From the Times:
U.S. and Allies Form Coalition With Intent to Destroy ISIS
NEWPORT, Wales — The Obama administration said Friday that the United States and its allies had formed a coalition to fight Sunni militants of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, unveiling a military and political campaign that officials said could serve as a model for combating extremist groups around the world.
In a hastily organized meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit meeting here, diplomats and defense officials from the United States, Britain, France, Australia, Canada, Germany, Turkey, Italy, Poland and Denmark conferred on what they called a two-pronged strategy: working to bolster allies on the ground in Iraq and Syria, while attacking Sunni militants from the air. They said the goal was to destroy the Islamist militant group, not to contain it.
Walking back Obama's walk-back of his own martial opening was apparently a priority:
“There is no containment policy for ISIL,” Secretary of State John Kerry said at the beginning of the meeting, using an alternate acronym for ISIS. “They’re an ambitious, avowed, genocidal, territorial-grabbing, caliphate-desiring quasi state with an irregular army, and leaving them in some capacity intact anywhere would leave a cancer in place that will ultimately come back to haunt us.”
It's a cancer, but for the moment we will be taking two aspirin and calling in the morning:
But he and other officials present made clear that at the moment, any ground combat troops would come from either Iraqi security forces or Kurdish pesh merga fighters on the ground in Iraq, or from moderate Syrian rebels opposed to the government of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria. “Obviously I think that’s a red line for everybody here: no boots on the ground,” Mr. Kerry said.
Well, the apparent red line is, somebody else can put their damn boots on the ground. With all due respect for the risks being borne by our pilots, this coalition has delivered a nice twist on Patton's classic 'no dumb bastard ever won a war by dying for his country; he won by making the other dumb bastard die for his country'. As long as it is somebody else dying for the coalition Obama will keep his nerve.
Primo!
Posted by: Jim Eagle | September 05, 2014 at 05:10 PM
Turkey is part of the coalition so its already an unserious approach with a spy in its mist. Where are the Arabs? Erdogan himself is close to wanting to run for the top position in the caliphate.
Posted by: Jim Eagle | September 05, 2014 at 05:12 PM
Was it Obama hearing from Cameron, Abbott et al, or from Axelrod and Plouffe, that was the key. I'm guessing Axelrod and Plouffe. In any event, I hope Imam Khameinei's folks have informed Val Jarrett that this is approved, because if not, it'll be walked back as well.
Of course, any approval by Imam Khameinei's folks will be subject to Jarrett having ongoing compliance consultations with said folks to make sure Obama stays within Iranian approved boundaries.
Posted by: Thomas Collins | September 05, 2014 at 05:16 PM
Although I know past performance is no assurance of future results, I have my bets that not much will come of this "coalition" will not materialize. I will only believe it when I see it.
Posted by: Jim Rhoads f/k/a vnjagvet | September 05, 2014 at 05:20 PM
OK, since this comment from the last thread was sandwiched between, inter alia, DoT and TK's endless sparring and Beasts getting sexted by Not Stepanie, I'll repost:
Feel free to tell me to lay off the vino at lunch.
Posted by: lyle | September 05, 2014 at 05:22 PM
Destruct and destroy.
Posted by: Danube on iPad | September 05, 2014 at 05:28 PM
lyle,
If we see boots on the ground from Canada, Australia, and Britain but NOT the US, we will know Obama basically was threatened or blackmailed into going along.
If we get hit it will go against Obama. The UK has raised their threat level; we have not.
Red areas, if they are hit, are still better able to cope than blue areas. Red areas are full of people who are armed, who help their neighbors, who already have food stored. Blue areas are full of potential looters and people unable to cope.
If we are hit, the blame goes to Obama. There has been too much publicity of his failings, too many golf outings and parties, too many statements HE has made that ISIS is not a serious threat.
Posted by: miss Marple | September 05, 2014 at 05:34 PM
Marie Harfism of the day: "Wait not Stand Down".
Posted by: Jim Eagle | September 05, 2014 at 05:37 PM
"who will the public rally around?"
Hillary. She alone has the experience, and besides it's time for a woman.
Posted by: Danube on iPad | September 05, 2014 at 05:43 PM
Erdogan himself is close to wanting to run for the top position in the caliphate.
JIB-
How long would Erdogan last if he made that move.
If he did it could be a way to create new leadership in Turkey…
Posted by: glasater | September 05, 2014 at 05:44 PM
Camille's tribute to Joan Rivers:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/camille-paglia-pays-tribute-joan-730529
Add Camille to the list of people I'd like to have a conversation with.
Posted by: Captain Hate | September 05, 2014 at 05:45 PM
Every time I see Marie Harf I have the following reactions:
1. Is this Saturday Night Live?
2. Who gives her wardrobe advice?
3. What must our allies ( or for that matter our enemies) think when they see her on TV?
Posted by: miss Marple | September 05, 2014 at 05:46 PM
Not TC on a threadmill in a 3 piece suit but even better: Man is this guy agile.
http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/openGraph/wid/0_u0r71mg5
Posted by: Jim Eagle | September 05, 2014 at 05:46 PM
MissM-- disagree with your overgeneralization about 'Red and Blue areas' dealing with calamity. I was in Midtown Manhattan on 9/11, 9/12 so on and so on. Five miles from 'the pile' but it might have been 1,000 miles (except for the smoke plume and the smell... the smell was awful.) Those days saw acts of heroism, leadership and love that any 'Red' area would be rightly proud of. It also saw acts of monumental stupidity, like 2 twenty somethings taking a selfie in an empty Third Avenue with the smoke plume in the background using a disposable camera they bought in the Korean deli. I asked them if they wanted me to take one for them, they giggled sure, I took the disposable and smashed it on the pavement and advised them the smoke was a funeral pyre. Overgeneralization can be misleading.
Posted by: NK | September 05, 2014 at 05:47 PM
From the videos I've seen of 404 flapping his jaws with various leaders on this trip - he looks like an absolute fool…as usual but now more so.
Posted by: glasater | September 05, 2014 at 05:48 PM
Obummer in Wales-- does he look constantly stoned?
Posted by: NK | September 05, 2014 at 05:49 PM
NK,
I also saw acts of heroism that day, no slight intended.
I was asked about disruption of food supplies and such. On that question, I direct you to the results of the Los Angeles earthquake back in the 90's, when the citizens didn't know what to do without disposable diapers or where to get their welfare checks, or New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina's aftermath.
Posted by: miss Marple | September 05, 2014 at 05:56 PM
We will follow ISIS to the Gates of
HellStonehenge.Posted by: daddy | September 05, 2014 at 05:58 PM
Plan A:
"...I want to kill people. I want to rip their stomachs out and eat their children."
- Iron Mike
Posted by: Skoot | September 05, 2014 at 06:00 PM
In addition to NK's point, I don't think there's a material difference in the character of the people in a state that hoes 48-46 Dem and one that goes 48-46 GOP.
Posted by: Danube on iPad | September 05, 2014 at 06:01 PM
I'm with DOT on this one, lyle. The Hill is going to market herself as the kind but stern Grandma. Kind on entitlement program issues, stern to the enemies.
I hope that doesn't push your vino imbibing to the imprudent zone!
Posted by: Thomas Collins | September 05, 2014 at 06:02 PM
You've given me something to train for, JiB!
Posted by: Thomas Collins | September 05, 2014 at 06:04 PM
If you're right, TC, I'll be drinking every lunch rather than two or three times a year. Imprudently.
Posted by: lyle | September 05, 2014 at 06:18 PM
Report: NFL Officials Asked Teams To Consider Signing Michael Sam To Practice Squad
Posted by: Extraneus | September 05, 2014 at 06:26 PM
I take exception: Hillary Clinton will never be POTUS. Never.
I heard Neal Boortz for a year and a half back in 06 and 07 rant how she was the biggest shoe in since FDR's 3rd term because of the vote of single women. Who won?
That voting block is overblown and today makes even less sense.
But then I always thought the first black POTUS would be a republican. So what do I know?
Posted by: Jim Eagle | September 05, 2014 at 06:26 PM
Truck loaded with undocumented immigrants chased into Bexar County
Posted by: Extraneus | September 05, 2014 at 06:29 PM
Hey, ho, we won't go.
Posted by: MarkO | September 05, 2014 at 06:31 PM
Want some butter with that?
Round two: Team Clinton book ratchets up attack on Obama's 'feckless' policies
Posted by: Extraneus | September 05, 2014 at 06:34 PM
Uh oh!
I see a big payday for this offering: A 1953 Pontiac Sky Chief Woodie Wagon - on of the super ultimate surfer mobiles. I might have to check the bucket list and portfolio:)
http://www.barrett-jackson.com/events/event/catalog/LasVegasPreview-2014/?utm_source=EBlast-09052014&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Preview%20the%20Las%20Vegas%20Docket
Posted by: Jim Eagle | September 05, 2014 at 06:45 PM
Calling Holder and Sharpton:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2745461/Group-men-captured-camera-viciously-assaulting-couple-Missouri-captured-police-ask-public-s-help-apprehending-them.html
Posted by: Danube on iPad | September 05, 2014 at 06:45 PM
Epic beclowning of itself as GQ names Kim Kardassian Woman of the Year.
What are the criteria?
Most cubic liters of gluteal fat?
Husband with the biggest head in the world?
Highest number of embarrassing selfies in history?
Geez.
Posted by: Ignatz | September 05, 2014 at 07:12 PM
I just want to say that I'm thrilled that Janet is back, and to remind everyone of the Benghazi special tonite.
Oh and how much is a model T worth today?
Posted by: Jane | September 05, 2014 at 07:13 PM
Does anyone have any confidence this WH and the Euroweenies won't screw this up?
What moderates are we going to support in Syria? The Free Syrian Army which apparently ran its own torture chamber and slaughterhouse for Christians just as IS did?
Secondly what are we telling the world with our no boots on the ground policy apparently anywhere?
1. Little brown people's lives are much cheaper than ours.
2. And even worse; there isn't much we're willing to die for. Please attack us.
Posted by: Ignatz | September 05, 2014 at 07:18 PM
GQ beclowned themselves years ago.
Posted by: lyle | September 05, 2014 at 07:18 PM
Secondly what are we telling the world with our no boots on the ground policy apparently anywhere?
Our military men would kick your asses if we unleashed them, but Democrats don't do that. Please contribute to Hillary's credit-card based donation website.
Posted by: Extraneus | September 05, 2014 at 07:23 PM
Model Ts aren't worth too much Jane, usually under $20,000.
There were millions of them made and they are almost impossibly hard to drive; if one were to actually take one out on the road where they can't get out of their own way.
Posted by: Ignatz | September 05, 2014 at 07:23 PM
I have to side with MM on the blue hell v red states situations if the shit hits the fan--not based on the character of the inhabitants, but on what they have access to.
When Hurricane Hugo took away our power for fourteen days, I had no hot water, no heat (didn't need it--could have used AC/fans most days), no way to cook except our grill.
This "civilized" life we lead in cities and suburbia--a very thin veneer. We decided then and there we'd be getting a nuclear reactor for our crawl space just as soon as one becomes available. (And they almost are--mainly for Alaskan towns, I believe, being developed by Japanese.)
Because of that, when all the hoopla arose re: Y-2K, we headed north to the lake for New Years--where we have a wood stove and plenty of downed wood nearby, a lake full of water, and a gas stove. Plus the nearby stores have far more food per person in the county for the winter population.
Would have been far better off there than waiting for FEMA to save us here.
Posted by: anonamom | September 05, 2014 at 07:26 PM
Thanks Iggy. My cousin had one in her garage in Maine - and she said the same thing. She also had a car from 1953 that she said was worth much more. I thought that was odd.
Posted by: Jane | September 05, 2014 at 07:32 PM
Re: blue hell v red states
Obama is toast. His supporters are left either reveling in free stuff or talking about global warming. There is no coming back. If we survive - it will be the red guys who make it - just look at what we've been thru the last 5 years.
The thought of Jeb (who I respect) makes me want to throw up. I don't want Mitt either, but I think he would be a good president and keep us safe (if that is ever possible again).
Posted by: Jane | September 05, 2014 at 07:35 PM
Jane,
Cars from the fifties and sixties are bringing large premiums these days as aging baby boomers try to recapture their youth before coming to a halt, tipping over and dying. :)
Posted by: Ignatz | September 05, 2014 at 07:35 PM
Jeb makes me want to, too, Jane.
Posted by: Old Lurker | September 05, 2014 at 07:40 PM
That trillion $ treasure trove under Afghanistan will only bring peace and prosperity with "strong public institutions, equitable redistribution of revenues, environmental planning and investment in education, scientific institutions and human resources" according to Marcia McNutt, current big cheese at Science magazine and Barry's former chief of the USGS.
Why with those goals Afghanistan will be as prosperous as Tanzania in a matter of months.
I'm sure the Chinese and Indians will give the Afghanis all the peace and prosperity they can stand.
Posted by: Ignatz | September 05, 2014 at 07:41 PM
Iggy,
I was born in the 50's and I do not remember a car that looked like this. Then again by the time I would notice it was probably old news.
Posted by: Jane | September 05, 2014 at 07:44 PM
Mitt would be a pleasant, well-managed place-holder for the next radical Dem to build upon once he'd given us a kinder and gentler Leviathan.
We might as well elect Hillary and just get it over with as another good natured Republican with a "kick me and BTW, have you been served" sign on his back.
If the GOP can't nominate a counterbalance to the left wing creep currently wrecking the country then of what use is it?
None.
Posted by: Ignatz | September 05, 2014 at 07:49 PM
Do you happen to know the make and model Jane?
Posted by: Ignatz | September 05, 2014 at 07:50 PM
I don't Iggy. I did, but I can't remember.
Posted by: Jane | September 05, 2014 at 08:09 PM
count the category errors here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-vlahos/what-homers-iliad-tells-u_b_5759312.html
Posted by: narciso | September 05, 2014 at 08:29 PM
"of what use is it? "
Think federal judiciary. Think Hillary replacing Scalia, Thomas and Kennedy.
Posted by: Danube on iPad | September 05, 2014 at 08:38 PM
poor timing, the Indian Mujadeen are in this company.
http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2014/09/obama-we-will-defeat-isis-like-we-did-al-qaeda-al-qaeda-just-opened-branch-in-india/
Posted by: narciso | September 05, 2014 at 08:39 PM
This is an interesting tweet and I believe it:
Christiane Amanpour @camanpour · 12h
BBC reports Iran Supreme Leader approved cooperation w US against ISIS. Iraq Pres told me yday it’s already happening http://cnn.it/1uCfGHt
Posted by: Ann | September 05, 2014 at 08:42 PM
The slow painful death by David Souter and John Roberts or the quick merciful one by Ginsburg and Kagan.
Quite a choice.
Posted by: Ignatz | September 05, 2014 at 08:51 PM
Test
Posted by: Jim Eagle | September 05, 2014 at 08:54 PM
Left a post about all the pessimism here and the God's of pessimism deleted it. Have heart people the best is yet to come.
If you think you're right then you should all be doing something about finding and buying Jan's island.
Posted by: Jim Eagle | September 05, 2014 at 08:57 PM
I believe it too Ann. In fact I believe that was always part of the plan. And I also think, in return, we will allow or even help Iran get a nuke.
Posted by: Jane | September 05, 2014 at 08:57 PM
Well, I am of the opinion that almost any candidate we put up would be a better president than Hillary.
As Danube said, it does make a difference in the court. It also makes a difference in who gets appointed to the cabinet, and most of all, it matters a great deal to me who is leading the military and who is executing foreign policy.
I just due not subscribe to the "no difference" theory in politics.
Posted by: miss Marple | September 05, 2014 at 08:57 PM
Well Obama is a dumb bastard. When is he willing to step off the golf course and die for his country--or cause somebody else to die for their country?
Oh wait, he's got his finger on the drone killing trigger and he occasionally offs someone.
But he's still a dumb bastard.
Posted by: Comanche Voter | September 05, 2014 at 09:02 PM
"Quite a choice."
Souter was a grave (and very predictable) mistake, Roberts somewhat less so. Replace Scalia and Thomas with the likes of Ginsburg and Kagan and you'll find out what a calamity really is.
A great tragedy of the past century was that Republican presidents gave us Warren, Burger, Blackmun, Brennan, Stevens and Souter. We can at least hope that a Jeb or Mitt will make no such mistakes. It is a certainty that Hillary will do so, but she won't consider them mistakes at all.
Posted by: Danube on iPad | September 05, 2014 at 09:03 PM
Slaap Lekjker all.
Posted by: Jim Eagle | September 05, 2014 at 09:06 PM
RIP left-wing "journalist":
"Bruce Morton, a news correspondent for CBS and then CNN who covered Washington politics with a low-key but authoritative style for more than four decades and who co-hosted a droll morning show and reported on overseas massacres with equal skill, died Sept. 5 at his home in Washington. He was 83."
Posted by: Danube on iPad | September 05, 2014 at 09:10 PM
Mark Levin was talking about how Harry Reid has packed the D.C. court with radicals. What can we do about that?
Anyways, I had to turn it off last night. Doom!
Posted by: Ann | September 05, 2014 at 09:11 PM
well they certainly don't act like it's a stark choice, they act like a game of lacrosse,
Posted by: narciso | September 05, 2014 at 09:18 PM
I'll reiterate once more.
The difference between the current GOP and the Dems is a trip over the cliff now in fifth gear with the throttle open or one next week in second with our friend at the wheel smiling as his foot hovers indecisively between the brake and the gas.
I'd rather go over the cliff now with my fingers around Hillary's throat than with Mitt patting my shoulder indulgently.
The best choice of course is a GOP that has actual principles that they do stuff like, I don't know, fight like hell for and fight dirty doing it, but as long as we keep telling them we'll settle for Mitt or Jeb as the less bad alternative, that's what they'll keep serving up.
Either a party emerges very soon that is committed to reversing the course of death we're on or the country is only saved through an insurrection.
Continuing to vote for tax collectors for the welfare state has approximately zero chance of long term success and so seems the least sensible path to me.
And spare me the stuff about an electorate gets what it wants. It gets what the committed passionate leaders lead it into wanting. Those are on the left. The ones on the right either get shouted down or ignored by their own team because they're so embarrassing and refuse to play the game by the left's rules or they get actively hamstrung and sabotaged by the Thadeus Cochrans and other old, sclerotic, senile bulls.
Posted by: Ignatz | September 05, 2014 at 09:20 PM
There's not a chance I'll be able to find, much less buy, Jane's island, but I slowly am shoring up what I can to improve my "shelter in place" comforts and capabilities. Does that count? That, and check out expat sites every 5 or 6 weeks. Doesn't mean I think I'm right - it means I think things still can go very very wrong.
Posted by: AliceH | September 05, 2014 at 09:23 PM
Right On, Ig!!!
I love the way you write.
Posted by: Ann | September 05, 2014 at 09:24 PM
say what?
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/216813-judge-dismisses-landrieu-residency-challenge
btw, I read an interview with Del Toro, back in July, he predicted there will probably be 3-5 seasons of the strain,
Posted by: narciso | September 05, 2014 at 09:25 PM
Iggy, I think you are en fuego tonight.
Posted by: peter | September 05, 2014 at 09:26 PM
Iggy is dead on.
Posted by: Old Lurker | September 05, 2014 at 09:29 PM
"I'd rather go over the cliff now with my fingers around Hillary's throat"
Bravely spoken. Nice sentiment, but you won't. And there won't be an insurrection in my lifetime, and probably not in yours.
Posted by: Danube on iPad | September 05, 2014 at 09:32 PM
A coalition ofUnited States, Britain, France, Australia, Canada, Germany, Turkey, Italy, Poland and Denmark. Ok, let's see;
US, Britain, maybe Poland and Denmark provide fighter jets.
Turkey allows to use their bases.
Australia and Italy ground support troops.
Germany provides spare parts and munitions and intelligence.
Canada will bring fuel. And the French
well they can cook. It seems we got all our bases together.
Posted by: Bori | September 05, 2014 at 09:33 PM
Let's see. We have a huge terrorist movement which beheads people and crucifixes Christians, which has lots of money, is heavily armed, and is hooking up with the Mexican Drug cartels.
Our southern border cannot even stop children, and we have a wave of people coming through daily, a fair portion of whom are possible terrorists or spies from various enemy countries.
We have a government which has wrecked our economy, destroyed many people's prospects for a happy life, wrecked the health care system, and wants us all to sit in the dark and freeze.
The two other major powers, Russia and China, are actively moving against the US. Israelmis in danger. Iran might get a nuke.
So, all of this is happening in the real world. What should we do?
I do not consider attacking people on our own side to be a helpful strategy. Maybe instead we should figure out ways to instill some courage in the timid members of the GOP.
Posted by: miss Marple | September 05, 2014 at 09:38 PM
Bori, the French can also provide the white flags to cover the worst-case scenario, as well as supplying some rifles that have only been dropped once.
yeah I know…old joke...
Posted by: Eric in Boise | September 05, 2014 at 09:42 PM
"The ones on the right either get shouted down or ignored by their own team because they're so embarrassing and refuse to play the game by the left's rules or they get actively hamstrung"
Can you name a few of those who have been shouted down or ignored who would otherwise be viable presidential candidates?
Posted by: Danube on iPad | September 05, 2014 at 09:43 PM
Bush had a coalition of 38 countries and constantly accused of going it alone.
Posted by: Jane on Ipad | September 05, 2014 at 09:46 PM
And spare me the stuff about an electorate gets what it wants.
Sorry, but I've always believed in the old saw that the people get the government they deserve, and it troubles me to no end that we (as a nation) don't seem to deserve adult leadership any longer.
Posted by: Eric in Boise | September 05, 2014 at 09:48 PM
Dark night evidently. If the fatuous but well-meaning Sean Hannity had not cheapened the sentiment, I would urge you to of be good cheer. 1) God always wins; 2) (closer to our time-frame), in a discernible emergency, the American public will do the right thing, even many of the fabled 47 per cent.
Posted by: Laura White | September 05, 2014 at 09:50 PM
While we wait to find out the particulars of our plane from Afghanistan being forced to land in Iran, here's the UK Mail providing a handy map which shows what countries in the region aircraft are not currently flying over: Qantas refuses to reroute flights to London away from Iraqi airspace in wake of MH17 missile strike
If we add in Iran, and if Putin gets stingy with Russian Airspace, it will get a lot tougher to get to or transit areas of the Middle East that aren't on fire.
Perhaps that's a good thing.
Posted by: daddy | September 05, 2014 at 09:50 PM
"I do not consider attacking people on our own side to be a helpful strategy."
Maybe so. But it happens viciously and with regularity on this very site,
Posted by: Danube on iPad | September 05, 2014 at 09:52 PM
Nothing outstanding to report, but some nice new photos of the Tomb Excavation in Greece:
Amphipolis Greek Tomb Discovery: New Photos of Mosaic Floor and Excavation Released
Obviously well constructed.
Posted by: daddy | September 05, 2014 at 10:02 PM
Narc,
Just finished reading your posted link on the HuffPo post. What a load of doody. Short the White man is responsible for the Brown acting barbaric.
Because before the White Man everyone acted in a civilized manner. Is this guy for real?
Posted by: Bori | September 05, 2014 at 10:02 PM
Also, MM, your analogy at (I think) 2:11 yesterday (and last thread) was really acute and astute.
Posted by: Laura White | September 05, 2014 at 10:03 PM
own side
Yes, but DoT. Yours are out their as well. the argument here it is all tactics. I have no question we are on the same side.
Posted by: Strawman Cometh | September 05, 2014 at 10:13 PM
this was the piece I mentioned earlier
http://babalublog.com/2014/09/04/cuban-spy-case-still-a-mysterry/
Posted by: narciso | September 05, 2014 at 10:13 PM
very site.
Posted by: Strawman Cometh | September 05, 2014 at 10:14 PM
But it happens viciously and with regularity on this very site,
Maybe they're not on our side. Just because somebody has an R associated with his/her name doesn't mean that person is the right candidate. Maybe because of judicial appointments the right thing to do is suck it up and vote for them anyway. But that doesn't mean any of us have to STFU and act happy about it.
Posted by: Captain Hate | September 05, 2014 at 10:14 PM
Been thinking a lot about this, due to my unfortunate marriage dissolution approaching.
People who can seem to be on our side, who say all the right things, who seem to agree with you on everything, perhaps are not what they seem.
Conversely, those who seem to be boring and wishy-washy may actually be doing courageous things behind the scenes.
I cringe when I see so many people trashed, because it does not encourage them to do what we desire, but rather drives them farther to the left. It seems to me rather like when a child brings home a report card with all A's and one B, and instead of getting praised he hears"what happened that you got that B?
Maybe this is a failing on my part, but I do remember Donald Rumsfeld saying, "You go to war with the army you've got, not the one you wish you had."
We have these people in DC. Some are good, some are bad, and some are just sort of average. We don't know what goes on in closed meetings. We don't know if they or their families are being threatened. We don't know who is corrupt or who is a saint. We only know what we see on TV or on the internet.
Given that we are looking through a glass darkly, I prefer to encourage those who do what seems to be helpful.
And I never believe anything I read about conservatives in the NYT, WaPo, or Politico.
Posted by: miss Marple | September 05, 2014 at 10:16 PM
"But it happens viciously and with regularity on this very site."
Internecine bloodletting, pat. pend.
The causes and uses of such self-defeating behavior can be found in "Anti-intellectualism in American Life."
In brief, when one's political position is grounded in high moral principal, there can be no compromise. Just as there is no compromise with the devil.
Thus, conservatives will sit out an election as children might hold their breath.
And now, for something not completely different: DOOM™®
Posted by: MarkO | September 05, 2014 at 10:17 PM
What did Dela Ware?
Precious Little.
She's Estonian.
Posted by: daddy | September 05, 2014 at 10:18 PM
IRS Scandal Update: IRS says it has lost emails from 5 more employees
http://commoncts.blogspot.com/2014/09/irs-scandal-update-irs-says-it-has-lost.html
Posted by: Steve | September 05, 2014 at 10:21 PM
"Yours are out their as well."
So stipulated. I viciously attacked the Witch lady in Jersey, Claude Kin and Sharron Angle on the grounds that they were so stupid they could not win, and should never have run. They all lost. They're not bad people at all. They were just too stupid to win.
Posted by: Danube on iPad | September 05, 2014 at 10:22 PM
Is that what has been going on, the last four years, not the IRS and OSHA and the DOJ, stepping on the neck of the tea party, there was a little slapping of Crossroads, but not much,
Posted by: narciso | September 05, 2014 at 10:22 PM
If DoT is going to point out how candidates on "our side" are trashed here, it's only fair to point out that he did so with Christine O'Donnell, Todd Akin, Richard Mourdoch and Sharron Angle. And maybe more.
That's fine with me because I'm not complaining about it; what we talk about here doesn't mean a damn thing come election day. They lost because they weren't good candidates, just like McCain and Romney.
Posted by: Captain Hate | September 05, 2014 at 10:25 PM
Posted by: Danube on iPad | September 05, 2014 at 09:43 PM-
Ted Cruz comes to mind. He was knifed in the back over the government shutdown, and true to form, the Obama Administration tinkered with Ocare some more, including in some of the ways Cruz wanted.
How about Scott Walker? Even after the 7th Circuit guts the John Doe lawsuits, he'll probably lose his seat.
Gov. Palin comes to mind as well. I never get tired of pointing out she was probably one of the most popular elected officials in the US at the time she was selected as VP. Her approval ratings bounced around the high 50s to high 70s during her term, in which she had significant support of both Reps and Dems to push through her agenda-reform of the severance tax (further reformed by referendum); the natural gas pipeline (AGIA, now Alaska LNG Project), which will be at completion the biggest construction project in Alaskan history (and at an est of 26 billion quite possibly one of the biggest in the US).
Posted by: rich@gmu | September 05, 2014 at 10:25 PM
Missed it by 3 minutes.
Posted by: Captain Hate | September 05, 2014 at 10:25 PM
How do stupid Democrats win?
Posted by: MarkO | September 05, 2014 at 10:26 PM
It is not Self-defeating behavior for Republicans to woo the 100%, especially when the Wal-Mart EBT bandits are part of that 100%.
Posted by: Threadkiller | September 05, 2014 at 10:26 PM
Apologies if you mentioned this MarkO. Fed finished amazinglny last night. Two match points saved. then 6-2? Mac's commentary would have gotten him arrested if any AA's were tuned in with the sound on.
Posted by: Strawman Cometh | September 05, 2014 at 10:27 PM
Daddy, I'm old enough to remember when she wore her New Jersey.
Sigh.
Posted by: Eric in Boise | September 05, 2014 at 10:27 PM
Mitt Romney did not win so he must be too stupid to win.
Posted by: Threadkiller | September 05, 2014 at 10:28 PM
Arpaio won so he must be smart.
Posted by: Threadkiller | September 05, 2014 at 10:30 PM
Atleast one could have won if not knifed.
Posted by: Strawman Cometh | September 05, 2014 at 10:33 PM