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You are here: Home / Open Threads / Open Thread

Open Thread

by John Cole|  September 12, 201212:34 am| 126 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

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I honestly don’t think I have been this run down since I was on active duty. Maybe when I was in undergrad and we went on spring break and played a lacrosse game every day, loaded up, drove to the next city, got hammered, played a game, got in the vans and drove to the next city, rinse and repeat for nine days. Eight days with ABL, then staying up late to watch the Steelers shit the bed, then two days on the road again, I am just wiped out. It doesn’t sound like much, but when you consider I normally have a real calm life, this has been a lot of activity for me. Only two more conventions this year, so I got that going for me.

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Reader Interactions

126Comments

  1. 1.

    Lojasmo

    September 12, 2012 at 12:37 am

    Mononucleosis.

  2. 2.

    Lojasmo

    September 12, 2012 at 12:39 am

    First, also, too.

  3. 3.

    Violet

    September 12, 2012 at 12:39 am

    Do a detox for a day or two–no alcohol, bed at a reasonable hour, drink lots of water, no red meat, no sugar, no wheat (if you can hack that). Make sure you get some cardio exercise, even if it’s just walking the pups. You’ll feel better.

  4. 4.

    BGinCHI

    September 12, 2012 at 12:44 am

    Now is when you hit the casino Cole. Man, you sound lucky.

  5. 5.

    Little Boots

    September 12, 2012 at 12:47 am

    I’m sorry you’re run down.

    at the risk of pissing off steve, I hope you feel better soon, john.

  6. 6.

    mai naem

    September 12, 2012 at 12:47 am

    It’s because you’re getting old. I have a friend who said her energy level totally changed once she hit forty and this is somebody who would live on six hours of sleep day in day out.

  7. 7.

    ant

    September 12, 2012 at 12:47 am

    why no meat?

    (dats crazy talk)

  8. 8.

    GregB

    September 12, 2012 at 12:48 am

    Also, if anyone has any doubt that the RNC, Romney and the entire rightwing establishment will destroy America to further their electoral chances.

    This Tweet says it all.

    Reince Priebus@Reince

    Obama sympathizes with attackers in Egypt. Sad and pathetic.

  9. 9.

    godlesssailor

    September 12, 2012 at 12:49 am

    ” . . . so I got that going for me.”

    Which is nice.

  10. 10.

    Wag

    September 12, 2012 at 12:49 am

    Welcome to parenthood.

  11. 11.

    Zyla

    September 12, 2012 at 12:50 am

    So I knew the man that died today from the riots.

    I’m so crushed right now I can’t breathe.

    And extremely enraged at this reince person.

  12. 12.

    Little Boots

    September 12, 2012 at 12:50 am

    and I love abl,but eight days, well, wow.

  13. 13.

    Zyla

    September 12, 2012 at 12:52 am

    He was chatting with a group of us and his last words were:

    (2:40:22 PM) : FUCK
    (2:40:24 PM) : gunfire

  14. 14.

    Little Boots

    September 12, 2012 at 12:55 am

    @Zyla:

    jeebus, what happened?

  15. 15.

    BGinCHI

    September 12, 2012 at 12:55 am

    @GregB: I could not fucking believe that.

    Priebus is that rare combination of douche and bag, all in one package.

  16. 16.

    some guy

    September 12, 2012 at 12:55 am

    LOS ANGELES — A filmmaker has gone into hiding after his movie attacking Islam’s prophet Muhammad sparked assaults on U.S. missions in Egypt and Libya, where an American diplomat was killed.

    Writer and director Sam Bacile spoke on the phone Tuesday from an unidentified location. He remained defiant, saying Islam is a cancer and he wanted his film to make a political statement.

  17. 17.

    PurpleGirl

    September 12, 2012 at 12:56 am

    @Zyla: Shit, that’s terrible. I hope you’ll be able to find comfort in good memories.

  18. 18.

    Zyla

    September 12, 2012 at 12:56 am

    @Little Boots:

    The death at the Libyan consulate. Guy just got there last week, was an IT worker. Poor bastard had a wife and kids too.

  19. 19.

    BruinKid

    September 12, 2012 at 12:57 am

    Sigh… my Ron Paul friend has gone full metal truther. On the anniversary of 9/11, he chooses to make post after post on Facebook calling into question what really happened on 9/11, asking about how WTC7 fell, that there was no plane that actually hit the Pentagon, etc.

    The guy has a degree from UCLA, but not in the sciences. He didn’t take any hard physics or chemistry classes at UCLA to understand the mechanics of how plans crash or buildings fall, but just “knows” it was all a government conspiracy.

    I tried telling him to learn some science, and showed a link with actual photos of the plane wreckage inside the Pentagon, but he just goes on and says it’s all staged.

    Sigh….

  20. 20.

    Little Boots

    September 12, 2012 at 12:57 am

    @Zyla:

    damn, sorry. that totally sucks.

  21. 21.

    BGinCHI

    September 12, 2012 at 12:59 am

    So Netanyahu is now trying to intervene in the US election.

    Um, doesn’t this constitute major news? Media?

    Adelson’s peeps want us to elect his boyfriend so he can take us out back and give us the business.

  22. 22.

    GregB

    September 12, 2012 at 12:59 am

    I don’ want to be an alarmist, but as Josh Marshall said, this could be opening rounds in the end game of the Grand Game.

    The Middle East is a tinder box and someone has been throwing matches.

    This supposed film maker was funded by people and his propaganda was pushed in order to get a reaction.

    That reaction is now being used as a political lever by Romney and the GOP.

    It is a dangerous game.

  23. 23.

    jenn

    September 12, 2012 at 1:00 am

    @Zyla: Oh man, I’m so very sorry.

  24. 24.

    some guy

    September 12, 2012 at 1:02 am

    @GregB:

    bingo

  25. 25.

    Zyla

    September 12, 2012 at 1:03 am

    @GregB:

    A dangerous game where one of my friends is now very dead.

    I don’t even know how to process the rage I have towards anyone that caused this to happen and towards anyone that would seek to gain politically from it.

  26. 26.

    BGinCHI

    September 12, 2012 at 1:03 am

    @GregB: Has Israel lost its fucking mind? They think they’re better off with neocons in power?

    Wait, no, it’s Adelson money: hookers and gambling come to rescue the moralists.

    I was afraid I’d have to live in interesting times…

  27. 27.

    Little Boots

    September 12, 2012 at 1:04 am

    @GregB:

    and we have absolutely no idea what we’re doing there.

    never have. never will.

  28. 28.

    Anya

    September 12, 2012 at 1:05 am

    @GregB: 2012 version of the Iran–Contra affair?

  29. 29.

    Violet

    September 12, 2012 at 1:08 am

    @Zyla: So sorry to hear that.

  30. 30.

    lamh35

    September 12, 2012 at 1:09 am

    Between Romney’s desperate ass and this di*ck Rinse Penis…ugh!

    No Limits

    Desperate about the state of the presidential race, RNC Chair Reince Priebus tweets this moments ago …
    Reince Priebus @Reince
    Obama sympathizes with attackers in Egypt.Sad and pathetic.
    11 Sep 12
    This would be doubling down on the Romney campaign’s lie from two hours ago.

  31. 31.

    Anya

    September 12, 2012 at 1:10 am

    @BGinCHI: If Netanyahu was blinded by his hate and love of war and destruction he’ll know that a Romney presidency spells doom for Israel. World leaders are not defying Obama openly because their populations love Obama, but if Romney becomes president then everyone will be openly against Israel. Europeans are sick of defending Israel. It’s not sustainable.

  32. 32.

    Dee Loralei

    September 12, 2012 at 1:12 am

    @Zyla: I’m sorry for your loss. So, so, sorry.

  33. 33.

    lamh35

    September 12, 2012 at 1:12 am

    Between Romney’s desperate azz and the dochey head of RNC…ugh!

    No Limits

    Desperate about the state of the presidential race, RNC Chair Reince Priebus tweets this moments ago …

    Reince Priebus @Reince
    Obama sympathizes with attackers in Egypt.Sad and pathetic. 11 Sep 12

    This would be doubling down on the Romney campaign’s lie from two hours ago.

  34. 34.

    Spaghetti Lee

    September 12, 2012 at 1:13 am

    Oh Christ save me from pompous Republican blowhards talking about how ‘pathetic’ Obama’s response was to this. You know what’s pathetic, you shriveled dickweeds? Trying to start a fucking war, trying to get thousands of people killed, because you evil assholes think it might be a good way to topple a president you hate. And ‘sad’. Oh, yes, they’re so very, very sad. They so sincerely wish things could have been different. Evil little pricks are probably cackling it up, cheering about how a murdered State Dept. worker finally gave them the wedge to start their wonderful little war with Iran that they’ve wanted for 15 years.

    Seriously, I can understand wars for self-defense, but what kind of fucking asshole prick goes out and starts a war just because he fucking feels like it? Because it’s the only thing that can bring pleasure to their twisted little lives? Jesus fucking Christ, if Likud and Bibi and AIPAC didn’t have such massive validation complexes, we wouldn’t be in this mess. There doesn’t even seem to be a remotely putative reason for this. Kristol and the rest aren’t even trying. They think we’re destined to invade Iran because they want to, because it’s what we do, because they need to see people die for their rotten little cocks to get hard.

    (Unclenches teeth) That said, I still find it hard to believe that this incident will lead to World War III. I think Obama’s too smart to let himself be led by the nose by monomaniacal warhawk assholes. He’ll say what needs to be said in public until he gets re-elected, then he’ll tell AIPAC and Bibi to go fuck themselves.

  35. 35.

    Ferd of the Nort

    September 12, 2012 at 1:14 am

    How can you tell Mitt Romney is a vulture capitalist?

    Ask him to take a position and he grabs all of them.

  36. 36.

    BillinGlendaleCA

    September 12, 2012 at 1:15 am

    @BruinKid: I guess if one of my friends came up with that, my response would be:
    1. the US government isn’t that good a keeping secrets
    2. the government isn’t that efficient.

    The second could work with a Paulite. I would even think most north campus folk would gain enough critical think’n skills, Philosiphy, maybe. Then again I was more of a bi-campus person (most classes in Bunche and Beolter).

  37. 37.

    GregB

    September 12, 2012 at 1:15 am

    Zyla,

    I am sorry to hear about your friend.

  38. 38.

    Anya

    September 12, 2012 at 1:16 am

    @Zyla: Sorry for your loss.

  39. 39.

    Violet

    September 12, 2012 at 1:16 am

    @lamh35: Rancid Prince is a horrible piece of shit. He should be shamed out of the party for that tweet. Hell, he should be shamed out of the country. Where is their patriotism? They’re all party before country instead of the other way around. Pathetic.

  40. 40.

    Little Boots

    September 12, 2012 at 1:17 am

    is it wrong to miss Steve?

    is it wrong to miss John?

  41. 41.

    Spaghetti Lee

    September 12, 2012 at 1:18 am

    Also, I think the Iraq War is not remembered that fondly, and even people who thought it was morally just might not want to repeat it again. This isn’t 2003. People are sick of war. AIPAC and the like are the only people whose loins are still stirred by the idea and they’re the ONLY people who want a war right now. At the risk of getting stuck in anecdata, I can’t think of a single conservative Republican I know who wants war with Iran. It’s all about jobs, etc. If they want a war, they’re going to have to find a reason other than the tide of public opinion-that’s all dried up.

  42. 42.

    Hill Dweller

    September 12, 2012 at 1:19 am

    @Spaghetti Lee: I don’t really trust the Village, but the statement Willard and Priebus are jumping on came from the US embassy in Egypt before the attacks even took place. They have to point that out.

    I’m hoping the Willard and RNC attacks backfire.

  43. 43.

    Anya

    September 12, 2012 at 1:26 am

    @Zyla: Shit, that’s terrible. Poor man didn’t deserve to be caught in the middle of a feud between crazies. At this moment I am really in despair. It seems as though the world is taken over by religious fanatics.

    My heart goes out to his loved ones.

  44. 44.

    Little Boots

    September 12, 2012 at 1:27 am

    @Hill Dweller:

    I think they will, mostly. romney’s doomed, but congress, oh that will continue to suck. hope Obama gets that.

  45. 45.

    Narcissus

    September 12, 2012 at 1:28 am

    @godlesssailor: True fact, I referenced/paraphrased this monologue when I was giving the toast for my brothers wedding

    It was a wise decision

  46. 46.

    PeakVT

    September 12, 2012 at 1:30 am

    Fuck the Talibangicals who started this latest shit.

  47. 47.

    The Klown

    September 12, 2012 at 1:33 am

    Mitt Romney:

    I’m outraged by the attacks on American diplomatic missions in Libya and Egypt and by the death of an American consulate worker in Benghazi. It’s disgraceful that the Obama Administration’s first response was not to condemn attacks on our diplomatic missions, but to sympathize with those who waged the attacks.

  48. 48.

    SectarianSofa

    September 12, 2012 at 1:33 am

    @Lojasmo:

    “mononucleosis”

    Ha. I was going the same place. But seriously, Cole, you should see a doc. I’m wiped out, but it’s because I’m fucking unhealthy. There’s a reason for everything.

  49. 49.

    Zyla

    September 12, 2012 at 1:35 am

    I made the mistake of reading conservative tweets about this event for the last 25 minutes.

    I’m a pacifist buddhist, and I am filled with such rage I can barely see straight.

    These scum see people like my friend as fucking chess pieces on a gameboard. I can’t understand or comprehend such astounding callousness.

    A man is dead and they’re making hay on twitter that Obama’s passivity was as complicit in his murder as the horribly misinformed people who carried out the attack in the first place.

    Congratulations, Sarah, and Reince, and all the rest.

    I am now a lifelong Democrat. I will never ever vote for anyone from your party as long as I live.

  50. 50.

    suzanne

    September 12, 2012 at 1:35 am

    @Zyla: Hugs. To you and his family, and all his friends.

    The Rmoney attacks are pissing me off so incredibly much. I have no idea how someone’s mind works if someone dies and instead of feeling normal human sorrow, they instead try to capitalize on that loss for their own personal gain.

    I truly hope that there is some sort of consequence, in this life or the next, for moral bankruptcy.

  51. 51.

    Little Boots

    September 12, 2012 at 1:37 am

    the hell happened to omnes?

  52. 52.

    David Koch

    September 12, 2012 at 1:38 am

    Okay, I saw “Hunger Games” and it didn’t live up to the promotion.

    I can understand why women would love it, as it is rare when an entire movie is built around a strong woman.

    But the weren’t any special effect to talk about, the story was a basic romance, no kick ass scenes like Buff the Vampire Story, and they didn’t get into the politics of economic exploitation by the 1 percenters.

  53. 53.

    GregB

    September 12, 2012 at 1:40 am

    Syria has a mutual defense compact with Iran.

    An attack on Iran is an attack on Syria.

    The Syrians could use a war as common cause to rally the people for the government.

    Where Syria and Iran go, it is likely Hezbollah will follow.

  54. 54.

    Johnk

    September 12, 2012 at 1:42 am

    The Dude abides and JC needs a Whambulance. You’re over the line!

  55. 55.

    GG

    September 12, 2012 at 1:53 am

    John Cole: welcome to my world. 150 nights on the road for a few decades. Make or break events every time. 5 weeks in a row, that’s srsly tough.

    I know that truly bone-dead feeling, but sweetie, you’ve only skimmed the surface.

    The joys of the truly self-employed.

  56. 56.

    Ripley

    September 12, 2012 at 1:55 am

    Regarding the Middle East situation(s): this is second-hand information, unverifiable and believable only within those limits, but where I live – the southwestern U.S. near three major military bases and a key missile range – initial preparedness and dire expectations are at the forefront. And raw nerves. This could go badly.

    And with more certainty, this: the Republican presidential nominee (and his masters and minions) will only make it worse.

  57. 57.

    Zyla

    September 12, 2012 at 1:56 am

    Cole, I know this is a strange request to ask, but since you have a somewhat larger microphone, it would give me immense relief if you could write something about this ugliness for tomorrow in your trademark style.

  58. 58.

    MikeJ

    September 12, 2012 at 2:03 am

    @David Koch:

    and they didn’t get into the politics of economic exploitation by the 1 percenters

    Actually the book sort of does. The movie was pretty lame, with the exception of making the peter kid randomly chosen instead of volunteer. It made the “which side is he on” subplot work a little better, but other than that it wasn’t very good, even for a sci-fi YA novel made into a film.

    Were you as annoyed by the shot length in the opening montage where she’s headed to the forest? Probably none over .20 second and absolutely nothing is happening. They used longer shots during the quick cut fight scenes in the last act. When she’s supposed to be contemplative it looks like somebody is just spinning the shuttle wheel on the Avid as fast as they can, and when they fight they have wide shots where you can see where everything is and what’s going on. I actually was pleasantly surprised that the editing wasn’t hyperactive in the fights, don’t get me wrong. But if it was going to be incomprehensible, that’s where it should have been.

  59. 59.

    ? Martin

    September 12, 2012 at 2:05 am

    I am just wiped out. It doesn’t sound like much, but when you consider I normally have a real calm life, this has been a lot of activity for me.

    Cole, we’re about the same age and the same thing happened to me a lot last year. Between getting older and getting heavier, I’d run out of gas pretty fast. Dropped some weight and it’s gotten WAY better.

    Just a thought.

  60. 60.

    Chris

    September 12, 2012 at 2:07 am

    @Zyla:

    I am really, really sorry for you.

  61. 61.

    Zyla

    September 12, 2012 at 2:15 am

    http://themittani.com/news/rip-vile-rat

    another friend has a decent writeup

  62. 62.

    burnspbesq

    September 12, 2012 at 2:18 am

    @Zyla:

    Condolences on your loss. Thoughts and prayers go out to your friend’s family.

  63. 63.

    BruinKid

    September 12, 2012 at 2:20 am

    @Zyla: Oh God no. Shit.

  64. 64.

    Yutsano

    September 12, 2012 at 2:28 am

    @Zyla: May he be at peace in his next existence, and may you find yours in this one. And that eulogy was awesome.

  65. 65.

    GregB

    September 12, 2012 at 2:32 am

    The trailer for the film looks like the film should be called Protocols for the Elders of Islam.

  66. 66.

    Mnemosyne

    September 12, 2012 at 2:32 am

    rootless_e posted a link to a really interesting opinion piece that’s running in today’s Haaretz:

    Clinton’s slap in the face

    The full story requires registration, but the bits that rootless posted were quite fascinating:

    Clinton said the United States considers negotiations “by far the best approach to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.” You don’t have to be an expert in American diplomatic language to understand to whom the secretary of state’s words are directed, and why. Blatant, direct, cold and harsh language is the only way to get the hearing-impaired country to understand what the Americans want from it.
    __
    Clinton did not direct her words at Tehran, but at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In other words: Israel will not present any ultimatum to the United States and will not dictate red or blue lines to Washington. The time has come, Clinton made it clear, for Israel to internalize the fact that the United States also has an independent policy, its own interests and timetable, which, amazingly, are not decided in Jerusalem.

    So Clinton says we’re not going to set a timetable for Iran (ie we won’t invade them) and, a couple of days later, American embassies in Egypt and Syria are attacked because people are upset about an anti-Islamic movie directed by an Israeli-American.

    IF (big IF) the two things are related, I think Bibi just fucked himself, ’cause no matter how much the US loves Israel, the American people are not going to play that shit.

  67. 67.

    Cain

    September 12, 2012 at 2:42 am

    @Mnemosyne:

    There is something to be said there. But will someone in the press actually be able to do some real investigative work? What about the Israeli press.

    If it comes to light that is what happens, I for one would be very interested in seeing what the outcome will be.

  68. 68.

    Mnemosyne

    September 12, 2012 at 2:43 am

    @Mnemosyne:

    Sorry, forgot to say that rootless_e’s post is in the thread below.

  69. 69.

    Cain

    September 12, 2012 at 2:44 am

    Also doing something like this is very foolish. You cannot contain what happens when you provoke the middle east in this way. These people have been abused by western powers for so long that they’ll just react to anything.

    Leave them the fuck alone and let’s move on to alternative power and let them figure out what kind of people they want to be.

  70. 70.

    Bago

    September 12, 2012 at 2:44 am

    @Zyla: Internet advice. Don’t drink for more than three days in a row. Things can escalate.

  71. 71.

    David Koch

    September 12, 2012 at 2:45 am

    @MikeJ: I was annoyed that the movie was 2:22 long. In comparison, Apocalypse Now is 2:33 and that flick is jammed packed. The actual hunger game didn’t start until the 1:09 mark. Almost half of the movie was the first act.

    So after a while, I figured that this would be a standard soap opera, that what it turned into. And it’s fine at that level, but without any interesting CGI, like Titanic or Superman circa 78 (similar soap operas), or any interesting action like BVS, the attention was undeserved.

  72. 72.

    MikeJ

    September 12, 2012 at 2:46 am

    @Mnemosyne: If you wish to add another data point, Bibi is going to be in NYC next month for a UN conference and asked for a meeting with Obama. Obama said no.

  73. 73.

    Or something like that.Suffern Ace

    September 12, 2012 at 2:46 am

    @Mnemosyne: Yep. Suddenly that preview that was pasted awhile got translated into Arabic. Something stinks.

  74. 74.

    Mnemosyne

    September 12, 2012 at 2:48 am

    @Cain:

    I have to admit, I have absolutely no fucking idea what we’re going to wake up to tomorrow. I’m pretty sure the only military action we’re going to see from the US is sending in military escorts to get all of the diplomatic personnel out of Egypt and Syria. After that, I have no idea what’s going to happen.

    ETA: Also, too, Obama may be slow to anger, but I think a whole lot of people are going to find out the hard way exactly what happens when you really piss him off.

  75. 75.

    Cain

    September 12, 2012 at 2:50 am

    @Mnemosyne:

    I have to admit, I have absolutely no fucking idea what we’re going to wake up to tomorrow. I’m pretty sure the only military action we’re going to see from the US is sending in military escorts to get all of the diplomatic personnel out of Egypt and Syria. After that, I have no idea what’s going to happen.

    This can’t be a coincidence.. but yeah. If he does a good job though, it will backfire on Romney. Or Romney can say the wrong thing and make it worse and someone will have to tell him to shut the fuck up.

  76. 76.

    Mnemosyne

    September 12, 2012 at 2:54 am

    @Cain:

    Odie Hugh Manatee had the official Romney response in the thread below:

    “It’s disgraceful that the Obama Administration’s first response was not to condemn attacks on our diplomatic missions, but to sympathize with those who waged the attacks.” –Mitt Romney

    I’m sure the Republicans thought this was all very clever, but I suspect that this is not going to make Romney look as good as they thought.

  77. 77.

    ? Martin

    September 12, 2012 at 2:55 am

    @Mnemosyne:

    IF (big IF) the two things are related

    I don’t think they are.

    1) It’s not just the movie (made months ago) but Terry Jones jackassery of trying and executing Mohammed in effigy today. That was also cited as possible motive today.
    2) Israels argument would be more powerful if these things happened in any relationship to Israel, and they didn’t really.
    3) It’s 9/11 and it’s the only real excuse fringe Muslims need to do stupid shit (just like Terry Jones needed no more excuse to do his stupid shit).

    Bibi is being a dick because Bibi is a dick. He wound Israel up before the 2008 election as well. He likes fucking up our politics and he’s found willing patsies in McCain and Romney.

    That all said, I won’t cry for the producer of that movie if bad things happen to him. Doing stupid shit should have consequences.

  78. 78.

    Cain

    September 12, 2012 at 2:56 am

    @Zyla:

    My condolences. I don’t know how it feels but I can feel your rage when reading twitter comments. There will always be light at the end of any dark tunnel. Keep the faith.

  79. 79.

    ? Martin

    September 12, 2012 at 2:58 am

    @Cain: It doesn’t sound like this is an ongoing demonstration, so I don’t think they’re going to evacuate. They’ll probably send in more security, though.

    I think the US is sufficiently invested in both countries doing well that we won’t want to bail out over something like this.

  80. 80.

    piratedan

    September 12, 2012 at 3:04 am

    OT: on the local election front….

    http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/09/11/1130504/-AZ-Sen-PPP-LCV-Poll-Shows-Dr-Richard-Carmona-D-Trailing-Jeff-Flake-R-By-1-Point

    just to show that I wasn’t talking out of my ass earlier when people were talking about what races were tight and where to put their cash….

    Suzanne… take heart, mayhap there are still enough sane people left in the state to make this a reality.

  81. 81.

    MikeJ

    September 12, 2012 at 3:07 am

    Unrelated to the chaos at hand, did anyone see this:

    The US government has said it has made a profit of $15.1bn (£9.4bn) so far on its bailout of insurer AIG, after selling stock in the firm this week.

    Here I was told that it cost us $27 trillion. Instead the $182B to AIG has already been paid off in full and is turning a profit. In fact, we still have another 16% of the company to sell.

  82. 82.

    Chris

    September 12, 2012 at 3:13 am

    @Mnemosyne:

    I’m sure the Republicans thought this was all very clever, but I suspect that this is not going to make Romney look as good as they thought.

    My conservative barometer PJM’s gone all in behind Romney’s statement. Since this is an Islamphobia/Obama-bashing two-birds-with-one-stone thing, I expect them to come to it like pigs to slop, so, hopefully, it does backfire and it’ll do so on all of them.

    (If the Egyptian embassy statement did indeed go out before the attacks, shouldn’t be hard).

    @? Martin:

    I agree, I don’t think the two things are connected.

  83. 83.

    ? Martin

    September 12, 2012 at 3:21 am

    @MikeJ: Here’s Propublica’s tally:

    926 Recipients
    $603.8B Total disbursement
    $340.2B Total returned
    $87.1B Total revenues from dividends, interest, and other fees
    $-176.5B Total net to date

    I don’t think the latest AIG sale is in that, nor does it really account for the value of assets we still hold (⅓ of GM, 1/6 of AIG, etc.)

    Freddie/Fannie is the bulk of that loss, though 100% of their profits come back to us, so it’ll keep getting paid down. GM will likely be a loss, but not a massive one.

    But that’s TARP plus other bailouts. We never spent the whole $700B authorized, so it’s a bit inaccurate for anyone to site that figure as ‘taxpayer loss’.

  84. 84.

    Or something like that.Suffern Ace

    September 12, 2012 at 3:31 am

    @Chris: Especially if it is a calm the fuck down message. Although I would expect several to believe that the purpose of diplomats are to inflame the population of the host country with insults.

  85. 85.

    Suffern ACE

    September 12, 2012 at 3:40 am

    @Or something like that.Suffern Ace: Well scratch that. I keep forgetting that Bolton is their foreign policy adviser. Of course they think diplomacy is about insults and threats.

  86. 86.

    Dennis SGMM

    September 12, 2012 at 5:21 am

    @Zyla:

    You have my deepest condolences for the loss of your friend. Please be extra careful with yourself while your emotions work themselves out.

  87. 87.

    tjmn

    September 12, 2012 at 5:31 am

    @BruinKid:

    I drove by the Pentagon after the attack. The hole in the side of the building was massive. How the hell can something like that be staged?

  88. 88.

    Narcissus

    September 12, 2012 at 5:51 am

    @tjmn: Elves, man. Elves.

  89. 89.

    ABL

    September 12, 2012 at 5:51 am

    @Zyla: I’m so sorry for your loss, Zyla.

  90. 90.

    raven

    September 12, 2012 at 5:57 am

    From the BBC

    US ambassador ‘killed in Libya’

    The US ambassador to Libya has died after being attacked by militiamen storming the US consulate in the eastern city of Benghazi, reports say.

    This shit is going to be ugly.

  91. 91.

    Geoduck

    September 12, 2012 at 6:04 am

    @tjmn:

    The prevailing.. I hesitate to use the word “theory”, but.. is that it was a missile of some sort instead of a plane. No, it doesn’t make the slightest bit of sense.

  92. 92.

    WereBear

    September 12, 2012 at 6:08 am

    @Zyla: My deepest sympathy to you and his family.

    I agree that it is all the more reason not to entrust Republicans with anything. Simply put, they have no honor.

  93. 93.

    Todd

    September 12, 2012 at 6:33 am

    @some guy:

    Writer and director Sam Bacile spoke on the phone Tuesday from an unidentified location. He remained defiant, saying Islam is a cancer and he wanted his film to make a political statement.

    I’m happy to kick in to a bounty bucket on this fucker.

  94. 94.

    Hugh

    September 12, 2012 at 6:45 am

    Based on the manic pace of ABL’s tweets I suspect she’s high octane all the time. Fun, sweet and exhausting. You on the other hand I suspect are set in your ways and therefore alterations in your routine cost you emotionally. Put the two of you together for nine days and wham.

    How’d I do?

    Hugh

  95. 95.

    JPL

    September 12, 2012 at 6:45 am

    @Zyla: It’s a great idea and hopefully Cole saw your comment. I’m so sorry for your loss and Romney’s reaction was terrible.

  96. 96.

    Older_Wiser

    September 12, 2012 at 6:46 am

    When are some people going to be arrested for treason?

    I’m so sick of religion, and its bullshit I could scream. When a “belief” system can dictate foreign policy, and not sound reasoning and diplomacy, I’d ready to pack it in.

    The Rmoney campaign, in a riches of cynicism mode, advised releasing his “statement” before midnight last night. Tone deaf? Not even close.

    These idiots are so goddamned ignorant about foreign policy, not to mention meddling in an extremely delicate situation, they should just sit down and STFU.

    What person in their right mind would even consider voting for a Republicant these days?

  97. 97.

    Older_Wiser

    September 12, 2012 at 6:57 am

    And John, sorry to hear that you’re “run down”, but at age 71, I find that taking a multi- and 1,000 mg of C everyday helps tremendously and keeps me going pretty much full speed. You might want to check your bp and sugar levels everyday, too. I was carrying extra weight and it almost put me into diabetes-land; have shed almost 40 lbs and feel terrific. No restaurant food–ever, esp fast food! It will cause blood sugar to rise like a balloon. I’m controlling hbs with diet only and count carbs.

    I also take a nap when I need it. : )

    P.S. I’m also raising my great-grandson who will be 3 in Dec. Best thing that ever motivated me.

  98. 98.

    Louis.

    September 12, 2012 at 6:58 am

    Libyan Ambassador killed by enraged mob. Said mob enraged by obscure you tube video showing muhammed to be committing paedophellia. Film supported by Terry jones the koran burning florida pastor.
    Mitt Romney has called obamas response disgraceful. This is perhaps relevant to the election.

  99. 99.

    kay

    September 12, 2012 at 7:05 am

    The NYTimes has Romney as “apparently unaware” that he’s wrong on the timing of the diplomat’s statement.
    Why would they put that in a news piece?
    Why offer an excuse that Romney himself hasn’t offered?
    He said what he said. Let him explain it. I mean, Jesus, they wouldn’t go the OTHER way. They’d never write “Romney was aware of the timing but said it anyway”.
    He’s a fucking menace. He thinks this is a game. Can no one shut him up?

  100. 100.

    amk

    September 12, 2012 at 7:10 am

    @kay: the free speech porn, the gun porn and the msm. The troika that brings america down.

  101. 101.

    kindness

    September 12, 2012 at 7:14 am

    John is hitting geezerhood young and letting us all see it unfold before us. It’s OK. Some of us are boomers and actual geezers (although most of us don’t act it so much, hey you! get off my lawn hippy!)

  102. 102.

    kay

    September 12, 2012 at 7:19 am

    @amk:

    If they can’t get a statement from the idiot’s campaign excusing what he said, then just write what he said.
    Why are they guessing at what he knows or doesn’t know? They’re bending over backward to supply good intentions. Nothing is “apparent”. Just leave it out.

  103. 103.

    JPL

    September 12, 2012 at 7:25 am

    @kay: The article should have been on the oped page.

  104. 104.

    ExurbanMom

    September 12, 2012 at 7:29 am

    @Zyla: So sorry for your loss, Zyla. Thinking of you today.

  105. 105.

    Older_Wiser

    September 12, 2012 at 7:35 am

    All of this is why Israel should never dictate US foreign policy. Bacile is an Israeli Firster and a traitor to the US. Israeli speakers, even this morning, are going on and on about Iran–they want war and on their terms, somethng Rmoney and the Republicants are supporting. They intend to push this meme by any means necessary.

    Bacile is being aided and abetted by the crazed rightwing evangelical, Jones, of course, and by tacit agreement by the entire rightwing. Deport both of these hatemongers since they despise the US, and this President, so much. Freedom? Not with their kind. Ambassador Stevens is the first ambassador to be killed since 1979. Relations with Libya are a delicate matter, as with other countries, and this kind of interference in foreign policy is treason.

    This kind of shit, the underbelly of the internet, is pure hate and is getting people killed–it’s ignorant and leads to more ignorant behavior. It’s what will lead to some kind of censorship eventually, and who wants that?

  106. 106.

    sherparick

    September 12, 2012 at 7:36 am

    @Violet: I don’t know about the not eating meat bit (modest portions of agreeable foods), but the bit about sleeping (lots of sleeping), drinking lots of water, and moderate walks sounds about right. I would also avoid TV and try to limit your computer time the next couple of days.

    P.S. Welcome to middle age.

  107. 107.

    sherparick

    September 12, 2012 at 7:45 am

    @Zyla: I am very sorry to hear the loss of your friend, especially in such a horrible and shocking fashiong. Words never make these things better, but know that you have touched others on this blog.

  108. 108.

    ExurbanMom

    September 12, 2012 at 7:52 am

    I encourage Juicers to read the article in Vanity Fair.

    http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/2012/10/michael-lewis-profile-barack-obama

    It focuses, in part, on the way Obama found a path to intervention in Libya that prevented thousands of civilian deaths and lead to the overthrow of their corrupt leadership. The article gives me tremendous faith in the president’s decision making. And it gives me renewed anger at extremists who think that killing our ambassador and other staff members is a good way to make a point, about anything. The U.S. stopped a fucking genocide in your country, Libyans. Thanks so much for your gratitude.

  109. 109.

    jrosen

    September 12, 2012 at 7:52 am

    Over at NYT, Chunky Ross Douthat has thrown in the towel on R&R; in typical weasel fashion of course, but there it lies anyway. Can dotty George be far behind?

  110. 110.

    J.D. Rhoades

    September 12, 2012 at 7:53 am

    @BGinCHI:

    @GregB: I could not fucking believe that.
    Priebus is that rare combination of douche and bag, all in one package.

    I could totally believe it. Jon Stewart,as usual, nailed it with his description of Priebus at the RNC: “angry drunk guy.”

  111. 111.

    Ben Cisco

    September 12, 2012 at 7:53 am

    Holy crap, Infinite Ericks got one (sorta) right:

    I think the Romney camp has to be very delicate in how it approaches this issue. Hard for partisans to see, but POTUS is POTUS.

    Of course, this was AFTER Romney stuck his foot down his throat again…

  112. 112.

    J.D. Rhoades

    September 12, 2012 at 7:58 am

    @Zyla:

    Oh my god…I’m so sorry, Zyla.

  113. 113.

    J.D. Rhoades

    September 12, 2012 at 8:00 am

    I have looked at Obama’s statement a haf dozen times, and no matter how hard I squint, I can’t find an expression of sympathy for the attackers.

    Romney and Reince lying again. Whocoodanode?

  114. 114.

    Older_Wiser

    September 12, 2012 at 8:02 am

    Just in–3 others killed in Libya in addition to Amb Stevens.

    All right then, Bacile and his facilitators have the blood of 4 on their hands. All Americans, I would assume, in that embassy.

    When will this madness stop?

  115. 115.

    Angela

    September 12, 2012 at 8:05 am

    @Zyla: I am sorry about your loss. Such terrible news. My heart goes out to you and to your friends family.

  116. 116.

    Ben Cisco

    September 12, 2012 at 8:12 am

    @Zyla: My condolences on your (and our) loss. May the Prophets guide him home and grant you solace.

  117. 117.

    raven

    September 12, 2012 at 8:13 am

    @Older_Wiser: Yea, just in. I posted it here 2 hours ago.

  118. 118.

    Older_Wiser

    September 12, 2012 at 8:16 am

    @raven: No reason to be snarky. I simply haven’t seen it anywhere else until just a few minutes ago.

    I simply won’t comment here anymore if that’s your wont.

  119. 119.

    raven

    September 12, 2012 at 8:19 am

    @Older_Wiser: You are not the only old and wise guy here!

  120. 120.

    kc

    September 12, 2012 at 8:57 am

    You need to get out more!

  121. 121.

    raven

    September 12, 2012 at 8:59 am

    @Older_Wiser: Take it easy.

  122. 122.

    Patricia Kayden

    September 12, 2012 at 9:04 am

    John,

    You’re sounding tired. Cheer up. Just think of all the fun you’ve had — so much that you’re now slowly coming back down to earth. At least ABL never got a good photo of you. That should make you happy.

  123. 123.

    chopper

    September 12, 2012 at 9:23 am

    poor mitt, always relegated to the children’s table.

  124. 124.

    chopper

    September 12, 2012 at 9:31 am

    well, i guess our october surprise came a month early. gonna go pop some popcorn and wait for my draft number to get called up.

  125. 125.

    Tuffy

    September 12, 2012 at 9:46 am

    From Greg Sargent’s blog:

    The poll finds that a big majority of Americans, 67 percent, supports keeping Medicare as it is — a government-run health insurance plan. Meanwhile, only 27 percent support changing the system to provide a fixed sum to seniors for private insurance or remaining in the traditional program — the reform Paul Ryan has proposed and Mitt Romney supports.

    Another crazification factor spotted in the wild!

  126. 126.

    Maude

    September 12, 2012 at 10:00 am

    Four diplomats were killed in Libya.
    Obama used the word outrage and I agree with it.
    The filmmaker can stay in hiding for the rest of his life. He is scum.
    His own personal views on a religion are his and he was aware of tensions about mocking Muslims.

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