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Cox & Forkum: Snatching Defeat
Cox & Forkum: Snatching Defeat
Flap doesn’t think Israel is listening.
AP: Israel OKs expansion; 15 troops killed
Israel approved a massive new ground offensive into southern Lebanon in an effort Wednesday to inflict further damage on Hezbollah and halt most rocket attacks before the
U.N. Security Council demands a cease-fire.The decision came on the deadliest day of the war for Israeli troops in Lebanon, with 15 soldiers killed. It coincided with mounting demands from the international community for both sides to halt the fighting, which has killed at least 829 people.
The plan to force Hezbollah guerrillas — and their short-range rockets — out of southern Lebanon and past the Litani River would escalate the fierce fighting there and, if successful, leave Israel in control of a security zone that it evacuated six years ago after a bloody 18-year occupation.
Technorati Tags: Cox&Forkum, Israel, Hezbollah
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Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran President Ahmadinejad Interviewed by 60 Minutes
CBS: Iranian Leader Speaks To Mike Wallace
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sat down with Mike Wallace in Tehran on Tuesday in a rare, exclusive interview with a Western reporter.
In the wide-ranging interview, the Iranian leader comments on President Bush’s foreign policy, the lack of relations between Iran and the United States, Hezbollah, Lebanon and Iraq.
Ahmadinejad and the Mullahs have DEFINITELY learned to play the Western media cycle.
Questions Flap bets Mike Wallace did NOT ask the Iranian President:
1. How many rockets, missiles and troops have you supplied Hezbollah in their war against Israel?
2. Have you purchased any or any weapons-grade enriched uranium from North Korea or any other country?
3. Explain Iran’s relationship with North Korea’s ICBM development.
4. Explain the role of Iran’s special forces in America’s war in Iraq.
There are more questions but Flap acknowledges that any western reporter would have to submit questions in advance before being granted access to Ahmadinejad. But, if so, then why did Mike Wallace accept the interview?
If not, and Wallace does not ask these questions. Why did he not ask them?
Speaking about President Bush’s failure to answer his 18-page letter that criticized U.S. foreign policy, Ahmadinejad said, “Well, (with the letter) I wanted to open a window towards the light for the president so that he can see that one can look on the world through a different perspective. … We are all free to choose. But please give him this message, sir: Those who refuse to accept an invitation will not have a good ending or fate. You see that his approval rating is dropping every day. Hatred vis-à -vis the president is increasing every day around the world. For a ruler, this is the worst message that he could receive. Rulers and heads of government at the end of their office must leave the office holding their heads high.”
On what the “conducive conditions” would be for Iran to establish relations with the U.S., the president said, “Well, please look at the makeup of the American administration, the behavior of the American administration. See how they talk down to my nation. And this recent resolution passed about the nuclear issue, look at the wording. They have given us — presented us with a package which we are studying right now. We even gave them a date for our response. Ignoring that, they passed a resolution. They want to build an empire. And they don’t want to live side-by-side in peace with other nations. The American government, sir, it is very clear to me they have to change their behavior and everything will be resolved. (George W. Bush) believes that his power emanates from his nuclear warhead arsenals. The time of the bomb is in the past, it’s behind us. Today is the era of thoughts, dialogue and cultural exchanges.”
More bloviations and obfuscations from the Mullahs via their President Ahmadinejad.
They are very good at attempting to change the subject.
August 22 (P-5-Plus-1 proposal) and August 30 (UNSC) deadlines loom.
Stay tuned………
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The Natanz uranium enrichment complex in Natanz is pictured in this January 2, 2006 satellite image.
Technorati Tags: Iran, Ahmadinejad
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Tom McClintock Watch: Mel Gibson Fundraising Letter FLAP
California state Sen. Tom McClintock, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of California, is shown speaking at the California Republican winter convention, in this Feb. 25, 2006 file photo taken in San Jose, Calif. McClintock said he no longer will use a fundraising letter sent on his behalf by Mel Gibson. Gibson has admitted to an anti-Semitic tirade after he was pulled over for speeding in Malibu, July 28. McClintock decided to pull the letter after the incident, his campaign spokesman, Stan Devereaux, said Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2006. Gibson has apologized for his comments about Jews.
AP: Calif. candidate pulls Mel Gibson letter
The Republican candidate for lieutenant governor said he no longer will use a fundraising letter sent on his behalf by Mel Gibson, who admitted to an anti-Semitic tirade after he was pulled over for speeding.
Tom McClintock decided to pull the letter after the incident, his campaign spokesman said Tuesday.
“Tom saw the news and the situation as it was unfolding with Mel Gibson and made a conscious decision to direct people not to use the letter any further. He was disillusioned by the situation with Mr. Gibson,” spokesman Stan Devereaux said.
Devereaux said the campaign sent Gibson’s letter to would-be donors four times, twice this year and twice last year.
A BIG OOPS and poor campaign staff research is to blame here. But, the candidate always shares the blame. Next time it might be wise for McClintock to check out and research his Hollywood pals a little closer.
If there is any consolation and there IS, at least Mel Gibson isn’t a convicted child molester like Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary fame who wrote a fundraising letter for McClintock’s opponent, California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi.
Flap has the letter (via Karen Hanretty):
Flap doesn’t think this story with Mel Gibson will have much staying power with this re-revelation of Yarrow’s molestation history (even though he was pardoned by President Jimmy Carter).
But…..a couple questions for John Garamendi:
Why did you accept fundraising help from a convicted child molester?
Do you support Jessica’s Law? You know – Proposition 83 on November’s ballot – Jessica’s Law, the Sexual Predator Punishment and Control Act of 2006.
What say you John Garamendi?
Technorati Tags: TomMcClintock, JohnGaramendi, PeterYarrow, PeterPaulandMary
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Iran Nuclear Watch: August 22 – Does Iran Have Something in Store?
An Indonesian protester holds a picture of Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, calling on Iran to stop its nuclear program, outside the Iranian embassy in Jakarta August 9, 2006.
Wall Street Journal: August 22
Read it all…..
Now that we know that Mutual Assured Destruction may not be sufficient to deter a nuclear Iran, Scott Johnson at Powerline points to even more imminently ominous warnings:
RealClearPolitics reminds me that OpinionJournal has posted yesterday’s troubling column by Bernard Lewis: “August 22.” The item recently posted at MEMRI is especially provocative in light of Lewis’s column: “Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani: Our Response To Sanctions Will Be Painful To the West And Will Make it Shiver With Cold.”
The United States and Israel when a “POINT OF NO RETURN” is reached with regards to Iran obtaining nuclear weapons WILL destroy them.
Stay tuned…..
Indonesian protesters carry a picture of Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and shout slogans calling on Iran to stop its nuclear program, outside the Iranian embassy in Jakarta August 9, 2006.
And a reminder as to what a nuclear weapon could destroy:
A view of Nagasaki on August 10, 1945, the day after the a U.S. U.S. bomber dropped the world’s second atomic bomb. The mayor of Nagasaki criticized Iran and North Korea for their nuclear programs and had harsh words for the United States for failing to halt nuclear proliferation as the Japanese city marked the 61st anniversary of its atomic bombing.
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The Natanz uranium enrichment complex in Natanz is pictured in this January 2, 2006 satellite image.
Technorati Tags: Iran, Ahmadinejad
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Senator Joe Lieberman Watch: Michael Moore Issues a Warning to Democrats
Michael Moore: It’s All About Who You Sleep With … a Cautionary Note from Michael Moore
Friends,
Let the resounding defeat of Senator Joe Lieberman send a cold shiver down the spine of every Democrat who supported the invasion of Iraq and who continues to support, in any way, this senseless, immoral, unwinnable war. Make no mistake about it: We, the majority of Americans, want this war ended — and we will actively work to defeat each and every one of you who does not support an immediate end to this war.
Nearly every Democrat set to run for president in 2008 is responsible for this war. They voted for it or they supported it. That single, stupid decision has cost us 2,592 American lives and tens of thousands of Iraqi lives. Lieberman and Company made a colossal mistake — and we are going to make sure they pay for that mistake. Payback time started last night.
I realize that there are those like Kerry and Edwards who have now changed their position and are strongly anti-war. Perhaps that switch will be enough for some to support them. For others, like me — while I’m glad they’ve seen the light — their massive error in judgment is, sadly, proof that they are not fit for the job. They sided with Bush, and for that, they may never enter the promised land.
To Hillary, our first best hope for a woman to become president, I cannot for the life of me figure out why you continue to support Bush and his war. I’m sure someone has advised you that a woman can’t be elected unless she proves she can kick ass just as crazy as any man. I’m here to tell you that you will never make it through the Democratic primaries unless you start now by strongly opposing the war. It is your only hope. You and Joe have been Bush’s biggest Democratic supporters of the war. Last night’s voter revolt took place just a few miles from your home in Chappaqua. Did you hear the noise? Can you read the writing on the wall?
To every Democratic Senator and Congressman who continues to back Bush’s War, allow me to inform you that your days in elective office are now numbered. Myself and tens of millions of citizens are going to work hard to actively remove you from any position of power.
If you don’t believe us, give Joe a call.
Yours,
Michael Moore
mmflint@aol.com
www.michaelmoore.comP.S. Republicans — sorry to leave you out of this letter. It’s just that our side has a little housecleaning to do. We’ll take care of you this November.
Hillary, Flap feels your pain…….
Now, did Karl Rove REALLY write this letter?
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Senator Joe Lieberman Watch: Lieberman Files Petitions in Independent Bid for Senate Seat
Senator Joe Lieberman Watch: Lieberman Vows to Run As An “Independent†in November
Technorati Tags: JoeLieberman, NedLamont, HillaryClinton
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Senator Joe Lieberman Watch: Lieberman Files Petitions in Independent Bid for Senate Seat
AP: Lieberman files papers to get on ballot
Sen. Joe Lieberman’s campaign filed two boxes of petitions Wednesday morning expected to secure a place for the three-term senator’s name on the November ballot as a third party candidate. Hours earlier, Lieberman conceded the Democratic primary to an anti-war businessman.
“I’m definitely going forward,” Lieberman told The Associated Press. “I feel that I closed strong in the primary. I feel we began to get out message across strongly and we’re going to keep on going.
“This race is going to be all about who can get more done and who can be a better representative of Connecticut.”
Lieberman said his campaign has collected more than 18,000 signatures on its petitions, more than twice the number needed to get on the fall ballot under the new party created, called Connecticut for Lieberman.
And how are Lieberman’s prospects of victory in November?
Dick Morris seems to think Lieberman will do well.
Dean Barnett over at Hugh Hewitt thinks Lieberman will drop out and not make it to November.
The new party allows him to secure a position higher on the ballot than he would have if he petitioned as an individual. If enough signatures are approved, as expected, it set up a three-way race with Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont, who won the Democratic primary with about 52 percent of the vote to Lieberman’s 48 percent, and Republican Alan Schlesinger.
He will be fifth on the ballot under the new party, rather than eighth or ninth.
All signatures on the petitions turned in Wednesday must be validated by the town clerks in the towns where they were submitted. Those that are not will go back to the town clerks, who will have two weeks to verify them.
Flap says the damage has been done to the Democrat Party. Resources will be squandered in defending Lamont’s nomination and the “netroot” NUTTERS will have to be constantly monitored so as to not damage Lamont and Democrats running in less Blue State venues.
Lieberman may win but will there really any difference in voting pattern between Lamont and Lieberman?
Probably not – except for Israeli defense and national security issues.
So, who is the BIG LOSER in this race?
Hillary Clinton – who will have to flip more to the LEFT in her 2008 presidential run.
Who is the BIG WINNER?
Al Gore – who will have an energized “netroots” drafting him to run for president.
And YES – the BIGGEST WINNER………
THE GOP
Stay tuned…..
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Senator Joe Lieberman Watch: Lieberman Vows to Run As An “Independent†in November
Technorati Tags: JoeLieberman, NedLamont, HillaryClinton, AlGore
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Day By Day by Chris Muir August 9, 2006
