Actually, Libra person, a few of the more "extreme" voices have, for reasons I can only guess, been taken down.  I doubt they will be back unless they access with a new computer and assume a new persona.  (Thank you, Wow.)  Perhaps we are not referring the same "voices?"

And how is it exactly that you know bloggers are not paid to spew propaganda eight or nine hours a day?  Given the unpleasant assertions you have made about me, and others who post here, be advised that trusting what you publish is quite a derisory concept. 

Krugman has an interesting take on all of this:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/opinion/12krugman.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Cartoon, deber?  What a thoroughly odd little concept.  And for the record, are you suggesting that Cheney’s association with Halliburton was "back in the 1980s?"  He was chief executive at HALLIBURTON from 1995 to 2000.  You can read more about his "tenure" here: http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/oct2004/nf20041026_2453_db038.htm

Ms. Liza

Your humor is a breath of fresh air, and you are the queen of smiles!

THANKS!!

Thank you for posting this link, Kristy B.  The facts are always such a welcome addition to a discussion.  After watching this thoughtful evaluation from Colin Powell (again), it is clear that the "Contrary" one must believe that Powell is a liar.  I perceived that Powell did what I hope all of us did, that is to vote for the person he believed would best serve the interests of America.  I consider Colin Powell to be a true patriot, and I salute him.  It seems ironic to me that extremists would discount his credibility and ridicule his voice of reason. 

Hello again, Beth.  Just for the record, I considered my work during the Obama campaign to be the epitome of patriotism.  I appreciate that you don’t see it that way, but your perceptions IN NO WAY change the FACT that I did what I did because I viewed it as the best way I could contribute as an ordinary citizen.  I loathed the way the Bush/Cheney administration represented me, and the United States of America, so in that sense, yes, Obama’s election benefited me, but to cast this as unpatriotic or self-serving is quite bewildering.  Would you be inclined to explain the logic used to arrive at your opinion about the motivations of Democrats? 

Mr. Vinyard, how curious that some consider Cheney to be a "true patriot."  SACRIFICE HIMSELF??  What a concept!  Sacrifice his country to salvage his shredded reputation is how it looks to most of us.  Interesting ticket you propose, both famous for shooting someone.  Perfect!

Thank you laureen f.  Actually, I think the few threads where we all agree are very special, and they help to civilize the discourse in the areas where we all have such passion and conviction in conflict with each other.  Except for those who flayme and bait, everyone has an opinion worth consideration.  I wish I felt more unity in our beleaguered country right now, but wishes notwithstanding,  I am always grateful for common ground!  "Animal lovers and defenders of the innocent"…HOORAY…. profoundly important issues that truly transcend politics!! :=}

I beg to differ, Beth Cornell.  Democrats worked our hearts out to get Obama elected.  That is the highest form of "putting up."  I don’t understand what you mean by the ‘put up or shut up’ suggestion, but I do not expect that voices on either side will be silenced. This IS America, after all.

Hello Deborah.  With respect I suggest that you read Diana’s post again.  In reading your reaction to her thoughts, it is very clear that you did miss the point. 

I second rocky rocky, Chips AHoey…..what a thoughtful and interesting post!

"celebrity president…..apologizing…..BIRTH CERTIFICATE??"

Groan.  President Obama is working his backside off to clean up the mess and keep us safe.  I am so sorry that the constant malicious spin causes folks to worry about, and continue repeating, such manufactured non-issues.  And p.s…. following 9/11, some of us NEVER thought Bush/Cheney knew the first thing about how to keep us safe.  

 

Appreciate the posts from Honor and mitzi…..Cheney is a hypocrite, and a danger to American security.  He is obviously following the Limbaugh mandate to promote failure and/or to otherwise undermine our democratically elected President.  I see that this is fine with a few who posted on this thread, but I am greatly relieved that everyone isn’t duped.

Funny how this contrast in speeches was perceived so differently, Libra.  What I saw was a great President standing up for the law and the Constitution vs a de-fanged self-serving windbag trying to justify and defend his crimes no matter what the cost to America.  Obviously this is an "eye (wink*wink) of the beholder" kind of thing?

 

deber B

This idea that Obama has reserved the authority to order torture has been officially refuted.  Do you have a factual basis for your assertion, or is this post your personal speculation?