Jack & Jill Politics

7 Ways the Obama Brand Is Good For Business: http://newsone.blackplanet.com/nation/7-ways-th...

As far as I can remember the following is the first email I've received that's signed 'President Barack Obama' rather than just 'Barack'. I feel like he's passed through our hands and into history.

"Thank you for being part of the most open inauguration in our nation's history.

As we begin the work of remaking America, we must draw on the common hopes that brought us together this week.

I'm counting on you to keep the spirit of unity and service alive.

You can visit http://www.pic2009.org/whitehouse to learn about our plans to bring change to America, and how you can get involved in the work ahead.

We face many challenges. But we face them as one nation.

And we have seen, time and time again, that there are no limits to what we can accomplish when we stand together.

Our journey is just beginning.

Thank you for all you do,

President Barack Obama"


PS There's been some great batches of photos posted this week. Don't miss them:
http://community.livejournal.com/obama_daily/

Was anyone watching MSNBC a few minutes ago? They were throwing Caroline Kennedy under the bus for taking her name out of the running for the NY senate seat.

A report has surfaced that the reason Caroline dropped out was because of some tax and housekeeper issues. Some woman named Julie Menin said that Caroline had to have known about this beforehand, and that she has unnecessarily caused chaos in NY state. She also said that this could hurt female politicians because what Caroline did makes women look weak, and that she probably took her name out the running because Paterson wasn't going to pick her. This woman came off like Caroline stole her man!

So, what's the heck is going on in NY? Why is Caroline so hated?

AFTERNOON THREAD IS UP

rikyrah: Just a BRIEF - - DAY 2 REPORT!:

1. HIS SCHEDULE: Thursday Jan. 22, 2009

All Times Eastern7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
9:40 AM

Obama meets with economic advisors
10:00 AM

Obama meets with senior staff.
10:30 AM

Obama meets with retired military offices at the White House
11:00 AM
11:30 AM

Obama is expected to sign executive orders.
12:00 PM

Obama has a meeting with Greg Craig and Mary DeRosa to talk about executive orders.
1:00 PM
1:30 PM

Robert Gibbs will give his first briefing.
1:50 PM

Obama and Biden meet with the secretary of state, national security advisor and deputy national security advisor.
2:00 PM
2:40 PM

The president and secretary of state address State Department employees

[NOTE: THIS is AMAZING!! He is indefatigable!! :>) :>)]

2. Obama's Second Day To Focus On Foreign Affairs

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama put his own clear stamp on U.S. national security policy on Thursday, ordering Guantanamo prison camp closed within a year, naming new envoys to the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan and welcoming Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to help forge new global strategies.

"We intend to win this fight, we are going to win it on our terms," Obama said of pursuing the campaign against global terrorism.

On his second full day in office, Obama took a series of steps overturning some of his predecessor's most contentious war-on-terrorism policies.

By ordering shut the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, closing any remaining CIA secret prisons overseas and banning harsh interrogation practices, Obama said he hoped to signal that the U.S. would wage its struggle against terrorism and violence in a manner "consistent with our values and our ideals."

He said his administration would not "continue with a false choice between our safety and our ideals," an express slap at policies pursued by former President George W. Bush.

"It is precisely our ideals that give us the strength and the moral high ground to be able to effectively deal with the unthinking violence that we see emanating from terrorist organizations around the world," Obama said.

The president also was ready to trumpet Clinton's installation as secretary of state.


3. Obama orders Gitmo closure VIDEO

4. SOS Clinton and POTUS are at Foggy Bottom, announcing the appointments of George Mitchell as a special Mideast envoy and Richard Holbrooke as a special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Clinton calls Mitchell and Holbrooke "an example of the kind of robust diplomacy the president intends to pursue and I will help him fulfill."
HRC: "Anything short of relentless diplomatic efforts will fail to produce a lasting peace." FROM: http://www.politico.com/politico44/

5. Gibbs meets the press VIDEO


6. The Berry stays

Barack Obama will get to keep his Blackberry after all – but only to communicate with a select group of senior aides and friends.

Press Secretary Robert Gibbs wouldn’t offer any details, but suggested that Obama had to draw up a list of must-talk-tos – and draw the line at others who weren’t required to get the presidential missives.

"The president has a Blackberry," Gibbs said - -thanks to a carefully hammered out compromise that “allows him to stay in touch with senior staff and a small group of personal friends," Gibbs says. "The use will be limited and the security enhanced."

So who makes the cut? Gibbs wouldn’t say. Certainly his equally cell-phone crazed chief of Rahm Emanuel, and presumably Gibbs, and message guru David Axelrod would seem prime candidates. Does VP Joe Biden make the cut? Friends turned staffers like Valerie Jarrett certainly would seem to, as well as longtime Chicago friends like Marty Nesbitt and Erik Whitaker that he took to Hawaii.

Obama’s BlackBerry drives the lawyers crazy. But Gibbs said the presumption is those emails “are all subject to the presidential records act" – but already tried to carve out one exemption, if the emails are strictly personal. [Yaaaaaa! :>) :>)]

THAT'S ALL FOR NOW!! :>)

BREAKING NEWS SOS HILLARY- - - - Annnnnnd PRESIDENT OBAMA/VP BIDEN!

TRANSLATION: I ain't gonna let you outta my sight! Annnnnd - RECOGNIZE- I AM YOUR BOSS!!

She said, I'm happy to help you, Mr. President! BETTA!! :>)

Watching the State news conference right now -- OMG, I can't catch my breath -- I think that's the first time I've seen him introduced as President in a working setting, if that makes any sense -- THIS IS SO REAL! Watch out world -- here we come!! :D :D :D

And Mitchell is such a pro. Holbrooke is great and I'm acclimated to HRC but Mitchell is just a pro!

enviro: Co-sign! :>) :>)

Did ya hear him say: Security is to B shared [with other countries], BUT America/WE will LEAD!! :>) :>)

LEADERSHIP!!

Mr. PRESIDENT OBAMA is LARGE annnnnd IN CHARGE!! Yaaaaaa!

Co-Sign

rikyrah: I JUST received my personal e-mail from PRESIDENT OBAMA:

Thank you for being part of the most open inauguration in our nation's history.

As we begin the work of remaking America, we must draw on the common hopes that brought us together this week.

I'm counting on you to keep the spirit of unity and service alive.

You can visit http://www.pic2009.org/whitehouse to learn about our plans to bring change to America, and how you can get involved in the work ahead.

We face many challenges. But we face them as one nation.

And we have seen, time and time again, that there are no limits to what we can accomplish when we stand together.

Our journey is just beginning.

Thank you for all you do,

President Barack Obama

Whoooo! Hooo!

Huh? What's that you said?? You got an e-mail 2? -Er, -ummm THE SAME ONE?? EXACTLY???


Oh. O. K. ***sigh*** ***sittin' down annnnnnd moping***

This is why you can't even engage stupidity...because stupid has no boundaries:

Barack Obama sworn in again, but without a Bible
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_...

Miranda,

In the words of GreenLady...

You ain't neva lied. This is beyond stupid. Mischief Justice should be scold harshly by the press for his trickery. How the heck does a Chief Justice forget the Oath?

In further defense of the Chief Justice, I've seen the oath of enlistment/commissioning oath (they're all similar) flubbed several times. It's a lot easier to stumble over the words than people realize (hell, I've seen people misread it).

In Roberts defense, this was actually the first time he had to do it.....I'm more irritated that no one thought to have him just issue a quick statement onTuesday that the oath was perfectly legal, flubs and ALL. Hell, you're the Chief Justice of the freaking Supreme Court, if you say its fine, then everybody else can kick rocks. I'm mad they even did it a second time...and dammit they BET not do a third!!

co-signing Miranda

Oh my goodness!

Miranda: SPEAK TRUTH!!

The reporters were miffed because alla dem weren't allowed to take pics! HAH!! :>) :>)

It's STILL TA- RUE (OBAMA- Whatever I Like) :>) :>) [One of MY favs! :>) :>)]

From the "yeah, right" news department:

CHICAGO – The company that made Beanie Babies a top toy craze is hoping for another winner with dolls named "Sweet Sasha" and "Marvelous Malia."

Now where have we heard those names before?

Ty Inc. has released the 12-inch plush dolls as part of the company's "TyGirlz Collection," introduced in 2007. The Sasha doll has pigtails and wears a white and pink dress with hearts. The Malia doll has a side ponytail and a long-sleeve shirt with capri pants.

The Oak Brook-based company chose the dolls' names because "they are beautiful names," not because of any resemblance to President Obama's daughters, said spokeswoman Tania Lundeen.

"There's nothing on the dolls that refers to the Obama girls," Lundeen said. "It would not be fair to say they are exact replications of these girls. They are not."


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090122/ap_on_bi_ge...

It's a shame the President can't trademark his name, because he could make a killing if he got a cut of the profits of all the Obama stuff on the market right now.

Is there a financial deal between Pepsi and the guy who designed the Obama logo? Pepsi's new logo is the Obama logo. They are even advertising it with "hope", with the logo in the place of the "o".

I don't know, but I noticed that about the Pepsi ads as well.

That's why I was really sort of put off by the unauthorized Obama merchandise making the rounds during the election. The campaign didn't see any of that money, although they were raising some record-setting chunks on their own.

Heck, even Black Enterprise profiled the folks behind the "Barack The Vote" clothing line. Something tells me they'll have profits on par with the Crocs company in a few years.

rikyrah: BREAKING NEWS!! ROBERT GIBBS News conference. NOW.

He said that PRESIDENT OBAMA has REQUESTED and NOW RECEIVES an ECONOMIC DAILY BRIEFING. It is presented in the evening and is UPDATED the NEXT MORNING!!

LEADERSHIP!! CROWD APPLAUSE FOR THE PRESIDENT

CHUCKY T is being a "royal anal opening!" aaarrrgg!

WTF is up with Chuck Todd? Getting on my last nerve....

I don't know what Chuck Todd said but I know I'm about tired of these "reporters" trying to play "GOTCHA" with this Oath Pt. 2 business.

They said "Why didn't we get to see the second swearing in? Why weren't we allowed to see it?"

I say, "Bitch you DID see the swearing in...on January 20th."

They said, "Why did Obama feel the need to do it again?"

I say, "Because your bitch asses are trying to imply Obama did something shady.

If they were REAL journalists they'd be all up in Mischief Roberts' ass asking him WHY IN THE HIZZELL did he SCREW UP the Oath of Office?

I could not view the link from work Greenlady posted, but I can only imagine.

Chuck Todd was one of the few I could stand during the campaign. My guess is now that he is "Chief White House Correspondent" for NBC, he wants to "prove" himself.

Before, he was more of a stats guy. Maybe he should stay in his lane.

You know what, Gibbs should break out the overhead projector and pointer and give these clowns some US Constitution 101.

Mischief Roberts'

LOL!

LOL! MISCHIEF JUSTICE ROBERTS.

That's right give him a pop ass quiz he hasn't study for.

LOL!

You're at it again...

LOL!


Get it off your chest! Tell these mofos something!

SPEAK TRUTH!!

ERRYDAY!! ERRYDAY!! PLAYING "GOTCHA!" AAAARRRRRGGG!

Keep the PRAYERS goin' ! :>)

They need to change his title to White House A--hole Correspondent.

Of all the things to ask, he spends his time on the oath and re-signing executive orders when he knows damn well that President O is Pres. with or without the oath.

Edward R. Murrow should rise from his grave and slap the red out of his hair.

Sepia,

Edward R. Murrow should rise from his grave and slap the red out of his hair.



Too funny! lol

Sepia: IFFF I may: TRANSLATION: Ima try to elevate MYSELF even IFFF I hafta "AXE" STUPID QUESTIONS!!

Annnnnnnnd, Ima do that - - - "axe" STUPID QUESTIONS!!

Thank you, Sepia. Turning the "TRANSLATION SCEPTER" back ova to YOU!! :>) :>) :>)

No access to tv right now. What did he say?

He kept pressuring Gibbs if President Obama will resign Executive Orders since he was administered the Oath of Office twice. Gibbs answered that counsel agreed the President Obama became President at 12 noon on January 20th according to the Constitution. That wasn't good enough for Chuck Todd so he persisted.


Saaaaaa>>>>>>lap

NMP: With SMARMY/SNARKY/SARCASTIC voice: Is the Presdent going to have a "do-over" for signing these "EXECUTIVE ORDERS?"

Then tried to press by re-opening the "ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION" rationale discussion! Saaaaa-lap!

That segment of the conference was absolutely useless. I was hoping Gibbs would tell him to STFU or something.

Hi , D. Co-sign.

Hi, Spirit......

D: Gibbs takes his CUE from the MODELING of OUR PRESIDENT OBAMA. Always in COOL, CALM, COLLECTED- - - - CHARGE!! :>) :>)

Justice58: Watchin'! SAME QUESTION!! YUK!!!

President Barack Obama - first trip as President on Air Force One.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/22/obamas...

Correction, "where is the black & green?"

Random thought that came to me yesterday as I went through my Tivo and saw the Vice-President and his wife on Oprah:

Jill Biden is a beautiful woman. I almost feel it's insulting to say 'for her age', but damn, she looks great 'for her age'.

The Vice-President must be 'handling his business', because a woman doesn't preserve that well after 30 years of marriage, unless those have been happy years.

Agree. Joe says Jill is "DROP DEAD GORGEOUS!"

She is fly!

Jill is gorgeous on the inside and out. I heart her and Joe Biden. Beautiful couple. Lots of love there.

She was radiant wasn't she? That red dress was fantastic.

SDG: ENJOY! :>)

Jill Biden Inaugural Gown By Reem Acra (SLIDESHOW, POLL)

She does look great! She looked absolutely beautiful in her red gown!

she would look good in a paper bag. :-)

Rikyrah: Flag. Timing. I went with my bosses to deliver food to be distributed to needy families in Mpls Tuesday. While at this place to remain nameless, I was asked to dip my fingers in red or blue ink on a flag to be sent to the Obamas. My only question was " wears the black or green ink?" I was told that would be another flag for another day. Now this, right on.
Justice - Sarah Palin, the gift that keeps on giving, and I'm no comedian. As said above, the only children I see spoke of are Sasha and Malia.
GLH. There is a rock song there, " don't go away mad, just go away."

Tyren M: LOL! :>) Ya mean THIS? :>)

LAWD! I'm glad you gave me the title. I neva heard this SONG. It's O.K. I lived in a different era. :>) :>) Still diggin' the "OLDIES". :>) :>)

ENJOY!!! :>) :>)

I hope this isn't a duplicate.


http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/17767...

10-year-old wants Obama exclusive
By POLITICO STAFF | 1/21/09 5:18 PM EST Text Size:



Student reporter Damon Weaver, 10, had tickets to Barack Obama's presidential inauguration, now he just needs the interview scheduled. The fifth grader from Canal Point, Florida has been trying to score an interview with President Obama. Here are his top two questions for the commander-in-chief:


His 2nd question..Can you get Joe the Plumber to fix my toilet? LOL!

World pics on inauguration

http://abcnews.go.com/International/President44...

Val: "People ALL OVER THE WORLD - - Do it Obama, O'Jays - Love Train

GREAT PICS!! NICE GET!! :>) :>)

Did anyone see these? Apologies if duplicates
http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2009/01/22/sasha-...

Yeah, they look nothing like them but will probably still fly off the shelves

don't look ANYTHING like them, but, will probably be a best seller..

I loved this video clip.

Brought tears.

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=6703195

That was cute!

BREAKING NEWS!! President Obama is SIGNING the EXECUTIVE ORDERS (4) for the CLOSING of GUANTANAMO within ONE YEAR!!

MSNBC; 11:20am

SENATE COMMITTEE CONFIRMED GEITHNER . NOW this goes to the FULL SENATE!

And-as I said in my post on my blog about Gitmo-thus ends my love affair with President Obama.

Lasted about as long as I expected it to. LOL.

D: I'm really tryin' to "understand" your position. Sooo, 1. can you bring a "snipet" of your "reasoning" over here. 2. What, if anything, will you respond to regarding PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA?

Poll on the closing: 51% YES 47% NO.

Thank you. **standing down*** :>)

LOL.

Don't get me wrong: I know Gitmo's gonna close and that the GWOT-including Iraq and Afghanistan-is going to end. That's not my issue.

My concern is how these things are brought to their individual conclusions.

For example, if the plan is to bring everyone back here, throw out all the evidence against the detainees that was obtained coercively, and try them based on what's left...I see that as irresponsible, and will say so.

My suggestion was that during the 120 day suspension of hearings, President Obama-or someone from his administration that hasn't been to Gitmo-go down there and see what's going on, because the Obama Admin may not have been privy to the whole story of Gitmo.

Either way, once the order's given, it's to be carried out...but I'd feel a bit more comfortable knowing that it was completely looked into, rather than just issuing an order to fufill a campaign promise.

D
The reason you are so dead wrong is that after Sept 11, 2001 President Bush could have gone to Congress and said we are going to inevitably capture some of these people and we need to put them on trial like the NAZI's to let them and the world know what you have done is just plain wrong. We need to put them on trial like Nuremberg so what do you suggest. Instead he went behind everyone's back(including the AG whom was sick and they tried to get him to sign off while in the hospital) and found someone (John Woo) to argue he was almighty. In doing so he has been challenged constantly to the point military prosecutors and resigned rather than prosecute. Worse, he flushed America's reputation for fairness down the drain(we will ignore the fact that didn't necessarily include you black ass or mine) both as a reality and an ideal.
President Obama is not going to let these people go willynilly. I know about the recidivism rates among them. But there are plenty of them whom will never even lie about their roles to get out of prison and they will be prosecuted as will others whom will lie. Punishment will probably end up being life imprisonment(I wish it could have been death at the time they were captured so they would not be martyrs to their cause). There may be enough blood lust for their deaths for those whom earned it but getting rid of Gitmo erases an ugly sore that Americans had rejected since the days the King could throw you in jail for just objecting to what he said.

And in that same vein, President Obama could well go to the Congress and
say, "We have to close this place down; how do we do it, and still guarantee
safety?" Because right now, NO ONE has the answer to that question; we're
going to figure it out as we go along.

And if getting rid of Gitmo causes us more harm than good-cause as much as
you may not want to admit it, that potential IS there-will removing that
"ugly scar" still be worth it?

D, I undeerstand your grievances---to an extent---but he has given it a one year deadline.

Now, Bush himself supposedly wanted to close Gitmo as well, but we all know, including you that that was not going to happen under his watch.

What so many people keep forgetting about Obama is his background as not only a lawyer, but a constitutional law professor---I am confident the man KNOWS and UNDERSTANDS the workings of our legal and judicial systems. And he will paln accordingly...and his policies will be legally carried out according to our Constitution....he knows it quite well.

I'm not disputing that...my concern is that there's no plan.

If you saw the press briefing today, two reporters-one from CNN and I forget where the other was from-asked Gibbs essentially, "how can you guarantee the safety of the American people when you don't really have a plan?"

That's my issue. We're closing the place in a year, but we're not exactly sure how we're going to do it yet.

(and I can say this to you, cause I think you'll see my point) Hell, even when we invaded Iraq, we had a plan. It may not have completely worked, but at least there was one.

D., the plan for Iraq was poor...and I am not just saying this because I opposed Bush's policies...but because of what some of my friends and family experienced in certain locations before the war even began.

Without giving too much detail here, let's just say before we invaded in March 2003, one of my loved ones was already relocated in preparation for the location...during the time the inspectors wewe still in Iraq.....and believe me, things were NOT planned well where they were.

As I've told you before, I have heard tons of stories...and they will shame Bush/ Rumsfeld and others for the conditions and misdirection our brave troops faced in the time preceding the invasion/occupation and during the execution of this war. And as proud as I am of my country...some of these things were shameful.
.

So, knowing that...are you okay with going into a situation where there
seems to be no plan at all?

Seeing how planning can-in your opinion-go horribly wrong, what makes this
situation okay with you?

I think a one year deadline is a good start....I mean let's be real here, Obama did not say Gitmo would be closed by the first week of Feb.

A lot of dialogue, discussion, and debate on the matter can arise in a year's time. And I can't help but stress that I think Obama's extensive knowledge in law and the judicial system is an asset.

Bush is the former president now, so I don't want to keep bashing him, I am truly looking forward, but I will say this......Bush was surrounded by neo-Cons....and I feel like Cheney and the others ran the policies and Bush was the poster-boy, the public face of this policies. Bush, still today, does not seem to grasp all that has occurred, so I'm not sure he was ever capable of truly carrying out his own true agenda.....it was the overbearing influence of others that made his policies.

Obama, and the minds he has surrounded himself with are well-thought, pragmatic and reasonable people. And I think that is the huge difference between Obama's circle and Bush's.

What I do feel is that if Obama does find the task of closing Gitmo more difficult than he thought, he WILL tell the American people.

Bush could never admit screw-ups, and there are arguebly many.....even now after thousands killed, many more maimed, he tells us that the not finding WMD's was a "disappointment." That was probably one of the most absurd things I have ever heard.

You? Looking forward?

(kidding)

Don't know if you saw what I said earlier, but I think Obama should actually
take a trip down there.

I don't doubt that if he can't do it in a year, he'll come back and say
so....but I also think that a little bit of research would have told him if
that was a truly viable goal, so he wouldn't have to make that backtrack.
Because-in an election year-I already can write THAT talking point.

D: Your concern is based on how these things are brought to their individual conclusions.?

This would be ADDRESSED by HIS PLAN.

Annnnnd, IMHO, he, prudently, would NOT reveal this NOW. It has WAY 2 MANY complexities - - LEGAL and OTHERWISE.

Soooo, D, you/we just hafta WAIT!!

I'm VERY COMFORTABLE with this!! PATIENCE!! One of those VIRTUES! :>)

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake.

- President Barack Obama

Don't military members take an oath to defend the Constitution too? Maybe neocons have another document that they follow? Either way, if your love affair is over, that's too bad, so sad. Our President doesn't mind losing neocon votes in order to restore this nation to where it needs to be.

LONG LIVE PRESIDENT OBAMA!

I find it interesting that you'd quote that.

My concern over the closing of Gitmo is based on two things:

1. What do we do with the people who are innocent that we can't send back because no one wants them, and
2. What do we do with the people who aren't innocent? Where do we put them? How do we try and convict them? If we build another Gitmo in the US, does that make it all okay?

Now, we can have that discussion if you want to...but I've seen your name floating around here long enough that I think you know why I feel the way about Gitmo that I do.

Since we're all about transparency now, I'll expect the actual "how" the closing of Gitmo to be made (somewhat) public. And if I think it's a good plan, I'll say so publically.

But don't think that just because I'm sworn to support and defend the Constitution, that means I'm always going to agree. Or did the left stop considering dissent patriotic when Bush left office?

D: Chucky T is on MSNBC RIGHT NOW:

1. Described that there are 3 groups of "detainees" - - (a) those that can be tried in our court system; (b) those that can be transferred and (c) those who are "un-tryable".

For Category (c), a "COMMISSION" will be established to deal with them.

Now, D., I have exhausted my "level" of information on this matter. :>) :>) :>)

Then my next question is, "well, there's commissions in Gitmo; Obama just suspended them. Why do we have to bring the detainees here to do there same thing we were just doing there?"

(and I know you can't answer that. Hell, I'd be pressed to if it was presented to me)

What this comes down to is that it's one thing to say "we're going to close Gitmo, and we have a plan." It's something else to say "we're going to close Gitmo, but we'll figure out how as we go along." That may not be what's being said, but it's damn sure how it looks from my end...

What kind of plan did Bush & Co have when Gitmo opened in the first place?

Probably none. He didn't have an exit strategy for Iraq. He kill the writ of habeas corpus.

D: (and I know you can't answer that.

You ain't neva lied!! :>) :>) :>)

Soooo, the MAIN question 4 me is: NOW what about that LOVE AFFAIR with PRESIDENT OBAMA? Huh?? :>)

I was down-somewhat-on Tuesday.

Yesterday, it was more wait and see what happens.

Today, I'm back to "loyal opposition."

Damn, D, you sound like Joe Scarborough....and believe me that is not a good look.

"Loyal Opposition" must be the catch-phrase they told all the Repubs to use because Joe wrote an article on Huffington Post with those same words.

Gotta give it to you republicans, you all sure know how to stick to the script and talking points no matter what.

LOL!

I read HuffPo about as often as I watch MSNBC (read: never).

I actually got it from Bill Kristol.

D: LOL!! :>)

But, I'm still "axin' " Where Is The Love? Huh? :>) :>)

It's slipping further and further away, the more I watch this press briefing....

D:


Welll - -'You Can't Hurry Love'

ENJOY!!! :>) :>)

.My concern over the closing of Gitmo is based on two things:

1. What do we do with the people who are innocent that we can't send back because no one wants them, and
2. What do we do with the people who aren't innocent? Where do we put them? How do we try and convict them? If we build another Gitmo in the US, does that make it all okay?

See that is interesting "What to do with the people who are innocent?"In our haste to do away with the Constitution and our treaty obligations we have tortured innocent people.Now if they weren't a threat to us they are now.President Obama will follow the Constitution unlike bush who said it was just a g*d damn piece of paper.

I trust you've heard of the Uighurs who are still in Gitmo. That's a good example of who I'm talking about.

We've known for a while they were swept up, but no one wants them, and we can't send them back to China because we know they'll be persecuted.

did the left stop considering dissent patriotic when Bush left office?

I welcome dissent, but when folks start hoping for our President "to fail," ala Rush Limbaugh, then they deserve a good smack down.

Some of us truly appreciate (and applaud) you for bringing your perspectives in the midst of our Obama love-a-thon.

And you'll have to excuse me, I haven't really been following the Gitmo threads, but it would appear that your concerns are easily addressed:

1. What do we do with the people who are innocent that we can't send back because no one wants them.
If these people are innocent, they should be returned to their original points of capture. If they can not be returned, then we should consider them political refugees and grant them asylum--THAT IS THE PRICE of the previous administration's fuck-up.

What do we do with the people who aren't innocent? Where do we put them? How do we try and convict them? If we build another Gitmo in the US, does that make it all okay?

They (folks like KSM) can go to Supermax and join the likes of the Unabomber and Eric Rudolph. They can be tried under our legal systems. We do not need to build a Gitmo in the US b/c a Gitmo in the US as it existed in Cuba would be illegal.

Webb: To "LUSH": Saaaa-lap! Whew! That FELT GOOD!! :>)

I just have to help out a friend and join in...


Double SAAAAAAAAAA>>>>>>>LAP

Justice58: LOL!!! :>) :>) THANKS!! :>) :>)

An olive branch: feel free to smack Rush. Ideology aside, the consequences of Obama "failing" shouldn't be acceptable to any of us.

1. A lot of them can't be returned to their original places of capture because they'll either be killed on the spot or shortly thereafter (which is why some of the people who are in Gitmo are still there, even though we know they were just swept up). And there's an inherent risk in granting them asylum, as on more than a few occasions, released detainees have been involved in acts of terror after their release.

2. Supermax is a viable option, though the people in CO won't like it at all. So are the consolidated brigs in Norfolk and Miramar, and the same probably applies to the people there (hell, I know it does for Norfolk; I'll be damned if they come here). That's the other part of the problem: you're not going to be able to convince anyone in the US that it's their patriotic duty to have people like KSM sitting down the street from their kids (and even though it won't actually be that way, that's how it will be aired during the protests on TV).

Couple that with the fact that we can't necessarily try them publicly without getting into intelligence sources and methods, which then put more Americans at risk. Then add to that the fact that since we can't give any of the guilty the death penalty (for obvious reasons), wherever we put them has to be prepared to hold them forever, which takes you back to what I said above.

Webb, I love your reasoning. Your post speaks to my questions and concerns. Thank you.

As the year unfolds, I am looking forward to how President Obama and his administration work with their plan to close Gitmo and bring our troops home from Iraq.

D: OOPS! This is what I requested. Thanks.

Now, your concerns are based on what happens to the PEOPLE.

First: I believe that President Obama and his "Cabinet"[and, possibly, Gen.Powell] already have a plan for them. Second: I believe that the "PLAN" will be revealed during this year.

BTW: How many people are we talking about? I'm forgetting this info. Thanks.

200-250 or so.

D: Thanks. IMHO this is NOT that many people.

Annnnnd, as I've stated, THERE IS A PLAN!

Webb: MAJOR CO-SIGN!! Nice post! :>)

Do you all agree with this list? Notice who's missing.....

From Politico:

Ten Dems Obama Should Watch Out For
Even if Democrats don’t agree with Barack Obama on everything, who among them would challenge a president with a 73 percent approval rating?

He’ll soon find out.

Sooner or later, the bonhomie of Obama’s Inauguration will dissipate — and the novelty of having a soul mate in the Oval Office will give way to intense internal debates over the extent and substance of Democratic change.

Either that, or some people will just get on Obama’s nerves.

The president’s friends might not become his enemies. But here are 10 Democrats — and some runners-up — who could soon find themselves on the White House Frenemies List:

1. Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) — Conyers, the outspoken chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, hasn’t been shy about pressuring Obama — vowing to proceed with investigations into the Bush administration’s sacking of eight U.S. attorneys and other potential violations of federal law. Obama has said he prefers to “look forward” and not rehash the past — but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has indicated she’s open to allowing Conyers to proceed. Remember: In the 110th Congress, Conyers had to be talked down from pushing for the impeachment of President George W. Bush.

2. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) — The incoming chairwoman of the Intelligence Committee forced Obama to apologize after he nominated Leon Panetta to head the CIA without consulting her first. Feinstein is not afraid to break with her party on thorny issues, as she did recently during the Roland Burris affair and last year when she essentially declared Hillary Clinton’s presidential run over before her candidate was ready to concede. Feinstein also may be positioning herself for a 2010 gubernatorial run, a potentially bigger factor for her than making Obama look good.

3. Vice President Joe Biden — Biden survived the campaign, the transition and even Inauguration Day without any Obama-embarrassing verbal gaffes. But on the first full day of the Obama presidency, Biden made a joke — on live TV — about Chief Justice John Roberts’ fumbling of Obama’s swearing-in. Obama, who had tried to smooth over the oath of office glitch, looked visibly unhappy with his VP, touching his arm in a sign that it was time to shut up and move on. If Biden can’t button it — and encourage his wife to do the same — expect to see Obama’s pinched-face look a little more often.

4. Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Calif.) — Waxman, who knocked off John Dingell to become chairman of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, is no party maverick: He’s an enthusiastic Obama and Pelosi supporter with a long history of defending Democratic presidents, namely Bill Clinton. But he’s also among the House’s most aggressive proponents of addressing global warming fast, and he recently promised to act “quickly and decisively” in his capacity as committee chairman. The problem is that both Pelosi and Obama have a lot on their plates and want to ring up a series of legislative victories before addressing a controversial, technically complex issue that could create a stalemate. Plus, Waxman’s push for stronger emissions standards could alienate some Rust Belt members whose states depend on coal. Runner-up: Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.).

5. Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) — The new head of the Appropriations Committee is old school when it comes to legislative earmarks. This is the same guy, after all, who from 1998 to 2004 steered $1.4 billion to military projects in his state. That puts him at philosophical loggerheads with Obama, who ran against the culture of pork and influence peddling in Washington. “Inouye isn’t going to bend to accommodate” Obama, said a senior Democratic aide. Moreover, this beloved war hero — who stood up for fellow earmarker and former Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) when the latter was convicted on federal fraud counts— is probably reflecting the views of many other Democrats. Said one Senate aide: “That anti-earmark stuff sells nationally, but earmarks are still great politics locally.” Runner-up: Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.).

6. Rep. Allen Boyd (D-Fla.) — Obama has carefully courted Boyd, one of the most influential of the pay-as-you-go Blue Dog Democrats — but an unprecedented congressional spending spree and the new administration’s commitment to throwing more aid at flailing banks will create inevitable tensions. Those tensions have been stoked by the new president’s waning commitment to repealing tax cuts for families earning $250,000 or more — a rollback backed by both the Dogs and Pelosi. Some Blue Dogs, many of them newly elected moderates responsible for expanding the Democratic majority in the House, have also shown a willingness to break with party leadership on national security issues — and 15 of them refused to pay Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee dues in 2007 over differences with antiwar Democrats. But with $1.2 trillion in government spending at hand and the worst economy in 75 years, budget hawks are not exactly in vogue in the Democratic Party, so Blue Dogs may be diminished. Runners-up: Reps. Heath Sh uler (D-N.C.) and Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-S.D.).

7. Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) As chairman of the Finance Committee, Baucus has often infuriated liberals with his pro-business positions and his penchant for striking deals with Republican Chuck Grassley. If Obama chooses to govern from the middle, he could find a key ally in Baucus. But trying to enact the tax, health and trade policies he touted on the campaign could hit a roadblock if Baucus doesn’t give them his blessing.

8. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) — The head of the Congressional Black Caucus represents several potential fault lines between Obama and Hill Democrats. As a CBC leader with a lock on her Oakland district (and a solid relationship with Pelosi), she’s secure enough to buck the White House if she thinks that Obama is taking African-American support for granted. She is also a founder of the Out of Iraq and Progressive caucuses — and she stood up to Bill Clinton on his use of military force in Iraq and Serbia — so she won’t be shy in criticizing the administration if it tarries on withdrawing from Iraq. Runner-up: Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.).

9. Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) — Because none of his fellow Democrats ever know what he will do or say.

10. Michelle Obama — She’s glamorous, she’s on message, she’s the nation’s favorite mom — and now she has nowhere to go but down. The press, which helped savage Michelle Obama for her “proud of my country” remark during the campaign, has since built her into a 21st century Jackie O. With the spotlight shining so brightly on her now, any misstep by the first lady — a slip of the tongue, a too-frank statement, any disagreement with the administration’s positions — could reflect harshly on her husband.

HRC must have written this list!

Second. All in favor;(very loudly ) Aye. All those opposed; pin drops.

Biden knows he's #2 and part of the price of being #2 is having a golden muzzle. Biden would probably quit than try to usurp Obama.

Michelle will be doing nothing more controversial than hosting HGTV specials and running after the kids and giving interviews about being a mom and what her favorite 30 minute meal is.

Jim Webb is not going to go toe to toe against Obama unless Obama stands up and says MILITARY KISS MY ASS. Bush and them did all that and Webb didn't step up so why would he step up on Obama now?

This list is a joke and a farce and needs to include:

Joe Lieberman

Harry Reid

Nancy Pelosi

Assorted Congressional Black Congress members

Hillary Clinton

Bill Clinton

Any Clinton supporter

Any list of "Democrats to watch out for" that doesn't include the above named people is not to be taken seriously.

Biden's defective filter is a plus. He'll give comedians something to focus on.

Chris Rock has a documentary at Sundance this week, "Good Hair", described as "a hilarious examination of the cultural pressures that prod blacks into costly, often painful methods to care for their hair."

He says he got the idea in '96 but nobody was doing funny docs. Now that he has two girls, and friends with girls, the time seems right.

While loaded with the 43-year-old actor-comedian's wisecracking humor, "Good Hair" also raises serious questions about identity and equality among black women who feel they need long, straight, silky hair to fit into white society.

"It's this whole thing about approval. That approval is not simply, `I want white people to love me.' It's like, `I need a job. I want to move forward, and if I have a hairstyle that is somewhat intimidating, that's going to stop me from moving forward,'" said Nelson George, executive producer of "Good Hair."

Rock interviews women who undergo hair-relaxing treatments with chemicals that burn their scalps and others who pay thousands of dollars for hair weaves. Along the way, he trades witty, insightful observations with such figures as Maya Angelou, the Rev. Al Sharpton, actresses Raven-Symone and Tracie Thoms, and singers Eve and Ice-T.

Long talks candidly in the film about her own perms and weaves, but in the interview with Rock, she also speaks hopefully about how Obama, his wife and their two daughters can help blacks overcome the cultural inferiority complex that prompts them to change their hair.

"Just seeing that family photo and seeing the daughters with their hair in cornrows sometimes, it resonates for me in such a huge way," Long said. "I just feel finally we have an image that's the most powerful image in our country that actually is a part of who I am."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALe...

I know Chris worked hard but I know anyone who saw She's gota have it in mixed company knows nothing need be said. The White people just didn't know and we were dying laughing on the floor of the theatre.

I look forward to seeing the documentary. Thanks

If it only comes on cable, I'm going to have to get HBO for a day.

Bill O'reilly & Dennis Millers response to a video of jay-Z & Young Jeezy talking about GWB.

http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php...

Those two are having a secret passionate affair. They just think they are the cat's meow.

Ugh

Palin to media: Leave my kids alone
Former GOP vice presidential candidate is going on the offensive


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28778319/?gt1=43001

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the former Republican vice presidential candidate, is going on the offensive against news organizations and bloggers she says are perpetuating malicious gossip about her and her children.

But political observers say Palin can't have it both ways: trotting out the children to showcase her family values, then trying to shield them from scrutiny.

Palin's criticism also raises questions about her motivations because she has said she is open to a presidential run in 2012.



**Sigh** Leave the stage, Sarah Palin! Just go away!

She PIMPED her kids from the word GO like Tyrone does his best 10 dollar HO. Whatever happens to her kids, SHE brought it on.

Don't think that any of us will forget how she threw Bristol under the bus without blinking.

And had Piper running around the kitchen during aninterview with those(FMB's)

rikyrah: LOL! :>) Orrrr - - WINKIN' :>)

Don't think that any of us will forget how she threw Bristol under the bus without blinking.

She did that!

Too true.

If Palin didn't want people talking about her kids, she shouldn't have been using them as props. I remember when Palin came to Philly to drop the puck at the Flyers game, she knew she was going to be booed mercilessly so she tried to be slick and bring Piper on the ice with her because no one would dare boo a 7-year old girl, right? The fans weren't having it and booed them both anyway, and she later chastised them for booing a little girl. She obviously knew nothing about Philly fans' reputation (throwing snowballs at Santa Claus, cheering when opposing players are wheeled out on stretchers, etc.) if she was dumb enough to use her kid as a shield.

lol

MsKitty, Philly fans don't give a shyt.

When you diss Santa Claus, you're mean! rotflmao!!!!!!!!

Sarah Palin wants to keep her name in the spotlight. And she'll use her kids to do it. Hell, she need to keep those kids in school. Lord knows...

Justice58: Her NAME is in the SPOTLIGHT in ALASKA!!

Look at PIC O' PALIN in the MUDFLATS WOW!! :>) :>)

Who exactly is bothering and talking about her children? The only person talking about her kids is her. Nobody cares about Track, Trig, Tripp or the rest. Maybe that's what's got her hot. Nobody cares anymore.

ITA. The only children we've been talking about are Malia and Sasha.

The only children we've been talking about are Malia and Sasha.

Tell me about it.

Nobody's thinking about her brood.

She considers that to be the same thing as insulting her kids.

Ah ha, Miranda!

Not cool.

D,

come on, you know this was one of those fears.

you know satire when you see it.

I'm not a fan of anyone making the flag into their own political statement. That extends to people on both sides of the aisle.

It's not worth going to war over-there'll be enough of that-but I'm a little offended.

As many funerals as I've gone to where a flag was presented, my great-grandfather, both grandfathers, uncle, great-uncles.....at the end of the day, it was just a flag.

it was hilarious to me because everyone knows that this is SO far from who President Obama is, it's absurd....that's part of why it's so funny.

I agree. I don't know if it's my monitor or what, but the colors mirror those of watermelon.

Have you never seen the African American flag? It is red, black, and green.
The above flag is satirical.

The colors just look off to me.

The "African American" flag?

You did not just say that.

Of course I did. Maybe it is the Black Nationalist Flag but you know
exactly what I am talking about!

http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us-afro.html

The original picture is hardly anything to be worked up about. I've seen flags redone in college sports colors flown waved in football stadiums. They aren't lampooning the actual American flag, and neither is this red/green/black one that Rikyrah posted.

Of course! Who among us didn't have that necklace on as we jammed to Public Enemy?? LOL

Did you go to the inauguration, D? How is the Mrs feeling?

She's doing good; hasn't killed me yet.

We watched it on TV.

Make a wingnut's head explode:

Have them listen to "Chocolate City".

"Our President is Black"; apologies to Young Jeezy