David Brooks: Sarah Palin "Represents A Fatal Cancer To The Republican Party"
There are those who proudly claim to love America but seem to hate its inhabitants or at least those who are darker, different, educated, enlightened or sophisticated. These people will find comfort and warmth in the predatory language of the McCain/Palin campaign. The Fascists are coming hard. The 4th Reich in America is on display. The language, role players, surrogates and mainstream media professionals, seem so eerily similar to another time and place in history.As I have written previously, the rhetoric emanating from McCain/Palin campaign events of late is reminiscent of lynch mobs during the rise of the KKK in the Confederacy, the Salem Witch Trials and the rise of Nazi Germany where the rallying cry was "Fear the Jew." You can almost hear the sound of the dueling banjo's playing in the background at McCain/Palin's race rally's. A positive may be that McCain may have finally found his campaign's theme song, as McCain and Palin open up the racial underbelly in America. As aptly stated by Jon Stewart:
"Have you noticed how [Palin's] rallies have begun to take on the characteristics of the last days of the Weimar Republic? In Florida, she asked 'Who is Barack Obama?' Hey, lady, we just met YOU five f-ing weeks ago."
Only now, the rallying cry is to fear the black man because "Obama is a terrorist":
another McCain/Palin rally
In an interview with The Atlantic, respected conservative New York Times columnist, David Brooks, decrying Sarah Palin's anti-intellectualism, stated the following:
[Sarah Palin] represents a fatal cancer to the Republican party. When I first started in journalism, I worked at the National Review for Bill Buckley. And Buckley famously said he'd rather be ruled by the first 2,000 names in the Boston phone book than by the Harvard faculty. But he didn't think those were the only two options. He thought it was important to have people on the conservative side who celebrated ideas, who celebrated learning. And his whole life was based on that, and that was also true for a lot of the other conservatives in the Reagan era. Reagan had an immense faith in the power of ideas. But there has been a counter, more populist tradition, which is not only to scorn liberal ideas but to scorn ideas entirely. And I'm afraid that Sarah Palin has those prejudices. I think President Bush has those prejudices.
Undoubtedly, Mr. Brook's statement reflects that reasoned conservatives are troubled by the growng anti-intellectualism on the right. Or as Jeffrey Sachs said, American "anti-intellectualism could end up getting us all killed." On one hand, intellectually, they cannot fully endorse McCain's tactics. But on the other, they also seem to want to finesse the obvious, that Obama is simply the more conservative (i.e., reasoned), responsible & credible choice at this most perilous crossroads of American history. These uncertain times would seem to require serious, earnest, intellectually capable forward thinking leadership. This is not a time we can or should entrust the leadership of our country to a man operating in a questionable mental and physical state or a hockey mom. So what do folks like David Brooks do? They seek cover for the coming change that Obama will bring. They rationalize away the aggressive racist GOP politics stoking white fear as a small problem, like a tumor that can be excised easily: "it's really only Sarah Palin. McCain made a poor selection." But, "my friends" I would argue that Sarah Palin is merely the symptom. The disease in GOP Politics is more widespread. McCain has simply gone further down a dangerous road of preying on racial resentment that another Arizona Senator, the godfather of modern conservatism, Barry Goldwater once did in his losing presidential campaign. Goldwater, however, redeemed himself in his later years, in my estimation, by challenging the religious radicalization of conservatism. Recommended reading for thirsty conservatives looking for a way out of this blackhole is Andrew Sullivan's "The Conservative Soul, How We Lost It, How to Get it Back."
America needs a colonic to detoxify itself of the stench of the GOP's 4th Reich Politics under Karl Rove and his protege Steve Schmidt. Sadly, David Brooks, Charles Krauthammer, George Will, Kathleen Parker, Peggy Noonan, simply don't go far enough. McCain/Palin must be condemned and they must lose in a landslide for America to have any chance at salvation.
About Sarah Palin
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Random thoughts, observations and perspective about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness provided by Manhattan based lawyer and social documentarian.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
THE CASE AGAINST SARAH PALIN by Campbell Brown, Kathleen Parker, George Will, Jack Cafferty & Linda Chorney
First, Campbell Brown goes off on the McCain Campaign for hiding Sarah Palin from the press. Campbell Brown, channeling her inner Keith Olbermann, challenged the McCain campaign for treating Sarah Palin as a “delicate flower that will wilt at any moment,” arguing that it’s sexist to treat her any differently than her male counterparts. Consider this her first “Special Comment.”
“Bear with me for a short rant on another subject, because frankly I have had and I know a lot of other women out there are with me on this. I have had enough of the sexist treatment of Sarah Palin. It has to end. She was here in New York City today meeting with world leaders at the UN. And what did the McCain campaign do? They tried to ban reporters from covering those meetings. And they did ban reporters from asking her any questions. Tonight, I call on the McCain campaign to stop treating Sarah Palin like she is a delicate flower that will wilt at any moment. This woman is from Alaska, for crying out loud. She is strong; she is tough; she is competent. And you claim she is ready to be one heartbeat away from the presidency. If that is the case, then end this chauvinistic treatment of her now. Allow her to show her stuff. Allow her to face down those pesky reporters just like Barack Obama did today. Just like John McCain did today. Just like Joe Biden has done on numerous occasions. Let her have a real news conference with real questions. By treating Sarah Palin different from the other candidates in this race, you are not showing her the respect she deserves. Free Sarah Palin. Free her from the chauvinistic chain you are binding her with. Sexism in this campaign must come to an end. Sarah Palin has just as much a right to be a real candidate in this race as the men do. So let her act like one.”
If controlling Palin was a disaster, it appears that allowing her to speak was even more disasterous. Her interview with Katie Couric was lampooned by Tina Fey who has played Governor Palin in numerous SNL skits, to critical acclaim. What is most devastating is that Ironically required little writing or editing to humorously make the point about Ms. Palin's lacking the intellectual capacity and perspective to serve as second in command and be a heart beat away from the Presidency. Now even Conservatives are starting to panic about Palin. The list is growing of conservatives against Palin. Palin's Conservative Problem was amplified by respected conservative columnist, George Will, who after viewing Governor Palin's disasterous interview with Katie Couric, stated: Palin is "obviously not qualified to be President." Kathleen Parker in the bastion of conservatism, National Review, in a piece entitled “Palin Problem: She's out of her league" stated:
“As we’ve seen and heard more from John McCain’s running mate, it is increasingly clear that Palin is a problem. Quick study or not, she doesn’t know enough about economics and foreign policy to make Americans comfortable with a President Palin should conditions warrant her promotion……. Only Palin can save McCain, her party, and the country she loves. She can bow out for personal reasons…”
First, Campbell Brown goes off on the McCain Campaign for hiding Sarah Palin from the press. Campbell Brown, channeling her inner Keith Olbermann, challenged the McCain campaign for treating Sarah Palin as a “delicate flower that will wilt at any moment,” arguing that it’s sexist to treat her any differently than her male counterparts. Consider this her first “Special Comment.”
“Bear with me for a short rant on another subject, because frankly I have had and I know a lot of other women out there are with me on this. I have had enough of the sexist treatment of Sarah Palin. It has to end. She was here in New York City today meeting with world leaders at the UN. And what did the McCain campaign do? They tried to ban reporters from covering those meetings. And they did ban reporters from asking her any questions. Tonight, I call on the McCain campaign to stop treating Sarah Palin like she is a delicate flower that will wilt at any moment. This woman is from Alaska, for crying out loud. She is strong; she is tough; she is competent. And you claim she is ready to be one heartbeat away from the presidency. If that is the case, then end this chauvinistic treatment of her now. Allow her to show her stuff. Allow her to face down those pesky reporters just like Barack Obama did today. Just like John McCain did today. Just like Joe Biden has done on numerous occasions. Let her have a real news conference with real questions. By treating Sarah Palin different from the other candidates in this race, you are not showing her the respect she deserves. Free Sarah Palin. Free her from the chauvinistic chain you are binding her with. Sexism in this campaign must come to an end. Sarah Palin has just as much a right to be a real candidate in this race as the men do. So let her act like one.”
If controlling Palin was a disaster, it appears that allowing her to speak was even more disasterous. Her interview with Katie Couric was lampooned by Tina Fey who has played Governor Palin in numerous SNL skits, to critical acclaim. What is most devastating is that Ironically required little writing or editing to humorously make the point about Ms. Palin's lacking the intellectual capacity and perspective to serve as second in command and be a heart beat away from the Presidency. Now even Conservatives are starting to panic about Palin. The list is growing of conservatives against Palin. Palin's Conservative Problem was amplified by respected conservative columnist, George Will, who after viewing Governor Palin's disasterous interview with Katie Couric, stated: Palin is "obviously not qualified to be President." Kathleen Parker in the bastion of conservatism, National Review, in a piece entitled “Palin Problem: She's out of her league" stated:
“As we’ve seen and heard more from John McCain’s running mate, it is increasingly clear that Palin is a problem. Quick study or not, she doesn’t know enough about economics and foreign policy to make Americans comfortable with a President Palin should conditions warrant her promotion……. Only Palin can save McCain, her party, and the country she loves. She can bow out for personal reasons…”
Now la pièce de résistance, Jack Cafferty unplugged:
Finally, sexy, smart, sassy singer/songwriter Linda Chorney chimes in with Say No To Sarah:
Linda Chorney will be having a "Say No To Sarah" Listening Party on Saturday, September 27th at 5 pm. Check her out, her sound is earnest, truthful and she is pretty nice to look at. You may even want to check out her Break-Up Workout.
Friday, September 12, 2008
PALIN'S ABC INTERVIEW: Stumped on Bush Doctrine, Illustrates Limited Understanding of the World
This is why America is going to hell in a hand basket. John McCain (graduated 894/899 at Naval Academy) and Sarah Palin (5 colleges in 6 years to get B.A. in Journalism) would not get hired for junior level analyst positions by many of the CEO's of major corporation's who are backing the Republican Party's ticket based upon their lack of intellectual horsepower. How can we say education, enlightenment and intellectual preparedness are at all relevant in America when for two of the top jobs in this land, we do not have a higher academic standard? I watched Sarah Palin's interview with a couple of blue collar high school and community college graduates who knew the Bush Doctrine and its implications, yet the lady who would be first in line to be leader of the free world does not.
While Sarah Palin may be a pretty lady with an eclectic pedigree; as stated by the former Cindy Lou Hensley, “John has picked a reform-minded, hockey-mommin', basketball-shooting, moose-hunting, salmon-fishing, pistol-packing mother of five for vice president." Some of Governor Sarah Palin's constitutents, however, in Alaska from her small home town of Wasilla who know her quite well, folks like Ann Kilkenny question the character of Sarah Palin and the danger of Sarah being a heartbeat away from the Presidency. While Palin may win some popularity contests and ultimately might make a good head of the PTA, her limited interest and understanding of the complexities in the International arena and the challenges facing this country is frightening. At this critical juncture of American history, with America as a teetering empire, the NEOCON WAR MACHINE controlling the GOP offers us a 72 year old man with questions about his mental and physical health and a Stepford Wife. While McCain is Insane, the Neocon's hope that Americans are even more insane and that their Decoy shields Americans from focusing in earnest on some serious issues surrounding their Trojan Horse. Stop looking at the pretty face, the nice legs, ignore her obvious sex appeal and charm because if you listen carefully this pitbull's lipstick does not hide the ugly and dangerous agenda that she represents. Foolish men with an Oedipal Complex who are roped in by their subconscious desire to "mate" with her, may want to think again: bend over, grab your ankles, because what she will give you is the Neocon Strap-On right up your proverbial ass (without lubrication).
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
This is why America is going to hell in a hand basket. John McCain (graduated 894/899 at Naval Academy) and Sarah Palin (5 colleges in 6 years to get B.A. in Journalism) would not get hired for junior level analyst positions by many of the CEO's of major corporation's who are backing the Republican Party's ticket based upon their lack of intellectual horsepower. How can we say education, enlightenment and intellectual preparedness are at all relevant in America when for two of the top jobs in this land, we do not have a higher academic standard? I watched Sarah Palin's interview with a couple of blue collar high school and community college graduates who knew the Bush Doctrine and its implications, yet the lady who would be first in line to be leader of the free world does not.
While Sarah Palin may be a pretty lady with an eclectic pedigree; as stated by the former Cindy Lou Hensley, “John has picked a reform-minded, hockey-mommin', basketball-shooting, moose-hunting, salmon-fishing, pistol-packing mother of five for vice president." Some of Governor Sarah Palin's constitutents, however, in Alaska from her small home town of Wasilla who know her quite well, folks like Ann Kilkenny question the character of Sarah Palin and the danger of Sarah being a heartbeat away from the Presidency. While Palin may win some popularity contests and ultimately might make a good head of the PTA, her limited interest and understanding of the complexities in the International arena and the challenges facing this country is frightening. At this critical juncture of American history, with America as a teetering empire, the NEOCON WAR MACHINE controlling the GOP offers us a 72 year old man with questions about his mental and physical health and a Stepford Wife. While McCain is Insane, the Neocon's hope that Americans are even more insane and that their Decoy shields Americans from focusing in earnest on some serious issues surrounding their Trojan Horse. Stop looking at the pretty face, the nice legs, ignore her obvious sex appeal and charm because if you listen carefully this pitbull's lipstick does not hide the ugly and dangerous agenda that she represents. Foolish men with an Oedipal Complex who are roped in by their subconscious desire to "mate" with her, may want to think again: bend over, grab your ankles, because what she will give you is the Neocon Strap-On right up your proverbial ass (without lubrication).
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Obama Snubs Rangel At Convention
You reap what you sow. Charlie Rangel has certainly fought many a good fight and perhaps does not deserve to be remembered most for the stain of scandal regarding his use of rent stabilized apartments. He is one politico who has hardly gotten rich from his years in government. The scandal broke approximately a month after Rangel urged Hillary to step aside and abandon her quest for the nomination. Given the Clinton's history with extorting political payback against those who are disloyal, her increasing closeness to the Neocon's, and the Neocon presence at the NY Times, it is curious timing to say the least. Was this done to send a message to other Clinton supporters who were about to roll over to Barack? Of that we may never be sure. But if I have learned anything in this strange period of American history, there are far too many coincidences and people's career's taking nosedives at odd times (see, e.g, Eliot Spitzer). The Clinton's always get even with their list of enemies. Congressman Rangel, however, also ignored the wishes of his constitutents and did what was politically expedient for him by supporting Hillary Clinton. In fairness to him, she is a sitting U.S. Senator in his home state and was perceived to be the inevitable nominee. The Clintonista's were, however, a bit overzealous, especially in Harlem and Brooklyn during the Democratic primary where they suppressed voter turnout, undercounted Obama's votes and engaged in vote fraud. Charlie stood to be well positioned had Hillary wrestled away the nomination from Obama. To be well positioned necessitated Rangel and his minions, the local democratic party machine, preventing Hillary from being embarrassed with a very tight race in New York, which appeared likely given Obama's grassroots popularity. New York City was fertile ground to target significant pockets of his expected vote totals. After Hillary won the New York Primary, a closer examination revealed that Obama had "zero" votes in 80 heavily black precincts, including many in Harlem and Brooklyn. Mayor Bloomberg acknowledged the incredible unlikelihood of that occurring by stating "If you want to call it significant undercounting, I guess that's a euphemism for fraud." Citizens Union investigated the vote fraud and called for an investigation by then Governor Eliot Spitzer as did the NY Times, NY Daily News and many local bloggers. Under the foregoing circumstances one can forgive Obama, if he is not exactly feeling the love for Rangel. What Rangel must do so is to stop belly aching, get behind the grass roots of his party as his constitutents are more heavily Obama supporters anyway. This is true regardless of Hillary's endgame, the Clinton's refusal to get off the stage already and the incessant drumbeat of her loyal but somewhat fanatical supporters.
SEE ALSO:
Harlem Mystery: Did Rangel's District Go for Barack Obama?
Harlem Mystery: Hillary's Vote Fraud in NY Primary
Some are Saying Tammany-Style Voting Fraud is Still the NY Way
Pack It In Hillary
About Democratic Convention
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
You reap what you sow. Charlie Rangel has certainly fought many a good fight and perhaps does not deserve to be remembered most for the stain of scandal regarding his use of rent stabilized apartments. He is one politico who has hardly gotten rich from his years in government. The scandal broke approximately a month after Rangel urged Hillary to step aside and abandon her quest for the nomination. Given the Clinton's history with extorting political payback against those who are disloyal, her increasing closeness to the Neocon's, and the Neocon presence at the NY Times, it is curious timing to say the least. Was this done to send a message to other Clinton supporters who were about to roll over to Barack? Of that we may never be sure. But if I have learned anything in this strange period of American history, there are far too many coincidences and people's career's taking nosedives at odd times (see, e.g, Eliot Spitzer). The Clinton's always get even with their list of enemies. Congressman Rangel, however, also ignored the wishes of his constitutents and did what was politically expedient for him by supporting Hillary Clinton. In fairness to him, she is a sitting U.S. Senator in his home state and was perceived to be the inevitable nominee. The Clintonista's were, however, a bit overzealous, especially in Harlem and Brooklyn during the Democratic primary where they suppressed voter turnout, undercounted Obama's votes and engaged in vote fraud. Charlie stood to be well positioned had Hillary wrestled away the nomination from Obama. To be well positioned necessitated Rangel and his minions, the local democratic party machine, preventing Hillary from being embarrassed with a very tight race in New York, which appeared likely given Obama's grassroots popularity. New York City was fertile ground to target significant pockets of his expected vote totals. After Hillary won the New York Primary, a closer examination revealed that Obama had "zero" votes in 80 heavily black precincts, including many in Harlem and Brooklyn. Mayor Bloomberg acknowledged the incredible unlikelihood of that occurring by stating "If you want to call it significant undercounting, I guess that's a euphemism for fraud." Citizens Union investigated the vote fraud and called for an investigation by then Governor Eliot Spitzer as did the NY Times, NY Daily News and many local bloggers. Under the foregoing circumstances one can forgive Obama, if he is not exactly feeling the love for Rangel. What Rangel must do so is to stop belly aching, get behind the grass roots of his party as his constitutents are more heavily Obama supporters anyway. This is true regardless of Hillary's endgame, the Clinton's refusal to get off the stage already and the incessant drumbeat of her loyal but somewhat fanatical supporters.
SEE ALSO:
Harlem Mystery: Did Rangel's District Go for Barack Obama?
Harlem Mystery: Hillary's Vote Fraud in NY Primary
Some are Saying Tammany-Style Voting Fraud is Still the NY Way
Pack It In Hillary
About Democratic Convention
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Friday, August 08, 2008
Schumer: Obama Should "Hit Back Hard"
Personally, if it were me, my inclination would be inclined to get all Brooklyn and whack McCain and the neoconservative henchmen running his campaign across the back of their heads with a 2x4 repeatedly until all the rocks which fill their empty heads spilled to the ground. McCain's know-nothing politics and the politics of nothing that his campaign is involved in, is defrauding America. It just pisses me the f_ck off. Even Kathy Hilton, who has donated to the McCain campaign, thinks that he is wasting her money. McCain is a phuckin joke. It would be funny, if it were not so sad that this is the best our so called leaders, patriots and self avowed war heroes can offer this country. Really makes you wonder whether McInsane is a Manchurian Candidate. And this clown calls himself a patriot? Obama, however, is not me, nor is he Chuck Schumer. Obama is a transformational candidate, a unique persona with a strategic bent and a very talented team. Deep down I have confidence that this will not be 2000 or 2004. Obama's strategy appears to be to allow McCain to "blow his load" and to continue to flood the airwaves and the mainstream media outlets with cheap negative attacks in an attempt to place an elitist out of touch label on Obama. In the end, I think it will become abundantly clear to all Americans, including the racists and those who's intellect places them on the left side of the bell curve, that McCain and the party of Bush, Cheney, Rove, McCain, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Gonzales really has NOTHING to offer America other than fear.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Personally, if it were me, my inclination would be inclined to get all Brooklyn and whack McCain and the neoconservative henchmen running his campaign across the back of their heads with a 2x4 repeatedly until all the rocks which fill their empty heads spilled to the ground. McCain's know-nothing politics and the politics of nothing that his campaign is involved in, is defrauding America. It just pisses me the f_ck off. Even Kathy Hilton, who has donated to the McCain campaign, thinks that he is wasting her money. McCain is a phuckin joke. It would be funny, if it were not so sad that this is the best our so called leaders, patriots and self avowed war heroes can offer this country. Really makes you wonder whether McInsane is a Manchurian Candidate. And this clown calls himself a patriot? Obama, however, is not me, nor is he Chuck Schumer. Obama is a transformational candidate, a unique persona with a strategic bent and a very talented team. Deep down I have confidence that this will not be 2000 or 2004. Obama's strategy appears to be to allow McCain to "blow his load" and to continue to flood the airwaves and the mainstream media outlets with cheap negative attacks in an attempt to place an elitist out of touch label on Obama. In the end, I think it will become abundantly clear to all Americans, including the racists and those who's intellect places them on the left side of the bell curve, that McCain and the party of Bush, Cheney, Rove, McCain, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Gonzales really has NOTHING to offer America other than fear.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Pour Some Sugar On Cindy (McCain)
PUT A FORK IN MCCAIN cause he's done, at least among conservative family values voters in his own party who may likely abstain and among right minded independents. I do not know if McCain's candidacy has literally "jumped the shark" or if our country has gone so far to hell in a hand basket that McCain is literally going to "ride the shark" through election day. Perhaps McCain is just going to chase down and hog tie those voters that Hillary nailed down in Appalachia. Ironic that two biggest elitists, McCain & Hillary, seem to be so adept at appealing to the left side of the bell curve. About John McCain
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
PUT A FORK IN MCCAIN cause he's done, at least among conservative family values voters in his own party who may likely abstain and among right minded independents. I do not know if McCain's candidacy has literally "jumped the shark" or if our country has gone so far to hell in a hand basket that McCain is literally going to "ride the shark" through election day. Perhaps McCain is just going to chase down and hog tie those voters that Hillary nailed down in Appalachia. Ironic that two biggest elitists, McCain & Hillary, seem to be so adept at appealing to the left side of the bell curve. About John McCain
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
GOP Gov. And Potential McCain VP Praises Obama's Energy Plan
Kudos to the intellectually and visually irresistable barracuda babe Alaska Governor Sarah Palin for her praising Obama's energy plan. This only the tip of the iceberg. What will Republicans say or do when Obama gains the implicit or explicit support if not endorsements from more prominent Republicans? Goldwater heirs, Susan Eisenhower, Larry Hunter, Colin Powell, Paul O'Neill, Chuck Hagel. McCain has Joe Leiberman and Rove working in the shadows while the internet is littered with photos of McCain in a bear hug of President Bush and Youtube runs videos of McCain saying that he traveled the country doing all that he could do to support President Bush's re-election.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Kudos to the intellectually and visually irresistable barracuda babe Alaska Governor Sarah Palin for her praising Obama's energy plan. This only the tip of the iceberg. What will Republicans say or do when Obama gains the implicit or explicit support if not endorsements from more prominent Republicans? Goldwater heirs, Susan Eisenhower, Larry Hunter, Colin Powell, Paul O'Neill, Chuck Hagel. McCain has Joe Leiberman and Rove working in the shadows while the internet is littered with photos of McCain in a bear hug of President Bush and Youtube runs videos of McCain saying that he traveled the country doing all that he could do to support President Bush's re-election.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
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