You Can't Rely On Amateurs

Listen, you want a mosque blown up? Don't be passive/agressive and repeat a message like "boy, it sure would be good if that Mosque wasn't there in Dearborn. Yep, sure would be good." Because you're only going to attract talent like this.

A California man is in jail on a terrorism charge after he was arrested in Dearborn for allegedly trying to blow up the biggest mosque in metro Detroit, Dearborn officials said today.

The suspect was arrested in the parking lot of the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn on Monday, while hundreds were inside the mosque that sits along Ford Road, police said. He came to the city because of its large Arab-American and Muslim population, police said.

Roger Stockham, 63, was arraigned Wednesday on one count on a threat of terrorism or false report and one count of explosive-possession of bombs with unlawful intent for possession of Class C fireworks, Dearborn Police said.

...Dearborn Mayor Jack O'Reilly said the suspect "had a lot of high-end fireworks."

"It was the max you could buy legally."

They were not "conventional explosives," O'Reilly said. "But at that level, those things misused are terrific weapons."

No, they're TERRIBLE weapons. You can get much better for less money if you know what you're doing. But people who know what they're doing have tight schedules and can't just go out for a weekend on a lark to blow stuff up. They need a little cash up front.

Listen, don't be fooled by Al Queada. They get one thing right and everybody is terrified. But most of the time it's just a buncha idiots and they fail. Don't use that model, if you want to get anything done. Ailes needs to go with one of the classicists, like Hitler or at least Juan Peron. Half-measures don't accomplish nothin, Roger.

Speaking of Wacky Video

Watch this with the sound muted. Notice how Bachmann is speaking not to the camera, but to a point somewhere to the right of it? The real message here is "what I'm saying doesn't matter, what matters is I'm directing it to the real Americans; and you're not one of them."

Speaking of Fish Heads

I admit that I didn't watch the State of the Union Address on Tuesday night. I don't like SOTUs. I haven't since Bill Clinton's 2nd one. I said to myself, "this isn't useful information, it's comforting nonsense. It's advertising." And I haven't sat though one since. I'd almost say I don't blame the Supreme Court justices for skipping out on 'em, but it's kind of their job to be there. Not literally, or course.

Anyway, you'll see what I mean about the thing being nonsense. At least it was brief!

I'm glad it isn't all about Tilapia. I know that's more people's choice nowadays but it just isn't as flavorful.

How DARE You Request Civility!

Remember this? The story continues.

Last week, California State Sen. Leland Yee (D) called on right-wing hate radio host Rush Limbaugh to apologize for mocking Chinese President Hu Jintao and the Chinese language by speaking gibberish “ching chong chang” Chinese on his radio program. Yee, who is Chinese-American and chairs the state Senate Select Committee on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, said Limbaugh owes the Chinese-American community an apology for his “pointless and ugly offense.” Naturally, Limbaugh did not apologize, and instead railed against Yee the following day on his radio, calling him out repeatedly by name.

And here's a fax that Lee got!

Probably just idle death threats; but for God's sake is this an appropriate response to a request for an apology? Dial it back, dude.

Another Sign that 'Baggers Approve of the Giffords Shooting

They're the first people to book a political convention in Arizona! Ain't nobody gunning for Tea Party leaders. Duh.

We can’t reveal the speaker line-up yet, but when you hear who will be joining us - you’ll be really glad you have a seat. All presentations and break out sessions will focus on at least one aspect of the Pathways to Liberty. Participants will be armed with specific tools to translate rhetoric into lasting reform.

Lough-NER! Lough-NER! Obviously not in person, probably via webcam. During visiting hours.

I hope I'm winning the approval of 'baggers with these posts. I won't apologize to them, because that would be a disservice to freedom of speech.

Editorial Cartoon I Agree With

I think I know what they're getting at here: Sarah Palin should not be criticized when she says "Elect who I recommend, or kill me." Agreed. Possibly also the message is that the Teabaggers are at war with the rest of America. I'm down with that one too.

(Investors Business Daily, via Where Are My Keys)

Flu Away Home

What's been keeping me away this week, you're askin'. I'll tell you bucky. I was whacked with the flu last weekend, running a 100-degree-plus fever. The fever has subsided, and I've been crawling back to normalcy since Tuesday. My energy level is almost normal again, the aches have subsided, and the cough has gone from a dry scratch to a disgusiting phlemmy rattle.

Anyway, under a seige like this who has the energy for politics? Especially Noh theatre politics like this week. Republicans, who promised to repeal health care to people who don't understand what it is have made their grand empty gesture and will next have to explain that they really tried but didn't see the senate refusal to ratify the vote coming. Nor would they have conceived that Obama might veto such a repeal were it to reach him.They were blindsided! In the process they can demonize (hint that assasination would be a solution) Harry Reid and Obama, THE ONLY TWO PEOPLE WHO WANT HEALTH CARE. They're holding you hostage, America! Meanwhile, OBAMA RAISED insurance rates!

I'm a little worked up! Better lay back for a while.

Important Demonstration: Freedom Of Speech

Our national discourse would be poorer if nuanced views like this were ever shut down.

I guess. Frankly, everything Rush says sounds like this to me.

A Toast To His In-Law

No, seriously.

In the days when newspaper photos were more common than square pixel-based imaging, I suppose the guy would have used english muffins.

A Voice Calmer Than Mine

I have notably omitted the Sarah Palin "blood libel" controversey from this blog because I'm not sure it's such a big deal. Offensive though it may be to some, Palin is known for not being espcially precise in her language.

Joining me in this non-bashing is, of all people, Abraham Foxman of the Jewish Anti-Demfamation League.

It was inappropriate at the outset to blame Sarah Palin and others for causing this tragedy or for being an accessory to murder. Palin has every right to defend herself against these kinds of attacks, and we agree with her that the best tradition in America is one of finding common ground despite our differences.

Still, we wish that Palin had not invoked the phrase "blood-libel" in reference to the actions of journalists and pundits in placing blame for the shooting in Tucson on others. While the term "blood-libel" has become part of the English parlance to refer to someone being falsely accused, we wish that Palin had used another phrase, instead of one so fraught with pain in Jewish history.

Yes, the whole ADL isn't behind this statement, but I'm with Foxman. And if you read me carefully enough (especially last Sunday, before the sarcasm ate my soul) you'll see that I've never blamed Palin for the shooting; my point since has been to criticize the notion that there's no way the guy could have been influenced by violent rhetoric. It's a little nuanced, I know.

Anyway, next step is finding a common ground despite our differences. Anybody putting bets down on when? Me neither.

Just a Tiny Bit More About Sarah Palin

This shouldn't be an issue with Sarah Palin fans.

A. It's just free speech.

B. Free speech doesn't provoke violence.

C. So what if they're trying to take down a video with things they said.

Feel free to disagree with me but be ready to explain WHY you do.

Volunteers for Replacements? Anyone? Anyone?

You know what? They're just a bunch of crybabies.

Fearing violence from tea party activists, Arizona Legislative District 20 Republican Chairman Anthony Miller and several others tendered their resignation this week following mass shootings that left six dead and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) in critical condition.

Miller, a 43-year-old former campaign worker for Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), said that verbal attacks and blog posts from members of the tea party had him fearing for the safety of his family, according to a report in The Arizona Republic.

"Today my wife of 20 yrs ask (sic) me do I think that my PCs (Precinct Committee members) will shoot at our home?" he wrote in an e-mail following the shootings. "So with this being said I am stepping down from LD20GOP Chairman...I will make a full statement on Monday."

Tea party members supporting J.D. Hayworth for senator in the midterm elections accused Miller, an African American, of being a "McCain's boy." One detractor had even made his hand into the shape of a gun and pointed it at Miller.

Listen, if you don't want to risk a bullet through the sternum than you have no business going into politics! Or having a difference of opinion with certain constituents! This is America, and people have a right to free speech -- as expressed with muskets.

This Doesn't Encourage Political Assasination Either

People are so sensitive nowadays! Remember how upset people got when Congressman Joe Wilson shouted "You Lie!" during Barack Obama's State Of The Union Address? It's free speech man! Lighten up! In that spirit, a company in South Carolina marketed an item engraved with with Joe Wilson's famous quote. What a splendid way to honor freedom of speech!

Yes, of course it was a rifle part. Specifically a lower receiver, whatever those are:

Wouldn't it be great to have one of those in your rifle when you're out shooting... a duck or something.

Sadly if you didn't get one, you're too late. For whatever dopey reason, the company has withdrawn the item since, I dunno, the last week apparently. Like I say, people are sensitive. Still there's nothing stopping you from scratching You Lie or Death Panel or say a comical picture of the President into the stalk of your rifle, to make... duck hunting more fun.

Similarly, there's nothing stopping me from starting a SURVEY SARAH PALIN movement, with a picture of Palin like this only with a surveyor's mark over it.

Nobody would have a problem with that, especially Palin! She's begging to be surveyed! That is, she would like publicity. Let's give it to her, America! Let her have it!

2:43 Of Zen

Banned Again!

In the course of suggesting that Sarah Palin maybe curtail her own free speech, my account at WAMK was shut down. Because they get enraged over there over free speech issues. Am I the only one seeing irony in this?

Anyway, it's like the last time. I'll keep reading, and hopefully I'll have the grace to keep my virtual mouth shut unless they ask me back.  If they don't, best of luck and keep up the good work.

Now THAT'S Courage!

Daily Caller commenters, fighting for moonbats rights to carry guns to Sarah Palin rallies. All righty then!

Most Americans Think It Too

According to a CBS Poll, a majority agrees that our political discourse didn't cause the Gifford shooting on Saturday. I think it's kind of a shame, because I don't like our political discourse and I'd like to see something scare the pundits off it; but that's the way it goes.

Of course you can't trust any poll from CBS because they are a bunch of lyin' Demoncraps. Let's wait for the Brietbart poll.

Good News/Bad News For Blame Placers

Jared Lee Loughner is neither a Republican nor a Democrat, he's a registered independent!

Over 40% of Tea Party members are Indpendents or Democrats! Most are, of course, Republicans.

But among people who have publicly hinted that certain people need to be killed to feed the tree of liberty, most are Teabaggers.

Best Setup Ever!

Maybe Sarah Palin has finally shot herself in the foot?

- Elayne Boosler, Facebook Status

What? WHAT?

Pima County GOP Website:

Out of respect for the victims of Saturday's tragic events we ask that everyone take a few days away from politics. Your Pima County Republican Party Headquarters will also remain closed until Wednesday morning.

Please take this time to reflect on the events, to pray for the victims and their families, and to honor the memory of those who have fallen.

Respectfully,

Brian Miller, Chairman

Pima County Republican Party

But here is a screen grab from the same guys, last summer.



I guess it's all about messaging.

Here's How To Tell Fox Is On The Defensive

Look for this story to get more and more airplay as the Arizona shooting thing keeps on going in the other media.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- South Carolina officials have called in a special team of investigators to review the case of a Rochester, New York, teenager who disappeared nearly two years ago while on spring break in Myrtle Beach.

The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reports that members of Project Alert are expected in South Carolina on Monday to review the case of Brittanee Drexel.

Project Alert is made up of retired law enforcement professionals trained by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Drexel was 17 and on spring break when she traveled to Myrtle Beach with friends and without her parents' consent. She was last seen outside a Myrtle Beach hotel in April 2009.

"Find me a missing blonde teenage girl! What? How long ago? I don't care, use it anyway." Honestly, is this so newsworthy today?

Or DOES Rhetoric Cause Violence?

WAMK and myself believe that the rhetoric is not the cause of assasinations; that crazy people shoot people and they need to take the sole blame. Here's an alternate view.

At least based on the headline. The rest of the piece seems to agree with WAMK and me. I think. This is why one has to remember that sarcasm isn't always an effective carrier of your views.

That last sentence was sarcasm.

Congresswoman Shot In Arizona

WASHINGTON — Gabrielle Giffords, a Democratic congresswoman from Arizona, was gravely wounded during a shooting rampage Saturday that left at least five others dead during a public meeting in Tucson.


Giffords was shot in the head by an assailant who opened fire with a handgun on a crowd gathered at a local Safeway supermarket for the lawmaker’s “Congress on Your Corner” town hall meeting.


As many as 18 people were shot in the shooting spree, according to local law-enforcement officials. John Roll, a U.S. federal judge, and a nine-year-old child were among the dead.


I want to make a point about this - people who shoot public figures, it doesn't matter what their ideology is. It doesn't matter who they listen to, what they read. They are crazy. If they didn't have access to any pundits at all, they would be just as likely to kill someone. Therefore it follows that rhetoric, no matter how dark or violent the words are, should not be blamed when something like this happens. I sincerely believe this.

But.

It really doesn't look good when there is violent rhetoric followed by violent action. People are pattern-seeking. They want there to be a connection. There are many people who are attempting to blame this shooting on Sarah Palin, which is nonsense. But she brought it on herself. When she published this ad and refused to apologize for it, she was begging to be linked to any violence that crazies might perpetrate over it. And there are a LOT of crosshairs on that map.

My Five Most Average Films Of 2010

Not in any particular order, these are the least notable movies of last year, not counting the ones I can't think of.

SEX IN THE CITY 2
PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME
DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS
TOOTH FAIRY
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS

Another Reason To Disdain the Birthers

They have no respect for the constitution.

Uh Oh, I Got Bad News About Illegal Immigration Efforts

How much is that thing going to cost, once it's all the way across?

Metaphor, Untethered to a Topic At the Moment

I just want to make sure I get this in my blog's media library, because it's just about perfect. For SOMETHING.

H/T to http://blog.rifftrax.com/

It Really IS About Light Bulbs

For a while I thought it was symbolic. Michele Bachmann co-authors a bill to protect our right to use incandescent light bulbs. Glenn Beck devotes a segment to deriding CFL bulbs. The right-wing blogosphere gleefully recounts a story about a German merchant who has relabeled incandescent bulbs as "heat balls" so he can sell them in the EU. And so on.

Given the source of all this bellyaching, I assumed what the right was REALLY talking about was Government intrusion into our freedom of choice. The lightbulb was an idea! Not just symbolic of an idea, like a drawing of a lightbulb over some guy's head, though I bet if if you depicted a guy with a CFL over his head the right wing would demonize the cartoonist and publish his home address.

Well I have an idea. Let's test the theory that the right objects to Government limiting the choices of private citizens. How about the right to hire an illegal alien? Okay, right to privacy for American Citizens?

What about a woman's right to get a legal abortion?

Light bulbs. That's it.