pope

"Taking the war to them" is more like inviting them to bring it over here. Our borders are no more secure than they were pre-911, and our government is telling us every day that it is only a matter of time before they strike within the U.S. again - maybe next weeek. Saying "we're taking the fight to them before they can bring it to us" is pure propaganda aimed at justifying a war with quite different objectives. And repeatedly saying how "the terrorists are cold hearted killers" and "all the Arab peoples know is violence and revenge" -- when we're pointing at a map of the Middle East and hinting about how we should invade Iran next, and maybe pick up Syria on the way? That's hate speech and propaganda. Sraight up. There is some historical basis for the assertions, so they "ring true," but the goal is not to clarify anything or express any truth, but to get the listener riled up and ready for war--against who? We don't even know which country yet. Rattling the sabers and promoting a sense that the entire Muslim world is against us is good for domestic politics but it is a losing strategy in today's world unless coupled with, yes, diplomacy and sensitivity. Saying we are on a "crusade," repeating ad nauseam that we don't intend to cooperate with anybody else in the world, arguing that we should not follow the Geneva Conventions or participate in any world court because we are the "chosen" power.... These things are not going to reduce the recruitment pool for Al queda and similar groups. Even if you believe that stuff, to proclaim it from the Presidential podium is just plain stupidity -- unless, of course, your goal is to increase the sense of us vs them in this world. We cand and should rally around the flag and take steps to protect ourselves -- without resorting to such scare and intimidation tactics. It turns the world against us and the bad guys are certainly not intimidated by any of this -- it is only a call to action for them. As GeorgeW said this week: we cannot win the war on terror. Err, I mean .... Perkins, that was "spot on". I think Kerry needs your writing talents and perspective on his team.

Let's see what happens during the debates, when Kerry is there to unravel Bush's lies as fast as he can tell them. I think Kerry will make the case that rather than being "tough on terror", Bush is most competent at providing motivation for terrorists. When the facts are exposed simultaneously, America won't be scared into voting for a reckless chicken-hawk (not twice).

Heard a guy from Log Cabin report that the GOP platform will oppose gay marriage and civil union. If they win, we can expect them to oppose interracial marriage in 2008. By the time we get to 2050, perhaps we will have "devolved" to the 1950's.

Temps could easily be in upper 80's or better. Also explore Jackson Hole.

I just love the Pixie Glitter Star Pants. It's a shame there's no shopping cart!

I think that's always the case. And I also think that knowing what we know about George Junior, after four years of this horseshit, if we elect him again then, as a nation, on the average, we are a pathetic assembly of stupid drones who admire and encourage recklessness, arrogance and incompetence in our leaders. Frickin' embarassing. Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice....I ain't one of you.

.....and finally.....

Supposedly repreated and a new line added.

Not only did Clinton not attack anybody's service record, McCain has asked Bush to silence the Swift Boat Vets because he understands it is in such poor taste. I don't have a problem with Clinton's lack of service; at least he wasn't being paid for time he didn't serve like George Junior.

Well stated. As long as there are two candidates, let's compare their records. We can start by comparing their combat records. What? George Junior doesn't have one? Well then, let's compare their criminal records. What? Kerry doesn't have one? Well, I'm sorry, I thought I had a great idea for a thread here. Since there's nothing to discuss, I guess I know how I'm going to vote.

The name "Dr. Justin Frank" sounded like a fictional character (like a name created from "just 'n' frank"), but apparently this guy's for real and his book is Amazon's 436th best seller. On a related note, here's an Eiger Sanction quiz: what is the first name of the Mr. Dragon, the CII spy network director?

USA didn't play like a team, just a bunch of super star players trying to take it to the hoop solo. Argentina was shooting something like 20% higher and looked rock solid.

Now there's a good question. Come to think of it, Peter seems to line up on the right.....but have you seen his/her avatar photo?

Sure, but we know he's a Bush supporter, along with his buddy Terrible Ted. He's not making a secret out of that, yet he's got a problem with pop stars supporting Kerry, to the extent he needs to make a statement. Hmmmm. I suppose that's one way to get people to listen to you when you're a washed-up rocker.

Now if George W. gets elected, it may just be too embarassing to call myself an "American". What's required for Canadian citizenship these days?

Wow! Good one, Bill!

water boy------> snoboy

Here is what we do know. At the concert, his expressions seem to convey something more than his usual intense passion for appreciative fans: After complaining of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, he was unable to obtain good directions to the toilet. Always aware of his tour's demanding schedule, Dave jumped on the bus, counting on using the facility available on board. However, who could have anticipated his private coach would be hijacked by crazed fans? Dave disappeared to the toilet, but when disturbing noises and a terrible oder were detected near the back of the bus, his personal assistant got worried. Dave didn't respond to inquiries about his well-being, and when they broke down the door to the John, they found this: Hours later Dave was visibly shaken. Unable to give an interview, Dave continued mumbling something about a "macho burrito de diablo" and smelling his fingers.

That's Merv's work....and the best thing I've read on cc.com this month. I thought I'd reproduce it here in case anybody missed it the first time.

hey kids, here's your pop idol in action

fun for the hole family

Was that from the Department of Redundancy Department?

More great stuff from Merv: Yah, man. Almost forget. WE'RE CLIMBERS! and we're wild and crazy and reckless, hard-drinking, wild-partyin', don't-mess-with-me-and-you-can-shove-your-opinion-up-your-butt-tough-talkin', hippie-van drivin', hanging out with a bone-in-the-nose girlfriend with hairy armpits, Whillians/Burgess Brothers/Vulgarian emulating, spit-in-the-face-of-the-reaper, buccaneers of the vertical frontier, matadors of the quick draw, desperados of the bouldering pad, Yee ha! and we don't care 'bout nothin cuz we're climbers! So don't even suggest that what I have to say might be weak because...I'M A CLIMBER, and I'm wild and crazy and reckless, hard-drinking, wild-partyin'.... Dude...he can tell you whatever he likes. And you can choose to consider it, follow it or leave it. "pope" ain't your dictator or puppetmaster. What a country! Once again....how's it been "pushed" on you? Take it or leave it. Have a nice day. P.S. Two drops of the "f" bomb in one post? Come on, man....really. You're better than that.

What about speed climbing? They're missing the point. One of these days they're going to dyno right past a healthy Lewisia in bloom and not even notice.