2004

Don’t Let the Facts Get in the Way of Hate

As the scandal over the treatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib continues to unfold, some of our dim bulbs are coming out to defend the torture.

First up, the embarrassment to the State of Oklahoma known as the dumbest of the dumbest delegation, James Inhofe.

“I’m probably not the only one up at this table that is more outraged by the outrage than we are by the treatment,” the Oklahoma Republican said at a U.S. Senate hearing probing the scandal.

“These prisoners, you know they’re not there for traffic violations,” Inhofe said. “If they’re in cellblock 1-A or 1-B, these prisoners, they’re murderers, they’re terrorists, they’re insurgents. Many of them probably have American blood on their hands and here we’re so concerned about the treatment of those individuals.”

Coalition military intelligence officers estimated that about 70 percent to 90 percent of the thousands of prisoners detained in Iraq had been “arrested by mistake,” according to a report by Red Cross given to the Bush administration last year and leaked this week.

Oops. Mistakes happen.

Ah, but we have some home grown Illinois morons too:

Make the decision to invest the troops to win a battle in Iraq and prove to the insurgents there (and elsewhere) we can win. Remember, also, the Democrats didn?t care about the prisoners until pictures came out; it is all about the politics. Realize, too, as most Americans do, that our soldiers caught these prisoners with weapons they intended to use to ambush and kill Americans.

Tell them those prisoners? objective was to terrorize and that a quivering terrorist in women?s panties is turn-about and fair play. Humiliation is temporary and different from loosing roadside bombs or commandeering airplanes.

Never forget that, Secretary Rumsfeld.

Well between 10 – 30% of them were doing bad things. Of course, if we can stop the semantic vandalism, attacking troops in a combat zone is not terrorism, but guerrilla warfare. Depending on their status they may or may not be subject to the Geneva Convention. However, treating them with dignity, even if that is better than they would treat captured Americans is what a moral people do.

Word is McCain walked out on Inhofe. I think Senator McCain might understand the issues a bit better than the blowhard from Oklahoma.

Now the particular idiot from the Leader seems to miss the issue that such conduct specifically limits our ability to win in Iraq.

Senate Poll

by Wilson Research Strategies –no clear indication who the survey was for….
Obama 44%
Ryan 28%
Undecided 18%

Both candidates perform well among their party base with Ryan currently receiving 71% of the vote among registered Republicans and Obama taking 79% of Democrats. However, Obama has a commanding lead among Independent voters leading 44% to 15% among those self described as being registered Independent. Obama also leads Ryan among men 41% to 31% and women 46% to 24%.

“Clearly, if Ryan has any hope of making this a competitive race he must do two things, first continue to grow his lead with Republicans and find a way to communicate with Independents,” Adams said. “With 33% of those surveyed self describing as independents, the Independent vote will play a crucial part of any winning coalition and right now Obama is doing a better job of winning their trust.”

MOE +/-4.9%

Why Can’t Phil Crane Raise Money in His District?

One of my favorite Congressman, who happens to be a Republican is Jim Leach. He raises nearly all of his funds in District and his attitude is that if he loses–that’s the will of the people. Others in Congress have a different idea. One of them is Phil Crane (IL-8) who gets about 2/3 of his money from PACs, but yet can’t deliver even modest infrastructure to his District.

So today we welcome his opponent, Melissa Bean as an advertiser here on ArchPundit. Let’s help her even out the race by giving or volunteering–click on the ad to the right (below Obama ad for today).

How Long Until it is Considered A Failure

The Cuban Embargo has continued for 40 years. Is he gone yet?

Really, who is more incoherent at this point? The State Department of the goofy guy with a cigar?

And if he dies in office, does the US Government claim credit?

There’s a way to challenge a dictator–take our ideas and our cash to him. How long do you think people would tolerate their standard of living with gringos vacationing there in vast numbers?

What Does It Take to Be an Adult

The beginning of this administration had the irritating screed that the adults were back in charge and now things would be run right by such blowhards as Peggy Noonan.

So let’s review the record of one Adult

1) Through undermanning the invasion of Afghanistan allowed top Al Quaeda leadership (you know–the folks who actually attacked America directly) escape at Tora Bora

2) He created an insular group of advisers that refused to pay attention to the uniformed officers in the Pentagon. This created a bureaucratic echo chamber which criticism did not exist.

3) He and his team were taken in by a long time con-man who fed them faulty intelligence

4) He failed to inform the Commander-in-Chief and the Appropriate Legislative Oversight Committees of a scandal that would rock the world. He didn’t even bother with the issue until he heard the full story in the media

5) He ignored a former General and current Cabinet Member’s warning about the Abuse

6) He failed to plan for looting in “Post” war Iraq and then had the gall to insist it wasn’t serious

7) He has insulted historical allies (and no I’m not talking about France) leaving us with less international support in reconstruction

8) He underestimated troop strength in Iraq for the long haul leading to excessive burdens on our troops. This occurred even though the Army Chief of Staff warned against the troop levels being inadequate.

But The President says, he has done a “superb job”.

Is part of being an adult, denying the obvious?

It’s time for Rumsfeld to go. It’s well past time. Mr. President, restore honor and dignity to the Post of Secretary of Defense.

Too often the Democratic Party and its related committees have been to timid in taking on tough positions. But the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has gotten tough lately, both on DeLay and now on Rumsfeld. Reward that good behavior and show the party where you stand–sign the petition calling for Rumsfeld’s petition and if you can, reward them with some cash. They were out in front on this issue. And they continue. There aren’t many issues in which the DCCC is leading and yet in agreement with Novak and George Will.

I’m not Atrios–I’m not as liberal as he is–in fact, you might remember I supported the war until relatively recently, but I’m damn glad to see the party showing a backbone–if you are make sure they know that as well.