Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Dick Cheney Rebuked By REPUBLICANS Colin Powell and General Petraeus


I have been very outspoken about my disgust for former Vice President Cheney's disgraceful conduct since he was rolled out of the White House in a wheelchair as one of the most unpopular politician's in our history. Lacking any evidence whatsoever, he has continually leveled the charge against President Barack Obama that he has made the United States "less safe." In fact, virtually all of the evidence points to the contrary. There has been no 9/11 on President Obama's watch. Increased cooperation with other countries has led to major successes, drone strikes have been dramatically increased in Pakistan, and numerous plots have been disrupted in the past year here in the U.S. Cheney's one discredited point seems to be that illegal torture methods are no longer employed and therefore we are less safe. Again, the experts agree with virtual unanamity that higher quality intelligence is gathered through proven, professional interrogation methods and not toruture. A flood of recent cases including the "underwear" bomber and Najibullah Zazi (who had plotted to blow up the New York City subway system) show that reams of intelligence were gained without torture and by using the professionals in our criminal justice system.

It was nice to finally see two of the most popular Republicans condemn Cheney's nonsense. Petraeus has actually publicly disagreed with Cheney before stating that "It is hugely significant to us to live the values that we hold so dear and that we have fought so hard to protect over the years." Being that both David Petraeus and Colin Powell are or were Generals, I think they might have just a little bit more credibility on this issue than the former Vice President. The obvious attempt by Cheney and his daughter to undercut the current President of the United States with unsupported, universally discredited, self-serving talking points may make good theater for the far right-wing fringe, but it is beyond shameful. I applaud both Powell and Petraeus for strongly backing President Obama's highly-effective, pro-American anti-terrorism strategies. I would like to see many more Republicans speak out on this issue which should be above the partisan fray, but I am not holding my breath. Watch Powell's scathing rebuke of Cheney's factless charges in the video above. In addition he lays out the FACTS about military commissions.
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Monday, February 15, 2010

Palin Qualified to Be President? New Poll Says Emphatically "No"

After last week's most recent embarrassments at both the Tea Party Convention and on Fox News it appears that Sarah Palin has reinforced the perception that she is profoundly unqualified to be President of the United States. At the Tea Party Convention she was seen by a national television audience reading scribbled notes from the palm of her hand. This came shortly after criticizing President Obama for using a teleprompter and during a question and answer session for which she was prepared for in advance. It was stunning that she would bring up the worn out teleprompter criticism after President Obama's recent performance at the House Republican retreat where he outshined his hosts during a live national broadcast.

Shortly thereafter, Palin appeared on Fox News and floated the possibility that President Obama might "play the Iran war card" in an attempt to enhance his prospects for re-election in 2012. Even the interviewer seemed somewhat stunned at this bizarre notion. It was not a good week for Palin.

These incidents, combined with countless past blunders, seem to have solidified her lack of competence in the minds the American electorate. There is undoubtedly a relatively small but very enthusiastic group of supporters who remain fiercely loyal to Palin. But even that group appears to be shrinking. According to the most recent Washington Post/ABC News poll, 71% of Americans believe she is unqualified to be President of the United States and only 37% have a favorable opinion of Palin. A majority of Republicans also believe Palin is not qualified for the nation's highest office! Although she will continue to have a voice and some level of influence within the GOP, it is becoming more and more obvious that she has no chance of being elected in 2012.

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Tuesday, February 2, 2010

New Poll Documents Bizarre Views Held By Many In Today's GOP

An astounding new poll conducted by Research 2000 (Daily Kos) highlights some of the absurd opinions about President Obama held by a LARGE portion of the current incarnation of the republican party. Therein lies the problem of today's political climate. In order to justify their opposition to President Obama these people consciously demonize the President. Rather than having the intellectual honesty to oppose his policies on their merits, these republicans act like a bunch of angry losers who have never come to terms with being defeated in November.

Instead of meeting President Obama halfway when he extends his hand they cut it off and eagerly spew forth the most preposterous claims, all while maintaining a straight face. To heck with the country, it is much more important to attempt to destroy the President at all costs. Take a look at some excerpts from this poll and try to understand what strange, alternate universe these respondents currently occupy.

1. Should Barack Obama be impeached?
Answer: 68% Yes or Not Sure
Based on what charge?? Absolutely unbelievable!!

2. Do you believe Barack Obama was born in the United States?
Answer: 58% No or Not Sure

3. Do you think Barack Obama is a socialist?
Answer: 79% Yes or Not Sure

4. Do you believe Barack Obama wants the terrorists to win?
Answer: 67% Yes or Not Sure
That's why Obama has dramatically stepped up strikes against terrorists.

5. Do you believe Barack Obama is a racist who hates white people?
Answer: 64% Yes or Not Sure
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