Friday, May 22, 2009

Saved by the barbecue

Boy howdy, I had steam coming out of my ears yesterday, but once I had a full tummy, I felt all mellow and content. Today I'm still feeling pretty mellow, and that's probably a good thing. It really does help to sleep on things, and I feel like I will be more thoughtful and less emotional. We shall see. I think everyone should give a big thank you to last night's beef barbecue, because it is what kept me from writing a profanity-laden entry last night! If you're thanking the barbecue, you can't leave out the baked beans and the cole slaw, because they played a big part in it, too. So let's hear it for last night's meal! [applause] I think you’ll be glad that I toned it down a bit.

Adam and Kris Before I get to my main topic, I should comment on the "American Idol" finale. I think it was the best finale they've ever had, with some awesome performances by Rod Stewart, KISS, and Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen. Yeah, I know I'm showing my age there, but I still love their music. I was never that much into KISS, but their songs are fun in the short term. Did you hear Adam singing "my" song? ("Beth") Very cool! So a great finale, right up until they announced the winner, Kris. I'm not a Kris-hater or anything, and I think he's got a fine voice, but Adam's voice just blows him out of the water. I still think Adam is the superior talent, the better entertainer, and has the better voice, by a mile. I never heard him hit a bad note, and that's amazing in a weeks-long competition like this. They'll both do fine, and I wish them luck with CD sales and tours. But I hope Adam outsells Kris. [grin]

Do I think that Adam's loss had anything to do with him being gay? I really don't. We've embraced singers like Elton John and Barry Manilow (well, not the latter for me), and I don't see how that would color anyone's view of the contestants. I think that although Ken and I loved Adam's voice, there are plenty who didn't care for it or for his style. [shrugs] Each to their own. I thought it was a great season, and next year might be a bit of a let-down for me with no Adam. He's been my favorite contestant of all the seasons since I've watched the show. He sure generated a lot of buzz for them!

Okay, onto the main topic. Dick Cheney.

Warning: The opinions expressed here are those of the author. If you don't want to read bad things about Dick Cheney, there is no need to continue; feel free to move along. If you are offended by bad language, you may not want to venture any further, because there will probably be profanity involved. This will also be a long one. Pictures are provided for comic relief. Thank you for your patience and patronage.

Dick Cheney smiling After the President's speech on national security yesterday, Dick gave one of his own. I'm not sure when I've ever read such a steaming pile of idiocy. You know, I've always tried to maintain a certain respect for higher office, and even at Bush's worst, I tried to refrain from petty name-calling. Dick no longer gets a pass, because I've decided that he's just plain evil. He is scrambling to try to justify his behavior and authorization of the use of torture (and I've made it clear how I feel about that), hopeful that history will judge him well. In your dreams, Dick. History will judge you as one of the most heinous characters to ever come to power in our country. Let's look at a few choice snippets. I'll comment as we go along.

In top secret meetings about enhanced interrogations, I made my own beliefs clear. I was and remain a strong proponent of our enhanced interrogation program. The interrogations were used on hardened terrorists after other efforts failed. They were legal, essential, justified, successful, and the right thing to do. The intelligence officers who questioned the terrorists can be proud of their work and proud of the results, because they prevented the violent death of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of innocent people.

It's called torture, Dick. Stop the use of the euphemism "enhanced interrogation." It was torture. It was not legal. Not essential. Not justified. Very limited in its success. Most definitely not the right thing to do. The information prevented the death of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands? Where is the proof of that? What do you know that we don't, and if it was so successful, why aren't you sharing the details with us?

All the zeal that has been directed at interrogations is utterly misplaced. And staying on that path will only lead our government further away from its duty to protect the American people.

Bullshit! The zeal is perfectly placed: on you and others at your level who authorized torture! I also feel confident that our current administration is committed fully to keeping the American people safe, and the majority of people agree with me.

You’ve heard endlessly about waterboarding. It happened to three terrorists.

Three? Three?!  If the technique worked so well, why didn't you use it on everyone? Think of the information that was lost because you didn't use it on every suspected terrorist that you had in your slimy little hands. Way to go, DICK.

Torture was never permitted...

Dick Cheney offensiveBullshit! The consensus is that waterboarding is torture. You haven't been paying attention, DICK.

...we hear from some quarters nothing but feigned outrage based on a false narrative.  In my long experience in Washington, few matters have inspired so much contrived indignation and phony moralizing as the interrogation methods applied to a few captured terrorists.

Believe me, it's not 'feigned,' Dick, and what part of the narrative do you maintain is false? My indignation, and others', is not contrived, and I don't think you're one to talk about 'phony moralizing.'  You're spinning like crazy to try to get people to believe that you did no wrong. You're not just immoral, you are amoral.

What’s more, to completely rule out enhanced interrogation methods in the future is unwise in the extreme. It is recklessness cloaked in righteousness, and would make the American people less safe.

It's not unwise, you ass. It's the right thing to do. Again, don't be schoolin' us about righteousness; I don't believe you have a righteous bone in your body. What proof do you have that not using torture would make us less safe? What sort of twisted, insane logic draws that conclusion? Never mind, I answered my own question.

But no moral value held dear by the American people obliges public servants ever to sacrifice innocent lives to spare a captured terrorist from unpleasant things.

There you go again, Dick, with the euphemisms. Unpleasant things...I assume you're talking about torture?

For all the partisan anger that still lingers, our administration will stand up well in history...

Don't be so sure, Dick. You're trying, you're really trying, but you're not convincing anyone.

For all that we’ve lost in this conflict, the United States has never lost its moral bearings.

Dick Cheney cat We  haven't, Dick, but you have. What's really sad is that you don't seem to care, while the rest of us are left holding the bag because of what you have wrought.

In addition, Cheney said that Adm. Dennis Blair, director of National Intelligence, had approved waterboarding because such techniques had provided us with a “deeper understanding of the al-Queda organization.” He conveniently left out Blair's further remarks: “...there is no way of knowing whether the same information could have been obtained through other means. The bottom line is that these techniques hurt our image around the world. The damage they have done to our interests far outweighs whatever benefits they gave us.”

Yes, Dick, your authorization of torture has damaged our perception around the world, and it could take a long time to repair it. This is the legacy you have left us, and left your country. So instead of putting your sneering mug out there in front of the cameras and trying to convince everyone that you did a good thing, that your actions saved lives, you need to shut the hell up, slink off like the mangy cur you are, and live out your remaining years in silence and much-deserved ignominy. You have disgraced yourself and your country, and your actions have led to the deaths of thousands of service personnel. You have no reason to be proud. You have every reason to be ashamed.

12 comments:

  1. I agree 110% with absolutely everything you said.

    Dick thinks that if he keeps lying long enough and forcefully enough - that people will believe his bullshit.

    Will.Not.Happen.

    XOXOXOXOXO

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think Revolutions were raged because they DIDN'T have a full stomach (winks). As for AI, haven't watched it in a few years. I did when it first came out, these days it's gotten old - but that's just me.

    America's image has been tarnished for some time now. Torturing most definitely didn't play in our favor. Cheney never had his day and scrambling to excuse his behavior now is a mite pathetic. (Hugs)Indigo

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great write-up, Beth. Of course, I agree with all you said.

    I wonder, though, how many Americans who deem the actions of Bush/Cheney would volunteer to submit these individuals to the ICC. It strikes me that there are cases to be answered, by many in the US administration and many former and present figures in the British government.

    http://www2.icc-cpi.int/Menus/ICC?lan=en-GB

    ReplyDelete
  4. Although it pains me to use the names Adam Lambert and Dick Cheney in the same sentence, I entirely agree with you on both.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Completely disagree with you in principle on Cheney, but can't speak of today's post because I heeded your warning and scrolled down.

    Frankly I'm dissapointed in your blog; having seen today's cover of People I was expecting a good Palin rant.

    As for Adam - glad you agree that his sexuality had little to do with Kris' win. Adam has the better voice (not as good a voice as you believe, IMHO, but much better than Kris) I think what the win amounts to is:

    a) Idol over-hyped Adam. American's don't like a sure bet, unless it's the horse their money is backing

    and

    b) once Danny - a family man and a friendly, average churchgoing Joe - kicked the bucket on the show, where were his voters going to go? To Danny Lite (Kris) or to the goth guy with his tongue whipping around?

    ReplyDelete
  6. I wish just once, on some topic, you would come out and tell us how your really feel. This wishy washy stance is really pissing me off :o)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I kind of hope that Cheney keeps talking, because he's bound to slip up sometime and say something that will entice the current administration to prosecute him. Of course, I'd settle for someone knee-capping him.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Beth,
    If I were running the GOP, I'd do everything and anything to prevent Cheney from doing himself and his party any further damage. There's a reason his approval ratings are in the toilet: He deceived the American public by dragging us into a war under false pretenses, he authorized torture and, what's worse, he continues to rub our noses in it with endless media interviews and speeches. No doubt he takes us all for fools.
    Best,
    Marty

    ReplyDelete
  9. First off, Queen fucking RAWKS! I called into the bear on night and asked them to play bohemian rhapsody... they said they'd do it but they LAUGHED at me for requesting it. I could've bitch slapped Ryno through the phone. ;)
    As far as everything else, you know what a high value I put on human life. If anyone knows, it's YOU. The only thing torture gets you is the answer you're looking for, whether that be the truth or not. People will say anything to get you to stop hurting them at some point. I see it as pointless and cruel. I don't care what they are accused of doing. Although, I still strongly believe that child molester's should be castrated. Not sure what to do about the women that do it but I'm sure there are things that could be done. You could even give them pain medication, I don't give a shit but they need to be punished with more than prison.
    Love,
    Jamie

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ok, wait...Barry Manillow is GAY ? Where the hell have I been.
    I responded to your email but just want to read your post since I've been MIA in Blog/J land.

    I do think alot of people werent into the whole Goth, nailpolish and makeup that was Adam. Plus there were tons of photos going around with him making out with guys, and honestly THAT is what got in his way ... JUST my opinion... but America can be swayed I guess.
    The show though, ROCKED, when he started singing Beth, I literally got chills, awesome.
    This isnt the end for Adam, not by a long shot !

    ReplyDelete
  11. I think Cheney and Rush L. need to go on a one way hunting trip.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm with Ken. If you've got some issue, some ax to grind, some former member of the administration to roast, I wish you'd come out with it loud and clear and stop beating about the Bush, er, bush. Come on Beth, what do you REALLY think of Chaney? We can take it.

    ReplyDelete

I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you?