Tucker Carlson is a schmuck

You all probably knew that already, but here’s yet more evidence–the way he treats Dr. Asma Mobin Uddin in a discussion about the “jihad” car ad that was recently pulled after area Muslim groups protested. You can see the interview here on YouTube.

I’ve met Asma on a couple of occasions. She spoke at an adult education forum at my church a couple years ago, and also preached the sermon that day (I attend a rather progressive Episcopal church). Then, last year, I heard her speak at an interfaith forum on prayer. You can see the transcript of her remarks here. I have nothing but respect for Dr. Asma Mobin-Uddin, who I think presented her views calmly and sensibly. As for Tucker Carlson, I agree with Jon Stewart:

CARLSON: I do think you’re more fun on your show. Just my opinion.
…
STEWART: You know what’s interesting, though? You’re as big a dick on your show as you are on any show.

The Challenge of Terror

For anyone who would like to donate to help puddle with the expenses of her unplanned/unexpected trip to Texas to be with Edwin in the hospital, Agatha has posted details here.

I thought this might be a good time to excerpt and link The Challenge of Terror, written by John Paul Lederach in the days that immediately followed September 11, 2001. Lederach is a Professor of International Peacebuilding at the University of Notre Dame. Clearly, the U.S. government didn’t heed his advice when responding to the events of 9/11/01, but I still think the essay is worth reading. And, since the media is busily revisiting everything else about that tragic day, I can’t think of any reason *not* to revisit these thoughtful words.

Military action to destroy terror, particularly as it affects already vulnerable civilian populations will be like hitting a fully mature dandelion with a golf club: This will further perpetuate the myth of “evil United States military might” and will assure yet another generation of recruits.

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Haloscan problems

There have been some real problems with Haloscan today, such that I need to make a good half dozen attempts to get one comment to post, so I imagine the same is happening for others people as well. So I am crossposting this entry at the “emergency backup blog” over at WordPress. If there’s something you’d like to share with the HEP family and can’t get commenting to work here, you can try leaving a comment at the WordPress blog, or you can e-mail me at howardempowered@gmail.com.

Strickland-Blackwell debate: Closing Remarks

The first of four scheduled debates between Ohio gubernatorial candidates Ted Strickland and Ken Blackwell was took place at noon today, airing on the Ohio News Network and streaming live on WFMJ. It will air again on ONN tonight at 11 p.m.. Here are the candidates closing remarks…

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Moderator: We now come to the last part of the debate, the closing remarks. Mr. Blackwell, you have two minutes. Ken Blackwell: Thank you very much for this opportunity to speak to my fellow Ohioans. I’ve had the opportunity to live the American dream. That public housing community that I talked about at the beginning of these debates was a half mile away from City Hall. I sold peanuts inside and outside of Crosley Field. I went on to become the mayor of my hometown, and I now am a minority shareholder of the Cincinnati Reds. I’ve lived the American Dream, I’ve answered the question. My wife and I have worked very very hard over our lifetime, we’ve actually taken risks, risks with our own homes to start a business to produce jobs. I want more Ohioans to be able to live that American Dream.Right now, too many of our young people believe that, in order to go up, they have to go out. I want to restore an option. I want to put an Ohio option back in their hands, where they know with confidence that if they exercise their options, they can find better education here in Ohio, they can, in fact, have health coverage. They can find a job, and elevated incomes. I think that that requires leadership, and leadership that has a record of accomplishment. I will compare, over the next 64 days, my record with that with Ted Strickland’s, and I think that people will see that he is a get along to go along guy, or go along to get along guy. He is an extension of the status quo, I represent change. I look forward to ushering in a new era of prosperity. Ohioans deserve a better future, Tom Raga and I want to lead them there.

Moderator: Thank you, sir. Mr. Strickland, you’ve got two minutes.Ted Strickland: Well, I think the choice is clear. If people like what’s happening in Ohio, if they like the leadership they’ve gotten, if they like the condition of our state, then they should vote for Mr. Ken Blackwell. Because he represents a continuation of the Taft-Blackwell way of governing. I represent change. I come from modest backgrounds, as I said earlier, wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but Ohio has been good to me. Ohio has enabled me to serve as a minister and as a psychologist, and as a university professor, and to have the great privilege of serving in the House of Representatives, representing the people of southern and southeastern Ohio. I’ve been able to do things because of education.

And I want to make a promise to Ohioans. If they elect me to be their governor, every morning when I get out of bed, I’m going to look in the mirror and I’m going to say, “Governor Strickland, what are you going to do today to create jobs for Ohioans to provide economic security for Ohio’s families? What are you going to do today to make education of high quality and college affordable for the young people of Ohio. And what are you going to do today, Ted Strickland, to make sure that the people of Ohio who need healthcare can get healthcare without bankrupting their families. Those are the kitchen table issues, the bread-and-butter, dinner bucket issues facing Ohioans, education, healthcare, and economic security for their families.Those are the issues. No more polarization–I will work to pull Ohioans together, Republicans, Independents and Democrats alike, to move our great state forward. That’s the challenge. That’s what’s facing Ohio, and I ask for your support, because, together, we can move our state forward, and make Ohio great once again. … Moderator: Before we leave, I have a quick question. Jerry Springer’s

going to be on the show Dancing with the Stars. Would either of you be interested in competing? (Laughter)

Ken Blackwell: Like his brother Ted, the only thing Jerry’s good at running is his mouth. (More laughter).Ted Strickland: Well, that was sort of a nasty thing to say. I just would like to end by thanking my worthy opponent for participating in this debate. … Some “crosstalk” can be heard between the moderator and Blackwell, stepping on the end of Strickland’s remarks. I could hear more laughter, “Thank you sir” and “Appreciate it”, and then Blackwell’s voice saying “I was talking about Jerry.”

Nice save, Ken–not! Ken Blackwell simply can’t stop himself from being a petty namecaller, which was evident throughout the debate. That he chose to answer this light, joking question from the moderator in, as Ted Strickland said, such a nasty way, only serves to highlight this truth about Blackwell.So, which of these two men has the necessary character “to work to pull Ohioans together, Republicans, Independents and Democrats alike, to move our great state forward”. I think Ken Blackwell just answered that question for us.

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Howard on Face the Nation, Full Transcript

I’ve transcribed Howard Dean’s appearance on Face the Nation, and I’ve added both that transcript and the other one I did recently to the left sidebar (which admittedly hadn’t been updated for quite a while). Thank you Linda in Cincinnati for the annotated Google video. You can recommend her Kos diary here. And while you’re over there, you can help out Oscar with his survey.

Howard Dean on Face the Nation, Sunday, September 3, 2006

Howard Dean’s Speech to the DNC in Chicago, August 19, 2006

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Bloggers report on their visit with Subway Serenade

From Agatha…

Hello bloggers,

I’m writing to report on Subway Serenade, whom puddle, Thankful, and I got to spend some time with today.

Subway is Subway (meaning he’s amazing), but he is a sick Subway who definitely could use all the vibes, prayers, hugs, snuggles, voodoo incantations, or whatever is in your arsenal. The tumor was benign, but he is still in ICU. Hopefully, he will be moved out of there today, and then his wife can stay with him. If all goes well, he will be out of the hospital in a week. He is in a lot of pain, what with X-rays and fever and the like, so keep him in your hearts.

Even though Subway has enough tubes sticking out of him to power the internets, do NOT think of Subway as a victim. He is a PROUD DEANIAC. Before even mentioning the pain, Subway first bitched about a judge ruling against Francine Busby. That’s right. And, he’s not at all happy that Karl Rove has been helping Vito Fosella (disgusting representative of Staten Island… a used car salesman at best). So, Subway can’t wait to get out of the hospital to KICK SOME BUTT. He is itching to write songs again and take his country back. And…

Howard’s Angels (that would be puddle, Thankful, and I) let Subway know that the blog would much rather know about Subway’s bill of health than Robert’s. We told Subway that evidently, when a proctologist looks up Robert’s anus, he smiles (note my medical terminology so as not to offend the blog). So, Subway is gearing up to kick Robert’s ass, too (puddle pointed out that since Robert’s butt is so clean, Subway won’t have to get his toes dirty). Watch out, right wingers!

It’s always good to see Subway, but I didn’t like the setting and condition he was in. I want to see him singing in Gramercy Park again soon, and he definitely agrees. But, under all the pain and sedation he is in, there is still a twinkle in his eye and determination in his quiet voice. Leave it to Subway to reminisce the glow of yesterday’s sunset while he is in the hospital. Subway is indomitable.

It was also great to spend time with Thankful, whom I hadn’t seen since Deanfest 1.0. (On our very long commute, Thankful had a real treat talking with a Bushian troglodyte.. maybe she will share with the blog.) As for puddle, I get to see her any old time because she now lives in my neighborhood (ha ha to many of you)!!!

Hugs to all of you, and send your hugs to Subway.

Agatha

As I was taking off the contact lenses, I remembered this:

Subway knows of all the warm intentions posted on the blog for him and really appreciates it, and he would love a dance with seashell.

I’d like to add that to the post, please.

Thanks,

Agatha

PS (another), I was about to type, “Subway knows of all the love posted on the blog” and immediately recalled Bush’s call for gynos’ love for women, and I felt very nauseous. Though it’s really love on the blog, warm intentions is the best I can type.

From puddle

Subway Update

Long day’s journey, that’s fur shur. . . . After calling the hospital to confirm room number, discovered he was still in ICU, and visiting hours were 4:30 to five instead of noon to eight. We left a little before two, and made our way via bus, subway, Staten Island Ferry, and Island car service to the hospital. On the way, we saluted the Rector Street station, the one Subway would have played at the afternoon of 9/11. We arrived at the hospital at five to five. It took us 4 and a half minutes to make it up. So we had 30 seconds of visiting time. . . .

We, of course, stayed for half an hour.

Subway did look tired. And was hooked up to more tubes and monitors and drains than I would have thought possible. He was sitting in a chair, however, not in bed. Confirmed for us that the removed tumor was benign. And his soul is cheerful even if his body is being cranky. We gave him an opening round of hugs, and later Thankful gave him a GRrreaAATT! back rub (I was watching his face…). We joked about the BBB and talked politics. Still, I have to agree with Agatha: I want him out of there, splashing sunshine! Clearly prayers, light, good thoughts and vibes are still needed. Let’s go guys! He got another round of hugs at parting, and asked us to be sure to tell you that he’s felt the love surrounding him and is very grateful.

Trip home. Waited for a half hour for a bus that never came, so Agatha snagged us another car, ferry ride with a couple of the world’s largest assholes (that does seem to be a sub-theme to this whole post, doesn’t it?). But miraculously, just as we were directly across from the Lady, the entire section of window cleared itself of onlookers, and she stood alone in the harbor as beautiful and welcoming as the trogladite fellow travelers were ugly and mean. A blessing I think on the whole venture, after all. Then we caught a cab from the ferry to China Town, had dinner, caught another, dropped Agatha off and came home, arriving at 9:48. Tired and happy.

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Before Katrina, from Howard Dean

Dear Renee,

An important fact has to be remembered as we recall the victims of last year’s devastating storms:

Almost half of all children in New Orleans lived in poverty — before Hurricane Katrina.

The callous and inept federal response to Hurricane Katrina revealed that, when faced with a crisis that experts had actually predicted, the Republican administration was utterly unprepared and unresponsive.

Meanwhile, the shameful foot-dragging since the storm on reconstruction and help to families shows the same lack of interest in solving real problems and saving lives. So far, the administration has gotten around to spending barely half of what Congress authorized.

The Republican administration’s failures before and after the storms are linked by a common approach to the solemn responsibilities of government. Simply put: they aren’t interested.

This Republican leadership’s philosophy means that our government simply will not meet the needs of our people.

Not because it’s impossible — but because they don’t believe it should.

And so we are left with each American having to do what he or she can to help.

There is too much to be done for individuals acting alone to fix everything, but until we achieve a change in leadership we all must step up to the plate.

One way to do that is by donating new or used books to the Children’s Defense Fund, an organization that’s working to make sure that school libraries in Gulf Coast are well-stocked for returning students.

Only 18% of New Orleans children had returned by the end of the last school year, according to the New York Times. More children will return this year, but the conditions they will return to can be terrible.

I want to ask that you participate in a book drive for the children of the Gulf Coast. It’s important, and it’s a tangible way for you to make a difference:

http://www.democrats.org/bookdrive

While we all take time to reflect and do our small part to help, one thing is clear: Democrats offer a new direction.

We believe in a government that takes its obligations to the American people seriously, one that is always improving the services and protections it provides — a government that becomes more efficient as it meets challenges and takes on new challenges with serious commitment.

And we believe passionately in the responsibility of public service — doing the hard, unglamorous work that comes with solving real problems that impact people’s lives.

With that sense of responsibility missing in our leaders today, we find ourselves in deep trouble.

A fifth grader interviewed by the New York Times recently — one of the few who have made it back — told the reporter that his father, who is in the National Guard, has been sent to the Middle East. Meanwhile, back on the home front, their house has been burglarized.

The boy summed up what people on the Gulf Coast — and people all across the country — are feeling right now:

“We deserve better.”

Governor Howard Dean, M.D.

P.S. — We’ve set up a resource center to help people learn more a year after Katrina. From the promises made and subsequently broken, to a look back at the failure of leadership on the levees in New Orleans, take a minute to explore just where we are one year later:

http://www.democrats.org/katrinaanniversary

One year after Katrina

On anniversary of Katrina storming ashore, residents mourn, celebrate life
Bells toll 1 year after Katrina hit

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Pluto mnemonic

Online Merchants See Green in Pluto News

I think I’ve found a mnemonic…

Many
Very
Enthusiastic
Merchants
Just
Sold
Us
Novelties

Pluto mnemonic Men’s Sleeveless Tee

More designs here and here, and Son in Ohio weighs in here.

Okay, must be off not, “real” work to do. There’s a comment from Denise about Subway at the end of this thread.

Tags: pluto, planet, astronomy, science, mnemonic

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Feingold and Dean videos

Links to the videos are available via Crooks and Liars.

Howard Dean on Meet the Press
Russ Feingold on This Week

David Gregory: Let me ask you about the big political news of the week, that, of course, related to Senator Joe Lieberman. Six years ago, he was the vice presidential choice for your party. What happened? Insert snark here. Howard, of course gives a more statesmanlike answer… Howard Dean: I think he embraced George Bush’s policies, and the American people are tired of George Bush’s policies. They want a new direction in this country, and the voters have spoken.

David Gregory: Should he get out of the race now?

Howard Dean: I think so. Look, I know how hard this is for Joe, and he’s a good person. But the truth is, I lost one of these races, and I got right behind my party’s nominee. And I think that’s what you have to do if you want to help the country. The way to help this country is to *limit* Republican power. They have failed in the budget, they have failed in Iraq, they have failed with Katrina…I just got back from North Dakota–there’s more than a “war on terror” going on in this country, there’s a war on the middle class going on. You know, those folks need help. We need help domestically. We need a change in this country, we need a new direction, and I think Ned Lamont will give us that new direction.

David Gregory then shows a video clip of Senator Droopy Dawg droning about how he needs to run to bring the party back from the left wing extreme, and asks “Has the Democratic party been taken over by the extreme?”

Howard Dean: You know, I think that was an unfortunate statement that Joe made. That’s exactly the same line that Ken Mehlman and Dick Cheney are using. The truth is, Ned Lamont is a moderate. Ned Lamont earned his own living, he made a lot of money, and good for him in this American system. He wants a balanced budget, he wants a sane defense policy, he wants healthcare for all Americans. That is what the Democratic party believes in. The truth is, most people in this country, let alone Democrats, most Americans by a *large* majority, agree with Ned Lamont and not George Bush and Joe Lieberman.

David Gregory asks if the Democratic party is open to different views about the war.

Howard Dean: Sure we are…the problem that Joe had was that he embraced the president. (Heh) This is a president who’s been bad for America. You should see what’s going on in North Dakota–farmers who have not had any drought relief, people losing their healthcare. The president’s paying no attention to the middle class. Kids wanting to go to college–they can’t do it now because the president’s cut their Pell Grants. There’s a lot of problems in this country that are not being addressed, and Ned Lamont will address those questions, and the Democratic Party will address those questions.
…….
Crooks and Liars shares a bit of what Feingold had to say…

Stephanopoulos: “Senator Lieberman thinks that your approach will strengthen the terrorists and it’s a victory for terrorists. What’s your response?”

Feingold: “Well, I like Joe Lieberman, but I support Ned Lamont. Because Joe is showing with that regrettable statement that he doesn’t get it. He doesn’t get it. The fact is that we were attacked on 9/11 by Al Qaeda and its affiliates and its sympathizers, not by Saddam Hussein. And unfortunately Senator Lieberman has supported the Bush Administration’s disastrous strategic approach of getting us stuck in Iraq instead of focusing on those who attacked us.

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