Don't call me an Environmentalist.

I do not want to breathe poisonous air.

I do not want to drink foul water.

That does not make me an environmentalist.

That makes me a normal human being.

Don't call me an environmentalist because I want to breathe clean air and drink clean water.

That's like calling a boy who wants to read an "aggressive pro-reading radical."

That's like calling a girl who does not want to be raped a "hardcore anti-rape protester."

That's like calling a family who does not want to become human slaves "unyielding anti-slavery partisans."

That's like calling a starving baby an "anti-hunger activist."

Moderate or be Marginalized.

I think this is the message Obama is sending pastor Rick Warren.

And this is why I think the comparison to "what if Obama had a racist or anti-semite up there on stage" misses the point.

Nelson Mandela was a master of using white supremacists as stage props against white supremacy. His message was moderate or be marginalized. There is no try.

Obama's statement about being President for all Americans, not just those who support him or voted for him, is much like Mandela's for similar reasons. Both are inheriting a massively divided country threatened with economic ruin and split into cultural factions accustomed to hating each other. Oh ... and both are black men taking over countries long exclusively ruled and owned by whites.

Pastor Rick Warren has likened abortion to the Holocaust. Which means, I guess, that women and their doctors are Nazi death camp operators. Offensive? In the extreme. But also the position of the Catholic Church, which places abortion as an even higher sin than war. And won't let women be priests. Warren and the Pope are closer on most issues than they are apart.

But unlike abortion rights, which will remain constitutionally protected thanks to Obama's election, equal rights for gays do not yet exist in the United States. Obama has inherited what LBJ inherited from JFK. It is now on his shoulders to cleanse the legal stain of homophobia forever. LBJ did it by turning arms counterclockwise to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 -- the same year Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison for the crime of trying to do the same thing.

Someone asked of the inauguration, "why are gays being asked to take a punch in the gut for inclusiveness?" Well, from the view of a lot of folks on the Right, Warren is taking a punch in the gut for inclusiveness by showing up on stage with a bunch of gay-loving baby killers and their Muslim AntiChrist Presleydent.

And remember, it is just a stage. And all on it are merely players. Perhaps Obama will say, be excellent to each other ... or else.

Obama might be doing this just to get Warren to talk to Rev. Lowery. You never know where and when an Epiphany can take place.

Christ, Warren might come out of the closet.

Now wouldn't that be an historic inauguration?

Frank Gaffney = War Pig

CHRIS MATTHEWS: You guys sold the war as a nuclear threat to the United States. A nuclear weapon was going to be delivered by a nuclear delivery device. It was going to take the weapon and drop it here. You sold every trick you could to get us into this war. Now you’re back pedaling. And I do find it astounding. The Vice President of the United States is —

GAFFNEY: How do you feel, Chris?

MATTHEWS: This is how I feel. Four thousand people are dead because of how you feel. And Frank, you’re wrong about this because you don’t even seem to care your facts were wrong.

GAFFNEY: Chris, there were —

MATTHEWS: You admit your facts were wrong and it doesn’t bother you.

GAFFNEY: May I state my position rather than you stating it? May I do that? My position is that it’s regrettable that any Americans died. It is regrettable that they had to die, but I believe they did have to die.

Steve Spelling's Modest Proposal

Steve Spelling sez:

I support saving the Big Three but only this way. The unions should all be outlawed immediately, and the Auto companies be put in Chapter 11 immediately thru emergency legislation by the government and they start on a complete re-organization. Immediately equalize Big three salaries and benefits with Toyota, Honda, et al USA. & end this monkey biz with the unions (this is overly generous but my concession to appease the union blackmail). The government will provide the necessary financing. The Unions have been putting a knife to the throat and a gun to the head of the Big Three for the past 50 years or more to help get to where we are today. The Big Three can never survive with Union's boot on it's throat. I would suggest that the union bosses be summarily sentenced to life in prison (Maximum Security). The damage they've done in helping to kill the Big Three is worse than murder. The other choices are foolish and doomed to failure. resulting in either a slow death or immediate death neither of which I favor or support.

Wingnut Logic

The system is fixing itself. What we see as recession now is withdrawal of credit from people / businesses that shouldn’t have had it in the first place. The system is undergoing normalization.

Associated Press tells lies

Associated Press:

White House Readies New Rescue for Auto Industry

With Congress gridlocked and the economy flailing, the Bush administration declared Friday it would step in and prevent the "precipitous collapse" of the U.S. auto industry and the disastrous economic impact of the hundreds of thousands of job losses sure to follow.
--

This is false.

There is no "gridlock."

Last night, Senate Republicans killed the bill by threatening to filibuster it and Dems. did not have the 60 votes to stop a filibuster.

Senate Republicans killed the bill.

That is not "gridlock." It is Senate Republicans casting votes and killing the bill.

As usual, the Associated Press has one thumb on the scale and the other up its ass.

Reuters admits they suck.

Reuters News Editor-in-Chief David Schlesinger is skeptical that financial journalists could have done much more to predict the depth of the crisis.

“Journalists do best when reporting what’s happening and giving the news context and analysis,” he said. “We also do well when we look backwards and discuss past events from the perspective of the present. We do least well when we prognosticate. While our reporting and commentary did discuss potential weak points in the economy, we did not — and nor frankly could we — accurately predict the calamitous events of this year.”

Brendan E. Casey says ...

At the Big Picture, Mr. Brendan Casey writes:

I still want heads, on bloody sticks, Banker heads that is. Yes, the auto industry can not compete with their current business model. Not only do they need to make less gas sucking fuel hounds, they also need to make the majority of them for under 15k and still make a profit. Nonetheless I’m sick of hearing a bunch of whining New Yorkers slam the auto industry when less than a couple months ago they were saying things like unthinkable consequences, can’t let the banks fail, let it trickle down… Bankers do not make anything, they just charge interest, fees and penalties. At least automakers convert raw resources into something with some value. I think the problem here is most everyone still views this as an economic cycle, when in actuality it is an historic cycle. Historic cycles usually begin and end with heads rolling. As soon as the bankers start to realize that I suspect it will be too late.

What if Steve Jobs ran Chrysler?

This question misses the point.

Cars are not computers.

People select computers based on almost purely functional parameters.

Most Americans buy vehicles to get laid.

Just look at any car ad.

Cars and trucks are sold to Americans based on sex, prestige, lack of sex, lack of prestige, power, lack of power and sheer boredom.

Cars and trucks are sold to Americans based on Americans' neuroses over what other people think their car or truck says about them.

Cars and trucks are sold and marketed as personal status symbols first, with function a distant second.

Detroit has spent the last 25 years trying to convince Americans that buying a small car means they hate their children (who will surely die) and that the only safe and sane vehicle is a Sherman Tank.

I think the buy-it-new and trade-it-in every four years mentality has crippled innovation by American car makers. The Big 3 market their cars as ephemeral things. They assume customers will trade them in their new cars after 3-4 years. Detroit's entire business model is based on this assumption. New Car Smell is not a good engineering recipe.

Under this model, it is actually counterproductive to invest resources in making a car that reliably lasts 10-15 years or more. It is much more productive to roll out new models every year with little cosmetic bells and whistles that have no bearing on performance, longevity or economy. Product features like massive horsepower and acceleration (0-60 mph in 7 seconds) are meaningless.

Nobody needs to go from 0-60 mph in 7 seconds unless they are in a James Dean movie or a Jan and Dean song. Despite all the computer crap in cars today, they do not run better than a 1973 Chevy Nova, have little improvement in gas mileage, and are exponentially more expensive to fix.

I look at cars over the last two decades and see engineering and design resources going into the most superficial and meaningless areas and diverted away from deserving areas.

The Big 3 had to be forced to install air bags and had to be exposed by NBC News for knowingly selling a car (the Pinto) that turned into a firebomb when hit from behind.

And they have the nerve to tell us that we should pay $50,000 for a 6 ton SUV or we don't care about our kids.

Fear of a Black President, Part IV

George at "Stop the ACLU" puts it all in perspective:

Hopefully someday we will know who killed Kennedy and where Obama was born. This may go down in history as worst crime in USA history if Obama gets away with his lies. This is same as O J Simpson case as he is getting away with a crime and is guilty as hell.

---

"Resist the One" warns that:

The Smug-Laywer-In-Chief is a marketing program, nothing more. Oprah and Soros found a low-voiced, smooth talking lawyer to appeal to base instincts about race and preach class warfare (hatred of the successful).

---

The "elector of Saxony" laments:

He is the first celebrity-President, Lindsey Lohan with the nuke codes. As a celeb, Barry is above the law, he is above the Constitution, he is above the People. He has followers and fans. That is why he never served anyone but himself. That is why he will not serve you, America. He will serve his racial and international ideology, his friends, and himself. 4 years from now, you’ll know the truth. Unfortunately, it will be too late [for] it to set you free.

---

"Anonymous" rues mournfully:

One who hung around with and was mentored by others who hate America, thus being formed with both dual loyalties and appearing to wish to fold America into a "global" union, we have much to fear. This candidate may very easily overrule all that has been sacrificed by our founders and those other freedom fighters and defenders who followed....and to think, he started out as a Brit!

---

Like others, "Kenai123" is concerned about the celebrity implications and the Liberian media:

We are just beginning to FULLY understand just how bias our current liberial media is today. They might report on M Jackson going to lunch or B Spears denting a car but they refuse to even speak the words "Obama's Birth Certificate". The liberial media will air or print any out-right lie with zero fear but a story about "Obama's Birth Certificate" could get you fired on the spot because it could light a fuse that could lead all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court actually taking a hard look at the issue.

---

"Fembots for Obama" breathlessly intones:

Anyone interested in how Obama has been able to "con" and mesmerize millions (even opponents) should take a look at Insight Analytical's blog which talks about his use of hypnotic techniques. The only other leader who is known to have done this was Hitler.

Another fascinating element is Obama's use of physical touch when talking with others and why world leaders are so mesmerized by him as well. Only one Brit was less than impressed with Obama, and Obama was not allowed to touch him during their meeting.

My question: who do you believe is behind Obama? Soros? Someone else? Or is this just blind ambition on behalf of Obama who has done anything to get the most powerful seat in the world?

---

Lastly, "Gaetano" makes sure to keep it classy:

As much as I want the facts and the truth of Obammas birth cirtificate to be brought forth,I believe this this game of cover up is mob controled,along with the government.I also believe that Obamma has used fraudulent papers for everthing he needed to get what he needed from our goernment to get him where he is today.Thats why he will not provide proof.all his background is fraud.Our government has always covered every thing up when it comes to ,money,embarrassment,mob related or plain ole greed.No one will ever convince me that this black bastard,Obamma is a fake,a lier,a fraud,a terrorist,not to mention the greatest con man in the world who has used our democracy to feed on.We have all been taken and I don`t want to hear from any one who voted for this crook.I spit in your face, to those that hide from the truth.The laws of this country have become a joke.

Saving our Nation's Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic salmon fry, Mill Brook, Presumpscot River, Upper Methodist Road, Westbrook, Maine, June 5, 2005. Photo by Douglas Watts, Friends of Sebago Lake.
---
Maine Governor John Baldacci and the State of Maine oppose saving the last Atlantic salmon left in the United States.

These Maine citizens support saving Atlantic salmon:

Comments of Friends of Sebago Lake.
Comments of Douglas H. Watts.
Comments of Friends of Merrymeeting Bay.
Comments of Trout Unlimited.
Comments of Natural Resources Council of Maine.
Comments of Ed Baum, former Senior Scientist, Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission.

Carter v. Bush

GDP growth: Carter averaged 3.2%; Bush averaged 2.3%
National Debt: Carter increase of 0.18 Trillion; Bush term 1 increase of 1.15 Trillion
Approval Ratings: Carter’s lowest: 28% - Bush: 19%

Courtesy Dragon-King Wangchuck.

Intelligent White Supremacists

"By national existence we mean what you normally mean when speaking of such matters."

From their Mission Statement.

There is No Recession

- “We don’t believe we’re going to have a recession.” [Vice President Dick Cheney, 1/30/08]

- “I think the experts will tell you we’re not in a recession.” [President Bush, 2/10/08]

- “The answer is, I don’t think we are in a recession right now.” [Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Edward Lazear, 2/11/08]

– “First of all, we’re not in a recession.” [President Bush, 4/22/08]

– “The data are pretty clear that we are not in a recession.” [Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Edward Lazear, 5/7/08]

- “I don’t think we are” in a recession. [Director of the National Economic Council Keith Hennesy, 6/3/08]

."I think there is a very strong possibility that we will be growing at the end of the year. We will have stronger growth at the end of the year than we have right now." - US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. -07/03/08

– “I think we have avoided a recession.” [White House Budget Director Jim Nussle, 7/31/08]

– “I don’t think anybody could tell you right now if we’re in a recession or not” [Dana Perino, 10/7/08]

-"This is not what a recession looks like....no way!" Mike Green and Jim Benham show 11/16/07 
 
-Mike Green: "Wall Street thinks things are bad, but in reality things are very good. 12/18/07
 
-"I have a real problem with people not using facts in basing their opinions." Pat Powell, Powell investments (Reference Peter Schiff's opinion that we are in a recession right now 11/22/07) Q208 revisions prove he is right when Q407 comes in at -.02 
 
-"all the bad news is priced into financials" Mike Green and Jim Benham show 12/14/07 
 
-Fred Layne on Bloomerg (layne and Barry) "This is a great time to be a buyer of equities 12/19/07. 
 
-Donald Luskin calls the bottom for financials on 12/07/07 (VFH financial index at $56.22 at time of call) 
 
-Economist Monti says there will probably not be a recession in 2008, Bloomberg 12/17/07 
 
-Mike Green: "This is the cheapest stocks have been in my lifetime" 12/17/07 
 
-Michael Darda from MKM partners: "There is no evidence for that (recession)" "I think those who think a recession is coming are wrong, dead wrong". 12/20/07 
 
-Bruce Kassim "We think growth will rebound rather smartly in the second half of 08" 12/20/07 
 
-Larry Kudlow "It does not look like a recession to me!" 12/20/07 
 
-Brian Wesbury on Larry Kudlow show, "Brian Wesbury is not seeing recession, so add me to that list" 12/20/07 (Estimated 3.0 real growth next year, while Roubini estimated -1.5% 2008) 
 
-Buzz Zaino, Royce & Associates: "I think the spring will see a rise in homebuying, why wait until 2009, the early buyers will get the best deal." "I think we've seen the bottom (housing stocks)" 12/26/07 
 
-Richard DeKaser National City Chief Economist: "I think the first half of 08 will have GDP at less than 1% with a rebound to 3% in the second half of 08". 
 
-Joe Brusuelus "I see an average growth of 2.1% for 2008. I think we will skirt a recession." 01/02/08 
 
-Brian Wesbury calls for Dow 15,000 by end of 2008!!!. Reaffirms a no recession call. 01/02/08 
 
-Paul Kandel "I think we skirt by both a recession and stagflation and just see slow growth for 2008." 01/02/08 
 
-Mike Green "These tech stocks are the cheapest I've ever seen them" 01/02/08 
 
-01/06/08 Abby Joseph Coen calls for a 14% return on the S&P for 2008 to 1650 due to avoiding recession. (Cohen loses job calling S&P on 3/17/08, replacement calls for drop to 1160 and rebound to 1300 by year's end) 
 
-01/06/08 Colin Glingsman of Oppenheimer Capital..."This month (Jan) is the bottom for financials, we will have a slight recession, the stock market will be up on anticipation for 2009, the bottom for housing stocks is upon us"