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Brendan Smialowski / AFP - Getty Images
President Barack Obama arrives with Leon Panetta and Chuck Hagel during an event in the East Room of the White House on Jan. 7.
Updated 4:22 p.m. ET -- President Barack Obama named his choices for two of the nation's prominent national security posts Monday, teeing up a likely confirmation struggle over his pick for the Secretary of Defense, a position that's historically drawn overwhelming bipartisan support.
Obama tapped former Sen. Chuck Hagel, a Republican war veteran whose stances on Israel and Iran have angered some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, to head the Pentagon. He also announced Monday his choice of counterterrorism adviser John Brennan to be the new head of the Central Intelligence Agency.
"Chuck Hagel is the leader that our troops deserve," Obama said at the announcement at the White House. "He is an American patriot."
Noting that Hagel served in the Vietnam War, Obama said that the Purple Heart recipient "knows that war is not an abstraction."
Even before Obama made it official, the nomination of former GOP Senator Chuck Hagel for secretary of defense generated an outcry from both sides of the aisle. NBC's Chuck Todd reports.
"In Chuck Hagel, our troops see a decorated combat veteran of character and strength," Obama said. "They see one of their own."
Thanking the president for the nomination, Hagel pledged to offer his "honest and most informed counsel" to the administration.
The White House hopes to paint the sometimes gruff Hagel as a truth-telling war hero with extensive experience on the world stage, while opponents question his support of Israel and his commitment to preventing a nuclear Iran.
The former Nebraska lawmaker has also come under fire for his 1998 opposition to an ambassadorial nominee for being "openly, aggressively gay." He recently apologized for the remark.
(In his opening remarks Monday, Obama alluded to the recent repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy towards gay service members, referencing the Pentagon's commitment to allowing them to "serve the country they love, no matter who they love.")
Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay member of the Senate, told NBC's Andrea Mitchell Monday that she wants to speak to Hagel to determine whether his apology for the remark is "sincere and sufficient."
In an interview with the Lincoln Journal Star, Hagel charged that foes have "completely distorted" his record on the issues and that he now has "an opportunity to set the record straight" on Israel and other issues.
Part of that process has already begun, as the White House has been “reaching out to a number of groups and individuals with regards to this nomination,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said Monday.
Carney suggested such preemptive measures are necessary given how quick critics are to pounce: “it is certainly an unfortunate reality that has become the norm here in Washington, that even when names are bandied about in the press as possible nominees, that a process begins where critics jump all over them. And you know, that's just part of -- one of the reasons why Washington has become a more fractious place.”
Hagel's controversial nomination comes after U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice withdrew her name from consideration to be the next Secretary of State amid criticism for her role in the administration's investigation of a September attack on the American consulate in Benghazi.
If confirmed, Hagel would be the first former enlisted soldier to become the secretary of defense. His views of international conflict are heavily influenced by his own service in the Vietnam War; he won two Purple Hearts for his service and still has pieces of shrapnel embedded in his chest.
A vocal critic of the troop surge in Iraq, Hagel has questioned his own party's foreign policy strategy and further irked Republicans by endorsing Democrat Bob Kerrey in Nebraksa's tight Senate race last year. (Kerrey lost.)
Brennan, one of the president's most trusted advisers, has spent most of his career at the C.I.A. He was considered for the same post in 2009 but withdrew from consideration after critics said he had failed to speak out against interrogation techniques such as waterboarding that human rights groups believe to be torture.
Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, a onetime POW who has been a vocal opponent of torture, said he has concerns about Brennan's nomination.
"I appreciate John Brennan’s long record of service to our nation, but I have many questions and concerns about his nomination to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, especially what role he played in the so-called enhanced interrogation programs while serving at the CIA during the last administration, as well as his public defense of those programs," McCain said in a statement.
On Monday, Obama praised Brennan for his "commitment to the values that bind us as Americans."
"He has worked to embed our efforts in a strong legal framework," Obama said of Brennan. "He understands we are a nation of laws."
Winning laughs at the generally somber announcement, outgoing Pentagon chief Leon Panetta said that, after a long career in public service, he would welcome the opportunity to spend time at his California walnut farm.
"Dealing with a different set of nuts," he joked.
NBC's Ali Weinberg contributed to this report.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, explains his comments that nomination Sen. Chuck Hagel to the Secretary of Defense position is the "worst possible message we could send to our friend Israel and the rest of our allies in the Middle East."
Leave a Comment:
I give President Obama kudos for striking out against both the left and the right and making a bold pick, which aligns with his own values. I think that it adds a lot to have a former enlisted soldier in the room when planning defense, and I think that the bipartisan opposition shows that Obama is not cowtowing to either party. I am also glad that the President is not leaving Hagel out to dry as he did to Susan Rice.
Go_Obama....Go to h e double hockey sticks...
Just another moron to match the rest of the stooge clan.... What a joke this ahole is
Ever seen the Nazi party platform? That is what aligns with Obama's "values".
Care to see a copy of the German Gun Registration Act of 1938? One day you leftist zombie no information voters will wake up in your designated regional FEMA camp and blame Busgh loudly, you morons.
I have grave concerns about the legitimacy any Congressional approval process that can be influenced by vitriolic semi-senile nincompoops such as Senator John McCain.
Laffs boy you guys are idiots. I'm a leftie and I am glad Obama is thinking for himself and against my "stooges" as it were. I'd say you all are drinking the koolaid not me. :)
I am not sure Obama even knows what the meaning of "Patriot" is. That gives me concern. I know nothing about the man but I am sure when I read the news and do some research I will come to a conclusion. If Obama approves of him there has to be something wrong with him then. Thats my initial reading for right now.
Let's see:
He hates gays. He hates Jews.
He defends Iran. He defends Hamas. And he defends Hezbollah.
.
Of course I would want Chuck Hagel to be secretary of defense!
.
.
If I was the president of IRAN!!!
The 1938 German Weapons Act, the precursor of the current weapons law, superseded the 1928 law. As under the 1928 law, citizens were required to have a permit to carry a firearm and a separate permit to acquire a firearm. Furthermore, the law restricted ownership of firearms to "...persons whose trustworthiness is not in question and who can show a need for a (gun) permit." Under the new law:
Here it is Syrin, alot of it seems pretty reasonable
Go Obama ....
It's going to be VERY interesting to see how Fox spins this and how the RWNJ posters implode on this. I'm guessing their number one concern is going to be that the President didn't ask Netanyahu his opinion first.
The left has issues with him, the right has issues with him. Sound like a perfect pick to me.
The Lebanese "social coodinator" Jill Kelly. The Iranian born advisor Valerie Jarret. And now the Hamas loving Hagel.
This admin's agenda is becoming more and more clear.
jw101 . . .
No, but your paranoia is . . .
Puppet! Puppet! He chose him because he is a puppet for the Dems. He is a Republican that has proven that he has leaned over to the Dems on many different decisions and obama knows that he can control him. Anyone that thinks this clown is a "hand in the game" for the repubs should do some research and see that he is another pawn in the game of destroying our great nation. Yet another pile of dirt on our grave.
Do the math, you will see the end result
hagel likes Iran, so where the hell is he getting patriot out of it, commie you ask me. he will run the defense ok, the white Americans will be totally screwed with obama's pick. between that pick and the retard that drank the koolaide in CT. so the government has a reason to take our guns. kinda sounds like the middle east coming to their new promise land. their is hope that alot of democrats and GOP do not like this traitor. to easy on Iran and he will defend obama isn't good/
As much as I'd like to see Hagel as the Secretary of Defense, knowing the power of the Zionist Lobby in the US, he will probably suffer the same fate as Chas Freeman did in 2009.
George Washington is right on our modern 2-party state and how it is influenced by foreign powers:
"It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another."
From the article above:
Sounds like a win-win.
Bi-Partisanship. Military Man. Patriotic American.
What could possibly be wrong?
Oh yeh.
Republicans hate President Obama and must obstruct everything he does.
Salud
jw101
Best for you to stay under your bed.
Boo!!!
Salud
funny, I see the same thing, but draw the opposite conclusion: if both sides have problems, only someone monumentally wrong for the job could bring these people together! He must be wrong for the job!
I think Hagel is a good pick. I don't know anything about the other nominee.
But there is actually much more chilling news out there today children and you need to sit up and take notice.
1. The newly re-elected Japanese Prime Minister ran on a "Take Japan Back" platform criticizing past administrations for their apologetic attitude towards Japanese war crimes during the second world war. He actually sang the notorious, unofficial Japanese national anthem that glorifies the Emperor and past Japanese militarism on his first public appearance after the election.
2. But this is the most worrisome...today one of the conservative radio knuckleheads (not Limbaugh, one of the other knuckleheads, I don't recall which one) actually pronounced the GOP dead! He said the country needed a "Nationalist" party and the Tea Party was a good start, they just needed to get organized and find a charismatic leader to take over for the GOP.
Uh...nationalist party? Uh...charismatic leader? Uh... does anybody remember a guy named Hitler? The Nazi's? or WWII?
Why do I have this feeling of deja vu all over again?
@ Thomas,
I get your completely bias slant and opinion, but I do question based on your post above....Where do you stand with regard to the Democrats that are against the pick?
So, let's look at the comments here:
Coyote Hunter just up and tells Obama to go to hell, but he can't bring himself to use the word 'hell', so he devolves to the third grade.
Bill calls Hagel a moron, just because.
Syrin23 brings up the Nazis, in a point apparently unrelated to Hagel.
RUkidding says he doesn't know anything about Hagel, but doesn't like him because Obama appointed him.
Duqu is the first to actually make a point about Hagel's record, albeit just a characterization that consists of name-calling about how he loves Iran and terrorism and hates Jews.
Jw101 darkly assumes Obama has taken sides with the terrorists against the US.
Commonsense jumps on the bandwagon with the assumption that it is Obama's goal to destroy America.
Michael calls Hagel a 'commie' (???) and suggests that 'white Americans will be...screwed'. He also seems to imply that the CT shooter was a liberal who wanted to give Obama cover to take our guns.
And that's it so far. No debate on the merits, no attempt at persuasion, just a bunch of loony-sounding reactionary crap from the right wing peanut gallery. Have you guys ever considered the reason people think you are so bizarre is that they read this kind of stuff from you? That your posts tell us a hell of a lot more about your own paranoia and knee-jerk hatred and feelings of white-supremacy, than they do about the issue at hand? Is this what passes for a 'debate' in your minds - just spewing irrational crap as loudly as possible?
If we ever needed proof of the 'dumbing down of America', here it is in living color.
Lets be honest, it did not matter who Obama picked because the GOP would be against the decision for the sole reason that Obama picked him.
He picked a Republican, and Republicans are against it.
The truth is that Obama could do every single thing Republicans want, and Republicans would STILL hate him and be against him. THAT is what the GOP does.
So, what is Tammy Baldwin's definition of "sincere and sufficient"?
Sounds more to me like she wants to give Hagel a hard time for no other reason than "because she can".
Do I think Chuck Hagel should be required to make any further "special" apology to Tammy because she's gay, hell no.
He apologized, and that's enough.
Geez some gays want to not only have new rights, and have same sex marriages, now they want to try to jack with people because he's straight, and she's not?
Well, this will keep Faux News quiet for awhile, or call him a traitor!
Rite on snakebone..........good one....he,heh,lol
No, I've already read it. You are an idiot for bringing it up as no one in this Country is suggesting it or anything like it. Nor is anyone suggesting the adaptation of the German Gun Registration Act of 1938, or the 1928 version. By the way...if Obama has FEMA Camps for political prisoners...I suspect you will be one who wakes up there...not I.
You Teabaggers should hold a conversion...perhaps a few thousand of you. Given enough time and enough of you, you might collectively make at least ONE thought that actually makes sense...maybe.
Snakebone
You don't listen to all comments, just conservative ones, right? I have heard some pretty stupid comments from the left also.
President Obama, if you can’t beat them, neutralize them!
Another way of looking at this appointment, there isn’t a single Democrat good enough to fill the post. How talentless and depleted they must be in the President’s eyes? No wonder nothing gets done!
President Obama always picks controversial people for big important Cabinet Positions--(except Panetta, who had NO experience in Defense), but a likable man. "Why is HE leaving"?
Let's see, Sec. of State Hillary Clinton, (sorry for her dire medical issue;excused); Petraeus, Head of the CIA, and now The Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta.
Could it be the failure abroad, big example, Benghazi Gate and others, that are being covered up---bad judgement.
Hagel would be the Worst Candidate, since he already has declared he approves of Iran, despises Israel and other Countries. Slanted? You bet. Obama should be selecting someone like Hillary who can deal w/all Foreign Leaders, and not choose sides. Their are many very Qualified people for this position.
His choice of Brennan for the CIA is excellent. Second Term gone "Wild". This is not a dull one.
Sarge and GOP renegade Hagel I like. I question his anti-gay, anti-Israel, and pro Iran stance however. Without the baggage he would have been a great nomination.
The Koch Tea Extremist are very upset with the Presidents pick, they were hoping Obama would have picked Rick Santorum over Hagel !
American Girl:
First, kudos for making a coherent argument on the merits of the case. I take it that you lean left, which makes your comments very interesting to me.
Until I hear her questions, I will defend Baldwin and others on this issue because of how this thing 'looks'. That is, Hagel jumped on the prevailing bandwagon of the time (15 years ago) to try to deny Hormel a position for which he was very qualified. His apology for that came just a few weeks ago, and appeared to many of us straight folk as a political stunt to clear the way for his appointment.
In this case I disagree that gays want 'special rights', because in this case what was at stake was merely the 'right' of a gay man to be an ambassador when he was appointed to become one. To say that he couldn't have that job because he was openly gay - which was Hagel's position - is very clearly discrimination based on sexual orientation. I would only say he wanted special rights, if the argument was that he should get the job because he was gay.
I think that most liberals are not as knee-jerk as all that, so I think Hagel can navigate this to the satisfaction of the democratic caucus. You are right, that he has apologized is an indication that his thinking has evolved in this case. But because of the timing, the fact that he never actually apologized to the person he hurt, Hormel himself (who, by the way, also distrusts the apology), and the sensitivity to the subject at a time when the military is tearing down just these kinds of restrictions, I think it is relevant for Ms. Baldwin to ask him pointedly about his evolved thinking, for us to decide if it reflects something real, or whether it still just comes across as a political expediency.
As liberals - not anarchists - we challenge authority not to destroy it, but to save it. This is no different. There are a lot of gays out there who are angry at this appointment. Fleshing out the issue, if Hagel comes across as sincere in his answers, would do a lot to gain their support. Maybe that is not ultimately necessary, but it certainly would be helpful for dems to keep their caucus together.
On the other hand, I agree with you that some would just not be satisfied, or just want to get revenge for his comments 15 years ago. Those folk are usually revealed by their own comments, and if Baldwin takes that path, I'll end up agreeing with you entirely. Ultimately, her questions will be judged just as much as his answers.
He hates gays: Well, he did make a pretty silly comments several years ago. He did apologize.
He hates Jews: Actually, he said that he was a U.S. Senator, not an Israeli Senator, and he would act in the best interest of the United State, not Israel. Not only do I agree with his statement, I don't get any hate out of the comment.
He defends.... all the evil groups/countries. Actually, he said we should talk to them, and you can't show me anything where he "defends" them because it doesn't exist.
TO: Snakebone who wrote:
15 years ago even Republican Larry Craig who was the Senator from Idaho railed against gays, and, as we later learned, Larry Craig himself was found to be gay when he was busted by cops in an Airport mens room soliciting to have sex with another man.
Those times are over, even for those who don't live the gay lifestyle, but we now live with it, find the kindness in people, love our neighbors, and give people credit for the content of their character, and we do not judge people based on either sexual orientation or religion.
That said, we should all move along, and not try to stir the pot of discontent because there's nothing to be gained from doing so.
Romney would have offshored the job to China for a handsome price then socked away the money in an offshore account!
Snakebone, you are much too reasonable and expressive to be hanging here. Glad you are, anyway.
American Girl ...
Excellent post and well stated.
Obama's choices and performance were pis-poor in the first four years. Now look what he is coming up with now?!
Poor America, I hope you can endure it.
Firstly, I believe in term limits, AND as a Desert Storm Navy Vet, having an enlisted person become Secretary of Defense would be extremely enlightening for military personnel. Since many responders on this site are weak side line judges, they wouldnt understand the importance in military service accomplishments.
ALSO, McConnell and McCain need to come out of the closet as bed buddies since they both favor identical arrogance, stubbornness, bully mindedness, forked tongue speaking when neither could win a fight on the street corner.
The Attention Deficient Disorder of many Americans forget that fact that Sen McCain crashed 2 jets costing the country millions, disobeyed orders several times not to fly in specific areas, then crashed and rightfully got caught by the enemy when he put himself in harms way. IDIOT.
ALL PRESIDENTS have the right to pick their cabinet and these two who wont do respectable work are whining and crying , jealous that they failed to land the job of President of The United States.
Get over your lazy bigoted selves because thats truly the cause of your hemmoroids
I like him already.
Scott, you're creeping me out, ya know? Anyone who questions a US combat veteran's patriotism or judgement because he is concerned about the Israeli lobby's influence over Congress; should probably move to Israel. Questioning a foreign lobby does not make you anti-Israeli. Your priorities are all F/U.
Hagel = Iran with nukes.
Koobee, your understanding of the US Government is astounding. What other policies do you suppose the Secretary of Defense would unilaterally implement? Perhaps he would declare war on the Czech Republic? Or maybe he would disband the entire US Navy with the stroke of a pen?
...I'll bet you love the Constitution too...though you probably don't know what's in it.
Please everyone just turn off the wacky news and READ and RESEARCH, stop being such warmongers, thats why we the VETERANS are happy to finally have someone who was an enlisted soldier possibly be in charge, everyone should log off RIGHT now and do some RESEARCH on Iran, their history, geography, and people, Iran is almost 95% Shi'a muslim, which simply means they won't be as divided as Iraqis were in war,so we would have a more united fighting force, it is over TWICE the size of Afghanistan (which we still can't get a noose around) and has one the highest scientists ratios in the world (bomb builders), shares borders with PAKISTAN,IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN, smack dab in the middle, so you DO NOT want to destabilize that country unnecessarily, just to come to Israel's aid, even when they are the aggressors sometimes, you WANT to explore ALL possible options before utilizing our military forces who are already spread thin you WARMONGERS, if we don't,even if we "win", our economic situation after that war will make today look PRESCHOOL. So Get the Vet in the door, no more Businessmen as Secretary of DEFENSE.
American Girl:
That said, we should all move along, and not try to stir the pot of discontent because there's nothing to be gained from doing so.
Yes, well said. Your pragmatism is like fresh air, and certainly key to holding together a big tent. I'd also like to avoid unnecessary problems, not get too bogged down with unimportant details.
My caution is that the pot is already, to some extent at least, stirred. Many in the LGBT community have spoken out on the issue. I think they are not unimportant to our majority, and I would hate for them to leave this with resentment. So I think there may be something to be gained in calming the stirred pot of discontent.
Look, I think this part of the caucus is every bit as reasonable as anyone. I have found little evidence of holding grudges against those who come around to saying that they've changed their minds on the issue. The LGBT folk are not the Tea Party. I very much doubt that Hagel will be 'attacked' by Duckworth, or required to apologize again and again on bended knee. Lord I hope not.
My guess is he will be asked to detail his current view of sexual discrimination. If he says anything like what you said above, the issue is solved, with many more people happy with both Hagel and the party itself.
I may be too optimistic.
Kassandros:
Aw shucks.
Amazing! Simply amazing.
The president does it again! The fascist republicans are eating their own kind... again!
No matter what, if the president is for it, even if the republicans are too, they will immediately Etch-A-Sketch a way to be against it. Yeah, after four years of gnawing off hands and feet, the republicans are on the verge of killing themselves.
Sadly, the unsuspecting republicans remain clueless in their hatred to realize that the president is fueling their flames to help burn themselves. Hagel, once proud member of the G.O.P. is on the receiving end of a whip of tongues, lashing out to punish their own kind.
Why? Well, the president says he's for the guy. Right?
This is the same group of people that stood up and cheered when the U.S. lost the Olympic bid because the president was for it. The same group that cheered when they lost their right to collective bargaining, legal contracts, and freedom of religion.
Yep, the president has your number, if you're so dead set against him, he will just keep picking off things you approve of so you'll oppose it in the end.
Suckers
I am a Republican. I like Obama's pick of Kerry, I like Brennan as he supports torture that is performed under safe conditions and that yields good intelligence (McCain goes overboard against torture as he was tortured solely for the suffering he endured). But I don't like Hagel, even though he is a Republican. He is anti Israel, pro Iran/Hamas/Hezbollah, and anti gay. He is the wrong guy. It makes me question Obama's "soft spot" for terrorists. That despite his good job on "droning" terrorists that he wanted to kill rather than capture.
YA, you Libs and Cons better wise up unless ya want to live in the New Brave World in 1984 on da Animal Farm. Mr Hagel is the Chairman of the Atlantic Council and also on several major financial institutions Boards of Directors, some intrernatioanl. Major Globalist and Bankster Tool! Enjoy the New World Order. LOL!
PS: The Atlantic Council just realeased "Living in the Post Western World". I didn't read it, but I would be surprized if the title doesn't explain it well. Enjoy! Gotta love dat Agenda 21.
Peace Out.
I don't see the point of arguing against Hagel. I mean, the guy's pretty rational on foreign policy: he voted for the Iraq War but turned against it later on, and his views on military action is actually in line with many defense advisers who are unsure on the results of a war with Iran over nuclear capacity. Hell, he's one of the few Republicans who has actually served in the military and has an experience-based understanding of foreign policy (and has learned from prior mistakes). I like Israel and support its existence; hell, it was the only home for millions of Jewish refugees fleeing pogroms and Holocausts in Europe. Unfortunately, America is acting like Israel is the 51st state; it isn't. It's a sovereign country that needs to rely on its own and take responsibility for its actions. America will not always be Israel's safety cushion; they need to learn how to fight their own battles. If they need our help, we'll give them aid. But no administration should consider sending American troops to fight and die for another nation, at least not if all we're going to receive in return is a "thank you" note from Netanyahu and another $3 trillion in expenses and damages. We should have learned this lesson after Vietnam, but apparently we aren't as mature as our friends and allies across the pond.
Sounds more like the Republican agenda to me! From the 25-point Program of the NSDAP (National Socialist German Workers’ Party):
Whoever has no citizenship is to be able to live in Germany only as a guest, and must be under the authority of legislation for foreigners.
We demand that the state be charged first with providing the opportunity for a livelihood and way of life for the citizens. If it is impossible to sustain the total population of the State, then the members of foreign nations (non-citizens) are to be expelled from the Reich.
The first obligation of every citizen must be to work both spiritually and physically.
We demand legal opposition to known lies and their promulgation through the press.
The plans of instruction of all educational institutions are to conform with the experiences of practical life.
We demand freedom of religion for all religious denominations within the state so long as they do not endanger its existence or oppose the moral senses of the Germanic race.
************************ONCE AGAIN UNEDUCATED POSTS*****************************
http://money.msn.com/investing/11-things-wrong-with-congress
First, what was the stated intent (previous Speeches) of President Obama pertaining to US Defense (including US Intelligence); the motive for President Obama nominating Hagel (you dumb Repugnants need to demand that he switch from being a Repugnant to a Demoncrap, or you will open your Repugnant Party up for the Blame by the Demoncrap Party for what happens next, as Dictated by President Obama).
Second, regardless of President Obama demanding Secretary of Defense Gates remain as his Secretary of Defense, what was the stated reason that Secretary of Defense Gates gave for submitting his Letter of Resignation during his last speech during his last visit to Afghanistan.
Third, what is the reason that Secretary of Defense Leon Penetta Tendering his Letter of Resignation as Secretary of Defense. Secretary of Defense Penetta's statement says it all:
http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/07/16396436-obama-taps-american-patriot-hagel-for-pentagon-job?lite&ocid=msnhp&pos=1
Fourth, Normally if your Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Director of the CIA, etc. are successful you do not replace them.
Fifth, When you see the rats jumping off the ship, you don't walk to the Lifeboats, YOU RUN.
what qualifies hagel to be secretary of defense? being ex military (decades ago) is a start, being a senator is not good enough and his views on some things are way too radical. he needs actual qualifications in the field at which he is being considered. there are tons of better qualified people than this guy but hey since obama selected him, he must be gold right? obama himself has zero qualifications to be president so it makes perfect sense why he would pick hagel, one puppet picks another puppet.
you dont know anything about what you are talking about. who created the KKK? who created all segregation laws? who rejected the civil rights act? who started the civil war? the list goes on and on to what the democrats have done to this country but to people like you its all the oppositions fault and your party can do no wrong. wake up and get real, both parties suck and are destroying this country so just stop it with the one-sided views.
Ha, ha, ha, you don't even know what Political Party you belong to.
Go watch the 2012 movie, Lincoln, like Steven Spielberg's 1993 movie Schindler's List, Steven Spielberg hit the nail on the Democraptic Party's head. Told you before why (Historically Documented) the Northern Demoncraptic Party had a relationship (commonality) to the Demoncraptic Party as the Confederated States of America.
During the 1950s McCarthyism, of constant FBI Investigations, prosecutions, etc. of the Socialists (backlash from the Chancellor Hitler National Socialist German Workers Party (a Political Labor Union), Stalin's USSR (CCCP)) and the Communist Party (backlash for the Chinese Aggressions in Asia); to attempt to beat the popular Repugnants like Popular General Eisenhower, the Demoncratic Party persuaded members of the card carrying US Socialist Party and card carrying US Communist Party to join the Demoncraptic Party. This is why the US Labor Unions reflect the same Violent Union Tactics as the German Political Labor Union, the National Socialist German Workers Party (SA, Brown Shirts) and the Facists of Mussolini (Blackshirts),
Example: Proof the Demoncraps have not changed from Violent NAZI Party and Fascist Union Tactics: "President Obama, this is your Army. We are ready to march. Let's take these son of bitches out and give America back to an America where we belong," - US Labor Union Leader Jimmy Hoffa Jr. (Advocating the Murder of US Citizens).
President appoints Hagel to be SecDef — here's why it's a terrible choice that will send wrong message to Iran.
http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/president-appoints-hagel-to-be-secdef-heres-why-its-a-terrible-choice-that-will-send-wrong-message-to-iran/
President Obama on Monday nominated former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel to be the next Secretary of Defense. It's a terrible choice and will send the wrong message at precisely the wrong time to Iran, Hamas and Radical Islamic enemies of the U.S. and Israel in the Middle East.
Interestingly, the Washington Post editorial page has come out strongly against Hagel. So have significant number of liberal Democrats. At least ten Democrat Senators are considering voting against his nomination, largely due to his weak and ineffectual approach to dealing with the mullahs in Iran who are steadily pursuing nuclear weapons.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2012/12/19/senate-dems-in-a-pickle-if-hagel-nominated/
Senate Dems in a pickle if Hagel nominated
While lying low, Democratic senators should be increasingly nervous that they will be presented with a nominee who is not defensible and proves to be an embarrassment to the administration. One can imagine the administration will soon trot out an ally (Colin Powell call your office! Sen. Dick Lugar (R-Ind.) the president is on the line!) to try to insulate Hagel from criticism and give Democrats cover. But it's easy for those who don't cast votes to do a favor for the president while sticking it to conservative hawks they despise. On this issue, however, Republicans senators will have an easy no vote; it's the Democrats who will be trapped.
Give them enough rope and eventually they hang themselves!!
That sounds pretty one-sided to me! Pot, kettle, black.
For your information, I started Republican. I even voted for George W. Bush - the first time. The second time it was pretty obvious to me what he was doing. You are full of history about past ills of the Democratic party but what about recent history? In the last 12 years no party has harmed this country more than Republicans! I might agree that both parties have their stinkers but right now, in the short term, Republicans have responsibility for all the @!$%#ty decisions.
Looking at the present Republican political stance I can't help but be reminded of something that came out of Viet Nam:
"We have to destroy the country in order to save it."
This is The Untied States of America, not the untied states of Israel. Senators take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of The Unites States, not the constitution of Israel.
"I don't see the point of arguing against Hagel. I mean, the guy's pretty rational on foreign policy:"
The REAL problem Republicans have with Hagel is President Obama nominated him. President Obama could nominate Jesus Christ and Republicans would gripe, whine, bitch and complain. That's the ONLY things Republicans do --- gripe, whine, bitch and complain about President Obama.
The real Obama is emerging. Obama isn't picking the best person for this job, he is picking the person that will send the strongest message about his own personal beliefs. Obama seems to be looking for battles and in no way shape or form any compromise. Just like his tax battles, for which there are more ahead. Obama has no interest in reforming entitlements or cutting any spending, he is perfectly content with financing our government and leaving the massive debt for future generations. Obama is absolutely committed to raising more taxes, and for the sole purpose of increasing spending. What Democrats need to realize is that Obama no longer cares about their opinions, he considers himself the sole leader of the party and his ideology is now in the drivers seat.
"who created the KKK? who created all segregation laws? who rejected the civil rights act? who started the civil war?"
This is 2012, not 1861, or 1964 or even 1988. At one time, the Republican Party actually stood for freedom and liberty. At one time we had great Republicans --- people like Lincoln, TR, Ike, Derkson, Reagan to mention a few. But those days are gone. The Republican Party of the 21st century is the party of ignorance, racism, fear, religious fundamentalism, big government intruding on the private live of citizens, gun crazies and puts party before country.
"Obama has no interest in reforming entitlements or cutting any spending, he is perfectly content with financing our government and leaving the massive debt for future generations"
Yet another Fox/Limbaugh the junk cultist spouting the talking points. First of all, you have to go back to Ike to find a preaident who has proposes less of an increase in federal spending (adjusted for inflation) than President Obama. Secondly -- over a year ago the president offends the Boehner a huge spending cut package and Republicans turned it down. Tune into to something other than Fox/Limbaugh. You just may learn something.
http://www.chuckhagel.com
HAGEL ON IRAN
Throughout his career, Chuck Hagel has sought to protect Iran from U.S. sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
In August 2006, Hagel was only of 12 senators who refused to sign a letter asking the EU to declare Hezbollah a terrorist organization.
In March 2009, in an interview on Al Jazeera, Hagel agreed that the U.S. is “the world’s bully.”
Excerpts from Hagel’s 2008 book, America: Our Next Chapter.
“Iran will not be deterred from developing nuclear arms only because the United States and the EU say they must—especially if they feel threatened and if the United States, Great Britain, France, and Israel, among others, all retain their nuclear weapons.”
HAGEL ON SYRIA
Throughout his career, Chuck Hagel has sought to soften U.S. pressure on Syria, one of the leading sponsors of terrorism in the world and Iran’s only Arab ally, in the belief that engagement and diplomatic niceties would convince Syria to change its ways.
In November 2003, Hagel failed to vote on the Syria Accountability Act. “Another indicator came on November 11, 2003, when the Senate, by a vote of 89 to 4, passed the Syria Accountability Act authorizing sanctions on Syria for its support of terrorism and its occupation of Lebanon. Mr. Hagel – along with Mr. Kerry – didn’t vote.”
In June 2008, Hagel sought to reduce the diplomatic and political isolation Syria earned through its sponsorship of terrorism and assassination, saying “We should take the initiative to re-engage Syria by returning the U.S. Ambassador to Damascus.”
In October 2009, Hagel claimed – as he has for years – that the Syrian regime wished to abandon Iran and terrorism and move toward the U.S. and Israel. “I believe there is a real possibility of a shift in Syria’s strategic thinking and policies. For its own self interests, not because they want to do a favor for the U.S. or Israel. If we can convince Damascus to pause and re-consider its positions and support regarding Iran, Hezballah, Hamas and radical Palestinian groups, we will have made progress for the entire Middle East, Israel, and the U.S. Syria wants to talk – at the highest levels – and everything is on the table.”
HAGEL ON TERRORISM
Chuck Hagel seeks to reduce the pressure on, and isolation of, terrorist groups and state sponsors of terrorism.
In October 2000, Hagel was one of only four Senators who refused to sign a letter expressing support for Israel during the Palestinian intifada.
In November 2001, Hagel was one of 11 Senators who refused to sign a letter requesting President Bush not meet with Yasser Arafat until Arafat’s Fatah terrorists ceased attacks on Israel.
In April 2002, Hagel largely absolved Palestinians of responsibility for their campaign of terrorism against Israel.
In June 2002, on CNN, Hagel refused to call Yasser Arafat a terrorist and said the revelations about his direct role in orchestrating terrorist attacks against Israel were causing the Bush administration “to make Arafat the issue,” to which Hagel objected, and insisted that Arafat had a constructive role to play in the peace process.
“SEN. CHUCK HAGEL (R), NEBRASKA: I think what has happened here — and I don’t know if this is an unintended consequence or not, but the fact is, the administration has now made Yasser Arafat the issue. Even though they say he shouldn’t be the issue or is not the issue, they have made him the issue. The issue should be not Yasser Arafat. Whether you think he’s a terrorist or not, that’s rhetorical sword play. He is part of this process.”
Yeah, GREAT choice Barry.......
In June 2009, Jill Kelly, housewife with NO security clearance, met with a national security staffer who handled Afghanistan and Pakistan policy. Two years later, in June 2011, she attended a broad briefing on Afghanistan-Pakistan policy for a group of approximately 20 attendees, an administration official said.
Neither meeting is reflected in White House visitor logs posted online.
An official explains that her first visit in 2009 predated the administration’s voluntary disclosure policy, meaning the system of posting digital records had not yet been initiated. The second meeting was withheld from the disclosures under the national security exemption of the disclosure policy, one source said.
What's wrong with this picture?
Iran Hopes Hagel Nomination Will Improve Relations Between US, Tehran
http://washington.cbslocal.com/2013/01/08/iran-hopes-hagel-nomination-will-improve-relations-between-us-tehran/
Do you consider someone who questions corporate lobbyists a communist? What in your mind makes the Israeli lobby sacred? They are pushing Israels agenda on our legislators...not our agenda. Israel is an ally but we owe them nothing! If you put Israels agenda before America's you are probably living in the wrong country.
Why would you make a foolish comment like he is pro Iran/Hamas/Hezballah? Because he made a statement that Israel needs to talk to Hamas? Who represents the Palestinian people? You know, who did they elect? I don't think Israel has the capability to go house to house in Palestine and negotiate, do you?
What are you trying to tell us? That we should not have improved relations with Iran? Are you saying it's to our advantage to go to war with them? How about a nice nuclear exchange? I'll bet you would really get off on about 20 million dead Iranians wouldn't you? Ah yes...the smell of dead Muslims in the morning. Perhpas you should consider therapy.
TO: Lar-345817 who wrote:
You question Obama's "soft spot" for terrorists, but it was 1000% ok with you that George "Curveball" Bush grew up with Osama Bin Laden, the terrorist that attacked us on 9/11 and then called for the collapse of the entire United States Economy, which also happened to us on Bush's watch.
It never bothered you one bit that the entire time Bush was in office this country feared another terrorist attack, and then your beloved Vice President Dick Cheney advised you to duct tape yourself in your closet in the event we were hit with a "dirty bomb".
All that was perfectly fine with you, and it still is ok with you.
Since President Obama has been in office, not only have we had NO terrorist attacks, but President Obama did what George Bush would have NEVER done, hunt down and kill Osama Bin Laden.
In fact, when Democrat President Bill Clinton did the TV interview saying (at that time) he had done more than anyone else to kill Osama Bin Laden, George Bush issued a press release condemning Bill Clinton and advising that it is illegal to kill a religious leader (which Bush considered Osama Bin Laden to be).
It was just spiffy with you that, when our troops had Osama Bin Laden cornered in Tora Bora, George Bush sent a black hawk helicopter to rescue Osama Bin Laden and presumably delivered Bin Laden to Pakistan, where Bin Laden remained safe and lived like a king, as long as Bush was in office.
But, now that you are safe, you'd say that President Obama has a "soft spot" for terrorism!
You can't imagine how absolutely foolish that sounds, even disgusting and ignorant!
Ol Doc
Who is "They" How about our government and they are not pushing Israel's agenda but they are watching out for a very strong ally.
I can see how much you know about relationships between allies.
If you knew anything about Israel and Palestine you would know that the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip voted in Hamas, but not in the West Bank. Clearly you don't know the difference between Fatah and Hamas, and their history or leadership, or goals.
I am glad you are not making decisions, for my country.
Lar seems to understand.
American Girl
I and the real world have no idea what you are referring to.
The collapse of the entire US Economy did not occur, it was ugly, but did not collapse. It actually recovered within months of Obama taking office, and not because of Obama or Bush policies, but cyclical economic trends. The problem is now that Obama took over with a recovery in place and has created a jobless recovery with his policies. The economy actually went South under Bush when the Congress fell under the control of the Democrats. Only since the Republicans took over Congress in 2010 has the economy recovered. But neither political party caused this mess, it is combination of many factors, most of which were in place before Bush came to office, such as lack of regulation over certain financial products, over blow real estate prices, Glass Steagell, Fannie, Freddie, and it goes on. You need to take some courses on economics.
Other than Benghazi, Fort Hood and the Arkansas attacks (3) there have been none. But that's 2 more than under Bush and 9/11 was planned under Clinton, and by AQ as they saw the inaction of Clinton after the USS Cole and African embassies. In addition, Bush inherited a striped down military and un cooperative CIA/FBI from Clinton. Had the organizations collaborated better, 9/11 may have been caught. Bush created DHS which better allowed for cooperation.
Your tin foil hat has slipped off. What in G-d's name are you talking about. OBL escaped because the CIA n the ground called for Marine reinforcements and didn't get them. The Pakistanis on the other side overwhelmed the small US contingent. No question we made a mistake, but your story demonstrates clearly your perceptions of a false world.
TO: FtBrgtrnd who wrote:
That's what happens when you keep your mind tightly closed.
Your "real world" must on another planet if you don't know that Bush Sr. did business with the Bin Ladens since both Bush and Bin Laden were children, and they continued to do business even after the 9/11 attacks.
American Girl-724855,
Ha, ha, ha, FtBrgtrnd OWNED YOUR ARSE.
What FtBrgtrnd did not mention was:
Your buddy "I did not have sex with that woman" (Character Witness for President Obama on the Campaign Trail), believed that the previous Cold War Era US Defense Budget, US Intelligence Agencies, US Military were no longer needed so he Chopped the US Defense Budget, Gutted the US Intelligence Agencies that were previously built up by the Director of the CIA Bush (later President Bush (41)), Chopped the US Military to the Bone.
With currently according to President Obama's Proposal to US Congress his Order as Commander In Chief is to do the same MISTAKES as President Clinton and expect different Results. As:
1. President Clinton's Chopping of the US Defense Budget included chopping the Funds for the US Army Corps of Engineers Infrastructure Projects within the US like Dams, Levees, Berms, Dredging of Rivers and Streams, Bridges, Tunnels, Interstates, Irrigation Canals, Water Reserviors, etc.. The US Army Corps of Engineers lost the Funding for their recommended upgrades, modifications, building new, repairs, maintenance of the Levees at New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina (per US Congressional Katrina Hearings).
Like what President Obama stated, 2012, "A 10% Defense Budget Cut will result in a Million (US) Civilians becoming Unemployed". Well, that is also what President Clinton DID.
Federal Spending:
60% Entitlements
20% Defense
13% Discretionary Spending
7% Interest (Interest on Loans, like loans from China).
2. President Clinton (42) Gutted the US Intelligence Agencies. The US Intelligence Agencies were previously built up by the Director of the CIA Bush, that later became President Bush (41). President Clinton's Gutting of the US Intelligence Agencies left the US Blind and Deaf to the Events leading to the 9/11 2001 Attacks. As the US no longer had Local Intelligence Assets at many Nations Worldwide. After the 1990s Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban massacred the 1980s Pro US Afghan Muhajeen, the 1990s Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban locked down Afghanistan tighter than North Korea, information from local Afghan intelligence assets paid by the US Intelligence Agencies were still getting out. After President Clinton Gutted the US Intelligence Agencies, the local intelligence assets Worldwidewere no longer funded; so to earn a living and survive many became Enemy Counter Intelligence Agents (Anti US). During many operations (US Military Asymmetric Warfare usually attached to the CIA's SAD/SOG) in most cases these US Teams had to go into these Nations without on the ground local intelligence asset linkup, and therefore no current local situational intelligence with the result of many getting killed unnecessarily and mission failures (Missions ordered by President Clinton as Commander In Chief). Bipartisan US Congressional 9/11 Commission (Committee) Investigations, Findings, and Recommendations with former President Clinton saying, "I'm a so sorry".
3. President Clinton's Cut to the Bone Reduction In Forces of the US Military. Many previous US Military Personnel Jobs were chopped, requiring Overpaid Too Expensive "Fair And Living Wages" US Civilians of the US Contractors to be hired to do those previous US Military Personnel Jobs. Most of the US Military Personnel that were Reduction In Force (RIF'ed) were actively persuded for Employment by the US Civilians Contractors, some of these US Civilian Contractors did not want to pay more for experience Ex-Military, and therefore could not meet the minimum Contract requirements of "Experience", so they were not Awarded ("Let") the Contracts, they then made this a Political Issue against Halliburton, KBR, Blackwater (Xe) but not against the other 3,000 US Civilian Contractors that also received "No Bid", "Sole Source" Contracts as they hired Ex-US Military as the only ones with previous required Experience, Security Clearances, etc. and the only ones capable of performing the Contracts, while those that Cheaped out and refused to hire Ex-Military did not get any of the Contracts and continued to crybaby to US Politicians for their own US Contractor failures. The Cold War Era US Army Anti Aircraft Missile Batteries to protect US Cities were removed, the USAF Interceptors on "Standby" at US Commercial Airports to protect US Cities and US Airports were also removed. After the 9/11 2001 Attacks it took President Bush (43) from 2001 till 2003 to rebuild the US Military to Accomplish the Mission of the Overthrow of President Hussein as US Policy as required by President Clinton's (42) US Law, H.R.4655, "Iraqis Liberation Act of 1998" Section 2 Justification Weapons of Mass Destruction, Section 3 US Policy Overthrow of President Hussein, with US Congressional Appropriations. To rebuild the US Military after President Clinton's Cut to the Bone Reduction In Forces (RIF) of the US Military, changes were made by President Bush (43) and US Congress; in that previously the States Militias, National Guard, would NOT be used in place of Federal Active Duty US Military, this became the new "normal", a percentage of States National Guard deployed to combat (what many "Weekend" Warriors did not sign up for), this was required as after the President Clinton Cut to the Bone Reduction In Forces of the US Military, many Active Duty US Military Units were either deactivated with their personnel thrown on Unemployment, or some became States National Guard Units (underfunded, ill maintained equipment, untrained).
Currently only 1% of US Citizens are Serving in the US Military. 92% of US Citizens have NEVER Served.
President Obama as Commander In Chief Ordered the Reduction In Forces of 90,000 US Military Personnel thrown on Unemployment and further straining the Veteran's Affairs; Unemployment of 108,000 US Civilians employed by the US Military.
Like I said at post #1.53 you dumb Repugnants need to demand that Hagelswitch from being a Repugnant to a Demoncrap, or you will open your Repugnant Party up for the Blame by the Demoncrap Party for what happens next, as Dictated by President Obama
Especially, if the results are the same as from what President Clinton did (listed above); resulting in another 9/11 Attack.
And you BELIEVED the same person that Refused Offered Extradiction of Osama Bin Laden after the 1993 First World Trade Center Bombing. And Refused President Authorization for the US Military Asymmetric Warfare Forces to Terminate Osama Bin Laden so that they could go home, with President Clinton constantly citing the US No Assassination Policy.
Ever since the 9/11 2001 Attacks President Bush (43) Authorized the Mission to Locate and Capture Osama Bin Laden as the Delegated Presidential Mission to the Director of the CIA. It was absolutely necessary to Capture Osama Bin Laden to gain his thought processes and planning processes that he imprinted on his Al Quada Leadership to preemptively interdict all Al Quada Activities Worldwide.
In 2006 President Bush (43) Amended the US No Assassination Policy, to Authorize the Termination of Osama Bin Laden failing the Capture of Osama Bin Laden as a Mission FAILURE. Since 2006 the Presidential Authorized Mission is tasked to the Director of the CIA, Commander US Military Special Operations Command, Commander US Military Joint Special Operations Command. President Obama just happened to be in Office when the Mission occurred. Like as stated accurrately in the movie "Zero Dark Thirty" that "Little Miss 100%" had been working for 16 years on getting Osama Bin Laden.
Harvard International Review Article, 2006, "US No Assassination Policy On The Offensive".
In September 2001 immediately after the 9/11 2001 Attacks, President Bush (43) sent his Executive Intelligence Agency, the CIA, into Afghanistan to Overthrow the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban Government and Locate and Capture Osama Bin Laden, they Failed due to the US no longer having Local Afghan Intelligence Assets due to the previous President Clinton (42) Gutting of the US Intelligence Agencies.
In October 2001 we are attached to the CIA's SAD/SOG to go into Afghanistan to Overthrow the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban Government, eliminate Al Quada and the Islamic Jihadists that sponsored the 9/11 2001 Attacks. With significant losses we succeeded in driving the Taliban, Al Quada, and Islamic Jihadists out of Afghanistan into Northern Iraq along the Old Silk Road and some escaped into Pakistan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arxKhJIjIiY
In 2001 we with the attached US Army 10th Special Forces Group go into Northern Iraq to conduct Operation Viking Hammer, the elimination of the Taliban, Al Quada, Islamic Jihadists that escaped us from Afghanistan. The Taliban, Al Quada, Islamic Jihadists that escaped us from Afghanistan had combined with the Fundamentalist Islamic Kurdistanis PKK, HPG, KGK and became Ansar Al Islam. Operation Viking Hammer failed because the Fundamentalist Islamic Shia Republic of Iran gave them Islamic Sanctuary before we could eliminate them. And being a United Nations Mission, NATO F**ked up and appointed Gentleman British General McColl as Commander ISAF with his not having knowledge of Asymmetric War Afghanistan, so he did nothing to stop the Taliban, Al Quada, Islamic Jihadists from returning thru the Fundamentalist Islamic Shia Republic of Iran to Afghanistan or from Pakistan.
American Girl-724855 = Liar Liar, Pants on Fire!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSkv_29Rncg
Not a "soft spot" for terrorism, President Obama supported Al Quada Saudi Arabia (AQ), Al Quada Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Al Quada Syria (AQS), Al Quada Yemen (AQY), Hezbollah, Al Quada Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG), etc. to Overthrow the Collaborator to the Christians, Jews, Unbelievers, US Ally President Gaddaffi of Libya.
With Al Quada Saudi Arabia (AQ), Al Quada Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Al Quada Syria (AQS), Al Quada Yemen (AQY), Hezbollah, Al Quada Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG), etc. becoming Ansar Al Shariah to instate and protect Fundamentalist Islamic Law at Libya.
The Libyan Islamic Fighting Group was previously killing US Military at Iraq became the Government of Libya.
President Obama, VP Biden, former President Clinton on the Campaign Trail months before the attack on the US Consulate at Benghazi start inflaming the over 1.5 Billion Islamic Believers Worldwide with "Osama Bin Laden is Dead, GM is Alive".
In response the over 1.5 Billion Islamic Believers Worldwide say in response, "Obama, Obama, we are All Osama".
As Osama Bin Laden is the "Holy Warrior of Islam" Superstar. What President Obama, VP Biden, former President Clinton did was worse than saying that you murdered the Pope while still at Italy; worse than the Pastor that threatened to burn the Holy Koran; worse than all the cartoons of Mohammad.
In response to President Obama's "Osama Bin Laden is Dead, GM is Alive" Ansar Al Islam starts planning to attack the US Consulate to coincide with the date of Osama Bin Laden's Greatest Victory against the Great Satan, 9/11.
President Obama as Commander In Chief does not send the US Military Forces from less than 2 hours away (by slow propellor driven C-130s or Helicopters) during the 7 hour attack of the US Consulate at Benghazi (SOS Clinton, "Funding was not the issue", take a guess who the "issue" was).
Currently, President Obama is supporting even more Terrorists thru back channel funding of arms, ammunition, etc. thru US Ally Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, etc. to Overthrow the Established Government of Syria. President Obama as Commander In Chief has ordered US Military to the Borders of Syria and allowing US Ally Turkey to have Terrorist Bases and Terrorist Safe Havens located at Turkey (Fundamentalist Islamic Kurdistanis PKK, HPG, KGK*) and Northern Iraq (Al Quada Iraq*).
*Listed as Terrorist Organizations by the US Department of State; also known as the "Syrian Rebels" just like President Obama's "Libyan Rebels" of Al Quada Saudi Arabia (AQ), Al Quada Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Al Quada Syria (AQS), Al Quada Yemen (AQY), Hezbollah, Al Quada Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG), etc.
4. Who eliminated those US Laws that made Illegal the Causes of previous Depressions, with the Resulting current $60 Trillion to $100 Trillion Global Economic Crisis consisting of the Mortgage Crisis, Wall Street Crisis, Financial Crisis, Banking Crisis, Credit Crisis, etc..
And to make matters worse Who demanded Loans (Mortgages) to those that did not have viable means to repay those Loans (Mortgages) resulting in adding to the problems of the Credit Crisis, Mortgage Crisis, Financial Crisis, Banking Crisis, etc. of the Global Economic Crisis.
Hint for you Uneducated American Girl-724855, was not President Bush (43).
By the way American Girl-724855 we all know that you are a morbidly obese guy.
David
Thank you your posts are great, factual and long. Good stuff.
AmericanGirl
Don't let the facts get in the way of a good rant.
By the way everyone knows the bin Ladin family is huge and some are honest business men, the ones Bush dealt with. For you to infer that Bush dealt with OSAMA bin Ladin, is well....nonfactual, but then again, that is what you deal with. But go ahead, make up stuff, twist it, that's what you do best.
I defended this country and your right to freedom of speech. I find your thoughts entertaining. Please post more.
TO: Lar-345817 who wrote:
How would you know what the relationship was between Osama Bin Laden and George "Curveball" Bush? I find it outrageous that the connection between Bush and Bin Laden, together with Bin Laden hitting the United States on 9/11 was never questioned by folks such as yourself who are so quick to accuse President Obama, and so hesitant to search for the true facts surrounding members of your own party.
All of the men in my family have served in the military and defended this country, and my freedom.
If President Obama had come within a mile of any terrorist, Republicans would have used that against the President and certainly would have made false implications.
Instead, Republicans defend Repubilcan GWB who grew up with Osama Bin Laden, and attempt to condemn the President just because President Obama nominated a Republican, Chuck Hagel:
I have to say, Republicans have the most twisted way of looking at facts.
Just to say Jewish Lobby is not a SIN. The fact is that the Jewish Lobbies are existing and are very powerful and many of the Senate and Congress members are fully associated with them, and finally, these lobbies work for the interest of Israel alone. If Chuck Hagel has revealed the fact, he should be discredited? If that happens, the world will find out, how powerful is the Jewish Lobby in America.
The Jewish lobby is an open secret !!!
Go against them and your political career is TOAST. You will be shunned in congress. Any and all bills you introduce will never get out of committee and reelection funds will dry up. That lobby should be declared UN-American and disbanded. They are far and away to powerful in our political system.
I didn't know Norquist was Jewish!
Who runs this country? Does one foreign country dictate our foreign policy globally? Does a honorably decorated Vietnam Veteran get treated poorly because he refuses to pander to lobbyists?
The GOP sang Sen. Hagel's praises when he was in the Senate. Now - just because the President selected him AND AIPAC is applying pressure - they are tap-dancing???? Look at McConnell's coment when Hagel left the Senate - McConnell praised his fellow Republican, a Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient who served in the Senate for three terms. When Hagel left the Senate, McConnell called him "a clear voice on foreign policy and national security". Now McConnell is too much of a wimp to stand with the guy he so loudly praised before.
Disgusting how our government is run by one special interest group.... and few in Congress have the gumption to stand up. There is more open discussion of these issues in Israel than here!
If I have an issue with Israeli policy I have the right to state that. It is not anti-Israeli to do so. After all, I am allowed to criticize my own government..... and I love this place. How we got to this place is beyond me - where grown men cower instead of stand up for a war hero who loves this country.
Hagel is a good man. Shame on all of those who try to dump on him solely for political partisan purposes. If GW Bush had nominated him, the GOP would have supported him roundly. If Mr Hagel had criticized the Argentinian actions in the 1990's, no one would have commented. But a GOP'er standing with "this President", and someone who did not support every Israeli move carte blanche?????? Whoooooo noooo!
How about the muslum lobbyists, and all others. How powerful are they?
I am from NE and Hagel is a pretend GOP, he is very liberal. Do you honestly think Obama would pick a conservative?
TO: vb-2067923 who wrote:
Well thank you very much for that information.
Being that I'm a liberal myself, it makes me feel a tad bit better to know that Chuck Hagel is a RINO leaning towards being a DINO which probably makes him come out to be an "Independent".
But really, what I like best about Chuck Hagel is that President Obama has labeled Hagel "an honest man who tells the truth", and I love that especially.
Considering the Muslim standing in America these days, I'd say not very.
You really need to pay attention. President Obama picked John Huntsman to be the Ambassador to China. Huntsman is not exactly a liberal. But then the Republican Party is no longer conservative.
vb-etc. You mean for NEBRASKA Hagel is very liberal, don't you. I mean he's very liberal when compared to that teapot RWNJ you just elected to the Senate, don't you? You ARE speaking on comparative terms relative to NEBRASKA, aren't you? I promise you in the liberal world Hagel is VERY conservative. But being from NEBRASKA, I wouldn't expect you to know that.
Reading vb -206 is truly entertaining.
I am from NE and Hagel is a pretend GOP, he is very liberal. Do you honestly think Obama would pick a conservative?
Liberal in NE is anyone who's got a brain and is educated beyond breeding pigs, and knows there is a huge world outside their State
Netanyahoo is having a really bad year. Obama re-elected, Palestine becomes a state in the UN based on the 1967 boarders and now Hagle as SOD. Pay backs a bitc%%^^^ uh BiBi? Talk down to our President in congress and this is what you get. Eat your heart out because without the US you are nothing. Oh and you sure are not going to like whats coming next.
No, he just works for the Jewish Lobby in D.C.
vb-2067923, well I am FROM and IN Nebraska and you don't speak for all of us. Most of us know that being conservative means more than peeking into people's bedrooms to make sure they aren't doing anything fun or denying poor people assistance while making sure corporations get huge tax breaks. Compared to Nebraska's version of Sarah Palin - Deb Fisher - yeah, he's liberal, but compared to her, Ronald Reagan would be, too.
Surprising the GOP opposition. I would think that any opportunity to get a Republican anti-gay bigot in any position in an Obama adminstration would be one of their primary goals.
My be he should have went with and all "Black Cabinet"— damn if he do! damn if he don't.
I am convinced that If Chuck Hagel did not criticize Israel, his nomination would've been accepted by the majority of the Congress and the Senate, no questions asked. But what is happening to him is a proof that Israel and the Jewish lobby rule.
It is so sad to see how misinformed we are regarding who runs our government. Chuck Hagel told the truth when he said that he serves the constitution of the United States NOT Israel. And because of this statement, he is accused of being Anti-Semitic.
Whenever someone is accused of being "Anti-Semitic", this means his life is taking a U-turn downhill. This is what the Jewish lobby uses as an excuse to take down someone who does not agree with Israel and the Jewish lobby.
I am disgusted of how our coward politicians bow to a foreign country "Israel" and side with them against an American who served his country.
I have many Jewish friends, we agree and disagree on several things, but we all agree on one thing which is how much our politicians fear Israel and the Jewish lobby in the U.S.
If you research the history of our politicians, you can see that whoever criticized Israel and the Jewish lobby lost the elections.
Bush Senior when he informed Israel to stop building the illegal settlements on Palestinian land else he will cut off the aid we give them, he lost his second term elections.
The same with John F. Kennedy, when he informed Israel that he was going to cut off aid to Israel, he got assassinated. A rumor claims that the communist party killed Kennedy, but if you do your research, you will see how much Israel hated Kennedy.
The same goes with many other politicians who did not support Israel and lost elections.
We “Americans” lack of education especially in Foreign Relations and Foreign Policy.
We need to wake up and learn more about our government and our politicians and how our foreign policy is drafted in the Middle East. It is all done by a “Think Tank Organizations” that are formed by Hard-line Jewish thinker whose goal is to support Israel NOT America.
I hope that every American will at least do some research and study our foreign policy.
All I can say is God Bless America.
J-Anderson
You just hit a home run. But as you said most people will not believe it. ( As for J.F.K. my money is on the C.I.A.. He was shot from low in front not high and behind as we have been told. )
Funny how Obama doesn't support Israel but he still got re-elected. I somehow doubt that your jewish friends agreed with you on your views.
He got re-elected through fraudulant votes. That's how.
anderson - Hagel has bipartisan opposition - that means democrats too - did you get that?
He is also anti gay, and has opposition on that end also - did you get that?
There is also Brennan who was nominated for CIA with considerable opposition - did you get that one?
But you did notice the word "Israel" and ran with it, didn't you? bigots always come true loud and clear, no matter how they try to cover their smell.
Patricia . . .
Prove it or cork it. Romney LOST! Get over it.
TO: vb-2067923 who wrote:
Probably because President Obama does support Israel, and he made that fact abundantly clear, over and over again.
The fact is, it took Republican votes, and Jewish votes to get President Obama re-elected.
The Republican non-stop lying machine lost, no doubt because of the horrible level of hate speech spewage, not to mention an overall feeling of hatred coming from members of the Republican Party.
Yes FARIDEH, they're opposing both guys who have actually done the jobs themselves and done it well. Did you get that?
Let's all listen to the people who thought Iraq was in our best interest, instead of the one who criticized it. Did you get that?
Let's disregard the fact they friends, family members and everyday people have changed their views on gays as society evolved. Did you get that?
I don't think its neccesarily the "jewish lobby" that is so pro-israel. I think the reason no one can voice any wrong doing with Israel has more to do with the Evangelical movement in this country. I am in San Antonio, and if anyone has heard Pastor Hagee speak on the subject, he probably motivates more voters to be pro-Israel than any Rabbi in the country.
J-Anderson, very well said and thank you.
TO: PATRICIA-2396657 who wrote:
How many "fraudulent votes"?
More than George "Curveball" Bush printed up?
More votes than Jeb Bush threw out of the Florida count?
How do you imagine Obama could have pulled it off, and where?
Republicans are so used to lying, cheating, stealing politicians that they don't know an honest man when they see one.
Rand Paul could not attend the ceremony. He had to bail out his son, arrested for underage alcohol consumption and disorderly conduct at a NC airport. Wonder if he was hanging out with the Palin clan
Saaaaays whaaaat Yubua. Whats youse bees talking bout. Shiiiiiiittt man. Maybes Obama cans get him off.
The arrogant Paul family is worse than any Kennedy!
gringo-3955109
Is that some of them Ebonics I've been hearing about ? It almost mimics human language.
I take it that no one here drank booze before age 21, go ahead and throw stones.
k-286821
Have the Paul family killed anyone or raped anyone? Like the Kennedy's?
vb-206 , we don't know. It's possible, the kid lives in KY, a state still learning how to read and write and where people carry guns to Communion
Yhbua
I can't believe that you just shot down people from Ky, I know people from there and they are just as smart as you and I.
Yhbua-What does that have to do with ANYTHING of the SecDEF nomination? I call out conservatives for trying to change the subject all the time on here, and I am going to be fair and call you out on it too. Try to stay on topic.
vb-2067923,
A man lies in a coma after a tragic auto accident near the state lines of Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. His family rushes to his bedside in great concern. The wife steps outside the room to discuss the prognosis with his doctor.
The doctor explains that her husband is in extremely critical condition. He must have an immediate brain transplant for any chance of survival. The wife gasps as she blurts out that they have no insurance and little cash on hand. They will have to borrow money on their house. How much will this cost?
The doctor takes out pad and pencil to calculate the cost. "Well", he explains, " Your husband will need approximately 1 1/2 lbs. of brains. Last I checked, Ohio brains were going for $500 per pound. West Virginia brains will set you back $5000. per pound. Kentucky brains will cost $50,000. per pound.
The wife wants only the best for her husband if she is able to borrow enough money. "Why are Kentucky brains so expensive?", she asked.
The doctor looks at her incredulously. He says," Do you realize how many Kentuckians must die to harvest a pound of brains?"
Great news. If confirmed we will have our DoD being run by a homophobic, anti-semetic person who has a fantasy that Iran can be deterred from obtaining a nuclear weapon simply by having more discussions.
He may be a war hero, but there will be bipartisan objection to this disgrace of a candidate!
"had enuf of our elected ones' you need to get a grip. You obviously want to start a major war in the middle east.. one that the United States can't win. The Israelis have over 125 nukes according to President Carter. They have more military capability than all the rest of the Arabs put together. What do they want with all those nukes? To steal land and bully their neighbors perhaps?
You like the Israelis government so much, then let them move into your house. When you're sitting in a camp somewhere awaiting U.N. relief, maybe you want think so highly of the Jews.
@SJA,
You can be SURE that there will be a war if Iran gets anywhere near close to having a nuclear weapons capability. Discussions haven't slowed their ambitions to date, and more of them will do NOTHING!
As for "stealing land", you may forget who attcked who first in 1967 and 1973! Since when do the aggressors in a war who lost get tto dictate the terms of the peace? If they didnt attack Israel then they would still have "their land". The FACT is that they wanted to wipe out the Jews and take Israel's land. They lost. Get over it!
Israel doesn't want war. The entire basis of Judaism is centered around the theme of "shalom" (i.e. PEACE). However, having been the victims of the Nazi's during the holocaust (which your beloved Iranian president denies ever occurred) and having been persecuted and attacked for more than 5 milenia Israel is correct to be armed to the teeth in case anyone ever thinks of going after them again.
You and Fuehrer Obama can go to hell.
This candidate is good for out troops. Not like the the Secretary of defense for Bush, you know the one that forgot to get armour for OUR Troops he sent to Iraq! Hagel will stand for the troops especially when cuts need to be made in the pentagon budget!
Had'nuf... - can you drop the stupid WWII stereotype comments. Ask the folks in Gaza what hell looks like.... they would draw a picture you wouldn't like. They created a ghetto in Gaza just like some others that were sadly famous.
I favor neither side - and find the knee-jerk vitriolic response from you so predictable..... You have your opinions, but others should be allowed their views with out being attacked and subjected to the same soundbites we've had drummed into our heads these past 45 years....
Millions died in Russia, millions died in China, milions died in Europe, and they have moved on. At some point, we all need to as well. Reliving history does not make life better - only repetitive.
had enuf
Thank you for telling how it actually happened. It's time to quit blaming the jews for the worlds problems, look what happened when Hitler did that. Blame ourselves, pick what is right. Do we keep on getting slapped by the muslums, than thanking them for it. Don't forget to tell them that we're sorry.
@DORKY
There would be no need for walls around Gaza and the West Bank or embargos if the Palestianian sub-humans were not focused on terrorism and hatred.
Remember the videos of the Palestinians CHEERING AFTER THE 9/11 ATTACK?
When Hamas stops firing rockets, sending suicide bombers to kill civilians, etc. once and for all then will be the time to start a diaglogue with them.
had enuf of our elected ones
If you truly care about Israel, you might want to tone down your anti-American rhetoric. Eventually the American People are going to figure out just how much they are manipulated by the State of Israel and the backlash won't be pretty. Without US support, just how long do you think Israel would survive? If you want to see what I'm talking about, just go to any Israeli blog and read the anti-American comments.
...tread lightly Israel.
Dorfy,
The average life span in Gaza is over 72 and they have one of the highest birthrates in the world. Why don't you look and see how the Palestinians are treated in Lebanon by their Muslim brothers if you want a picture of hell.
They still live in tents, they get no medical, no schooling, no path to residency. The UN spends much more per person in Lebanon then Gaza but I guess that does not matter to you.
hadenough - If Israel doesn't want peace, why have they started and instigated so many wars?
Hagel went public with a taboo subject when he said the Jewish lobby intimidates a lot of people
on Capitol Hill, and then added: "I am not an Israeli senator. I'm a U.S. senator."
He was never afraid to speak his mind. In November 2007, he rated the George W Bush administration "the lowest in capacity, in capability, in consensus -- almost in every area of any presidency in the last 40 years."
The Hagel controversy is all about Israel and the far-right Likud party agenda -- and
Israeli Prime MinisterNetanyahu's barely concealed hostility toward U.S. President Barack
Obama and contempt for Hagel.
The AIPAC-orchestrated campaign via its neo-conservative yeomanry is now the hot
favorite among odds-makers.
Israel's economy is thriving in a global economic meltdown. The Jewish state's 2009-12 economic
growth of 14.7 percent leads all the advanced countries of the world, followed
by Australia with 10.7; Canada 4.8; United States 3.2; Germany 2.7; France 0.3;
European Union minus 1.5 percent.
Despite the above statistics, America is still supporting the parasites. We are drowning in debt, thanks primarily to the Iraq war for Israel and the actions of the Jewish banksters, but our "bought and paid for" politicians are still voting to giove Israel more and more of our borrowed money. What the hell is wrong with this picture? Any Congressman who votes to give money to Israel is a total slimeball and should be voted out on the next opportunity. AIPAC is totally illegal, since it is a representative of a foreign government.
You are a fool! Beyond not knowing how to spell Muslims, do you really understand how we thank them for slapping us? ...over 100,000 dead Iraqis! Does that sound like a thank-you to you? An FU to Pakistan when we killed Osama bin Laden sound like a thank you to you? You and the rest of the whining little wimps make me want to vomit. "Oh the big scary Iranians!" and their big potential 10 KT nuclear weapon...one day maybe. And you cower in fear. We have 11 Ohio class Nuclear Attack submarines. Each can deliver 96 nuclear warheads. And we're not even discussing our land launched and air launched capabilities. We are capable of killing all human life on earth all by our little lonesome...and the Iranians scare you...you're pathetic.
Ol_Doc
Oh I'm not cowering, we might have the weapons, but we aren't using them. The Iranians would. This country is in defence mode not attack mode. We didn't go to Iraq until they were being the bullies, and 9/11 in all reality started this mess. So don't boo hoo, it's un- attractive. And sorry for the spelling of muslim. I'm trying to figure out what makes you think that I'm scared.
It's a neoconservative trait. If you think the US wouldn't use nukes if we were threatened with nuclear attack, you're dreaming. We're the only country in history to nuke another country...twice!
Ol_Doc
Yes, we would use nukes if threatened, that is why we call it defence mode. I'm not going to just stand there while a fist is coming at me, I will duck and swing back. Yes, we used nukes on Japan, but they were warned first. Not saying that I agree. And after the first time they still thought that we were kidding.
vb-2067923
Defense Mode? I don't believe that is a Strategic Nuclear Policy term. If you have to duck and swing back...forget it, you're already dead. A little tough for a nation to duck. The Untied States has always maintained a "First Strike Option". That policy was developed about the time the Soviet Union detonated their first thermonuclear weapon and has never changed. You should probably study up a little before you comment. We would not wait for something to duck from. This is one of the reasons paranoid talk is so dangerous. To the military it's not talk, it's planning. If you get a paranoid neoconservative administration in power that gives the military the wrong orders, thinking they are playing a bluff; you could easily end up with 40 million dead people and national blame for the world's greatest atrocity. This sh!t isn't a game...it's for real. There is not place or time for political rhetoric with nuclear weapons.
By the way, the Japanese didn't think we were kidding; 166,000 dead doesn't sound like kidding in Japanese or English. They didn't understand what happened; at that point their command structure was a little strange and it took that long to assimilate the information and respond.
Had enough, Hagel just said that the Israeli lobby has to much influence in Washington. Does that make him an anti-semite? I don't think so and I agree with him. He has been to war and has seen people killed, both civilians and soldiers and believes negotiations are the best route. Besides all of our intelligence agency's have said Iran is not making a nuclear weapon. Again I agree. Hamas was started by the Israeli Mossad to go against Arafat and the PLO but it backfired on them. Do some research. Hezbollah was started in 1982 when General Sharon went into Lebanon and slaughtered thousands of Palestinian refugees, mostly women and children. General Sharon went on to become Prime Minister of Israel. Netanyhoo eat your heart out.
Obama calling someone a patriot,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,now that IS funny.
By "bold pick", we can see the left means,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,anyone who will aid them in the destruction of America.
'paidmyfee' doesn't care for a black president. Cowardly attack on a very patriotic administration.
& which branch of the service & how many years did you serve Mr.Patriot ?
Johnny, when you say "paidmyfee" doesn't care for A black president, would you agree "paidmyfee" doesn't care for Herman Cain if Cain was the president?
Also this administration became patriotic when Michelle proclaimed her proudness for this country after her husband was first elected.
You can sure see the chronically unemployed are all on here today. Bunch of loser morons!
The only ones destroying the country is the Rethuglican party. TRAITORS every last one of them in congress. This is why the righties are becoming more meaningless everyday,soon to be completely swept into oblivion. Everyday this becomes more apparant and everyday I laugh a little louder and a little harder. You have no one to blame but yourselves. The American people gave you the rope, but you hung yourselves. LMFAO.
*
Are you sure you want to start examining peoples service? That might be a Pandora box you might want to leave alone.
Sure,,,,why don't all of the left-wing turd munchers in this place tell us about their service??
After my 27 years of service to this GD country I have the RIGHT to dislike any GD person I choose, including this crappy president.
You idiots worship him??? He never served a day in the military, nor did 98% of his staff. As a political party, democrats despise the military and work overtime to prevent us from voting.
When it comes to benefits and rights,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,democrats are fighting tooth and nail for illegal immigrants and convicted felons, protecting their right to vote, their access to medical care and education.
Obama's hatred of the military is well known,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,just ask him or anyone in their White House.
He hates this country, his wife said as much. She has more than once proclaimed her hatred for this nation as well.
He is a loser and those who worship him are idiots. He would be just as pathetic if he were any other color on earth.
So go cry racism or call people names,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,his record is total CRAP and you cannot change it with name calling.
So tell me lefty,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,all about your time in the military?
OK hero, I retired as a SFC. I'm sure you're impressing someone, just not me.
Neither did the vast majority of politicians in government on both sides of the isles. That means nothing.
How about you give an example...or STFU?
You know someone in "their White House"? When did he inform you that he hates the military. You want hatred of the military? I give you Donald Rumsfeld and his "you go to war with the army you have..." comment.
Give us a quote.
It started when I enlisted in 1969. Nine year break in service to pursue a career as a Paramedic. Reenlisted in the reserves in 1981; went active duty in 1985, retired in 1999...have a nice day.
LOL OL_Doc..I love it when someone assumes that because we are on the left side of the political spectrum, we couldn't possibly have served. Four Deployments myself...
If you could read, you would notice it was a leftist who questioned my service, I did not question his or anyone else's service.
Typical of a leftist, you blame me for his negative comments towards the military and those who served.
One only has to look as far as the DNC to see which party fights tooth and nail to deny overseas servicemen the right to vote. Try a "google" search sometime. Obama is the defacto leader of his party, he could stop attacks on servicemen and their right to vote with a phone call,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,he never has called.
In 2008, Obama refused to wear an American flag pin, his quote was that he "felt it would alienate some people to show support for our nation" or something of the sort, again "google" is your friend.
When he won the election in 2008 he made a speech and said, "we live in the greatest country on earth, help me change it". Into what exactly are we changing" Greece perhaps?
His wife said she was never proud of our country, again "google" is your friend.
The "dream act" would not pass his democratic controlled senate, he passed it by executive order. This supports illegal immigrants, not Americans. When you embrace people who are criminals from the instant they cross the border and deny servicemen the right to vote, it shows something about your ideals.
Again Google is your friend.
If I posted links, you would not click on them, quotes you would not read them, CBO reports or transcripts it does not matter. We both know you have no interest in another point of view or a provable fact if it does not fit party dogma.
I have never implied no one on the left served, I do wonder why they make it such a big deal when they do not care for the military in general? I do think you need to have served before you question the service of others.
Do a little research on your president sometime. If you like his communist and radical background, drug use, lying and general dishonesty then enjoy him. I do not, so I do not enjoy the direction he is going.
I do not care for him and do not think the Constitution is a "living document" in need of constant change or revision. I like my rights the way they are. You should try and be as tolerant of my point of view as you expect me to be of yours.
paidmyfee
...and I'm sure it was FOX News and circulating internet letters that gave you all this slightly less-than-accurate information. That's probably where you got the idea that Democrats never serve this country. You ask why we make such a big deal about it when we hate the military...I spent over 20 years in the US Armed Forces..."Meritorious Service". I enjoyed my service to my country and still serve this country in a different capacity. Now I serve US Veterans. The right-wing propaganda machine is filling you with hate of the people you use to think of as your brothers.
You are destroying your mind, get yourself free!
Paidmyfee
You said: "The "dream act" would not pass his democratic controlled senate, he passed it by executive order. This supports illegal immigrants, not Americans. When you embrace people who are criminals from the instant they cross the border and deny servicemen the right to vote, it shows something about your ideals."
Do you understand that the Dream Act did not pass. That the President did not pass it by executive order (a president doesn't have that authority). It is not the law of the land. As to your last two sentences; the only President in American history to grant amnesty to illegal aliens was Ronald Reagan, a Republican President!
It's destroying your mind, get yourself free!
Selective amnesia?
Must be since you seem to believe that lie about Obama trying to prevent military people from voting. You know that was proven to be false, right? http://www.snopes.com/politics/ballot/overseas.asp
And the claim that they held ballots on pallets was satire that someone wasn't smart enough to understand: http://www.snopes.com/politics/satire/absentee.asp
Obama never said the "change the greatest country" line, that was from a columnist in the National Review Online that someone took and ran with: http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/change.asp
While Google can be your friend, you do have to check the validity of sites. Anyone who's taken a basic middle school research class knows that. Now, you might want to visit your friend Google and do some more research on which party is a friend to those of us who are vets or those still in uniform; the REAL answer is something of a shock (hint: it isn't the one that starts with a letter in the latter half of the alphabet.)
While you're at it, you might want to visit a few .edu sites and find out a little more about economics before you throw around words like "communist" and "socialist". They do mean different things and you are not using them correctly.
I do have a question for you about illegal immigrants. You imply that anyone that was brought to the country as a small child should be kicked to the curb even though this is the only home they've known. Equally, it's implied that anyone that is descended from illegals should be kicked out. So, given that, are you sure ALL of your ancestors were legal?
Now, before you question my rights to post on this........yes, I am a veteran. I'm also a military widow (was an AF spouse for 18 years and change). I'm also a political Independent and not exactly a fan of Obama's - however, I am sick and tired of the lies (yes, I also said the same things to liberals during the Bush years and I didn't like him either).
Now, let the childish name-calling begin.......
Hey NBC & MSNBC. Have not seen any stories on Obamas intention to increase the debt ceiling. Just wanted to let you know what he has said and what we can expect when he tackles this issue. I feel so warm and fuzzy knowing he is on the right track and protecting the American folk from the impending economic disaster looming.
The fact that we are here today to debate raising Americas debt. Limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the US Government can’t pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from the foreign countries to finance out government’s fiscal policies.
And the cost of our debt is one of the fastest growing expenses in the Federal budget. This rising debt is hidden domestic enemy, robbing our cities and States of critical investments in infrastructure like bridges, ports, and levees: robbing our familes and out children of critical investments in education and health care reform; robbing our seniors of the retirement and health security they have counted on.
Every dollar we pay in interest is a dollar that is not going to investment in Americas priorities. Instead, interest payments are a significant tax on all Americans. A debt tax that Washington doesn’t want to talk about. If Washington were serious about honest tax relief in this country, we would see an effort to reduce national debt by returning to responsible fiscal policies.
Increasing America’s debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that “the buck stops here. Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better.
I therefore intend to oppose the effort to increase America’a debt limit.
Sen. Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. (Senate speech March 16, 2006)
We ought to be so proud to have a individual with such honesty and integrity in the White House. Says what he means, means what he says.
Would be nice if you understood that the Supreme Court has ruled that a President cannot refuse to spend money that Congress has appropriated. The President cannot appropriate a single cent for anything; only the Congress has that constitutional job. The President is an administrator, not a legislator.
Ever heard of a veto, Johnny?
Not entirely true. There are lots of spending plans that are in place so money CAN be spent, that does not mean that it HAS to be spent!
Super,
Then why did the Constitutional Lawyer vote against raising the debt limit, along with all the other Democrats at the time?
TO: MrRighteous who wrote:
I have. What about it?
BO could care less about anyone in this country.
He continues to push his agenda and his people forward no matter who objects. This is more about his ego than anything else. He is destroying this country one pick at a time and we continue to allow it to happen.
Only Congress has spending authority under the Constitution.... not the President. Stop blaming the black man for the idiocies of a bunch of ugly old white men in Congress.
Does that mean we need to stop blaming Bush as well?
Only Democrat presidents are exempted from being blamed. Black or semi black presidents doubly so.
I think you spelled your name wrong MrRighteous. Shouldn't it be MrRacist?
So when BHO campaigned by saying he was going to cut the debt in half during his first term (an act of spending and taxing) - you are saying he was lying - that he has no control over spending!
TO: Gus-387868 who wrote:
It doesn't seem as though Republicans are able to grasp the concept that, in the United States of America, majority rules.
Of course we heard all the Republican hate speech and objections to everything, and Republicans were overruled by the majority of the American People.
I personally don't mind Republicans griping, because as long as Republicans are complaining, it's only because they can't steal anything from the American People.
If Mitt Robme had got into office, Republicans would have already stolen every penny of our Social Security money, and then told us it was never there in the first place.
"Only Democrat presidents are exempted from being blamed. Black or semi black presidents doubly so."
Riiight, is that why all I heard from repugs when Bush F'ed up was that it was Clinton's fault.
trainable, Bush messed up so bad that Republicans have had to claim that either the "don't remember" or that Bush was not "responsible" for anything because it wasn't Bush's "job" to be responsible.
Bush destroying our entire economy and reducing the United States and American People to the 2nd Great Depression, was everybody's fault, except for George "Curveball" Bush.
So, the sly fox that he is, Obummer names older white guys to the most important posts, stifling potential conservative cries over racism. Could it be that no black men are qualified for these jobs? What's happened to Gen. Powell? Seems as if he's more qualified than all the rest! Just wondering...LOL
TO: norm-3039177 who wrote:
I think Colin Powell would have been an excellent choice for any Defense position.
Maybe President Obama offered him a position and he turned it down, who knows.
In any event, the President, and ALL politicians who serve in Washington, D.C. are allowed to pick whoever they want to pick to work for them including, but not limited to, cousins, mothers, uncles, blacks, whites, oriental, etc., nepitism is even ok in Washington when it comes to picking your people.
So, President Obama is free to pick whoever he wants, and he doesn't have choose by color, even if that color is "white".
I just wonder when NEW faces are going to be considered for these positions? Why is it the same people who are considered or picked every time? How are we going to move forward when we keep putting people in positions of power, from the past? Where are all the new ideas going to come from? Is there no one else qualified? I have nothing really, against Hagel. I'm just tired of the same old, same old and expecting a different outcome.
what up with all the white folk barry? was jay-z and ludacris too busy this year? just keepin it real.
Yes in Chuck Hagel BIG NO ON John brennan he is just another
Dickhead cheny & Bu@!$%# wana be..Brennan will CREAT More enemies
to the u.s wanted the u.s in ENDLESS WARS
Yeah, I kinda feel the same way. I'm ok with Hagel. He's the first person in Washington to openly NOT suck up to Israel, and that puts a grin on my face that Ajax won't take off. What do we owe Israel, and what do they do for us? NOTHING. As for Brennan, I agree with you too that he'll just stir up more @!$%# stickin' our noses in where it doesn't belong, and missing chances to create new and needed allies, not ones like Israel who our untold tax dollars support to the red headed step child most Americans, if they were honest, and most of the world for that matter) don't like to begin with. Turkey is our ally, and with the mess in Syria, one of Turkeys bordering neighbors, we're missing a prime chance to make allies with the people of Syria if we'd help them get rid of Assad. Israel can dry up and blow away for all I care, while we see on the news everyday the Syrian people, who've asked for our help, have to fight on their own because it might upset Israel. Boo f'n hoo. The money we send them every year hasn't helped our debt/deficit debacle at all, just added to it for how many years?? With Turkey already an ally, and IF we'd be smart and get Syria, with the two of them as neighbors, that's a far bigger help than Israel has or will ever be. Btw...as a side note...congrats to Palestine and the new stamp and official letterheads where it will now say "THE STATE OF PALESTINE". Bet that's got some Israelis a lil pissed off HAHAAHA
You might find it interesting to look up how many countries that we actually pay while we are drowning in our own debt. This is a very generous country.
ub-2067923 We do give money to many countries but we give it to them in increments and follow what the money is spent on. Israel gets 20 billion + a year and we give it to them all at once. We pay any fees or interest on it to. American Israeli citizens are exempt from taxes in The US even though the money was made here. You don't believe me it's in the Israeli newspapers telling them they have to file but don't have to pay taxes. I'd be rich if I didn't have to pay taxes and get free medical. Israel is a leach on the US.
If the Republicans had nominated him, I bet most post on here would switch in their support. You gotta love it.
Bank of America settles claim. B of A will pay FNMA $10 billion
Do you think American taxpayers would have gotten this $$ had Myth Romney been elected? There are more culprits in the pipeline to cough up some cash for their crimes.
Just look at the $20,000,000 fund set by BP for claims related to the Gulf of Mexico spill. President Obama's administration has been quite effective in getting retribution. Remember the Exxon Valdez in Alaska? They settled for a paltry 2-4 bill? By the time it was settled, after Exxon appealed, over 30% of the injured parties had died. That's the difference between the Democrats actions and the GOP's /Fox News propaganda machines.
People are so cute when they are clueless. The Gulf spill was and is still one the greatest environmental disaster to have befallen the US. 20 billion is a paltry sum when you factor in the actual damages and the fact that the stupid spill is still there, still killing off massive amounts of critters, still washing all manners of lovely toxic crap onshore! 70% of the oily juice is still unaccounted for. If you think that the "various oil eating microbes" and the anticoagulant agents broke it all up with the great aid of the local wave action I have some delicious cow pies to sell you. It is amazing what a good spin program can get away with. Those lovely microbes are only a few mutations away from eating all sorts of other oils...like the kind animals have. Oooh flesh eating zombie bug anyone? The chemicals used to "break up" and disperse the upper spill had been banned in the UK due to its high toxicity, carcegenic and mutagenic properties. So BP knowingly jacked us a good one and then did a nice reach around before reaming us again.
Thus, due to the aforementioned points one must come to the conclusion that BP is still screwing us and you are an idiot.
Yhbua
Yeah the Demorats are kind of good at that sort of thing. Ambulance Chasers . Just like their voting base, wanting something for nothing. Squeeze big business for everything they are worth. Who do you think pays for all these settlements? We do. All they do is raise prices to compensate.
And the losers cry..............
Bolivar and Kevin, so are you suggesting that when big business screws up, that we shouldn't do anything? Just sit back all calm, cool, and uncollected and let 'em keep doin' what they do? If that's your logic, we've got less time and more mess than you think. And hate to break it to ya Kevin, but the Democratic voting base isn't a bunch of ambulance chasers, we just tend to care more about what's goin' on, and believe in a little more fairness in our country than you and the other GOP people do. But anyway, please explain what's your brilliant solution to the BP problem? I'd like to hear it, because it sounds like you both think you have a better plan than what's happened. Take your time. I don't want either of you to ruin a brain cell in the process. Also to Kevin...if BP is squeezing you, stop buying gas from 'em like every other American should!
Kevin, you are right. We look after people while your party lets them stew in their pollution. If the closest person to you even needs immediate medical help, I hope the ambulance driver is a Democrat. You'll have a better chance to kiss him/her again
Gus, I couldn't agree more with you; but the libtards here will object & complain, you can bet on that. LOL
Norm, Republicans had their chance at running the country, and that's exactly what Republicans did, run the country into the ground!
Republicans couldn't remember what happened, could find anyone that they thought was "responsible" and did absolutely nothing to clean up the mess.
For all of the reasons, among others, set forth above, Republicans are no longer in charge.
* Slap *
The typical anti-Obama, Republican blather and tepid Democratic opposition will not derail Hagel’s nomination. In fact, Republicans are looking more and more like spoiled brats who become increasingly irrational when things don’t go their way. They got a** whupped in the fiscal cliff negotiation; no less than their part-time intellectual Gingrich is advising them to abandon the inane notion of holding the debt ceiling hostage; and, now, dumb and dumber, aka, old fart McCain and his gee-chee sidekick Graham are just itching to torpedo Hagel—their former buddy. Old pal. BFF! BTW, can Lindsay just get laid already? Isn’t there a Palmetto ‘ho (male or female) somewhere willing to perform that ghastly deed—for a small fee? C’mon Lindsay! Get your groove on. Hit the Appalachian, uh, Boody Trail. You might find life a little more interesting than waiting to be interviewed on the Sunday morning news shows. Pathetic pr**k!
LOL Well said!
I believe that having a Secretary of Defense who has stated unequivocally his allegiance ONYL to U.S. best interests, and has had a career that attests to that, is something that we ALL should want and support. Just because he used a poor choice of words (Jewish vs. Israeli), does not mean that he doesn't support Israel when US/Israeli interests are aligned. Would any of us think that, for example, a pre-emptive strike by Israel on Iran is in US best interests under any/all circumstances? As far as I recall, most Americans don't believe that. I'd much rather a Secretary of Defense who acknowledges and knows that being a strong ally does not mean that you have to agree with every position taken by your ally, but rather that you have to understand your own country's best interests and apply those, whether with allies, friends, or enemies. We have many allies around the world - I haven't heard any of them or their interests - i.e., our closest, the Brits - interfere with cabinet nominations in our country, and don't believe that they should have any role whatsoever, in such selections. I salute Chuck Hagel for his clear allegiance to US best interests, above all, and support his nomination for that, and for his outstanding record of service to this country. I also admire the President's choice to ensure that in both nominations today, to seek nominees who know the respective agencies from the bottom, up. I just hope that our politicians also see the importance of that, and that they, too, put US best interests above all other countries'.
Very well said barbique, THANK YOU
Julius Schreck was his first choice
Barry Obama now making the SAME EXACT mistakes Georgy bu@!$%# did
we all know it it deja vou all over freakin AGAIN..
Some are saying Obama CAN NOT find more qualified people
and that Obama is getting cocky in his 2nd term..there goes
good olde usa many also say that a merica is in MAJOR DECLINE
DUE TO POOR LEADERSHIP.
Duh!
Mr
And another just registered troll heard from. You clowns are out in full force tonight.
DFTFT People!
TO: sonmanvb who wrote:
Why didn't you tell them that Bush is no longer in office?
To see why Hagel is a bad choice go to http://www.chuckhagel.com/
To hell with israel.
So why DO you think it's a bad idea to have a SecDef who thinks we should consider American interests first?
But it is ok if Hagel considers Iran or Hamas interest first. That is radical left clueless at its worst.
Be aware everyone that farideh is a payed troll of Israel. Israel spends 46 million a year to change public opinion on the net. Stop the HASBARA farideh.
FOX News scum preparing to support the Anti-Hagel battle. They are reeving up their top notch commentators:Palin, Gingrich, Dick Morris, Hannity , Beck, Malkin, Nugent and O'Reilly to mention a few
Yeah, must see http://www.chuckhagel.com/
Fox and any of those people and TOP do not belong in the same sentence! They wouldn't know the truth if it jumped up and bit them! News is not Fox's forte. Fantasy is. Anyone who watches Fox to get their news is delusional.
When FOX can only marshal the likes of Palin and Gingrich as their 'top notch' commentators you just KNOW that they are beating the bottom out of a very rotten barrel.
Sure a lot of Leftards knowing more about FOX than even Republicans do. Watching that Fair & Balanced stuff are you?
Know the enemy
Yup....preparing to open their circus again with all the major clowns on board
Kevin D. Hoke . . .
Nah. We watch things like This Week with George Stephanopolous, Bil Maher, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert - they fill us all in on the stupidity with Fox - little weekly/daily highlight reels. You should try it sometime.
There is a reason that Obama nominated someone that both the Democrats and Republicans have a problem with. Obama is simply not a leader and fundamentally an imbecile! What does this Corrupt Chicago Democrat think he is doing? The Chicago Way doesn't work in Washington. Washington is not totally populated with corrupt Democrats like Chicago and Illinois. Obama has to lead by seeking solutions that most other lawmakers can accept. He cannot assassinate members of Congress like he does with his drones. He does not have the support of the well-armed Chicago Drug Gangs to eliminate his enemies.
Waaaa Waaaaaaa
Missed your meds did ya?
Close your trailer door and SHUT UP. Hagel went to Vietnam while Bush was keeping the skies of Alabama free or the rest of the neo cons dodged the draft, Romney hiding out in Paris. Hagel is an American not tea-party/KKK but a real American, you know with only ONE passport. Not one for Israel until it gets to hot and then you run your whiny as$ back to the states. We don't need Israel to vet our cabinet officials, it is time they put their big boy pants on and started looking out for themselves and don't even bother calling me anti-semite especially when you are pointing fingers from a country that is reaching aparteid status. Hagel has some balls not like you bitches that just still can't get over there being a black man in the WHITE House.
rober
Well single wide, you're going to have to go to the bagger hall of ignorant tools with that one. So tell us, have you ever watched anything other then faux and Rush? I don't think so.
I bet you're just the Queen of the Single Wides.
TO: Dan-1018744 who wrote:
Bush never became a pilot.
He couldn't pass the drug test.
Looks like Obama only trusts white, old, fat Republican Males to surround himself with when it comes to defense and security! who in their right mind would trust a progressive! DO NOT put progressives in charge of much of anything except spending, taxes, and corruption.And Stupidity.
Well, if he'd actually gone through with nominating Rice, even I would've opposed it. We don't need menopause running a defense or security position in this country. No offense to women goin' through menopause.
Lindsey Graham, McCain etc., you state that Hegel made comments about Israel and the staunch defenders of Israel, those two just mentioned, some how have forgotten that Israel killed 37 American sailors when they strafed and torpedoed the USS Liberty and then denied it. I know that happened because I was there to recover the wounded while on the USS America in June 1967. And the two whinny babies mentioned above are blasting Hegel for words about Israel that they more than deserve. They killed my 37 comrade's and denied me a two week stay in southern France on the beach. Hagel for DOD Warrior.
Lindsey Graham, McCain etc., you state that Hegel made comments about Israel and the staunch defenders of Israel, those two just mentioned, some how have forgotten that Israel killed 37 American sailors when they strafed and torpedoed the USS Liberty and then denied it. I know that happened because I was there to recover the wounded while on the USS America in June 1967. And the two whinny babies mentioned above are blasting Hegel for words about Israel that they more than deserve. They killed my 37 comrade's and denied me a two week stay in southern France on the beach. Hagel for DOD Warrior.