seager worked as a nurse for the VA, helping veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress. He had great respect for the military, and signed up to serve so that he could help soldiers cope with the stress of combat and return to civilian life. He leaves behind a wife and son.

Private Francheska Velez, the daughter of a father from Colombia and a Puerto Rican mother, had recently served in Korea and in Iraq, and was pursuing a career in the Army. When she was killed, she was pregnant with her first child, and was excited about becoming a mother.

Lieutenant Colonel Juanita Warman was the daughter and granddaughter of Army veterans. She was a single mother who put herself through college and graduate school, and served as a nurse practitioner while raising her two daughters. She also left behind a loving husband.

Private First Class Kham Xiong came to America from Thailand as a small child. He was a husband and father who followed his brother into the military because his family had a strong history of service. He was preparing for his first deployment to Afghanistan.

These men and women came from all parts of the country. Some had long careers in the military. Some had signed up to serve in the shadow of 9/11. Some had known intense combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, and some cared for those did. Their lives speak to the strength, the dignity and the decency of those who serve, and that is how they will be remembered.

That same spirit is embodied in the community here at Fort Hood, and in the many wounded who are still recovering. In those terrible minutes during the attack, soldiers made makeshift tourniquets out of their clothes. They braved gunfire to reach the wounded, and ferried them to safety in the backs of cars and a pick-up truck.

One young soldier, Amber Bahr, was so intent on helping others that she did not realize for some time that she, herself, had been shot in the back. Two police officers - Mark Todd and Kim Munley - saved countless lives by risking their own. One medic - Francisco de la Serna - treated both Officer Munley and the gunman who shot her.

It may be hard to comprehend the twisted logic that led to this tragedy. But this much we do know - no faith justifies these murderous and craven acts; no just and loving God looks upon them with favor. And for what he has done, we know that the killer will be met with justice - in this world, and the next.

These are trying times for our country. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, the same extremists who killed nearly 3,000 Americans continue to endanger America, our allies, and innocent Afghans and Pakistanis. In Iraq, we are working to bring a war to a successful end, as there are still those who would deny the Iraqi people the future that Americans and Iraqis have sacrificed so much for.

As we face these challenges, the stories of those at Fort Hood reaffirm the core values that we are fighting for, and the strength that we must draw upon. Theirs are tales of American men and women answering an extraordinary call - the call to serve their comrades, their communities, and their country. In an age of selfishness, they embody responsibility. In an era of division, they call upon us to come together. In a time of cynicism, they remind us of who we are as Americans.

We are a nation that endures because of the courage of those who defend it. We saw that valor in those who braved bullets here at Fort Hood, just as surely as we see it in those who signed up knowing that they would serve in harm's way.

We are a nation of laws whose commitment to justice is so enduring that we would treat a gunman and give him due process, just as surely as we will see that he pays for his crimes.

We are a nation that guarantees the freedom to worship as one chooses. And instead of claiming God for our side, we remember Lincoln's words, and always pray to be on the side of God.

We are a nation that is dedicated to the proposition that all men and women are created equal. We live that truth within our military, and see it in the varied backgrounds of those we lay to rest today. We defend that truth at home and abroad, and we know that Americans will always be found on the side of liberty and equality. That is who we are as a people.

Tomorrow is Veterans Day. It is a chance to pause, and to pay tribute - for students to learn of the struggles that preceded them; for families to honor the service of parents and grandparents; for citizens to reflect upon the sacrifices that have been made in pursuit of a more perfect union.

For history is filled with heroes. You may remember the stories of a grandfather who marched across Europe; an uncle who fought in Vietnam; a sister who served in the Gulf. But as we honor the many generations who have served, I think all of us - every single American - must acknowledge that this generation has more than proved itself the equal of those who have come before.

We need not look to the past for greatness, because it is before our very eyes.

This generation of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen have volunteered in a time of certain danger. They are part of the finest fighting force that the world has ever known. They have served tour after tour of duty in distant, different and difficult places. They have stood watch in blinding deserts and on snowy mountains. They have extended the opportunity of self-government to peoples that have suffered tyranny and war. They are man and woman; white, black, and brown; of all faiths and stations - all Americans, serving together to protect our people, while giving others half a world away the chance to lead a better life.

In today's wars, there is not always a simple ceremony that signals our troops' success - no surrender papers to be signed, or capital to be claimed. But the measure of their impact is no less great - in a world of threats that no know borders, it will be marked in the safety of our cities and towns, and the security and opportunity that is extended abroad. And it will serve as testimony to the character of those who serve, and the example that you set for America and for the world.

Here, at Fort Hood, we pay tribute to thirteen men and women who were not able to escape the horror of war, even in the comfort of home. Later today, at Fort Lewis, one community will gather to remember so many in one Stryker Brigade who have fallen in Afghanistan.

Long after they are laid to rest - when the fighting has finished, and our nation has endured; when today's servicemen and women are veterans, and their children have grown - it will be said of this generation that they believed under the most trying of tests; that they persevered not just when it was easy, but when it was hard; and that they paid the price and bore the burden to secure this nation, and stood up for the values that live in the hearts of all free peoples.

So we say goodbye to those who now belong to eternity. We press ahead in pursuit of the peace that guided their service. May God bless the memory of those we lost. And may God bless the United States of America.

The Previous Post May be in Error

2009-11-08T13:55:00.000-08:00

If a candidate files paperwork with the Secretary of State but intends to run "clean" as opposed to using traditional fundraising, the filing paperwork may not immediately reflect the "Clean Elections" filing. Until we have verified Jan Brewer's filing we will offer an apology for what may be an incorrect statement. I apologize. The error, if indeed there has been one, is mine and mine alone.

Now, when will Gila Courier tell us who authored their bogus post on Prop 200?

Tough Times Call for Tough Decisions, Too Bad Brewer Can't Make One

2009-11-06T16:46:00.001-08:00

Yesterday Gov. Brewer filed her paperwork to run for her own term outright. One can review the paperwork at www.azsos.gov/. Her Committee ID number is 201000308.

Here's what I noticed; her filing is for a "non-participating" candidate, meaning she intends to run on traditional fundraising. Her website, www.janbrewer.com, is asking for $5 donations to qualify for Clean Elections or public financing.

Seems the "leadership deficit" didn't get fixed when Kevin Tyne got the boot.

Tea Baggers are Hypocrites

2009-10-29T17:44:00.001-07:00

azgopisazteaparty
Originally uploaded by beercanbard

The tbaggerz are now all butt hurt about being called tbaggerz. Never mind that they picked the name. Never mind that they toss around Obama-as-Hitler images like they were pokemon cards.

Here's a Stalin reference from the Arizona Republican Party. This is from their Youtube channel.

HBO Documentary Films: By The People: The Election of Barack Obama Trailer (HBO)

2009-10-26T19:16:00.001-07:00

Three Strikes and You're Out Should Mean Something

2009-10-26T14:03:00.001-07:00

Gila Courier lies about Rep. Giffords
Gila Courier pooches important numbers on a poll because, well, they had already written the headline and couldn't explain the facts away.
Gila Courier knowingly misrepresents crime statistics to support Tucson's Prop. 200 (and when called out on it, do it again.)

A piece of advice to the crack crew at the 'courier; before your next post, dither.

not "Ryan"

Is You IS or Is you Isn't?

2009-10-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

Image by CR Artist via Flickr

Below is an email I just sent to Nick Drainius of the Goldwater Institute and author of an op-ed in today's Arizona Daily Star on Prop. 200:

Dear Mr. Dranias,

There seems to be some confusion here in the "Old Pueblo" as to your Prop. 200 op-ed in this morning's Arizona Daily Star. The first hint we received was last Thursday when Jim Nintzel of the Tucson Weekly posted something on their blog "The Range." This was the headline:

More Opposition to Public Safety First Initiative: Goldwater Institute Says Prop 200 "Won’t Put Public Safety First, It Will Just Bloat City Government"

That made it read as if the Goldwater Institute had taken a position on Prop. 200. Today's op-ed uses your Goldwater Institute email for replies, just like your previously published op-ed the "Star" on the topic of Mr. Goodman's attempt to redevelop some of his property. Ironically, Mr. Goodman is one of the deeper pockets funding the pass Prop. 200 campaign.

The text of your op-ed was sent out this morning as the "daily email" from the Goldwater Institute and appears on the Goldwater Institute website.

No where in today's op-ed do you claim the piece is your opinion solely and in fact, one could easily claim the piece IS the position of the Goldwater Institute.

The piece is reprinted in whole on the conservative blog "Sonoran Alliance" as "Posted by Goldwater Institute."

My question is simple, does today's op-ed represent only your opinion? If so, how do you explain the observations above?

Thanking you in advance of your reply.

Best Regards,

-kenny

Ken Jacobs

"The strongest democracies flourish from frequent and lively debate, but they endure when people of every background and belief find a way to set aside smaller differences in service of a greater purpose."

--BARACK OBAMA

Carolina Chocolate Drops "Cornbread and Butterbeans"

2009-10-23T14:51:00.001-07:00

Strong Enough for a Man but Made for a Woman

2009-10-22T23:39:00.003-07:00

We have written about Rep. Ray Barnes (R-LD7) and his Campaign Committee shenanigans before, and apparently he now believes he was in error. On October 20th he filed papers for an Exploratory Committee. It's got a different ID number, different treasurer and even has a coma between the word "Exploratory" and the phrase "Ray Barnes for Senate." That's totally different, see, no one is going to wonder why he would run for election and then eight months later decide to "explore" for the office for which he's been running. He's got things straight in his head.

Example: The Yellow Sheet (subscription required) shares that Rep. Barnes, while praising fellow premature-electorator Sen. John Huppenthal, took it upon himself to distinguish Huppenthal from other people, women particularly. Barnes sees Huppenthal as "logical" which he finds as a praiseworthy quality, while disliking parts of our politics that have become "emotional." Just what has become too "emotional" in our politics? Women, he said, are too emotional and not enough like men. I'm sure it was quite a punch in the gut for Barnes to be asked to clarify
his comments about women in politics. That's when he coughed up this
little jewel:

I don’t think it’s sexist. I married a woman because she’s a woman, not a man.

One would think that a "tell-it-like-it-is" moment like that might leave Barnes hanging out there on his own, but no, Constantine Querard (CQ) came to the rescue on a Facebook thread by writing,

“Anyone who has been successfully married that long must have figured out a few things!”

We all know how little Constantine's campaign work has been built on "emotion." Hell, Constantine only agreed with Barnes because of his own Vulcan-like logical mind as displayed here on his twitter account:

WNBA Finals crowd: Testosterone? Lots. Men in the crowd? Not so many!7:32 AM Sep 30th from web

These guys know what they like in a woman! Mainly, that they ARE women because, you know, those women who aren't women ARE DEFINITELY NOT what they are looking for in a woman. It's a choice, you know, the amount of womanly attributes one must find in a mate so one can show the world the person one chose is a woman!

Secret Deodorant [1985]

2009-10-22T23:39:00.001-07:00

Philip

2009-10-21T20:06:00.001-07:00

Another testament to Equality that moves me to tears.

Glee-Dont Stop Believeing

2009-10-21T19:32:00.001-07:00

Nope, no reason at all.

Former WH Press Secretary Describes Treatment of FOX as "...what dictators do..." What She did Was TOTALLY DIFFERENT!

2009-10-21T19:17:00.000-07:00

Of course the word "dictator" must have been invented sometime after January 20, 2009.

Bill Maher - A Year of Ridiculous Republicans

2009-10-20T20:08:00.001-07:00

CARDBOARD a cardboard animation!

2009-10-20T20:03:00.001-07:00

Redemption Song - Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer

2009-10-19T15:36:00.001-07:00

Puck Shows His Diamond ain't so Rough - A Pre Glee Vid

2009-10-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

Ryan at Gila Couries goes "Full Douche"

2009-10-18T18:44:00.001-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Ryan at Gila Courier posted something with my name in the title so I thought I should return the favor. It is, of course, in response to my post here.

Strange thing, he never addresses the points I make that illustrate he's a crock.

Obama 'I'm not tired'

2009-10-16T16:22:00.001-07:00

Republicans in Congress

2009-10-16T13:30:00.001-07:00

Horribly Injured Americans Against Obamacare

2009-10-16T11:50:00.001-07:00

Calvin Harris - Flashback (Eric Prydz Remix) HQ

2009-10-15T23:52:00.001-07:00

This is a Republican News Source

2009-10-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Sean Noble posted a video of Bruce Jenner, taken by TMZ, and is featuring it as a relevant opinion on President Obama's Noble Peace Prize. Bruce Jenner! TMZ! OMFG!

Glee's say a little Prayer for you!

2009-10-14T13:27:00.001-07:00

Glee Star Jane Lynch on Chelsea Lately

2009-10-14T13:26:00.001-07:00

I Say A Little Prayer

2009-10-14T13:15:00.001-07:00

Who is "Ryan" and why does he hate Democracy?

2009-10-14T11:45:00.001-07:00

In late September I wrote about a blog in Southern Arizona who chose to misquote Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in an attempt to smear her. I call that lying. They never retracted the untruthful tweet. They never addressed their lie on the blog. Some moronic fellow-travelers retweeted the lie, one even admitted to spreading the lie knowingly.

This particular outfit likes to take shots at "liberal" newspapers (while free linking when it suits them) and bemoans the role of public education in society. Know this, if the anonymous coward who tweeted that lie did so while in the employ of a newspaper he would be fired. If a college student wrote a quote like that into a paper they could be expelled. You'd think one would pause when it becomes apparent two of your biggest targets have more stringent standards then yourself but we are talking about right-wing idealogues. Not very thorough hacks at that.

Not "Ryan"

How do they top themselves? Well, selective and misleading use of statistical information would be a start!

The folks at Gila Courier posted a piece on “evidence” supporting the need for passage of Prop. 200. Up to their usual standards, the Gila Courier provides no evidence at all, just a clear view of their agenda.

First I would like to point out the graphs published by Gila Courier are uncredited. Further, it appears the numbers used for the graphs come from the Wikipedia page United States cities by crime rate. The data used is for 2007, not 2008 as stated by Gila Courier. Additionally, Gila Courier supplies a link to the actual FBI page that uses 2008 data. This is misleading. Why graph data for a different year and source but supply a much better looking link? How very awkward!

Gila Courier intentionally selects two metropolitan areas with lower rates on violent crime for their comparison. By doing so, they avoid being complete, ethical and truthful by omitting: Albuquerque, Anchorage, Atlanta, Buffalo, Corpus Christi, Long Beach, Oklahoma City, Sacramento, Stockton, Tampa, Toledo, Tulsa, Wichita. These are examples of statistical areas with smaller populations but higher rates of violent crime. Of course, this comparison is from the Wiki page since that is the data they graphed. Glendale has half the population but almost as many violent crimes. Are they graphed? Heck no! There are similar examples for the other graphs supplied by Gila Courier. This not an ethical use of data. Gila Courier published something designed to mislead voters and benefit the Prop. 200 campaign.

One more point about the FBI link, data and page. If Gila Courier had actually used the FBI page they link to they would have to read past this admonishment on the FBI page:

Caution Against Ranking

Each year when Crime in the United States is published, some entities use reported figures to compile rankings of cities and counties. These rough rankings provide no insight into the numerous variables that mold crime in a particular town, city, county, state, or region. Consequently, they lead to simplistic and/or incomplete analyses that often create misleading perceptions adversely affecting communities and their residents. Valid assessments are possible only with careful study and analysis of the range of unique conditions affecting each local law enforcement jurisdiction. The data user is, therefore, cautioned against comparing statistical data of individual reporting units from cities, metropolitan areas, states, or colleges or universities solely on the basis of their population coverage or student enrollment.

How very curious! The very thing Gila Courier attempts to do is something the FBI shows shouldn't be done with their data. So did they read that FBI page or not? Oh, Gila Courier didn't really use the data from that source! Got it!

Given that the Gila Courier has a track record of writing just about anything on behalf of whatever partisan cause they feel called to support, I have just one question; when will the folks behind Proposition 200 disavow or accept responsibility for this statistical charade?

Falsified data, lies, misleading graphs...Gila Courier, it's a crime what they do to Tucson.

2010 California Marriage Protection Act PSA (#2)

2009-10-13T08:56:00.001-07:00

Hell is for Eternity, just like Marriage

I'm the Letter 'T'

2009-10-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

The Plain White T’s Hey There Delilah becomes a song about the letter “T” for Sesame Street.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

'The Golden Age of Video' by Ricardo Autobahn

2009-10-08T14:58:00.001-07:00

Love is a Battlefield (Literal Version)

2009-10-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

The key to a really good "literal video" is humor and dead-on vocalization. This example is funny but the vocal is horrible. (who could sing as well as Pat Benatar?) Check out the voice over work during the silly dance break.

Elephant Birth - The Dramatic Struggle for Life

2009-10-07T12:14:00.001-07:00

Here's an elephant tale I can root for!

More Bad News for Feeble Arpaio

2009-10-06T16:50:00.001-07:00

Image by cobalt123 via Flickr

Tick-tock, Mr. Arpaio.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has stripped Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio of his authority to arrest suspected illegal immigrants based solely on their immigration status.

Full article here.

“It’s all politics,” Arpaio said.

Truer words were never crafted for maximum media impact!

Christianist "Artist" Insults Martin Luther King Jr.

2009-10-06T16:44:00.001-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

With the recent news the Bible is being re-written to suit wing-nut principles (as understood by early twenty-first century conservatives), I came across this website and threw up in my mouth just a little.

Everything that is contempo-conservative is aligned with Jesus. Everything bad in the world is secular and liberal. Subtle.

Here's the kicker; a soldier is named "King" in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King was a pacifist. To paint him as a soldier is historically ignorant and insulting to his memory. BTW, among the dozens of personages only three are of color. The artist went through alot of "flesh" colored paint to get this hum-dinger done.

If We Were Gay

2009-10-06T16:21:00.003-07:00

Arpaio luvs the Headlines, Until they Nail Him

2009-10-06T16:21:00.001-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Sheriff Joseph M. Arpaio had issues with a recent article in the Arizona Republic so he took the paper to task on his "Sheriff Fights Back" blog. Apparently he "fights back" against media accounts of his administration often, there's a special section called, "The Truth Behind the Headlines."

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is using money earmarked for fighting crime on vehicles for Sheriff Joe Arpaio, top commanders and select deputies to drive back and forth to work, recordsobtained by The Arizona Republic show.

The Sheriff's department responds to the article with a rhetorical version of "three card monty" that could qualify the department for metaphoric prosecution under the RICO statue mentioned in the Republic piece.

It is well known by observing Mr. Arpaio's behavior that he suffers from a compulsion to seek attention and adoration. Mr. Arpaio should resign from office and seek appropriate medical care before his already long life comes to and end. He's ruined the department, maybe he can redeem his life.

FERSHTAY?

2009-10-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

My new best friend in the world, Bruce Ash, while ignoring everything I wrote and asked him was still very kind to wish me a, "GREAT AMERICAN DAY!!" (exclamations and capitalization dripping with sarcasm his)

And although his tone towards me was that thought of me as a kibitzer, he did refer to me as "Kenala," which is sweet because it reminded me of a surrogate mother I had during a production of "Torch Song Trilogy" who called me "Kenala." It's like I'm his boychick. I'm sure he meant nothing by it, kine-ahora.

Good times, good food.

Well in honor of my friend Bruce Ash, the alter-cocker, here is a patriotic video just for you!

Bruce, in case you are a little fertummelt, the performer is a faygala!

Zie Ga Zink!

Besouro - Theatrical trailer

2009-10-06T12:46:00.001-07:00

Boys from Brazil

2009-10-06T12:41:00.001-07:00

More here at Made in Brazil.

Little Girl from Little Rock - Carol Channing

2009-10-05T18:43:00.001-07:00

Don't Ruin American Healthcare!

2009-10-04T09:44:00.001-07:00

"The uninsured don't deserve health insurance, only the old!"

Please Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood

2009-10-02T22:56:00.000-07:00

Almost a month ago I posted on this blog a comment originally published on Sonoran Alliance. I didn't write the words of that comment, but the name appearing with that comment caused me pause. Bruce Ash. It struck me as a vile little work certainly beneath Mr. Ash. Sadly, I may be mistaken.

When another post, this time at Ted Prezelski's Rum, Romanism and Rebellion received a comment from someone calling themselves Bruce Ash I thought I should seize the opportunity. I asked if that Mr. Ash was aware of some of the words attributed to the other Mr. Ash. Then I wrote something snarky, but seriously, by my standards it was mild. And I love my readers, all of you, but let's face it, we could all fit around just about any table available at Sam Levitz. So I went where the eyes are and....

....the Mr. Ash who responded on Tedski's blog really let me have it! Boy. Ouch.

He didn't, however, address any of my questions. Now, in the rough-and-tumble world of partisan politics one could, perhaps should, assume the non-response is a, "yes." In fact one of my favorite commentators, Eli_Blake, did just that and then shared what I found to be a sensible and heartfelt reason why Nazi and fascist comparisons shouldn't be tossed around casually by anyone...it cheapens the suffering.

I remember my first visit to Drinking Liberally, when a left-wing nut job tossed out a, "he's a nazi" at some Republican like it was a sneeze. I winced, you would have, too. And then I spoke the first words I ever spoke at DL. I don't remember the actual words but I basically stated that those comparisons are out of line for anyone, the description is a term of art. My Grandfather did not spend all those years in North Africa and Europe fighting people with whom he had a political disagreement, so don't cheapen his sacrifice.

So, this whole "Nazi and/or fascist" attack on our President REALLY FUCKING PISSES ME OFF.

Back to the comment posted at Sonoran Alliance; it all began with a video of celebrities and such taking a pledge to help our newly elected President by taking personal responsibility for something said celebrity could control. Why am I explaining this? Roll tape:

Yeah, I don't know why she did that to her hair either. All of them. But back to the pledges. I don't see what the big deal is, yeah it's wordy, but most of these star type peoples get script approval so whatta ya gonna do? And it looks like Ashton was directing because it had that edgy 'Punk'd' feel to it, good luck with that. But that's all it is, some adults who get way too much attention for too little reason.

It seems to me, Mr. Ash, you were offended by a sense of fealty in the video. Me? Not so much, but I can see how someone else might. I mean, what if they tried to make children in school listen to President Obama talk about personal responsibility? That might make people really freak out! Yes, I'm still working on an ironic voice for my writing. Maybe you and I can agree on this video, you see it goes one step further by making small....oh, I forgot....roll tape!

Dude, seriously? We put up with that shit? Oh, now I remember. If we didn't put up with that...uh, stuff, we got called un-american and people tried to ruin other people's career (Dixie Chicks, Valerie Plame, a slew of US attorney's).

Back to you, Mr. Ash. You are a big deal. You are a member of the Republican National Committee! I know that because it says so on your blog, Ash for Arizona, just beneath your name emblazoned over an homage to our state flag. I know it's not a reproduction of our state flag because that would be tacky and it's stretched out so Senator Kyl's head can fit on your banner.

Anyway, YOU, Mr. Ash are a big deal. Here's a secret, I have always felt that those like you, who rise to responsibility within our political party's not only have ability but a sense of duty to our country. I mean why else would you donate almost $40,000 to Republicans in the last five years? It's your ability and patriotism that allowed you to rise to leadership within your party. And the $40,000 ish is really just for the years 2004-2008, but still! As a leader of your party you must sometimes deal with those who, although a part of your "coalition" you may not have much anything else in common but because you are a leader you appeal to the "better angels of their nature," or something like that.

That's what leaders do, and barring that, people who have websites that sound like campaign slogans can do that too!

You are right my friend, there are a bunch of angry folks out there who want their country back, but just between you and me, Mr. Ash, do you think they want you and me in it?

"Americans" for Prosperity, Theirs

2009-10-02T15:41:00.000-07:00

Image by Rep. Virginia Foxx via Flickr

The folks dispensing petro-dollars to Tom Jenney and Shane Wikfors to whip up despair and misinformation on health care reform here in Arizona (just wait for the Energy bill!) were having a little conference in Virginia (very un-DC) when news of America's Olympic bid broke. Here's what those teabagging patriots did in reaction:

Next time a teabagger tells you she is fighting to get her country back ask her, 'which country?' It's almost as if they have seceded from the United States in their mind.

Not to put too Fine a Point on this, but...

2009-10-02T14:24:00.001-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

A relatively obnoxious blog posted photo copies of some alleged travel documents for one Charles Jensen. Mr. Jensen's name purportedly appeared on a list of clients for an escort service. Mr. Jensen claims he was out of town on the dates listed for "service" and believes a tenant of his may have been the actual "john." Obnoxious blog goes on to take a whack at Brett "vroom vroom" Mecum, Executive Director of the Arizona Republican Party and uses the opportunity to allege Mr. Mecum is not always a gentleman and sometimes a cad.

Good times.

When the other side is eating its' own my rule is to get out of the way but I have another rule that overrides in just such a case. My, "if a Republican uses the words 'CASE CLOSED' in capital letters there's probably more 'splaining to do, rule.

This is what I think; the documents supplied by Mr. Jensen (via that obnoxious blog) do not prove he was out of town on the days corresponding to the "Desert Divas" list. They prove his credit card was out-of-town but not necessarily Mr. Jensen. Mr. Jensen would do well to supply boarding passes that show he checked in for his flights or better, a copy of his frequent flier account statement that proves his non-prostitute needing body was on those flights and not, perhaps, "ordering in." One other question, do any of the "Desert Divas" records show the use of Pay-Pal for services rendered?

Just saying.

Gila Courier Seeks Integrity

2009-09-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

Image by Nationaal Archief via Flickr

The folks who brought you a misreading due to stupidity or dishonesty (take your pick) of a post at RealClearPolitics seem to be backing away. Today the Gila Courier posted a piece about the Giffords fundraiser attended by VP Biden. No where in the article do they make the assertion that they boldly made in a tweet last night.

I guess their goal was accomplished. Some twits retweeted Gila Courier's lie and now they don't have the integrity to pull it back or apologize.

Teabaggerz read minds

2009-09-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

The post below was about a big time blog that can't be bothered with facts, a local blog that will write anything to hit Rep. Giffords and a bunch of twits who will RT (retweet) anything, fact-based or not. One of those twitterers got back to me:

@kennyjacobs Yes, blog did say debates wr nuts; however, I stuck w/ rt b/c only the attendees could make them that way in her mind #tucson

I sent this gentleman a direct message, he chose to "spread the word." What we have here is a person who claims to read minds, doesn't care if Gabby actually said something she was quoted as saying AND wants to make sure lots of people know he did this. So, who is really concerned about lies and the folks who repeat those lies?

This is a succinct explanation of the Tea Baggerz movement.

Real Clear it's Politics

2009-09-21T22:37:00.001-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Gabrielle Giffords is kinda a big deal. She's a successful Democratic Congresswoman in a red district. She is so successful, in fact, that it's unlikely anyone of consequence will mount a challenge to her in the foreseeable future. None have announced as of now.

While Congress is in session there are often fundraisers back east, and Rep. Giffords was toasted by some good folks back in Delaware including Vice-President Biden. See? She is a big deal! When the VP shows up so do the press. One of the outlets at this event is the opinion blog from right-of-center, Real Clear Politics.

But something must have happened during the translation of the article in Real Clear Politics (RCP) to a Twitter on behalf of the Southern Arizona blog Gila Courier. Gila Courier made it sound like Gabby said something she wasn't quoted as saying. Shocking, right?

Here's the deal, in RCP Gabby is quoted describing the August of Crazy Town Hall fiascoes in Southern Arizona as being "nuts."

Here's the RCP quote:

Giffords referred to the town hall debates of August in her district as "totally nuts."

Here's how it appeared in the Gila Courier's tweet:

At her fundraiser hosted by VP Joe Biden, Giffords says voters "totally nuts." http://bit.ly/kZirw
Mon 21 Sep 20:13 via web

See what they did there? How cute! Gila Courier implied that Giffords thinks the voters are crazy except she didn't say that. How did "Southern Arizona's Leading Conservative Blog" get that so wrong? Could it be that a leading teabagger outfit is so desperate to lay something on Gabby that they made up a quote? Maybe it's simply not being able to read with comprehension? What about all the Twitter teabaggerz who simply RT (retweet) without bothering to read the RCP article in question? It's like they don't care if what they repeat is accurate or not, just so it adds up to what they want to be true. Gosh.

And about that piece in RCP; Rep. Giffords is married to Mark Kelly. He's an astronaut, an active duty naval aviator. His last name is not Giffords as it states in your sorry-ass effort, you big-timey bloggy outfit. Who told you that Congresswoman Giffords' husbands last name is Giffords? Who edited your article? Is there anything is this attempted hit-and-run that is accurate? Ace reporting there, you guys back east are AWESOME!

For those who find this post incredible here are the screen shots:

RCP (with

and the shot of the Gila twot

Teabaggers can't handle a little dissent

2009-09-15T02:21:00.001-07:00

An idiot took up a sign and marched through the Teabaggerz Ball on Saturday, September 12, 2009. Who knew the teabaggerz would try to shut him down just like they tried to shut down town halls during the August of Crazy.

We're Number 37

2009-09-14T13:04:00.001-07:00

h/t to Donna at the Diva: http://www.democraticdiva.com/2009/09/14/were-37/

Soul Train Line Dance to The O'Jays "Love Train"

2009-09-11T14:24:00.001-07:00

Soul Train Line Dance Friday!

Gaysong - a Rocky and Balls creation.

2009-09-10T23:10:00.001-07:00

Which is More Pathetic? The "Author" or the Post?

2009-09-10T23:04:00.000-07:00

A coward ironically named "Veritas Vincit" (truth conquers) puked out some racism this past week. Last Tuesday's ditty was pointed at President Barack Obama's address to school children. Remember? The speech that turned all who watched into godless, commie, fascist, natzi, maoist, chavezista zombies? BTW, the comments on his post are hilarious!

Well, he/she/it means nothing. I just point this out because Shane Wikfors is VV's digital sponsor. Because VV has pushed out so much trash through Shane's portal and because Shane is/was the astro-turf organizer for much of Arizona's shenanigans this summer, I just thought one should point out they have so much in common. That is what I will be doing next.

After all, the people have a right to know AND be heard, right?

But not with Lime

2009-09-10T22:20:00.001-07:00

He Should Apologize for the Lousy Apologies

2009-09-10T21:40:00.001-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

First things first:

H. R. 3200Close Comm

To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes.

SEC. 246. NO FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR UNDOCUMENTED ALIENS.

Nothing in this subtitle shall allow Federal payments for affordability credits on behalf of individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States.

Pretty clear to me, but as the old saw goes, let's walk a mile in Rep. Addison Graves Wilson Jr's shoes:

In September 2002, on C-SPAN's Washington Journal, while engaged in a debate on the possibility of going to war in Iraq, Wilson called Congressman Bob Filner (D-California) "viscerally anti-American" and charged that he had a "hatred of America" after Filner suggested the United States supplied chemical and biological weapons to Saddam Hussein. Wilson said later that he didn't intend to insult his colleague.
In 2003, following Essie Mae Washington-Williams' revelation that she was the illegitimate daughter of Wilson's former employer, the late Senator Strom Thurmond, Wilson was among those who publicly doubted her claim. Wilson said even if her story was true, she should not have revealed it because "it's a smear" on Thurmond's image was a way to "diminish" Thurmond's legacy.^[13] After Thurmond's family acknowledged the truth of Washington-Williams' revelation, Wilson apologized but said that he still thought that she should not have revealed that Thurmond was her father.
Wilson is a member of the Southern heritage group, Sons of Confederate Veterans, which favors secession and defends slavery.
Wilson went against his own party and voted with seven lone right-wingers to keep the Dixie Rebel flag flying over the South Carolina state capitol building.
As a federal lawmaker, Wilson became a member of the House Immigration Reform Caucus (HIRC), a group of (mostly Republican) representatives founded by former Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) with the mission of stopping “the explosive growth in illegal immigration,” “reversing the growth in legal immigration,” and halting “amnesties.”
Other notoriously anti-immigrant members of HIRC include Steve King (R-IA), who described immigration as a “slow-motion Holocaust,” and Lamar Smith (R-TX), who equates undocumented immigrants with “terrorist weapons.” HIRC members Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN), Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA), Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO), and King all proclaimed that undocumented immigrants would receive health care benefits long before Wilson’s outburst. The two Republican representatives, Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA) and Rep. Dean Heller (R-NV), who proposed amendments to the House health care bill that would’ve added stringent citizenship verification mechanisms are active members of the HIRC as well. Heller and Deal also lead the fight to overturn the 14th Amendment and end the policy of automatically granting anyone who is born in the country US citizenship. (Addison hangs with the coolest crowd!)
Wilson has co-sponsored several pieces of English-only legislation and supported efforts to report undocumented immigrants who seek emergency medical care. In 2006, he declared “it is time to curtail the invasion of illegal aliens.”

It's almost as if he has a professional responsibility to "lose it" when the topic of brown people is being spoken of by all things, a brown person! Unless, of course, this was just performance art, an attempt to bring a little tea party to the Joint Session. By that standard Rep. Wilson was timid. At least he's consistent with the pathetic apologies.

Thanks to La Fronterra Times for some of the items in this post. Photo of Sen. Strom Thurmond.

What Does a Majority Leader Do?

2009-09-10T19:00:00.001-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Arizona Senate Majority Leader Chuck Gray got all tweety last night during President Obama's address to a joint session of Congress. While I enjoy a good back-and-forth with the best of them, Sen. Gray is not one of the best, at best:

Gov. Brewer vetoes tax repeal. http://ow.ly/oLCVabout 21 hours ago from HootSuite

That's a tweet. His tweet tweeted on Wednesday, September 9, 2009. He's tweeting about Governor Brewer vetoing a tax bill last Friday. Just how far out of the loop is this guy?

Step Away from the Caffeine

2009-09-10T18:46:00.001-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Over at Arizona's Own Espresso Pundit the often smart but always partisan Greg Patterson is not as smart but very partisan on the topic of Arizona's "Resign to Run" law. My take from about a week ago, ahem, is here. The law in question was passed by voters in 1980 but Patterson makes a bizzare inference:

While the Star and other members of the media believe that the purpose of law is to prevent distraction, the real purpose is to ensure that Joe Arpaio doesn't run for Governor while remaining Sheriff.

Greg finds a way to list several elected officials and some potential race they might engage. OK, big deal. Why not mention Rep. Ray Barnes who actually has filed a Committee a full 600+ days before the General Election? Where's the reference to Sen. John Huppenthal who has bragged about gathering signatures for his next run since April? The truly silly moment of his subpar effort is this:

The Star's editorial board finally acknowledged Godard and Sinema's violations of the law, but used them as an excuse to say that the law isn't working.

No where in the Star editorial do they acknowledge Sinema, Godard or even Goddard broke the law. No where. Patterson sees things where they do not exist. To parse out Greg's words is to engage in the question of what is is. While Greg never passes on an opportunity to bash newspapers (sometimes rightly) he does so with the skill sets of an even less popular profession, a dirty stinkin' lawyer!

Coyote catches Road Runner

2009-09-10T02:22:00.001-07:00

What Birthers Believe

2009-09-10T02:04:00.001-07:00

Ted Kennedy's Letter to President Obama

2009-09-09T20:43:00.000-07:00

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

_______________________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 12, 2009

Dear Mr. President,

I wanted to write a few final words to you to express my gratitude for your repeated personal kindnesses to me – and one last time, to salute your leadership in giving our country back its future and its truth.

On a personal level, you and Michelle reached out to Vicki, to our family and me in so many different ways. You helped to make these difficult months a happy time in my life.

You also made it a time of hope for me and for our country.

When I thought of all the years, all the battles, and all the memories of my long public life, I felt confident in these closing days that while I will not be there when it happens, you will be the President who at long last signs into law the health care reform that is the great unfinished business of our society. For me, this cause stretched across decades; it has been disappointed, but never finally defeated. It was the cause of my life. And in the past year, the prospect of victory sustained me-and the work of achieving it summoned my energy and determination.

There will be struggles – there always have been – and they are already underway again. But as we moved forward in these months, I learned that you will not yield to calls to retreat - that you will stay with the cause until it is won. I saw your conviction that the time is now and witnessed your unwavering commitment and understanding that health care is a decisive issue for our future prosperity. But you have also reminded all of us that it concerns more than material things; that what we face is above all a moral issue; that at stake are not just the details of policy, but fundamental principles of social justice and the character of our country.

And so because of your vision and resolve, I came to believe that soon, very soon, affordable health coverage will be available to all, in an America where the state of a family’s health will never again depend on the amount of a family’s wealth. And while I will not see the victory, I was able to look forward and know that we will – yes, we will – fulfill the promise of health care in America as a right and not a privilege.

In closing, let me say again how proud I was to be part of your campaign- and proud as well to play a part in the early months of a new era of high purpose and achievement. I entered public life with a young President who inspired a generation and the world. It gives me great hope that as I leave, another young President inspires another generation and once more on America’s behalf inspires the entire world.

So, I wrote this to thank you one last time as a friend- and to stand with you one last time for change and the America we can become.

At the Denver Convention where you were nominated, I said the dream lives on.

And I finished this letter with unshakable faith that the dream will be fulfilled for this generation, and preserved and enlarged for generations to come.

With deep respect and abiding affection,

[Ted]

2009-09-07T04:57:00.000-07:00

A poster claiming to be RNC member Bruce Ash posted this on Sonoran Alliance:

Bruce Ash Says:
September 6th, 2009 at 10:20 am

How ’bout we return to message here for a moment……….

The topic here is NOT Governor Brewer. The issue is freedom and liberty and the attacks to the foundations of our country which Obama and this dangerous “pledge” represents .

Obama’s pledge is a throwback to Joseph Goebbels and Stalin’s guy Mehkil. I said this before the election when I read about people “fainting” at his rallies and watched little kids chanting OBAMA songs like Hitler Youth as their proud parents watched on admiringly.

This man is more about creating the “culture of Obama” than he is about defending and protecting the US Constitution. The symbolism , the art, the writings, comparisons to deity, people referring to him as Barack. All right out of the Hitler,Stalin,Kim Jong Il, Saul Allinsky playbook.

This is America.Not Nazi Germany. We don’t pledge our allegiance to ANY leader. We are citizens of a great republic and not “citizens of the world.” We take a pledge of allegiance to a concept of freedom , to liberty, to support the US Constitution and our American values which are a damn site better than the supposed values of this slick Chicago political thug who has packaged himself to become president ( for a while ) .

Americans were duped by Obama. He took advantage of their fears. Promised them something but took so much else away from them. Any politician can promise to put a few bucks in your pocket. But no one should be fooled about the price to be paid by such sleight of hand.

This president is a dangerous man and the people who surround him are hungry for power . Good people from across our land are telling him they do not agree with the direction our country is going. Oor voice is louder than any microphone Obama controls. We need to keep our message strong.

American is in a fight to regain it’s political balance. We must stay focused. We must continue to speak up and not allow the lies which the Obama crowd play fast and free with to drown out the truth.

If this was the real Brush Ash who posted, let us hope he is getting the mental health care he needs.

2009-09-07T04:44:00.000-07:00

Someone claiming to be Bruce Ash wrote this at Sonoran Alliance:

Bruce Ash Says:
September 6th, 2009 at 10:20 am

How ’bout we return to message here for a moment……….

The topic here is NOT Governor Brewer. The issue is freedom and liberty and the attacks to the foundations of our country which Obama and this dangerous “pledge” represents .

Is Anybody Listening?

2009-09-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

NJ.com has footage of a meeting where the crowd shouted down a wheelchair-bound woman with "two incurable auto-immune diseases" who tried to ask a question.