NBC reversed its decision not to air the Freedom's Watch ad thanking our troops for their valiant overseas service.
So what.
The network already disgraced itself. They're merely reacting to the public's backlash.
From E-1 to O-10, the men and women serving our country embody the very best of America. Our soldiers should never have been subjected to smug and condescending NBC executives making one pitiful excuse after another for why they shouldn't be thanked.
Commissioned and non-commissioned officers care deeply about the soldiers they lead. They don't just care about you as a soldier, but as a human being. They will do everything they can to help the soldiers they lead realize personal and professional excellence.
Today, America's finest and bravest wear a military uniform. The institutions our soldiers represent have aspired to and achieved a greatness unparalleled in American history. We can never thank them enough, or celebrate their sacrifices enough.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Hillary The Victim, Again
The New York Times must be edited by a pop psychologist. Today, the Times features a front page, above-the-fold story by Mark Leibovich that reads like an evaluation of a psychiatric ward patient. "Clinton Talks of Scars While Keeping Guard Up" is the headline. Dr. Leibovich's descriptions of Hillary vary,and include:
Struggled to keep her composure, triumph of her self-possession, the person so often encased in armor, not too hardened to inspire, catalogs her wounds, guarded by nature, constant challenge to protect herself emotionally, difficult adjustment, thin-skinned and took criticism hard, doubting nature, her defensiveness, cold realist, variously combative or stoic, deeply wounded and crying and blaming herself.
I needed an oxygen mask and a bottle of Tylenol after reading this tedious nonsense.
Struggled to keep her composure, triumph of her self-possession, the person so often encased in armor, not too hardened to inspire, catalogs her wounds, guarded by nature, constant challenge to protect herself emotionally, difficult adjustment, thin-skinned and took criticism hard, doubting nature, her defensiveness, cold realist, variously combative or stoic, deeply wounded and crying and blaming herself.
I needed an oxygen mask and a bottle of Tylenol after reading this tedious nonsense.
Huckabee: Some Of My Best Friends Are . . .
Gov. Huckabee on Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace:
Chris Wallace: But, Governor, forgive me. I don't think that's right. All the way back in 1985, this wasn't political correctness. The Centers for Disease Control back in '85, seven years before you made your statement, said that AIDS could not be spread by casual contact.
Gov. Huckabee: There was also the case of Kimberly Bergalis, who testified before Congress in 1991. She had contracted AIDS from her dentist . . . I knew people who had AIDS. I had a close friend who died of it in the 1980s. He was a hemophiliac. He contracted it through a blood transfusion. I had other friends of mine, one of whom passed away — he was, in fact, homosexual.
Chris Wallace: But, Governor, forgive me. I don't think that's right. All the way back in 1985, this wasn't political correctness. The Centers for Disease Control back in '85, seven years before you made your statement, said that AIDS could not be spread by casual contact.
Gov. Huckabee: There was also the case of Kimberly Bergalis, who testified before Congress in 1991. She had contracted AIDS from her dentist . . . I knew people who had AIDS. I had a close friend who died of it in the 1980s. He was a hemophiliac. He contracted it through a blood transfusion. I had other friends of mine, one of whom passed away — he was, in fact, homosexual.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
The Grey Lady Sleeps In
Today, Newsday, The Daily News and New York Post all reported Governor Spitzer's ludicrous claim that the testimony he is expected to give before the state Commission on Public Integrity probing his administration's attempt to destroy the career of Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno can't be made public. The New York Times did not. Not one word in "N.Y. / Region" or one link after a search of "Spitzer." Must be a slight oversight.
"A Sign Of True Leadership"
From the Associated Press this morning:
"'I think the governor has made statements that he wishes he made some decisions differently,' said Sen. Malcolm Smith, the Democratic leader in the Republican-led Senate and Spitzer's most reliable ally. 'That's a sign of true leadership when you can admit your mistakes and retrench, and start over again.'"
Mr. Smith apparently did not read yesterday's Buffalo News before he drank the Kool-Aid.
Oprah's Lemmings
Wanted: American voters not influenced by shallow daytime television talk shows and a celebrity-obsessed culture.
"In Oprah We Trust" graces the op-ed page of The Washington Post today. It's written by academics Carol Darr and Susan Tifft. Ms. Darr is the co-editor of "Poli-fluentials: The New Political Kingmakers."
Ms. Darr explains "poli-fluentials" are important because "the people they know look to them for advice and trust their opinions . . . poli-fluentials are aggressive in promoting causes and candidates they favor. They are socially active, and the ones with the largest networks also tend to be the most partisan. This makes them particularly valuable in primaries."
In other words, politically indifferent Americans must rely on a "poli-fluential" such as Oprah Winfrey to tell them to vote for Barack Obama rather than Hillary Clinton, John Edwards or another candidate in the Democratic field. These are voters who don't pay the slightest attention to current events, don't watch the evening cable television political programs and probably believe The Prince is about William or Harry.
Do we want them as swing voters in a presidential race? We're talking about individuals so detached from the political process that they need the woman who recommended A Million Little Pieces to tell them which candidate-designated area to stand in once the Iowa Caucus begins next month.
The voters who comprise this new "O" factor are being insulted, and they don't even know it. In fact, many revel in being part of a new, potentially important demographic.
Both Republican and Democratic pundits predict Oprah could be the difference between winning and losing. If exit polls do show that she was indeed the difference-maker, it won't be too difficult to guess what Hillary and Edwards will be thinking the night of January 3: A poli-fluential just convinced thousands of poli-ignorant Americans to vote for Obama.
"In Oprah We Trust" graces the op-ed page of The Washington Post today. It's written by academics Carol Darr and Susan Tifft. Ms. Darr is the co-editor of "Poli-fluentials: The New Political Kingmakers."
Ms. Darr explains "poli-fluentials" are important because "the people they know look to them for advice and trust their opinions . . . poli-fluentials are aggressive in promoting causes and candidates they favor. They are socially active, and the ones with the largest networks also tend to be the most partisan. This makes them particularly valuable in primaries."
In other words, politically indifferent Americans must rely on a "poli-fluential" such as Oprah Winfrey to tell them to vote for Barack Obama rather than Hillary Clinton, John Edwards or another candidate in the Democratic field. These are voters who don't pay the slightest attention to current events, don't watch the evening cable television political programs and probably believe The Prince is about William or Harry.
Do we want them as swing voters in a presidential race? We're talking about individuals so detached from the political process that they need the woman who recommended A Million Little Pieces to tell them which candidate-designated area to stand in once the Iowa Caucus begins next month.
The voters who comprise this new "O" factor are being insulted, and they don't even know it. In fact, many revel in being part of a new, potentially important demographic.
Both Republican and Democratic pundits predict Oprah could be the difference between winning and losing. If exit polls do show that she was indeed the difference-maker, it won't be too difficult to guess what Hillary and Edwards will be thinking the night of January 3: A poli-fluential just convinced thousands of poli-ignorant Americans to vote for Obama.
Friday, December 7, 2007
The Kucinich Administration
NBC: Sean Penn Endorses Dennis Kucinich
Chief of Staff: Sean Penn
Vice President: Courtney Love
Attorney General: O.J. Simpson
Secretary of Homeland Security: Dog The Bounty Hunter
Secretary of Defense: Suge Knight
Secretary of State: Angelina Jolie
Secretary of the Treasury: Howie Mandel
Secretary of Commerce: Tonya Harding
Secretary of Education: Britney Spears
Secretary of Health and Human Services: David Hasselhoff
Secretary of Transportation: Lindsay Lohan
Press Secretary: Mike Tyson
Director of National Intelligence: Paris Hilton
Director, Office of National Drug Control: Amy Winehouse
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: Hawkeye Pierce
National Security Advisor: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Chief of Staff: Sean Penn
Vice President: Courtney Love
Attorney General: O.J. Simpson
Secretary of Homeland Security: Dog The Bounty Hunter
Secretary of Defense: Suge Knight
Secretary of State: Angelina Jolie
Secretary of the Treasury: Howie Mandel
Secretary of Commerce: Tonya Harding
Secretary of Education: Britney Spears
Secretary of Health and Human Services: David Hasselhoff
Secretary of Transportation: Lindsay Lohan
Press Secretary: Mike Tyson
Director of National Intelligence: Paris Hilton
Director, Office of National Drug Control: Amy Winehouse
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: Hawkeye Pierce
National Security Advisor: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
The Arrogance Of R. Milhouse Spitzer, Cont.
Governor Spitzer spoke to the Buffalo News editorial board yesterday. Regarding the controversial statement provided by his former communications director to Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, which is at the heart of the plot to destroy Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno's career, the Governor said:
“I’ve never seen it, so I have no idea. I’ve always understood it to be a sworn statement, but again, don’t know, don’t care. The issue is not mine. I just don’t, you know, I’m not, I’ve just never seen it."
This scandal is engulfing his administration and has the potential to destroy his career. His top aides are involved. His State Police Superintendent is involved. They've hired private counsel. They refuse to release documents. But he claims "the issue is not mine" and "don't know, don't care." The arrogance of the Governor-Infant continues to be astounding.
“I’ve never seen it, so I have no idea. I’ve always understood it to be a sworn statement, but again, don’t know, don’t care. The issue is not mine. I just don’t, you know, I’m not, I’ve just never seen it."
This scandal is engulfing his administration and has the potential to destroy his career. His top aides are involved. His State Police Superintendent is involved. They've hired private counsel. They refuse to release documents. But he claims "the issue is not mine" and "don't know, don't care." The arrogance of the Governor-Infant continues to be astounding.
The Numbers The Media Never Report
Perhaps the saddest sight in a campaign is one pro-choice candidate attacking another pro-choice candidate for being insufficiently pro-choice. This week Senator Clinton dispatched a Bonnie Grabenhofer, president of the Illinois National Organization for Women Political Action Committee, to attack Senator Obama's abortion voting record. Ms. Grabenhofer said:
"As a State Senator, Barack Obama voted 'present' on seven abortion bills, including a ban on 'partial birth abortion,' two parental notification laws and three 'born alive' bills. In each case, the right vote was clear, but Senator Obama chose political cover over standing and fighting for his convictions . . . When we needed someone to take a stand, Senator Obama took a pass. He wasn't there for us then and we don't expect him to be now."
In New York, the state Senator Clinton ostensibly represents, there have been between 117,000 and 121,000 abortions each year from 2003-2005, according to state Department of Health statistics.
In 2003, there were 119,685 abortions, which included:
* 15,787 victims with 3 or more abortions;
* 36,670 victims between 20-24 years old;
* 13,067 victims with a gestation period greater than 13 weeks.
In 2004, there were 120,401 abortions, which included:
* 3,904 victims with 5 or more abortions;
* 27,978 victims between 25-29 years old;
* 6,388 victims with a gestation period between 13-15 weeks.
In 2005 there were 117,994 abortions, which included:
* 31,340 victims with 2 or more abortions;
* 17,542 victims between 30-34 years old;
* 6,557 victims with a gestation period greater than 16 weeks.
These statistics are never reported. Not in a paper, a paper's web site, a local television news broadcast, a national television news broadcast or a radio news broadcast. Because they are tragic numbers. Each number has a story. A story that is either poignant, frightening, heartbreaking or unimaginable.
There is hope. Alternatives to abortion are succeeding. In 1997, there were 145,334 abortions in New York. Nearly 30,000 fewer abortions in the Empire State is wonderful news unbeknownst to hardly any New Yorker outside of the pro-life movement. If the trend continues for the next ten years it won't matter - at all - if it still isn't reported.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Fix Eliot
With six weeks to go before he unveils his Executive Budget proposal, Liz Benjamin of The Daily Politics reported Governor Spitzer decided to transfer his Budget Director Paul Francis to the State Operations Director post, which will be vacated by Olivia Golden. It's an odd and curious decision.
The run-up to the introduction of the budget is one of the most important time periods for the Governor and his staff. Moreover, the Budget Director can have a far greater impact upon the future of New York. It's where the money is located, and it can be leveraged to make policy changes. Whereas the State Operations Director largely implements decisions that have already been made and ensures that state government can function efficiently (at least that's the way it's supposed to work).
The challenges are enormous for the Governor who proclaimed Day One, Everything Changes. The state must close a $4.3 billion budget deficit, the tax burden is suffocating job creation and revenue growth has slowed. Just last week Francis himself told Michael Gormley of the Associated Press:
"There are warning signs out there that things could get worse. There will be significant cuts in spending really across almost every sector of the budget."
So, naturally, with a recession and spending cuts looming, in addition to the other seemingly intractable fiscal problems New York faces, this is the perfect time for Governor Spitzer to remove Francis from his position of immense power and responsibility.
Francis is right about things getting worse fiscally. The same could be said of his boss and his erratic leadership.
The run-up to the introduction of the budget is one of the most important time periods for the Governor and his staff. Moreover, the Budget Director can have a far greater impact upon the future of New York. It's where the money is located, and it can be leveraged to make policy changes. Whereas the State Operations Director largely implements decisions that have already been made and ensures that state government can function efficiently (at least that's the way it's supposed to work).
The challenges are enormous for the Governor who proclaimed Day One, Everything Changes. The state must close a $4.3 billion budget deficit, the tax burden is suffocating job creation and revenue growth has slowed. Just last week Francis himself told Michael Gormley of the Associated Press:
"There are warning signs out there that things could get worse. There will be significant cuts in spending really across almost every sector of the budget."
So, naturally, with a recession and spending cuts looming, in addition to the other seemingly intractable fiscal problems New York faces, this is the perfect time for Governor Spitzer to remove Francis from his position of immense power and responsibility.
Francis is right about things getting worse fiscally. The same could be said of his boss and his erratic leadership.
Fox, MSNBC and CNN: Mass Murder Enablers
What Drove Young Killer To Commit Mall Slaughter? That's the question Fox News poses as the top story on its web site this morning. MSNBC's home page prominently features Video: Portrait of a Killer. It's also CNN's top story reporting: Mall Shooter's Suicide Note: Now I'll Be Famous.
He's famous now.
Fox, MSNBC and CNN have been providing mass murderers with a platform for their bloody rampages for too long. These killers know cable news producers will cut into their programming once they act on their homicidal fantasies. And they also understand the follow-up coverage will give them the attention they could never receive in their sick and twisted little worlds. As long as this saturation coverage continues, a mass murderer is in the making. There's one sitting in front of his television now, and thinking: I'm going to be next.
He's famous now.
Fox, MSNBC and CNN have been providing mass murderers with a platform for their bloody rampages for too long. These killers know cable news producers will cut into their programming once they act on their homicidal fantasies. And they also understand the follow-up coverage will give them the attention they could never receive in their sick and twisted little worlds. As long as this saturation coverage continues, a mass murderer is in the making. There's one sitting in front of his television now, and thinking: I'm going to be next.
Imagine Governor Hillary Clinton (D-Arkansas)
By a vote of 4-1 the Arkansas Parole Board denies parole to a man who raped a 17-year-old girl.
Governor Hillary Clinton subsequently meets with the Board in Executive Session and pressures its members to parole the rapist, which is an apparent violation of the state's open meetings law.
Dr. Charles Chastain, a member of the Board tells the media:
“Governor Clinton commented that the rapist had received, from her perspective, a raw deal, that he was someone from the wrong side of the tracks ... and that he had received what she thought was too long a sentence for that type of crime.”
Five months after the initial vote, the Board reverses itself and votes 4-1 to parole the rapist. Governor Hillary Clinton releases a statement in full support: “I concur with the board’s action and hope the lives of all those involved can move forward."
In addition, Governor Hillary Clinton writes the rapist directly. She asserts: "My desire is that you be released from prison. I feel now that parole is the best way for your reintegration into society." The rapist is paroled.
The following year the rapist sexually assaults and murders a 39-year-old Missouri woman in her apartment. Police discover the paroled rapist's DNA under the victim's fingernails. After a six day trial the paroled rapist and accused murderer is sentenced to life in prison, which he attacks as "ludicrous, nonsensical, stupid and ignorant."
While running for the Democratic nomination for president, Governor Hillary Clinton denies she pressured the Board. "At their invitation, I went to their meeting. Someone brought up his case. Frankly it was simply part of a broader discussion. I did not ask them to do anything." Governor Hillary Clinton also tells CNN, "None of us could've predicted what he could've done when he got out."
But in a phone interview with ABC News Governor Hillary Clinton's former criminal justice counsel, Butch Reeves, said she told the Board members there was "something nefarious" about the criminal justice system in the rapist's case. And echoing Dr. Chastain's language Mr. Reeves said Governor Hillary Clinton claimed the rapist got a "raw deal."
The mother of the murdered woman tells ABC News that she would do "whatever it takes" to prevent Governor Hillary Clinton from becoming president of the United States. She adds, "I can't imagine anybody wanting somebody like that running the country."
These are the facts with one obvious exception. The Governor is Mike Huckabee, not Hillary Clinton. How does it feel to read it Huckabee supporters?
Governor Hillary Clinton subsequently meets with the Board in Executive Session and pressures its members to parole the rapist, which is an apparent violation of the state's open meetings law.
Dr. Charles Chastain, a member of the Board tells the media:
“Governor Clinton commented that the rapist had received, from her perspective, a raw deal, that he was someone from the wrong side of the tracks ... and that he had received what she thought was too long a sentence for that type of crime.”
Five months after the initial vote, the Board reverses itself and votes 4-1 to parole the rapist. Governor Hillary Clinton releases a statement in full support: “I concur with the board’s action and hope the lives of all those involved can move forward."
In addition, Governor Hillary Clinton writes the rapist directly. She asserts: "My desire is that you be released from prison. I feel now that parole is the best way for your reintegration into society." The rapist is paroled.
The following year the rapist sexually assaults and murders a 39-year-old Missouri woman in her apartment. Police discover the paroled rapist's DNA under the victim's fingernails. After a six day trial the paroled rapist and accused murderer is sentenced to life in prison, which he attacks as "ludicrous, nonsensical, stupid and ignorant."
While running for the Democratic nomination for president, Governor Hillary Clinton denies she pressured the Board. "At their invitation, I went to their meeting. Someone brought up his case. Frankly it was simply part of a broader discussion. I did not ask them to do anything." Governor Hillary Clinton also tells CNN, "None of us could've predicted what he could've done when he got out."
But in a phone interview with ABC News Governor Hillary Clinton's former criminal justice counsel, Butch Reeves, said she told the Board members there was "something nefarious" about the criminal justice system in the rapist's case. And echoing Dr. Chastain's language Mr. Reeves said Governor Hillary Clinton claimed the rapist got a "raw deal."
The mother of the murdered woman tells ABC News that she would do "whatever it takes" to prevent Governor Hillary Clinton from becoming president of the United States. She adds, "I can't imagine anybody wanting somebody like that running the country."
These are the facts with one obvious exception. The Governor is Mike Huckabee, not Hillary Clinton. How does it feel to read it Huckabee supporters?
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
The David Soares Investigative Sleep Mask
N.Y. Times: No Charges of Perjury for Ex-Aide
Albany County District Attorney Soares must be wearing this thing as he "investigates" Governor Spitzer's aides and their attempt to destroy the career of Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno by using the State Police.
The Nominees For Hillary's New Campaign Song
*With a special thanks to the late, great Roy Orbison.
ABC News reports:
"Hillary Clinton and Celine Dion appear to be parting ways. For months, the soprano headlined Clinton's, D-N.Y., campaign appearances as Dion's 'You and I' served as the former first lady's campaign theme song . . . Instead on the trail these days, Big Head Todd and the Monsters are in and their 'Blue Sky' is seemingly the campaign's favorite as the New York Senator enters and exits the stage."
Nominees:
"Crying" - Roy Orbison
"The End" - The Doors
"Everybody Hurts" - R.E.M.
"Tracks Of My Tears" - Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
"Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" - The Smiths
"D-I-V-O-R-C-E" - Tammy Wynette
"Desperado" - The Eagles
"Don't Fear The Reaper" - Blue Oyster Cult
"With or Without You" - U2
"Every Rose Has Its Thorn" - Poison
"Hurt" - Nine Inch Nails
"Total Eclipse of the Heart" - Bonnie Tyler
"It's Over" - Roy Orbison
ABC News reports:
"Hillary Clinton and Celine Dion appear to be parting ways. For months, the soprano headlined Clinton's, D-N.Y., campaign appearances as Dion's 'You and I' served as the former first lady's campaign theme song . . . Instead on the trail these days, Big Head Todd and the Monsters are in and their 'Blue Sky' is seemingly the campaign's favorite as the New York Senator enters and exits the stage."
Nominees:
"Crying" - Roy Orbison
"The End" - The Doors
"Everybody Hurts" - R.E.M.
"Tracks Of My Tears" - Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
"Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" - The Smiths
"D-I-V-O-R-C-E" - Tammy Wynette
"Desperado" - The Eagles
"Don't Fear The Reaper" - Blue Oyster Cult
"With or Without You" - U2
"Every Rose Has Its Thorn" - Poison
"Hurt" - Nine Inch Nails
"Total Eclipse of the Heart" - Bonnie Tyler
"It's Over" - Roy Orbison
Sen. Thompson Has Read The Constitution
CNN: Thompson: Don't Let The Government Tell You What To Eat
I'd vote for Senator Thompson based on this issue alone since it easily defines a presidential candidate's philosophy of federal government power. He just nailed these intolerant, meddlesome, calorie-counting extremists who want to use the force of government to regulate and supervise every single aspect of private American life.
I'd vote for Senator Thompson based on this issue alone since it easily defines a presidential candidate's philosophy of federal government power. He just nailed these intolerant, meddlesome, calorie-counting extremists who want to use the force of government to regulate and supervise every single aspect of private American life.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Why Is This Man Taken Seriously?
"An Apologetic Imus Is Back on the Air" - Fox News headline.
The media covered the return of Don Imus yesterday like he was the radio equivalent of General Douglas MacArthur walking ashore at Palo Beach in the Philippines. Fox News, in particular, was an embarrassment. The Imus "story" was prominently featured on The Big Show with Gibson & Nauert, The O'Reilly Factor and Hannity & Colmes.
Imus is a cartoon in a cowboy hat. And a demented one ("Dick Cheney is still a war criminal, Hillary Clinton is still Satan"). He was fired for a stupid comment that was mild in the Imus catalog of stupidity. But since the average dunce understands and has an opinion about a term like "nappy-headed hos," it's ratings gold for Fox and the other cable stations.
Fox didn't disappoint.
Regarding the hiring of black comedian Karith Foster, host John Gibson asked frequent Imus guest Bo Dietl: "Is she there to keep Imus on the straight and narrow?" No, said Dietl. Because ". . . more black Americans, uh, uh, come over to me than, uh, regular Americans" to compliment Imus about his show. Oh. As opposed to irregular Americans.
In a segment that could be a future Saturday Night Live parody, Bill O'Reilly introduced his "Body Language Breakdown" (I didn't make that up). The guest was body language "expert" Tonya Reiman. Ms. Reiman concluded that the Imus anatomy showed he had little remorse because he stuck out his tongue and blinked too much throughout his latest cowering apology to Rutgers. In case viewers didn't notice Ms. Reiman's "analysis" Fox played Imus apologizing in slow motion.
Not to be outdone, Hannity and Colmes devolved into a comical shout-a-thon between its hosts, an Al Sharpton groupie, an author and the ubiquitous Dietl the Imus mascot. You'd think the future of the Republic was at stake suffering through Sean Hannity trying to extract from the Sharpton groupie the name of just one rapper her boss wanted fired for using the n-word.
So it went for three hours. Fox hosts also asked their guests questions such as: Why didn't Bernard McGuirk speak? Is he being muzzled? Is Imus going to change? Its producers made liberal use of a camera that panned the Imus show regulars like they were House Judiciary Committee members preparing for an impeachment vote.
What a sorry, pathetic day for cable television "news." Even the local news took a break from murders, the weather, car chases and Grandma getting scammed by an infomercial to cover Imus. If there is a media outlet that did not cover Imus, I'd like to congratulate the producer or editor.
The Imus coverage is another indictment of the media's obsession with vulgar, lowest-common denominator personalities. Imus should be irrelevant. He's not, unfortunately. He will inevitably say something far worse than "nappy-headed hos" and the spectacle that played out last night on Fox will repeat itself. When it does the appropriate body language will be my middle finger and reaching for the remote.
Chichester Obtains Spitzer-Silver Email Exchange
"Addressing an audience of about 700, Mr. Spitzer finished off his speech with an anecdote about a recent visit to the doctor, where he was advised to take a stress test." - The New York Sun
*
TO: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
FROM: speaker.shelly@assembly.gov
Governor, how did your stress test go? I hope everything is o.k.
*
FROM: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
TO: speaker.shelly@assembly.gov
HOW DID IT GO!!!!???????? I'll tell you how it went Shelly!!! I have not had it yet, that's how!!!!! I'm TOO BUSY trying to concoct a felony for my favorite Senate Majority Leader!!!!!
*
TO: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
FROM: speaker.shelly@assembly.gov
I'm sorry to hear that Governor. As you know, we can't take our health for granted.
*
FROM: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
TO: speaker.shelly@assembly.gov
DON'T tell me about my health Shelly!!!!!! I'm from THE BRONX and we can go right now if you want!!!!!!!
*
TO: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
FROM: speaker.shelly@assembly.gov
Governor, I'm sorry if I upset you. Btw, do you always use so many exclamation points when you email? That may be indicative of a high stress level.
*
FROM: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
TO: speaker.shelly@assembly.gov
YES I DO!!!!!! Do you know who I am? Do you!!!!!!!??????? And don't you email me back Shelly!!! I can't commit any high crimes or misdemeanors with you bothering me about a stress test!!!!!! And you're finished!!!!!!!!!!!
*
TO: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
FROM: speaker.shelly@assembly.gov
Governor, how did your stress test go? I hope everything is o.k.
*
FROM: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
TO: speaker.shelly@assembly.gov
HOW DID IT GO!!!!???????? I'll tell you how it went Shelly!!! I have not had it yet, that's how!!!!! I'm TOO BUSY trying to concoct a felony for my favorite Senate Majority Leader!!!!!
*
TO: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
FROM: speaker.shelly@assembly.gov
I'm sorry to hear that Governor. As you know, we can't take our health for granted.
*
FROM: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
TO: speaker.shelly@assembly.gov
DON'T tell me about my health Shelly!!!!!! I'm from THE BRONX and we can go right now if you want!!!!!!!
*
TO: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
FROM: speaker.shelly@assembly.gov
Governor, I'm sorry if I upset you. Btw, do you always use so many exclamation points when you email? That may be indicative of a high stress level.
*
FROM: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
TO: speaker.shelly@assembly.gov
YES I DO!!!!!! Do you know who I am? Do you!!!!!!!??????? And don't you email me back Shelly!!! I can't commit any high crimes or misdemeanors with you bothering me about a stress test!!!!!! And you're finished!!!!!!!!!!!
Government Nanny Cuomo Takes On Joe Camel
New York is losing population, property taxes continue to escalate, job creation is damaged by the overall burden of taxation and the upstate economy has become so unrecognizable and separate from the downstate economy it may as well be Maine.
Yet, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and his party have other priorities. He's suing R.J. Reynolds because the company allegedly violated the 1998 national Tobacco Master Settlement by marketing Joe Camel in a different form.
"R.J. Reynolds is trying to use cartoons and popular music to lure young people into a lifelong addiction to smoking,” Cuomo huffed in a news release. “We will not allow this corporation’s clear and continuous disregard for the law and for the health of young people to go unchecked.”
Government Nanny Cuomo must think New York's parents are too stupid and irresponsible to raise their children without a cartoon talking them into being a lifelong smoker. And Government Nanny Cuomo is also unfamiliar with the concepts of personal responsibility and free will.
The Empire State is now an enfeebled state, and the Attorney General decides it's time to sue an advertising cartoon that existed from 1987 to 1997. It's so absurd it should be an Onion story.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Eliot Spitzer's Green Distraction
Today, Governor Eliot Spitzer and numerous elected Democrats announced their opposition to the relicensing of the Indian Point nuclear power plant because of the "threat of terrorism."
Yes, the threat of terrorism. From the same freshman Governor who wanted to provide tens of thousands of illegal aliens with driver's licenses, which would have created a new path to another September 11, 2001.
Notwithstanding the fact that the Governor's predecessor George Pataki appeased virtually every carbon-counting green kook left in the state, what are New Yorkers supposed to do to meet their energy needs?
Eliot Spitzer's party is the reason why the United States has not built a new oil refinery in thirty years. Eliot Spitzer's party opposes drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. In fact, there is likely not a single, solitary square foot in the United States and our coastal waters where the party of Eliot Spitzer would drill for oil.
Eliot Spitzer's party opposes the excavation of coal. Eliot Spitzer's party opposes the construction of wind farms because the Kennedys and other wealthy families believe they're eye-sores. If it were up to the Luddites in Eliot Spitzer's party, New Yorkers would be rubbing two wooden sticks together to stay warm.
This announcement has nothing to do with terrorism or nuclear power. It's about raw politics. Governor Spitzer continues to grovel before the hard Democrat left as his character and competence are questioned in the wake of using the State Police in an attempt to destroy the career of Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno.
Govenor Spitzer's ethics, or lack thereof, and the sleazy behavior of his top aides will be in the public spotlight for at least another year, at a minimum. The Governor needs to create as many distractions as possible. Attacking Indian Point is one distraction among many to come.
Yes, the threat of terrorism. From the same freshman Governor who wanted to provide tens of thousands of illegal aliens with driver's licenses, which would have created a new path to another September 11, 2001.
Notwithstanding the fact that the Governor's predecessor George Pataki appeased virtually every carbon-counting green kook left in the state, what are New Yorkers supposed to do to meet their energy needs?
Eliot Spitzer's party is the reason why the United States has not built a new oil refinery in thirty years. Eliot Spitzer's party opposes drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. In fact, there is likely not a single, solitary square foot in the United States and our coastal waters where the party of Eliot Spitzer would drill for oil.
Eliot Spitzer's party opposes the excavation of coal. Eliot Spitzer's party opposes the construction of wind farms because the Kennedys and other wealthy families believe they're eye-sores. If it were up to the Luddites in Eliot Spitzer's party, New Yorkers would be rubbing two wooden sticks together to stay warm.
This announcement has nothing to do with terrorism or nuclear power. It's about raw politics. Governor Spitzer continues to grovel before the hard Democrat left as his character and competence are questioned in the wake of using the State Police in an attempt to destroy the career of Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno.
Govenor Spitzer's ethics, or lack thereof, and the sleazy behavior of his top aides will be in the public spotlight for at least another year, at a minimum. The Governor needs to create as many distractions as possible. Attacking Indian Point is one distraction among many to come.
Chichester Edits Statements For Accuracy
Governor Spitzer in Nick Paumgarten's New Yorker profile:
"I went up to Albany with the avowed purpose of changing the way things were done (I went up to Albany with the avowed purpose to fail to complete my first term in office). Some of the folks there don’t want us to do that (Some of the folks there don't have my collection of Haldemans, Ehrlichmans and other future felons; they're such children) . . . And so anybody who thought it was going to be pretty—and I’ll say something now that I probably shouldn’t (I say ten or twelve things every day I probably shouldn't).
"It's not because I've had two sips of wine (when I have a full glass of wine there's usually another investigation and grand jury on the way). Editorial boards desperately want reform but yet desperately don’t want the discomfort of seeing people fighting. And so there is a sort of a schizophrenia . They see us fighting and they say, ‘Can’t you guys get along?’ Well, the answer is, you know, maybe not (I won't be attending Governor-Elect Andrew Cuomo's Inauguration on January 1, 2011).
"I went up to Albany with the avowed purpose of changing the way things were done (I went up to Albany with the avowed purpose to fail to complete my first term in office). Some of the folks there don’t want us to do that (Some of the folks there don't have my collection of Haldemans, Ehrlichmans and other future felons; they're such children) . . . And so anybody who thought it was going to be pretty—and I’ll say something now that I probably shouldn’t (I say ten or twelve things every day I probably shouldn't).
"It's not because I've had two sips of wine (when I have a full glass of wine there's usually another investigation and grand jury on the way). Editorial boards desperately want reform but yet desperately don’t want the discomfort of seeing people fighting. And so there is a sort of a schizophrenia . They see us fighting and they say, ‘Can’t you guys get along?’ Well, the answer is, you know, maybe not (I won't be attending Governor-Elect Andrew Cuomo's Inauguration on January 1, 2011).
Chichester Illustrated: Ron Paul's Supporters
Note: At this site, you can buy your candidate the same high-quality, white canvass model that you enjoy (it looks like you may need to speak a Slavic language since it's located in a Kiev laboratorium, which is the perfect place for you).
Uh, Cleaning, You Know, Up Hillary's Quotes
Her quote wasn't reported accurately by the print media, yet again, but when asked if Senator Obama's lack of character was a factor in the race, Senator Clinton said:
". . . it's beginning to look a lot like that. You know, it really is. Where you can't get a straight answer on health care; where somebody who runs on, uh, uh, ethics, and, and, uh, you know, not taking money from certain people is found out to have at least skirted, if not violated the FEC rules."
". . . it's beginning to look a lot like that. You know, it really is. Where you can't get a straight answer on health care; where somebody who runs on, uh, uh, ethics, and, and, uh, you know, not taking money from certain people is found out to have at least skirted, if not violated the FEC rules."
Sunday, December 2, 2007
The Incompetent: Governor Mike Huckabee
Meet Wayne Dumond, who remains largely unknown to Republican primary voters. Dumond, however, is well-known to Arkansans, and the grieving families of Ashley Stevens and Carol Shields.
In 1972, Dumond was arrested in the beating death of an Oklahoma man, but not charged. The following year, he was arrested for sexually assaulting a teenage girl in Oregon, and placed on probation. In 1976 he was arrested for raping an Arkansas woman, but the case did not proceed to trial because the woman, in fear, did not press charges. In August, 1985 Dumond raped 17-year-old Ashley Stevens, a cheerleader from Forrest City, Arkansas. A jury sentenced Dumond to life plus 20 years in prison.
On August 29, 1996 the Arkansas Parole Board denied Dumond parole by a vote of 4-1. Two months later on October 31, 1996 then-Governor Mike Huckabee met with the Board in Executive Session, an apparent violation of the Arkansas open meetings law, and urged them to release Dumond because he believed DNA evidence exonerated him.
“The governor commented that Wayne Dumond had received, from his perspective, a raw deal, that he was someone from the wrong side of the tracks ... and that he had received what he thought was too long a sentence for that type of crime,” said Board member Dr. Charles Chastain, who was present.
On January 17, 1997, the Board reversed itself and voted 4-1 to parole Dumond. Gov. Huckabee released a statement in full support of the vote: “I concur with the board’s action and hope the lives of all those involved can move forward."
In addition, Huckabee wrote Dumond directly. In a "Dear Wayne" letter Huckabee asserted, "My desire is that you be released from prison. I feel now that parole is the best way for your reintegration into society." Dumond was paroled in October, 1999.
On September 20, 2000 Dumond sexually assaulted and murdered 39-year-old Carol Shields of Parkville, Missouri in her apartment. Police discovered Dumond's DNA under the victim's fingernails. He was sentenced to life in prison by Judge Larry Harman after a six-day trial. Dumond called Harman's sentence "ludicrous, nonsensical, stupid and ignorant." He died in prison two years ago.
These facts, in great disturbing detail, have been meticulously documented by the Arkansas Times, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, National Review and other publications. All it takes is a "Wayne Dumond" Google to find one sordid development after another, as well as Huckabee's lies and his Hope, Arkansas Clintonesque bumbling explanations.
Yet, here Mike Huckabee sits atop the latest Iowa Caucus polls.
Republicans seemingly enjoy his flippant and superficial one-liners in response to serious public policy questions. Religious conservatives are in a fog of indifference regarding any issue outside Huckabee's opposition to abortion and gay marriage. The mainstream media have not challenged his failed Arkansas record, and neither have his competitors because he was thought to be a mere nuisance candidate with no money. That will change. Very soon.
Mike Huckabee should be a joke of a presidential candidate based solely upon his incompetent coddling of a rapist and murderer like Wayne Dumond. There is no excuse, no rationalization, no legitimate reason in defense of Huckabee's determination to free Dumond. Absolutely none. He has the blood of Carol Shields on his hands. Figuratively. But it's still blood.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Shameless Hillary Clinton
Dear Hillary,
"It affected me not only because these were my staff members and volunteers, but as a mother, it was just a horrible sense of bewilderment, confusion, outrage, frustration, anger, everything at the same time."
That's what you said yesterday after the hostage situation in one of your New Hampshire campaign offices ended.
In case Democrat primary voters missed it the first time, you also trotted out one of your aides to speak to ABC News anonymously.
"She said, as a mother, she would want to see Chelsea immediately if she were in that situation."
What a self-serving, soccer mom-pandering, political statement. You should be ashamed.
"As a mother."
You couldn't resist yet another round of unseemly gender politics. It doesn't matter that you're a mother. It wouldn't if you were a father, or childless. Because you're a mother does not provide you with the skill or temperament to withstand a hostage negotiation, even a brief one. It certainly did not equip you with the emotional capacity to avoid sounding like you needed a sedative and a seat opposite Dr. Phil.
You did not have a day in the life of Golda Meir yesterday. Guess what? Prime Minister Meir never married. It certainly didn't prevent her from leading Israel during Operation Wrath of God and the Yom Kippur War.
In a few hours, a mentally ill man who had been drinking for 48 hours with road flares duct-tapped to his body created a "horrible sense of bewilderment, confusion, outrage, frustration, anger, everything at the same time" for you. Just wait until you have to confront al-Qaeda. Or Iran. Or Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad and other fanatics.
If you're elected president and our country is the victim of another September 11, 2001-style attack, I'm sure all Americans will be reassured when you address our country from the Oval Office "as a mother." Because that's certainly a quality Americans need in a Commander-In-Chief while we're fighting a global war against Islamofascism.
As a son,
Chris
"It affected me not only because these were my staff members and volunteers, but as a mother, it was just a horrible sense of bewilderment, confusion, outrage, frustration, anger, everything at the same time."
That's what you said yesterday after the hostage situation in one of your New Hampshire campaign offices ended.
In case Democrat primary voters missed it the first time, you also trotted out one of your aides to speak to ABC News anonymously.
"She said, as a mother, she would want to see Chelsea immediately if she were in that situation."
What a self-serving, soccer mom-pandering, political statement. You should be ashamed.
"As a mother."
You couldn't resist yet another round of unseemly gender politics. It doesn't matter that you're a mother. It wouldn't if you were a father, or childless. Because you're a mother does not provide you with the skill or temperament to withstand a hostage negotiation, even a brief one. It certainly did not equip you with the emotional capacity to avoid sounding like you needed a sedative and a seat opposite Dr. Phil.
You did not have a day in the life of Golda Meir yesterday. Guess what? Prime Minister Meir never married. It certainly didn't prevent her from leading Israel during Operation Wrath of God and the Yom Kippur War.
In a few hours, a mentally ill man who had been drinking for 48 hours with road flares duct-tapped to his body created a "horrible sense of bewilderment, confusion, outrage, frustration, anger, everything at the same time" for you. Just wait until you have to confront al-Qaeda. Or Iran. Or Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad and other fanatics.
If you're elected president and our country is the victim of another September 11, 2001-style attack, I'm sure all Americans will be reassured when you address our country from the Oval Office "as a mother." Because that's certainly a quality Americans need in a Commander-In-Chief while we're fighting a global war against Islamofascism.
As a son,
Chris
Friday, November 30, 2007
Chichester's Teddy Bear Collection
Meet my Teddy Bears. From left to right: William, Stephen, Christopher Jr. and Muhammad. How does that sound you lunatics?
"The Kingdom"
They are monsters living in a desert.
According to ABC News:
"Floggings in Saudi Arabia typically take place Thursday nights outside of prisons or marketplaces. The accused is shackled and sometimes permitted to wear a single layer of clothing, like the popular Saudi tunic or dishdash.
"A police officer administers the lashes with a bamboo whip about 7 feet long. Under his arm, the officer will typically hold a copy of the Koran in order to regulate the power with which he can whip the accused."
This brutality is what awaits "the Girl From Qatif," the 19-year-old Saudi rape victim who was sentenced to six months in prison and 200 lashes for inviting her attack because she was in a parked car with a man who was not a relative.
Where is the strong condemnation of this disgusting crime committed by Saudi government thugs directly from President George W. Bush? Hardly a word.
The president of the United States can't pay attention to every human rights violation, says the skeptic.
Yes, he can.
Because in his second Inaugural address President Bush told the world the United States of America is for freedom. Everywhere. For everyone.
"The Kingdom" of Saudi Arabia is a neo-Nazi paradise. There are no political parties, no national elections, no rights endowed by our Creator.
"The Kingdom" amputates hands and feet after show trials. Their schools indoctrinate children with hate. Fifteen of the 19 terrorists who attacked our country on September 11, 2001 were from Saudi Arabia.
Merely being in a car with an unrelated male is a crime for a woman in "The Kingdom." She gets 90 lashes for it. She's a gang rape victim and because she spoke about it publicly the sentence is now 200 lashes and six months in jail from "The Kingdom's" leaders.
This is a revolting country.
Any American diplomat who describes the backward and barbaric sand trap of Saudi Arabia as "The Kingdom" should be reprimanded. Even fired.
"The Kingdom" mocks President Bush's second Inaugural. It's a minute-by-minute totalitarian state that must be shamed and humiliated into civilization as long as our United States claims it's an ally.
According to ABC News:
"Floggings in Saudi Arabia typically take place Thursday nights outside of prisons or marketplaces. The accused is shackled and sometimes permitted to wear a single layer of clothing, like the popular Saudi tunic or dishdash.
"A police officer administers the lashes with a bamboo whip about 7 feet long. Under his arm, the officer will typically hold a copy of the Koran in order to regulate the power with which he can whip the accused."
This brutality is what awaits "the Girl From Qatif," the 19-year-old Saudi rape victim who was sentenced to six months in prison and 200 lashes for inviting her attack because she was in a parked car with a man who was not a relative.
Where is the strong condemnation of this disgusting crime committed by Saudi government thugs directly from President George W. Bush? Hardly a word.
The president of the United States can't pay attention to every human rights violation, says the skeptic.
Yes, he can.
Because in his second Inaugural address President Bush told the world the United States of America is for freedom. Everywhere. For everyone.
"The Kingdom" of Saudi Arabia is a neo-Nazi paradise. There are no political parties, no national elections, no rights endowed by our Creator.
"The Kingdom" amputates hands and feet after show trials. Their schools indoctrinate children with hate. Fifteen of the 19 terrorists who attacked our country on September 11, 2001 were from Saudi Arabia.
Merely being in a car with an unrelated male is a crime for a woman in "The Kingdom." She gets 90 lashes for it. She's a gang rape victim and because she spoke about it publicly the sentence is now 200 lashes and six months in jail from "The Kingdom's" leaders.
This is a revolting country.
Any American diplomat who describes the backward and barbaric sand trap of Saudi Arabia as "The Kingdom" should be reprimanded. Even fired.
"The Kingdom" mocks President Bush's second Inaugural. It's a minute-by-minute totalitarian state that must be shamed and humiliated into civilization as long as our United States claims it's an ally.
"Presidential" Hillary
It didn't take long before Hillary was praised for her remarks following the end of the hostage situation at her Rochester, New Hampshire campaign office. On Nutball Hardball with Chris Matthews CQ's Craig Crawford said she appeared "presidential." It was echoed by The Politico's Roger Simon, who said she "looked terrific" and "was presidential." And Amy Sullivan of Time magazine said she "sounded very presidential." Nutball Matthews, of course, agreed with them all.
Any human who believes Hillary's bland remarks, which were punctuated by multiple "uhs" as usual, amount to a presidential performance should be banned from television punditry for life. This soon-to-be forgettable event is completely irrelevant in judging presidential ability and leadership.
Hillary, though, loves it. She gets to turn it into a plus and politicize it, which she's already done by praising "young people" who work in campaigns. She's running up to New Hampshire tomorrow to thank law enforcement. And she gets to play a victim. Again.
Any human who believes Hillary's bland remarks, which were punctuated by multiple "uhs" as usual, amount to a presidential performance should be banned from television punditry for life. This soon-to-be forgettable event is completely irrelevant in judging presidential ability and leadership.
Hillary, though, loves it. She gets to turn it into a plus and politicize it, which she's already done by praising "young people" who work in campaigns. She's running up to New Hampshire tomorrow to thank law enforcement. And she gets to play a victim. Again.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The Godfather IV: How Gov. Spitzer Caved
Hillary: My credit good enough to buy you out?
Eliot: Buy me out?
Hillary: The driver's licenses. The Clinton family wants to buy you out.
Eliot: The Clinton family wants to buy me out? No, I buy you out, you don't buy me out.
Hillary: Your proposal loses votes. Maybe we can do better.
Eliot: You think I'm skimmin' off the top, Hillary?
Hillary: You're unlucky.
Eliot: You goddamn Arkansans really make me laugh. I do you a favor and take Bill in when you're having a bad time, and now you're gonna try and push me out!
Hillary: Wait a minute. You took Bill in because the Clinton family bankrolled your campaign because the Kennedy family on the coast guaranteed his safety. Now, we're talking business, let's talk business.
Eliot: Yeah, let's talk business, Hillary. First of all, you're all done. The Clinton family don't even have that kind of muscle anymore. The Godfather's sick, right? You're getting chased out of New York by Obama and the other families. What do you think is going on here? You think you can come to my state and take over? I talked to Obama. I can make a deal with him, and still keep my driver's licenses!
Hillary: Is that why you slapped my husband around in public?
Bill: Aw, now that, that was nothin' Hillary. Eliot didn't mean nothin' by that. Yeah, sure he flies off the handle every once in a while, but me and him, we're good friends, right Eliot?
Eliot: I got a business to run. I gotta kick asses sometimes to make it run right. We had a little argument, Billy and me, so I had to straighten him out.
Hillary: You straightened my husband out?
Eliot: He was banging cocktail waitresses two at a time! Players couldn't get a drink at the table! What's the matter with you?
Hillary: I leave for New York tomorrow, think about a price.
Eliot: Son of a bitch! Do you know who I am? I'm Eliot Spitzer! I made my bones when you were going out with quarterbacks!
Bill: Wait a minute, Eliot, Eliot. I got an idea. Jimmy, you're the Consiglieri and you can talk to the Don. You can explain.
Jimmy Carter: Just a minute, now. The Don is semi-retired and Hillary is in charge of the Family business now. If you have anything to say, say it to Hillary.
(Eliot exits)
Bill: Hillary you do not come to Las Vegas and talk to a man like Eliot Spitzer like that before the debate tomorrow!
Hillary: Bill, you're my husband, and I love you. But don't ever take sides with anyone against the Family again. Ever.
Eliot: Buy me out?
Hillary: The driver's licenses. The Clinton family wants to buy you out.
Eliot: The Clinton family wants to buy me out? No, I buy you out, you don't buy me out.
Hillary: Your proposal loses votes. Maybe we can do better.
Eliot: You think I'm skimmin' off the top, Hillary?
Hillary: You're unlucky.
Eliot: You goddamn Arkansans really make me laugh. I do you a favor and take Bill in when you're having a bad time, and now you're gonna try and push me out!
Hillary: Wait a minute. You took Bill in because the Clinton family bankrolled your campaign because the Kennedy family on the coast guaranteed his safety. Now, we're talking business, let's talk business.
Eliot: Yeah, let's talk business, Hillary. First of all, you're all done. The Clinton family don't even have that kind of muscle anymore. The Godfather's sick, right? You're getting chased out of New York by Obama and the other families. What do you think is going on here? You think you can come to my state and take over? I talked to Obama. I can make a deal with him, and still keep my driver's licenses!
Hillary: Is that why you slapped my husband around in public?
Bill: Aw, now that, that was nothin' Hillary. Eliot didn't mean nothin' by that. Yeah, sure he flies off the handle every once in a while, but me and him, we're good friends, right Eliot?
Eliot: I got a business to run. I gotta kick asses sometimes to make it run right. We had a little argument, Billy and me, so I had to straighten him out.
Hillary: You straightened my husband out?
Eliot: He was banging cocktail waitresses two at a time! Players couldn't get a drink at the table! What's the matter with you?
Hillary: I leave for New York tomorrow, think about a price.
Eliot: Son of a bitch! Do you know who I am? I'm Eliot Spitzer! I made my bones when you were going out with quarterbacks!
Bill: Wait a minute, Eliot, Eliot. I got an idea. Jimmy, you're the Consiglieri and you can talk to the Don. You can explain.
Jimmy Carter: Just a minute, now. The Don is semi-retired and Hillary is in charge of the Family business now. If you have anything to say, say it to Hillary.
(Eliot exits)
Bill: Hillary you do not come to Las Vegas and talk to a man like Eliot Spitzer like that before the debate tomorrow!
Hillary: Bill, you're my husband, and I love you. But don't ever take sides with anyone against the Family again. Ever.
Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-September 10, 2001)
Dear Jerry,
You embody why our elected officials fail to fulfill their sworn Federal duties.
Yesterday, you were asked about Governor Eliot Spitzer's abandoned proposal to provide driver's licenses to illegal aliens. You said:
"I haven't studied enough of the details . . . This is a state matter. I'm not going to say what they should do . . . It's clearly a hot potato in the sense that it's a very sensitive issue for everybody."
Jerry, are you aware of what happened in your city, the city I was born in, on September 11, 2001?
You haven't studied enough of the details Jerry? Why not? You represent over 600,000 New Yorkers, and it's been two months since the Governor announced his new, now failed, policy.
This is a state matter? Of course it is. A New York state matter. What state do you live in Jerry? North Dakota?
You're not going to say what "they" should do? Who exactly is the "they" you're referring to Jerry? It would be your fellow New Yorkers leading our state government.
It's a very sensitive issue for everybody? Thanks for providing the obvious. Why didn't you have the decency, the integrity and the honesty to state your position if this is a "sensitive issue" Jerry?
I'll tell you why. Because you're hoping Hillary is elected President and you want Governor Spitzer to appoint you to her Senate seat. You can't score political points with the Governor and his new generation of Haldemans and Ehrlichmans on the Capitol's second floor if you criticized his scheme. So it was politically convenient for you to just shut up since you know how to read the polls.
You're a member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. Do you believe giving driver's licenses to illegal aliens is directly related to crime, terrorism and homeland security Jerry?
When you were sworn in last January you said:
"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter."
Yesterday, you exemplified purpose of evasion. You ignored all enemies, foreign and domestic. You didn't well and faithfully discharge the duties of your office.
You deliberately chose to say nothing when presented with a dangerous and irresponsible idea that could lead to another horrific terrorist attack in our country. And in your city. You should be ashamed of your craven silence.
Chris
You embody why our elected officials fail to fulfill their sworn Federal duties.
Yesterday, you were asked about Governor Eliot Spitzer's abandoned proposal to provide driver's licenses to illegal aliens. You said:
"I haven't studied enough of the details . . . This is a state matter. I'm not going to say what they should do . . . It's clearly a hot potato in the sense that it's a very sensitive issue for everybody."
Jerry, are you aware of what happened in your city, the city I was born in, on September 11, 2001?
You haven't studied enough of the details Jerry? Why not? You represent over 600,000 New Yorkers, and it's been two months since the Governor announced his new, now failed, policy.
This is a state matter? Of course it is. A New York state matter. What state do you live in Jerry? North Dakota?
You're not going to say what "they" should do? Who exactly is the "they" you're referring to Jerry? It would be your fellow New Yorkers leading our state government.
It's a very sensitive issue for everybody? Thanks for providing the obvious. Why didn't you have the decency, the integrity and the honesty to state your position if this is a "sensitive issue" Jerry?
I'll tell you why. Because you're hoping Hillary is elected President and you want Governor Spitzer to appoint you to her Senate seat. You can't score political points with the Governor and his new generation of Haldemans and Ehrlichmans on the Capitol's second floor if you criticized his scheme. So it was politically convenient for you to just shut up since you know how to read the polls.
You're a member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. Do you believe giving driver's licenses to illegal aliens is directly related to crime, terrorism and homeland security Jerry?
When you were sworn in last January you said:
"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter."
Yesterday, you exemplified purpose of evasion. You ignored all enemies, foreign and domestic. You didn't well and faithfully discharge the duties of your office.
You deliberately chose to say nothing when presented with a dangerous and irresponsible idea that could lead to another horrific terrorist attack in our country. And in your city. You should be ashamed of your craven silence.
Chris
How Hillary Dishes Obama Dirt
WASHINGTON — Columnist Robert Novak stood by his story Monday that the Clinton campaign is spreading the word that it's holding back on dishing dirt on Barack Obama, and charged the Democratic frontrunner with playing "Nixon tricks."
(Clinton campaign staff meeting, November 13, 2007)
Hillary: Hey, listen to this - the Illinoisan wants to talk. Eh, imagine the nerve of the son of a bitch, eh? Craps out last night, and wants a meetin' today before the Iowa Caucuses.
Tom Haden: What did he say?
Hillary: What did he say - badda-beep, badda-bap, badda-boop, badda-beep - He wants to send Bill here to proposition and the promise is, that the deal is so good, that we can't refuse. Eh.
Tom Haden: What about Eliot Spitzer?
Hillary: That's part of the deal. Spitzer cancels out what they did to my husband.
Tom: Hillary, we ought to hear what they have to say.
Hillary: No, no, no! Not this time, consiglieri. No more meetin's, no more discussions, no more Obama tricks. You give'em one message: I want Obama. If not, it's all out war. We go to the mattresses.
Tom: Some of the other families won't sit still for all-out war.
Hillary: Then they hand me Obama!
Tom: Your husband doesn't want to hear this! This is business, not personal, Hillary!
Hillary: They push polled my husband. That's not business? Your ass.
Tom: Even the push polling of your husband was business, not personal, Hillary.
Hillary: Well, then, business will have to suffer, alright? And listen, do me a favor, Tom, no more advice on how to patch things up. Just help me win, please, alright?
Tom: I found out about this Captain McCluskey who broke Bill's jaw.
Hillary: What about 'im?
Tom: Now he's definitely on Obama's payroll, and for big money. McCluskey has agreed to be the Illinoisan's body guard. You have to understand, Hillary, is that while Obama is being guarded like this, he is invulnerable. Now nobody has ever swift boated a New York police captain. It would be disastrous. All the Five Families would come after you, Hillary. The Clinton Family would be outcasts! Even the old man's political protection would run for cover. So do me a favor, take this into consideration.
Hillary: Alright, we'll wait.
Bill: We can't wait.
Hillary: Huh?
Bill: We can't wait. I don't care what Obama says about a deal, he's gonna swift boat Pop, that's it. That's the key for him. Gotta get Obama.
Carvilleamenza: Hillary's right.
Hillary: Lemme ask you something, Professor, I mean - what about McCluskey? Huh? What do we do with this cop here?
[Bill sitting with his hands on the chair's arms]
Bill: They wanna have a meeting with me, right? It will be me, McCluskey and Obama. Let's set the meeting. Get our informers to find out where it's gonna be held. Now, we insist it's a public place. A bar, a restaurant. Some place where there's people so I feel safe. They're gonna search me when I first meet them, right, so I can't have a poll on me then. But if Carvilleamenza can figure a way to have a poll planted there for me -- then I'll swift boat 'em both.
[Carvilleamenza, Ickes and Hillary laugh. Tom shrugs]
Hillary: Hey, whataya gonna do, nice college boy, eh? Didn't want to get mixed up in the Family business, huh? Now you wanna swift boat a police captain, why, because he slapped ya in the face a little bit? Hah? What do you think this is the Army, where you swift boat'em a mile away? You've gotta get up close like this and bada-bing! you blow their cross-tabs all over your nice Ivy League suit. Come're...
[Kisses Bill's head]
Bill: Hillary . . .
Hillary: You're taking this very personal. Tom, this is business and this man is taking it very, very personal.
Bill: Where does it say that you can't swift boat a cop?
Tom: Come on, Billy.
Bill: Tom, wait a minute. I'm talking about a cop - that's mixed up in drugs. I'm talking about, ah, - ah - a dishonest cop - a crooked cop who got mixed up in the rackets and got what was coming to him. That's a terrific story. And we have newspaper people on the payroll, don't we Tom? And they might like a story like that.
Tom: They might, they just might.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Gov. Spitzer's New N.Y. Driver's License Test
1) Are you a terrorist who illegally entered the United States of America?
A. Yes.
B. No.
If you answered "yes" please proceed to the next question.
2) Governor Eliot Spitzer thanks you for being honest. Do you plan to vote for him when he runs for re-election?
A. Yes.
B. No.
C. Only if you can learn to fly a commercial airliner.
3) A white painted curb means:
A. Loading zone for your automatic weapons.
B. Loading zone for your improvised explosive devices.
C. Loading zone for your rocket-propelled grenade launchers.
4) Which of these vehicles must always stop before crossing the Long Island Railroad tracks?
A. Your tank.
B. Your truck towing enriched uranium.
C. Any vehicle with your favorite machine gun mounted upon it.
5) There is a crosswalk and you see a pedestrian preparing to cross. You should:
A. Motion for the pedestrian to cross with your AK-47.
B. Dismount your vehicle and organize a stoning of the pedestrian since she was showing ankle.
C. Scream "death to America" at the pedestrian as you pass.
6) New York's driving while intoxicated law states upon a first conviction the penalty will be:
A. $350 fine and probation.
B. Chopping off your right hand.
C. Your public hanging.
D. You hope it's B and C.
7) In parallel parking, the wheels should be how far from the curb?
A. Within one foot of your handgun.
B. Within two feet of your knife.
C. Within 18 inches of 72 virgins.
8) If you decide to become an organ donor, what patient do you most want to receive your organs?
A. Osama bin-Laden.
B. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
C. Salman Rushdie.
D. One of the 72 virgins you mistakenly thought you'd meet. Damn.
9) What message is seen on a red octagon-shaped sign?
A. Stop.
B. Stop Blowing Yourself Up.
C. Death To The Infidels.
10) The speed limit in Tehran and Damascus is:
A. 55 MPH.
B. 50 MPH.
C. Hamas and Hezbollah never told you.
D. You'll have to check with Governor Spitzer.
A. Yes.
B. No.
If you answered "yes" please proceed to the next question.
2) Governor Eliot Spitzer thanks you for being honest. Do you plan to vote for him when he runs for re-election?
A. Yes.
B. No.
C. Only if you can learn to fly a commercial airliner.
3) A white painted curb means:
A. Loading zone for your automatic weapons.
B. Loading zone for your improvised explosive devices.
C. Loading zone for your rocket-propelled grenade launchers.
4) Which of these vehicles must always stop before crossing the Long Island Railroad tracks?
A. Your tank.
B. Your truck towing enriched uranium.
C. Any vehicle with your favorite machine gun mounted upon it.
5) There is a crosswalk and you see a pedestrian preparing to cross. You should:
A. Motion for the pedestrian to cross with your AK-47.
B. Dismount your vehicle and organize a stoning of the pedestrian since she was showing ankle.
C. Scream "death to America" at the pedestrian as you pass.
6) New York's driving while intoxicated law states upon a first conviction the penalty will be:
A. $350 fine and probation.
B. Chopping off your right hand.
C. Your public hanging.
D. You hope it's B and C.
7) In parallel parking, the wheels should be how far from the curb?
A. Within one foot of your handgun.
B. Within two feet of your knife.
C. Within 18 inches of 72 virgins.
8) If you decide to become an organ donor, what patient do you most want to receive your organs?
A. Osama bin-Laden.
B. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
C. Salman Rushdie.
D. One of the 72 virgins you mistakenly thought you'd meet. Damn.
9) What message is seen on a red octagon-shaped sign?
A. Stop.
B. Stop Blowing Yourself Up.
C. Death To The Infidels.
10) The speed limit in Tehran and Damascus is:
A. 55 MPH.
B. 50 MPH.
C. Hamas and Hezbollah never told you.
D. You'll have to check with Governor Spitzer.
Hillary
Dear New Yorkers,
You've been used.
Without your votes in 2000 and 2006, Hillary is a private citizen. Or hustled residents of another state to elect her to the United States Senate.
She is embarrassing you. Frequently.
Your junior Senator can't even answer a simple and straightforward question about illegal aliens obtaining driver's licenses.
Your junior Senator has her campaign aides plant scripted questions at public events because she can't answer tough, unscripted questions.
Your junior Senator debases presidential campaigning with lowest-common denominator appeals to her gender. Vote for Hillary since she's a woman. That's her latest message, if you have not noticed. You should be offended by such crassness.
You've been used.
It matters where you come from and what you've experienced when you aspire to the highest level of American politics. Our elected officials must understand and identify with the people they represent. Yet, you didn't give a damn about it. Twice.
"Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Senator from New York . . ."
How many times have you heard that phrase over the last seven years? It's still incomprehensible, to me, that she represents New York.
We're Ellis Island, the Erie Canal, Bay Ridge, Lake Placid and Cooperstown. She's Chicago, Park Ridge, Wellesley, Yale and Arkansas.
You've been used.
You're merely another stepping stone in a manipulative and conniving career. You've turned us into the new Rose Law Firm. Except we're a state. A former great state that continues to decline.
When the new census is completed we're going to lose 2-4 seats in the House of Representatives. She will have done nothing to stop that from happening.
You can still atone. By voting against her. But you won't.
You've been used.
Love, Chris
You've been used.
Without your votes in 2000 and 2006, Hillary is a private citizen. Or hustled residents of another state to elect her to the United States Senate.
She is embarrassing you. Frequently.
Your junior Senator can't even answer a simple and straightforward question about illegal aliens obtaining driver's licenses.
Your junior Senator has her campaign aides plant scripted questions at public events because she can't answer tough, unscripted questions.
Your junior Senator debases presidential campaigning with lowest-common denominator appeals to her gender. Vote for Hillary since she's a woman. That's her latest message, if you have not noticed. You should be offended by such crassness.
You've been used.
It matters where you come from and what you've experienced when you aspire to the highest level of American politics. Our elected officials must understand and identify with the people they represent. Yet, you didn't give a damn about it. Twice.
"Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Senator from New York . . ."
How many times have you heard that phrase over the last seven years? It's still incomprehensible, to me, that she represents New York.
We're Ellis Island, the Erie Canal, Bay Ridge, Lake Placid and Cooperstown. She's Chicago, Park Ridge, Wellesley, Yale and Arkansas.
You've been used.
You're merely another stepping stone in a manipulative and conniving career. You've turned us into the new Rose Law Firm. Except we're a state. A former great state that continues to decline.
When the new census is completed we're going to lose 2-4 seats in the House of Representatives. She will have done nothing to stop that from happening.
You can still atone. By voting against her. But you won't.
You've been used.
Love, Chris
Fastball Sean Hannity
Predicting Hannity's future questions for the Republican presidential candidates:
* Governor Romney, if you had a puppy what would you name him?
* Mayor Giuliani, what's your favorite color?
* Senator Thompson, were you deeply disappointed to not be nominated for the Academy Award after your performance in The Hunt For Red October since it's the best movie ever made?
* Senator McCain, is the Navy uniform you once wore just the coolest uniform ever?
* Governor Huckabee, as a Baptist minister, do you believe the Bible is the greatest book ever written?
* Congressman Hunter, why shouldn't Hillary Clinton be our next President?
* Congressman Tancredo, is crossing our border illegally a bad thing for our country?
* Congressman Paul, when you appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno how presidential was it when you were standing next to the Sex Pistols since you're an Anything Goes libertarian nut job with a big anti-Semite following that you never disavow?
* Governor Romney, if you had a puppy what would you name him?
* Mayor Giuliani, what's your favorite color?
* Senator Thompson, were you deeply disappointed to not be nominated for the Academy Award after your performance in The Hunt For Red October since it's the best movie ever made?
* Senator McCain, is the Navy uniform you once wore just the coolest uniform ever?
* Governor Huckabee, as a Baptist minister, do you believe the Bible is the greatest book ever written?
* Congressman Hunter, why shouldn't Hillary Clinton be our next President?
* Congressman Tancredo, is crossing our border illegally a bad thing for our country?
* Congressman Paul, when you appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno how presidential was it when you were standing next to the Sex Pistols since you're an Anything Goes libertarian nut job with a big anti-Semite following that you never disavow?
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
"Why would somebody be so stupid . . ."
Liz Benjamin reports our Governor would be.
Assemblyman Jack McEneny:
"It's a really sad case. This thing with the driver's licenses, for example. Why would somebody be so stupid as to go out with that right before the election? It was ineptly done and done in such a way as to divide the conference and divide county committees...Even Mrs. Clinton got dragged into it. He loves putting people into no-win positions, and there are those who feel he'd be a lot happier if [Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver] had 99 seats instead of 108 because it wouldn't be a veto-proof Assembly any more."
Assemblyman Jack McEneny:
"It's a really sad case. This thing with the driver's licenses, for example. Why would somebody be so stupid as to go out with that right before the election? It was ineptly done and done in such a way as to divide the conference and divide county committees...Even Mrs. Clinton got dragged into it. He loves putting people into no-win positions, and there are those who feel he'd be a lot happier if [Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver] had 99 seats instead of 108 because it wouldn't be a veto-proof Assembly any more."
Monday, November 5, 2007
Gov. Spitzer, Popular As Ever
“I do not support the governor’s plan to give driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. I have a problem with that , ladies and gentlemen.” - Erie County Clerk Kathleen C. Hochul.
"I don't think he satisfied anybody , plain and simple. The people who supported him originally are upset and the people who opposed him aren't appeased. So, I don't know what he accomplished." - Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
“We’ve been to hell. Are we coming back?" - Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow.
"I don't think he satisfied anybody , plain and simple. The people who supported him originally are upset and the people who opposed him aren't appeased. So, I don't know what he accomplished." - Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
“We’ve been to hell. Are we coming back?" - Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow.
Chichester Obtains Hillary-Spitzer E-Mail
TO: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
FROM: Hillary@senate.gov
Hello Eliot.
I hope you understand I greeted you with the same voice inflection as Clemenza when he said, "Hello Carlo."
Your Mensa-level idea to hand out driver's licenses to illegal aliens has created a problem for me. Have you perhaps noticed?
*
FROM: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
TO: Hillary@senate.gov
Yes, I have noticed Hillary!!!!!!!!! It's not my fault you BLEW THE ANSWER in the debate!!!!!!!!!
*
TO: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
FROM: Hillary@senate.gov
Eliot, I know you have self-control issues and like to use multiple exclamation points and upper case letters when you e-mail. If you keep it up with me I'm going to come over to the Executive Mansion and turn you into a eunuch. Got it? Bill knows what that feels like.
*
FROM: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
TO: Hillary@senate.gov
Sorry, Hillary. I hope I'm still in consideration for VP.
*
TO: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
FROM: Hillary@senate.gov
Whatever, Eliot. You went from being the Sheriff of Wall Street to the Sheriff of Mexico. Did you see my face while Russert was grilling me? I wasn't thinking about him and his little show nobody watches. Guess who I was thinking about? You. You, Eliot. It was all about you Mr. Day One, Everything Changes.
*
FROM: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
TO: Hillary@senate.gov
Sorry, Hillary.
*
TO: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
FROM: Hillary@senate.gov
Sorry is only the beginning for you, Eliot. You're getting trashed in every staff meeting and conference call we have here. Gennifer Flowers is more popular than you are with my people now. I don't want to hear another syllable from you about illegal alien driver's licenses, or Andrew Cuomo is my new best friend and we'll primary your public relations disaster of an administration.
I even had to pivot to my vote-for-me-I'm-a-woman strategy because of you. And that Chichester character I can't stand from his empirepage.com days is making fun of me with Helen Reddy feminist songs from the 1970's.
*
FROM: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
TO: Hillary@senate.gov
Hillary, you're not going to believe this, but I accidentally came across newly-created travel logs that show you've used New York State Troopers to attend fund-raisers and other political events with no connection to your official Senate duties. I wouldn't want these records to fall into the wrong hands, or, er, you know, become public.
*
TO: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
FROM: Hillary@senate.gov
Eliot, how'd you like a lamp thrown at your head in the Mansion once I get there today? Bill knows what that feels like, too. So does my Secret Service detail. I'm the Roger Clemens of lamp-throwing wives.
*
FROM: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
TO: Hillary@senate.gov
Hillary, have you notified the Internal Revenue Service regarding taxes owed for travel to political events? I've already given them a heads up about it on your behalf.
*
TO: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
FROM: Hillary@senate.gov
Eliot, I can hardly wait to get to the Mansion so we can have a nice chat. About you, and what I think your new needs are now. It's on Eagle Street, right? And you should Google "Rick Lazio" when you have some free time to see what's in store for you.
FROM: Hillary@senate.gov
Hello Eliot.
I hope you understand I greeted you with the same voice inflection as Clemenza when he said, "Hello Carlo."
Your Mensa-level idea to hand out driver's licenses to illegal aliens has created a problem for me. Have you perhaps noticed?
*
FROM: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
TO: Hillary@senate.gov
Yes, I have noticed Hillary!!!!!!!!! It's not my fault you BLEW THE ANSWER in the debate!!!!!!!!!
*
TO: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
FROM: Hillary@senate.gov
Eliot, I know you have self-control issues and like to use multiple exclamation points and upper case letters when you e-mail. If you keep it up with me I'm going to come over to the Executive Mansion and turn you into a eunuch. Got it? Bill knows what that feels like.
*
FROM: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
TO: Hillary@senate.gov
Sorry, Hillary. I hope I'm still in consideration for VP.
*
TO: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
FROM: Hillary@senate.gov
Whatever, Eliot. You went from being the Sheriff of Wall Street to the Sheriff of Mexico. Did you see my face while Russert was grilling me? I wasn't thinking about him and his little show nobody watches. Guess who I was thinking about? You. You, Eliot. It was all about you Mr. Day One, Everything Changes.
*
FROM: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
TO: Hillary@senate.gov
Sorry, Hillary.
*
TO: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
FROM: Hillary@senate.gov
Sorry is only the beginning for you, Eliot. You're getting trashed in every staff meeting and conference call we have here. Gennifer Flowers is more popular than you are with my people now. I don't want to hear another syllable from you about illegal alien driver's licenses, or Andrew Cuomo is my new best friend and we'll primary your public relations disaster of an administration.
I even had to pivot to my vote-for-me-I'm-a-woman strategy because of you. And that Chichester character I can't stand from his empirepage.com days is making fun of me with Helen Reddy feminist songs from the 1970's.
*
FROM: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
TO: Hillary@senate.gov
Hillary, you're not going to believe this, but I accidentally came across newly-created travel logs that show you've used New York State Troopers to attend fund-raisers and other political events with no connection to your official Senate duties. I wouldn't want these records to fall into the wrong hands, or, er, you know, become public.
*
TO: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
FROM: Hillary@senate.gov
Eliot, how'd you like a lamp thrown at your head in the Mansion once I get there today? Bill knows what that feels like, too. So does my Secret Service detail. I'm the Roger Clemens of lamp-throwing wives.
*
FROM: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
TO: Hillary@senate.gov
Hillary, have you notified the Internal Revenue Service regarding taxes owed for travel to political events? I've already given them a heads up about it on your behalf.
*
TO: r.milhouse.spitzer@executive.chamber.infant.gov
FROM: Hillary@senate.gov
Eliot, I can hardly wait to get to the Mansion so we can have a nice chat. About you, and what I think your new needs are now. It's on Eagle Street, right? And you should Google "Rick Lazio" when you have some free time to see what's in store for you.
The Times "Breaking News"
The Times hyperventilated this weekend about Rudy's professional and personal relationship with Bernard Kerik. There was nothing new in this story. Let's see if Pinch and company will regurgitate Hillary's greatest hits. Her role in Whitewater, the firing of the White House Travel Office employees, her cattle futures trading, the Rose Law Firm billing records and other scandals.
Hillary's Latest Fund-Raising Letter
Dear Fellow Americans,
I am woman, hear me roar. In numbers too big to ignore. And I know too much to go back and pretend. Because I've heard it all before. And I've been down there on the floor. No one's ever gonna keep me down again.
Oh yes, I am wise. But it's wisdom born of pain. Yes, I've paid the price. But look how much I gained. If I have to, I can do anything. I am strong. Strong! I am invincible. Invincible! I am woman.
You can bend but never break me. Because it only serves to make me. More determined to achieve my final goal. And I come back even stronger. Not a novice any longer. Because you've deepened the conviction in my soul.
I am woman watch me grow. See me standing toe to toe. As I spread my lovin' arms across the land. But I'm still an embryo. With a long long way to go. Until I make my brother understand.
I am woman. I am invincible. I am strong. I am woman.
Hillary Clinton
United States Senator
I am woman, hear me roar. In numbers too big to ignore. And I know too much to go back and pretend. Because I've heard it all before. And I've been down there on the floor. No one's ever gonna keep me down again.
Oh yes, I am wise. But it's wisdom born of pain. Yes, I've paid the price. But look how much I gained. If I have to, I can do anything. I am strong. Strong! I am invincible. Invincible! I am woman.
You can bend but never break me. Because it only serves to make me. More determined to achieve my final goal. And I come back even stronger. Not a novice any longer. Because you've deepened the conviction in my soul.
I am woman watch me grow. See me standing toe to toe. As I spread my lovin' arms across the land. But I'm still an embryo. With a long long way to go. Until I make my brother understand.
I am woman. I am invincible. I am strong. I am woman.
Hillary Clinton
United States Senator
Friday, November 2, 2007
"Rather Different Personality Traits"
Gov. Spitzer described in today's Times:
"Mr. Gyory is easygoing and gentle, while Mr. Spitzer is known for rather different personality traits."
Yeah, the Times has that right.
Conniving. Check.
Ruthless. Check.
Conspiratorial. Check.
Anger Management Therapy. Check.
Hedley Lamarr's Blazing Saddles Froggy. Check.
Captain Queeg's Strawberries. Check.
Whoa. Whoa, Governor. Why the F-ing? Why in front of the kid? All ya gotta do is say "earmuffs" to him. Check.
"Mr. Gyory is easygoing and gentle, while Mr. Spitzer is known for rather different personality traits."
Yeah, the Times has that right.
Conniving. Check.
Ruthless. Check.
Conspiratorial. Check.
Anger Management Therapy. Check.
Hedley Lamarr's Blazing Saddles Froggy. Check.
Captain Queeg's Strawberries. Check.
Whoa. Whoa, Governor. Why the F-ing? Why in front of the kid? All ya gotta do is say "earmuffs" to him. Check.
On Day 305, Nothing Changes
Shortly before his Inaugural Address, Gov. Spitzer told The New York Times:
“The theme of the inaugural speech is clearly going to be that we are turning a corner. We have to think of ourselves through a different prism, both in terms of ethics and as an entire state. We have to think of ourselves as one New York and not a series of interests that are spoken to, appealed to and mollified.”
So much for the "different prism." Gov. Spitzer's administration is in disarray, and to recover he decided to hire - a super lobbyist.
“The theme of the inaugural speech is clearly going to be that we are turning a corner. We have to think of ourselves through a different prism, both in terms of ethics and as an entire state. We have to think of ourselves as one New York and not a series of interests that are spoken to, appealed to and mollified.”
So much for the "different prism." Gov. Spitzer's administration is in disarray, and to recover he decided to hire - a super lobbyist.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Howard Wolfson's C-SPAN Caller Moment
Wolfson today "clarifying" Hillary's gaffe:
"Senator Clinton supports governors like Governor Spitzer who believe they need such a measure to deal with the crisis caused by this administration's failure to pass comprehensive immigration reform. As President, her goal will be to pass comprehensive immigration reform that would make this unnecessary."
Please keep trying to explain Hillary's response last night, Howard. Especially since late this afternoon The Times reported:
"Mrs. Clinton’s advisers said that she had not studied either plan, and was not specifically endorsing either of them."
This is supposed to be a campaign juggernaut led by the finest political professionals in the Democrat party? Hillary stumbled and fumbled for an answer last night, her flack is equally incoherent and the campaign admits Hillary has no idea what's in Spitzer Scheme 1 or Spitzer Scheme 2. This bunch is Stooges-level hilarious.
"Senator Clinton supports governors like Governor Spitzer who believe they need such a measure to deal with the crisis caused by this administration's failure to pass comprehensive immigration reform. As President, her goal will be to pass comprehensive immigration reform that would make this unnecessary."
Please keep trying to explain Hillary's response last night, Howard. Especially since late this afternoon The Times reported:
"Mrs. Clinton’s advisers said that she had not studied either plan, and was not specifically endorsing either of them."
This is supposed to be a campaign juggernaut led by the finest political professionals in the Democrat party? Hillary stumbled and fumbled for an answer last night, her flack is equally incoherent and the campaign admits Hillary has no idea what's in Spitzer Scheme 1 or Spitzer Scheme 2. This bunch is Stooges-level hilarious.
Spitzer's Position On Indian Sales Taxes
Buffalo News: Spitzer backs off vow to collect Indian sales taxes
According to the News:
"Gov. Eliot L. Spitzer is backing away from a promised effort to collect taxes on the sale of cigarettes and gasoline by Indian retailers, even while the state’s budget deficit continues to rise, officials acknowledged Tuesday."
Chichester Edits Statements For Accuracy
Governor Spitzer today defending his illegal alien driver's license scheme:
"I have done precisely what the public sent me to Albany to do (I have lied to the people of New York since I hardly uttered a word about providing illegal aliens with driver's licenses during my gubernatorial campaign last year) , which is to shake and rattle the cage of a system that was not responding to a changed economy, changed circumstances. Inevitably in that context, there will be some for whom the rattling and the shaking isn’t so comfortable (if they are comfortable I'll make sure the Internal Revenue Service audits them).
“We are in the position we’re in right now because of the failure of Washington (We are in the position we're in right now because I still think it's September 10, 2001) . Washington’s immigration policies (amnesty for illegal aliens) have been a debacle (which is why we were attacked on September 11, 2001, among other reasons) .”
"I have done precisely what the public sent me to Albany to do (I have lied to the people of New York since I hardly uttered a word about providing illegal aliens with driver's licenses during my gubernatorial campaign last year) , which is to shake and rattle the cage of a system that was not responding to a changed economy, changed circumstances. Inevitably in that context, there will be some for whom the rattling and the shaking isn’t so comfortable (if they are comfortable I'll make sure the Internal Revenue Service audits them).
“We are in the position we’re in right now because of the failure of Washington (We are in the position we're in right now because I still think it's September 10, 2001) . Washington’s immigration policies (amnesty for illegal aliens) have been a debacle (which is why we were attacked on September 11, 2001, among other reasons) .”
Hillary On Spitzer's License Scheme
"Fill the vacuum . . . Ah . . . Ah . . . Fill the vacuum . . . Fill this gap . . . [gives Chris Dodd her Arkansas revenge glance]. . . Well . . . Well . . . What, what . . . Well . . . [glares at Tim Russert and wishes a Tony Soprano whacking upon him] . . . You know, Tim . . . Everybody plays gotcha . . . Er . . . out of the shadows."
Last night's debate demonstrates the junior Senator from New York is in total command of this issue, and Governor Spitzer has her full support.
Last night's debate demonstrates the junior Senator from New York is in total command of this issue, and Governor Spitzer has her full support.
"You Made A Fool Out Of Myself"
That's what Democratic State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. told Governor Eliot Spitzer regarding his scheme to provide driver's licenses to illegal aliens, according to today's New York Times.
This is turning into one of the most spectacular collapses in New York political history, perhaps the most spectacular. A year ago then-Attorney General Spitzer was heading toward a massive 70 percent triumph over former Assemblyman John Faso. Today, his reputation, his character, his temperament and his tactics lay in ruins.
This is turning into one of the most spectacular collapses in New York political history, perhaps the most spectacular. A year ago then-Attorney General Spitzer was heading toward a massive 70 percent triumph over former Assemblyman John Faso. Today, his reputation, his character, his temperament and his tactics lay in ruins.
Hillary Clinton's State
After Vice President Dick Cheney went pheasant hunting in upstate New York Al Sharpton issued the following statement.
“It has been reported to us by media on the site that Vice President Dick Cheney is duck and pheasant hunting in Dutchess County . . . and there is a Confederate Flag hanging at the club. I am calling on Vice President Cheney to leave immediately and denounce the club and apologize for going to a club that represents lynching, hate, and murder to black people."
Memo To Al: Do you understand the meaning of the blue star above Arkansas? It celebrates Arkansas' membership in the Confederacy. It's why the official website home page for the state doesn't feature the flag. The next time you unleash your hatred attempt to distinguish between a hunting trip that has nothing to do with race and New York's junior Senator serving as First Lady for over 12 years in a state with a flag that "represents lynching, hate, and murder to black people."
Friday, October 26, 2007
The Invisible Congressman
Ten-term Congressman Michael McNulty is retiring. He represented me for the 12 years I lived in the Capital District.
He's an ethical and honest man. He's a rare pro-life Democrat, which is difficult to confront in his party and a reason why he had a tough primary against environmental activist Lee Wasserman in 1996.
Unfortunately, Congressman McNulty achieved nothing of significance during his 20 years of service. There is no major legislation he advocated or authored. He did not distinguish himself in any national debate. He failed to find one single, solitary issue to make a difference. I don't recall a story of any interest or consequence about him that I posted when running The Empire Page.
It wasn't until the end of my first year as a House press secretary until I saw Rep. McNulty speak on the floor. House offices have multiple televisions on so staffers know exactly what is happening. Maybe I missed a McNulty appearance from time to time. But he clearly was never a presence on the floor, never spoke to his constituents via C-SPAN. He didn't care. He was silent in Washington, D.C. He wasn't elected to be silent. Especially for 20 years.
I hardly recall a mailing from him. Neither do friends who are still his constituents. Members of Congress should always use their franking privilege to communicate with the Americans they represent despite how it's criticized as propaganda. You can judge it as propaganda, or not. And vote accordingly.
After his election to a tenth term and the Democratic takeover of Congress, Rep. McNulty was not positioned to be a full Committee Chairman despite all the retirements after his party was demolished in the 1994 elections.
He was named the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security. What was his position on Social Security reform since he was elected in 1988? I have no idea. President George W. Bush failed spectacularly at reforming Social Security beginning his second term, and Rep. McNulty, as usual, had no presence before or after the national conversation. None.
Gerrymandering is the reason why Michael McNulty could be so lazy and irrelevant. He coasted because he could in a safe district. Contrast him with Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand's efforts. She knows she has to work hard, and her constituents certainly hear from her.
Michael McNulty's legacy will never be difficult to summarize. He was a ten-term Freshman Member of Congress.
He's an ethical and honest man. He's a rare pro-life Democrat, which is difficult to confront in his party and a reason why he had a tough primary against environmental activist Lee Wasserman in 1996.
Unfortunately, Congressman McNulty achieved nothing of significance during his 20 years of service. There is no major legislation he advocated or authored. He did not distinguish himself in any national debate. He failed to find one single, solitary issue to make a difference. I don't recall a story of any interest or consequence about him that I posted when running The Empire Page.
It wasn't until the end of my first year as a House press secretary until I saw Rep. McNulty speak on the floor. House offices have multiple televisions on so staffers know exactly what is happening. Maybe I missed a McNulty appearance from time to time. But he clearly was never a presence on the floor, never spoke to his constituents via C-SPAN. He didn't care. He was silent in Washington, D.C. He wasn't elected to be silent. Especially for 20 years.
I hardly recall a mailing from him. Neither do friends who are still his constituents. Members of Congress should always use their franking privilege to communicate with the Americans they represent despite how it's criticized as propaganda. You can judge it as propaganda, or not. And vote accordingly.
After his election to a tenth term and the Democratic takeover of Congress, Rep. McNulty was not positioned to be a full Committee Chairman despite all the retirements after his party was demolished in the 1994 elections.
He was named the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security. What was his position on Social Security reform since he was elected in 1988? I have no idea. President George W. Bush failed spectacularly at reforming Social Security beginning his second term, and Rep. McNulty, as usual, had no presence before or after the national conversation. None.
Gerrymandering is the reason why Michael McNulty could be so lazy and irrelevant. He coasted because he could in a safe district. Contrast him with Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand's efforts. She knows she has to work hard, and her constituents certainly hear from her.
Michael McNulty's legacy will never be difficult to summarize. He was a ten-term Freshman Member of Congress.
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