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Wednesday Morning Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Wed May 05, 2010 at 11:14:22 AM EST
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Open Thread.

Orin Kerr on the Times Square "Bomber":

Shahzad is a U.S. citizen who has been living in the United States and was caught in the United States for a crime committed in the United States: Surely this is a case for federal court.

(Emphasis supplied.) Surely. What could make it not a case for federal court? Repealing all federal laws that criminalize the alleged actions. Will Lieberman propose that?

< Lieberman's Goal: Pushing All Terror Trials To Military Commissions? | How Lieberman's Proposal Would Work Proves How Pointless It Is >

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    Wednesday Morning Open Thread | 48 comments (48 topical)

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    Another one bites the dust... (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by NJDem on Wed May 05, 2010 at 11:50:52 AM EST
    David Obey (D-WI) is going to annouce his retirement

    Anyone (ahem, Cream City...) want to weigh in?

    Also--is anyone watching Nurse Jackie this season?

    Nurse Jackie fan here, (none / 0) (#22)
    by Anne on Wed May 05, 2010 at 12:28:12 PM EST
    but I fell asleep Monday night about 10 minutes in, so will have to catch it later this week.

    I really like the show; even though the characters are kind of over-the-top, there's an essential humanity there that rings true.

    Parent

    Ah, you beat me to it (none / 0) (#30)
    by Cream City on Wed May 05, 2010 at 01:15:15 PM EST
    and I'll try to find time today (a busy day of grading; it's that time of year:-) to find my comment here a while ago that said that he was in trouble.  (Btw, this is good news in the long run, though, for women Dems who want to run here . . . based on what some have said about Obey and his influence in the party here.  But it may not be enough until some more of the old guard go on to that great male-only party convention in the sky.)

    And he's not alone.  Dems probably will lose the governorship and several House seats in Wisconsin.

    As for a Senate seat, Feingold has been fundraising more than ever seen before, as I also noted here some time ago.  But the first really serious GOP challenger -- aka, a well-known name here, because it's on beer bottles here :-) -- just announced, so it remains to be seen what could happen in that one.

    In sum, I'll say it again:  2008 was an aberration here.  Look to 2000 and 2004, when this was the closest state in the country.  It still is the home, the birthplace, of the Republican Party.

    Parent

    Thanks for the insight and (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by NJDem on Wed May 05, 2010 at 02:08:37 PM EST
    taking the time to offer it!  (I know the feeling, I'm in academia too and supposed to be working on a conference paper today... :))  

    Even with all the GOP foot-shooting, I'd be surprised if the demographic breakdowns in '10 don't reflect the dramatic switch seen in Brown's MA win (or to what I think was a lesser extent in the VA and NJ govenor races).  The problem is, it seems the Dems are learning the wrong lesson by this constant desire to define the center from the right--but does that mean if, say, they loose both houses in '10 they will start to redefine the center and push for real progressive policies?  Somehow I doubt it...

    And looking forward to discussing Nurse Jackie when you catch up later this week Anne!

    Parent

    Nurse Jackie fan here too (none / 0) (#37)
    by ruffian on Wed May 05, 2010 at 01:55:12 PM EST
    Are you Nurse Jackie Dem ;-) ?

    I like it even better this year. I think Zoey is a lot funnier. And this is the only show in which I've ever really enjoyed Anna Deveare Smith as an actress. I think the direction must be great.

    Edie Falco is perfect - not afraid to be a real human character. Unlikeable and loveable by turns.

    The O'Hara - Julia Ormond storyline is interesting and believable, to me anyway. Great characters.

    Parent

    Yeah, (none / 0) (#48)
    by NJDem on Wed May 05, 2010 at 07:42:34 PM EST
    I agree about Zoey--she has been cracking me up this season!  

    And have you noticed that the male nurse (the diabetic) talks like a ventriloquist?  Like his jaw is locked or something--drives me crazy (apologies for the pettiness).

    I really enjoy the show, but I don't get why Julie Ormond didn't just ask her girlfriend to treat her for the bite, which I assume she would have noticed considering the nature of their relationship--I do think they have good chemistry though (and I assume Christiane Amanpour must be flattered...)

    And I agree about Edie Falco.  I was thinking last night that I completely forgot she was Carmela--no small task...

    Parent

    Here's that past comment (none / 0) (#46)
    by Cream City on Wed May 05, 2010 at 07:08:49 PM EST
    from a couple of weeks ago:

     Btw, a link to Obey's opposition (5.00 / 2) (#8)
    by Cream City on Sun Apr 25, 2010 at 01:47:58 PM EST
    website.  The opponent is under 40, born after Obey first went to Congress.  Obey is over 70 now, and increasingly curmudgeonly toward his constituents, as seen in encounters widely seen on Youtube.  More important in his state is that, as the NYT notes, Obey is said to not be seen much in his district -- nor even campaign signs.

    I was just reminded this week, on Earth Day, of the sad end of a distinguished public service career for its founder, Gaylord Nelson.  It was a shameful end, as Wisconsin ran him out for not being home enough -- and put in his place a horrible GOP'er, then replaced by Feingold.  And thus the rationale behind Feingold's legendary visit to every one of the 72 counties in the state, every year.  But even that may not help him, Obey, and others in this horrible economic climate -- as although the country is gaining jobs, Wisconsin still is losing them.

    The inaction of Congress and the White House on jobs, the inanity of the "jobless recovery," could be a killer here.  It will be interesting to see the reaction tomorrow to a visit by Biden and Geithner.  I expect that they will be booed.

    And in comments by the hundreds in the leading paper here about the Obey story, I am reminded that what he really was going to hit is a lot of hate here about the stimulus bills because, as you may recall, he proudly claimed to have had a major role in getting them passed.  The line on him is that he never brought bacon back to his state -- Wisconsin is something like 48th in return on what it sends to Washington in federal taxes -- and it does seem from analyses here that the state is not getting its fair share of the stimulus funding, either, and with one of the hardest-hit state economies.  Since I wrote that comment, joblessness and foreclosures and plant closings continue to go up, up, up here -- and in contrast to reports on the national economy, adding to the anger in Wisconsin.

    Parent

    Thanks CC! (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by NJDem on Wed May 05, 2010 at 07:33:46 PM EST
    I remember that comment because I had just put up a little exhibit in the library for Earth Day and had a section on Gaylord Nelson.  

    And I think you are spot-on about Obey not wanting to defend his role in the 'stimulus' bills--there is a reason people are so angry....  

    Parent

    RFK Jr on the oil spill (5.00 / 2) (#18)
    by ruffian on Wed May 05, 2010 at 12:09:06 PM EST
    Worth a read.

    Bush administration literally in bed with the oil industry.  it would take a Dem administration eager to root these people out of all agencies to prevent a long string of disasters. Maybe when they get tired of taking the blame for them, they will start.

    Saw that. Good article. (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by Dr Molly on Wed May 05, 2010 at 01:00:58 PM EST
    But, isn't it so much easier to take the Gov. Perry route and claim that it's just an act of god and nothing could have prevented it...

    Parent
    Yes, a must read. (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by KeysDan on Wed May 05, 2010 at 01:03:42 PM EST
    Robert Kennedy's article summarizes most of what went wrong and why it is likely to continue without serious changes--and that applies not just to a moratorium on new drilling but also, to all existing offshore wells.  A new matter of concern, not mentioned, in the article is the "good idea" BP took from Exxon, namely injecting massive amounts of dispersant at the well head.  The procedure is experimental with known unknowns and unknown unknowns, paraphrased from Rummy. Ask your favorite broker about Nalco stock (Naperville, IL), maker of the surfactant, Corexit 9500.  Nalco stock is rising faster than the BP gusher, ever since BP is buying up vast amounts of the world's supply of surfactant. Dispersants, of course do not eliminate the oil nor does it decrease its toxicity. But it does make it less visible and a little less likely to get to shore.-where it might to cleaned up.  Moreover, an additional potentially toxic substance is added to the sea.  Kennedy's criticism of the Obama response seems mild to me.

    Parent
    Yes, their use of dipersants is really (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by Joan in VA on Wed May 05, 2010 at 02:08:06 PM EST
    bothering me. I don't agree with hiding the spill on the seafloor and doing additional damage in the process. Seems a certainty that more sea life will be killed and oil sitting on the bottom can't be good either. I'm angry that no one seems to be listening to biologists and others who are speaking out against their methods though not surprised that BP is allowed to do whatever it wants to do. Not surprised that Kennedy wouldn't be too critical either.


    Parent
    Just in case you were confused... (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by kdog on Wed May 05, 2010 at 03:26:24 PM EST
    about what child endangerment is, Reason breaks it down.

    Smoking a little reefer endangers the child.  Breaking & Entering and murdering family pets protects the child.  I'm sure glad that's been cleared up.

    I could see... (none / 0) (#1)
    by kdog on Wed May 05, 2010 at 11:33:02 AM EST
    this brand of Swedish police work really takin' off in AZ.

    like Im sure (none / 0) (#4)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed May 05, 2010 at 11:39:28 AM EST
    thats never happened here.

    not


    Parent

    Of course it has... (none / 0) (#7)
    by kdog on Wed May 05, 2010 at 11:42:54 AM EST
    just sayin' the door is open for more of it, especially down Arizona way.

    More power is more power to abuse...its why its best to keep power in check.

    Parent

    Maybe all the more so-- (none / 0) (#16)
    by KeysDan on Wed May 05, 2010 at 12:07:08 PM EST
    as with our Swedish guy, a lot them there in their "sixties". ;)

    Parent
    Heh. I'm a lot more interested (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by jeffinalabama on Wed May 05, 2010 at 12:10:15 PM EST
    in soaking my feet, a good nap, and a nice alcoholic drink... Maybe those Swedes have a stronger libido! ;-P

    Parent
    of all the things Obama could do (none / 0) (#2)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed May 05, 2010 at 11:36:52 AM EST
    with the upcoming SC nomination, this might get me the most excited:

    To replace John Paul Stevens, an atheist

    dont often agree with HotAir (none / 0) (#3)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed May 05, 2010 at 11:38:17 AM EST
    but I agree with this:

    Er, an atheist justice absolutely would be a matter of identity politics, and a bizarre one for two reasons. First, after Stevens quits, the Court will consist of six Catholics and two Jews. In a country where half the population is Protestant, good luck selling the public on the idea that it's the godless who are underrepresented on the bench. Second, I'd pay cash money to see The One stand up at the podium in the Rose Garden and make the case to voters that the Supreme Court's big shortcoming is that it's not hard enough on religion.

    Parent

    I don't know. This Pres. says his family (none / 0) (#5)
    by oculus on Wed May 05, 2010 at 11:40:50 AM EST
    hasn't yet "chosen a church" because attendance by the First Family disrupts worship for others.  And he receives ecumenical prayers via e mail.  

    Parent
    true or not (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed May 05, 2010 at 11:41:33 AM EST
    that actually makes sense to me.

    Parent
    Times have definitely changed. (none / 0) (#8)
    by oculus on Wed May 05, 2010 at 11:45:18 AM EST
    Interesting interview but no significant ripple from it.

    Parent
    Staggering? (none / 0) (#12)
    by squeaky on Wed May 05, 2010 at 11:50:53 AM EST
    It's rather staggering to consider that more than two centuries after our Constitution codified the absolute separation of church and state, we've never had a single top court justice who was an atheist. The closest we ever got were a handful of Unitarians. Close but no cigar.

    Silly argument, imo. To argue for choosing a SC justice based on his or her religion or personal beliefs (atheist), is tantamount to ignoring the Separation between Church and State.

    Parent

    Silly comment. There already is a (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by observed on Wed May 05, 2010 at 12:28:08 PM EST
    de facto religious litmus test, in that atheists are not considered.
    Your argument applies equally to say there should be no consideration to appointing minorities or women to the court.

    Parent
    deFacto deSchmacto (none / 0) (#36)
    by squeaky on Wed May 05, 2010 at 01:55:06 PM EST
    I have no idea what you are talking about. My comment is only to point out that if you are arguing for separation of Church and State, you cannot also argue that one's personal relationship to God is relevant.

    As far as the rest of what you said, there is no question that SC appointments are political, and religion can be a political issue.

    Parent

    I think that is exactly the opposite (none / 0) (#14)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed May 05, 2010 at 11:53:21 AM EST
    of what he is arguing actually.
     

    Parent
    Yes (none / 0) (#20)
    by squeaky on Wed May 05, 2010 at 12:13:21 PM EST
    That is why it is a silly argument. To argue Separation of Church and State, and to argue that one's personal beliefs regarding religion as a litmus test is relevant, is arguing against the point.

    Parent
    ok, forget litmus test (none / 0) (#24)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed May 05, 2010 at 12:37:05 PM EST
    how about a simple consideration of a non religious person?
    to much to ask?

    I would just like to see the reaction.

    the writer is correct.  we are under represented almost everywhere.  thats because we dont constantly whine about being under represented.  we are quite use to it.

    Parent

    Maher (none / 0) (#25)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed May 05, 2010 at 12:40:14 PM EST
    on the whole religion thing from last weekend.

    it cuts out one of the best lines.  he says something like, we again saw why our society is not just different from one that makes death threats against cartoonists, its better.

    Parent

    Have you guys gotten a load of... (none / 0) (#9)
    by kdog on Wed May 05, 2010 at 11:46:46 AM EST
    this "Beware of the Dinosaurs" email thingy?

    If this ain't no hoax, I say we the people of Main St. accept the challenge...I don't think your average master of the universe could hack it doing Main St. work for Main St. pay...bring it on tough guys, my money says you'll be running back to the country club with your squiggly tails between your legs.

    If the vouchers and charter schools (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by jondee on Wed May 05, 2010 at 03:58:31 PM EST
    crowd had problems with "our failing public schools" before, just wait till those guys start requiring six figures plus guaranteed stock options to start. Talk about the Teachers Union from Hell..

    But then, maybe some expressions of pure, unbridled greed would give teachers credibility with the Right they were lacking before..

    Parent

    Too funny ain't it... (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by kdog on Wed May 05, 2010 at 05:20:35 PM EST
    to pick on teachers, of all people.  

    Sh*t they pay nannies, boarding schools, and summer camps so they don't have to deal with their own kids...they think they can watch, much less partially educate, 30 or so of other people's kids?  Who is booking the action here on this challenge, I want some of this easy money:)

    Parent

    what a freakin joke (none / 0) (#10)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed May 05, 2010 at 11:50:47 AM EST
    bring it on tough guys.  

    one thing though.  you will need actual, you know, SKILLS.

    Parent

    I see one skill... (none / 0) (#15)
    by kdog on Wed May 05, 2010 at 11:54:39 AM EST
    that is abundant on Wall St., fuzzy math...wait till they see how well fuzzy math works on a carpentry job:)

    Parent
    ome of the comments was great-- (5.00 / 2) (#17)
    by jeffinalabama on Wed May 05, 2010 at 12:08:11 PM EST
    "The parasite thinks it has become the host."

    that one about summed it up for me.

    Parent

    funny (none / 0) (#13)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed May 05, 2010 at 11:52:25 AM EST
    well, not being a parent of a teenager its funny:

    Parents Don't Think Their Own Teens Are Having Sex

    Many parents don't think their kids are interested in sex, but believe that everyone else's kids are, a new study reveals.

    Bless their hearts... (none / 0) (#23)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Wed May 05, 2010 at 12:28:19 PM EST
    Go to Google Maps, type in "United States," and you'll be reminded of just how big Texas is. But what you can't see is the size of the state's citizenry: Five Lone Star cities are among the nation's fattest, with Corpulent Christi at the top.

    Link

    webcam fakery? Is it possible? (none / 0) (#26)
    by observed on Wed May 05, 2010 at 12:49:11 PM EST
    I just heard a story about a guy (friend of a friend) who was fooled by a woman from Africa into sending money, etc. They talked on the phone, and were talking about marriage.
    He bought her a ticket, and found out when he met her that her picture was fake.
    The surprising thing is that they apparently chatted on webcam. She was using a porn star's pic.
    Is it really possible to fake someone elses' face on webcam?

    Tough guys (none / 0) (#29)
    by DancingOpossum on Wed May 05, 2010 at 01:08:00 PM EST
    Well, I have to agree with this from the alleged Wall Street e-mailer:

    Branding an entire group of people liars and thieves is pretty funny coming from Washington.

    wait till they see how well fuzzy math works on a carpentry job:)

    Heh! "Measure once, cut three times...wahh?"

    True dat... (none / 0) (#31)
    by kdog on Wed May 05, 2010 at 01:22:54 PM EST
    that was a good line...the old pot meet kettle.

    And it's true they put in some killer hours, at least the cats I know making their living in that cesspool do...but thats hardly worthy of praise, I mean we don't praise hitmen who put in long hours casing their mark.

    Parent

    lots of people work long hours (none / 0) (#32)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed May 05, 2010 at 01:25:05 PM EST
    I have been doing that myself.  the question is how would the feel about doing it and NOT making a million a year.


    Parent
    this is interesting (none / 0) (#33)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed May 05, 2010 at 01:26:29 PM EST
    Unharnessed anger: Incumbents win in NC, OH, IN

    INDIANAPOLIS - It turned out anger didn't translate at the ballot box.

    Voters in North Carolina and Ohio kept their incumbents while those in Indiana turned to an old Capitol Hill hand -- Republican Dan Coats -- in Tuesday's primaries despite the nation's bottom-of-the-barrel support for Congress and frustration with the Washington establishment.

    combine that with the new polls that show Christ leading as an "outsider" and tell me what it means?

    Goes along with the theory that (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by ruffian on Wed May 05, 2010 at 02:00:46 PM EST
    it is usually everyone else's incumbents people hate. They are more or less satisfied with their own.

    Parent
    Piper Palin photos at Huff Post. (none / 0) (#34)
    by oculus on Wed May 05, 2010 at 01:33:17 PM EST
    Very cute. Well, except the Coach bag--a fashion fail.  

    Mayor Bloomberg is testifying in (none / 0) (#35)
    by oculus on Wed May 05, 2010 at 01:36:37 PM EST
    Albany in support of a bill to deny firearms to terrorists.  See Huff Post.  Even I think this is pretty silly.

    I have no idea what this movie will be like (none / 0) (#41)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed May 05, 2010 at 03:19:54 PM EST
    but the trailer is awsum.

    GOP "enthusiasm" (none / 0) (#42)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed May 05, 2010 at 03:22:19 PM EST
    down 11 points in one month.

    Wednesday Morning Open Thread | 48 comments (48 topical)

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