So Many Are Mocking/Attacking Mrs. Alito Why?

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

I consider us to be far more decent than that.

Unless the reason is simply because of impulsive immature grade school type mockery, is there a legitimate reason for it that I am missing? (Such as how Mrs. Delay is corrupt and involved directly in a scandal)

[chelsea0011]

1. Do you have infromation on DeLay's wife?

[Beaverhausen]

17. She was paid $3000 a month by a lobbying firm with ties to Abramoff

to "gather information." The firm closed yesterday due to the scandal.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/09/AR2006010901996_pf.html

edited to add link

[chelsea0011]

28. She's a thief scumbag also. There now I feel better.

[Name removed]

136. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[OKNancy]

2. I agree

Really bad form IMO.

[Texasgal]

3. I agree...

She is a HUMAN BEING after all!

It's the whole "fair game" issue, I guess. :shrug:

[Lars39]

4. Oh, get off it.

She's a prop doing her job at the moment.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

6. She's A Human Being Who As Far As I Can Tell Has Not Wronged Anyone

Unless you can back up the need for the mockery with a legitimate reason that shows she is deserving of it for being evil in some way or having done major wrongs in the past, than the only reason for attacking her would be due to need for immature grade school taunting.

Do you have any legitimate reasons?

[Lars39]

29. She's the "little lady" behind the career judge.

She has been behind him all this time. That says a lot about a person.
She's acting as a diversion, a ploy, to gain sympathy for him.

[MrMonk]

65. She' his frickin' WIFE!

I should hope that one spouse will stand behind the other.

[Lars39]

70. Who I'm sure has been thoroughly coached on how to behave

during these proceedings.

[carolinalady]

174. I highly doubt that-politicians such as Graham have wives who

are in the business. They know how to act. She is not one of those and I doubt that the Senator even gave it a thought.

[Walt Starr]

31. #1, Lindsey Graham was the Senate "coach"

#2, this was a STAGED EVENT.

She's a FUCKING WHOOORE!

[Name removed]

144. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Judi Lynn]

203. Surely! Republicans have been doing that for ages:placing folks in camera

range who will convey the emotional message they are wanting the gullible dimmest among us to buy. Do you remember the time an Enron or Arthur Anderson employee sneaked into a chair right behind one of the key executives who was answering questions before a Senate committee, who got the Senate committee in stitches by making funny reaction faces mocking what the exective was saying?

Anyone who doubts this only has to wait until the next hearing to watch the faces around the person testifying, and see a whole other story going on: the Greek chorus, making the emotional background for the witness. Only people with short attention spans wouldn't recognize the arrangement meant to mold perception in the audience at home.

I approve your assessment of Mrs. Alito's pathetic performance.

[0007]

246. I certainly don't understand where this thread starter is coming

from and how guileless. Like this babe was just born yesterday, eh?

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

255. Well Than How Bout Having The Courage To Ask

I do respond, ya know.

[0007]

261. I did, do I have you draw you another picture, LOL!

There are enough posters here that drew it for ya, kido!

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

262. That's A Crock And You Know It. I respond to all posts, and I think you

know you would have no leg to stand on whatsoever to back that absurd claim up.

So rather than the hypocrisy in avoiding the question yourself, feel free to comment to me directly. I have no problem with responding.

[Name removed]

263. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

264. So you can talk crap to third parties but not directly to the source. I

can't think of anything I respect less.

If you have the courage, please voice to me the concerns you had with my original post as opposed to personal immature attacks.

[0007]

265. This probably sums it up better than what I can ...hope you get it.

The Crying Game (by James Wolcott)

The Crying Game
Posted by James Wolcott

It seems as if it was only this afternoon--because it was only this afternoon--that conservative bloggers were flopping all over each other to express their boredom with the windbag monotony of the Alito hearings, trying to outdo each other with yawns, snores, and zzzzzzzzzz's.

Then Mrs. Alito suffered a case of the weepies that was so dramatically well-timed and patently maudlin that I was reminded of the classic stage direction in Private Eye (takes out onion, wipes away tear), and suddenly the proceedings turned into a soap opera with Fox News commentators arriving on cue to deplore the toll taken on innocent bystanders in these brutal proceedings. From their sympathetic clucks and disapproving tones you would have thought Alito had been subjected to a Stalinist show trial presided over by Randi Rhodes in a bad mood rather than honey-tongued Lindsey Graham asking Alito with tender solicitude, "Are you a bigot?" The hypocritical highpoint came when Newt Gingrich, who during his reign as Speaker of the House did more than any political leader in recent memory to dump raw sewage into the political discourse, had the gall to invoke Joseph Welch's famous rhetorical throwdown of moral umbrage during the McCarthy hearings--"At long last, sir, have you no decency?"--to showboat his phony disgust over this trivial episode of upset feelings.

Yes, so heartsick were conservatives over this lady in distress that they immediately hurrahed Mrs. Alito's walkout as the humanizing moment that would win the public's sympathy vote and put Judge Alito's candidacy over the top and assure him a seat on the Court. If Alito is confirmed, Mrs. Alito and Judge Clarence Thomas's wife can commisserate by exchanging monogrammed crying towels as their men folk roll back women's rights and civil liberties and go duck hunting weekends with Scalia.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

266. Actually It Has Little To Do With This Thread

All it does is state the obvious that the right wing whores were PR'ing this for their gain. Well DUH! :eyes:

I don't see how that has anything whatsoever to do with the point of this thread. And I'd encourage you to use your own words to explain your position, if you are capable. If you aren't, than I shall consider your earlier comments null and void on account of lack of defensibility.

[Spock_is_Skeptical]

217. Yup!

[cry baby]

224. That is a word that should only be used for mAnn Coulter.

No one else deserves that kind of degradation.

[hogwyld]

84. She's evil

By being a republican hack married to another hack. Her crime was obviously voting for * twice!

[carolinalady]

192. Do you know that she is Republican? Do you know that she

voted for Shrub? Or are you ASSuming?

[hogwyld]

251. Simple logic

Do you think shrub/rove would have nominated scalito without knowing every stance, vote, or party registration of these dimwits?

[LincolnMcGrath]

220. Meh!

Faux tears deserve no pity.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

252. Wrong. She has.

She willingly participated in a PR scam to dishonestly gather sympathy for an extreme RW SCOTUS nominee. With that, she became an active player on their side and therefore fair game.

Next question.

[Cooley Hurd]

That's certainly the impression I got from the incident...

...if she wasn't crying on cue (for effect/sympathy/to derail the hearing), then she's in need of some serious psychotherapy.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

42. I personally have

a hard time with the concept of "prop." It's kind of like "trophy wife." Demeans women.

But I know you didn't mean it that way

[Lars39]

69. I debated on putting in the words "acting as", but felt it was redundant.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

75. Online words

are often inadequate, aren't they? I've been called out on a few things over my past few months here, things I didn't mean actually.

[ScreamingMeemie]

153. I am not comfortable with that as there are those who would say that's

what Theresa Heinz Kerry, the Edwards children are... It is politics...and fake crying or not, it's not going to get us anywhere. I can understand the anger, but I cannot understand 15 (at last count) threads about it on the first page. :(

[ComerPerro]

243. Exactly

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Texasgal]

9. C'mon Walt,

Can't she just simply be a human being?

[Teaser]

16. No.

If she's working for the enemy, she IS the enemy.

And yes, they are the enemy.

[Walt Starr]

18. No n/t

[AlCzervik]

22. imo i think this poster--below nailed it

i've kept my mouth shut about her until the crying jag.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=111033&mesg_id=111248

[leftchick]

48. yes indeed!

pretty fucking transparent as well.

[cry baby]

229. I've been thinking, if my husband (a dem) was nominated for SCOTUS,

and was being asked questions by the repubs and they were (in my mind) being mean to him, I would cry, too.

You're right, it's a human response.

[Carni]

15. Thank you

What he said!

She has been sitting there with that smug sneer on her face for two days and could barely control her snide faces when Kennedy was questioning Alito--

Her whole demeanor has given me a pain where I sit.

[RebelOne]

93. I think you are out of line in your remarks.

[janx]

7. It's not just Mrs. Alito.

It's the whole situation and what the media are making of it.

[leftstreet]

8. The Corporate Media hacks started it

I don't see much mocking of "the mrs" here. But when CNN decided it was noteworthy to imply that Dems had something to do with her vapors - then naturally people are going to get silly about it.

[Occulus]

10. Overdecency is our core problem. n/t

[antonialee839]

232. Agreed. I refuse to feel decently toward this woman and her

crocodile tears. Let's see how hard she cries when women are forced into back alley abortions again. Or when more ten year olds are stripped searched. Screw her, her ugly ass clothes, her smarmy looks and the freaking tears.

[DoYouEverWonder]

She is a public figure

If she can't stand the heat, then get out of the fire.

[chelsea0011]

24. Exactly. Who the hell asked her to be there? Can't take it? Screw.

[DoYouEverWonder]

26. She was a law librarian

It's not like she lived in a convent all her life.

She's should be able to handle this sort of pressure.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

Is law librarian a high pressure job?

I didn't know that.

[DoYouEverWonder]

Law students aren' t the nicest people in the world

I would imagine especially around exam time people can get fairly nasty.

However, I just found info that she currently works has a teacher. I don't think I would want so one who flips out so easily in a teaching position? I hope she doesn't work with young kids.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

Well I've sure met a few nasty

lawyers so it makes sense they are demanding.

I'm a teacher. Personally you could not PAY me enough to sit there even if my husband was being made Emperor of the world. I would throw up and then pass out. Now THAT would be something to talk about. There is not enough Ativan in the world to get me on camera.

[DoYouEverWonder]

111. Then it is ashame that it was a Republican

who purposely pushed her over the edge. Can't you smell a set up?

[TallahasseeGrannie]

116. I read this thread before I saw it

and I was sure it was a set up because that is just so ... well, predictable. But I have to say after I saw it, I think it was genuine. The chin trembling did it for me. I tried that. Can't do it! Maybe she missed her calling and should be in films?

[DoYouEverWonder]

138. Did you know that Lindsey Graham was one of Alito's coaches?

and that he's been coaching Alito at the WH. It is beyond inappropriate for Graham to coach a candidate coming before his committee for a vote, no less to do it at the WH. Now don't tell me they didn't 'practice' this little drama either. They needed a distraction.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

181. If he taught her that trick

he's missed his calling. He needs to direct.

I wasn't aware it is inappropriate for Graham to coach, though. This is all very new to me. Thanks for explaining.

I'm afraid they "won" this little episode, whether it was real OR charade. The msm is all over it and the Dems look like meanies.

[DoYouEverWonder]

190. Graham used to be a prosecutor

I think in military court. He knows how to put on a show. And no I disagree, I think this stunt is going to backfire on them just like their Mission Accomplished stunt.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

260. From your mouth

to the FSM's ears.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

83. Another mysterious DUPE

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

86. Mysterious Dupe Of What Exactly Grannie?

Can you elaborate?

Thanks.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

89. LOL

I must have heavy fingers today. My previous post showed up twice so I removed one and called it "another mysterious dupe." As in duplicate.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

100. Know What's Weird? I Just Noticed Now That The "mysterious dupe" one says

it was in reply to the original message(mine), but it actually was in response to Doyoueverwonder much further down in the thread. I don't recall ever seeing a glitch like that before.

[Judi Lynn]

240. Thread police? Congratulations.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

241. Pay Attention, It is referencing the little identifier in the right corner

of posts, ya know, where it says "in reply to original message"

:eyes:

[Beaverhausen]

66. YEs, law librarians have millions of people watching them every day

and are constantly in the media glare, being criticized for their clothing and their facial expressions. :eyes:

[DoYouEverWonder]

71. Then maybe you should by her a mirror

because after being a judge's wife for 20+ years and living in a high pressure town like DC, she still doesn't have a clue.

[Beaverhausen]

91. Ok, I'll "by" her a mirror

Is this what it's about? Her clothes? Her facial expressions? OK. I got it now.

[DoYouEverWonder]

139. No, it's about self control

and appearances do make a difference.

[Rich Hunt]

148. are you people really talking about Mrs. Alito? n/t

[carolinalady]

175. She is NOT a Public figure. Her husband is not in an elected

position.

[Ksec]

11. I aint buyin it.... crocodile tears imo.

Shes playin on peoples compassion and her husband didnt mind stepping on people on his way up the ladder.

[VolcanoJen]

12. I didn't say a word until she pulled that crying act.

She's a player in the game, now. And we're free to say whatever we wish, there is nothing distasteful about it. Not now.

[TahitiNut]

41. She's clearly a practiced 'victim' - "oh poor me"

Screw her bullshit melodrama.

[leftchick]

It is nice to see we are on the same page here TN!

It was a magnificent piece of TV drama I will give her that! The fact that Lindsey the coach was directing makes it pretty fucking obvious what went down.

[TahitiNut]

88. How would she react to a daughter hemorrhaging with a coat hanger abortion

The kind of pain and suffering her husband would inflict on others makes her melodramatic 'victim' act outrageous.

[leftchick]

92. It is very interesting you say that...

I was watching her today with her frozen stepford face thinking the same thing! Sadly I am afraid freaks like this put their love of the fetus and religious zealotry above love for their own offspring. Isn't it sick?

[TahitiNut]

110. I regard it as self-righteousness as overcompensation for self-loathing.

Sadly, I've known altogether too many people who lack empathy and compassion for others due to their own pathologically atrophied self-esteem. Watching her blatant mugging for the panel and the cameras has been nauseating. Tragically, they remind me of exactly the kind of parents whose daughter would've been relegated to some secretive coat-hanger abortion, incapable of facing them with her pregnancy.

My ex-mother-in-law was, in a very mild sense, one of these people. When it came out that her husband had been embezzling funds from his company in order to maintain a mistress for 15 years, it was all she could do to hold her head up at the Womens' Club. After all, that's what was important, you see. (Sick.)

[leftchick]

123. yes the irony is tragic here...

Sad, sick, disgusting and unbearable. :(

[carolinalady]

177. Why do you assume she has the same belief on that subject

as her husband? My husband and I have many opposing views.

[TahitiNut]

221. As I recall, her views are on record, along with his sister and mother.

I may be misremembering, but that's my impression. :shrug:

[notadmblnd]

13. because she's an extension of her husband

and I don't like him.

[hogwyld]

23. I agree

and by that extension, she's a conservative crackpot that should be shamed into exile, along with her fascist husband, and all the rest of the pukes!

[stepnw1f]

14. That Vapid Haus Frau... whuh?

Come on off of it...

[katsy]

19. I remember...

wondering the same thing when an 11 year old Chelsea Clinton was ravaged by the right wing.

Cry me a river ms. alito.

[tanyev]

20. You may be more decent than that.

I'm not. :evilgrin:

[Beaverhausen]

21. This is something we can agree on

I know we have some disagreements but I also think the wife should be left out of it. This is beneath us. Well, some of us.

[Ksec]

25. I never touched her until

she injected herself into the debate. Its all theyre talking about now. She HAD to know this would be a brutal hearing . She shouldve stayed out if she couldnt take it IMO. Nothing agaiunst her character, but she forced herself into that picture behind him.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

32. Hi Beaver, Thanks For That. I Can Be Strong In The Way I

disagree sometimes, but I never take it to the next day. Honestly I can't remember what we had disagreed about LOL Each issue is a new issue for debate, and I've always believed that a heated debate one day should not be cause to avoid embracing the next.

[Jayhawk Lib]

76. I agree with you Beaverhausen 100%. eom

[Lone_Star_Dem]

27. Picking on her clothing, etc. is in poor taste

Using her as a stage prop is also in poor taste. Pointing out that she's playing a part is stating the obvious.

[janx]

58. I agree. It's not at all useful to mock someone's appearance

or clothing--that's downright mean.

But this drama is a little over the top.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

96. That's it in a nutshell

The drama is taking on the feel of a B Movie and she's playing the leading lady.

[txindy]

78. It's the clothing that's in poor taste. Folks are just pointing it out.

Some of the comments may be in poor taste, but her outfits are worse. They are hideous and she knows they will prop her in the seat right behind him - directly in front of the camera. Nope, sorry, a suit whose pattern makes eyes water on top of a patterned blouse is too crass for words. Besides, she KNOWS better. She looked GREAT the other day. It's only on camera that she's done this. Maybe she wants people to point this out so she can play the victim. Maybe she's talking the wrong advice. :shrug:

The other day with her kids:

[Lone_Star_Dem]

102. The she should complain to whoever 's in charge of wardrobe

Seriously, I don't care what she wears, but if she can't handle the pressure of her husband being a SC nominee then this may be something they should discuss as a family.

If this was a poorly staged act, as I suspect, then she's the one putting herself in a position to be called on it.

[txindy]

115. I agree with you, esp. about the possibility of a staged act.

And if someone else is dressing her for the cameras, then she needs to assert herself. Or get her daughter's advice. Her daughter has fine taste.

I don't know why TPTB are putting her through these hearings front and center - except to draw attention to his family and to garner sympathy over tears. Too coincidental that the questioner at the time was her husband's 'coach' for the hearings.

[carolinalady]

180. maybe she isn't getting advice since she is not a public figure.

[Moochy]

208. Who is that good looking guy in the painting!? :)

[Neecy]

30. I can only speak for myself...

This hearing is a farce and a silly piece of political theater whose end is utterly pre-determined. This piece of shit is going to be confirmed with the complicity of some of my fellow Democrats and I refuse to take any of it seriously. My elected representatives don't, so why should I?

This man is an outrage and an offense against women, minorities, civil libertarians and anyone who cares about a dictator seizing power and spying on, torturing, and killing whoever gets in his way. In other words, by confirming this right-wing nutcase the large coalition that helps Democrats win elections will be completely and utterly fucked.

So, if it helps to point out that Mrs. Alito has the taste of a bag lady to avoid venting the white-hot rage I feel that this fucker is going to be confirmed, well, I'll mock her clothing. She's married to the monster, open game.

[T Town Jake]

33. Take a good hard look at those threads...

...both as to who is posting them and who is posting IN them.

A Fresno-based pattern starts to emerge. Let's just leave it at that.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

52. I don't

understand what a Fresno-based pattern is. Can you explain?

Thx

[AlCzervik]

55. freepers founder lives there.

[Solomon]

184. Yep.Yep. You got it Jake.

[wishlist]

34. Because she has sat behind him making ridiculous facial expressions

It doesn't matter to me how she dresses or her hair style, but her facial expressions ranging from amused smirking to disgust to crying are worthy of attention and comment.

[Beaverhausen]

40. Why are they worthy of comment?

I would really like to know...I mean, is she supposed to sit there stonefaced? Then people would criticise her for that.

And why does it even matter...her husband is the one who will be the judge, not her.

And see how many threads there are discussing her clothing. Very important topic.

[AlCzervik]

68. Alito is being coached by Graham which means he's talking to him and her

at breaks, it was his line of questioning that had her in tears. Maybe i'm just beyond cynical but i find that more than a coincidence.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

72. Here's the thing that upsets me about the whole clothes thing

I saw her yesterday and remarked to a colleague: "What a great suit! I love the color."

And here I was thinking I was one of the cool kids when all along I have the taste of a bag lady! LOL

[Beaverhausen]

109. The blue one? I didn't think it was so bad either.

good lord...I have no room to judge anyone elses clothing :P

and I'm guessing neither do all those who are criticizing her.

[GrumpyGreg]

35. The viciousness appalls me---makes middle schoolers look

positively mature.

[Bubba Zanetti]

39. Will not play well in the news for us....

....oh well. Another political loss.

Give me 2 Alito Taco Supremes, no sour cream.

[Ksec]

43. what else is news?

[DoYouEverWonder]

45. Having an unstable wife

is not considered an asset.

[GrumpyGreg]

49. She is not unstable,she CRIED for God's sake.

[DoYouEverWonder]

59. You are on national TV

during a Senate Confirmation hearing and you're an adult, it is expected that you control yourself.

BTW: This flip out is a teacher? She seems to have a hard time dealing with pressure.

[Beaverhausen]

63. YEs, she is on National TV under a great deal of pressure

and she cracked. big fucking deal. This is ridiculous. Do you think she has ever in her life been the focus of so much media attention? Do you think it is easy to deal with?

[DoYouEverWonder]

67. If she has been a judges wife for the last 20 years

and living in DC, I would think that she could handle sitting quietly, smiling for the cameras. It's not that hard.

[GrumpyGreg]

79. Ed Muskie cried on national TV showing his humanity and love

for his wife.

Not a bad thing,but unusual for a man in those days.

[DoYouEverWonder]

81. You're not comparing apples to apples

Under the circumstances, Mrs Alito shouldn't do anything to disrupt or draw attention to herself during these procedings. It is inappropriate to say the least.

[RebelOne]

98. Yes, I agree and I have been posting the same sentiment.

I think we have many posters here with grade school mentality.

[TriMetFan]

36. She is fair game.

There is saying that goes like this " If you lay with a dog, then your one too."

[AngryAmish]

37. Because she is filth

[GrumpyGreg]

51. She is filth? What do you know that I don't know ? Help us out here.

[Ksec]

62. OK here goes

Shes an accessory to his crimes. He has made a living out of killing civil rights, cutting workers rights and generally going against any little guy trying to get justice against the powerful. She helped spend that money, she lived in that house. She drove cars he probably financed. And most of all , she injected herself into this debate about her poor picked on Hubby who should be held up to scrutiny? Sorry. I dont have pity on co conspirators.

[hogwyld]

73. Because Alito is filth!

As well as the entire puke party! When you lay in the mud with pigs, you're going to get some mud on ya!

[Clutch Cargo]

38. I don't care for Alito

but I'm not going to transfer my dislike for him onto his wife. That would be a cowardly thing for me to do.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

44. Are people confusing Alito's wife and sister?

His sister is the long-haired one.

I don't have a TV here, but I think other posters have made the same misidentification.

[Just Me]

46. Rather revolting, huh. I detest attacking family members of politicos,...

,...having once been one and completely innocent of any wrong-doing. The persecution by association is just,...WRONG!!!

[LittleClarkie]

47. The same reason we thought a crying little kid was amusing

during the election of 2004 as long as it was a freeper's crying little kid.

Calling her unstable for crying is about as mature as calling Kitty Dukakis a drug addict. I am a cryer as well. So I guess I'm unstable too. Thanks people.

And of course, with people dying in Iraq and gas prices through the roof, the most important thing is what Mrs. Alito is wearing today. Yessiree bob.

[Texasgal]

54. Very well put LC!

*sigh* I cannot believe I read about what she was wearing....:eyes:

[Name removed]

50. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Zorro-3]

53. So true

Her tears looked real to me. Not that that proves that they were. But it's silly to cry "conspiracy" every day or two. At least prove she has acted before, because if that was fake, it was damn fine acting.

And even with evil Republicans, it's cruel to mock their families for such things. Neener! Neener! Neener!

Now make Samuel himself cry and I'll be celebrating!

[flpoljunkie]

60. Lay her outbreak on Preacher Graham, who was pulling out all the emotional

stops! What a weird duck, he is!

[RagingInMiami]

178. Spoken like a true masked man

[henslee]

56. She is being exploited as a diversion by the fucking media. Fuck her.

And Alito.

[troubleinwinter]

57. She is trotted out as a prop. Thus, she is a public figure.

I have NEVER attended any of my husband's job interviews (nor he mine). If I had done so, I'd expect the prospective employer to take some impression of me. WE are Alito's prospective employer.

If we judge her to be a frump or that she is simply too stupid to have fashion taste (or to get some advice), that is our right. While it does not indicate his qualifications or lack of them, she is placed there deliberately as a backdrop like bush's 'Disney-style Victory' backdrops, and we can criticize as we see fit.

Maybe it's impolite. So what? Life sucks sometimes. It sucks a lot these days. Sometimes we need a little relief and distraction from the heavyness of the horrors.

We criticize womens' wardrobes? Maybe that's because 98% of these politicians, judges, and government officials are MEN. Maybe when it's more balanced, we can spend our 'leisure moments' from serious matters to criticize women nominees husbands' paunches and toupees and ugly ties.

[edbermac]

61. Being more "decent" than the neocons is costing us elections!

FUCK THAT!!!

Just wait until Hillary runs for President and see how decent the RW'ers will be...

No more of that SHIT for me! Remember the old saying..."Nice guys finish last..."

[Balbus]

64. "I consider us to be far more decent than that."

I guess you were wrong.

[Connie_Corleone]

74. I don't attack family members unless they say something stupid.

I could care less what she wears, how she looks, what faces she's making, etc. It's her husband we need to focus on. He's the one who will probably end up on the Supreme Court for the next 30 years, not his wife.

I don't know if her crying was real or not. It looked real to me, but I really don't care.

Attacking the wife makes us look like freepers because they do that all the time to Democrats' families.

[troubleinwinter]

85. Puhleez. "makes us look like freepers". I am sick of this line.

I am sick of people telling us how to talk or act out of fear that we'll "look like freepers". Someone would have to be as stupid as a freeper to miss the distinction. Sometimes silliness is posted on DU. So? I don't care to step into line and only discuss what "is appropriate, and only in an appropriate manner". We are grownups.

If you don't care about what she wears, that is perfectly fine, and your choice. BUT WE DO NOT "look like freepers".

[rinsd]

90. "We" are not grownups......

Grownups don't have multiple threads ridiculing what a woman is wearing or her looks.

Grownups don't make rationalizations like "they do it too"

Grownups stay focused on the issue at hand which has nothing to do with this woman.

[Rich Hunt]

149. no shit

It's not (for me, at least) about caring whether Dems look like Freepers.

I care whether Dems look and act like Dems, and not like unethical, bratty, petty, underhanded schoolchildren.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

95. You Are Right. Freepers Is The Wrong Word

The right word would probably either be moron or stupid, but since both are so readily connected to freepers it is probably used in their place, when in fact it is probably more accurate to say "look like morons."

[Lars39]

158. My, my! You're altruism is fading a bit!

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

161. Um Nope. Not One Bit

I would say it is fairly accurate that when people are saying "makes us look like freepers" that they are actually saying "makes us look like morons"

[Connie_Corleone]

99. So, you're sick of the line. It's true from my perspective.

No ones stopping you from posting about her. It was just an observation and my opinion.

[MountainMamma]

163. Thanks for saying that as I couldn't agree more.

I have read all of these threads and am just shaking my head at the mean spirited nature of most of the comments. How could making fun of someone who cried and perhaps wore clothes that we didn't like make us look like anything but the players on the opposition side. Yikes, call me anything, but don't call me a Repug! Come on, we're better than this.

[Avalux]

77. She's part of the staged act we're currently watching -

I believe she has been coached and briefed on how to react when certain Senators are questioning her husband. You know the Republicans are all about this kind of stuff. She's scum like the rest of them and fair game IMHO.

[txindy]

80. Well said.

:toast:

[leftchick]

87. hear, hear!

:applause:

[eve_was_framed]

128. I think so too!

[rniel]

82. She's been coached

it's obvious.

And I'll be honest I'm not a nice person. I'm a bitter jaded asshole and bush and the republicans made me that way.

[w13rd0]

94. Pardon me...

...but isn't this the same woman that's part of some womens wingnut group? Or was that Roberts wife? I get the Stepfords confused. Who gives a shit about this woman and her fake ass waterworks? The nominee has a HORID record of always siding with the government and corporations over the interests of the people. He deserves to be booted for that reason alone.

[Connie_Corleone]

101. That was Roberts' wife. nt

[rinsd]

97. It's pretty simple, people are shortsighted.....

If posters think she is a prop used to garner sympathy, then they have played right into the GOP hands by being as nasty as possible.

This thread and others will be making their rounds with the usual suspects "proving" how mean Democrats and liberals are.

And really how can you prove them wrong based on what is written here? Seriously.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

103. I was at work all day

and just saw the segment on TV where she starts crying. If she did it as an act, I think she is an excellent actress. It looked to me like the kinder words of Graham did her in.

And God help me, I liked her suit.

I guess I am fashion-challenged.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

105. LOL Nah, To Each Their Own Right? Remember, Fashion Is Personal

perspective. I'm sure you would find easily an equal number of people who like her suit too :)

[TallahasseeGrannie]

114. I'm an art teacher

and we tend to like wild colors. At least we older ones! The younger girls wear a lot of J.Crew stuff..blacks and browns.

[AspenRose]

125. "Fashion-challenged" or not, we love you anyway.

:hug:

Besides, fashion is fleeting. STYLE is forever. :-)

[xray s]

104. This was a set up

from the timing (just in time to hit the 5pm news broadcasts) to the subject ( a complete mischarecterization of the Democrats line of questioning) to the players (if you don't think Rove is coaching every move your are incredibly naive)

bravo for the performance. my tears for the country.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

108. And If You Think That Mocking It and Her Clothing Will Somehow Benefit

our cause, than you are even more naive....

Just because there is an opportunity to attack, doesn't mean it is always in best interest to act upon it.

[xray s]

119. Our cause? Our cause is lost

Because their side knows how to manipulate public opinion in a way we haven't seen on this planet since Goebbels, and we have no response to it, other that to attack those that point it out. The nomination process is over. The mean old Democrats made Mrs Alito cry. Shout it from the rooftops.

This is all in response to getting those CAP papers released.

I have to hand it to him, Rove is a damn master.

Right on cue. A thing of beauty, in a perverse way.

[hopeisaplace]

106. SADLY, Politics is a corrupt game

republicans are winning at this game in a huge way...

People have personally felt overwhelmed at some time or another in their
life...so some people want to believe that his wife was merely overwhelmed
with the entire matter..maybe that's true...who really knows, BUT BUT BUT

...tears, stress can often show it's ugly head when there is "some" truth
to what's being alleged...for her to hear the words "bigot" upfront, like she
did, may have triggered that "inner truth" ...that part of her husband that only
she knows could possibly be true...a part she has spent her life defending against,
but a part she knows in her own mind is there on some level. THIS CAN PROVOKE TEARS.
If what was being said was a complete LIE, a complete fabrication, then tears may not
be the response, what may be the response is a digging in of the heals and no tears.

So may I suggest that you EVALUATE "tears" on this level as well.

[DemonFighterLives]

248. Great Analysis

Most Non- bigots or spouses of Non-bigots would laugh the comment off.
What she did was cry from that guilt or just because Jim Baker, er I mean Lindsey Graham was tearjerking her.

[hopeisaplace]

254. thank you, it's true for me too that

if someone called me a bigot I would look at them like
"they" had screw lose - I may even pity them in some way
or begin to analyze them.

I read once regarding name calling:
If someone calls you a "zebra"...wouldn't you just look at
them with a goofy look, thinking..."what's your problem"..
then you would go on about your business, perhaps telling your
friends...so and so called me a zebra today..laugh laugh...because
of course, it's not true.

[Hobarticus]

107. Yes....why mock a top-notch performance? n/t

[maveric]

112. Oh Bullshit! She's the fucking enemy just like her husband, Delay...

the Bu$h's, Santorum...
This was a staged burst of emotion to evoke sympathy on her poor husband who is being attacked by the evil pot-smoking, baby-killing, commies.
Thats all it is!

We have to get tough and sink to their level or we will never win another election again!

Fuck her! And Fuck him!

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

You Sink To Their Level, While I Maintain Honor, Integrity and Decency

You may think it is a worthy trade-off, but I would never trade those values for anything.

[maveric]

121. And they will continue to shovel shit on our heads.

I used to be that way for most of my life,but now realize that these evil RWers will not recognize honor or integrity. Its time for all of us to get tough and fling feces right back at them. If not say bye bye to Roe v Wade, 1st amendment, and other civil liberties that these assholes WILL take from us if we continue to cling to honor, decorum and being nicey-nice.

:grr:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

124. To Be Clear,

I am all for 100% in your face politics and being as fierce as necessary this 06 season. But I there is a line of integrity I shall never cross.

We can be strong, fierce, in their faces and cunning, while still not having to resort to mocking a womans clothing or making fun of her for crying. Even if there is legitimacy to why, it is all about perception. No way crossing that line would ever benefit us. Strong politics, leadership, quick response, strategy, confidence and speaking up and calling them out on everything will benefit us, but not immature mockery.

[Telly Savalas]

151. Damn straight.

Leave the puerile bullshit to Rush and his zombies. We're better than that.

[shanti]

and who do you think will win?

so far, it hasn't gotten us anywhere. this is a war.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

164. I Repeat: You Sink To Their Level, While I Maintain Honor, Integrity

and decency.

Thank you.

[LittleClarkie]

118. Okay. But are her clothes important?

Perhaps we should talk about Dubya's fashion sense then, since that's what's REALLY important.

[txindy]

120. Just avoid the threads that reference the clothes.

This isn't hard.

[LittleClarkie]

122. Or the really bizaare ones that say that crying means you're unstable

and that Alito should withdraw because of it.

I suppose I should withdraw from DU. I'm unstable you know. I cry.

Kitty Dukakis was unstable you know.

So was Mrs. McCain.

And John Kerry faked his injuries to get his purple hearts. Uh huh.

We're above this bullshit, or should be. What are we, lefty freepers?

[txindy]

126. Projecting a bit, I think.

But go for it. I just avoid threads I don't want to read and I won't subject myself to them over and over again, complaining. It's not worth it. Trying to control what people say never is. That's what the 'Hide thread' button is for.

[LittleClarkie]

127. I believe the OP just asked "why?" Seemed fair.

What Judge Alito will do to the Supreme Court is important. What the Missus is wearing is not.

[txindy]

130. It's important enough to some to comment on, so they did.

Avoid those threads. They're clearly marked. And, no, he didn't just ask "why?" Now he's saying people are freepers or morons or stupid if they say such things. That's a flamefest. This thread should've been locked long ago. The comments about her are about an outsider. The comments in this thread are about DUers. Huge difference.

This is just like the fundies and their complaints about 'The Book of Daniel' - just change the channel.

[Beaverhausen]

134. Yes, the OP did ask "why?"

so tell me, why are her clothes so important that so many threads are started to discuss them.

At the very least those threads should be moved to the lounge. Her clothes have nothing to do with what kind of judge her husband will be. Or do they? Please enlighten me.

[txindy]

137. Read the threads. I don't speak for others.

If you don't like the threads, hit the 'Hide Thread' button. It's not hard to find.

Yeah, he asked "why" in the op. After that it was flamefest time. Or is calling a DUer a freeper, moron, or stupid okay, now? We're only PC when it comes to a woman who doesn't read DU? Please. This thread needs to be locked.

[Beaverhausen]

141. He is saying we are sinking to their level...

...when we talk about this stupid, unimportant crap. Lots of us agree.

why don't you just ignore this thread if you don't like it?

[txindy]

146. Repeating what I recommended?

Sure, why not? But if you don't like a general discussion in General Discussion then you might want to check out the other forums. There are threads other than this one that show how to have a discussion that doesn't attack and ridicule DUers on their own board.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

167. I didn't call anyone a freeper, moron, or stupid. You are aiming for

flamefest, but I would hope others don't fall for the bait.

[txindy]

179. Those are exactly the words you chose here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=111323&mesg_id=112040

And stop trying to pin your own words and motives on others. That's annoying.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

183. You Are Spinning and Parsing. Your Flamebait Motives Are Clear

That thread you linked to, in context, is in response to a post in which the DU'er said he was sick of everything being compared to looking like a freeper, in response to someone's reply that hinted as such. In that context alone, my reply was that when someone says makes us look like freepers, they are really at heart likely saying makes us look like morons or stupid, since that is so readily linked to what a freeper is.

So it is you doing the spinning, parsing and trying for a flamefest. But I think I'll take the high road.

:hi:

[txindy]

186. Turned over a new leaf, then.

Good for you. It shows anyone can change. You brought spinning and parsing to a new level, though. I'm just glad you're no longer trying to set DUers against each other. That was....interesting.

:hi:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

188. LOL That post is just silly

[txindy]

189. Of course, but it happens here from time to time.

Just read your comment line in your profile. You're right, but we'll forgive you anyway. LOL.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

207. txindy:

I want to give you a high five for that. I think it was witty, humorous, lighthearted and was a perfect way to use that line against me.

I have no problem stepping forward and saying "Round 1, txindy" LOL

Literally, you made me laugh with that, and I wanted to give you the appropriate kudos for it. I think it was perfectly executed and done so with the perfect tone of the post.

I might like ya after all LOL

:toast:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

165. I have attacked no one directly. Furthermore, It would be pretty hard for

someone to build a case that mocking a woman's clothing and making fun of her for crying isn't simply immature grade school tactics. Call it what it is.

And if you think those tactics somehow make us look better, or stronger, or will serve to further our cause, well than more power to ya, but I would have to wholeheartedly disagree.

[txindy]

176. Nobody was trying to further a cause in those threads

They weren't trying to police what people write here and they certainly weren't speaking of anyone who will actually read what was written about her. Not every thread at DU is a deep analysis about the issues. There are hundreds that are, though.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

131. Harry Reid cried

and Dick Durbin cried and I respected them for it. And Barbara Boxer cried.

BTW, I love your sig. line. Sometimes I think he was too good to be president,

[LittleClarkie]

133. It seems that you don't have to BE good to be president, just LOOK good

as you lie.

Sometimes I look at him, and just wanna cry for what could have been. Not healthy, I'm sure. But there you have it.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

147. The intelligence and sensitivity

on his face break my heart.

[CC]

113. I won't mock the wife but

if she wasn't coached then someone told Graham how to phrase things to make her cry. I was watching and didn't notice her crying until it was replayed and pointed out. Up to that point the MSM blather was on how easy the Dem's had been on Alito and how none of them had hit him with any hard questions etc. The big news was Specter and Kennedy's words to each other. Now Mrs. cries and the news is that the Dem's were so hard on Alito and defamed him so much with false accusations that his wife had to leave in tears. What a difference a wife's tears makes on the coverage. Whether her tears were real or not does not matter, how the tears changed the MSM does.

[Geek_Girl]

117. In the end "we the people" are going to be the victims.

Not Mrs Alito. So forgive me if I don't shed a tear for her.

[boobooday]

129. Don't hold her crying against her

Look who she married. She was probably just realizing the magnitude of it today.

[boobooday]

132. Was it Rove who said . . .

Wife is fair game?

[Beaverhausen]

135. So we do what Rove says?

Sorry, I don't.

[boobooday]

143. No -- the Democrats didn't make her cry

Lindsey Graham made her cry.

It was a hearing at which she was an observer, not a deliberate attack on HER, like the Plame situation.

I'm just pointing out the usual hypocrisy of the right. The Freepers are all up in arms about Mean Old Ted Kennedy. Give me a break.

[Individualist]

140. Cry me a river!

Most of us know a well rehearsed performance when we see one, and today's spectacle was exactly that.

[earth mom]

172. Cry me a river too!

I think it was an act too...perfectly orchestrated to rile up "the base". :eyes:

[DanCa]

142. I guess I am too old fashioned I dont like insulting women.

It's okay to question the authenticity of her nervous attack. I think its suspect but to outright call someone names I dont know. I remember when men didn't insult women. No matter how much you disagree with them. Anyhow I think Ill be leaving for awhile to all this boils down.

[boobooday]

154. The nomination of Alito

is an insult to women.

That's all.

[Catrina]

145. Give her a break! Maybe she's crying because she's so proud of

how her husband protected that poor little girl who was strip-searched? :sarcasm:

I wonder if she has a daughter?

[WinkyDink]

150. Because she is the #1 supporter of this EVIL MAN, okay?

And she has the neck of a 70-year-old. Hee.

[slackmaster]

152. It's easier to attack someone's wife's appearance...

Than to discuss real issues intelligently.

[Texasgal]

155. Best post on this thread!

BRAVO!

[RebelOne]

157. It seems that those who do not agree with someone's

political views will attack the appearance and dress of their spouse. It seems to be a common practice here on DU.

[WinkyDink]

160. Are you somehow not SEEING the myriad OTHER THREADS?

Like the ELEVEN today on the hearings alone.

[slackmaster]

162. Even ONE thread about Mrs. Alito is a waste of bandwidth

And I just counted NINE of them on page 1 of GD alone.

At least it gives us curmudgeons something to gripe about.

:nuke:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

169. Now There Is The Winning Quote

Thanks slackmaster.

[JanMichael]

156. OMFG! It's like I'm on the site that must remain unspoken!

One post after conservative suck-up post after another!

Congrats you fuckers you gots yursefs a biggun!:-)

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

170. Would you mind reposting that reply so that it actually makes some sense?

Thanks.

[JanMichael]

193. Heh. You understood me fine.

Thanks:-)

Edit: Typo corrected in subject line...

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

194. No, actually. It contains no context to this thread whatsoever, and is

almost incoherent.

I wanted you to respost it with some meaning, if you had a certain point you actually had wanted to get across.

If not, that's ok.

:hi:

[ima_sinnic]

253. I understand it perfectly and don't believe you can't

... and it appears to be right on the money

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

257. Matters Not. I Said It Had No Context To The Initial Post, So Therefore

didn't make sense.

You saying it appears to be right on the money makes even less sense.

[ima_sinnic]

159. DOH! in case you haven't noticed, repukes consciously and

vigorously DECLARED WAR on "liberals" some time ago. Not just isolated stunts and campaigns like purple bandaids, Dan Rather, and swiftboating, but an all-out very well-orchestrated WAR that was conceived some time ago with the solid intent of completely destroying the Democratic Party and "liberal ideas" once and for all.

I could see it clear as a bell when watching O'Lielly not too long ago (seeing how he just brazenly and blatantly spouts off the most ridiculous untruths with the intent of CREATING ANIMOSITY TOWARD "LIBERALS, shouting these things and going ballistic if opposed), it suddenly hit me and I realized I must consider myself to be engaged in WARFARE, not just "protesting," but out and out WAR (I do believe it will come to bloodshed by and by).

THEREFORE, like all repukes, Ms A-hole is THE ENEMY who is out only to destroy everything decent, generous, and good-hearted in this country and, like all of them, can't be "spared." Giving these slimeballs an inch is A MISTAKE, they will smile in your face while they are cutting out your heart, stealing your wallet, and leaving you for dead.

Treat them like the cunning and conscience-less ENEMY they are, and you won't go wrong. Pussy-foot around "playing nice" and YOU WILL LOSE.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

256. Nowhere Have I Suggested That We Have To Play Nice. I Suggested We Not

act like immature grade school children. Big ass difference.

I implore you to provide a resonable, intellectual objective argument as to how mocking her clothing and taunting her crying helps us fight that war. I shall await your response...

[FreedomAngel82]

166. She had a fake tearing

[Algorem]

168. She shouldn't even BE there.

[carolinalady]

187. And why do you say that? For this man it is the pinnacle of his

career. I would think his family would want to share in that. I would. Based on the Robert's hearings, I am sure no one ever expected it to get that ugly. I am not saying I agree with Alito in anything. I just think the projection of his beliefs onto her is totally wrong.

[Algorem]

222. Nah.She's there as a prop because that's what she's told to do.She's

missed 3 General Hospitals now and it's cracked her right up.

[kskiska]

171. I wonder why she doesn't use her husband's name?

Especially after John Kerry's wife was castigated by Republicans for not doing so. Also, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

(snip)

Martha-Ann Bomgardner, who had sat behind her husband for hours of questioning over several days, left as her husband was being questioned by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/text/2006/jan/11/011100050.html

[DemonFighterLives]

173. Just caught it on Olberman

Totally strange to say the least. She held up until the last straw.
Also would like to say that the High Shool Meme is a Right Wing talking point that Tweety used on Hardball. Listen to callers on C-spn- it is Kennedy and Biden who are being attacked.
Graham is goofy and her getting all choked up is weird. Olberman said"Ringside" as in Circus.
I hope he has a puppet theater for this.

[Book Lover]

182. Because it's a fight, not a dance

In case you haven't noticed, a culture war was declared on us. I didn't call it, but I intend to win it.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

185. So Be It. I'm For Fighting It As Much As Anyone.

But is the fight Realllllllllly about Mrs. Alito? Is that really the right strategy? Is there any way whatsoever that it is appropriate to the fight or can benefit what it is we are trying to accomplish in that war?

This isn't about an unwillingness to fight hard, I'm the first in line for that. It is about instead of fighting issues factually, intelligently and with integrity and passion, some are choosing to believe that grade school taunting is the best way to fight that. So be it, but just understand it isn't fighting the war with strength and conviction that I am questioning :)

[Book Lover]

191. It is an opening

and it would be remiss if it were not exploited. It is a shame, however, that the nightly "news" are taking it to be the only thing that heppened today in that room; it shouldn't have been blown up the way it has. And they repubs say we control the media!

[Ksec]

195. some of us have the stomach for politics, some of us dont

May I suggest that if you find the attacks so awful , getting away from politics. Its not pretty.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

196. Wow, now there's an offbase statement if I ever saw one.

Having the stomach for politics and fighting a strong fight in no way have anything to do with mocking a wife for crying and what clothes she chose to wear.

If you truly think that is how to be perceived better in politics than I think maybe you should consider getting away.

[Ksec]

198. I have considered it

And I just may do that someday.

But cmon. Politics has always been a dirty business. If you think otherwise then thats your right. No hard feelings/

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

199. Wait, did I misread you? My Full Apologies If I Jumped To A Conclusion

I thought you were saying that because I thought the childish mockery of her clothing and crying was not productive, that I don't have the stomach for politics.

If you were saying that in response to her tears due to (legitimate) attacks on her hubby, than I wholeheartedly apologize for thinking you meant it personally.

I agree, politics is definitely a dirty business.

[Cocoa]

197. because it's fake

duh

[KoKo]

200. You are SO WRONG! We "LOVE HER!!! " Can't wait for Oprah and Rest

like Tweety, Abrahms and the rest to show the whole facts about how she "Fled to the Rest Room with "tears flowing out of her eyes" and how mean and cruel our Democrats were to here...to surface.

I'm sure here in my State of North Carolina there will be "HYMNS and EULOGIES DEDICATED TO HER...first thing TOMORROW A.M.

EVEN "NPR" will do a HUGE SEGMENT DEDICATED to "MS. ALITO'S total DISGUST ..where she FLED THE ROOM IN FAKE TEARS ....just for her HUBBY!!"

It's a Fundie RIGHT WING WET DREAM....AND ...MZ ALITO..was so HAPPY TO COMPLY!

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

201. I agree with you Koko.

It started turning my stomach when I pick up my sons from daycare and heard it on the radio. I personally don't think it was staged, as upon viewing it I think it seemed sincere. Crappy timing, certain to fill up the headlines, but I still think sincere.

I hate the fact that it occurred, as I think there are far more serious issues that should be discussed about these hearings, but now it is all gonna be like tabloid fluff about her crying.

That wasn't really the point of my thread though. The original point was that I was feeling a bit in awe as to how many members had a tone of childish taunting, and even the threads mocking her clothing. I just think it is completely counter-productive. But the reason I posted this thread, was because I didn't want to jump to a conclusion of disgust. I tried to word the thread carefully to sincerely ask if the reason we jumped on her so quickly is because of something I had missed, such as how she was a judge too, or had paper trails showing she is hard core like her husband as well, or was an activist somehow, or corrupt etc... I seriously didn't know, and didn't want to jump to conclusions ignorantly without knowing if there were legitimate reasons to consider her fair game.

Unfortunately, however, in the end it doesn't seem like the attacks were warranted in my opinion, so I do just consider it immature taunting that we should be better than. (though of course I always have respect for the to each their own clause).

[KoKo]

219. I hear what you say.....

and I think we should defintely be "better" than our "oppostion.'

But..given what our "oppostition" has done to us..some feel it's time to fight back instead of empathizing or sypathizing with everything the Repugs and their Right Wing throw at us.

I don't know Mz. Alito...and so can't judge what she did today...but it seemed like folks could be reasonable in thinking what she did...fleeing from the room in tears...could have been a "stunt."

I've been around a long while..through many Senate Hearings. I've never yet seen the wife of a prospective "appointee" on either side get so distraught over Senate Questioning that she "flees from the room devastate" like some heroine from a Victorian Novel...

She gave the Corporate Media and the Republicans (Fundie and Lefty) a great MEDIA MOMENT by doing that.

One does have to wonder. I wish I could be more sympathetic to her. Maybe I'm just too cynical and "jaded" from watching this all go on ...the manipulation and the rest for decades against all of us Dems...to be FAIR on this issue.

Maybe she truly WAS UPSET...BUT...what if she's a "media manipulator?"

:shrug: How would "we" know the truth of it??? :shrug;

[Moochy]

202. get over yourself and your 'maturity'

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

204. The Word Is Integrity.

And No. I Shall Never Give That Up.

:hi:

[Moochy]

205. Well your name is right at least

Thou dost protest too much, she's his wife. you dont' like it fine. but it's gonna happen whether your "integrity" can stand it or not.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

211. Thou dost use outdated phrases too much. Yes, it will happen, but

it is immature, counter-productive, grade-school like and can do nothing more than make US be perceived in ways unbecoming to our mission.

It isn't about "My" integrity, it is about OUR integrity. Childish taunting and mockery is not exactly the tactic that best serves our objectives, but I would never take away your right to choose that path if you so desire.

But as much as I will accept that you have that right, please also accept that many, many progressives will also react in similar ways as I have.

[Moochy]

213. I'm arcane what can i say?

I'm just seeing alot of "sympathy for the devil" and it makes me sick. :puke: I can turn on CBS evening news if I wanted to read about poor mrs alito.
Cry me a 'fing river. you can ride all around on your high horse while ignoring the obvious way this is being used to spin and smear dems.. thats the part YOU protest too much about. And its a pattern I've noticed alot. Contrarian is one thing, but when a you have a track record like this, one begins to wonder.

Many progressives will be more interested in Alito's record. Many progressives could care less about his wife's hissyfit. So, lets' stop trying to define how "progressives" should react mkay and take OWNERSHIP of your OWN reaction.



"immature, counter-productive, grade-school like" All of which are value-laden terms showing your so-called maturity and integrity. I'll say it again, keep defending poor mrs alito. she's so innocent, pure as the driven snow.. yeah right.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

214. I have ownership of it, and you seem a bit too judgemental if you ask me.

My original reaction was curiosity if there was something about her that got by me that provoked so many to so easily bitterly attack her. Nothing wrong with that, and if you read the original thread post it is seeking an answer, not preaching.

Furthermore, I will always be contrary to ideals or causes that undermine our common goals and objectives. If you can show good reason as to how this taunting and mockery is useful to our side than I would love to see it.

I am interested in alito's record. That is where our focus should be. I also never said poor mrs. alito, as that isn't really the point. It is the reaction and the tone of immaturity of some of the attacks on her that I was commenting on, since I cannot find any way those types of reactions ever cast us in a positive light.

And yes, the episode is being used to smear dems, and it is sickening that is what they choose to focus on. But all those things have nothing to do with lowering ourselves to the level of school children.

There are smarter ways to fight this battle.

[Moochy]

215. Then ignore them and move on to the important stuff

It's just seems like you are making hay about how bad we DU'ers are for being naughty.
You are taking a principled stand, but you have to recognize the context. I feel this was a staged stunt, and whether it was not doestn matter one bit.
The Realpolitik value of the event is indisputable.
I'll grant you mocking her outfit is stupid, and immature, however compare these sins, with the sins of the administration, this judiciary committee and just about every other fucking aspect of the bush administration and if you are STILL outraged about DU'ers mocking this woman then I suggest to you that your examine your priorities.

Calling out DU is a very annoying thing to do, as you can see it's caused more than a bit of a stir. Not because of some intrinsic value in your quesiotn, but rather the context of a hearing, where we are getting a nominee rammed down our throats.

The last thing I want to hear is sympathy for the woman whose stunt will be used to garner public sympathy for the nominee. You seem to believe that her stress and tears were legitimate, if so, I have a bridge to sell you.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

216. I actually had sincere intentions at the time the thread was posted

I actually started thinking there was something she had done that totally got by me, posted in a thread that I must not have read. The question was asked with pure innocence.

I also (even just said the same to my wife) never thought for a second at the time I posted this thread that it would have 230+ replies. I thought maybe 15 by the time it dropped, but that's about it.

I did, and still do, feel that without some real dirt on her that the attacks are in poor taste and that our focus should be on alito himself. I also truly feel that others with good intentions who come to this site tonight (non-freeper) exploring it and see those comments may think things that not only are not what we are about, but even truly not representative in whole of many of the posters who posted the comments. I have to admit, I think the tone of some of the comments in those threads are far beneath us. I also will admit that saying that is probably preachy. But I don't feel I was calling out DU, as I did not (and do not) believe when I posted the thread that the mockery and criticism of her clothing were majority heartfelt DU opinions. I know how good DU is, and believe fully that the majority of DU'ers when viewing this objectively would agree those threads floating around earlier are not in our best interests.

[upi402]

206. Those people are sub-human and I'm sick of getting my other cheek slapped

Fuck ALL of them.
I'm done trying to be civil to those traitorous authoritarians who've ruined America.

[AntiCoup2K4]

209. Fuck that Republican fascist hag and her crocodile tears!

Too many REAL people are crying for REAL reasons tonight.

2200 families cry because they lost a loved one to a senseless war.

100,000 Iraqi families have cried needlessly because of these fucking bastards.

How many wives and mothers are crying tonight because they, or their husbands, or both can't get a fucking job because Chimp and his corporate coward nazi fuck friends have allowed them all to be shipped out to fucking India and China?

How many people STILL cry over loved ones murdered by these goddamned criminals on 9-11-01

Mrs. Alito and her fascist husband LAUGH at the pain of all of the above, and have every intention of a lot more laughs in the future, if her piece of shit husband is confirmed to seal the Supremely Fascist Court.

Fuck sympathy for that pathetic soap opera bullshit. I'll fucking turn on Days of Our Lives if I want to watch that shit. :grr:

[Moochy]

210. "Fuck her pathetic soap opera bullshit"

great post! :patriot:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

212. Problem Is There's A Good Chance The Tears Were Real n/t

[antonialee839]

218. Sorry, after today's act, I have no pity for her, or respect.

[cry baby]

223. I feel like the crying was not an act. She looked genuinely upset.

I have empathy for her. In Alito's own words, he told the committee that he and his wife live a "cloistered" existance. She must be under a lot of pressure and she must be exhausted.

I would think more here would give her a break, but we have hardened our hearts it seems. bu$h has so divided us into dems and repubs that we find it hard to find the empathy for others.

From someone that cries a lot, I think she was genuinely upset.

BTW, the media will show that clip over and over again and they will blame those mean libruls. No one will explain that the dems were just asking the questions that needed to be asked that the repubs wouldn't.

flame away:hide:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

225. Ignore those that flame decency, cry baby. I'm with you 100%

And as an odd side statement (since ya don't know me from a whole in the wall), if there is a time you are in the midst of tears and need an ear, just reach out and PM me and I'll do my best to offer support ok?

[cry baby]

226. Thank you - in fact I'm having one of those pessimistic days

and one of the things that made me that way was the knowledge that the Mz. Alito breakdown is bad for us.

Things just move so slow in politics and things related...I get impatient, worried that our world is changing and everyone is laying on the couch eating ice cream.

I am glad you started this thread - and when things get really rough for you, you can PM me, too. I have big shoulders.

[Charlie Brown]

228. No one was making her attend the hearings

If she would have preferred to spend the day shopping or working, the way most of the rest of us spend our Wednesdays, I'm sure Sam could have made do.

I'm sick of all this "Alito's a victim" crap that the right is trying to throw out. Mrs. Alito's scene was just another symptom of that charade, and she deserves ridicule for that shameful behavior at a Senate hearing.

[cry baby]

231. That is just a false argument.

She has to be there to support her spouse, just like I would if my hubby were a scotus nominee. She cried, so she deserves scorn...I just have too big a heart to believe that.

[Charlie Brown]

233. She should save her tears for minorities, the poor, women

and everyone else her husband will trample once he's confirmed.

These jerks have lived a life of entitlement and privillege. And we should feel sympathy 'cause her husbands in the hot seat? Please.

If I was at a Senate hearing and couldn't hold back tears (Is this a Confirmation Hearing or a pre-school?)I would be courteous enough to exit respectfully.

Mrs. Alito was clearly playing a part.

[cry baby]

234. So everyone has to live by your standards?

And you don't know what she was crying about...maybe she was crying about the poor, the elderly, and the women he will have a hand in ruining their lives. Maybe she was crying because she knows what he'll be like.

She was sincerely upset.

[Charlie Brown]

235. and maybe Bush is really a nice, misunderstood guy

he's bringing peace and freedom to the world, after all. His job carries a lot of responsibility. Who are we to impose our own moral standards on the Office of the Presidency.

"Maybe she was crying because she knows what he'll be like."

You can't seriously think that. Either this woman is a petty, emotionally unhinged individual or she's a tool.

[cry baby]

236. No, I don't seriously think that.

And I don't agree with anything else you wrote in that post either.

Does crying make you emotionally unhinged? I think a cold-hearted person might think so.

Sleep well, my friend.

[Charlie Brown]

237. If it's at a Confirmation Hearing, on Nat'l Television, yes

at best she was not acting with the composure and dignity that should be expected of someone in her position. All she has to do is sit there and watch them question her husband (questions which he's spent two months preparing for). Is it too much to ask that she remain composed?

Her behavior was beneath that of a spouse of a federal judge, let alone a Supreme Court appointee.

[cry baby]

238. cold-hearted, like I said.

Everybody cries, sometimes.

[LibertyorDeath]

227. I think you should change your user name

Why?

You really have to ask Why?

LOL!

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

230. Yes. I did. Was it out of immaturity? Or for a legitimate reason I

didn't know yet. It was a serious curiosity at the time. I feared I had missed some important thread about something horrible she had done that made her as bad as him. I mean, it is evident now that I didn't, but at the time I thought there was as much chance of that as there was for all of this being just because of grade school tactics.

Goodnite (ambiennnnnn takinggggg itssss tollllllllllll.............zzzzzzzzzzz

[nomatrix]

239. Was Ken Starr questioning him?

Was Limbaugh calling her a Feminazi?

Coulter say she committed treason?

This is the party of pro-torture.
Was he being scolded?

She wasn't glued to the seat although she could have had a leg cramp/deep vein thrombosis and that is painful.

Maybe menopause.

She could have got up, pretended to sneeze. She knew the camera was on her. This wasn't day one.

If I had to sit quietly for days pretending to be interested, I may want to cry too.

Maybe someone passed gas, that makes me tear up especially in a theater.

Just too many unanswered questions.

Don't get your panties in a wad over it. They'll be 'swiftboating the dem's' tomorrow.

[derby378]

242. I'm still convinced that her tears were staged

I have a baby pacifier I'm willing to mail to the Alito household...

[brindis_desala]

244. Because she supports a man who finds it reasonable to

shoot an unarmed 16 year old boy in the head for stealing ten dollars. That she would remain with someone who has diplayed that level of callousness makes a mockery of her self-pitying tears. She may be grossly unhappy but that would be mere speculation.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

258. I personally don't see how any of that is your business, Nor do I believe

that most of us here haven't at some point remained in love despite someones severe flaw. Or chose to stay in an abusive relationship, etc...

[Vinca]

245. After learning Lindsay Graham was an Alito coach,

I'm inclined to believe the scene wasn't spontaneous.

[LWolf]

247. Some of it may be elementary school bully mentality.

Some of it maybe because:

She's an adult participating, with her presence, in a hot-button political event. Her tears can be seen as a ploy for sympathy; using tears as a PR tool is despicable to some. It was obviously immediately used in just this way, if you listened to Orrin Hatch. Once it becomes a political tool, it's fair game for both sides.

Personally, I considered it a moment of weakness. I like to see women be strong and confident. I couldn't imagine showing up to support a spouse and crying when someone says "stop being mean to him." I wondered if I might cry if it were my son on the hot seat; that protective "mom" instinct never goes away. In this case, probably not. He wouldn't need my tears, or appreciate them. I'm fiercely proud of my son, and would stand strong and proud for him any time he needed me. In any case, I'd be more likely to take critics on than to cry with relief when someone did it for me. And, if I couldn't take the heat, I wouldn't attend.

I could easily overlook that moment of weakness, if it didn't become a political tool. Perhaps if Senator Hatch and the MSM had overlooked it, we wouldn't be having this conversation.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

259. Thank you for being one of the only to disagree with GRACE.

But I do want you to know this original thread wasn't in response to people saying they thought it was staged. I find no fault in that. But 3 or more threads attacking what clothes she's wearing, followed by threads with immature taunting tones such as "boo hoo, wahhhh wahhhhh boo hoo" for a wife of a nominee, can only make us look even worse, in my opinion.

[oneoftheboys]

249. Because they have no class.

Ignore them.

[Name removed]

250. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Avalux]

267. Locking.

This thread has worn itself out. Too many inflammatory posts.