http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx From NBC's Mark MurrayRudy Giuliani holds a press conference in DC at 9:30 am ET; former Sen. Fred Thompson (R) says he’s thinking about a possible White House bid; and Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., does Jon Stewart’s “Daily Show.” The Omaha World-Heralden-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87670Mon, 12 Mar 2007 14:21:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87670Melba IsomThe best thing that could happen to this nation in the primary contests would be for every state to hold their primary on the same day. Lets do away with the National Conventions as far as using them to name a candidate - that ship has long past sailed. Let the conventions be for celebrating the winner of that primary. That way everyone really has a say and every vote will count. Also, it is time to stop the cross-over vote - if you vote in the republican primary you should have to vote for the republican candidate chosen, the same goes for those voting in the democratic primary. It really is not fair for those of another party to decide who runs in the race (no doubt the republicans crossed over to give John Kerry victory in 2004 as none of them could stand the thought of George Bush debating someone one as intelligent or attractive as John Edwards). Or better yet, do away with all primaries - let everyone run without the benefit of a nomination and see who comes out on top - while doing away with the electoral college. Fred Thompson - bad actor, even worse senator, would be a terrible president. Guess all the republicans seem to have multiple wife syndrome these days.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87702Mon, 12 Mar 2007 15:05:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87702JIrby, Colorado SpringsLatest AP-UPS poll informs us that 55% of those polled were looking for honesty, integrity and other values, [not being a perv?], in their quest for a candidate. I personally would like for AP-UPS to inform us where the hell that 55% was in 2000 and 2004. Were these same people favoring a candidate during those two elections who was dishonest, scatterbrained, and the envy of scuzzbuckets far and wide? What changed these peoples mind's, AP-UPS? Inquiring minds want to know. Now for some of the really important news of the day, as dispensed by ABC's Good Morning America. At the top of the news was a discussion of Halliburton's 2.25 billion overcharge for their questionable efforts in Iraq, and how it might impact Cheney's so far impeccable reputation as a great statesman leading America ever onward to victory against evildoers. This story was cut short after about thirty-two seconds to give us the latest on the vastly more important matter of the infant that managed to get herself kidnapped. GMA gave us a neat little rundown on the specific type of homo habilis who could be expected to pull off such a foul deed. Then they clued us in on a recent effort to forestall any future occurrence. We must imagine a small table normally used to hold surgical instruments, which will now serve to display a GPS monitor that alerts someone who would care that a baby is, this very minute, in the process of being made off with. We now treat the viewer to a tight shot of this little device, including inscriptions and trade markings. GMA, for reasons unknown, possibly unknowable, stopped short of going with a PowerPoint presentation featuring an exploded diagram of the ingenious little device accompanied by words with the inventor, nor did they plague themselves with the chore of showing how it would be installed upon and worn by the bambino in question. We were next filled in on the McCartney divorce, as well as the fact that the female involved in this compelling shindig would be going on a show called "Doncing with the Sties". Next up: a fisticuff match between an elderly woman and a mugger, complete with what various members of GMA thought about such a despicable act. GMA, like others, have to pay the bills, so their solution to this very problem came up as a commercial involving the Mercury automobile, a credit card outfit assuring concerned souls they were on board for helping you make smart decisions, and one apparently targeting Bush voters, which featured a generic looking woman engaged in conversation with a container of sandwich spread, whose lid ingeniously flapped up and down to simulate its mouth. The jar of spread itself didn't appear to be wearing much in the way of clothing, compared to which Janet Jackson at the Super Bowl appeared disgustingly overdressed, so we could be dealing with a suit brought about by the FCC before very long. GMA never once saw fit to inform us about the comings and goings of Britney Spears or what on God's green earth is going on with the estate of Anna Nicole Smith. By Jove, go figure!I reckon GMA is just too classy a show for that.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87714Mon, 12 Mar 2007 15:21:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87714Rick, GermanyMaybe those 55% just didn't like the best the Democratic party had to offer.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87718Mon, 12 Mar 2007 15:27:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87718Rick, GermanyMelba, due yoo relly thenk us replickans are smarte enuf to "cross over" vot?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87729Mon, 12 Mar 2007 15:45:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87729Scott in South TexasHas it come to that? We choose the lesser of two evils as our leaders?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87736Mon, 12 Mar 2007 15:57:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87736Lee Steele MV CAApparently not, Rick - the alcoholic, deserter, drug addict, somehow-made-millions-on-a-failed-company-the-SEC-started-to-but-then-wouldn't-investigate, mumbling, stumbling puppet looked TOOOOO damn good to the replickan party. U gize r smrt an stuff n we r stoopit. The mercan peeple choze rite guy!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87749Mon, 12 Mar 2007 16:18:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87749Rick, GermanyWell, maybe he should have just made the money trading cattle futures.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87755Mon, 12 Mar 2007 16:30:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87755Rick, GermanyC'mon Scott, right now as much as I hate to say it, most of America is trying to decide between Hillary and Obama. And what they are trying to decide is which one will do the least amount of damage. However, if as Melba contends, and it has to do with good looks, then Obama is going to win in a landslide. Good lordy have you ever seen Hillary in a skirt? Cankles doesn’t even cover it!!! No wonder Monica looked good. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87773Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:08:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87773JIrby, Colorado SpringsHalliburton, who made about 2.4 billion picking the pockets of most Americans, their children and unborn grandchildren, and doing it from halfway around the globe, a business tactic even Harvard Business School may not teach, will be leaving America for reasons yet to be determined, but are perhaps related to the possibility of their CEO having to cough it back up and go to prison. Or to spend more time with his families in a safer region of the globe. You would think that someone that had the everlasting gall to do that would at least have the cojones to fight it out on home turf. A lot of America's very uneducated will have a really hard time paying off Halliburton's credit card debt, but I have given up worrying about very unecucated people, having learned they are mostly mass-miseducated Republicans who think they know a thing or two. This is what is known as natural selection, weeding out of the unfit, or evolution in action. I must find my weeping vaz.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87786Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:23:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87786Jamie, Elmwood Park, ILRick, Germany - "least amount of damage." If only the current administration were guilty of that. Perhaps you should check out the qualifications of both candidates you spoke about. As an Obama supporter, it would be so refreshing to have someone in the White House who is intelligent, listens (can I say "articulate" without any nuance applied?) and actually reads about and understands the issues facing this country. I can also say that both of these candidates are much MUCH smarter than the current president.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87794Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:34:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87794M.E., Albany, Ga.Haven't had time to read the blogging much these days, only the news, so don't know if Chris, Abilene,TX is still here or not. But...had to laugh when I saw above that "Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn does Jon Stewart's 'Daily Show'". Because of that reference, thought I might ought to remind Chris-Texas(or whoever u are now) that Jon Stewart is the one you referred to as one of those uninformed "news media types". Remember Chris...He's the guy I quoted from Comedy Central..??? Hope your busy schedule has lightened somewhat and that you've been able to watch some of Jon's tongue-in-cheek politics. You can catch him late at night, nobody will ever know, and your integrity will not be compromised. Who knows. You might even get a smile out of it. Hard to find one(smiles) nowadays.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87826Mon, 12 Mar 2007 18:28:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87826Lee Steele MV CA"Good lordy have you ever seen Hillary in a skirt? " An I thawt replcans weer small mindded an maid chouses for stoopit, bown hed reesens. U r smrt n we r stoopit,rick - W iz gud presdunt. Chanie luks gud in skrt. (Gud enuf to stay out of Nam.) How meny peeple got scrude over the catl fuchers?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87837Mon, 12 Mar 2007 18:40:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87837MMTo extend on what Jamie was saying...it would be nice to have a president who watched the news or read a newspaper once in a while. Putting your head in the sand (Mr. Bush must still be looking for oil under there) is not going to make all of the "evil doers" go away. The fact that he is just ignoring what we want is just asinine. For the people, by the people...right??http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87839Mon, 12 Mar 2007 18:40:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87839Scott in South TexasMy yaller Lab Elvis is smarter than the current president. If he runs as a Republican in '08, then Rick could vote for him because his name's not Clinton.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87846Mon, 12 Mar 2007 18:45:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87846DesmondM.E., I will be waiting to see,along with you,if and how our blogger Chris responds.The most infamous person alive today celebrated his 50th on Saturday. Really made me angry and disgusted.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87850Mon, 12 Mar 2007 18:49:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87850Mark ThiemeThere was always a winner in high school who made fun of people's looks. Now, all grown up, but still all mouth, they call themselves patriots and make fun of Hillary Clinton's legs. These people vote. Can you imagine who they elect? Love to see a picture of Herr Rick im Deutschland. Sounds like a real beautiful mind.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87861Mon, 12 Mar 2007 19:11:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87861Scott in South TexasOK Desmond, I give up. Who turned 50 on Saturday? Boy George, Cheney, Rove and Rumsfeld are all older than that.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87869Mon, 12 Mar 2007 19:20:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87869Rick, GermanyYou guys never fail to take the bait. It is too easy. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87874Mon, 12 Mar 2007 19:26:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87874Rick, GermanyLee concerning our early converstions. I will admit this the correct answer is I would keep my corporation in the US, but the truth is I would take it to some third world country, mess up their water and soil, make more money than I could ever use and party like a friggin rock star. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87886Mon, 12 Mar 2007 19:45:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87886Mark ThiemeOh! darned bullies! smirking makes me feel so small and weak... oops! there I go again, taking the bait of a master baiter.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87892Mon, 12 Mar 2007 19:53:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87892DesmondScott, did you miss it? Lord Voldermort, He who shall Not be Named, bin Laden. Faux News even had a birthday cake for him, with a target on his head. Too bad eating that cake won't help in finding him.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87916Mon, 12 Mar 2007 20:13:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87916Les Hughes, ArizonaI believe, the continuing saga of the Republican’s delusional incompetence, their chickens coming home to roost and plaguing America, will not end until we have removed enough of them to again move America in a steady progressive direction. It appears that we still have more work to do in the Senate, removing obstructionist and corrupt Republicans again in 2008. The Bush Administration is loaded with the old conservative guard of the Reagan Administration. Bush in his arrogant incompetence, began to believe his own press, giving away the conservative con job about how the rich and the powerful were going to force democracy in the Middle East using a fascist playbook from Paul Wolfowitz and that supply side economics does work after all, which was a total failure during Reagan, causing massive deficits Clinton finally had to resolve by raising taxes by two percent for the wealthiest Americans and for that he is still hated by the right. The Wolfowitz doctrine, since rewritten in a more palatable form as the New American Century, also came out of the Reagan Administration and was a playbook designed to remake the world in the image of corporate America through militarism; seemingly disregarding the facts we have learned about the folly of war during the last century. Not only were the Bush tax cuts a windfall for the top two percent of Americans, even more money could be racked in by war profiteers; need I mention Haliburton? And of course the Bush family fortune would continue to grow at a much more rapid pace; none of this could have happened, had the GOP led lockstep Congress had any honor or integrity; I would add over the continuing strong objections of the then Democratic Minority Party. As we are now seeing, that the key positions of the GOP led Congress, I believe, had knowingly been filled with criminals. The current investigations by the now Democratic Majority have discovered that tens of billions of taxpayer dollars have vanished, unaccounted for by this fraudulent Administration. We are living in a brand new Global World and the old guard Republican war machine is finding it increasingly impossible to sweep their lies under the carpet, communication technology is too advanced. The GOP belongs to an old paradigm of fear consciousness, which got its way through intolerance, exclusion, separation and attack; all of which is counterproductive in a global world, or anywhere for that matter. The alternative is to follow a format, put forward time and again by the progressive Democratic Party of love consciousness, which champions tolerance, inclusion, unity and cooperation. We must continue to be the party of hope! This is a formula for a quality leadership vision of integrity that will succeed in this new Global World. Had all the money that has recently been spent on war’s folly, fraudulently lost and tax cuts to the wealthiest of Americans, been used to keep the promise of a secure old age safety net (social security), repair our failing infrastructure, invest in renewable energy resources, invest in universal healthcare and fully fund the United Nation’s humanitarian effort around the globe, we would have no problems; we would be international heroes and the terrorists would fade back into the darkness they came from, because the whole world would be watching their folly instead of ours. And America would be working at a much higher employment rate and all paying taxes to repair the enormous mess left by the Republican’s arrogant incompetence. Well, I think it is time to send them back to the dark small-minded fear consciousness hole they crawled out of; it is again obvious that we have more work to do, because it appears that there are still too many corrupt Republicans in the Senate. The current Senate votes on escalating Iraq is just the latest ignorance from the GOP. Civilian casualties in modern warfare are know to be 80% to 85% and 30% of that number are children; Bush and Cheney lied to the American People about the danger to this country and led us into a war of aggression that was nothing more than genocide for corporate profit. It is time to reject all such warmongers and propagators of fear consciousness from all public service positions in our great country. God bless us all, not just some of the wealthiest. And may we one day be mature enough and secure enough in our collective identity to celebrate the brotherhood of man in all his glorious diversity. I would submit that spiritual unit has never been threatened by material diversity; we are all equal parts of the whole as the good news from the master proclaimed the brotherhood of man predicated on the fatherhood of God. There is no patent on divine; all institutionalized religions of authority, which believe in their supremacy, have failed to extricate themselves from an incomplete and immature belief system promoting fear consciousness. In this new global world we must take responsibility ourselves for waking up from the fairy tales of our old myths, which have enslaved our consciousness and begin to construct a new world belief system that includes all peoples as well as all things we have learned to date. Whether we use the term first causal consciousness, God or are unsure makes no difference; it is the exploration and discernment of this duality of consciousness, which is the purpose for this existence.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87927Mon, 12 Mar 2007 20:22:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87927Scott in South TexasThanx Desmond. I did miss it (I was fishing), but I'll remember it next year. He'll live to see his 51st, since the same administration will be leading the search until January, 2009. NOTE: This is not criticism of the military and/or the troops involved in the search. They can't find UBL because the Saudis won't let them look in The Kingdom.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87950Mon, 12 Mar 2007 20:44:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87950Rick, GermanyAnd of course the looks of any potential president NEVER comes into play. JFK over Nixon? No one voted for the pretty boy, only on the issues? And I have never heard Bush's looks refered to in a negitive manner on this site right Mark? Are you casting the first stone here? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87961Mon, 12 Mar 2007 21:04:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87961Scott in South TexasWow Mark, I guess Rick told you! The master baiter really took the (matter) in hand. Even though Bush is kinda funny lookin', his looks are the only thing he doesn't get criticized for. MM, you're an educator, should I say "for which he doesn't get criticized"? By bringing up "casting the first stone", we must be talking about Newt again. Did I miss the seque (not the thing on which you ride around)? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87984Mon, 12 Mar 2007 21:36:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87984DesmondScott, or Musharaff won't let the U.S. look in Pakistan.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#87997Mon, 12 Mar 2007 21:48:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:87997Scott in South TexasNo kiddin', Desmond. And Saudi and Pakistan are our two best friends over there. Perfect examples of the kind of freedom and democracy we're trying to bring to the region.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#88026Mon, 12 Mar 2007 22:54:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:88026DesmondThere were only three countries in the world that recognized the Taliban government in Afhganistan before September 11, 2001: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emeritus (U.A.E.).Today, Halliburton announced they are setting up a corporate headquarters in Dubai. That would be Dubai, in the United Arab Emeritus. And lets not forget our oil greased involvement with our good friends from Saudi Arabia. And does anyone know how much in the way of guns and ammo we have sold to Pakistan in the last five years, indirectly, through another third party (Saudi Arabia)? Better keep up America. You and I are being sold down the river.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#88096Tue, 13 Mar 2007 02:40:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:88096M.E., Albany, Ga.Desmond- Wonder if Osama sent George a Thank You note. After all, Bush is the reason he got to celebrate another birthday. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#88139Tue, 13 Mar 2007 05:00:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:88139M.E., Albany, Ga.Do Ya Think- The heat is building on Halliburton? One reason (among many I'm sure) may be Halliburton is moving headquarters because it will now have a place to hide some folks who might would be subpoened when the puzzle about Walter Reed is finally put together? To bad a Special Prosecutor can't be appointed to depose Cheney about how Halliburton got that contract. I mean....we had one deposing Clinton. Tit for tat. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#88167Tue, 13 Mar 2007 08:34:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:88167Rick, GermanyYes there always was "a winner in high school who made fun of people’s looks" It was kind of mean and I wish I hadn't done it, but the funny looking kids really were funny looking. They still are by the way, but when you go to your 20th high school reunion, you try to be nice to everyone. Even Kenny and Willy the two really smart geeky kids who didn’t shower regularly. They didn’t go on to be the stars of some bad eighties John Hugh’s film where the funny looking geeks overthrow the rich, good looking, jocks. They were still just geeks, with bad teeth and worse jobs. But being older and wiser now I was nicer to them this time. But don't you think you should be over that bad point in your life by now? Go put on your debate club letter sweater and relive your glory days. Stop hating the captain of the football team for making fun of you, he was just young and didn’t know better. And the homecoming Queen who wouldn’t go out with you? She was just a little too materialistic. She didn’t mean you any harm. I mean really get over it already. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#88255Tue, 13 Mar 2007 14:28:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:88255Susan, NebraskaOMG . . . is anyone else confused by the purpose of Rick's last post?? Are you excusing your actions of being a bully who doesn't have a real argument so you pick on the physical characteristics of those you lothe?? Or are you saying to the "geeks" of the world to get over it already?? Just a reminder Rick, this is a political blog, not a psychiatrists couch where you can try and redeem yourself for your thoughts and actions. I will save you a hundred dollars a session and say this. . . . It is O.K. to admit you are wrong about something, it does not make you a bad person. It only makes you smarter than the average rat, because even a rat will jump ship before it completely sinks. Now, where's my $100????http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#88267Tue, 13 Mar 2007 14:50:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:88267Rick, GermanyThank Sue. And since this is a family show, I won't tell you where your $100 is. I do feel redeemed. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#88322Tue, 13 Mar 2007 16:10:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:88322Mark ThiemeHello neighbors: Do you know the word "sociopath?"http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/12/87644.aspx#88330Tue, 13 Mar 2007 16:17:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:88330MMRick-I am glad to know that you were nicer to the "geeks" the second time around. People like you aren't the ones that need the therapist. The kiddos you picked on, however, probably did. Do you know how many kids kill themselves, others, or even go on shooting sprees because of the captain of the football team or the prom queen? I know this is off topic, but geez man!! I see kids every day being bullied relentlessly and no one can do anything about it. Even though I consider myself a liberal, I do believe in military schools, and I would love to send a few of the popular, cute kids to boot camp!! Maybe then they will realize that to pick on others, because of the way they look is wrong, no matter who it is. I question my leaders every day, but I have never talked about the way they looked. (Except for questioning why Rice always looks like she's pissed.) If politics have become beauty contests, then we are in serious trouble. I think that all of us should strive to be better than this.