Disqus - Latest Comments for JSpencer

Re: Sarah Palin’s Missing Skin

JSpencer — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:27:44 -0000

One more comment and I have to shut this thing off and do some manual labor around here. Add me to the list of people who are glad to see you writing here again Polimom. I've always found your assessements to be thoughtful and fair, and your post here is no exception. I have no personal animosity toward Sarah Palin, and agree she would likely make a fine neighbor and friend. High positions of leadership are another matter entirely though, and come with a different set of requirements.

Re: The Good Old Sixth Amendment Days

JSpencer — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:09:47 -0000

Even Bill Kristol, with his track record of partisan hackery, and being so wrong so often, deserves to be quoted in context. And that context here is about Kristol trying to suggest that Napolitano doesn't care about what went wrong or how to prevent it in the future - a suggestion which is patently absurd.

Re: The Good Old Sixth Amendment Days

JSpencer — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:50:05 -0000

Even those of us who are moderate - DLS

;-)

Re: The Science of 2012

JSpencer — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:21:50 -0000

Btw, I think you need to look up "Lysenkoism" again. Your usage might be appropriate if you were describing your own attitude toward science, but in your rush to project your bias onto others you got it exactly backwards.

Re: Situational Justice

JSpencer — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:02:59 -0000

AR, sorry to see talk about leaving, but you need to do what is going to be best for you. This site is more civilized than the political forums I used to spend time in, which is to say the ad hominem stuff seems to be kept at a minimum, but I suppose that's partly subjective and also depends on the degree to which you've spent time in other forums - some of which can be downright unpleasant. I haven't agreed with all the views you've expressed but I do share some of them, and I always read your posts when I see them. Maybe you just need a break for awhile, it's easy to get caught up with the give and take of these forums and begin to imagine that participation is critical, when it should be thought of more as informative and fun. In any case, best of luck to you and I hope to see you here again. ~ Joe

Re: Sarah Palin Goes To War

JSpencer — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:30:11 -0000

Well done! Dead ringer for channeling one of our resident reactionaries. ;-)

Re: The Science of 2012

JSpencer — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:25:04 -0000

Thanks for the laugh-out-loud commentary DLS. Either your routine is getting better or you need to go back on your meds, I'm not sure which it is.

Re: Sarah Palin Goes To War

JSpencer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:03:58 -0000

Somebody call an excorcist, quick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Is Lou Dobbs Planning to Run As Independent Presidential Candidate in 2012?

JSpencer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:27:32 -0000

Poor Lou, he's lost already and we don't even know if he's running! I hope he doesn't for his own sake, he'd likely suffer the same fate as that other TV actor wannabee politician guy. (no, not Reagan ;-)

Re: Fort Hood Warning Signs

JSpencer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:20:29 -0000

Slap whatever label you want on it (I happen to think it was 21st century garden variety ineptitude) in the end it was unforgivably negligent.

Re: Dealing With Conscience-Driven Joe

JSpencer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:09:47 -0000

I'm waiting for an announcement of a Lieberman/Palin ticket for 2012! Or is it Palin/Lieberman???

Re: Sarah Palin Goes To War

JSpencer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:54:20 -0000

I have a feeling this book is going to give Sarah the sort of attention she may not be expecting. Her supporters are bound to interpret any criticism of her book as "attacks", since for them it's always been about loyalty more than objectivity - while the D's seem to benefit from her continued exposure. Maybe Palin only cares about attention... period. Strike while the iron is hot dont'cha know!

Ann Althouse (who I think has to be considered a moderate overall) doesn't seem to be terribly impressed with Palin's book either... to put it gently:

http://althouse.blogspot.com/2009/11/sarah-pali...

For my own money I think Palin is a compelling figure in some ways, but not in a way that shows service to very high standards - qualification-wise or conduct-wise... but that's an old story.

Re: Terrorist Trials in the Big Apple

JSpencer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:02:21 -0000

Let's just say the importance of due process here - in the eyes of the world is in our best interest. I can't see any possible scenario in which he would be acquitted, no how no way.

While I agree the whole business of waterboarding is a shameful chapter in our country's history, I also understand that Khalid Shaikh Mohammed did plenty of talking before he was waterboarded.

Re: America’s ‘Black Knights’ and the Fort Hood Tragedy: Dar Al Khaleej, United Arab Emirates

JSpencer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:54:24 -0000

You could have been addressing Kern or one of the 4 links for all I know. Your post wasn't a direct reply - hence the request for clarity. I've learned not to assume anything when it comes to political forums.

Re: Terrorist Trials in the Big Apple

JSpencer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:49:29 -0000

No way will he be acquitted. It won't happen. Guaranteed. We'll see Sarah Palin convert to Islam before that happens.

Re: Sean Hannity Apologizes to Jon Stewart Who….(Etc.)

JSpencer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:55:30 -0000

Ah yes, more apologism. I have to wonder what percentage of americans these days have enough critical thinking ability to discern the difference between news and opinion?

Re: America’s ‘Black Knights’ and the Fort Hood Tragedy: Dar Al Khaleej, United Arab Emirates

JSpencer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:52:09 -0000

dd, could be more clear about who you are responding to and why?

Re: Sean Hannity Apologizes to Jon Stewart Who….(Etc.)

JSpencer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:26:46 -0000

Great post Sil! My favorite dog was an aussie I had for 14 years. My current dog is a young aussie (my vet thinks is part border collie) but she acts sort of like a heeler. Since there are no herding activities for her here (other than the cats) she is obsessed with her frisbee and tennis ball. She is a great dog though, smart as a whip, athletic as all get out, and of course thinks I'm god. ;-) - also she is distrustful of strangers - unlike my last aussie who loved everyone. Apologies for digressing from politics, blame it on Sil. ;-)

Re: Sean Hannity Apologizes to Jon Stewart Who….(Etc.)

JSpencer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:03:45 -0000

Glad to see Jim Lehrer is up there too... which isn't so surprising.

Re: Sean Hannity Apologizes to Jon Stewart Who….(Etc.)

JSpencer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:45:26 -0000

...the subtle altering of network reality to sell a preconceived narrative ~ Jon Stewart

Too bad that wasn't comedy as well.

As for offense taken at benign lexicon, this is the second case I've seen at TMV lately. I rank that dynamic right down there with apologist behavior for indefensible actions - in this case what FOX did.

Re: Can We Please Just Tax the Churches Already?

JSpencer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:33:54 -0000

My initial reading of your "gay scourge" comment was just of you being sarcastic. Was that correct?

Re: Don’t Push Your Luck, Stupak

JSpencer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:19:53 -0000

Karen, I have no problems with compromise when it comes to abortions beyond the first trimester, but up until that time they should be legal and available - and without the patient having to walk through a gauntlet of screaming, spitting lunatics - and without the Dr. having to worry about some nutcase shooting him or bombing the clinic. Also I don't have a problem with the patient being required to pay for her own abortion, although this is an area in which there is a certain amount if inconsistency when it comes to the principle involved. Beyond the first trimester, I believe there should be health-based restrictions. As for late term abortions (which are extremely rare, and are mostly a political football) I am against them except in cases where the mother's life is in danger. I hope this helps to clarify my postion.

Re: Can We Please Just Tax the Churches Already?

JSpencer — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:57:18 -0000

I think most Christians would like to think of their clergy as something more than political pundits to be listened to or not. The clergy is in a position of extreme trust by many, and political proselytizing should not be a part of their religious teaching, IMO. ~ GreenDreams

Well said. I think the clergy loses a certain amount of their stature when they venture very far into matters politic.

Re: Full Text of Obama’s Remarks at Fort Hood Massacre Memorial Service

JSpencer — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:54:32 -0000

Thanks Joe for providing this text. Excellent speech.

Re: Don’t Push Your Luck, Stupak

JSpencer — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:45:32 -0000

Interesting, especially the part about the republican plan covering elective abortion. I guess that sort of thing doesn't really surprise me anymore. As for Stupak, he might want to tone down his rhetoric a little bit; sounds like he imagines himself to be a bigger fish than he probably is.

When Benen mentions Stupak's record on women's reproductive rights I can't help but wonder about the degree to which misogyny might not be playing a part in all of this. Yes, I know, this the 21st century, we don't have misogyny, or racism, or any other obsolete attitudes anymore. ;-)