Dissento's (Culture) War Journal
Bush to NY: "Drop Dead" Part II
From the New York times: The agency's inspector general issued a report this month that said White House officials had instructed the agency to reassure New Yorkers that the air in the vicinity of the World Trade Center was safe to breathe, even though deadly contaminants were present. The agency "did not have sufficient data and analyses" to be so reassuring, the report said, adding that "competing considerations, such as national security concerns and the desire to reopen Wall Street," compromised the E.P.A.'s statements.
Fair and Balanced Justice is Served
In a remarkable display of common sense, Manhattan federal judge Chin
made Fox news look like a bunch of assholes. I'm hysterical with glee. Not because of the decision, which was inevitable, but for the fact that this wonderful, wonderful judge is on the bench. Here's what he had to say:
"There are hard cases and there are easy cases," U.S. District Judge Denny Chin told Fox's lawyers Friday. "This is an easy case in my view and wholly without merit, both factually and legally."
"I don't know if Fox is arguing that its viewers are less sophisticated than buyers of Mr. Franken's book," he added dryly.
and...
According to Reuters, the courtroom broke into laughter several times as the judge challenged Fox's lawyers to say, with straight faces, that Franken's book, Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them, is not satire. They obliged: "To me, it's quite ambiguous as to what the message is," one of Fox's lawyers insisted. "It's a deadly serious cover. ... This is much too subtle to be considered a parody."
Some times, it's good to be alive.
Worst War Ever
No, not worst in terms of casualties, not by a longshot. But worst by virtue of the fact that the EXACT OPPOSITE of the original goal has been achieved. The New York Times succinctly describes how
How America Created a Terrorist Haven. Yes, what we were told was an imminent threat turned out to be a toothless tiger. And the chaos that has resulted is:
A) Going to provide a home base for terror activities
B) Fueling resentment of the US in Arab nations
C) Costing us billions monthly to rebuild the place, meanwhile and disgruntled jag-off can take out an oil pipe or water line.
Still no WMDs. No Saddam. Not even freaking Osama. No stability to the region. Hundreds of "good guys" dead. And no security from terrorists. NEXT!
Isn't that Conveeeenient?
The Pentagon says that UN HQ bombing
is linked to Al Qaeda. What a bunch of cynical bullshit. All these groups are linked, in exactly the same way that you and I are linked to Kevin Bacon. C'mon, stop selling this fiasco to us and focus on wrapping it up.
Moderate, my ass
Here's a
worthy response to the nonsense about George Bush really being a moderate.
The Second Dumbing
Phony Photo of the Month Award: Courtesy of the Drudge Report, of all places,
here is the best laugh I've had in a month. Sublime. There are, naturally, those that believe that Georgie was God's gift to an America in the midst of a moral freefall. Reason number #1456 why I'm not religious.
Book Stuff I'm reading
Neuromancer, William Gibson's 80's novel that first coined the phrase "cyberspace," and became and inspiration for everything 'cyberpunk.' I'm struggling with it -- right now, I just don't have the energy for all the made lingo and slang. I'm hoping it start clicking soon, or I may have to set it aside.
A Blow to Moses
In a rare act of common sense, the Supreme Court hands
"Judge" Roy Moore his ass over his 10 Commandments rigamarole. Moore has, of course, completely forgotten the eleventh Commandment:
Thou shalt not waste taxpayer money in a foolish attempt at religiosity and grandstanding. Let this be a lesson to us all.
Hey, Being a Rich Heir Has Its Hazards Too
Troops in Iraq face pay cut so the rich can hang on to their tax cut. Classic Bushology. Now, if I were a lesser blogger, I'd say the military had this coming for putting Bush in office. But no, hell with that. Even the people that voted for him don't deserve him. Even I didn't suspect he'd stoop this low.
Shifting Priorities
Two lovely quotes that sum up the administration:
"The most important thing is for us to find Osama bin Laden. It is our Number one priority and we will not rest until we find him!" --- George W. Bush, September 13, 2001
"I don't know where bin Laden is. I have no idea and I really don't care. It's not that important. It's not our priority." -- George W. Bush, March 13, 2002
From the Home Office...
Top Ten Things Overheard During George W. Bush's Vacation
10. "This vacation is flying by -- only 33 days left"
9. "Dang, Springer's a rerun"
8. "These margaritas are weapons of mass destruction"
7. "Whoever's in charge really screwed up the economy"
6. "My God! Mars is coming right at us!"
5. "Don't worry, George. In 17 months, you'll have the longest vacation of your life"
4. "Better start making stuff up for the State of the Union Address"
3. "I'm itching to declare another war"
2. "Proceed with 'Operation Letterman.' Make it look like an accident"
1. "Sitting around doing nothing reminds me of being president"
Courtesy of the Late Show, natch.
A Fair and Balanced Entry
Inspired by
Neil Pollack, and picked up from Blah3, Dissento's blog is now Fair and Balanced. Jump on board:
Yes. This Friday, August 15, is Fair And Balanced day on the Internet. You are all hereby instructed to use the words Fair And Balanced in very creative ways on your various websites. My cosponsor in this effort, Atrios, informs me that many of you are already using "Fair And Balanced" in your taglines. Very good. Sometimes, I swear you don't even need instructions from me. But we can go further. Tell Fox News to take its Fair And Balanced slogan and shove it up its Fair And Balanced hole. Feel free to be more subtle than that, if you wish.
To repeat. This Friday is Fair And Balanced day. Use the slogan at will. I will not be keeping track of the uses on this site, because it made me tired last time, but I still trust that you will spread the virus in funny and creative ways. We cannot let Fox News beat us, people. If they sue one, they can sue all. Al Franken has resources. Fox News' next victim might not be so lucky.
Total Recall
Phew! The prez is
upbeat about the economy. Thank god, because once millionare rich boys start to worry about the economy it must be 1929 for the rest of us. It's happening almost painfully slow, but it good to see people finally waking up:
The meeting here reflected concern in the White House about sagging confidence in Bush's stewardship of the economy. A poll released Wednesday evening showed just over a third, or 36 percent, saying they approve of his economic performance. More than half, 52 percent, in the CBS News poll said they disapprove of his handling of the economy.
On the California's Total Recall election. I'm giving my full endorsement to Larry Flynt. Run, Larry, Run! Oh, wait, sorry. And if not him then Arianna. A debate between her and Ahnuld would be hysterical. (Ooh, I can't wait). But the highlight of the year has to be watching Car Thief Darryl Issa blubbering like a little girl because the more popular, cooler, kid spoiled his party. Yeah, good boy Darryl, you can go now. Oh, and thanks for paying for all this! AHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHA!
Name the Bigger Disaster: George W. Bush vs. Gigli
What a week. In case you've been wondering where I've been, I've been flagellating myself ever since George Bush informed me, that like all of you, I'm a sinner. Who new?! I'm glad he's such an authority on my morality. Actually, I've been walking around in a stunned fugue ever since that bizarre press conference. Too much to recap, I'm sure you've heard it all, but how does the press let him get away with this stuff. When asked how he could spend some much on his primary campaign when he's unopposed, his anwer was a mocking, "Just watch." No follow-up! Geez...
Minus 5 points to the whole democratic field for NOT jumping on Bush's homophobic and other bizarre remarks. Everything he's says said on the issue relies, very clearly, on religious issues. I thought that was no-no in this country. Oh, and screw the Pope. Until he figures out how to keep child molesters out of the priesthood he needs to shut his communion-hole.
BUT, Max Cleland deserves a pat on the back. When Prince of Evil Tom DeLay said he didn't want to see Ted Kennedy in a flight suit, Cleland responded with: "This country deserves more patriots like Senator Kennedy, not more chicken hawks like you who never served." Awesome, but I suppose it's easier to say the truth when you're retired.
It's STILL the Economy Stupid I demand that the Republicans turn in the title for being a party of fiscal responsibility. Bartcop
tears apart the Bush record on the economy. If nothing else, look at the graphics on the page. Whomever gets the democratic nod should plaster those graphs on the side of their campaign bus.
Time to Name Names The Saudis want the 9/11 report unclassified so they can defend themselves. I say declassify it some we can hold the right people accountable. Either way, what are the bushies thinking? Oh, I know. I bet it has something to do with a 3 letter word sstarts with an "o" and ends with an "il."
Schadenfreude: Is it wrong that I'm so happy that
Gigli is a such a terrible movie?
CNN says "It's better than 'Swept Away'" Now that's funny.
Program note: Dissento is on vacation this week. All dogs may go to heaven, but all liberals go to Martha's Vineyard. See you in a week.
