Sunday Morning Talk Show Thread 11 March 2007

AccuSharp is available at local stores too.

http://www.accusharp.com/

Thank you SO much for the transcript link! I kept looking for a re-airing last night but 'twas not to be.

I don't get to listen to Bill at all; but still there is no editorial, no take on Judge Walton that I have found anywhere. I don't know when Team Libby will file papers for a new trial, but Judge Walton will deny it anyway. Walton denied Libby the opportunity to put on a defense, he was in the tank for Fitzy from the start. Fitz is Niphong and Walton is another Ito.

You can stream Bennett at 3-6 Eastern on krla 870 out of la, I just tried it and it works.

What are the politicial advantages to pardoning Libby now?

One I know of.

IF Libby serves even one hour behind bars this lifelong Conservative/Republican will forever abandon the party financially. I dare say there are thousands who feel the same. Probably hundreds and hundreds of thousands.

Want to put the Democrats back in power for the next generation if not longer, toss Libby to the wolves.

I disagree with your position based on your last paragraph. For that reason alone we can't adopt your option to "forever abandon the party financially." Instead we have to replace the bastards who make the decision to toss Libby to the wolves.

If it's our party then we are responsible for what they do, good or bad. If they do bad things we can't wash our hands by walking away. It's our responsibility to make it right. That's our part of the contract as citizens.

Win or lose, it's our responsibillity.

Win or lose, it's our responsibillity.

Yes it's our responsibility and I have worked tirelessly since Nixon to finally have a conservative congress and President. This went away in November thanks to the conservatives forgetting who "brought them to the dance".

There is just something about this most gross miscarriage of justice that has caused me great consternation and continues to do so.

I'll probably rethink my position to some extent if this plays out badly but I will never be as disappointed in any President as I would President Bush if he leaves Libby hanging.

As hard as I try I just cannot get over the fact this administration had the power, responsibility and knowledge to nip this in the bud. They knew a crime had not been committed before the appointment of Fitz, yet let him run wild.

Send Fred Thompson an email and ask him what he thinks. He's the head of the Libby Defense Fund and is close to him on a personal level. I bet you that neither Thompson nor Libby wouldn't want you to withdraw support from Republicans if he doesn't get a pardon right away. Instead I bet that Libby is on board with Bush holding off because of larger responsibilities. From what I understand he's that kind of person.

I may have misstated my position just a bit. I do not wish for Scooter to be pardoned right away.

My displeasure will be if and when he is ordered to prison. If he is allowed to serve time, any time at all, my position and my displeasure will become more intense.

I was never looking for an immediate pardon.

Get ready, there is going to be a major slam at the FBI under Bush.

Leslie Stahl doing a hit piece on the investigation into the anthrax attack.

Coordinated with the dem congress creatures....as they are demanding the FBI explain the lack of progress in finding who send the anthrax.

Look for the insinuation to me that one of our own sent the anthrax from a stateside military base.

At the time you posted this I would have agreed with your assessment 100%. It appears, however, that this manufactured story has been totally obscured by the manufactured story about the firing of the US Attorneys.

They made a mistake by launching both attacks at the same time and have totally wasted this one. It's really an accepted part of journalism that once you break a story and it doesn't catch fire you can't go back and try again at a later time.

Do you suppose that there is method to the White House's madness in letting the Gonzalez mess metastasize the way they have?

Some one should ask Biden since it's his opinion that Iraq be split along political and sectarian lines would he like to see the same done here. Tell him we have the 2000 and 2004 red/blue maps to use as a starting point. Each region would be fully autonomous, free to set up whatever form of government they wish and unable to enforce it's edicts on the other regions. Let's see-we can call the Northeast enclave New Camelot, the Midwest enclave Barakistan, and the West Coast enclave the Counter Culture Commonwealth of the Pacific or C.C.C.P. for short. The rest of us will welcome likeminded individuals fleeing the Liberal hoards with open arms especially the military. They would be free to pick where they choose to serve and take whatever equipment (planes, ships, tanks, and everything else) assigned to them with them.

OK, this qualifies as a "just damn!" post.

Well said.

I do not believe in coincidences.......however, I don't believe that Stahl will trash her story.....she'll simply save it for another time.

They are never going to let up on this President.

"He was hog-tied by John Glenn during the Senate Committee hearings on the Chinese money being used in the Clinton campaign.

Fred was Chairman, and sounded good, but Glenn, as ranking Democrat, stifled any serious investigation or conclusion to what was a real illegality."

the above that you wrote is what my husband always brings up when I mention Fred Thompson. He was so disgusted that Fred could not handle Glenn. Does anyone else worry about this and does anyone have an idea of why Fred let it happen?

John Glenn was THE HERO of my childhood. I first knew of him as THE ASTRONAUT, but then I learned about his heroism as a Marine aviator in Korea as I got older. For me he was the epitome of what a Marine hero was.

I used to proudly display an authographed picture of him in my home. I've put that at the bottom of an "ebay worthy" box of stuff I no longer care about.

He sold out our nation to the People's Liberation Army of communist China to defend Bill Clinton in those hearings. He proved himself a traitor and his price was a ride on the Space Shuttle. One last trip into orbit. There has never been a more direct quid pro quo in Washington politics. He is the purest filth, as far as I'm concerned. He is also perhaps the biggest single victim in the Bill Clinton tragedy. His legacy is rendered an obscenity by his actions..

I think that is what Fred was feeling at the time. He couldn't bring himself to destroy this icon of his own youth. And I think it's what led him to leave the Senate.

I think you are exactly right. You could feel the disgust Fred felt over the whole sorry affair and Glenn's part in it.

What a shame!

An award from Phsstpok to you congratulations

Rodguy911 awarded you Post of the Day for this - congratulations

THanks P much appreciated!

Honorable Mention Awards for Sunday Morning Talk Show Thread, March 11, 2007

These are the no text versions of the honorable mention posts for this week. Of the 773 posts at the time I compiled this list I've pulled posts from 55 participants and compiled a list of 241 posts worthy of special attention. That should tell you that the thread itself is getting to be very, very well done, overall. Let me emphasize, the other 532 posts are not "not worthy." That's the quandary of trying to judge this thread. It's all that good. As last time, because of my lack of discipline, I will make four posts: the honorable mentions, with and without text, and the top 10, with and without text.

Alas Babylon! - #196; #648; #706

aligncare - #214

AliVeritas - #423

altura - #483; #485; #490; #599; #664

anita - #10

Arrowhead1952 - #224; #513

Bernard - #181

BusterBear - #512; #628; #676; #692

Caribou - #432

CFC__VRWC - #415; #462; #503; #543; #735

chiller - #426; #455; #600

Chuck54 - #295; #475

Dionysius - #231

duckln - #505

edpc - #169; #262; #331; #499

Fishtalk - #28; #85; #102; #209; #290

Graymatter - #481

greyfoxx39 - #291; #413

KarlInOhio - #350

ken5050 - #307; #317

lawdude - #297

magellan - #509; #540

maica - #88; #574; #660; #673; #736; #739

mathluv - #275; #542

McGavin999 - #250

Morgan in Denver - #228; #254; #269; #398; #442; #461; #530; #568

mountainfolk - #610

mtnwmn - #361

NautiNurse - #84; #163; #304

Night Hides Not - #158

PerConPat - #608

Racehorse - #315

Right_in_Virginia - #86; #100

SE Mom - #39; #41

sgtyork - #752

shrinkermd - #185

snugs - #253; #267; #301; #309; #597

STARWISE - #276; #384; #523

StoneWall Brigade - #345

Sunnyflorida - #117; #256

syriacus - #586; #722

tiredoflaundry - #108

TomGuy - #46; #91; #101

wagglebee - #726; #733

WileyPink - #544

Awards for Sunday Morning Talk Show Thread, March 11, 2007

These are the full text versions of the honorable mention posts for this week. Of the 773 posts at the time I compiled this list I've pulled posts from 55 participants and compiled a list of 241 posts worthy of special attention. That should tell you that the thread itself is getting to be very, very well done, overall. Let me emphasize, the other 532 posts are not "not worthy." That's the quandary of trying to judge this thread. It's all that good. As last time, because of my lack of discipline, I will make four posts: the honorable mentions, with and without text, and the top 10, with and without text.

Alas Babylon!

#196; "Muslims are also anti-gay far worse than any Christian and so anti-women that I think no other organization could come closer to being so. ... Yet the libs are encouraging them?"
#648; "In fairness to Clinton (I can't believe I wrote that!), it was not criminal sexual conduct per se. Clinton was being sued by Paula Jones for sexual harassment. ... The Nags of NOW had been pushing for a sexual harassment law that favored discovery for the man's conduct in order to prove a disposition to sexually harass in the first place. ... This type of discovery was often used in the old days by a rapist's defense in order to prove the woman was "asking for it". So they'd bring up witness after witness showing how the woman raped was just a slut... Anyway, wrong then and wrong now. ... But once in power, Clinton signed such a law. In fact, he had all the top Nags of NOW at the signing in the Rose Garden and he waved his finger and scolded would be sexual harassers that now they're up the creek if they don't stop. ... I'm sure all the Nags of NOW and ole Billy Jeff were thinking along the lines of mean ole Tongue Thrustin' Bob Packwood or Pubic Hair on the Coke Can Clarance Thomas. Or any of the Naval Aviators at Tailhook. Such were the times. ... In other words, ugly old Republicans. Certainly not someone cool and attuned to a woman's right to murder her unborn chil'ren like ole Billy "The Sexy Sax" Clinton. ... So, the irony of Bill Clinton being the most famous case of this newfound law of sexual harassment suit discovery was lost on the DBM, but nevertheless, he was a victim. ... And then he tried to get women to shut up, leave town, ordered aids to find them jobs, etc, finally lying to the judge in the Paula Jones case saying he didn't have the sexual relations with Monica thing. ... The rest is history. ... I think God, or Fate if you will, is pretty clever about things, eh?"
#706; "I agree that (pardoning Libby) is the right thing to do. From our perspective. The President sees things at a higher level than us. What do you think he will do? ... I think he will not pardon him. The reason for this will be his reluctance to "undo" the law, despite it being a flawed show trial to begin with. I don't think he'll worry too much over the politics of it (in other words, he wouldn't care if in pardoning Libby the dems and the DBM popped a gasket), but Pres Bush just won't wish to tarnish the Presidency that way. I think his thinking will be that a President must always act cooly, and rash decisions made politically are normally not correct and weakens the aura of the position. ... Folks often think he is weak or too quiet about the rantings of the democrats but I honestly think he feels as President he should never stoop to their level. ... And I wish he would give them both barrels daily!"

aligncare

#214; "Thompson sounding very good with Chris Wallace. Saying the important things that need to be said. He's seems good on most of the issues. Problem though: On Iraq he would do what the president is doing? When will all Americans take this war seriously - including the president? Scrap the current ROE's. Dust off the bombers."

AliVeritas

#423; "... You can forget about Clinton being brought up too much, I guess Webb is there to lend 'credibility' to the situation and slide his Reagan wanted to cut the Navy meme. ... Funny how all the members of the Armed Services Comm. now say they tried and they failed. If they really want to see something, check the attendance and the briefings set up for them... that they didn't attend. ... They also will not mention the two year holdup on HR76 as backmail for their 'pet' projects. ... When will someone get a spine a craft legislation for the troops, VA and medical care alone? ... Do you know how many earmarks and special interest gimmes are on there? From levees to peanut industry... you name it. They dangle it to be knocked down and scream 'he' doesn't care about the troops cause he didn't sign it. ... Meanwhile... from the cave, the spineless representives on the hill are saying nothing and they should have ten bills on the floor as well (I know, time factor). I tell you what, the libs wouldn't get anything for their states until they passed ONLY the appropriations the troops need over there and here on a narrow bill. ... Those states who like to protest as tanks are shipped out, whose governors, representatives (who usually have hands in defense contracting and aerospace big time, see Murtha, Pelosi and others), would have a rude awakening re: funding for their states re: illegals or anything else. ... Time for W and the reps to put the hammer down. ... Even Imus didn't let Schumer get off: ... http://imusblog.com/senator-schumer-i-have-not-been-to-walter-reed-since-the-start-of-the-war/"

altura

#483; "You are so right about dems never considering long term consequences. I don't even want to think about Jimmy Carter and the Shah. It hurts my heart. The man should have to go around with a bell shouting, unclean, unclean. ... Instead he seems to have some respect among the media and the left. ... The libs pattern of jumping into some lame cause with both feet has gone on a long time. ... They never acknowledge the consequences or accept blame. ... LBJ's war on poverty: the cost to Black families is unfathomable and can never be reclaimed. ... Rachel Carson and her Silent Spring: libs flew to the rescue of the mosquito and hundreds of thousands died. They still won't acknowlege their role in this. ... And now they're all on this global warming farce. If anything at ALL is done there, we will pay for years, but they will be smug and happy. ... Well, I could go on ...." (Note: reply to rodguy911's post #164)
#485; "I found it very interesting that Chris Wallace admitted the reason he didn't respond to (was it DiFi or the other dolt senator from CA?) when she was all aflutter about the horror of Bush firing some federal prosecutors. All political she screamed. ... Anyway, the reason he said nothing about Clinton firing ALL of the federal prosecutors was that .... he didn't know. ... Keep those cards and letters coming, people. Occasionally it does some good. ... But, can one conclude that Chris is not as informed on politics as thousands of freepers? ... I conclude that very thing."
#490; "Sorry that you got the impression that Fred is not totally healthy. Maybe he needed the Law and Order makeup crew for his appearance. ... I really, really would like for Fred to run and be the perfect candidate. What a contrast with Hillary or Bama he would be! ... My one caveat is that he let the old spaceman John Glenn kinda run over him in those hearings he was chairman of. ... He looked like he was so disgusted by the nonsense flowing from Glenn and some others, he just couldn't take it. I wonder if that's why he opted out of the Senate after that. ... I understand his disgust and I feel his pain, but he will have to be strong and put up with it if he is President. ... Look at what Bush has had to put up with and retained his focus, goals and even his affability. ... That being said, I want Fred almost as much as Ken wants Laurie."
#599; "But Fred didn't go to England and rape anyone, did he? ... Oh, never mind, that was BC, he can do anything."
#664; "'He was hog-tied by John Glenn during the Senate Committee hearings on the Chinese money being used in the Clinton campaign. Fred was Chairman, and sounded good, but Glenn, as ranking Democrat, stifled any serious investigation or conclusion to what was a real illegality.' ... the above that you wrote is what my husband always brings up when I mention Fred Thompson. He was so disgusted that Fred could not handle Glenn. Does anyone else worry about this and does anyone have an idea of why Fred let it happen?" (Note: reply to maica's post #660)

anita

#10; "... Now, this Sunday's Media Nuggets ..." (Note: anita's Nuggets are early in the thread this week and the good news is it's a great list, but the bad news is she's under the weather - get well soon kid)

Arrowhead1952

#224; "... I watched Fred Thompson on Fox, and I really like him. I found this thread earlier today. This is rich. ... Bob Beckel: Fred Thompson run would be our worst nightmare"
#513; "'They are talking about the whole Walter Reed issue and focusing it on just well where it belongs -- on Building 18. Taslking about how the WAPO would have yelled and screamed if the government has invested into Walter Reed after it was announced it made the BRAC list. They are right on that, for sure.' ... I posted something on another thread about the BRAC list a few days ago. Years ago when Berstrom AFB in Austin was slated for closure, the Pentagon spent untold amount of money on the hospital, PX, commissary, base housing and the terminal. ... Most of the improvements were leveled when the city got the land for ABIA. Talk about gov waste. I don't see why there aren't provisions to stop these wasteful "improvements" when bases are slated for closure." (Note: reply to Laverne's post #458)

Bernard

#181; "'Poland and Solidarnosc' started the downfall of the Soviet Union.' ... There was a moral authority available for the Poles in the form of Pope John Paul II. Unfortunately, there appears to be no moral equivalent or moral authority in Islam to support a popular democracy movement in Iran or anywhere else in the Islam world."

BusterBear

#512; "'Waters: The Sunnis and Shi'ites were getting along before the US invasion.' ... I knew Waters was sort of dumb, but not this dumb. Guess that's why the Shi'ites were dancing and celebrating when Saddam was captured and when he was hanged. Oh, those crazy Shi'ites." (Note: reply to TomGuy's post #101)
#628; "'There are no Kurds nor oil in the former Yugoslavia.' ... That's a bit too complicated for poor ol' Joe. He just wants simple, two or three-syllable sound bites that can be comprehended by the average moron and make him sound as if he knows something about the situation (he thinks)." (Note: reply to MNJohnnie's post #406)
#676; "'Wallace and others...just read and feed off of others in the DBM. How lazy. Or do they just pick up the action lines that they want to run with and simply don't care about the facts?' ... Their primary concern is impressing their colleagues in the news rooms - that's the way to career advancement and Pulitzer prizes. Politically correct (i.e., liberal-slanted) news reporting is the way to go, not concern with the facts." (Note: reply to Bahbah's post #556)
#692; "'I would have to be naive to think that we are not supporting some sort of regime change within the country as well. Has to be going on at full speed.' ... There is a clandestine war going on, with bombings and assassinations of Iranian military brass and scientists, top brass defections to the West, etc. The policy is a combination of clandestine activities, financial sanctions, 'negotiations' backed up by pressure from Saudi Arabia (who can affect the Iranian economy by increasing oil production), etc." (Note: reply to rodguy911's post #681)

Caribou

#432; "... (Fred Thompson) has already faced Hillary during the Watergate years so he has known her for a number of years. Hope his FBI file is clean. If Newt doesn't run, I hope Fred does. Always liked him, as a Senator and an actor."

CFC__VRWC

#415; "'Even Bob Dole said today that he was reluctant to do this until Prs. Bush said that this was not just a commission to 'write a report in 90 days and get on TV''...but a commission to actually see what needs to be done, and authority to call for those changes.' ... Well, I hope Dole and these Iraq war vets are strong enough to keep this commission under control, because the only reason Donna Shalala is on it is to turn it into yet another partisan, blame-Bush-for-everything hatchet job like the 9/11 "Commission" and the Iraq "Study" Group, and then spend the entire campaign season making the media rounds and basking in the kudos showered on her by the DBM talking heads. ... And if Dole and Co. actually succeed in making this commission do what it's intended to do, Shalala will politicize it by walking away from it and accusing Dole of 'covering up' for the Administration, and the democrats will denounce it and conduct their own "investigation" (which they'll do anyway to cover their bets). ... And which version do you suppose the media will accept as the 'truth'?" (Note: reply to Txsleuth's post #349)
#462; "... Funny how those predicted killer hurricane seasons always seem to fall in election years, isn't it?"
#503; "'Donna Shalala started out well today.' ... They're smart enough to know they can't get away with blatantly politicizing this right out of the gate, that they need a few more DBM hatchet pieces and some "consciousness raising" by Code Pink and MoveOn before they go on the warpath. ... Besides, it's still too early for the story to have its maximum impact on the '08 elections, and of course ensuring that is the one primary goal of the democrats. But you can rest assured that one way or the other, the democrats will have their smear job report to wave around in the media during the heart of the campaign season. ... And the real losers will be the troops, used once again as cannon fodder in the Dims political war. The issue will be so thoroughly politicized that everyone on both sides will go to battle stations, and the real improvement needs of the military health care system will go unanswered while the fur flies in DC. Not to mention, the people in the military health care system who are doing their jobs and providing exemplary care will be unfairly smeared and tarnished, and many will leave in disgust, creating openings for the democrats to fill with loyal political hacks who may not know squat about providing good care, but do know how to salute and follow orders."
#543; "I've got to start taking a hard look at Fred Thompson - he's the one possible candidate I could get excited about if he chooses to run. I've been leaning (very reluctantly) toward Guiliani, mainly because there is no way that I would ever vote for John McCain, and frankly, Romney, Gingrich, Hunter and the rest have no chance at winning the nomination (or the election). ... But even my very reluctant lean toward Guiliani has always been tempered with the knowledge that it's still extremely early in the process and that there's a chance that someone better than Guiliani could come along. From what I've heard from Thompson so far, he could be that guy, if only he would run."
#735; "'Shalala, on the other hand, will be at the table representing AFSCME and the bureaucracy. She'll also be all about protecting the Clintonistas from any hint that this might have been a problem prior to 2000 or, perish the thought, could be the result of the slash and burn policies of the Clinton administration in treating the US Defense budget as their private piggy bank.' ... All true, but she'll also be there to make sure that, one way or another, this commission will be perverted into a weapon to be used against the Republicans in the upcoming elections, like the 9/11 "Commission" was. If she can't steamroll Dole and the Iraq veterans on the panel into making the commission report a political hatchet job against the Bush Administration, she'll walk away from it and claim the panel is trying to "whitewash" Bush and Rumsfeld, thereby discrediting it." (Note: reply to my post #728)

chiller

#426; "Indeed, Kopel was right on today. Also explained when the war on terror began 25 years ago, but that we didn't recognize it. Choose to acknowledge it would be more correct, but close enough Ted. ... Silence from Russert....."
#455; "I'm sure you saw, Rodguy, the story about Iran's faltering economy, rising gas prices, etc. because they've been unable to rebuild their oil production capabilities damaged 20 YEARS AGO ! They're the #2 producer in OPEC but still import 40% of their oil..... ....which made me think that damage to their nuclear program would set 'em back for a good long time. ... What they hell are they doing with their money...fighting proxy wars or something ?" (Note: reply to rodguy911's post #455)
#600; "Chrissy Mathews is salivating over Chuck Hagel's Pres. announcement when all hell will break loose within the Republican party over the war. ... LOL...that show is good for some comedy, if nothing else."

Chuck54

#295; "'..The appeals etc will probably keep Libby out of jail until then anyway.' ... I hope you're right about this but I have a sneaky suspicion, due to political pressure from the left, the sentencing will include the requirement of Libby to immediately begin serving his sentence. This would in effect "require" President Bush to put up or shut up. ... Just my weird way of thinking the Democrats are trying every devious way imaginable to make Pres Bush, and by association the Republicans look badly." (Note: reply to snugs post #156)
#475; "'What are the politicial advantages to pardoning Libby now?' ... One I know of. ... IF Libby serves even one hour behind bars this lifelong Conservative/Republican will forever abandon the party financially. I dare say there are thousands who feel the same. Probably hundreds and hundreds of thousands. ... Want to put the Democrats back in power for the next generation if not longer, toss Libby to the wolves."

Dionysius

#231; "Maxine Walters: Not your garden-variety imbecile, but, rather, a world class imbecile!"

duckln

#505; "W should go in attack mode. #1 pardon Libby. #2 Fire the special prosecutor. ... What's worst, getting fouled up in relentless cross examinations, and making statements that are cherry picked for a conviction. ... Or ... A power corrupted prosecutor, abusing his power, by singling out one citizen, just to make a mute academic point. There was no 'victim' in this case, and the whole conviction should be thrown out. ... A case of treason should be made against the Democrat Party, and their lackeys in this case. They have been in the bleachers rooting against America since W has been in office. This is just one more example. ... The judge should be impeached or disbarred, he should be de'fonged'. The jurist were pawns, did not do their job of protecting their peer against a run amoke system."

edpc

#169; "It's about time someone mentioned the fact the Clinton Administration fired over 90 US Attorneys. You won't hear that fact again in the MSM." (Note: in reference to reader mail to FNS correcting lies by Diane Feinstein on 3/4/07 that the removal of the 8 prosecutors was unprecedented - more posts by Laverne,#176, mathluv, #275, mtnwmn, #361)
#262; "Did anyone else notice (on MTP) Ambassador Khalilzad referred to his counterpart in the meetings as 'the Iranian'.....? ... They must have gotten along famously. I'm guessing we can expect great strides after these talks. ... /s"
#331; "... On Chrissy M's show, they're already assuming (Hillary's) won and wondering aloud what Bill's role will be. This early speculation and adoration reminds me so much of Dean 2004. Her phony Southern accent wasn't quite the Dean Scream, but it was the latest in many gaffes she'll have until next summer. I'm just going to sit back and watch while she unravels like an old Titleist."
#499; "'But, can one conclude that Chris is not as informed on politics as thousands of freepers?' ... I have concluded that many newspeople gather information and form opinions within the small circle of fellow newsies with which they associate. Any real stories needing investigation are farmed out to staffers who are seemingly more interested in making contacts and networking for career enhancement. Real fact checking and cross referencing of sources is mostly done in the blogosphere these days." (Note: reply to altura' post #485)

Fishtalk

#28; "... Got a whole lot, a WHOLE lot, going on in my life here as concerns Republicans and politics. Will give one quick one right now as I am going to do a Blog post about it all. .. But I had a meeting with the Sussex County Executive poobahs in the GOP re my "controversial" article I submitted for their newsletter (Which THEY asked me for!). They were very nice but it was same ole, same ole.... FOR THESE GOP WOMEN REJECTED IT!!! As follows: ... Promote Conservatism by Simply Being a Woman ..." (Note: article included in its entirety, along with the back story alluded to about the local Republican party)
#85; "Cry AB. Cry for what could be the Republican party and what they have become. ... Now they stand by and allow an innocent man, Libby, suffer through that joke of a Fitzgerald trial, all for the crime of being a Republican. ... I'm trying to re-gather my wits. ... Anyway, the local GOP Sussex county poohbah just stepped up to the post and I like him. At least for now. This coming Weds night the pubbies are having an open house. I've got a cadre of these ladies lined up and we're all going together to this thing. ... Because I am not alone, ladies and gems. I am not alone. ... Wish me luck with this local guy...the Sussex county GOP chairperson. He's a Blogger and I think he likes me. He's been working with the Delaware conservative blogger alliance, an organization I recently joined although, heh, there's only about five of us. ... I've not lost all hope but I'm definitely going to have to work around these nice blue-haired ladies. ... Oh....lots of FreeRepublic stuff coming out....heh. Seems some of our local GOP folks got kicked OFF of FreeRepublic. Yes, some good stories. Maybe later."
#102; "'The Sunnis and the Shias were getting along before we were there' says Maxine. ... THEY WERE NOT! ... Well let's just get on TV and lie. Saddam had the Sunnis in charge and the Shias were crushed. ... Dear Lord, somebody enlighten me....how is Maxine Waters an expert on foreign policy and conducting a war? I seem to have lost her credentials."
#209; "The very first thing Mort Kondrake said on the Brit show the night of the Libby verdict....'Well the Republicans went after Clinton for perjury...' ... Mort Kondrake! I thought he was on OUR side. ... Anyway, so this is the Dems' talking point? ... It's always ALL about Clintons. ... How about this Bush finally firing a few of those out-of-=control prosecutors and getting a load of crap from the powerful Dems? When Clinton fired NINTY THREE of them and the Repubs made not a peep? ... This is the problem folks. Oh I agree with you RG....which is why I'm organizing this thing in my county. ... I'm just one little guy out here in la-la land but I'm determined. If I gotta go and form my own political party, then so be it. Insert smile here."
#290; "'To compare the two cases is intellectually absurd.' ... May I softly suggest that President Clinton was also, duh, the PRESIDENT when he lied before a grand jury? ... Not that everything you said isn't true but the American public will surely understand that distinction between Libby and Clinton. ... Again, where are the REPUBLICANS over this Libby thing?" (Note: reply to MNJohnnie's post #284)

Graymatter

#481; "If Fred Thompson runs, we have one more chance of keeping a Republican in the White House. (If he doesn't, our chances are grim. A Dem spoiler like Nader who'd split the rat vote, that would do it for us. Not much else.) ... Look at what does it for American voters lately. Charisma, telegenic appearance, communication skills, name recognition. FT is no Adonis but he is very, very tall and physically impressive, and he definitely knows how to deliver lines. ... He could actually win. ... And aside from his involvement with CFR (McCain-Feingold), I've seen nothing discouraging about Fred. ... Ok, he's no Reagan, and "Fred Thompson" sounds awfully like an also-ran...but nobody's Reagan, even Reagan wasn't always the man we like to remember him being. ... We are going to need a good talker if Edwards gets the rat nomination, and I'm sure he will. ... Incidentally, when I first became aware of actor FT, I liked him immediately. Sort of a thinking man's Dub Taylor. A good ole boy with a brain. ... Now it appears he's on the right side of most issues. This could be a godsend. ... So as bitter as I am about CFR, and pessimistic about where we're going as a nation, Thompson looks better by the minute."

greyfoxx39

#291; "'It is a foregone conclusion that Libby will be pardoned by Bush. It is a matter of when, not if. ' ... I don't bank on "foregone conclusions" since Bush made the foregone conclusion that the Supreme Court would overturn McCain-Feingold, and i especially don't count on them with the way Bush has been caving in to the dems." (Note: reply to kabar's post #148)
#413; "'Please list for me three things Bush has "caved in to the dems" on. I seem to have missed them' ... 1. Allowing a special prosecutor to be appointed in the Plame case in response to demands by Schumer, et. al. ... SCHUMER ASKS MUELLER TO OPEN AN FBI INVESTIGATION INTO ILLEGAL LEAK OF CIA AGENT'S IDENTITY ... 2. Meekly accepting the onus of the VA hospital scandal instead of forcefully pointing out that this has been ongoing for decades. Appointing Dole and Shalala to look into the matter doesn't do it for me. ... 3. Allowing Sandy Berger to skate on treason, and then hanging Libby out to dry. Is the Justice Department supposed to be part of the Executive Branch? It damn sure was under Clinton-Reno. ... Post after post on this forum since 2001 has shown bafflement at Bush's ignoring of Clinton administration crimes. ... I am, by far, not the only "broken-glass-republican" of 2000 who is disheartened by Bush's meekness. Political expediency is one thing, but allowing this Libby farce to continue one more day, is in my opinion, beyond the pale."

KarlInOhio

#350; "... My problem with what (Ted Koppel) said is that the War on Terrorism has been going on for the past 24 years since Hezzbollah attacked the Marine barracks in Beirut. He seems to have forgotten the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979 which is when I mark the War's beginning. This was surprising because that was what brought Koppel and Nightline to the forefront."

ken5050

#307; "More importantly, (Maxine Waters') appearance today, in advance of the debate on Iraq this week on the HIll, shows just how badly fragmented the Dems are, and that Pelosi can't control the Out of Iraq caucus. Usually, appearances on the Sunday shows are carefully controlled by the Dem leadership, to make sure that the message gets out. However, the Dems have NO clear message on Iraq. It's going to be a circus, er.. zoo next week."
#317; "au contraire...a WH pardon for Libby is the worst possible scenario for Hillary. Look, assume that by next February she's wrapped up the nomination, or is close to doing so. Now, Bush pardons Libby, and the left/lib/MSM/blogosphere goes collectively apes**t...well, then, let's have the discussion of how the Clintons in 2000, sold pardons to convicted felons., like Marc Rich...including several who were "clients" of Hillary's brothers..the Rodham boys. It woun't be good for her.." (Note: reply to snugs's post #301)

lawdude

#297; "'Mort Kondrake! I thought he was on OUR side.' ... Mort is like a level headed Swede. He drools tobacco juice (blooming idiocy) out of both sides of his mouth. ... Nothing negative intended to my Swedish friends." (Note: reply to Fishtalk's post #209)

magellan

#509; "'Timmy plays a clip of one Sunni in Iraq saying that the Americans are the problem and have brought civil war and assassinations and says 'that is very telling, isn't it.' ... How intensely I dislike Timmy. Carrying water for Murtha. ... Carrying the water for Murtha? That comment is carrying the water for the architects and supporters of the Sunni insurgency, such as Abu Omar al-Baghdadi. ... I guess Timmy is Al-Qaeda Iraq's new #1." (Note: reply to Bahbah's post #55)
#540; "I really wish Thompson had run for Governor of Tennessee in 2002 rather than back to Hollywood. ... I am not a fan of career politicians, but historically, Governors are more likely to win the Presidency. ... However, Thompson seems to have a presence, call it gravitas, if you wish, which may make up for a lack of executive experience. ... And his acting skills, combined with his history as a federal prosecutor could make him devastating to his opponents in any debate."

maica

#88; "Maxine Waters has gone to Nancy Pelosi's plastic surgeon. Her face is smootha as glass."
#574; "Fred has one 'problem' that the demedia will love. ... Deferrments during the Sixties --- ... From his Senate bio ... graduated from Memphis State University 1964; received J.D. degree from Vanderbilt University 1967; admitted to the Tennessee bar in 1967 and commenced the practice of law; assistant U.S. attorney 1969-1972;"
#660; "... Perhaps Fred Thompson's) acting skills are better than his political skills. He was hog-tied by John Glenn during the Senate Committee hearings on the Chinese money being used in the Clinton campaign. ... Fred was Chairman, and sounded good, but Glenn, as ranking Democrat, stifled any serious investigation or conclusion to what was a real illegality."
#673; "'He was so disgusted that Fred could not handle Glenn.' ... So was I. ... Perhaps that hearing was the beginning of the end of our hopes for pinning anything criminal on Clinton. Perhaps it was because the demeanor of Fred Thompson and our expectations of what a Committee Chairman could do were demonstrated to be so inadequate. ... Perhaps, it was because Glenn did it for a ride in a space ship, and not for standing on any principle, that left such a lasting memory." (Note: reply to altura's Post #664)
#736; "... So was I going to watch Fred Thompson. When I surfed away from FNS I landed on a local baseball channel which was replaying the night that Cal Ripken broke Lou Gehrig's record. What a thrilling night. The O's fans gave him a 22 minute standing ovation! ... Watching Cal reminded me of the president's T-ball games on the South Lawn, and how he had Cal Ripken as "Commissioner" of the White House 'league.' ... That memory made me sad and angry all over again at our despicable media - the only people who saw Cal at the White House were the people on the lawn, the photographers who were there and the freepers who look at the Dose! ... Everyone in America should have been made aware of the T-ball at the White House ... and they would have been informed if the president to host it was a democrat!"
#739; "From a quick google: Of course the top link goes to a New York Times article. Basically John Glenn played defense for the Clintons, not agreeing to subpoenas and witnesses, using the tried and true "move along, nothing to see here" attitude. As I recall, he played Thompson for a sucker almost in a Lucy and the football pattern. The hearings were live on cspan and were infuriating to watch. ... Chairman Offers Defense of Senate Hearings ... July 14, 1997, Monday ... By LIZETTE ALVAREZ (NYT); National Desk ... Late Edition - Final, Section B, Page 8, Column 1, 1154 words ... DISPLAYING ABSTRACT - Sen Fred Thompson, head of committee holding hearings on campaign finance abuses, stands by his opening statement that China had tried to influence last year's elections; Ty Cobb, lawyer for Democratic fund-raiser John Huang, says his client may have violated some 'complicated' campaign finance laws; Sen John Glenn says he has access to same classified documents as Thompson, but has come to less certain conclusion about China"

mathluv

#275; "... Chris Wallace saying that 'they' did not know about it does not speak well for their 'journalistic' abilities." (Note: in reference to reader mail to FNS correcting lies by Diane Feinstein on 3/4/07 that the removal of the 8 prosecutors was unprecedented - more posts by Laverne,#176, mtnwmn, #361, edpc, #169)
#542; "I think that only FReepers seem to remember the firing of the US attorneys by the toon. I was amazed that Wallace would say they did not know about it until a viewer pointed it out. To me, that says they aren't much in the way of being 'real' journalists."

McGavin999

#250; "Bahbah, I think Libby ought to go for another round because if he is aquitted, the cloud is completely removed from his head. Not only that, but if he is acquitted, he can go after the government to pay his legal expenses. If he's pardoned, that will always hang over his head. ... He should only be pardoned if they won't give him a second trial or the appeal court refuses to look at it."

Morgan in Denver

#228; "Maxine Waters is simply a racist. She's always been that way and she is a disgrace as a US Representative."
#254; "Benjamin Netanyaho (sp?) outlined it on Friday. He claims economic sanctions, IF applied well by stopping the funding Iran is getting now could very well work to overthrow the current government."
#269; "... I have NO problem with Maxine Waters being the face of the Democrat party today."
#398; "The argument is nothing is off the table for what to do with Iran. It's just the methods need to reflect reality and what we can do today. Supporting dissidents, stopping the funding and galvanizing other countries could work. Might not but the point is the automatic response of bomb them should not be an initial response."
#442; "Clinton fired all the US Attorney's. At the time, many of us on FR believed he did that to eliminate Mary Jo White and the investigations going on in Arkansas into Whitewater and other Clinton problems. In hind sight, that has never been disproved."
#461; "... It never ceases to amaze me how Democrats can cause problems, then try to blame Republicans or anyone else they can blame to avoid taking responsibility for their actions."
#530; "... What Bush should really do is pardon Libby AND the two border guards in prison, fire the prosecutors, rearrest Sandy Berger, indict Rep. Jefferson now, begin a massive investigation into the Sen. Reid land deal and the influence peddling of Rep. Murtha and Nancy Pelosi. IF Bush were to actively begin a half dozen or more actions, the Democrats would not know which to complain over the most. ... Not my idea, this comes from what good old Bill Clinton did over and over and never paid a price for his actions."
#568; "This is exactly why I keep saying to hold our fire and not get behind or in front of the candidates. This whole election campaign will be very different a year from now than today and it does not help us to jump to one candidate or another too soon. ... As for Thompson, I like him too but I am content to wait and see what happens, just as he suggested. Fred Thompson knows this is too early and he's sitting back to see what happens. We Freepers need to do the same thing. ... Notice too, how many potential nominees that were all put out here on FR are absent today?"

mountainfolk

#610; "I was alerted to watch Fred Thompson's appearance on FOX by a conservative Republican in another time zone who likes Fred anyway and was more than excited about the possibility of him running for President. I was impressed with Fred's responses to Chris Wallace's questions and I will be interested in learning more about him. I think there is merit in his decision to wait awhile before making his decision official. For one thing, which I will welcome at a personal level, is that all of the vitriol that has been spewed on this particular forum about any and all candidates so far, has lost the impact it started with and whatever of the same is used to pound Thompson with will largely be bypassed for consideration of his substance."

mtnwmn

#361; "You noticed that he 'claimed' they didn't know??!!" (Note: in reference to reader mail to FNS correcting lies by Diane Feinstein on 3/4/07 that the removal of the 8 prosecutors was unprecedented - more posts by Laverne,#176, mathluv, #275, edpc, #169)

NautiNurse

#84; "'I doubt he'll announce...but we should get a good sense of his intentions at the very least:)' ... He provided a great big definite maybe..." (Note: reply to SE Mom's post #19)
#163; "'The only good reason to pardon Libby now is to save him the enormous legal costs of filing an appeal. Otherwise, a pardon now would be a negative politically.' ... I tend to disagree with you. There is a significant personal cost to Libby and his family. This conviction was a political witch hunt."
#304; "'The media would twist it though' ... I don't believe a man and his family should be left twisting in the wind from a witch hunt simply because the MSM gets their kicks from it." (Note: reply to snugs post #296)

Night Hides Not

#158; "Sorry for not responding earlier, AB. I was over on my alumni blog, driving a few more liberals up the wall. ... Imus Grills Schumer for Not Visiting Walter Reed ... Tally ho!" (Note: link to FR thread in response to Alas Babylon!'s post #36)

PerConPat

#608; "... Any perceived weakness in a candidate will certainly be seized upon by the opposition, from within or without of his/her party. But, IMHO, the country has previously decided the issue of the "draft dodger" accusation's efficacy in the Bubba era. I don't think it will scour with regard to Giuliani or Thompson. ... The more Conservative, yet still pragmatic, elements of the Pub party are desperately seeking the anti-Rudy. Fred has, at this time, the corner on that market; and he knows it. His appearance today on FNS is proof that a serious contest is underway for the heart and soul for the GOP. While still supporting Hunter, I am willing to give Thompson every consideration if he should declare for the nomination."

Racehorse

#315; "'It's easy to like a lot about Fred.' ... I like this, from January: ... 'Last week I said that it seemed to me that we ought to support the plan for the additional troops (which, incidentally, would bring the troops up to a number that is still less than the number of troops we have had there in the past) because the consequences of an American defeat in Iraq are so great. Understandably people have strong feelings on both sides of this debate. I read this week in The Economist magazine, which openly dislikes President Bush, that they agree with the president’s plan as our last best chance to prevail there. But I can see the arguments for the other side. I can even understand a vote to cut off funds for the war effort if one believes that we have clearly already lost the war and is prepared to accept the consequences of that loss. What I can’t see is this nonbinding resolution of opposition. Is it really in our country’s best interest to signal to the enemy that they probably only have to wait us out a little longer because congressional determination to defeat them is crumbling? Doesn’t such a resolution further diminish our chances for success at the very time our soldiers are preparing to go into battle? And finally, regardless of our politics is this the time to announce to the world that our president is 'on his own'?' Stomachless Senate, 9 January 2007 Radio Commentary ... A genuine, determined will to win is my minimum requirement."

Right_in_Virginia

#86; "General Maxine Waters is explaining why and when US Soldiers should leave Iraq."
#100; "Is anyone listening to this woman? Waters is as dumb as a brick. ... Seriously, the brick may be smarter."

SE Mom

#39; "Fred is not ruling out a run...he is leaving the door open."
#41; "Thompson 'Roe v Wade is bad law and bad science'...'I'm for rights of everyone, marriage is between a man and woman ..we don't need the Supreme Court making social policy'."

sgtyork

#752; "Dont forget that Building 18 was leased and is not on WRAMC proper. Wartime needs result in expansion which was handled to the low standards of the bureaucracy. I was a patient there in the 80's and it wasn't a great organization. Bethesda was much better.... "

shrinkermd

#185; "I only watched Fox News Sunday. ... Fred Thompson hit the ball out of the park. His answers were direct and congruent with his previous positions and where he didn't know, he so indicated. One could scarcely ask for more. ... I do note two things. ... First, he seemed tense and reluctant for a professional actor; I imagine because he wasn't acting. Still, he was not altogether his old, genial self. ... Second, perhaps it is his lack of hair but he seemed "unhealthy" in some ineffable way. Practicing medicine for 40+ years sometimes makes for good hunches but also equally so for bad ones. I am comparing him to my last TV experience with him which must be several years ago. ... I wouldn't say anything about this but does anyone know anything about his recent health history? ... As far as pardoning Libby, I agree with Krstol. This simply must be done and done quickly. When your opponents are gamey and playing 'gotcha' games sometimes it is best to give them a real reason to say "gotcha." In this case, pardoning Libby would focus a minor issue to several weeks. Of course, we would need Libby to deny up and down that he obstructed justice, etc, etc."

snugs

#253; "IMHO politically I do not think a pardon would be expedient until after the 2008 elections as this may not play favorably with the GOP think how the media would report it. ... So I would fully expect if the President is going to pardon Libby it will be after the 2008 election cycle or right at the end of his Presidency. The appeals etc will probably keep Libby out of jail until then anyway."
#267; "I was pleased and the cynic in (me was) surprised how far the VP statement re Libby went. ... 'I am very disappointed with the verdict. I am saddened for Scooter and his family. As I have said before, Scooter has served our nation tirelessly and with great distinction through many years of public service. ... Since his legal team has announced that he is seeking a new trial and, if necessary, pursuing an appeal, I plan to have no further comment on the merits of this matter until these proceedings are concluded.'"
#301; "Unfortunately you may well be right and the GOP may feel that a Presidential pardon will not play well for 2008 and will probably advise against it leaving the President tore between loyalty to an ex White House member of staff and his party." (Note: reply to Chuck54's post #295)
#309; "It all comes down to politics which is hard dirty game and Libby knew this all to well when he was appointed as the VP's chief of staff. ... However loyal the White House are, can or should be to Libby they also have 2008 elections to think of and the Republican Party will not want anything that a liberal media can use against any Republican. In the MSM a Republican is a Republican." (Note: reply to Chuck54's post #304)
#597; "Through work I know several Iranians and I am certain the way they conduct business they are no supporters of the current regime. My most honest and respectful agent is my Iran agent. We are on first name terms and since I am a women I am certain that he does not hold the extreme views of the Iranian government or he would not treat me as he does."

STARWISE

#276; "OKAY!! I'm definitely a bigger FREDHEAD. Yes!! ... I wish he'd have been more decisive today .. I'd be SO happy to see him get in, but I'll take his cautionary comments now... he closed NO doors. ... I liked every single answer he had. ... And, I think he's right about the times being so different today. There's still time to scan the horizon ... if he announced in May or August, overnight the groundswell would explode, with the 24 hr news cycle and internet. ... The $$ and staffs that are being committed now may be a large issue, I don't know about that .. but I AM surprised that he didn't use his "young family" as a reason for NOT considering it. ... If that was at play at all with his young wife and kidlets, I believe he would've definitely announced it and closed that door decisively. ... WOO HOO! ... Draft Fred Thompson ... <SNIP image of 'Draft Fred' bumper sticker SNIP> ... PS ... Maxine's *definitely* had serious cosmetic work done. If only she'd just shut up or get a voice transplant. EUUUWWW .... whattahag."
#384; "As requested, I'm re-posting this from yesterday about the Libby trial ... First class recounting of the TRUTH! Thanks, sleuthie, and thanks for highlighting this piece ... " (Note: lengthy and excellent repost from the preview thread with lots of first class information (with links) about the Libby trial. Please read it all. I'm proud that one small part of it is something I found in setting up the preview, but there's ton's more. This post is exactly why I do the preview)
#523; "'NO ONE MENTIONED RUSSERT's FALSE AFFIDAVIT. Maybe I'm making too much of it.' ... Fred Thompson sure heavily alluded to it .. I wish he'd mentioned bigheadtim by name, but the message was there. Fred's cool .. he's being very savvy and not inflicting any wounds ... yet. ... Run, Fred, Run!" (Note: reply to Laverne's post #145)

StoneWall Brigade

#345; "I hope Some House Republicans will confront the speaker for her reckless comments on the war i get tired of hearing her press conference's going UN noticed other then maybe talk radio"

Sunnyflorida

#117; "Fred Thompson is totally throwing Wallace off his game. He is a actually answering the questions. Wallace is not used to this. Normally he asks a question and the interviewee just rambles on whatever topic they want (especially if they are a lib (i.e. McCain))"
#256; "I personally believe a lot of how (Juan) behaves on FNS it all an act to either shock or gain viewers who love the exchange between him and Brit and Kristol. ... When you see him on other shows he is much more sensible and although his views are not mine he is not a loony leftie apart from on FNS."

syriacus

#586; "'The guest (whose name I don't know) said something about Thompson's height (I gather he is quite tall, he said he is 6'6") and 'looks' Presidential.' ... He's got a calm, deep voice, and he can seem relaxed as he puts an expression of , "I've got your number," on his face. ... Those are assets when dealing with the Democrats, who like to provoke their opponents." (Note: reply to Laverne's post #44)
#722; "'some good stuff RE: the Clintons' ... That's a nicely written summary. It would be a great introduction to Clintonian behavior in a future history book for high school students." (Note: reply to Txsleuth's post #697)

tiredoflaundry

#108; "Good golly, according to Maxine, we are not even looking for UBL!"

TomGuy

#46; "FNS ... Oh shock!!! ... Thompson used the un-PC "illegal aliens"! ... MSM and Libs will go into meltdown mode."
#91; "FNS ... Wallace asks Walters whether she "is one of those idiot liberals"..... LOL"
#101; "FNS ... Waters: The Sunnis and Shi'ites were getting along before the US invasion. ... [duh!!!!! Yeh, because Saddam was beheading and shredding the opposition. Congresswoman has no idea what Iraq WAS like.]"

wagglebee

#726; "Here's a partial transcript of the Thompson interview. ..."
#733; "I think that ultimately the GOP nominee will have the necessary support and it won't be Rudy because he will not survive the nomination process. And I am becoming more convinced every day that either Algore or Edwards will be the 'Rat nominee and the running mate will either be Edwards (if Algore is the nominee) or Richardson. The 'Rats are terrified of Hillary being the nominee and Obama is plummeting as fast as he rose."

WileyPink

#544; "I listened to Fred Thompson and felt like I was listening to a wise 66 year old uncle on a Sunday afternoon sitting on the front porch. I WILL support this man for president. I even liked the answer he gave for campaign finance reform (even though I disagree with McCain/Fiengold.) I'm a true conservative, not a hyphenated conservative. I like Mr. Thompson. ..."

Top Ten Awards for Sunday, March 11th, 2007

These are the no text versions of the Top Ten Awards for this week. Of the 773 posts at the time I compiled this list I've pulled posts from 55 participants and compiled a list of 241 posts worthy of special attention. That should tell you that the thread itself is getting to be very, very well done, overall. Let me emphasize, the other 532 posts are not "not worthy." That's the quandary of trying to judge this thread. It's all that good. As last time, because of my lack of discipline, I will make four posts: the honorable mentions, with and without text, and the top 10, with and without text.

I have to say that the distinction between the top 10 and the honorable mention list is getting harder and harder for me, and the ranking of the top 10 is really, really painful. All of these posts are that good that I could have made any of these first place this week.

This week, based on my perception of the nature of the posts, I am leaning towards volume of "notable posts." As I've said, the quality of the posts is getting to the point where it's hard for me to rank that way, so I'm going to my secondary characteristics. This week I'm emphasizing volume, but I also have a prejudice in favor of "new information" and especially posts with links to validating information.

10th place SCHROLL - my comment when I came across this post was "just damn!" This post is included in the top 10 not only for it's own merit, but as an example of the "one shot" posts (whether it's one or a handful) that deserve special attention. Everyone has their prejudices, as do I, but I hope I am including a good cross section of the posts in these awards. Bottom line, SCHROLL done good, this week.

#616

Ninth Place OldFriend - Excellent commentary, as usual. OldFriend's posts always provide great insights that allow for more profound understandings of who and what we have seen on the shows and provide a broader context in which to consider them.

#370; #374; #393; #401; #411; #421; #579; #581; #587; #589; #594; #601; #679;

Eighth Place Bahbah - the most reliably excellent play by play on the thread. I always read Bahbah's posts in full, particularly when I haven't gotten to see a particular show yet or am going to get it via download or rebroadcast. I always get more out of watching the shows after reading Bahbah's commentary.

#43; #55; #80; #124; #141; #162; #174; #221; #244; #341; #383; #464; #556; #715; #732;

Seventh Place Laverne - Excellent live commentary on the shows, providing insight for those who have seen them and a great roadmap for those who haven't but want to know what to look for. Coupled with great analysis Laverne offered up a tour de force this week.

#44; #49; #57; #76: #95; #145; #160; #176; #266; #333; #458; #463; #709;

Sixth Place rodguy911 - With only semi-recharged batteries after a grueling travel schedule rodguy911 is back with a vengeance. Biting but very funny comments, excellent and informative links and some lively discussions. Great contributions this week.

#27; #42; #67; #82; #99; #156; #164; #193; #247; #257; #260; #337; #353; #382; #404; #425; #468; #477; #480; #489; #537; #541; #598; #681; #686

Fifth Place MNJohnnie - as usual MNJ is involved in some of the most informative and thought provoking discussions on any thread. After reading through the posts and replies, along with the replies that those generate from still others, we are always better informed and have broader understanding of whatever topic is being discussed.

#40; #47; #51; #94; #106; #149; #177; #186; #284; #302; #313; #348; #376; #406; #460;

Fourth Place kabar - excellent and always informative posts, kabar also brings out the best in other posters when he challenges us and makes us reexamine our thinking or forces us to back up, or correct, our statements. The thing that is so outstanding about our community here is that we're mostly past letting that sort of thing degenerate into flames and instead are responding and learning from each other. Even our arguments are fun and informative discussions, not antagonistic contests.

#97; #130; #148; #182; #199; #292; #316; #342; #410; #457; #754;

Third Place Txsleuth - excelling in both direct reporting of the activities on the threads and in analysis, our Txsleuth has provided the classic case of what is worthwhile about this thread each week

#212; #249; #258; #263; #299; #330; #336; #349; #362; #447; #465; #476; #484; #487; #501; #506; #508; #520; #533; #547; #558; #620; #697; #743

Second Place saveliberty - excellent political analysis, useful and informative links and a truly great idea on immigration. Simply Wonderful!

#298; #311; #329; #351; #354; #407; #452; #467; #482; #495; #652

First Place txradioguy - insightful and on point comments, useful information all coupled with first hand knowledge. For me this is what FreeRepublic is all about and this series of posts is among the best I've ever seen on this thread. Thank you.

#120; #170; #178; #219; #229; #320; #356; #372; #380; #385; #459; #466; #511;

Top Ten Awards for Sunday, March 11th, 2007

These are the full text versions of the Top Ten Awards for this week. Of the 773 posts at the time I compiled this list I've pulled posts from 55 participants and compiled a list of 241 posts worthy of special attention. That should tell you that the thread itself is getting to be very, very well done, overall. Let me emphasize, the other 532 posts are not "worthy." That's the quandary of trying to judge this thread. It's all that good. As last time, because of my lack of discipline, I will make four posts: the honorable mentions, with and without text, and the top 10, with and without text.

I have to say that the distinction between the top 10 and the honorable mention list is getting harder and harder for me, and the ranking of the top 10 is really, really painful. All of these posts are that good that I could have made any of these first place this week.

This week, based on my perception of the nature of the posts, I am leaning towards volume of "notable posts." As I've said, the quality of the posts is getting to the point where it's hard for me to rank that way, so I'm going to my secondary characteristics. This week I'm emphasizing volume, but I also have a prejudice in favor of "new information" and especially posts with links to validating information.

10th place SCHROLL - my comment when I came across this post was "just damn!" This post is included in the top 10 not only for it's own merit, but as an example of the "one shot" posts (whether it's one or a handful) that deserve special attention. Everyone has their prejudices, as do I, but I hope I am including a good cross section of the posts in these awards. Bottom line, SCHROLL done good, this week.

#616; "Some one should ask Biden since it's his opinion that Iraq be split along political and sectarian lines would he like to see the same done here. Tell him we have the 2000 and 2004 red/blue maps to use as a starting point. Each region would be fully autonomous, free to set up whatever form of government they wish and unable to enforce it's edicts on the other regions. Let's see-we can call the Northeast enclave New Camelot, the Midwest enclave Barakistan, and the West Coast enclave the Counter Culture Commonwealth of the Pacific or C.C.C.P. for short. The rest of us will welcome likeminded individuals fleeing the Liberal hoards with open arms especially the military. They would be free to pick where they choose to serve and take whatever equipment (planes, ships, tanks, and everything else) assigned to them with them."

Ninth Place OldFriend - Excellent commentary, as usual. OldFriend's posts always provide great insights that allow for more profound understandings of who and what we have seen on the shows and provide a broader context in which to consider them.

#370; "I have given Waters the honor of calling her MARXINE Waters!" (Note: catty, but true!)
#374; "If FNC is going to be damned for being too conservative, they might as well live up to that, rather than living down to trying to show they're so balanced. ... Ratner, Beckel, Ferraro, and assorted other libniks give the mute button on my TV quite the workout."
#393; "Fred made the exact same comments about the war that Rudy made last week. He, too, supports the President and acknowledges that mistakes were made which is what happens in a WAR."
#401; "Over 700,000 lives lost in the Civil War. Americans died to preserve the union and abolish slavery. ... Marxine would prefer that others remain in slavery so her homies can get more more more more 'benefits'."
#411; "With Iran having to ration gasoline I believe the economic pressure to join the rest of the world will be enough to topple Imadamnutjob. Because gasoline cost only 9c a gallon there was massive overuse and they are forced to import refined gasoline as they haven't the capacity to refind their own. ... In this case, I believe economic sanctions will work."
#421; "Rudy's street crime unit saved the city. Many were not happy with his stop and frisk. He also confiscated the cars of drunk drivers. This did not stand up in Court, but in the meantime, the drunk driving murders declined considerably. ... That stop and frisk was abolished by Blooming-idiot and the city is now reverting to Dinkins Time. ... What the answer is, I don't know. I do know that working in the city for decades showed up what a really tough SOB could do to govern an ungovernable city rife with crime."
#579; "Yup, the Crown Heights riots were during Rudy's term. ... Dinkins Time was not about the drop in crime, it was about the dreadful way the city was being run. The inmates were in charge. It was a terrifying time for those folks who worked there every day. Who had to use the subways, the streets after dark, etc." (Note: reply to saveliberty's post #452)
#581; "The old media may be dying but they have a lot of help from certain right wing elites who think they know more than the generals, the economists, the president, and of course all of us!"
#587; "Get ready, there is going to be a major slam at the FBI under Bush. ... Leslie Stahl doing a hit piece on the investigation into the anthrax attack. ... Coordinated with the dem congress creatures....as they are demanding the FBI explain the lack of progress in finding who send the anthrax. ... Look for the insinuation to me that one of our own sent the anthrax from a stateside military base."
#589; "When my son was in Germany for World Cup he said there were many many young Iranians there waving the Iranian flag of the Shah. They are begging for help from the US to free that country from the economic disaster created by Imadamnutjob."
#594; "Wallace is on WABC radio every week for a brief interview with John Gambling. ... He said his staff does all the research and gives him the questions. Whenever he is asked about something current he always claims to know nothing about it and will have to ask his staff. ... If ever there was a useless host, he's it! ... The Sunday numbers have dropped consistently since he took over the show. ... He's no better for FNC than Couric is for her station."
#601; "The more the Iraqi's fear we will pull out the less likely they are to join forces with US troops. Who could blame them."
#679; "Glenn was among the most disliked of the astronauts. He was never a good guy.......it only became public when he got into office. ... Not sure that he's paid his debt even now, but he owed much much money for his campaign. He felt he didn't need to repay that money."

Eighth Place Bahbah - the most reliably excellent play by play on the thread. I always read Bahbah's posts in full, particularly when I haven't gotten to see a particular show yet or am going to get it via download or rebroadcast. I always get more out of watching the shows after reading Bahbah's commentary.

#43; "Zalmay is telling Timmy that he has had authority for over a year to talk to Iran about Iraq. ... Timmy is trying to imply a big change in policy as an indicator of the President's weakness."
#55; "Timmy plays a clip of one Sunni in Iraq saying that the Americans are the problem and have brought civil war and assassinations and says 'that is very telling, isn't it.' ... How intensely I dislike Timmy. Carrying water for Murtha. ... Cue the important sounding music. Dana Priest (a lefty married to another lefty) coming up. I wish she actually cared about our wounded rather than just wanting to harm a Republican administration. If wishes were horses...."
#80; "Ted Koppel just said that a pullout from Iraq could lead to a regional war and that we cannot afford to have that happen. ... Timmy quickly moves to another topic...LOL...on to how Bush said he wouldn't talk to those people (pounding his desk for emphasis) and Bechloss agrees he is now doing what the Surrender Group advised."
#124; "Everyone, I truly think Ted Koppel is worth listening to this morning. ... (Can't believe I'm saying this.) ... He's telling them that this war is not going to be over when we leave Iraq however we leave it. It's going to go on for a long, long time. It will just be fought in another way."
#141; "Michael Duffy is talking about how the whole military is broken and stressed at every level, including recruiting. ... Koppel now dishing out a dose of truth about how the vet care system has ALWAYS had problems and it's not a new story. ... Okay, Koppel backslides and says we shouldn't have tax breaks while we're fighting this war. Actually, I think he thinks we should never get tax breaks. So his idea is that, if guys are getting killed on the battlefield, we can sacrifice by having the govt dig further into our pockets. ... In fact, it is those tax cuts that have fired the engine of this economy."
#162; "Timmy turns to the prez horse race. ... Koppel steps in and says that looking at numbers like these 2 years out means you have your head in an uncomfortable place. They mean nothing and will look quite differently. He again emphasizes that whoever the next president is going to be fighting this war whatever this President does. ... Another BINGO for Ted."
#174; "'Dems who have no concept of consequences' ... Well, Ted Koppel is trying to give them a wakeup call on the war against the jihadis. I have no idea if it is penetrating the wall of "we have to do whatever it takes to get and keep power" and damn the consequences."
#221; "I forgot to mention that Koppel pointed out that saying we will stay in Iraq if Iraqis are meeting their goals but leave if they are not makes no sense at all."
#244; "Bill Kristol is right about Libby getting a pardon (I'm not sure about now or later, although I would do it now, but I'm not a politician), but he has some really weird argument about how not doing so leaves a cloud over the WH and granting it would somehow restore legitimacy to fighting the war. I simply did not understand his line of thinking."
#341; "... Thompson and Giuliani have a similar quality. They tell you what they think. Their responses to questions strike one as being carefully thought through rather than carefully crafted by a team of advisors."
#383; "'Walton had not been fair in his decisions.' ... Absolutely right. As you point out, he allowed that juror on. The defense was out of challenges, but Walton had the power to keep him off and he did not. In addition, he essentially punished Libby for NOT testifying, something he had no right to do and which was an abuse of his power. ... I have told people repeatedly for years that the "justice" system in this country has very little to do with justice. Judges are men and women with opinions and biases who, except in very few instances, do NOT set them aside when presiding over cases. They are absolutely drunk with power at every level of the" (Note: reply to Laverne's post #333)
#464; "I'm beginning to think that Dole may have been a good choice. As he just pointed out, we want to take care of the wounded properly, but there are always going to be some that think that they deserve more than they get. (Mrs. McLeod from the "hearings" comes to mind.)"
#556; "'To me, that says they aren't much in the way of being 'real' journalists.' ... Exactly. The first thing they started yelling was how this was an unprecedented action. 'Unprecedented!!!' said many FReepers immediately, some having already recalled what Presidents Clinton and Clinton did. Now THAT was truly unprecedented, i.e., it had never been done before...wiping out the whole bunch. You would think that Wallace and others would at least put some minions to work finding out something about the history of firing fed prosecutors, but they just read and feed off of others in the DBM. How lazy. Or do they just pick up the action lines that they want to run with and simply don't care about the facts?" (Note: reply to mathluv's post #542)
#715; "I see Newsbusters was as taken aback by Ted Koppel today as we here were. ..."
#732; "'I think this is the element about Giuliani that is allowing conservatives to still consider supporting him even if they disagree with him on many social issues.' ... Exactly right, I believe. While there are certainly a contingent of close-minded conservatives, I think (hope?) the bulk are relentlessly open-minded and constantly exploring and reviewing facts and opinion on lots of issues. At least that is how I became a conservative. So I like people who tell the truth. I can deal with that. That is the attraction of Giuliani, in addition to his strength as a leader." (Note: reply to my post #716)

Seventh Place Laverne - Excellent live commentary on the shows, providing insight for those who have seen them and a great roadmap for those who haven't but want to know what to look for. Coupled with great analysis Laverne offered up a tour de force this week.

#44; "For the most part pretty positive, I didn't watch all of it (I tuned in late). I was particularly interested in the callers, who seemed to suggest that they need a star as a candidate, and as yet, we don't have one. I know these comments are not very informative, but its the best I have. The guest (whose name I don't know) said something about Thompson's height (I gather he is quite tall, he said he is 6'6") and "looks" Presidential." (Note: comments are in regards to discussion of potential Fred Thompson candidacy on CSPAN)
#49; "Good for Thompson: In response to Wallace, what would you do in Iraq? 'I would do what the President is doing'. He talks about the mistakes, states 'wars are always full of mistakes', the important thing is to rectify those mistakes, and that is what we are doing."
#57; "Talking about Scooter. Asking about a pardon -- said he would pardon Libby NOW. Talks about how this is a miscarriage of justice. It was a political trial, the SP KNEW it was Armitage was the leaker and did not constitute a violation of the law. The trial was NOT FAIR, and he would do anything he could to alleviate that. ... OK, that does it for me; he's my man! :-)"
#76: "Too bad Zal has to be so political. If Timmah had asked me that question, I would have asked Timmah why he filed a false affidavit with a federal court? Who is Timmah to ask any question at all, he is a proven liar, and NBC should fire him. (Rant off). ... I don't watch Fat Dim because I can't stand the clymer."
#95; "Maxine: blah, blah, blah.....blah, blah, blah; same old same old...no WMD, not greeters as liberators, Bush lied, blah, blah, blah. ... Wallace asks if Pelosi is being too timid? ... Wallace says the election was all about getting out of Iraq (she buys into the liberal media spin, of course, since the liberal media reports the DNC talking points). ... Showing the Obey "liberal idiot" tape! LOL ... Wallace: Maxine: Are you one of those liberal idiots? ... Maxine: "his language was quite unfortunate....Obey apologized..." Maxine hopes that she is not one of the liberal idiots! LOL ... blah, blah, blah."
#145; "Panel talking about Scooter now. Will anyone talk about Russert's false affidavit????? ... Brit: I think the 2 jurors who spoke out, the WAPO reporter said the adjudication "sucked", and the other one wants a pardon. ... Nina: If you use an SP, you are at risk. No underlying crime. Obstruction of justice for a crime that didn't exist....doubts about the case; SP calling LIbby a liar. ... Kristol: Pardon now. Right thing to do. SP said "there is a cloud over the WH and VP". Conviction was unfair. Pardon Libby NOW. ... Juan: says Libby should not get a pardon, it would undermine justice. ... Brit again: NOTHING WAS FOUND IN THIS CASE...NO CRIME. ... Nina: Should SP even have investigated these matters? It is a criminalization of politics.... Kristol: This trial should NOT have been brought. Thinks Bush should pardon him now -- get rid of the cloud by pardoning LIbby. Going after Wilson was legitimate, he was the LIAR. ... Juan: BS. Says if Bush pardon's libby will show no accountability. ... Brit: Should wait for pardon until after the next legal maneuvers....new trial and/or appeal. ... I'll answer my own question: NO ONE MENTIONED RUSSERT's FALSE AFFIDAVIT. Maybe I'm making too much of it."
#160; "LOL. Wallace praises Ailes comments about blacklisting ANY news organizations; which is what the dems are doing. ... Wallace puts up the letter by Reid, et al. ... Shows joke that Roger made that caused the whole bruhaha. Says the Nevada dem party is only using the joke as an excuse to cover for the girly man's (my words, not Brit's) being afraid of Fox. Says good move by Edwards in the short term. Edwards is at war with Fox, that Fox is NOT at war with Edwards. We treat Edwards fair....but Edwards is cow-towing to the left wing nut roots. ... Nina brings up the liberal left bloggers, and this is what the boycott is really all about. Edwards is most aligned with the nut roots. ... Wallace: What would MSM say if pubbies caved into the bloggers and refused to debate on the MSM. ... Kristol: Edwards has been on Fox a lot...all he is doing is pandering to the left winger. ... Juan: We are living in a world of mixed journalism, and FNC is more conservative. To his mind, the decision by the dems is contrary is contrary to open debate and free speech. Says he thinks the decision is stupid. Good for Juan."
#176; "Yes, and isn't it interesting, that Wallace talked about Clinton's firing ALL state AGs, ONLY in response to a viewer question. Had the question not ever been asked, Wallace probably would never have reported it. This is what I hate about journo's today; they have no investigative instincts anymore. The liberal mainstream media writes and reports what they get from the DNC war room (with rare exception), and the RNC war room simply does not exist. ... With the NY Times openly working for the terrorists, and repeatedly lying in their articles, and despite being caught at it time and time again, mainstream media still follows their lead. Its disgusting. ... FREE SCOOTER; FIRE RUSSERT!" (Note: in reference to reader mail to FNS correcting lies by Diane Feinstein on 3/4/07 that the removal of the 8 prosecutors was unprecedented - more posts by edpc, #169, mathluv,#275, mtnwmn, #361)
#266; "I agree with you McGavin; I think a little patience for a pardon is the best approach. Libby wants to be completely vindicated and a pardon would not do that. I would only wish that the stupid Judge Walton will recognize his reputation is in the gutter for how he allowed this case to be tried. He can rectify it by overturning the verdict (or whatever means he has to remove the guilty verdict); otherwise, he will be forever known as another Judge Ito. His decisions throughout the case were favorable to Fitzy. Fitzy should be tried for prosecutorial misconduct with Russert filing a false affidavit with Fitzy's knowledge. The whole thing sucks.... "
#333; "Thats a good point snugs, but in reality it doesn't matter. As we all know.....MSM will just make up stuff to go after republicans, it doesn't have to be true, they just have to be in unison. They do it all the time. I don't think Bush should pardon Libby just yet, I think he should wait until the next phase and see what happens. ... The whole trial was a fiasco...with the judge letting on the ex-WAPO reporter who personally two or three of the prosecutor's witnesses, including the star witness. That was a travesty and says to me Judge Walton was not seeking a fair trial...a bold statement I make only from my legal ignorant position. But Judge Walton made so very big mistakes in what to allow and what not to allow in for evidence. ... In fact, Fred Thompson made that case the other day, not today on FNS, but he did state earlier that Walton had not been fair in his decisions. Thompson was right then, and he is right now to say the whole thing was a travesty; a political witch hunt by an over zealous prosecutor." (Note: reply to snugs post #309)
#458; "... Dole is on FNC now with Brian Wilson hosting the noon-time show today. They are talking about the whole Walter Reed issue and focusing it on just well where it belongs -- on Building 18. Talking about how the WAPO would have yelled and screamed if the government has invested into Walter Reed after it was announced it made the BRAC list. They are right on that, for sure. ... Also referring to Congress's lack of over-sight on this issue, that they are also culpable because they did not know about the situation."
#463; "... Discussion about Fred Thompson possibility getting into the race coming up next on FNC. ... Dole's departing comment on that: "it sure would shake things up". Spot on."
#709; "I think if a pardon becomes necessary he will pardon him, but I don't think LIbby wants a pardon at this point in time. He is requesting a new trial....and deserves one, judge Walton refused his opportunity to put on a full defense. If Walton was a real man, one with integrity, he would overturn the verdict. He made gross errors in this trial. ... President Bush is a very patient man, he WILL NOT stoop to the levels of the dem smear machine (I don't know how he resists it, I would have used very spicey language at some of the idiot dems and press). It frustrates me that he won't fight back, but I think he really does, he just fires back behind the scenes. He will not become a public spectacle like Hilly, Billy, and the rest of them."

Sixth Place rodguy911 - With only semi-recharged batteries after a grueling travel schedule rodguy911 is back with a vengeance. Biting but very funny comments, excellent and informative links and some lively discussions. Great contributions this week.

#27; "Actually I love hearing Maxine, Barney, Piglosi, dingy and all the other rat/idiots, it's lets the populace see just how wacked out these people really are."
#42; "Hopefully everyone will be able to put together what is really going on with these rabid rats. The biggest problem we have with them right now is they are determined to sabotage the war with their 17 attempts at defunding. Here is the net effect so far. ... "Iran is at war with Us"--by Michael Ledeen --NRO ... Ledeen makes a compelling case that since the dems have basically given in on the war Iran has stepped in, in a big way, and is basically playing a waiting game until we leave Iraq. It's a wakeup piece that shows just what happens when you have a determined foe who sees war, struggle, conflict, jihad, in terms of hundreds of years instead of yearly budgets. You will find it here ... I got it here from a scrappleface link about how sanctions could hurt Iran and how they are concerned. That one is here..."
#67; "(Imus) had a good week--it's here ... Every once in a while the I "man" gets it! ... Although if you try and make sense of him or his show it's usually counter productive."
#82; "The final paragraph of your link pretty much says it all where 26 more Iraqis were killed after the meeting by more suicide bombers. The Iranians think they can play the world for suckers, let's hope we don't fall for it." (Note: reply to MNJohnnie's post #40 regarding article and thread ran Tells US To Set Timetable For Iraq Exit)
#99; "A lot of people want to see Scooter pardoned, it's just part of what you will read this week at Horowitz's 'Memo to Karl Rove' Front Page mag, where he continues the battle to free our college students from the vices of liberal college professors' clutches...."
#156; "Good point on Ledeen! There is no question in my mind that short of lots an lots of force, all the talking in the world will not dissuade the Iranians from trying to conquer every infidel in the world and those who oppose them in any way. ... They are truly the nut cases of the Middle East. Difficult if not impossible to deal with other than in a forceful manner. ... If we "are" ever successful in dealing with them, and I don't see it happening right now,it would go a long way to solving many of the problems we now have in the Mid-East. But like you said, fireside chats won't get the job done."
#164; "35 years later it still pays to recall that the Shah of Iran (whose son is waiting in the wings to go back to a free Iran) was sabotaged by Jimmy Carter when he would not cave to Carter's bribe demands for his Ga. buddies. That little deed alone has had huge ramifications for the world ever since. ... Dems who have no concept of consequences or who just don't care like Bubba, can go along way at recreating an other wise much different world."
#193; "Red State has a good take on just how scared the dems really are of FNC and the upcoming debate in Reno: ... You can find it here: ..."
#247; "I sometimes wish the panel on FNC made a few changes, I would love to see Michell Malkin or Laura Ingram, Monica Crowley, or many others on the panel instead of Barnes and Kondracke all the time. Neither one is what I would call a broadcast ace. They may be good writers....."
#257; "Hillary and co. may have a lot more to worry about than a time line if some of her old worries are brought up: ... Here's one: ... Many are wondering if indeed there really was a cover up of the TWA 800 flight explosion. Was it really knocked down by a rocket, some think so.. here is a take that could be tough for the Clinonistas to explain if there is anything to it: (link)"
#260; "The great think about Maxine Waters is that she is blatantly stupid! She brings about some appeal to black voters but has to turn everyone else off!! I love it whenever the rats put her up front, it can only help us."
#337; "I you want to see just how fragmented the dems really are scroll down the page at flopping aces and see just how frustrated Rep. David Obey is with his own left wing. ... There are just tons of great stuff at FA including Bill Maher imploding ..."
#353; "Making the claim that the dems won't like it and they will be even harder to get along with if we pardon Scooter is hardly compelling. Since when do they like anything this President has ever done. ... IMHO, the dems are just like the terrorists, they only respond to overt actions. Words hardly scare or get their attention. Deeds are what it takes. ... Many conservatives are waiting to see GW resolve several lingering issues including the border agents who still sit in jail -- Ramos/Compean, Libby and other shall we say 'unresolved' issues. Not that we don't support him anyway, just that we can use a boost every now and then. ... I tend to disagree with your analysis this time." (Note: reply to kabar's post ##316)
#382; "Pardoning Libby right now I think would really fire up the base which sorely needs it."
#404; "... The naiveté of the day was we were getting a peace dividend. Well our peace dividend was 911 and we go it with 400k fewer troops. ... Anyone with half a brain would have know to have maintained our military strength and even slowly increased it in the world we live in, but no! We got algorr and bubba instead, and well... here we are, with 400,000 fewer troops. ... The problem is that we have become accustomed to thinking in terms of a socialist agenda! We need, more Medicare, more free this, more free that, instead of thinking about the basics of what the country needs and why it was formed, which is security and safety in order to live as free men. We need to get back on track."
#425; "... The dems have always gone after GW for any old reason and always will! ... If they don't have something current to use they make it up,it's actually starting to work to our advantage since anytime you do anything too much people start getting suspect and suspicious. More and more voters should and may start to realize just what complete phonies they truly are.(and we will help them to realize it here in the New Media.)"
#468; "Love him or hate him Rudy was right there after 911. ... Someone else who has covered 911 from stem to stern is writer Peter Lance. ... Perusing the Able Danger Blog once again I stumbled across an 8 minute video that was truly fascinating especially after watching "Breach" for the second time yesterday at the movies. ... Lance is now enamored with how the Bureau covered several aspects of events before 911. ... I mention it only because he claims within the video to have read over 10,000 papers of research on the topic or related events and appears to be well versed in what he says. ... Anyway you can decide for yourself here: ... You will have to scroll down to the You tube video, it moves really fast."
#477; "But in the end you are still taking about how the dems will claim their lies are bigger and better than our truths. ... I readily admit they have a huge msm advantage but that does not follow that they have any truthfulness on their side whatsoever. ... Truth always counts. No matter who says what."
#480; "Yeah I guess killer hurricanes are GW's fault as well, who knew!"
#489; "Your stuff on Chavez is truly amazing. ... To think that Carter is so stupid he makes the same mistakes over and over, appeasing dictator after dictator it's a wonder anyone ever takes the guy serious at all. What a huge traitor he is. ... As I get it, basically Chavez bought his voting machines from us, controlled them, and then found out which sites Carter would monitor during the elections. ... Not only that I never knew that there were 1.25 million protesters against him supporting the opposing candidate before the election, chances are he lost big time and everyone everywhere just let it slide!! ... This is really unbelievable! Great links SL." (Note: reply to saveliberty's post #467)
#537; "Wow, am I glad to hear you say that! ... From my standpoint, every time that GW ignores what the rats do they just think of even more things to do. ... They are like the terrorists. You can't really talk to them, you have to spank their butts before they understand. ... Consequently we remain on defense all the time instead of offense. ... The rats are the dirty party not us! They have much to apologize for not us! It's time the general population knew that and it was more at the forefront,of course if GW doesn't do it that always leaves us!" (Note: reply to Morgan in Denver's post #530)
#541; "... when you analyze Rudy's entire candidacy, much of it depends on whether or not voters think he has evolved or remained static. ... Is the Rudy Guilani of 15 years ago the same Rudy as today? Or, has he changed on certain issues and if so which and why. ... Those questions could be a crucial aspect of his candidacy."
#598; "Hopefully they are reporting that the surge is succeeding since it is. I have always had complete confidence in the surge since it is a new and brilliant formula for fighting what MNJ calls an asymmetrical war. One that is not traditional, where the enemy hides near civilians, children, and uses terror techniques I like to call the chicken sh___t methods to disrupt life in a city. ... Our new leaders have figured out that it's necessary to put our troops right in with Iraqi troops,let them live together and do everything together. ... The key to winning this war has alway been to get the locals to turn in the terrorists without fear of being killed themselves. ... the only way to do that is give them them the security they need, we are doing that and apparently it's working. there is new thread here on the surge working its here: ..."
#681; "I Understand you don't want to negotiate with terrorists, who does, but if I know GW and Condi (and i don't i am guessing) it will be negotiation from a point of strength.... In the past the Iranians have used negotiations to spin their side and stall for time. They still are. ... If I had to guess, now we are using the negotiations to increase pressure with sanctions and stall for time. The longer they are denied any goods longer they will suffer and maybe regime change who knows. I would have to be naive to think that we are not supporting some sort of regime change within the country as well. Has to be going on at full speed."
#686; "Actually when you consider all the options available, which are few, GW's strategy is probably a stroke of genius...uh let's see where have we said that before....oh yeah right here on a regular basis."

Fifth Place MNJohnnie - as usual MNJ is involved in some of the most informative and thought provoking discussions on any thread. After reading through the posts and replies, along with the replies that those generate from still others, we are always better informed and have broader understanding of whatever topic is being discussed.

#40; "Iran Tells US To Set Timetable For Iraq Exit ... If I had not seen this who published this, I would of taken it for satire. Simply unbelievable that the Democrat Party is taking it's talking points on today's shows from the same script the Mullahs in Iran are writing! Are these people in the US Congress really this completely clueless?" (Note: link is to FR thread with article)
#47; "'Curiously, approval among Democrats for the Democratic-ruled Congress slipped slightly this month, down to 33 percent from 39 percent last month. In particular, support fell among Democratic men, from 44 percent last month to 34 percent this month.' ... Which corresponds to their big push to Resolution themselves out of Iraq. Dems better be careful. This is exactly the same dynamic that started in 1993 in their polling data. Remember 1994 was the year of 'The Angry White Male'?"
#51; "This from the same Russert who was part of the Leftwing's caterwauling because Bush was NOT talking to Syria and Iran? These people are so deranged they cannot even be logically consistent in their talking points week to week!"
#94; "Only problem with Ledeen he is another one of the gutless "Do Nothings" who thinks if we just play around the edges supporting pro Democracy groups the Iranian people will magically rise up and throw the Mullahs out. ... Only problem is History shows his idea is absurd nonsense. If Iran did this it would be the first time an authoritarian Govt was overthrown by a purely popular uprising. Every single popular revolt in history has arose when an authoritarian govt tired to reform the existing system to cope with an external threat. Without the external threat, there is no crack in the facade or oppression reformers can hammer a wedge into. ... I have never understood Ledeen's popularity with Conservatives. His every answer to any issue is whine about what we ARE doing and bitch that we ARE doing things. Guy is way past is time. Still stuck in an 09-10-01 world view."
#106; "'Timmy plays a clip of one Sunni in Iraq' ... Did they bother to find out what the scum did under Saddam? Saddam did not staff all the rape rooms, torture chambers and execution yards all by himself. Of course there are going to be people pissed off Saddam is gone. Either the the US Junk media is incredibly naive, or they are out right traitors who simply do not care they are actively propagandizing for the enemy. ... Simple sick and sad of Russert to carry the water for terrorists and other mass murdering scum."
#149; "Ms Water. Whites and blacks 'got along' during Slavery the same way Shia and Sunni 'got along' in Saddam's Iraq. That did not make it right. ... What and utterly despicable shamefully ignorant thing for here to say about Iraq."
#177; "'How could we possibly prosecute the WOT with Saddam in power?' ... Dirty little secret to tell you. People like Maxine Waters et al do not think we SHOULD be fighting the WOT. In their world, we DESERVED 09-11 because 'of our historic and current oppression of colored peoples'. ... Some one might want to clue in the Rabid Left that Arabs are Caucasians."
#186; "'Michael Duffy is talking about how the whole military is broken and stressed at every level, including recruiting.' ... Guess someone better update Mikes propaganda. He is only about 3 years out of date. ... Recruiting Numbers Exceed Goals"
#284; "Only problem with the talk point is it is totally at odds with factual reality. ... Facts are Clinton lied under oath and actively solicited others to lie on his behalf under oath in a matter involving his criminal sexual conduct. Libby is guilty of making comments during his marathon repeat grilling by an out of control Special Prosecutor that are at odds with documented facts. ... Clinton lied by commission actively trying to conceal criminal conduct while Libby made statements that were contradicted by documents. To compare the two cases is intellectually absurd." (Note: reply to Fishtalk's post #209)
#302; "'Scrap the current ROE's. Dust off the bombers.' ... Russians tried your style Counter Insurgency doctrine in Afghanistan. The Nazis tried it during WW 2 in Eastern Europe. How did that work out for them? ... Counter Insurgency is not Total War. Most of the troops who are doing the bulk of the fighting and dying on ourside are Muslims. Practicing this sort of "kill them all" doctrine would make all those allies enemies instead. ... This is the sort of trash talking from the pseudo "tough guy" never been anything Talk Radio Hosts that might make for good Talk Radio sound bites, in real life it is prescription for guaranteed failure." (Note: reply to aligncare's post #214)
#313; "Yeah we could use that. Then we can run all the various clips of him running as a 'Reagan Clone' while stumping in VA then show all his way Leftist trash talk as a member of the US Senate new 'Progressive Caucus' and simply end with ... 'Which Jim Webb are you voting for'?" (Note: reply to Txsleuth's post #249)
#348; "'because we aren't splitting the country in 3, like he wants to do.' ... This is positively the stupidest idea. I am curious who is putting this idea in Joe's ear. He is even too stupid to come up with this idea on his own so SOME one is telling him this. CFR maybe? This is exactly the sort of stupid short term "quick fix" the "Stability uber alles" crowd would come up with."
#376; "Adding it to my reading list now. ... The Looming Tower Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 ... desc ... A sweeping narrative history of the events leading to 9/11, a groundbreaking look at the people and ideas, the terrorist plans and the Western intelligence failures that culminated in the assault on America. Lawrence Wright’s remarkable book is based on five years of research and hundreds of interviews ..." (Note: considerably more to the description of the book in the post and at the link - recommended reading)
#406; "There are no Kurds nor oil in the former Yugoslavia. ... BTW Has JOE gone and seen what a disaster this partition has turned into? Basically you have 5 failed states that have to be garrisons and paid for via the UN. That a decade AFTER the Dayton Accords came up with this stupid partition plan, there is NO end in sight to them being anything but wards of the UN (The poor bastards do not even deserves this.) Oh, then there the little fact that they are pretty much lawless regions, openly the base for the world's current sex slave trade. Life inside the partition areas is almost as bad as it was under the Commies. ... I guess someone might need to explain to Joe that there is no equivalent to the Kurds in Yugoslavia. A Kurdish state would almost guaranteed end up in war with both Turkey and Iran who have large restless Kurdish minorities. The he might want to consider the fact that Yugoslavia does not sit on the 2nd or 3rd largest know oil reserves in the world the war Iraq does. Like it or not, Yugoslavia has no bearing at all on US National Security interests while Iraq clearly does. ... Joe Biden is an idiot studying to be a moron.....and failing."
#460; "Instead you demand perfect omnipresent from the White House that would have to have KNOW, before any investigation was conducted, that no crime was committed? Otherwise following your program would of been a clear and obvious attempt at Obstruction of Justice and instead of Libby you would have an impeached President. ... Gee sorry the President did have the 20/20 foresight the way the Talk Radio screamers have 20/20 hindsight. ... The President IS Commander in Chief, the VA problem happened on HIS watch. He IS responsible. That the different between a real world serious, appropriate political response and fantasy talk radio land politics. We all loathed Bill Clinton for his continual bobbing and weaving to ever avoid responsibility for anything. NOW the people who screamed loudest about Clinton want US to adopt his tactics? ... Sandy Burger? I hate to disappoint these Hollyweird fantasy land view of US Politics that keep cropping up among people who should know better but the Judiciary is a co equal branch of Govt. The President is not the all powerful god king Hollyweird action movies and never been anything talk radio hosts, make him out to be. Sorry reality of how the US Govt really works doesn't conform to the fantasizes of the politically ignorant Talk Radio screamers. ... Sorry but I prefer an adult in the White House. Sorry even if reality is causing screaming lunatic Democrat Campaign contributors pretending to be "Conservative Talk Radio Hosts" to go into hysteric fits because of it." (Note: reply to greyfoxx39's post #413)

Fourth Place kabar - excellent and always informative posts, kabar also brings out the best in other posters when he challenges us and makes us reexamine our thinking or forces us to back up, or correct, our statements. The thing that is so outstanding about our community here is that we're mostly past letting that sort of thing degenerate into flames and instead are responding and learning from each other. Even our arguments are fun and informative discussions, not antagonistic contests.

#97; "... Poland and Solidarnosc' started the downfall of the Soviet Union." (Note: in response to MNJohnnie's post #94)
#130; "And if Saddam and his sons were still around, we would still be enforcing the Southern and Northern no-fly zones at a cost of about $9 billion a year and Saddam [and the UN] would be still be skimming the Oil for Food revenue. Moreover, there would be mounting pressure to remove the sanctions from Iraq by France and Russia. How could we possibly prosecute the WOT with Saddam in power?"
#148; "The only good reason to pardon Libby now is to save him the enormous legal costs of filing an appeal. Otherwise, a pardon now would be a negative politically. It is a foregone conclusion that Libby will be pardoned by Bush. It is a matter of when, not if."
#182; "If you want a good analysis on the situation in Iran, I recommend Ed Luttwak's, 'Three reasons not to bomb Iran - yet' ... The worst thing we could do now is to make a preemptive, overt attack against Iran. The Iranian regime is intentionally trying to create an external threat to deflect the widespread domestic opposition to the regime. Ahmadinejad's outrageous statements also help raise the price of oil, which helps the flagging Iranian economy."
#199; "Most of the world's Muslim's live in democracies, including the two countries with the largest Muslim populations, Indonesia and India."
#292; "'I don't really understand the mechanism for stopping them getting nukes.' ... Obviously, a preemptive US military attack is the last resort. In the meantime, we should work on regime change in Iran, overtly and covertly. We should be aiding the opposition forces inside and outside of Iran. There are various diplomatic levers and economic sanctions that can be employed to further isolate Iran and its efforts to acquire nuclear weapons. ... Domestically, Iran's economy is in poor shape and the brain drain is real with more than 150,000 educated young people leave Iran annually for countries such as the U.S. and Canada. Some 4 million Iranians now live abroad. The current regime is very unpopular. The question is can we change it without using military force. We should try given our long term strategic interests in the region and our relationship with our once and future ally, Iran." (Note: reply to rodguy911's post #238)
#316; "'I gotta hear this explanation why it would be bad to pardon Libby now?' ... The Dems and MSM would go bonkers attacking the corruption of the WH and its disregard of the law and the justice system. Reid and Pelosi have already fired warning shots across the bow. I am sure that the WH would rather have good relations with the Dem controlled Congress so it can pass comprehensive immigration reform and a fix for SS. Moreover, there is still the funding of the war in Iraq that remains a Dem target. Pardoning Libby will give some backbone to wavering Dems in Congress. It will be played that the Libby conviction was really part of the WH cover up about the lies it used to get us into the War in Iraq, i.e., using the famous 16 words in the STOU. There may even be a greater clamor from the kook Left to impeach Bush. ... There is a reason why Presidents usually wait until the end of their terms to grant most of their pardons. Certainly, the highly charged political show trial of Libby would act as a lightening rod should a pardon be granted now. And Fitzgerald is still out there waiting to pounce. ... What are the politicial advantages to pardoning Libby now?" (Note: reply to rodguy911's post #245)
#342; "Then all bets are off. The only caveat is that if the Dems win the WH in 2008, they will implement a policy of containment and not initiate any military action. We cannot win the WOT without regime change in Iran, the world's biggest state sponsor of terrorism and the spawning grounds of militant Islamic fundamentalism." (Note: reply to rodguy911's post #303 asking if Iran does "get nukes, what then?")
#410; "'What race does Bush lose if he pardons Libby?' ... It is not about his reelection, but it could play a role in the 2008 election cycle and affect some GOP candidates. It is about politics and relations with a Dem controlled Congress that is aided and abetted by the MSM. Why pick a fight, which does not serve your interests? Bush may have some items on his agenda that he would like to see passed by Congress." (Note: reply to NautiNurse's post #375)
#457; "'Kabar, you just don't get it.' ... rodguy911, you just don't get it. I thought I would emulate your courteous introduction. I guess if I would agree with you, then I would "get" it. ... 'The dems have always gone after GW for any old reason and always will!' ... Agreed. But do you have to give them [and the MSM] more ammunition now? ... 'If they don't have something current to use they make it up, it's actually starting to work to our advantage since anytime you do anything too much people start getting suspect and suspicious. More and more voters should and may start to realize just what complete phonies they truly are. (and we will help them to realize it here in the New Media.)' ... The old media may be dying, but it still has a very powerful voice. In this case, they would not have to make anything up. We have the President of the US pardoning the former COS of the VP who was convicted by a jury in a court of law by a WH/DOJ special prosecutor. As spun by the MSM, Libby was involved in the outing of a covert CIA agent because her husband revealed the fact that the WH was lying about Saddam's WMD, including placing those famous 16 words in the STOU address that George Tenet said in a press release were a mistake. As a result, the WH lied to get us to invade Iraq. ... Does the President really want to pour gasoline onto this fire now?"
#754; "'What was the final vote margin in the Congress on McCain-Feingold? Fyi, 68-32. Would be pretty politically stupid to veto a bill you KNOW you are going to be overridden on.' ... H.R. 2356 [Shays-Meehan] was originally introduced as H.R. 380. A Senate companion bill, S. 27 [McCain-Feingold] was passed by the Senate on 4/2/2001. On 2/13/2002, H.R. 2360 [Ney-Wynn], with some modifications, was offered as a substitute amendment [H.Amdt. 430] to H.R. 2356. The amendment was not agreed to. H.R. 2356 was passed by the House on 2/14/2002 and by the Senate on 3/20/2002. ... FYI The final bill was passed in the Senate 60-40, so there were not enough votes to override a Presidential veto." (Note: reply to MNJohnnie post #486)

Third Place Txsleuth - excelling in both direct reporting of the activities on the threads and in analysis, our Txsleuth has provided the classic case of what is worthwhile about this thread each week

#212; "Yes...alas the Dems are helping get Prs. Bush in trouble with his own people. ... I was pinged to the thread about these 'talks' between Khalilizad and the Iranians...and, there are some unhappy Freepers. ... I can understand...it sounds like Pres. Bush is going back on one of his more forceful statements...that he won't negotiate with Iran or Syria. ... I think Zalmay tried his best to tell Russert that the talks were much LESS substantive that Timmy is implying..but, the damage is done, I am afraid."
#249; "OH...good grief. ... Stephy just asked James Webb about "all of the talk on the blogs, wanting Webb to be the VP candidate in 2008"...and what does he think about that??? ... Of course Webb just said he is only just know getting his feet wet in the Senate...blah, blah. ... I watched Face the Nation for a nanosecond...but with Specter and Schumer on with Scheiffer, it was one big bash Bush party over there...waste of time."
#258; "Dole is on with Stephy....Dole said that Pres. Bush gave he and Shalala full reign to go out and do what it takes for the troops. ... He said that the Pres. told them that if they find even on injured soldier that isn't getting the help they need...he wants them taken care of. ... Stephy keeps asking about all of the possible horror storied...Dole did say that they have gotten a lot of e-mail about conditions to check out...but, he said they have gotten a LOT of positive feedback about care at some of the facilities."
#263; "Maxine Waters isn't just clueless...she is a close friend of that dictator that was run out of Haiti... She was NOT happy that the US helped transport him out of the country. ... IOW, her best friends are dictators and communists."
#299; "John Roberts, in for Wolfie, is interviewing Zebari, the Iraqi Foreign Minister...and posted a quote by him that said something about how he is anxious to work with the Iranians. .and how Iran has always been a HELP to Iraq. ... Zebari said that he had seen that quote, and it was totally wrong...but that he says that he told Iran that he didn't want Iran to try to settle scores with the US by using the Iraqi war to do it. ... Roberts is saying that he knows Zebari has a good relationship with Iran, so why doesn't he just tell them to stop. ... Zebari said we do, all of the time... Roberts reading that quote from the Iranian saying that peace will only come with withdrawal of American forces. ... Zebari disagreeing of course...Roberts bringing up Congress' plan for a date certain. ... Zebari said the of course there will be a time when US leaves.. but not now. Some places in Iraq can be on their own, but not Baghdad.. and any quick withdrawal would make things worse for the whole country."
#330; "Great idea....(Jim Webb) is the cockiest snot to get into the Senate since Osama Obama! ... Lindsey Graham just said that these Dem plans are 'giving a road map to the insurgents on how to beat the Americans'...because they have timetables, and conditions and date certains. ... GOOD LINDSEY...and great new GOP talking point. ... 'The Dems' plan is giving a road map to the insurgents on how to beat the Americans'. ... Biden, though has said that Bush's plan will never, never, never, never gonna work...because we aren't splitting the country in 3, like he wants to do." (Note: reply to MNJohnnie's Post #313)
#336; "LOL...Roberts just showed the press conference from last week, when Pelosi and Obey and the rest were giving the big announcement of the "DEMS PLAN" for Iraq... It showed them giving wrong dates, and having to back and reread things...almost like an SNL skit!! ... WOW, they are gonna be MAD at CNN now. ... Did you hear that CNN was going to hire Tom Delay as a contributor...but, they got so much NEGATIVE feedback from the LIBS.. that they backed off???"
#349; "... I noticed the other day that Pres. Bush selected some of the wounded troops from Iraq to serve on the commission with Bob Dole. ... I like that he is getting the ones from THIS war...and not a bunch of old geezers that want face time. ... Even Bob Dole said today that he was reluctant to do this until Prs. Bush said that this was not just a commission to 'write a report in 90 days and get on TV' ... but a commission to actually see what needs to be done, and authority to call for those changes. ... However, I am sure that Dole is aware of the BRAC studies.. he just didn't get into it with Stephy today."
#362; "Oh.. Joe said that he is using the Kosovo, splitting up of Yugoslavia as a MODEL for what we should do in Iraq!!! ... Yes, he pretty much is incredulous that this hasn't been Pres. Bush's plan for solving the strife all along."
#447; "I have seen Dole twice today...on ABC and CNN, which go out of their way to paint this as a SCANDAL, and were wanting Dole and Shalala to point fingers and name names. ... Neither of them rose to the bait...and Dole even said that things have changed so much since we was injured in combat that the situation requires a different approach. ... He said that brain injuries that in the past would have meant certain death, are now being treated...but, in some cases, require longer term care than some of these hospitals are made to deal with...and in those cases, he wants to see if there could be some kind of way to put those patients in a private hospital near the home of the injured soldier."
#465; "LOLOLOLOL....GREAT POST!! ... Of course you are right...and it is ridiculous for the Dems, especially Harry Reid to use an excuse that Fox is too right wing. ... They would rather quit than fight...it is their war plan...and now their debate plan. ... WIMPS!! ... Oh, I am sure you will be excited to hear the Fox News is adding Harold Ford, Jr. to it's "expert" guests list. hehehe" (Note: reply to OldFriend's post #374)
#476; "Economic sanctions COULD work... and Bibi Netanyahu believes that also. ... The problem is....just like with Iraq, getting other countries to STOP supplying Iran. ... We know that Hugo Chavez would sail a ship of fuel to Iran himself if he had to...just to stick it to the USA."
#484; "Donna Shalala started out well today. ... When she was on CNN a little while ago...John Roberts was asking she and Dole if Kiley should be fired, and who else is to blame. ... SHE was the first to answer, and she said that that isn't in their job description...that they are to go to all of the DOD facilities, the VA Hospitals.. and any other medical facilities in the US that treat our troops and/or vets. ... She would NOT talk about anything political TODAY. ... Now, once Bubba Clinton gets ahold of her, and tells her that her interview today was way to non-partisan, she may change her tune....but, for today, I give her an 'A'."
#487; "Well....we don't have to worry about Fred Thompson. ... Donna Brazile just said that Fred Thompson couldn't beat Hillary OR Barack Obama...because 'he was only a Senator and not there that long'... HMMMMMMMMMM ... that sounds more like OBAMA than Thompson, methinks.... LOL"
#501; "I remember Fox News sent Geraldo Rivera to Venezuela back before those elections...and he did report how there was a hugh number of Venezuelans that did NOT want Chavez.... He pretty much acknowledged the election must have been fixed for Chavez to win like he did."
#506; "... Then of course Bill Schnieder chimes in with his nonsense and it just goes downhill from there. ... He said that he went to CPAC and that NONE of the candidates are conservative and they were ALL of course speaking of being the next "Reagan"..because who would want to associate with this White House...blah, blah."
#508; "WHOA...what an ad!!! LOL ... Where have you been every Sunday, save??? ... You are really contributing some great stuff! ... Thanks for all of the links...they are great." (Note: reply to saveliberty's post #495)
#520; "... I just hope that Bob Dole is stronger than James Baker and Tom Kean were. ... Baker and Kean were the "Republicans" on the ISG and the 9/11 Commission...but they never stood up to the lefties..and pretty much signed onto the lefties propoganda. ... But, the article that I read yesterday did say that some of the injured troops from this Iraq war are on the panel, so I hope they can bring some of the troops' perspective ABSENT any politics, but we will see. ... I saw that despicable Reikert guy that is an Iraq War vet that started some anti-Iraq war group...and he was pretty much claiming this "abuse" is system wide because of Bush and Rummy. Something tells me that Paul Reikert will be the go-to guy if the troops on the panel don't step up to criticize the Bush Admin."
#533; "Michael Barone on Fox News just said that one thing that will go against Rudy was that he was instrumental in Pres. Bush nominating Bernie Kerik for Homeland Security Director.. and is shows he isn't good at discerning 'character'. ... Well...maybe so....but, I dare say that character or not...I think if Bernie Kerik had been made Homeland Security Director, it would be MUCH better run and more effective than it has been...but, that is JMO>"
#547; "I haven't even come close to endorsing a candidate yet..I am still watching, reading and listening to all. ... I just think possibly that in that case, Rudy may have had a better "type" person in mind for Homeland Security chief...and that "type" of person may be what is necessary. ... After all it is about SECURITY...which means thinking like the bad guys enough to know what needs to be taken care of. ... A "street cop" type may be better than what is there now. ... But, then I would be second guessing, which I abhor, so I think I will leave it there." (Note: reply to rodguy911's post #541)
#558; "There is the little problem of getting Fred to run!!! ... If he chooses not to...after all of the excitement this has caused...it actually makes it worse for the other candidates, because we feel like we are having to 'settle'."
#620; "GREAT POINT!!! ... Of course Biden would say that "we" aren't fighting like the Shiites and Sunni...but, I might disagree. ... I think it is getting to the point where the Dems are becoming an "enemy" within...and I wouldn't mind them living in their own 'country'." (Note: reply to SCHROLL's post #616)
#697; "I posted this on the preview thread...but I am going to post it here...some good stuff RE: the Clintons" (Note: link to external blog, Sigmund Carl and Alfred, and an article titled “Yeah, leftists really do care about justice. Just like pedophiles care about children”)
#743; "DrDeb posted this on the DOSE thread...but, it might give you all a hint where Bush's "head" is at these days...even mentions the Libby verdict." (Note: link to Weekly Standard article Cheerleader in Chief )

Second Place saveliberty - excellent political analysis, useful and informative links and a truly great idea on immigration. Simply Wonderful!

#298; "(Juan's) delusional, he can be frustrating in his defense of asinine positions. But think about how much we appreciate it when Brit takes him to task. ... I will add that while he is who he was in his thirties but now more so (LOL), he's also someone you can reason with on some issues. He is taking heat for taking on the liberal CW of victimology and his book is being ignored on the left. ... Last December (I think) BOR got him to concede that there is a culture war. ... He is a liberal who has occasions (LOL Sparse, but give him some credit) in which he's lucid. That's more than can be said of Mara Liasson, who always finds a way to uphold the party line. And he has a sense of humor. ... Given how the left treats FNC, don't you think he gets a hard time from his NPR associates for appearing on FNC?"
#311; "Oh I think I get it-- a pardon basically submits that yes, Libby was guilty but he shouldn't be punished. Look what it did to Gerald Ford and to Richard Nixon, although Nixon being a liberal (remember wage and price controls?) was able to rehabilitate his reputation substantially before he died. ... I read an account after President Ford died that Nixon had to consider whether to accept the pardon, as by doing so he was accepting guilt. He had many flaws, but he accepted the pardon at his own perceived loss because he thought it was better for the country and the party." (Note: reply to Bahbah's post #244)
#329; "... There's a blog that says it's all Fred all the time ... http://blogs.knoxnews.com/knx/silence/ ... LOL It took me a while to find where I'd seen it."
#351; "... I had an inspiration-- how to really quirk up the immigration reform process. So let's say under a new plan, the illegal and family has to go to the place where a legal applicant is from. The legal applicant gets an expedited process to be here legally (i.e., truly taking precedence over the illegal) ... There are holes to be closed up, but this would put an entirely new perspective on things. We'd reward due process and compliance and would punish noncompliance. We'd just do it differently."
#354; "Fred shows better temperament and judgment than does Rudy. And Fred has more experience on the national level."
#407; "Rudy is solid on the war, but there's information from Powerline that he should be looked at with closer scrutiny relating to his record on crime... "
#452; "And yet the largest drop in crime occurred before (Rudy) was elected and he threw good people out. ... Furthermore, the bad behavior he has in office is going to risk taking valuable resources if he is elected. (link to NRO article Rudy the Rude)" (Note: reply to OldFriend's post #421)
#467; "Lots of stuff going on in Venezuela. It turns out that Chavez really did falsify the election with Carter's say so. ... And who could forget this? ... Fausta has more on Brazil ... Gateway pundit has good news about captured Al Q in Iraq and scroll down for information about the 2.1 million Spaniards who protested against appeasing terrorists."
#482; "Rudy responded well on 9/11 - no question. I will point out that he gained national celebrity as a result. Why that is a significant point is that there is a trait in individuals who are promoted too far too quickly -- they may have an overblown ego and if so, those who work with and for them will be mentally checking the box "does not work well with others". It doesn't always happen this way, but it's easier to find a good manager who has worked his way up over a longer period of time."
#495; "LOL ... Fred could beat Hillary. If Obama supporters are calling her a communist dictator, she's really toast. ..." (Note: link is from post #3 on the thread Democrats' party chief casts his lot with Obama(Massachusetts) by saveliberty)
#652; "Mark Twain said that history doesn't repeat itself, but it rhymes. ... How appropriate."

First Place txradioguy - insightful and on point comments, useful information all coupled with first hand knowledge. For me this is what FreeRepublic is all about and this series of posts is among the best I've ever seen on this thread. Thank you.

#120; "The only reason the Shia and Sunni's were "getting along" was because Saddam and the Ba'ath Socialist party were severy repressing the Shia majority."
#170; "We couldn't...and quite frankly...the Dems never wanted us to inthe first place IMHO. Albright was running around behind the scenes at the U.N. trying to get the security council members to vote in favor of loosening the sanctions back in the 90's...while talking tough to the cameras...it's no wonder that France and other nations engaged in the Oil For Food scam...they thought we were secretly condoning their actions."
#178; "In case anyone missed this...I haven't heard it on the DBM ... (Franklin) Graham's Son Hurt in Iraq ... "
#219; "I think what (Fred Thompson) meant was that he'd do the surge...keep the troops in in country till the mission is finished and NOT listen to the weak sisters in the Congress. ... Like Sen. Thompson said... 'wars are full of mistakes' ... this one is no different...what matters is who comes out the winner when the shooting stops. ... And the world can NOT afford to let the Islamofascists win." (Note: reply to aligncare's post #214)
#229; "I think the only reason that Koppel is getting a free pass to finish his sentences from Mr. Potatohead is that he's stunned at what Ted is saying. ... It's like a football team seeing a running back for the first time and that guy runs all over them cause the "D" didn't know what to expect. ... I have a feeling that Mr. Potatohead won't be so nice next time."
#320; "The Left and the DBM have seized on ONE BUILDING that is part of Walter Reed Hospital and is in the process of making it sound to everyone like the ENTIRE facility is one big roach motel. ... Bullsh*t. ... The place is a world class hospital bar none. ... The advances made in treating wounded soldiers on the battlefield and once they return stateside couldn not IMHO have been made anywhere else but maybe Bethesda. ... Something the media is NOT telling you is that Walter Reed is scheduled to be closed within the next two years...everything moved to Bethesda and a new hospital built here at Ft. Belvoir to augment Bethesda. ... This was all public knowledge in the last round of BRAC hearings. ... But lets look at what I see is the real reasons behind the "problems" at WRACH. ... To me it goes back to the gutting of the military from 1993 - 2001. When we went from 17 down to active combat divisions...400 THOUSAND military members shown the door. Back when Soldiers were applying for food stamps and welfare...readiness levels for divisions falling below 75% ... Budget cuts don't just affect the beans and bullets...it hits places like WRACH too. They have to do the best they can with the money allotted to them in the defense budget. If you need 4 doctors to fully staff a floor but the budget only allows you to pay for two...what do you do? ... But you won't hear any of this from the Congress Critters decrying the deplorable conditions at Walter Reed. ... Why incriminate yourself in the alleged conditions of the place when it's far easier and expedient to bash President Bush? ... We started the WoT with a $56 billion dollar shortfall in equipment thanks to the prior administration...the shortfall in healthcare for the soldiers was just as great...only we don't find out about it until something like Iraq and Afghanistan popped up."
#356; "When I first heard that Sen. Dole was going to be on this commission ...I thought he was the perfect choice. ... He's a combat wounded veteran who has seen the best.. and worst that the military and VA hospitals have to offer."
#372; "I can't forget...I lived through it. I remember when there was a rash of suicides in the 10th Mountain Div because they were on such a heavy deployment schedule. ... When the 1st Armored Div was in a non deployable status because of shortfalls in readiness and manning. ... And I remember Algore GLOATING in a stump speech about how his re-inventing government plan cut "400 thousand jobs from the Federal payroll" and if he was elected President "not one single job" would be added. ... And people that weren't cognizant of politics then or the military then need to know these things before they start hearing the reckless ranting sound bites being played by the DBM trying to lay all of this at the Presidents doorstep."
#380; "The ROE we have over there now...in my opinion is the result of political correctness. ... There is NOTHING that is PC about war or combat. Yet we are trying to fight that way. ... I had more briefings by JAG in Iraq over how to conduct ourselves under the ROE than any other class instruction I had...it was incredible."
#385; "Guilt by association. ... The DBM will tar and feather EVERY Republican with the pardon if the President does it right now. ... What race does the President stand to lose? The 2008 race for ALL of us." (Note: reply to NautiNurse post #375)
#459; "Dole on w/ Brian Wilson right now...mentioning the under reported fact that WRACH is scheduled to be closed. ... Wilson also pointed out that 'the headline in the Post could have easily have read 'Millions spent on hospital that is closing'' ... I love it when Wilson injects some good old fashioned West Texas sensibilities into his reporting."
#466; "What is even more confounding is that people still swallow 100% the BS the media feeds them about this. ... 'It never ceases to amaze me how Democrats can cause problems, then try to blame Republicans or anyone else they can blame to avoid taking responsibility for their actions.' ... It's the cornerstone of Liberalism. You are never EVER responsible for what you do or say...it's always....ALWAYS someone else's fault." (Note: reply to Morgan in Denver's post #461)
#511; "I guess ms. Brazille forgets what Mr. Thompson was doing in the 70's BEFORE he got into acting." (Note: reply to Txsleuth's post #487)