Clipmarks | cptenaud's clips

Palin Drones

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:54:00 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud
clipper's remarks: Rest to follow.

First off, let’s give Caribou Barbie some credit: She showed up and was rather feisty. But her demeanor made me think she was going to end her speech by saying, “I’m Tracy Flick and I’d be so honored and super-grateful to get YOUR vote for Student Government!”

The tone was much like her hometown: small and cold. While bitchiness is a definite plus at my dinner table (and the one thing I’ll miss most in Heaven), it isn’t very becoming in national politics. There’s a difference between being spunky and being snarky, being able to inspire and being able to get a laugh.

I suspect when voters weigh a candidate’s abilities, the best substitute for competency won’t be sarcasm. After all, they don’t call it mocking the vote. Because Leadership-by-Put-Downs hasn’t worked well for our current president and seems oddly suited to someone trying to pass herself off as being full of optimism, faith and fresh ideas.

Tags: palin

The Selfless Philanderer

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:49:42 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud
clipper's remarks: And then she spoils it all by wearing that hideous green dress!
I’m sure you’ve seen the hilariously disturbing You Tube video of McCain checking out Palin’s ass, all the while fiddling with his wedding ring. In light of the recent allegations of Palin’s own infidelity, Cindy just better watch her scary self. When you marry a philanderer you get, well a philanderer. Good luck with that, honey!

Clip Source: bettybowers.com

“I was never the same again; I wasn’t my own man anymore; I was my country’s.”

I don’t know if it’s because of all the Botox that spoiled Cindy got her kept man to try, but it is a bit hard to tell when John McCain is joking (especially with that creepy, too-late, too-long “I just made a funny and a poopy in my Depends!” laugh of his).

After all, the central theme of his acceptance speech tonight was that after he collaborated with the concierge at the Hanoi Hilton, he was no longer about his ego and selfish needs, but only about serving America.

As a patriotic American, I find it disturbing that America apparently encouraged him to abandon his sick, devoted wife and throw himself into a flurry of protracted sexual, extramarital affairs, become a gigolo, and stalk someone nubile and rich enough to pay for his ambitions! Honestly, it makes you question America (“USA! USA! USA! USA!”) when she inspires such base, unseemly and selfish behavior!

Walter Reed or Walter Reed?

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:34:45 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud
clipper's remarks: Story continued.

Clip Source: www.vetvoice.com

Editor's note: This is a guest post from Brian McGough. This story is both ridiculous and weird. . .but it needs to be out there. --Brandon

In October of 2003 I was wounded in Iraq when the vehicle I was riding in was struck by shrapnel from an IED. After being airlifted away from the attack site I went to Baghdad for emergency brain surgery to remove shrapnel from my skull. After I was stabilized, I was sent to Germany to begin my recovery. When I was deemed recovered enough to return to the states I was flown into Andrews Air Force base and loaded on a bus to go to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington DC.

This is what Walter Reed Medical Center looks like:

But it wasn't my Walter Reed. It was Walter Reed Middle School in North Hollywood, Ca.

Tags: ooops, wrong, place

A veteran I wish I could support

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:26:50 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud
clipper's remarks: And the rest of the story.

Clip Source: www.vetvoice.com

by: nameless soldier

Thu Sep 04, 2008

Sometimes, in the rough and tumble of day-to-day politics, we forget how touching John McCain's story really is. Sure, parts of it are embellished, there's no denying that, but he truly is a man with a story worth admiring. To be honest, there's a part of me that wishes I could vote for him because of that story. Of course, I won't. For so many reasons, John McCain is the wrong man for the job of president, but we should remember that his story truly is worth hearing. And there are many who will be convinced by it. He's a veteran who served with honor, and it's just too bad that I can't support him. nameless soldier :: A veteran I wish I could support As a veteran, I like to support veterans. That's why votevets is a group that is so important to me. Their work electing veterans is absolutely irreplaceable. I honestly feel like the experience of having served in the armed forces makes someone more qualified to serve in our nation's government.

Tags: veterans, choice

Republican Convention Disrespects Afghanistan Veterans

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:07:11 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud
clipper's remarks: Republicans just disrespect all troops.

Clip Source: www.vetvoice.com

by: Brandon Friedman

Thu Sep 04

On September 11, 2001, terrorists based out of Afghanistan attacked the United States. Our troops have been fighting there for nearly seven years, and the war is now escalating. In that time, 582 Americans have died there.

Yet, during the Republican National Convention, when it came time to honor the wartime sacrifices Americans have made overseas, the Party chose to focus on John McCain's Vietnam experience instead. In fact, the word "Afghanistan" was never mentioned by any of the speakers. But McCain's time in Vietnam was referenced a whopping 20 times. Progressive Accountability has the numbers.

Number of times McCain's time in Vietnam mentioned at the Republican National Convention: 20

Number of times Afghanistan mentioned at the Republican National Convention: 0

pretty disgusting. Vietnam was over 35 years ago. Americans are dying in Afghanistan right now. These people couldn't care less about the troops fighting the Real Global War on Terror.

Tags: john mccain, afghanistan, rnc

Republicans Use Fake Troops for RNC Video

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 02:48:59 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud
clipper's remarks: One of the actors, Perry Denton of Chicago, IL also confirmed that he was hired on a day-rate as an actor for the shoot and told CBS News he was surprised to learn the footage was shown at the convention.

Clip Source: www.vetvoice.com

by: Brandon Friedman

Thu Sep 04, 2008

For its "Pledge of Allegiance video" on Tuesday night, the Republican National Convention used stock footage of a staged military funeral, along with actors dressed as soldiers and sailors. CBS has the story:

It was a video that was supposed to elicit soaring patriotism and real emotions about the Pledge of Allegiance. But to do that, it used fake soldiers and a staged military funeral instead of the real thing.

CBS News found that the footage of the 'funeral' and soldiers is what is called 'stock' footage. The soldiers were actors and the funeral scene was from a one-day film shoot, produced in June. No real soldiers were used during production.

The footage, sold by stock-film house Getty Images was produced by a commercial filmmaker in Chicago. Both Getty and the production company, Mr. Big Films, confirmed that the footage was shot on spec and sold to the Republican National Committee.

Tags: fake

Republican Convention Refuses to Mention Afghanistan or Pakistan

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 02:45:14 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud
clipper's remarks: They have no issues.

Clip Source: www.vetvoice.com

by: Brandon Friedman

Thu Sep 04, 2008

As noted by RockRichard yesterday, U.S. forces launched a ground attack inside Pakistan for the "first" time--at least officially. Not surprisingly, the Pakistani government is none too happy about this. But despite the escalation in this increasingly violent theater, no one speaking at the Republican National Convention felt it necessary to even mention Afghanistan or Pakistan last night. The same thing happened on Tuesday night when George W. Bush, Joe Lieberman, and Fred Thompson all failed to utter the words "Afghanistan" or "Pakistan" a single time.

Colonel Joe noticed. I noticed it. And lots of other military types--especially those tasked with fighting in that theater--noticed the obvious (and likely deliberate) oversight.

Maybe if Afghanistan and Pakistan were closer to Alaska--like Russia--it would cause concern for those attending the Republican National Convention.

Tags: pakistan, afghanistan

GOP Campaign Themes

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:20:45 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud
clipper's remarks: They also find it Very Easy to Condemn those that give Service to Their Lives and Freedoms!

Last election cycle they Laughed at and Mocked the Military Service of one of the Presidential Candidates who Served This Country In Vietnam, just as I Did, and being in the same service branch, the U.S. Navy, they Spit on my Service, All my brother and sister Naval personal who served In-Country, and All the other Service Personal, but most of All, All Those Who Have Served This Country and Received It's Highest Honor For That Service, The Purple Heart!!!

I was waiting to see how they would Slam their Fellow Americans this year. Well they started early, peppering their talking points with the words needed, leading up to their Convention, and Let Both Barrels Go, Loud and Clear!!

Clip Source: www.vetvoice.com

by: jimstaro

Thu Sep 04, 2008

These people have No Self Worth, I'm talking about those that just hang to this imaginary, once proud, Republican Tag. Even still calling themselves Conservative!

They allow themselves to be led around like the robots they've become, and frankly some on the Democratic side are just as willing, but the fall into line and march in lockstep Falls Souly on the GOP!

They've been Silent and Accepting of the Lies that led our Troops into Occupations and All that has come about because of that, the torturing, the no-bid contracts, the corruption, the deaths and maiming' s................................................, and oh so much more!

They've been Silent and Accepting as our Freedoms have been slowly stripped away, and Accepting of Rule by Executive Branch Alone ignoring the fact they have hired others to Represent Them!

GOP Campaign Themes

All Those Who Have Served This Country and Received It's Highest Honor For That Service, The Purple Heart!!!

Tags: troops, speak, out

Ready To Be Commander in Chief?

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:57:33 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud
clipper's remarks: The comments are from these soldiers who were a part of this war. One troll put his two cents in. And they gave him some change back.

Clip Source: www.vetvoice.com

by: Colonel "Joe" USAR

Fri Aug 29, 2008

Ready to be Commander in Chief?

Because;

In its formal announcement, the campaign pointed to her powers as head of the Alaska National Guard and the mother of a soldier herself as evidence that she "understands what it takes to lead our nation..."

Twenty two months in command of;

The Alaska Army National Guard is composed of approximately 1850 soldiers and maintains 77 armories and other facilities, including Fort Greely (as of 2006)

That formal announcement was an insult to every Career Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer of the Armed Forces of the United States. All the McCain Campaign had to do was just admit she has no military experience, but sadly they chose not to do this.

If twenty two months makes "as head of" the Alaska National Guard, with a son barely out of OSUT makes one instantly ready to be Commander in Chief, I must be qualified to be "Master of the Universe."

Tags: from, the, troops

One Missing Word Last Night, Afghanistan

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:47:48 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud
clipper's remarks: If you don't listen to the troops. Then you don't support the troops.

Clip Source: www.vetvoice.com

by: Colonel "Joe" USAR

Thu Sep 04, 2008

As a US Army Officer, I listened to Governor Palin's speech last night trying to gleen her priorities in a new administration as there are many issues that will affect the future of the Army.

Governor Palin talked about many things last night but the there is one important piece of unfinished business that will linger to the next Administration.

That piece of unfinished business was obviously not considered worthy by her speech writers.

There are two great politicians of the last century who had great oratory skills and often relied on speech writers.

Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher often strayed from their speech writers adding and correcting their given text.

Sarah Palin is no Ronald Reagan.

Sarah Palin is no Margaret Thatcher.

Afgahnistan is not a dirty word.

Tags: soldiers, speak, out

Palin as Commander of the Alaska National Guard? Please.

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:23:44 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud

Clip Source: www.vetvoice.com

by: Brandon Friedman

Tue Sep 02, 2008

Desperate to prove that Sarah Palin has "national security" credentials, many McCain supporters have turned to her experience "commanding" the Alaska National Guard during her 21 months as governor of the state.

Of course, while these yo-yos might actually believe this nonsense, at bottom it's a pathetic, hail Mary stretch. Let McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds explain exactly why that is (with a little help from CNN's Campbell Brown):

[Video]

See? Doesn't Tucker sound like a complete idiot when he has to defend the idea in public?

Here's the deal: First off, Sarah Palin plays no role as the commander of the Alaska National Guard outside of the state. She never has, she never will. The actual commander--Maj. Gen. Craig Campbell--said so himself:

According to Global Security,

John McCain himself touted Palin's national security credentials by referring to her experience with the Alaska National Guard.

[Video]

wasn't even vetted

Tags: sarah palin, craig campbell

Voting Against a Combat Bonus while Raising Your Own Pay

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:17:18 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud

Clip Source: www.vetvoice.com

by: Brandon Friedman

Tue Sep 02, 2008

Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave voted against a $1,500 bonus for combat veterans, while at the same time voting herself $14,000 in pay raises. Normally, this act would speak for itself. But we decided to run an ad spotlighting it anyway:

[Video]

Tags: marilyn musgrave, colorado, iraq, afghanistan

Republicans Suddenly Agree with Wes Clark on John McCain

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:13:55 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud

Clip Source: www.vetvoice.com

by: Brandon Friedman

Wed Sep 03, 2008

When General Wesley Clark (Ret.) appeared on Face the Nation and stated that John McCain's time as a POW in Vietnam was not a qualification to serve as President, yappers on both sides of the aisle flipped out. As we all remember, it became a media hyperventorama. And it was all unwarranted.

It's nice to see then, that for some reason, the Republican Party has suddenly decided that it agrees with General Clark's assessment:

[Video]

Yes, that's former Senator and failed presidential candidate Fred Thompson. And yes, during his speech on Tuesday night at the Republican National Convention, he said essentially what Clark said two months earlier.

MSNBC's Keith Olbermann also happened to catch Thompson's remark, and he quizzed a confused David Gregory about it:

[Video]

The point is this: People noticed. So, will Fred Thompson be apologizing on Wednesday? Or was Clark right?

Tags: republicans, wes clark, fred thompson

U.S. Forces Conduct Offensive in Pakistani Border Region

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:07:20 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud
clipper's remarks: This is, however, a sensitive issue. It is assumable that the moderates within the Pakistani government want the Taliban removed from Southern Waziristan. The problem is the more hardline elements of the Pakistani citizenry are sure to be unhappy about this. The unrest amongst the fundamentalists combined with the corrupt officials and Taliban sympathizers within the Pakistani government creates a unique situation that must be handled delicately. But this does not discount the need for military action in Southern Waziristan.

Clip Source: www.vetvoice.com

by: RockRichard

Wed Sep 03, 2008

According to Pakistani military and other sources, the attack began a little after 3 a.m. when three U.S. army helicopters carrying American and Afghan troops landed in Musa Nika in the Pakistani tribal area of South Waziristan. According to a Pakistani security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak publicly on the incident, several of the troops then left the helicopters and launched a ground assault on three houses where Taliban fighters were believed to be hiding.

The Taliban have been living and breathing in Western Pakistan for a long time now. Its unfortunate that it has taken this long for American troops to start fighting them there, but its a welcomed development.

Tags: the, real, war

McCain v Obama; Iraq Policy

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 03:53:55 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud
clipper's remarks: I can see if Obama were to become president, he would quite likely acquiesce to Iraq's original demands of a full withdrawal by 2010. But if McCain were to be elected, I don't see how he would convince the Iraqi government to allow us to stay beyond 2011.

Clip Source: www.vetvoice.com

by: Chris LeJeune

Wed Sep 03, 2008

From the outset, the policies of Obama and McCain regarding Iraq could not have been further apart. Obama wished to withdraw troops over a 16 month timeline, while McCain was promoting a permanent occupation. Since then, certain agreements between the Iraqi government and our own have changed matters in such a way that McCain's policy is no longer feasible. Permanent bases in Iraq are not going to happen. The Iraqi government supported Obama's withdrawal timeline, initially requesting that all of our troops be removed by 2010. The Bush administration pushed for a stay until 2015, and so they compromised. Under the current draft agreement, combat troops are to be withdrawn by the end of 2010, and all troops are to be withdrawn from Iraq by the end of 2011

So, this poses a number of questions. Now that there will be no 100 year stay and no permanent bases, how is McCain's Iraq policy any different from what Obama has been proposing all along?

Tags: the, body, politics