From The "Stupid Is As Stupid Does" Department…..

…well, could be filed in the ol’ republiCon “Do As We Say (Not As We Do)” Department, too…

Yesterday, over on Brodkorb’s Blog, Michael’s newest pseudonym “Contributor” tried – TRIED – to rip Tarryl Clark for the ghastly deed of “holding a fundraiser outside of the 6th District.” Now, this is funny for two reasons: 1) Michael’s newest pseudonym “Contributor” – Luke Hellier – used to work for Bachmann, so he surely knows about the many fundraisers Bachmann MotorMouth Overdrive has held outside the 6th District, such as the infamous fundraiser D*ck (cheney)in’ Cheney held for Michele on Lake Minnetonka, and 2) Brodkorb knows – KNOWS – that GOPer Eva Ng recently held a fundraiser outside of the district bounaries where she’s running, ’cause not only did MudSlingerMike tweet about it, it’s on the official Mn GOP website, where the ol’ MudSlinger is the State Party Deputy Chair!!!

And Tony Sutton had to know about the fundraiser; it was held at FEC Tony’s taco shop.

That, gentle readers, certainly qualifies as “stupid is as stupid does.”

It’s things like this, and more, why I say – often – “Hypocrisy, Thy Party Is GOP.”

Let’s look at a couple more examples:

In 2007, Mn GOP Party Chair republiCon Ron wouldn’t answer questions about his piss-poor “stewardship” of Party Finances, as documented in a June 2007 Strib story:

Party records show that money was withheld for employee retirement plans from September 2005 through May 2006, but Federal Election Commission (FEC) records reflect no deposits into the accounts during that period. In June 2006, the party made two makeup payments totaling $12,243 into the accounts.

The delay in depositing the money could have benefitted the party by giving it temporary access to the employees’ funds.

Carey didn’t explain why the retirement money wasn’t deposited promptly.

“There seemed to be some gray areas as to what was the requirement,” Carey said. Asked to explain the gray areas, he said, “I really would prefer not to get into the weeds on something like that.” (StarTribune.com)

Hmmm….”gray areas”….hmmm….”don’t want to get into the weeds”….

Where and what was republiCon Ron doing, during the summer of ’08? Ripping Al Franken over Franken’s paperwork problems, and demanding – DEMANDING! – that Franken answer questions!!!

Oh, and it needs to be pointed out that during the whole shoddy and sorry MnGOP PaperGate saga, FEC Tony was involved, except during his stint as Deputy to State Auditor Pat Anderson. And the shoddy and sorry saga apparently isn’t over…why, less than two weeks ago, the Mn GOP had to fix MORE of their (cheney)-ups:

Filings by REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MINNESOTA – C00001313
525 PARK STREET
SUITE 250
ST PAUL

The Following FEC Electronic Filings are Available:
Click on the form name to view it.
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433152
Period FROM 11/25/2008 through 12/31/2008
Report Type: YEAR-END
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433149
Period FROM 10/16/2008 through 11/24/2008
Report Type: POST-GENERAL
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433147
Period FROM 10/01/2008 through 10/15/2008
Report Type: PRE-GENERAL
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433140
Period FROM 09/01/2008 through 09/30/2008
Report Type: OCT MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433126
Period FROM 08/01/2008 through 08/31/2008
Report Type: SEP MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433122
Period FROM 07/01/2008 through 07/31/2008
Report Type: AUG MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433116
Period FROM 06/01/2008 through 06/30/2008
Report Type: JUL MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433113
Period FROM 05/01/2008 through 05/31/2008
Report Type: JUN MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433112
Period FROM 04/01/2008 through 04/30/2008
Report Type: MAY MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433107
Period FROM 03/01/2008 through 03/31/2008
Report Type: APR MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433104
Period FROM 02/01/2008 through 02/29/2008
Report Type: MAR MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433101
Period FROM 01/01/2008 through 01/31/2008
Report Type: FEB MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433099
Period FROM 12/01/2007 through 12/31/2007
Report Type: YEAR-END
Filed 09/21/2009
Form F3XA – 09/21/2009
FEC Filing #: FEC-433098
Period FROM 11/01/2007 through 11/30/2007
Report Type: DEC MONTHLY
Filed 09/21/2009
(Federal Election Commission)

Fourteen – FOURTEEN! – more “oops! We screwed up – AGAIN” amended reports??!?

Amending and re-amending and re-amending the re-amended is a long-standing pattern for Minnesota’s GreedOverPrinciples party. Amazing, when you consider GOPers like to consider themselves “The Party Of Fiscal Accountability”…

The last example I’ll use today is GOPer Governor-Candidate Marty Seifert – as explained by Dusty Trice:

Marty Seifert Gets Hit With His Own Slime!

Last Wednesday Marty Seifert held a press conference where he attacked several of his opponents by saying they might be using taxpayer money and their elected positions to gain publicity.

“I don’t know if they are doing that, but I want to throw it out there,” Seifert said. (MinnPost)

Looks like Marty Seifert combed over one very important detail. It turns out in the MN House Seifert is the chief offender!

MPR News checked, and it turns out it was Marty Seifert who claimed more money for expenses over the last four months than any other House member running for governor. (MPR via Blue Man)

Seifert has expensed $6,081 in travel, lodging and other expenses to the taxpayers since early June! (DustyTrice.com)

There’s Pawlenty plenty more examples of GOP Hypocrisy, such as Republicans Believe In States Rights (Except When They Don’t), and we’ll be reviewing them often.

Why?

Because:

“Hypocrisy, Thy Party Is GOP”

(cross-posted from MnProgressiveProject)

Ron Paul At Northrup Auditorium: "They (the GOP) want my money."

Dusty Trice got the scoop! Here’s what Dusty has to say about his video, as posted on YouTube:

EXCLUSIVE: Ron Paul explains why the MN GOP suddenly needs his help: “They Want My Money.”

The MN GOP blocked Ron Paul from speaking at their 2008 convention in Rochester, MN. But on Sept. 25, 2009 the MN GOP sponsored an appearance by Dr. Paul at Northrup Auditorium in what was billed as a joint town hall with Congresswoman Michele Bachmann.

What’s behind the MN GOP’s sudden change of heart? According to Ron Paul, “They want my money. They want to get a little bit of influence from our supporters, too.”

I think this says a lot about Ron Paul, who’s been a consistent voice for what he believes in, so much so that he was willing to forget the past troubles with the MN GOP.

I also thinks this speaks volumes about the MN GOP. Their leadership realizes that they have alienated roughly 15% of their party. Now they realize that Michele Bachmann is actually in trouble and the only way to save her is to turn to the person they publicly shunned and beg for his money and help.

The MN GOP is exploiting Ron Paul because they are terrified without his support they will lose and lose big.

On a side note, I’d like to thank Congressman Paul for taking moment to speak with me. (DustyTrice)

Let’s watch!!!

I’ll have my own thoughts about Dusty’s breaking story later, for now, link here for Mary Lahammer’s May 30th, 2008 report from the 2008 MnGOP State Convention – the footage of the floor scuffle between a Ron Paul supporter and a McCain suporter is “must see TV” – great job by Mary Lahammer and the Twin Cities Public Television team!!!

(cross-posted from MnProgressiveProject)

So, What Kind Of Guy Is Joe Wilson?

Everyone knows that Joe Wilson did what no one else has ever done before – call the President of the United States, in a Joint Session of Congress, a liar. My personal experience has been that today’s GOP “leadership” frequently exhibit psychological projection — attributing to others what they, themselves, are doing. Joe Wilson calling President Obama a liar appears to be exactly that, in it’s crudest form. Michele Bachmann, R=Planet Denial, often acts in the same manner. Dusty Trice has Bachmann on film at last Saturday’s T-Bag Party in St. Cloud defending Wilson; here’s what Bachmann said:

“And thank God for Joe Wilson – thank God! He looked into the camera, Joe Wilson is my friend. He’s the last person I talked to before I left Washington, D.C. He is the sweetest, most mild-mannered loving guy you’ve ever seen; such a huge heart, and, uhhh, he apologized for violating the rules of decorum in the House and that’s right, we don’t do that in the House. But Joe didn’t back down from his assertion because Joe was right.”(Bachmann, 9-12-09)

Was Wilson, as Bachmann proclaimed, “right”? Not a chance. Furthermore, about Wilson being “the sweetest, most mild-mannered loving guy” – well, Blue Man not only blows a hole in that one, but demonstrates Wilson is a liar – with regards to his denial that the good ol’ USofA, during Uncle Ronnie’s Administration, supplied Saddam with chemical weapons. Let’s watch!!!

And there’s neither time nor space to list the lies Bachmann MotorMouth Overdrive has told over the years; while she has every right to expect her Lord and Savior to forgive her for those lies, there’s no reason the voters should. But, that’s a tangent; back to Joe Wilson.

Jon Soltz was an Army Captain in Iraq, serving with the 1st Armored Division. He co-founded as is chair of – leading the charge on military and veterans issues. I read Jon’s piece on Wilson yesterday, and contacted them for permission to repost Jon’s piece in it’s entirety, permission VoteVets.org graciously granted.

The Erratic Joe Wilson’s Shameful Record on Troops and Veterans Care
by: Jon Soltz
Mon Sep 14, 2009 at 13:19:51 PM EDT

The only thing more “out there” than Joe Wilson’s disrespectful display during the President’s speech to Congress on Health Care is Representative Wilson’s all over the place take on two of the largest government-run health systems there are – the ones that benefit our troops and veterans.
Wilson has railed against health care reform, warning that offering more choice to people amounts to a government takeover of health insurance. To him, it’s an evil that has to be defeated.

Yet, at the same time, Wilson hasn’t said whether he’s opted into TRICARE for Life. The completely government-run health insurance system for certain military retirees is available to Wilson, as he’s a 31-year Guard and Reserve veteran (though he joined after getting out of Vietnam). If he’s not, of course, then he’s taking insurance from the government-run pool offered to Congressmen. Then, there’s all of our active duty service members who are on TRICARE – stuck in an evil government system that must have turned them into Communists by now.

Wilson has saved them and gotten them out of TRICARE, right?

Right?

“TRICARE provides world class health care,” said Wilson in a press release. “I believe TRICARE is one part of our health care system that’s working.”

What?! Joe Wilson is all for this horrible fascist system of government care?

Well, maybe not. Despite being against government health care, and then paying lip service about the awesomeness of government-run TRICARE, Wilson’s voted to underfund it.

In 2007, Wilson was against $1.9 billion for military medical care (including funds for Walter Reed) and in 2005 voted against expanding TRICARE eligibility for our Guard and Reserve components, despite the fact that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has them fighting alongside the active component more than ever before.

OK, so Wilson suffers from split personality disorder when it comes to government health care for troops. But, he must be against the Department of Veterans Affairs, another bastion of Marxist thought, turning generations of American veterans into pinkos.

“With a growing number of servicemembers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, we must go to great measures to ensure our veterans receive the best care possible. That means greater oversight of the facilities, hospitals, and clinics that care for our veterans. They deserve access to the highest quality medical technology and a health care system that is responsive to their immediate and long-term needs. Their sacrifice and commitment to this nation deserves nothing less,” said Wilson on his campaign site.

Gosh, that sounds just like Hitler, doesn’t it?

Oh, but thank heaven, Joe Wilson voted repeatedly to cut veterans care, and save us from modern day Leninism. He voted for a $14 million cut in 2003, against $1.6 billion for the agency in 2005, $2.9 billion again in 2005, for a $13.5 billion cut in 2005, against $1.8 billion in 2003, and millions and millions more.

Maybe it’s asking too much for me to ask that Joe Wilson think like a rational human being, but I’ll ask anyway. He needs to decide whether offering citizens the option of getting the same kind of coverage we in the military gets is evil or not evil.

If it’s not – if military and veterans government-run insurance and care is not malevolent – then he needs to stop his shouting and properly fund TRICARE and the VA, and let everyone have the option of getting a public insurance plan.

But, if government-run care and insurance really is wicked, then he needs to stop lying about how he feels about TRICARE and Veterans Care. He should tell the truth about why he voted against funding for those programs – because he thinks troops and veterans should be left out in the cold and turned away in return for their service.

Until he’s honest about his position on Veterans Care, Military Care, and the Public Option, I can only say this: Representative Wilson, YOU LIE.

Jon Soltz :: The Erratic Joe Wilson’s Shameful Record on Troops and Veterans Care

Indeed – Congressman Wilson does indeed lie.

Projection, Ladies and Gentlemen; projection. The “leadership” of the GreedOverPrinciples party does it all the time.

(Originally published at MnProgressiveProject.com)

Today's Example Of republiCon Hypocrisy

As noted yesterday:

There’s so many examples of republiCon hypocrisy, that it’s becoming hard to keep track of them all.

And that’s true. They have no shame – NONE.

Today, we’re going to talk about republiCon hypocrisy regarding cursing – you know, when someone (cheney)in’ swears.

Let’s go to the WayBack Machine (actually, MnBlue.com archives), and look at what happened when two people dropped the F-Bomb (forever after, known as “The (cheney) Bomb”):

What am I referring to? John Forbes Kerry’s interview with Rolling Stone magazine, where – referring to Boy Blunder’s handling of The War Of Choice – John Forbes Kerry asked, and I quote:

“Did I expect George Bush to f— it up as badly as he did? I don’t think anybody did.”

And that IS true; who expected that Boy Blunder would create “The Mother Of All FUBARs?”

What John Forbes Kerry also didn’t expect was how the republiCons would respond. (from “Hey! Senator!! Go (cheney) Yourself!!!”

So, how did hypocritical republiCons respond? Let’s look!

Drug Limpstick and the rest of the EchoChamberRadio gang jumped all over it; El Druggo started callin’ him “John F-ing Kerry.”

Andy Card, Boy Blunder’s Chief of Staff, was all over it, too. As reported on FauxNews.com:

“That’s beneath John Kerry,” the president’s chief of staff, Andrew Card, said in a televised interview.
“I’m very disappointed that he would use that kind of language,” Card said. “I’m hoping that he’s apologizing at least to himself, because that’s not the John Kerry that I know.”

WOW! In 1999, Boy blunder repeatedly drops the F-Bomb, no problemo. In late 2003, John F’ing Kerry drops the F-Bomb, BIG DEAL. With me so far?

Yep – it’s that ol’ republiCon hypocrisy. But wait – there’s more!!!

In his duties as Vice President, Dick (cheney)in’ Cheney presides over the Senate. And one day, a few months after the republiCons jumped all over John F’ing Kerry, Dick (cheney)in’ Cheney was over at the senate. Now, two things notable happened at the Senate on this day: the Senate passed “The Defense Of Decency Act” which addressed indecent language on TV, and VPOTUS Dick (cheney)in’ Cheney told Senator Patrick Leahy, in the Senate:

“Hey! Senator!! Go F*** yourself!!!”

Or, as I like to say, to point out the blatant hypocrisy of republiCons:

“Hey! Senator!! Go (cheney) yourself!!!”

Asked about it on FauxNews, in addition saying it was “appropriate”, and that he “felt better afterwards”, Dick (cheney)in’ Cheney said, and here’s the whole quote:

CHENEY: Well, I think that a lot of my colleagues felt that what I had said badly needed to be said, that it was long overdue.

In that interview with Neil Cavuto, Dick (cheney)in’ Cheney also weasels out of breaking a rule by dropping the “(cheney)-bomb” in the senate, on the technicality that the senate wasn’t in session. Other places covered for Dick (cheney)in’ Cheney by noting that, technically, Cheney’s a member of the administration, so rules governing senator’s behavior in the senate, don’t apply to Dick (cheney)in’ Cheney. Hmmm…. republiCons citing “technicalities” to cover THEIR guy….who’da thunk?

Well, “thinking” people “woulda thunk” EXACTLY that.

And again, there’s more!

Now, let’s revisit what Andy Card said when John F’ing Kerry dropped the “(cheney)-bomb”:

“That’s beneath John Kerry,” the president’s chief of staff, Andrew Card, said in a televised interview.
“I’m very disappointed that he would use that kind of language,” Card said. “I’m hoping that he’s apologizing at least to himself, because that’s not the John Kerry that I know.”

What was the official White House line on Dick (cheney)in’ Cheney droppin’ the “(cheney)-bomb”?

Zip. Nada. Crickets.

But, here’s what Dick (cheney)in’ Cheney’s spokesman said:

“Reserving the right to revise and extend my remarks, that doesn’t sound like language the vice president would use, but there was a frank exchange of views.”

republiCons count on people not remembering history, let alone recent events. IMNSHO, here’s why: “Those that forget the lessons of history, tend to vote republiCon.”

OK, that was the hypocrisy of the GreedOverPrinciples party, then. Here’s the “now” – Van Jones called republiCons “@zzholes” (I’m editing what he actually called ’em, to keep this site available at libraries, but: thinking people know what Van Jones really said; GOPers (clueless cretins that they are) can email me for the exact word). Let’s look!!!

And, to no surprise, rightwingnuts are going ballistic.

Well, why – EXACTLY – did Van Jones call republiCons @zzholes? Because, to quote D*ck (cheney)in’ Cheney, on Faux News:

CHENEY: Well, I think that a lot of my colleagues felt that what I had said badly needed to be said, that it was long overdue.

Bingo!!!

And this needs to be repeated, over and Over and OVER:

“Hypocrisy, Thy Party Is GOP”

(originally published at MnProgressiveProject.com)

Another Example Of republiCon Hypocrisy

There’s so many examples of republiCon hypocrisy, that it’s becoming hard to keep track of them all. As Congress readies to go back to W.D.C. without John Kline nor Erik Paulsen holding a Town Hall, it’s important to remember that this summer, in the Great State Of Minnesota, one of the most amazing acts of hypocrisy ever – EVER – was performed, and Michael Brodkorb performed that feat in a mere 9 seconds! Let’s look!!!

Now, when Congress convenes after the August recess, be ready and waiting for more republiCon hypocrisy! Here’s Rachel Maddow, explaining the hypocrisy of republiCon Judd Gregg, R=Hypocrite, with Gregg’s amazing hypocrisy concerning the fillibuster – let’s look!

As Rachel explained: “It’s O K When A Republican Does It” – although I personally prefer:

“Hypocrisy, Thy Party Is GOP”

(originally published at MnProgressiveProject.com)

I Wrote The Post; Somebody ELSE Got Sued??!?

How did THAT Happen? The short story: Colonel Joe Repya has been a long-standing critic of republiCon Ron – and, by extension, FEC Tony and MudSlingerMike – over (among other things) the MN GOP’s apparent financial mismanagement. For said criticism, and mounting a challenge to Carey for the MN GOP party Chair position, Colonel Repya was essentially labeled an “enemy of the party” by republiCon Ron. After republiCon Ron stepped aside, and FEC Tony and MudSlingerMike were elected Chair and Deputy Chair, Colonel Repya had had enough: The Good Colonel announced in a PiPress Op/ed on 6/23/09 that he was leaving the Minnesota GOP – and why.

Here’s where it gets really, Really, REALLY interesting: in the comments section of said Op/Ed, Nathan Hansen, GOP Deputy Chair of CD-4, wrote, and I quote:

I am Deputy Chair of the Fourth Congressional District and one of the newer anti-war Republican activists. It’s difficult for words to describe how happy I am that you are leaving our Party. The roots of your “neconservative” philosophy lie in Straussian Trotzkyite Communism. “Corporate money” influencing our Party? Nothing compared to the damage your military industrial complex (that Eisenhower warned us about) has wreaked on our Party and our Country.

I hope you will find a happy home among your fellow communists. Your days of endless illegal wars and military industrial complex domination of our party are over.
Obama is ramping up his War in Afghanistan and continues to illegally bomb Pakistan. Perhaps you can join him to satiate your bloodlust. (emphasis added) (PiPress)

So, what was the MN GOP’s response to Nathan Hansen, speaking as GOP Deputy Chair of CD-4, calling The Good Colonel a commie? Why, a plum Committee assignment in the MN GOP!!!

Some people within the MN GOP were outraged; Andy Aplikowski (who blogs at “Residual Forces”) being one:

Again, this is the Deputy Chair of the CD4 Republicans who is attacking a veteran, our military, and anyone who believes in a strong national defense. Sure there is room for debate on specifics, but that is not what Dep. Chair Hanson decided to do. Nope, he went right for the jugular and crossed a line as far as I am concerned.
.
.
.
A high level officer in the Republican party cannot do what Mr. Hanson did. He is entitled to his opinion, but what he gave was an opinion that had to come with his official title, hence, he has to go.(ResidualForces.com)

Anoter person highly offended was Joe Salmon, Army Veteran and Chairman of the GOP’s SD56.

Joe Salmon started a blog about Nathan Hansen’s trashing of the military and veterans in general, and The Good Colonel in particular. At the very top, just under the masthead in the blog’s navigation bar, is a repost of what yours truly, the ol’ TwoPutter, wrote here, on the MnProgressiveProject. Here’s the link.

That’s the background. Now, apparently Nathan Hansen, GOP Deputy Chair of CD-4, got his undies in a bunch after seeing (more or less)”Dump Hansen” signs and buttons at the August 20th GOP picnic in Roseville.

So, what’s a “good” GOPer like Nathan Hansen to do?

File a lawsuit!!!

Yes, you heard “right” – attorney Nathan Hansen had a Summons and Complaint served upon Joe Salmon, over Salmon’s blog!!!

Now, in the Summons and Complaint, Hansen lists as Defendants “John Doe” and “Jane Roe” – a/k/a, anyone. So far, I haven’t been sued; nor – as of this date, according to his blog, has Andy Aplikowski. Here’s the meat of the suit:

FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS

5. On this website, the Defandants allege that “Nathan Hansen…Believes all veterans are Baby Killers and Communists.”

Based on what Nathan Hansen, GOP Deputy Chair of CD-4, wrote in the PiPress, and quoted in it’s entirety above, that’s EXACTLY what I would deduce!

COUNT I: DEFAMATION

9. Defendants have made a false and defamatory statement about the Plaintiff.

Again, based on what Nathan Hansen, GOP Deputy Chair of CD-4, wrote in the PiPress, and quoted in it’s entirety above, that doesn’t look false to me. Especially since, as far as I can tell, Nathan Hansen, GOP Deputy Chair of CD-4, has only issued what the self-described Minnesota Conservatives describe as “…a classic example of the non-apology apology.”

What strikes me, is that republiCons always make a big stink about “frivolous lawsuits. Keep that in mind while noting the following definition of a “Public Figures”:

public figure
n. in the law of defamation (libel and slander), a personage of great public interest or familiarity like a government official, politician, celebrity, business leader, movie star or sports hero. Incorrect harmful statements published about a public figure cannot be the basis of a lawsuit for defamation unless there is proof that the writer or publisher intentionally defamed the person with malice (hate).

See also: defamation libel slander
(Law.com)

Hmmm…”Incorrect harmful statements”…”published”…”intentially defame”…”malice (hate)”…add to that: “… how happy I am that you are leaving our Party…” and “I hope you will find a happy home among your fellow communists” and “Perhaps you can join him to satiate your bloodlust.”…Hmmm…

Nathan Hansen, GOP Deputy Chair of CD-4, smears Joe Repya, but then gets his undies in a bunch when he feels smeared.

Dam – another Irony Meter, pegged to broken!!!

Rather than Nathan Hansen, GOP Deputy Chair of CD-4, perhaps the person that ouught to file a lawsuit would be The Good Colonel, Joe Repya?

I called Colonel Repya, and asked if he had considered filing a lawsuit against Nathan Hansen, GOP Deputy Chair of CD-4.

“No, Tommy, I didn’t. Unfortunately, until today’s bitter political environment changes, reasonable people simply have to understand they are going to take unreasonable shots from unreasonable people.”

That about sums this one up, folks: an unreasonable lawyer publicly trashing one guy, but then unreasonably suing when held to account.

I can see the answer as “Nathan Hansen, GOP Deputy Chair of CD-4” to the call-out on “Jeapardy!” someday:

“I’ll take “Frivoulous Lawsuits for $200, Alex…”

(orignially published at MnProgressiveProject.com)

Hey, Michele! YOU go FIRST!!!

The Washington Independent just posted the latest quote from the Bachmann MotorMouth Overdrive Tour, at a fundraiser in Colorado, talking about health care legislation:

“This cannot pass. What we have to do today is make a covenant, to slit our wrists, be blood brothers on this thing. This will not pass. We will do whatever it takes to make sure this doesn’t pass.” (WashingtonIndependent.com)

O
M
G.

Why couldn’t she have said that, at Lake Elmo??!? I was THERE – with a CAMERA!!!

Then again, why didn’t she just hop on a plane to Jonestown, Guyana, and say it there?

Maybe she can take her pal, “Joe The Plumber”, with her….and speaking of “Joe The Plumber”, here’s another Bachmann MotorMouth Overdrive episode that will live in infamy – let’s watch!!!

Matthews: How many Congresspeople, members of Congress are in that anti-American crowd you describe?

Bachmann: [Deer in the headlights]

Matthews: How many Congresspeople you serve with — I mean, there’s 435 members of Congress —

Bachmann: — well right now —

Matthews: — how many are anti-American in that Congress right now that you serve with?

Bachmann: You’d have to ask them, Chris, I’m focusing on Barack Obama and the people he’s been associated with —

Matthews: But do you suspect that a lot of the people you serve with —

Bachmann: — and I’m very worried about their anti-American nature.

Matthews: Well, he’s the United States Senator from Illinois, he’s one of the people you suspect as being anti-American. How many people in the Congress of the United States do you think are anti-American? You’ve already suspected Barack Obama. Is he alone, or are there others?

Bachmann: [Deer in the headlights]

Matthews: How many do you suspect of your colleagues do you suspect of being anti-American?

Bachmann: I would say, what I would say is that the news media should do a penetrating expose and take a look — I wish they would. I wish the American media would take a great look at the views of the people in Congress and find out, are they pro-America or anti-America? I think the people would love to see an expose like that.

(transcript and commentary from CrooksAndLiars.com)

“I think the people would love to see an expose like that.”

I’d rather see Michele whip out a razor….

(originally published at MnProgressiveProject.com)

Then And Now: D*ck Cheney Channels The Ghost Of Nixon

Then – Richard Nixon interviewed, in 1977:

David Frost: “Would you say that there are certain situations – and the Huston Plan was one of them – where the president can decide that it’s in the best interests of the nation, and do something illegal?”

Richard Nixon: “Well, when the president does it, that means it is not illegal.” (Guardian.uk)

Now – D*ck Cheney interviewed, 2009:

WALLACE: So even these cases where they went beyond the specific legal authorization, you’re OK with it?

CHENEY: I am. (FauxNews.com)

Ladies and Gentlemen, just another example of when the Party Of Nixon breaks laws, they say laws don’t matter.

(originally published at MnProgressiveProject.com)

More On The Bachmann "Forum" At Lake Elmo

Ladies and Gentlemen, a lot will be written about Michele Bachmann’s Bachmann MotorMouth Overdrive “Forum” yesterday at Lake Elmo – as well there should!

But, Political Muse and Dusty Trice got video!

First, Political Muse wrote a piece entitled “Bachmann Abandons 10th Amendment…”. Here’s a snippet:

One of the cruxes of the entire conservative movement, aside perhaps from an unhealthy obsession with the 2nd Amendment, is their purported adherence to the 10th Amendment:

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Now I don’t necessarily share their passion for the 10th Amendment nor do I believe that it definitively proves their strict constructionist states rights beliefs but it is their belief none the less. Any true conservative will swear by the 10th Amendment and use it as a cudgel against any supposed deviation from the ideas of strict constructionism.

So, given that Bachmann is supposed to be a “rock ribbed conservative”, it would stand to reason that she too believes in this principle of strict constructionism and the 10th Amendment, right? WRONG. Today at her town hall forum on health care reform she completely tossed out the amendment even going so far as to suggest “erasing the boundaries” around each of the states in order to create so called competition in the health insurance industry. (LitLoC.com)

Bachmann’s “Big Eraser” plan apparently caught Political Muse’s attention, too. Political Muse has Bachmann’s “Big Eraser” plan on a YouTube; it’s the Bachmann quote I used earlier today. Except, Political Muse has it on a YouTube showing Bachmann used the “Big Eraser” fairy tale story TWICE. So, go look!

Dusty Trice was also at the “Forum” with a camera (big surprise there – NOT!!!) and has a whole bunch of footage – like 10 (count ’em – 10!) YouTubes of the “Forum.” As Dusty says: “You’re not going to want to miss her stupid Brett Favre joke!” So, go look!

(originally published at MnProgressiveProject.com)

Republicans Believe In States' Rights (Except When They Don't)

Some days, Republicans believe in a quaint notion called “state’s rights.” For instance, Texas Republicans believe in the primacy of state’s rights regarding the death penalty, even if it invovles executing the mentally retarded. Other days, not so much – like with California and medical marijuana, approved by California voters in 1996.

George W. Bush used to be the prime example of a Republican that believed in state’s rights (except when he didn’t). As Texas Governor, Dubya relished Texas’ sovereignty and eagerly affirmed each and every death penalty he could. As President, Dubya’s administration frequently ignored California’s sovereignty by frequently raiding medical marijuana distributors.

Then yesterday, along comes Michele Bachmann, giving the guy she “enjoys a great relationship” with, a run for his money on ignoring state’s rights. Here’s what Michele Bachmann said yesterday, at her Lake Elmo “Forum”:

“We could do this: there’s a law right now at the federal level that says that states can, in effect, draw boundaries around their state and insurance companies don’t have to compete with other companies outside of their state. This drives, this jacks the cost of healthcare way higher than what it would need to be. If we took a big eraser, and erased those lines, of each state’s boundaries, and allowed people to buy health care anywhere in the United States…in other words, if we, if we allowed more competition among insurance companies, rather than less competition, we would see more insurance products, cheaper prices, and people could buy what they want.” – Rep. Michele Bachmann, Lake Elmo, MN, August 27th, 2009

“If we took a big eraser, and erased those lines, of each state’s boundaries…”

O
M
G.

What other issues does Michele Bachmann feel states shouldn’t control; other issues to pull out a “big eraser” and obliterate state borders?

And that’s before examining her claim of being consumer friendly…..

Let’s take what Bachmann said, replace “insurance” with “credit cards”, and see how it reads…although not an exact analogy, you’ll get the picture of how Bachmann’s “insurance” plan just might work out – for “insurance” guys like Billion Dollar Bill McGuire!

“We could do this: there’s a law right now at the federal level that says that states can, in effect, draw boundaries around their state and credit card companies don’t have to compete with other companies outside of their state. This drives, this jacks the cost of credit cards way higher than what it would need to be. If we took a big eraser, and erased those lines, of each state’s boundaries, and allowed people to get credit cards anywhere in the United States…in other words, if we, if we allowed more competition among credit card companies, rather than less competition, we would see more credit card products, cheaper prices, and people could buy what they want.”

Yeah, “right.”

Barry Goldwater has got to be spinning in his grave, over what Boy Blunder and Bachmann MotorMouth Overdrive have done and said. And Michele Bachmann has once again proven that GOP does indeed stand for GreedOverPrinciples.

(originally published at MnProgressiveProject.com)