KRUGMAN's Latest Absolutely NAILS The STEAMING, FETID DUNGHEAP That Is

[Beetwasher]

Modern Republicanism. Read the whole thing. Damn, I'm so happy he's free again! Yay! A few choice snippets:

--snip--

But Ronald Reagan thought the issue of hunger in the world’s richest nation was nothing but a big joke. Here’s what Reagan said in his famous 1964 speech “A Time for Choosing,” which made him a national political figure: “We were told four years ago that 17 million people went to bed hungry each night. Well, that was probably true. They were all on a diet.”

--snip--

In anticipation of the veto, William Kristol, the editor of The Weekly Standard, had this to say: “First of all, whenever I hear anything described as a heartless assault on our children, I tend to think it’s a good idea. I’m happy that the president’s willing to do something bad for the kids.” Heh-heh-heh.

--snip--

And Rush Limbaugh — displaying the same style he exhibited in his recent claim that members of the military who oppose the Iraq war are “phony soldiers” and his later comparison of a wounded vet who criticized him for that remark to a suicide bomber — immediately accused Mr. Fox of faking it. “In this commercial, he is exaggerating the effects of the disease. He is moving all around and shaking. And it’s purely an act.” Heh-heh-heh.

--snip--

What’s happening, presumably, is that modern movement conservatism attracts a certain personality type. If you identify with the downtrodden, even a little, you don’t belong. If you think ridicule is an appropriate response to other peoples’ woes, you fit right in.

--snip--

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/05/opinion/05krugman.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

[madinmaryland]

1. As usual Krugman is spot on!

[xchrom]

2. recommend -- ronald reagan -- what a nightmare that cretin was. n/t

[Bitwit1234]

10. I could never ever see what Reagan had

I also thought he was a joke. And if you who are old enough remember, our financial downfall started during his presidency. His administration started us on the road to ruin. If we had continued the democratic presidency after President Clinton we might have been able to get this country back on its feet but the monster took over and really ruined this country that reagan started.

In a way Reagan reminds you of Thompson, both were half assed actors who never had a decent part in a movie. And never did anything spectacular till they ran them for political reasons.

[eppur_se_muova]

20. I just realized something--Reagan admin was the "Troy McClure Presidency". nt

[ooglymoogly]

22. Here is one for the gyp-per. Letter from earths' crust and I hope it does not burn to a crisp

before it reaches you

Hey

Gyp-per: I hope you are enjoying your stay in the deep tropics. Yes I know one bible thumper to keep you company isn't enough but take heart soon there will be many more. Meece, Bennet and Casper the unfriendly ghost and the rest of your evil old cronies are trying hard to keep the ground from opening in front of them and swallowing them as they walk with the miles of chains they carry and the fear of hell grows on them daily. Bennet is subconsciously on a guilt trip and has grown so large he looks like the sketch of the exploding diner from Monty Python and the rest are hanging by a thread that is growing slipperier and slipperier by the moment with the slime of the evil they and their progeny have done. You will be happy to hear that even though Iran contra had a bumpy ride the architects were able to regroup and take over the government and carry out your grand scheme. Because of your swell policies when you were here now the elderly and poor can no longer afford heating, medicine and food...am sure you will get a big hoot out of that one, however the silver lining is that you have have enough heat to roast a hog and certainly more heat than you could possibly want. I will light a candle for the ignorant who thought you were one swell guy.

Hope you are enjoying the heat.

a swell wisher

[Raster]

21. Raygun's greatest role was that of the President of the United States

And I do mean "role." Raygun's Presidency was a calculated, stage-managed production from the primaries on. No trick was too dirty to put St. Ronnie in the White House, be it having the Saudis tighten the taps to bribing radical Iran to hold hostages, to unleashing Lee Atwater (rot in hell) and Roger Ailles (die motherfucker, and hopefully as painfully as possible), to pollute the political waters so foul we still smell their stench today. Many of our greatest social problems facing America today took root in Raygun's "Mourning in America." Never before has an American "politician"--and I use that term with a very large grain of salt--been so maneuvered and managed. Well, until G-dumbya, that is.

Wake up America!:kick:

[SusanaMontana41]

36. Damn, Raster!

What a perfect post. You speak for me.

[Raster]

54. Thank you!

:hi::toast:

[eppur_se_muova]

57. Which is why Cannon's bio of RR is titled "Role of a Lifetime". nt

[dickbearton]

28. Uncle Ronnie fooled most Americans...

He still fools a lot of Americans, that are still burnt, on
the teflon. You are right, he was a cretin.

[Thor_MN]

44. My bro-in-law thinks St. Ronnie was wonderful

Remarkable considering that I just had to co-sign for my nephew's student loan due to the state of thier credit. My sister was the one who asked, naturally.

For me, the frustrating thing with talking to a conservative, especially one that you can't tell to take a flying leap, is being civil, while holding the mental subtext "How can you be so F#cking ignorant?"

[Blue Fire]

31. And the beginning of the American working class nightmare.

How I loathe those who regard that fucking prick as a 'hero'!:freak:

[connecticut yankee]

43. And some of those morans

rate him as "American's Greatest President."

What fools!

[NoFederales]

42. A Nightmare, indeed! A very OVERT exercise to tear up this Republic

began in earnest with these fuckers. Now look what we have with *, and there seems to be little concern about getting called out anymore. I think we are past polite dissent.

NoFederales

[bigscott]

3. krugman is always spot-on

* is an evil bastard - the sooner he is sent packing the better

[TwilightGardener]

4. Truly awesome--totally nails it.

[riderinthestorm]

5. This part jumped out at me...

"Mark Crispin Miller, the author of “The Bush Dyslexicon,” once made a striking observation: all of the famous Bush malapropisms — “I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family,” and so on — have involved occasions when Mr. Bush was trying to sound caring and compassionate.

By contrast, Mr. Bush is articulate and even grammatical when he talks about punishing people; that’s when he’s speaking from the heart. The only animation Mr. Bush showed during the flooding of New Orleans was when he declared “zero tolerance of people breaking the law,” even those breaking into abandoned stores in search of the food and water they weren’t getting from his administration."

Wow. Just wow. And very chilling.

[NMDemDist2]

16. I was going to post the same two paragraphs

chilling indeed!

:scared:

[dickbearton]

30. It is time Americans have "zero tolerance" of the Criminal Bush and the Corrupt Republicans.

[Colorado Progressive]

26. What a clever observation. So by "childrens do learn" what he meant was

"these pieces of shit only deserve school if they are smart, we are weeding out the stupid ones so we can find a way to get rid of them". I'm serious. I have a friend whose child has a learning disability (severe ADHD) and the public school pretty much explained they couldn't help him, etc, told the parents he should be home schooled. He made the school look bad. Because that is what No Child Left Behind promotes. So now his retired grandparents (who are brain washed Freepers BTW) teach him. This "president" is a monster.

[Tansy_Gold]

58. That's why they have no problem with torture

Maybe I'm the only one who thinks this, but I've been kind of surprised that in the various discussions -- I only watch Hardball, Olbermann, and sometimes Abrams -- on the whole torture issue, whenever the question comes up of "Why do they do it?" no one seems willing to say, "Because they like it."

I think there is a very cruel, mean, bullying aspect to these people and they are just overjoyed that they have a war to give them cover for all the meanness they can invent. Blackwater is part of it, too.

But what do I know?


Tansy Gold

[reality based]

6. "See how the faithful city . . .

has become a harlot!
She once was full of justice;
righteousness used to dwell in her—
but now murderers!" Isaiah 1:21 (NIV)

[jwirr]

52. Very good observation and connection. Thanks I want to use it the

next time a fundy starts in on his/her rant.

[havocmom]

7. Glad he brought up Crispin's observations about bush*s speaking patterns

Mark Crispin Miller, the author of “The Bush Dyslexicon,” once made a striking observation: all of the famous Bush malapropisms — “I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family,” and so on — have involved occasions when Mr. Bush was trying to sound caring and compassionate.

Think on that awhile, America. The pResident only stumbles over words when he has been told to pretend to be nice. Turns out, lying isn't so easy for the man.

By contrast, Mr. Bush is articulate and even grammatical when he talks about punishing people; that’s when he’s speaking from the heart. The only animation Mr. Bush showed during the flooding of New Orleans was when he declared “zero tolerance of people breaking the law,” even those breaking into abandoned stores in search of the food and water they weren’t getting from his administration.

What’s happening, presumably, is that modern movement conservatism attracts a certain personality type. If you identify with the downtrodden, even a little, you don’t belong. If you think ridicule is an appropriate response to other peoples’ woes, you fit right in.

And Republican disillusionment with Mr. Bush does not appear to signal any change in that regard. On the contrary, the leading candidates for the Republican nomination have gone out of their way to condemn “socialism,” which is G.O.P.-speak for any attempt to help the less fortunate.

Thanks for posting. It does give a clear snapshot of the mindset of the abusive Right.

P.S. To the greatest page with you & Mr. Krugman

[KittyWampus]

18. Quibble, it's not about Bush/GOP'ers being "nice", it's displaying EMPATHY

Conservatives are dominated by their reptile mind.

[wicket]

8. Thank-you for posting this

K & R

:kick:

[yardwork]

9. k&r for Krugman

[The Backlash Cometh]

11. Get them where it hurts: Call them anti-Christians.

In fact, they sound more like they're following the anti-Christ, than Jesus.

[Iris]

46. wont' work. Their particular brand of Christianity excuses baltant disregard for

the poor and downtrodden. In fact, almost condones it.

[Octafish]

12. A must-read.

Thank you, Beetwasher.

The column is something everybody who's ever voted for a puke.

[NRaleighLiberal]

13. I am always amazed at how the Repubs flock to low intellect politicians.

I am sure that not ALL Republicans are ignorant/stupid, but if you look at Reagan, *Bush, and those like Issa, Sessions, Santorum, etc - it is clear that Republicans are very intimidated by intellect. Which really screws the country.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

14. Which reminds me of this famous remark:

John Stuart Mill said: “Although it is not true that all conservatives are stupid people, it is true that most stupid people are conservative.”

[Iris]

47. Good point. And I've noticed a decided lack of sophistication amongst the

well-to-do conservative women I know. They want to live in their sheltered little worlds and are more than willing to support any imbecile who they believe will guarantee they continue existing in their own little worlds without guilt.

[tabasco]

15. Kick for decency.

It's an uphill fight against these evil people because the money is behind them.

[dickbearton]

33. The money is behind them , because they steal it...

They steal, not lose, the money in Iraq. The money will be
behind them, until they are behind bars.

[applegrove]

17. That part about Bush being gramatically incorrect when he has to show

empathy is so true. What a brilliant observation. Thank gosh we can get Times Select again. I really missed it. Especially Krughman.

[rockymountaindem]

19. I've always said that at the base of the far-right's policies is disdain for poor people

It's so obvious.

[ladym55]

23. And add to that racism,

homophobia, sexism ...

They are just a jolly group. :sarcasm:

[kurth]

24. Definitely a keeper

[ooglymoogly]

25. big rec nm

[SeattleGirl]

27. Absolutely right, Mr. Krugman.

The Republicans have nothing but contempt for people who are poor, or sick, or whatever. And yes, they laugh at them. Really funny. Ha. Ha.

:puke:

[Richard Steele]

29. Spot on! K&R

[Warren DeMontague]

32. And that's why they've made a snarky frat boy who tortured frogs as a kid their king. nt

[NoGodsNoMasters]

34. He hits the nail on the head...

There is a certain psychology behind this, that can be traced bavck to Reagan and a ways before.. These people are fundamentally anti-intellectual, but convinced of they're own brilliance, they glory in violence but are voyeuristic about it, they are extremely narcissistic and thus, disinclined to put themselves in harms way. They're protestations of a Friedman-esque economic philosophy are really just a mask for they're borderline sociopathic narcissism, the stance on healthcare, welfare, the environment, human rights, it all comes down to a fundamental selfishness and inability to feel concern about others. I find it so interesting that the party thats' suddenly having doubts about evolution (Where the FUCK did that come from? Nixon was a bastard but I'm pretty sure he never questioned evolution, these are a new breed of nutjob, and this is why we need better education in public schools.) they are FUNDAMENTALLY social darwinists. Actually, I think the so called neoconservative movement if classified in strict technical terms is really neoFACISM. I hate to oversimplify, but i'm reminded of the Celestine Prophecy where the author basically says all people fit into two groups, those who give, and those who take. These people are a bunch of takers. I was pondering this after noticing Ann Cuntler's new poisonous tome in the bookstore. i was thinking, she's a millionaire, always so fiery (and psychotic) for someone who supposedly cares so much about this country, that she feels in her warped perception she is undertaking some sort of crusade,...what has she ever done to help anybody? Christian charities? Raising money to build more southern schools that teach creationism and turn out fruitcakes like this? NOTHING, it's anathema to her fundamental nature.

[demgrrrll]

35. Well said.

[Jackpine Radical]

37. Yo, Beet. Thanks for the Krugman link.

Haven't seen enough of you around here lately. That your fault or mine?

[Beetwasher]

49. Hey JR!

Good to see you too! Been pretty busy, twins will do that to ya!

[Blackhatjack]

38. "If you think ridicule is an appropriate response to other peoples’ woes, you fit right in."

Kind of sums up the heart of Republicanism and fully exposes the myth of 'compassionate conservatism.'

[Tansy_Gold]

60. It's more than ridicule.

It's outright cruelty, because the ridicule would be only words, but these assholes engage in the deeds -- everything from denying health care and welfare to the active cruelty of war and torture.

[riona]

39. Sad but true

I've heard this lack of compassion from many a conservative. The fear of higher taxes seemed to fuel this sentiment. It's always about $ - they just don't like sharing.

[johan helge]

40. I assume most people interested in politics read Krugman

- and if you read him, it must be impossible to respect the Bushies.

So, why doesn't this disrespect transpire more clearly in the media? The Bushies are powerful, of course, and, perhaps, the Democrats are too afraid of calling a spade a spade.

[malaise]

41. Clearly he's reading John Dean

Good for him.

[0007]

45. When will all this nonsense end? The very people that lay claim

to God and morality, bomb and protest abortion centers, kill doctors and maintain hope that the U.S. will use Thermonuclear bombs to control our enemies.

Are these people hopelessly confused, as I am pessimistically lost in lack of understanding what life is all about?

In anticipation of the veto, William Kristol, the editor of The Weekly Standard, had this to say: “First of all, whenever I hear anything described as a heartless assault on our children, I tend to think it’s a good idea. I’m happy that the president’s willing to do something bad for the kids.” Heh-heh-heh.

Most conservatives are more careful than Mr. Kristol. They try to preserve the appearance that they really do care about those less fortunate than themselves. But the truth is that they aren’t bothered by the fact that almost nine million children in America lack health insurance. They don’t think it’s a problem.

[Iris]

48. Heard the president of the National Evangelical Association on a localpublic radio station yesterday

They are not amused by the lip service to faith Republicans have been giving. They also apparently published some sort of decree saying that evangelicals need to focus less on the abortion issue and more on issues like the economy (good economies help families), health care, and the environment.

Not sure if that means anything, but it was interesting to hear someone from that camp say it.

[0007]

50. Oh! The economy is the highest priority for these money lords ...

Without money these are the very people that whine the loudest. Much like a pack of coyotes. (Loud and clear)

The environment is just a front and is junk science until it effects them. Then the howling begins.

Same with health care', they don't give a flying fuck who has it as long as they can choose Doctor Ripandtear and tell others to donate to the needy.

[BrklynLiberal]

51. How terribly sad that such an anti-humane philosophy can actually get people elected....

No one wants to be seen as empathetic or sympathetic..and it seems that no one wants to be identified as someone who needs sympathy or understanding.
Why were so many people willing to vote against their own best interests... even those who should personally identify with the downtrodden. They themselves appeared to be willing to throw those people under the train, even tho it meant they would go under the wheels with them...WHY??????????
Is this stupidity, ignorance, arrogance???? Sheepleness???

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

53. And Bingo was his name-o...

On the contrary, the leading candidates for the Republican nomination have gone out of their way to condemn “socialism,” which is G.O.P.-speak for any attempt to help the less fortunate.

[in_cog_ni_to]

55. "remember this: these people think your problems are funny."

"So once again, if you’re poor or you’re sick or you don’t have health insurance, remember this: these people think your problems are funny."

That is so true. They have no compassion for the less fortunate. NONE.



"Democrats think the glass is half full and Republicans think the glass is theirs"

[Maestro]

56. Great article

and this was the part that stood out to me. To me this typifies all neocons and repiglicans.

Mark Crispin Miller, the author of “The Bush Dyslexicon,” once made a striking observation: all of the famous Bush malapropisms — “I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family,” and so on — have involved occasions when Mr. Bush was trying to sound caring and compassionate.

By contrast, Mr. Bush is articulate and even grammatical when he talks about punishing people; that’s when he’s speaking from the heart. The only animation Mr. Bush showed during the flooding of New Orleans was when he declared “zero tolerance of people breaking the law,” even those breaking into abandoned stores in search of the food and water they weren’t getting from his administration.

[Nutmegger]

59. And it's not behind the Times Select firewall!

:bounce:

R&K!

[me b zola]

61. Powerful. n/t