Clipmarks | ratilfar's clips

Israeli Settlers attack U.S. Envoy

Mon, 05 May 2008 22:11:16 GMT

clipped by: ratilfar
clipper's remarks: And they get a free pass in the press.

The American bodyguards of a Bush administration envoy who was dispatched to the region to monitor the implementation of the road map engaged in a violent confrontation with right-wing Israelis who sought to disturb a visit to Hebron on Friday, Israel Radio reported.

One of the rightists is reported to have driven his jeep into the convoy accompanying General William Fraser. Subsequently, one of the vehicles in the convoy heavily collided with the jeep, according to Israel Radio.

A fracas ensued between the guards and the rightists before the Americans decided to cut the visit short, Israel Radio reported.

Tags: israel, palestine, attack, likud, settlers

60 Minutes: What Really Happened To Pat Tillman?

Mon, 05 May 2008 18:40:32 GMT

clipped by: ratilfar

Clip Source: www.crooksandliars.com

On Sunday’s 60 Minutes, Katie Couric explored the unanswered questions that still surround Pat Tillman’s death more than 4 years after he was killed in a friendly-fire incident in Afghanistan.

One part that stands out is when Couric asks Pete Geren, the new Secretary of the Army, about eyewitness statements that had been altered to falsely show that Tillman had been engaged with the enemy at the time of his death. He replied, “Well, that’s one of the questions that we will never completely answer.” That’s a telling statement because the Bush administration has exerted executive privilege over “certain papers relating to discussion of the friendly-fire shooting” because they claim they would “implicate Executive Branch confidentiality interests.” Last August, when pressed directly about it, President Bush avoided making any promise to ever come clean about what really happened.

Hiring the WRONG People for the job!

Mon, 05 May 2008 18:31:23 GMT

clipped by: ratilfar
clipper's remarks: Are the Republicans trying to obliterate their own country?

Clip Source: www.crooksandliars.com

Good lord, my irony meter is redlining again. After openly admitting that he doesn’t understand economics as well as he might, who should Republican Presidential nominee John McCain turn to for advice than the unlamented former head of Hewlett Packard Carly Fiorina, who was forced out of HP for her mismanagement and disruptive style? There’s some serious Bush-level street cred. Someone who has failed in her most prominent business position? Hire her!

And FOXNews Sunday can’t help but note in their glossy yet remarkably detail-free profile that Fiorina is even possibly being considered for the VP spot. But…but…what about Condi?

Download | Play Download | Play (h/t Heather)

Tags: mccain, mcbush, mcsame, horse association, mistake

US-backed plan sees shiny future for Green Zone in Iraq

Mon, 05 May 2008 18:25:30 GMT

clipped by: ratilfar
clipper's remarks: "We did not come here to tear down Saddam's palaces, merely to rebuild them Vegas style!"

Talk about liberation, or is it Liberace?

Clip Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

BAGHDAD — Forget the rocket attacks, concrete blast walls and lack of a sewer system. Now try to imagine luxury hotels, a shopping center and even condos in the heart of Baghdad.

That's all part of a five-year development "dream list" _ or what some dub an improbable fantasy _ to transform the U.S.-protected Green Zone from a walled fortress into a centerpiece for Baghdad's future.

But the $5 billion plan has the backing of the Pentagon and apparently the interest of some deep pockets in the world of international hotels and development, the lead military liaison for the project told The Associated Press.

Karnowski said a deal already has been completed for Marriott International Inc. to build a hotel in the Green Zone. He also said a possible $1 billion investment could come from MBI International, a conglomerate that focuses on hotels and resorts and is led by Saudi Sheikh Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber.

Tags: green zone, emerald palace, empire, iraq, war, money, wasted, lives, lost

Guilt by Association: Meet McCain "Old Friend" and America's Old Foe

Mon, 05 May 2008 18:11:57 GMT

clipped by: ratilfar
clipper's remarks:

Clip Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

How close are McCain and Liddy? At least as close as Obama and Ayers appear to be. In 1998, Liddy's home was the site of a McCain fundraiser. Over the years, he has made at least four contributions totaling $5,000 to the senator's campaigns--including $1,000 this year.

Last November, McCain went on his radio show. Liddy greeted him as "an old friend," and McCain sounded like one. "I'm proud of you, I'm proud of your family," he gushed. "It's always a pleasure for me to come on your program, Gordon, and congratulations on your continued success and adherence to the principles and philosophies that keep our nation great."

For those who are unaware, Liddy helped plan the Watergate break-in that would cost Nixon his presidency and landed Liddy a four-year jail sentence.

"I wanted to bomb the Red River dykes [sic]. It would have drowned half the country and starved the other half. There would have been no way the Viet Cong could have operated if we had the will-power to do that."

Tags: liddy, watergate, nixon, criminals, radicals, far-right lunatic fringe, mccain, mcsame, mcbush