Let's begin with the "funny" news: Transocean awarded its top executives with six figure bonuses, because under their shining leadership the company experienced its "best year in safety performance." Yes, "safety bonuses" for the executives in charge of the oil rig that exploded and then spilled 200 million gallons of oil into the ocean, killing eleven people, all the baby dolphins and everything else that lives in/near the Gulf. Ha-ha, it's good to be an executive, and receive bonus-bribes and hookers so that you will never be tempted to cooperate with the authorities — which is very unlikely to begin with, since you have no soul. Anyway! BP has tentative plans to resume drilling in the Gulf, the end. [MSNBC]
We have no words. "Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind behind the September 11, 2001, attacks, will be tried by a military commission in Guantanamo Bay instead of a US civilian court. The news comes as a major reversal for the administration of Barack Obama, the US president. In making the announcement, Eric Holder, US attorney-general, repeated his belief that federal courts are the best place to prosecute terrorism suspects but said the government's hands "were tied" by Congress, which in December adopted restrictions on prosecuting Guantanamo prisoners in civilian courts. Holder said in late 2009 that Mohammed and four of his alleged co-conspirators would be tried in a federal civilian court in the heart of New York City. But the decision sparked concerns about security and giving the suspects full US legal rights. Obama failed to overcome the objections by opposition Republicans and some of his fellow Democrats in Congress to transferring some Guantanamo detainees to US prisons and trying Mohammed and others in federal courts."
...Indeed. Mr. Obama only gets my vote because the alternative, or not voting, is so much worse.
Trillions for banks. Nothing for Americans except a tax cut that no one even noticed and a healthcare reform bill that, if it survives, won't even kick in for another three years. Ahead of it, HMOs are gouging rates and doctors are overbilling all in the name of the rainy days to come.
When do we get to fight this class war back? When do we get to untie our hands and instead of being beaten, slapped and punched, maul those who harm us daily, with no regrets, without honor or loyalty to the nation that bestowed upon them the very gifts that our soldiers, We The People, have fought so hard for over the centuries?
When do you champion us? I'll give to your campaign. I may even contribute the same significant amounts I did in 2008. But it won't be with joy in my heart and hope for the kind of change we can believe in.
...
The Republicans are always telling us "Those who have nothing to hide, have nothing to fear." So what, asks Mother Jones, is Mike Huckabee so afraid of?
###
###
The collapse of the American empire won't be televised.
###
Good piece by Glenn about the reaction of lawmakers to the jackass in Florida burning Korans. Personally, I am of the opinion that he has every right to burn them, and I have every right to point out he is a total asshole and that his actions are helping no one and that he may have contributed to the deaths of those people. I find absolutely no inconsistency between recognizing that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances" and me using that right to call Rev. Jones a colossal asshole.
Additionally, my main problem with all this nonsense about Koran burning and the Draw Mohammed nonsense is that sure, they have every right to do it, but what exactly do they think they are accomplishing? Add in that much of it is the same warblogger chest-thumping and keyboard warfighting that so nauseates anyone with common sense, and that much of this is motivated with hatred for Islam.
Personally, as long as Congress doesn't do anything to actually attempt to restrict this scumbag's right to burn the Koran, and I'm not going to get that worked up about it. I've said my piece- I think the guy is a jerk.
###
"Thank you, Governor Walker, for making it possible for my son, Brian Deschane, to get a $81,500-a-year job in your administration. It's good to see how my generous donations to your gubernatorial campaign overcame the fact that my son is a college dropout, has two DUI convictions, and doesn't know jack shit about managing people responsible for environmental regulations ."
###
###
A day this elephant will never forget: Anne's retirement begins as campaign to build haven for circus animals is launched
###
Dreamer Lindsey Graham: 'Free speech is a great idea, but we're in a war'
Apparently last year's Koran-burn-threatening pastor Terry Jones decided he wasn't getting enough attention, so last week he actually did go through with burning itself. Normally a pastor saying hateful things who only has a half dozen or so followers would be ignored, but because we've been graced with a thing called the modern news media, this everglade cretin's actions were once again dutifully and enthusiastically reported, and the news reached Afghanistan, where the awaiting hideous face of humanity used it as an opportunity to murder 22 people. For Lindsey Graham, the scent of burning paper and human flesh was as sweet as the smell of freshly made ham biscuits, a chance for the government to devour free speech in the name of war. READ MORE »
###
Why would anyone who has ever worked or struggled vote for any Republican?
####
Anonymous patriots: Arkansas Sets Fire To Devil NPR Station
###
The 2012 Goat Rodeo is On! - President Carebear is in! Here's his announcement video:
And, gee, he wants our opinion: "The idea is to improve upon what's worked for the past four years, scrap what hasn't, and build a campaign that reflects the thoughts and experiences of the supporters who've powered this movement." Like maybe how Obama has sold out everyone on the left for cheap political points and dashed the hope of an entire generation ensuring that yet a new generation of cynics don't vote? (Barackobama.com)
###
###
GOP bait & switch on Medicare
Yup, that's a Great White. But it's OK, that one's totally small. 
