Republicans play blame games

“WASHINGTON (CNN) -- White House spokesman Ari Fleischer issued a public apology Thursday for comments suggesting that President Clinton's failed Middle East diplomacy sparked the violence between the Israelis and Palestinians in the fall of 2000.

"Earlier today, in response to a question ... I mistakenly suggested that increasing violence in the Middle East was attributable to the peace efforts that were underway in 2000," Fleischer said in a late afternoon statement. "That is not the position of the administration."

Fleischer went on to say that President Bush has consistently supported President Clinton's efforts "at the behest of the parties" to reach a final comprehensive peace agreement in the region.

His about-face came after he suggested Clinton's efforts contributed to the violence that has wracked the Middle East since the collapse of the Camp David talks.

"No United States president, including President Clinton, is to blame for violence in the Middle East," Fleischer said. "The only people to blame for violence are the terrorists who engage in it. I regret any implication to the contrary."


Interesting how republicans like to blame everything on Clinton, yet take no reponsibility for any of their own wrongdoings.

Well, time to put the blame for 9/11 where it belongs:

Ronald Reagan... Republican terrorist.

It was Reagan who taught the world that funding terrorists such as the Nicaraguan Contras was proper. It was Reagan who gave weapons to our terrorist enemy, Iran. It was Reagan who built up Iraq, another terrorist country, with massive weapons in the early eighties. From the Iran/Contra scandal, Reagan taught the world how to finance terrorism and commit terrorism. And it was Reagan who taught America to avoid responsibility by "forgeting." The execs at Enron learned that well.”

“I wonder how Ari thought his own foot tasted.”

“Did you read where a long-time executive with the EPA resigned? He said the loopholes in the environmental laws that George Bush Sr was tightening are now being loosened again by GW.”

“Everyone knows it's all klinton's fault.

It's a scientifically proven fact that dumbocrats are stupid and repugnantcans are evil. The green party is just misanthropic and the libertarian philosophy is so full of contradictions and hypocrisy they don't even know what they stand for. The natural law party is still trying to figure out what a platform is.

Who did I miss?”

“the pinko fascist commies and anarchists Gordon”

“Vote a straight Bullmoose ticket this election!”

“I'm voting pedestrian.”

“Pedxing appreciates your support.”

“How about the Bullwinkle Moose party? With Rocky the Flying Squirrel as his running mate he'll be a shoe-in.


Boris Badenov as head of Central Intelligence, Natasha as Sec of State, Floyd the Moonman to head up NASA...

The possibilities are endless!”

“Woohoo! I get to Secretary of State!”

“I blame liberals for the evils of this world! DIE! DIE LIBERAL! DIE!”

“Nigal for world ruler!”

“Can I have NIH?”

“Ho ho, world leader? That's a bit formal don't you think? My Furer will do just fine.

"I am the way. Prepare for salvation..."

Fear Factory”

“I would rather be the richest man in the world than supreme dictator.”

“Another greedy American. Typical republican that gordon.”

“There's no need to be insulting and call me a republican! That's almost as low as calling someone a democrat.

For the record I am registered as independent of any political party.”

“I'm for the Gunz and Booze Party!

Drink the beer and shoot the cans!”

“WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (CNN) -- Former Rep. Mark Foley was molested by a clergyman when he was between the ages of 13 and 15, his attorney said Tuesday amid allegations that the congressman exchanged inappropriate e-mails and instant messages with teen congressional pages.”

“Wonder how how many pages of that book he turned?”

“Um I think this is symptomatic of the sense of lack of responsiblility that pervades the Beltway.

Think about how many from all sides have had "issues" to excuse their actions.

Right now I am wondering who will start a pool on the next "challenge" Mark had to face in his life (LOL).

Personally I am torn between Alien Abduction and ...well darn he already got clergy molestation....

Okay any other possibles?”

“Oh yeah, living inside of "The Beltway" discourages responsibility.

Koo Koo................”

“One day there will be a national revelation where America wakes up and realizes it’s not us (R/D) against them (D/R) but us (citizens) against them (government).”

“We are living in a era of unprecedented BIG government.”

“We've been growing faster and faster ever sense the 40's. Now though nobody has the courage to say, "Enough is enough!". The right see the dismantling of the government complex as bad for business and industry and the left don't want to be the cold hearted ones to kick all these government workers into the private sector and stopping the free rides for Americans.

But how can we even begin to fix it when we stand around pointing the finger at each other all the time. And this is exactly what the politicians want. As long as everyone is stirred up they stay in power.”

“I think that's called Elephantiatis.”

“I would like to see a movement where every one would vote against the incumbent, ALL OF THEM.

Wouldn't matter what party they were with, vote'em out.

Perhaps the next round of politician's would remember who they were supposed to be working for.
last edited: 10/04/06 8:32:32 AM”

“Gotta agree, I have come to the conclusion that no matter WHO is in power a significant portion of the ruled will be p.o.ed. That is why I want LESS Government, more private solutions to problems. The problem is they get up there and see a problem and think "What can Government do to solve this." I see a problem and think "What can we as people do to solve this."

Face it if we were on the trail with a group of Playboy bunnies and they were cold..would we turn to the government for help...or would we...being the selfless, all-for-one, civic minded people that we are...offer to share space in our sleeping bags to warm them up? I ask you would it be better that we solve this problem or let congress get in there....(all except Mark Foley who would not be interested in us after we turn 17.)”

“Boy, I'm glad this thread isn't fuego or I couldn't post here.




Why the hell isn't it fuego, you buncha lunkheads?!?!?!”

“i dont see how private solutions will encourage transparency/accountability to the public.

im curious to know why you believe that a group of people whose main motive is profit are any more trustworthy of keeping the public's interest in mind than a group of people who have (at very least) been elected by the citizens themselves.

IMO increased privatization of governmental responsibilities is blatantly anti-democracy.

switching over control from 'government' to 'private' is not less government at all. its a different name for it. the 'privates' would have less motivation to be straightforward with the people.

just because they are businessmen doesnt mean they wouldnt be carrying out the duties of the government because you call them 'businessmen'. total privatization would most likely result in an oligarchical political machine, where power is preserved among the group as opposed to given to the people.
last edited: 10/04/06 8:50:33 AM”

“So you are saying that the original foundation of this nation which was NOT a centralized government was basically undemocratic?

OH and you know we do not live in a Democracy right?

Mjw wants government control becuase he thinks his group will be in control..then he can "SHOW" all those guys who dunked his head in highschool toilets (LOL). Get over it man, the downside to government control..i.e. holding the GUN, is that one day the gun may be pointed at you.

I think the exact opposite. You know as long as there is competition one businesses poor decisions have an effect on their bottom line. Recently PING closed an account of a man who was giving discounts to Military who bought clubs. An uproar ensued and within a week the MO at Ping (I can say that becuase I know him) is backpedaling...nothing like seeing your company get nailed to make you rethink.

I think I have found Mjw's support information

http://www.mwscomp.com/movies/grail/grail-03.htm
last edited: 10/04/06 8:57:57 AM”

“you're trying to compare the structure of a government to the method in which those who hold power are chosen. i honestly have no reply to that first question.

as for the second: yes, i am aware that we do not live in a direct democract. we live in a republic. but our leaders are elected by the people.

can i assume that you think total privatization of the government would be a good thing? can you explain why?”

“Mjw wants government control becuase he thinks his group will be in control..then he can "SHOW" all those guys who dunked his head in highschool toilets (LOL). Get over it man, the downside to government control..i.e. holding the GUN, is that one day the gun may be pointed at you.

lol i was class president in high school for four years.

you suck at reading. i never said that im for increased government control. im not sure where you decided to write that in...can you quote me?

you're making up things that im not even talking about and then whining about it.

when in the hell did i talk about governments controlling business? my remarks are strictly about putting the ability to control policy in the hands of private interest. since you are arguing against me, do you think thats a good idea? can you tell me why?

i thought you were going to go enlist and put your money where your mouth is, big man.”

“nothing like seeing your company get nailed to make you rethink.

Exactly! Leave the markets alone and let the competition drive the market. This paranoia over big business socking it to the little guy is just that, paranoia. The vast majority of companies are very legitimate and do a lot of good. Let America provide for itself and put the feds where they belong; defending the constitution, country and it’s citizens. Beyond that stay the fukc out of our business. I want my reps twittling their thumbs for lack of things to do.”

“WELL LA-Die-Freaking DA (LOL) Class President...I am betting that was like being the top Hockey Player in Ecuador (LOL). So I am betting there is at least one STAR WARS COLLECTABLE plate in your life (LOL)...

mjw what I was trying to say is I distrust government that governs from a centralized location, as I have written here many times I do not believe that someone born in New York educated in Boston and has lived in Washington DC their whole lives knows SQUAT about what is happening in Alabama, Arkansas or even Wyoming. There are certain things that must be left up to Government but as a whole you see time and again private business running rings around government.”

“so what happens when a business entity does things which endanger the people and violate the principles of the constitution?

its a bit unrealistic to say those things dont happen.”

“Here's the totally un-PC thing to say.

Foley is a jerk and a disgrace to the House of Reps and the people he represents. He ought to be thrown out on his butt and there ought to be a criminal investigation.

However the cry of indignation and horror from both sides of aisle is a little ridiculous. You'd think he was injecting kids with AIDS or something. Lots of teenagers deal with this kind of annoying sh-- and do just fine.

The most vocal Democrats are playing the scandal for everything they can get from it, and the Republicans are struggling to prove they are totally 100% against this unmitigated evil terrified that the public will believe they were insufficiently vigilant about the assinine behaviors of one of their own because he played well for the Republican team.

This shifts a little if it turns out he had sex with any of these pages. Still, barring particularly heinous circumstances, the horror and indignation is a wee bit overdone.”

“dick cheney doesnt know what the hell is happening in wyoming either. and hes from there, the face shooting bastard.”

“mjw what I was trying to say is I distrust government that governs from a centralized location, as I have written here many times I do not believe that someone born in New York educated in Boston and has lived in Washington DC their whole lives knows SQUAT about what is happening in Alabama, Arkansas or even Wyoming. There are certain things that must be left up to Government but as a whole you see time and again private business running rings around government.

So a guy born in New Haven, who attended the most prestigious boarding school in New Hampshire, went to Yale and got an MBA at Harvard probably is not capable of having any idea of whats going on in the part of the country where you are from.

Right?


p.s. your definition of 'centralized' is weird. what does where people grew up have to do with the concentration of power in the governmental structure?

um, each state has senators and representatives. that kind of gets rid of the problem you're describing here. if the citizens of a certain state elect people who dont actually represent them, who's fault is that?
last edited: 10/04/06 9:15:51 AM”

“You'd think he was injecting kids with AIDS or something. Lots of teenagers deal with this kind of annoying sh-- and do just fine.

-DeadXing

no biggie, huh? you think Foley should still be in office then? are u da debbils advocate?”

“mjw, my Representative was a friend in 1994 when he went to Washington... for the first two terms he was known for coming home, heading out to hunt or just chat with the guys at the local store.
The problem comes in that they eventually lose contact with where they came from. J. C Watts explained that perfectly as to why he left the congress.

As for Business doing things that injure people...maybe you haven't noticed there are Attorneys who will sue the cr@p out of anyone for anything....Once again paying a multi million dollar settlement will have an effect on your business.

I guess I am just not as cynical about the ability of the American People. I know being a Libbie the only way to rationalize government control of put near every part of our lives is to say that the average American is incompetent. Sorry but I belive in the incredible ability of the American People if we can get the government chains off their ankles. I look at the average person and see the basic good in every person. Most people don't intentionally make bad decisions often it is a case of improper information.

I think it must be truly depressing to live in a world where you don't have control of anything. Where you feel you cannot take the slightest risk for fear of failure. I will always remain optomistic about the general ability of this nation to exceed expectations. Apparently you on the other hand want to find a nice Foley you can be a #&%!$ for so that you never have to "worry" again.”

“furthermore, the system of checks and balances between the three branches of government assure that not one branch retains an unfair amount of power.

however, there are some people who believe that certain branches are allowed to have more power than others and can ignore the system of checks and balances. this of course, leads to a MORE centralized system, where more power has been consolidated to the hands of fewer people.

do you think you can name some people who might believe in such ideas?”

“YEAH! Gouge his eyes out! Kick him in the huevos! He's on the ground....stomp on him!





Oh, sorry.”

“mjw...you refer to the Supreme Court MAKING laws? And making them based on FORIEGN LAWS? HMMM maybe.

But for you libbies there is the little nasty 10th amendment.”

““One day there will be a national revelation where America wakes up and realizes it’s not us (R/D) against them (D/R) but us (citizens) against them (government).”
Nigal

That, unfortunately, is true.”

“mjw...you refer to the Supreme Court MAKING laws? And making them based on FORIEGN LAWS? HMMM maybe.

But for you libbies there is the little nasty 10th amendment

this is totally non sequitur. i seriously have no idea why you are bringing up the tenth amendment, or why someone with a liberal political view would have a problem with the tenth amendment.

are you saying that states should be able to choose whether or not they think gays should marry, and that that right is left up to them and the federal government should not intervene? ok. :shrug:

did you think about that thing i said with the guy who grew up in new haven then went to a posh boarding school then went to yale and harvard?

pretty funny, huh. :D

not so funny is that whole privileged branch of the govenrment thing i brought up. thats pretty much straight up criminal.

also, simply because a law is foreign does not mean it isnt potentially applicable to the U.S.

By your logic, a law against murder is potentially anti-american as it existed before america was made, and was therefore adopted from a foreign body. quit being blinded by your whatever it is thats blinding you. you're saying things that arent quite well-thought out.
last edited: 10/04/06 9:45:56 AM”

“and the supreme court does not make laws. its judges the constitutionality of laws/acts and sets legal precedent.

precedent is not law, merely a guide should a similar situation arise in the future.

stare decisis.

http://www.lectlaw.com/def2/s065.htm”

“no biggie, huh? you think Foley should still be in office then? are u da debbils advocate?”
HikerBoy
9:16:09 AM
10/04/06

Saying it ain't as horrible as the pols and pundits make it out to be is different than saying its OK. I'd probably want to punch him if it was my 16 year old he was text messaging. On the other hand, someone pulled similar stuff on me when I was about 15 and I told him to stay away from me and that he'd be in deep sh-- if he ever talked that way to me again. No trauma. Pissed me off and ruined my afternoon, but that was all. Guy was a teacher (not at my school) and I should have reported it. If it was a woman, I would have been thrilled.

Anyhow, I'd Foley if it was up to me. Censure him at the very least and have an investigation and take appropriate steps. But, I don't think a middle aged guy talking dirty and flirting with 16 year olds deserves this much scandal and outrage. I think its mostly political posturing, combined with some lingering sex-phobia and homo-phobia. If it turns out he did more than what's known now, I'd have to rethink my attitude.

And if it turns out Republicans hushed this up for political reasons they get a big scarlet "H" for hypocrisy. They also would have violated a trust with the parents of the pages.
last edited: 10/04/06 9:56:20 AM”