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Sunday Morning Talk Show Thread ~~Awards~~ notable posts ping list for 6/25/06

It is very important to me that I first explain what it is I think I'm doing when I participate in this weekly exercise. As the one doing the "awards" this week I first and foremost must emphasize that I don't think that my opinions of what is "worthy" have any more value than anyone else's opinions (well, there are a few posters I think I'm better than, but that's another story... and you know who you are!!!!! <g>).

I lurked on FR and particularly on this thread for quite some time before I ever signed up. I still lurked on this thread without posting even after signing up in 2003. I began participating here not that long ago and have truly found a place that satisfies my need for stimulating and informative discussion of the political events of importance each week. I want to thank everyone here for providing me that opportunity.

I must make the point here that Alas Babylon! has done a great service to all of us and to the entire world (literally) by setting the tone of this particular corner of FreeRepublic. It is such a special place for informative discussion of the issues being put forward by the media as well as those that they refuse to cover. We all owe him our thanks. Also, having had the pleasure of meeting him recently, I can confidently add that the man is such a mensch!

When RodGuy911 asked if I could fill in one week for the excellent work he had been doing posting a "Top 10" at the end of the weekly Sunday morning talk show thread I was a little overwhelmed. Not only was I in awe of the thread and the participants, I had come to count on his top 10 posts as a guide to searching out those posts that I might have missed. They may have been either too long or too short for careful scrutiny at the time and, I don't know about anyone else, but I am usually frantic to keep up with what is being posted and tend to scroll through the volume of posts more quickly than I should. I often miss lots of great posts in my attempt to keep up. RodGuy's work gave me a heads up for things that I might have missed, but should spend the time to go back and find. That proved very valuable to me on more than one occasion. I doubted very seriously that I was up to filling in, but what the hell?

I hope that I have acquitted myself adequately these few times that I have done this. I know that the others who have joined in what appears now to be a solid rotation have done remarkable work along the same lines as what I admired about RodGuy's posts. I always look to the awards as a "highlights," a ping list, if you will, to the posts on this thread that deserve our special attention each week. I do not view this as a contest, with winners and losers. The hardest part about this process for me, the times I have done it, is not including everything, for truly every post on this thread deserves attention (except for those rare few posters... and you know who you are... <g>). So, why am I subjecting you to this introspective codswollop?

A few weeks ago I included a particular regular participant in this thread in the awards for that week. They then expressed to me that they were concerned that this "honor" would offend others on the thread. They didn't want to participate in awards as they might offend others who were not included. I hope that I adequately explained to them then, in direct posts, that what I was trying to do was not pick out "better" posts for some sort of prize, but to identify for all of us posts that added a particular insight to the arguments that week, and I emphasized that this was only IMHO. I think I convinced them of the sincerity of my effort, but... and you knew there was a but... I am going to include that same individual in the so called awards this week and that presented me an ethical dilemma. I'm hoping that my explanation will assuage this persons' concerns and let them know that I am not doing this as some sort of contest.

I'm not providing "prizes" to "winners." I hope that I'm providing signposts to those interested in finding the most valuable posts this week (admittedly only my opinion). I state up front that my selections are personal and flawed, so no one should be concerned about any particular choices being viewed as better than any others, except as they choose to disagree with me directly, an exercise which I invite. The more people offering up pointers to valuable posts the better. This is merely my two cents worth on what was posted this week. My greatest hope is that I will single out one post that someone might have missed, for whatever reason, that will provide that special insight and make the difference in shaping these arguments we are so involved with.

Now, here is the first part of the "~~honorable mention~~" ping list for this weeks posts. These are no less valuable than the posts in the "top ten," which will follow. I just had to make some choices in order to provide some order. However, I have singled out the top ten because of issues, insights or links which I found particularly valuable to me. I hope that everyone will take the time to read all of the posts on this thread, but if I can be of assistance in pointing anyone to a post they may have missed then I have done what I set out to do (oh, if that isn't overly self important, I don't know what is! Please forgive me.. ;^>)

One final point, before I proceed. I'm going to shamelessly steal from a post by Alas Babylon! and appropriate the reference to his phrase the "Jedi Council of FreeRepublic." I trust that our hosts will be tolerant of my hubris, but I want to bestow this label on all of the participants on this regular thread, starting with Alas Babylon! and including all who participate or lurk here. I truly feel that this thread represents the best of what FreeRepublic is and can be.

These posts are in alphabetical order by the posters screen name

AliVeritas

#707, "Must Read re: NYTimes ... Time for Gonzales to Act ... " (very good blog post with link to legal arguments about prosecuting the NY Times ... many more posts by AliVeritas along this line... and many more valuable links - search them out - but to me this one is special)

Barset

#493, "There is a perfectly apt editorial cartoon in Investor's Business Daily of June 22, called 'Soldier's Burden.'" (see post #503 for link to cartoon provided by Peach, also the article excerpts at Cox and Forkum are really good)

beyond the sea

#403, "... (Anne Kornblut) said something so funny I was laughing out loud... It went something like (as she spoke in all seriousness), 'Everyone knows that Lieberman or any Democrat can't expect to win a DEMOCRAT primary running on a moral stance.' She basically said that no Democrat in a primary can win when standing onh morality..."
#536, "In their rancor against one of their own for (Lieberman's) "diversity", they prove how hypocritical they all are. A pox upon all of them...if they EVER get back in power, they'll kill us all...financially and bodily... "

BonnieJ

#515, "Gore is good for laughs anyway (NO laughs from or about Hillary, she's just not even likable enough to parody)...Like with Gore's recent statement that "the earth has a fever", that is hilarious. You'd think he was joking with some of this stuff but no...He's just being classic Al Gore!"

bray

#454, "Lieberman valued breathing too much to confront BJ! ..."
#541, "Never forget, what the TraitorcRats want for the Iraq War is Surrender in Disgrace. As in Vietnam when they came up with the phraseology Peace with Honor, they want Surrender in Disgrace for America and an end of our military industrial complex. If anyone needs proof just take a look at their biggest victory, our humiliating loss in Nam... "

Bulldaddy

#180. "I'll state a very obvious point here - all I need to know about a person's political philosophy is answered by one question: is the US at war?"
#258, "Powerline Blog highlighted this interesting observation last night that I think has a LOT of merit: ... <snip> What the NYT is doing IS blackmail." (note: I'm providing the link to the PowerLine post, An Offer We Can't Refuse? , which in turn points to Ace of Spades original post, instead of copying the full text - PH)

Carolinamom

#355, "Are those Florida dems under psychiatric care after the Kerry defeat still being treated?"

Chuck54

#247, "... Dumb as a box of rocks does not even begin to describe Juan this morning... He actually said the NYTimes helped the WOT by printing this SWIFT secret program."
#329, "FTN on and Schieffer has already listed all the Democrat talking points and mis-represented every last point made by Casey and the Iraqi authorities... Boxer and Lugar. Wild Thing and Sleepy Thing."
#353, "Both of these Loons on FTN think the Republicans cannot win by running on Iraq... They still think the Democrats will take back the House... November will be a great month for the Coroner and Undertaker business. Get your license now if you are studying either field."

dalight

#328, "Specter is the leader in the Senate of obstructing the US needs in fighting this war. Specter just said we must give New York Times a free pass for breaking the law based on the Supreme Court ruling on prior restraint... Prior restraint says that the government cannot act before the act to stop the press. It assumes that if the Press indeed is in violation of the law, the damage must be done first before something can be done. This allows the Press the choice of conscience and to take the risk of legal sanctions if indeed they choose to unjustifiably abuse the public trust... The Court insisted that the damage must be done before the state can act. Well now it is done. So it only follows that prosecutions should follow. Its silly to argue that because the Country is to have now ability to prevent Press organizations from compromising National Security, that once they have that the rule that prevented them from preventing the damage, then implies that we cannot hold these criminals to account."

dmw

#245, "Did anyone see David Gregory tell Tim on Meet the Press that "the president flew to Iraq after 'he killed Zarqawi'. He actually makes it sound as if Bush himself killed this terrorist."

edpc

#72, "Wow...what a lineup. Durbin has replaced Daschle as the pol who appears virtually every Sunday with a saddened, simpering commentary. Feingold is the epitome of the 'oily politician' cliche. He alone could solve the energy crisis with his own output. Biden's ignorance of foreign policy is only surpassed by his gift for condescending. Specter and Hagel. If I want to see RINOs, I'll watch The Discovery Channel. It's probably safer to tune out this week. I just enjoyed a great breakfast. I'd prefer to keep it down... " (note: good pictures, too - PH)

F.J. Mitchell

#636, "Somehow I don't believe that by 'A Free Press' our founding Fathers meant , free to aid and abet the enemy, free to lie both by omission and by twisting what is reported, free to become the most effective propaganda machine our enemies ever had... I have to believe that if our fore bear's were able to have a say today, a majority of those abusing the right to a free press, would be on trial for treason, rather than deceitfully and arrogantly abusing that right."

generationfixit

#456, "...I think we should use a new term for the Democrats cut and run ...... The Democrats want to ABORT IRAQ! They can't handle the responsibility and you know maybe Iraq is really an unwanted...country...why waste out time on something that may or may not turn out ....so the Dems say....lets Abort Iraq... "

greyfoxx39

#653, "... (The Democrats are hoping something terrible happens) They will do anything to deny W a legacy, in revenge for what the Republicans did to their loser idol, Clinton. A few thousand american lives? Worth it to them and the Clintonistas, because they believe it will put Hillary and her puppet-master Bill back in the White House for another glorious 8 years, and the media elite on the guest list for state dinners and romps in the Lincoln bedroom again."

Laverne

#130, "They just read my email on cpsan....since I"m a frequent caller, and they ask you not to call too often, I sent an email this time. My email was to Mr. Lichtblau asking him why american's should continue to provide tax dollars to NYCity in support of anti-terrorist activities, when the city's paper of record just reveals that information to the terrorists so they can plan around it to attack the city, and the country. Mr. Lichtblau's response: "good point" and then no other conversation on this topic. HA!"
#610, "After watching this morning on FNS, I sent (Specter) an email pleading with him to step down from his chairmanship of that committee. That he defended the NYTimes releasing this highly classified information, and not giving the benefit of the doubt to the administration anti-terrorism activities, it has become clear that Arlen is not the proper person to head the judiciary committee."

maica

#651, "... I heard the Karzai-Blitzer interview on the radio. It is very instructive to hear voices, instead of watching talking heads. Karzai sounded so strong and knowledgeable. It seemed like he wanted to reach into Wolfie's studio and smack him about the head and shoulders for the smarmy questions that he was forced to reply to."
#662, "... Don't you find it "interesting" that the Dems are coming out so strongly against Maliki's suggestion. They do everything they can to tie the hands of anyone trying to help Iraq, and when a suggestion that may really be of serious benefit to the country is offered, these dems feign "support" for the troops by throwing mud in the eye of al-Maliki... It seems to me that a whole lot of Confederate soldiers were given amnesty after April 9, 1865."

mainepatsfan

#4, "So last week Russert gave his entire show over to Murtha and this week he's doing the same thing with Feingold?! That's fair and balanced. /s"

Mo1

#89, link to GOP.COM ad cached on youtube.com, titled Harry Reid and The Democrats: Dishonest on Iraq (great catch)

norwaypinesavage

#109, "...It is very rare to see a real conservative on any of these shows. When they're there, they're mostly "balanced" by an opposing viewpoint, and usually outnumbered in their "balance". I'm not quite as pessimistic about the outcome of this kind of agenda driven show, however. Most times, when liberals simply speak, and particularly, as last week on MTP, when they're supported and encouraged by the host, they make fools of themselves. The vast bulk of America sees them for what they are and are not persuaded."

RAldrich

#21, "Congressman Peter King has just announced (on WABC radio's Religion on the Line Program) that when he comes on the FOX News Program with Chris Wallace he will call on the Attorney General to institute a criminal prosecution of the New York Times, under the Espionage Act and the Comint Act... Peter King is the Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee." (note: posted before the shows early Sunday morning, very helpful heads up - PH)

rmgatto

#549, "Diana Irey is looking good. Really good. Seriously, I haven't heard anything about impact on voters so far. She is a sharp, accomplished speaker and sounds tough and coherent on Iraq and the WOT... Even though Murtha has been in office 32 years, I'll bet that the election boils down to a referendum on win or run in Iraq. It would be a great victory."

SE Mom

#35, "... even when I disagree with him I admire King, he's got brass... Speaking of which- have you guys seen this letter to the NYT'S? It's on Hugh's site- written by a soldier to the NYT's..though we ought not hold our breath waiting for it's publication there:... "
#70, "In case you haven't seen this yet- a thoughtful commentary by a new FReeper: " (link to thread The Separation of Press and State)
#154, "Levin is clever- he says the overwhelming evidence is that cilivians were killed at Haditha... He stresses overwhelming more than once. This is fascinating because we ALL KNOW civilians were killed at Haditha...what isn't clear is under what circumstances. Levin leaves it hanging out there."
#250, "Just when I thought it was unlikely Juan could expose his ignorance further...he comes up with this as an arguement why it's ok the NYT's exposed this program: ... Now- the terrorists can't use this anymore, so it's a good thing! ... This kind of logic is...??? (temporarily out of adjectives)"

Seattle Conservative

#473, "... (Pete King) definitely has a lot of contributions from various unions AND the trial lawyers' assn..."
#490, "Karzai was great! I didn't get to hear all of it, but I loved when he disputed Time. Something to the effect of they had it all wrong - they only come here for a day and go home and right a story. Things are different from what they said. He got Wolfie and Time in 1 swoop - HA!"

STARWISE

#558, "In the 'Broken Record' department, that old union tune keeps playing, and the mental disorder perpetuates: ... USW's 'Wellstone Award' to Sen. Ted Kennedy, Rep. John Conyers ..."

tarheelswamprat

#634, "...(The Iraqi mobile weapons lab) issue always puts me in rant mode because of the clumsy, stupid and dishonest way in which it was handled. The refusal of both sides to engage the matter with facts, logic and scientific analysis was utterly breathtaking. You would expect opponents of the weapons lab thesis to take this tack, but why the proponents who knew better allowed themselves to be steamrolled into docility is still a mystery to me. Here are two examples of this: ... 1. The Scientific Aspect: Molecular Permeation - The assertion of those who claimed the vehicles were merely used to store hydrogen for weather balloons is relatively easy to test. When a reactive gas such as hydrogen is stored under pressure in a metal container, some of the molecules of the gas permeate into the first few microns of the metal surface and react/bond with the metal molecules. If the metal container has been used to store hydrogen, metallurgical analysis of samples from the inside of the tank would show a higher level of hydrogen bonding than would samples from the outside of the tank.... Thus the questions with which 'our side' should have pounded the deniers include 'Were hydrogen molecular permeation analyses done on these vehicles?', 'If so, who performed those tests, and if not, why not?', and 'What were the results?' This last also should have been followed by a firm insistence on seeing the actual documentation of the tests and results, not mere acceptance of some talking head with an agenda's 'characterization' of the results. In other words, put up or shut up... 2. The Common Sense Aspect - If we accept for a moment the premise that the weather balloon thesis of these vehicles' purpose is correct, then consider the following: ... You're an Iraqi officer in command of the area in which these vehicles are located. It's early 2003 and tensions between Iraq and the US coalition are rising. The invasion seems imminent. Suddenly you get a call - it's started. The Americans are actually coming, the shooting has started, and some of your fellow officers are being killed. You ask yourself 'What can I do, what MUST I do?' After carefully considering your options you know what you have to do: ... Bury The Weather Balloon Trucks!..." (note: there's more to it, great post - PH)

68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

#420, "**I received this via e-mail** ... The GOOD News in Iraq that the MSN does not want YOU to know! ... Above facts are verifiable on the Department of Defense web site.... PASS IT ON" (note: great list and great advice - PH)

Txsleuth

#519, "Wolf was trying to pit he and Pervez Musharraf, as having 'fights'...Karzai said NO... Wolf said that Afghanistan is falling apart re: the uproar over that accident weeks ago....Karzai said NO... Wolf was quoting a Newsweek article talking about no electricity, no commerce, blah, blah... Karzai said that Newsweek comes over for ONE DAY, and writes a negative article...and it is wrong... Wolf says that Bin Ladin, Zawahiri, and Mullah Omar are in Afghanistan...and Karzai said they most definitely are NOT in Afghanistan... Karzai DID say that they need a new tactic in the WOT..he said that these terrorists, (he considers al-Queda AND the Taliban, terrorists)..recruit from the young people that have lived hard..and think they have no future, yada, yada... Karzai says that he wants the Coalition to go after these camps/schools, that are taking these boys in and training them...rather than just waiting for the terrorists to attack and then killing them... I am not saying whether that is not being done or not.,..just saying what I can remember...it was a LONG interview....but, basically, Wolfie was trying to cause problems between the USA and Afghanistan...and Pakistan and Afghanistan...and Karzai didn't BITE... Karzai is a pretty savvy guy...and no doubt has seen the way the MEDIA and the Congress works re: propaganda and rhetoric...and is NOT going to act like a bumpkin when being interviewed by the likes of Wolf Blitzer."
#525, "... I just watched Kissinger and Albright...and all semblance of rational thinking was absent... Albright is just SO, SO obviously trying to push off any problem we have with N. Korea as Bush's fault...AND she kept saying over, and over...how she 'holds no thrift with Kim Jong Il'...?????" (note: further discussions determined the phrase was probably "holds no brief for" - PH)
#595, "Did you see the 'debate' on Fox News a few minutes ago between Karen Hannraty, Rep. vs. Robert Zimmerman, Dem.?? ... It was about the leak by the NYTimes... They were talking over each other, so I don't know exactly what was said...except at the very last... Zimmerman said that people should be MORE upset about who leaked to NYTimes..which would be true, except he said that they WON'T, because the leak came from the White House because we KNOW they leak because of the 'outing of Valerie Plame'....ughhhhhh"
#604, "... How about the NYTimes, LATimes (best friends of dems)...thinking WELL, we have been told to keep this secret, but if we announce this...it will take all of the heat off of the dems...and their idiocy... Also, finding that terrorist cell in Florida played into the Bush Administration's hand of NEEDING these intelligence programs... So...they expose it...to cover up for dems...and put critisizm on the REps?"
#611, "I think I know why Wolf Blitzer didn't ask the Oil Minister from Iraq about the oil production... They just had a blurb on Fox News that oil production in Iraq is at the rate it was under Saddam...LOL... CNN would NOT want that news to get out."