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Title: Palin Exposes the Tea Partiers' True Colors
Source:
Town Hall
URL Source: http://townhall.com/columnists/Stev ... partiers_true_colors?page=full
Published: Feb 11, 2010
Author: Steve Chapman
Post Date: 2010-02-11 09:44:51 by go65
Keywords: None
Views: 17651
Comments: 76
The tea party movement started as a welcome protest against the alarming growth of federal spending and federal control. It had a strong anti-statist flavor, or seemed to. But judging from the applause for Sarah Palin at its convention, the movement's suspicion of government power is exceeded only by its worship of government power. Her keynote address at last week's gathering in Nashville may have been the curtain raiser on a 2012 presidential campaign. "I think that it would be absurd to not consider what it is that I can potentially do to help our country," she told Fox News when asked about that option. I'm glad it was she and not I who first used the word "absurd" in relation to a possible Palin bid for the White House. Because if her speech made anything clear, it's that the shallow, ill-informed, truth-twisting demagogue seen in the 2008 presidential campaign is all she is and all she wants to be. When it comes to economic affairs, the tea partiers agree that -- as Palin put it -- "the government that governs least, governs best." When it comes to war and national security, however, her audience apparently thinks there is no such thing as too much government. The conventioneers applauded when Palin denounced Obama for his approach to the war on terrorists. Why? Because he lets himself be too confined by the annoying limits imposed by the Constitution. "To win that war, we need a commander in chief, not a professor of law," she declares. Is her point that Obama is allergic to the use of military power or can't bear to fulfill his responsibility as head of the armed forces? That would come as a surprise to Iraqis, who have seen Obama stick to President Bush's timetable for withdrawal. It would come as a surprise to Afghans, who have seen him embark on a massive buildup of U.S. troops in their country. It would come as a surprise to Pakistanis, who have seen an increase in U.S. drone missile attacks on their soil. Palin accuses Obama of "reaching out to hostile regimes" and "apologizing for America," with pitiful results: nuclear tests in North Korea, repression in Iran. What she doesn't mention -- though, to be entirely fair, she may not know it -- is that the first North Korean nuclear test came in 2006 and that before Obama arrived, the mullahs in Tehran did not rule with a gentle, loving hand. Her chief gripe, though, is that federal agents read the alleged Christmas bomber, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, his Miranda rights shortly after his arrest, at which point, she claims, he "lawyered up and invoked our U.S. constitutional right to remain silent." Not for long, he didn't. The FBI says Abdulmutallab provided a wealth of useful information under questioning after he got a lawyer. For that matter, as FBI Director Robert Mueller and National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair said last week, he is still being interrogated. But facts have never been Palin's strong suit. Nor do they matter, because what infuriates her is the mere idea that constitutional protections would apply to "a terrorist who hates our Constitution and tries to destroy our Constitution." This is not some bizarre paradox. Lots of people who despise our Constitution -- Nazis, communists, Klansmen, Alaska secessionists -- enjoy its protections. Does she think the Bill of Rights should apply only to people who share her views? That would not leave much of the document she and the tea partiers claim to revere. Besides, Obama didn't invent the heretical notion of accepting limits on the government's latitude with jihadists. The Bush administration turned hundreds of terrorism cases over to the federal courts, without audible complaint from the right. The Supreme Court has ruled that the Constitution extends even to accused foreign terrorists held at Guantanamo. The advantage of having a former law professor in the Oval Office is that he doesn't have to be tutored in such elementary realities. But Palin evinces a bitter resentment of any information that contradicts her blind faith in a benevolent, all-powerful security regime. She's more than willing to trade liberty for safety. That went over conspicuously well in Nashville, where tea partiers cheered a leader who places excessive trust in government, disdains constitutional freedoms and promotes a cult of personality. So remind me: What is it they don't like about Barack Obama?
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#37. To: go65 (#28)
The problem the GOP has with Paul is that he isn't one of them. The GOP argument these days is talk about smaller government but block cuts, while arguing for bombing Iran. Paul actually thinks for himself, so they don't want him. The only real maverick in the bunch and the 2 but really 1 party owned media would not touch him with a ten foot pole. And then they tried to sell Palin as the maverick. Too funny if it wasn't so pathetic.
The dollar amount isn;t why he veto'd it tho now is it?
I've met quite a few Red's players, and Bengals players over the past thirty years or so, but thats the closets I come to being around pro athletes. Badeye [being Freudian] posted on 2007-03-29 16:32:21 ET Reply Trace
If he's so wonderful, why is it he can't rise about his House district?
my anti groupie can't get through life without me.
You missed the point (as usual). You keep carping about how the "Democrats controlled the budget starting in 2007" while ignoring the fact that nothing gets enacted without the President's signature. You are simply being dishonest.
Being a Republican means you get to choose your own reality.
And yet you keep attacking Obama while trying to deflect blame from the GOP. Now why is that? Bush blew up the budget in his 1st term, in his 2nd term he actually started to bring down the deficit until the recession hit. So what it boils down to I suppose is that your biggest complaint with Obama is that he isn't running as big of a deficit as you would like.
Being a Republican means you get to choose your own reality.
The only successful "risers" currently are one's supported by the treasury robbers or lobbyists... whatever name or term you prefer. AND how many senators have made it to president? The spinners are trying the Nixon route for Palin only his qualifications were "major duties" in the Eisenhower administration. Her's is quitting through a difficult governorship term to become a GOP cover girl.
If you can't be honest, don't bother. My 'complaint' is Owe-Bama and the Democrat controlled Congress has dramatically increased the deficit, done NOTHING to encourage job creation. This isn't about Bush. He's no longer President. Its about the Democrat controlled Federal Government. Every budget since 2007 has been a product of the Nancy Pelosi led House of Representatives. Should Bush have veto'd it? Hell yes, but he should have veto'd the House budgets of 05 and 06 produced by the GOP majority at the time. Bottom line is THIS PRESIDENT, and THIS CONGRESS are failing THIS NATION.
my anti groupie can't get through life without me.
Ron Paul's a kook. Thats WHY. See his dancing with the 9/11 Truther idiots for just one example.
my anti groupie can't get through life without me.
LOLOL That's all you have is 3rd grade name calling domer. Anti Constitutionlists, nanny staters and true government report believers are the real "Kooks". Especially when the official explanations come out before the dust even settled. How did that one building I believe WTC3 get the crater in it and when was it documented and investigated? It must have been all those linseed oil rags left by the painters. Maybe your building is ready to blow too ignited by spontaneous combustion.
Huh?
I've met quite a few Red's players, and Bengals players over the past thirty years or so, but thats the closets I come to being around pro athletes. Badeye [being Freudian] posted on 2007-03-29 16:32:21 ET Reply Trace
Sorry, that was meant for badeye. I responded to the wrong message.
Being a Republican means you get to choose your own reality.
So you get giddy about replacing them with folks who dramatically increased the deficit and id NOTHING to encourage job creation? Yeah, I know, the GOP will be "different" this time.
Being a Republican means you get to choose your own reality.
The tea party supports 9/11 truther idiots like Debra Medina in Texas. So should we dismiss Sarah Palin for her association with those folks?
Being a Republican means you get to choose your own reality.
It's more complicated than that. Even though Palin is the Tea Party Queen, she doesn't support Tea Party candidates. She's pure Republican mainstream all the way.
"You just can't debate with someone who is both stupid AND dishonest." - sneakypete on LP 02/10/2010
Ahhh, I see, your a truther kook too! (laughing) No problem, I've come to enjoy you guys and your insanity. Carrying on.
my anti groupie can't get through life without me.
Where did I say THAT? Sheesh, GO....lol I believe in termination of employment when the employee doesn't perform up to expectations. Giddy? Hardly. I'd rather be making money as I did under both Clinton and Bush.
my anti groupie can't get through life without me.
Palin's backing Perry in that race if I'm not mistaken. So should I dismiss YOU because of this error? (laughing)
my anti groupie can't get through life without me.
(chuckle)
my anti groupie can't get through life without me.
Liberals never accept responsibility for their missteps mistakes. They are pure sleaze.
Sneakypete, have you ever been married? Said things you later regretted?
As we are seeing on this thread rather conclusively. elections have consequences, the Dems won the last two handily. Its their WATCH. And their Responsibility.
my anti groupie can't get through life without me.
Which budgets were enacted without Bush's signature?
Being a Republican means you get to choose your own reality.
And you've noted that your company is struggling while others are turning things around.... I'm just saying..........
Being a Republican means you get to choose your own reality.
NO worries...
I've met quite a few Red's players, and Bengals players over the past thirty years or so, but thats the closets I come to being around pro athletes. Badeye [being Freudian] posted on 2007-03-29 16:32:21 ET Reply Trace
And why would Obummer and Co. do that..insist on his being tried in civilian court? Simple. If Abdulmutallab is tried in Military Court, Obummer has to sign the death warrant IF they win a death penalty. If he is tried in civilian court, Obummer doesn't have to sign. This speaks to his Muslim persona. He will not sign a death warrant against a brother Muslim.
I don't think attempted murder qualifies for the death sentence.
No problem, I've come to enjoy you guys and your insanity. Carrying on. You do seem to be the uncurious type. Keep believing the report that Dem Jamie Gorelick gave you as pablum. It's the gospel truth, you betcha... and you and war finally have an area of agreement!!!
FYI: http://politics.theatlantic.com/2010/02/a_terrorist_tried_in_federal_court_the_case_of_aafia_siddiqui.php Being a Republican means you get to choose your own reality.
ping .
This speaks to his Muslim persona. He will not sign a death warrant against a brother Muslim. How many military court terrorist death warrents did Bush sign as Pres? What was Bush's excuse?
“They’re not knowin what are we gonna do if we don’t have Tea Party support” - Sarah Palin at TeaBagger Con 2010
Naw, they should have taken the little bastard off of the airplane and executed him. Problem solved.
Pathetic comment.
my anti groupie can't get through life without me.
I stood [then ducked] underneath one of the planes as it went in. I know too many fireman who were on the site. And Gorelick didn't head anything... Truther nonsense if absurd...even the head Moonbat, Alex Jones, has admitted to being wrong on several key points. You can believe anything that you want to believe, tho. Personally, I find it incredibly hard to believe that th executive branch knew nothing was coming...
I’ll see what I can do about posting a more current pic, if you really want one. Badeye posted on 2003-03-15 09:26:22 ET Reply Trace
(chuckle) You aren't very perceptive.
my anti groupie can't get through life without me.
Truther nonsense if absurd...even the head Moonbat, Alex Jones, has admitted to being wrong on several key points. You can believe anything that you want to believe, tho. Personally, I find it incredibly hard to believe that th executive branch knew nothing was coming.. And I was in an area that had damage from the Loma Prieta earthquake but it doesn't make me an expert on tectonics. I just believe for such a momentous event we need an investigation that investigates it in totality, and even the commission agreed with that. They had 18 months and that was it. Bush refused to extend the investigation and literally it was his call.
(chuckle) You aren't very perceptive. I see no posting trend that indicates you haven't made up your mind on almost all topics known to man. Geriatric thinking.
If you want to go after how intelligence was handled prior to the attack, I'm all for it. IMHO, that is where the inquiry fell short and anyone with half a brain knows that Condi Rice lied her ass off to the committee.
I’ll see what I can do about posting a more current pic, if you really want one. Badeye posted on 2003-03-15 09:26:22 ET Reply Trace I want every and all angles investigated but I know it ain't going to go any further because Bush got want he wanted and Obama isn't going to open a Pandora's Box.
If it doesn't involve presidential extramarital sex, who cares
Ron Paul.
#38. To: go65 (#34)
vetoing a bill to fund intelligence services
#39. To: mininggold (#37)
#40. To: war (#38)
The dollar amount isn;t why he veto'd it tho now is it?
#41. To: Badeye (#36)
Now you look ridiculous. You KNOW I was against the spending that took place post 2004.
You know I wasn't happy with Bush in his second term. You know I voted AGAINST the GOP in 2006, with the exception of Blackwell for Ohio's Governorship.
#42. To: Badeye (#39)
If he's so wonderful, why is it he can't rise about his House district?
#43. To: go65 (#41)
#44. To: mininggold (#42)
#45. To: Badeye (#44)
Ron Paul's a kook. Thats WHY.
#46. To: go65 (#40)
#47. To: war (#46)
#48. To: Badeye (#43)
My 'complaint' is Owe-Bama and the Democrat controlled Congress has dramatically increased the deficit, done NOTHING to encourage job creation.
#49. To: Badeye (#44)
See his dancing with the 9/11 Truther idiots for just one example.
#50. To: go65 (#49)
The tea party supports 9/11 truther idiots like Debra Medina in Texas. So should we dismiss Sarah Palin for her association with those folks?
#51. To: mininggold (#45)
#52. To: go65 (#48)
#53. To: go65 (#49)
#54. To: go65 (#47)
Sorry, that was meant for badeye. I responded to the wrong message.
#55. To: Badeye, go65 (#43)
Every budget since 2007 has been a product of the Nancy Pelosi led House of Representatives.
#56. To: Ibluafartsky (#55)
#57. To: Ibluafartsky, badeye (#55)
Every budget since 2007 has been a product of the Nancy Pelosi led House of Representatives.
#58. To: Badeye (#52)
I believe in termination of employment when the employee doesn't perform up to expectations.
#59. To: go65 (#47)
#60. To: go65 (#0)
federal agents read the alleged Christmas bomber, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, his Miranda rights shortly after his arrest, at which point, she claims, he "lawyered up and invoked our U.S. constitutional right to remain silent."
#61. To: lucysmom (#2)
#62. To: borntoweardiamonds (#60)
If Abdulmutallab is tried in Military Court, Obummer has to sign the death warrant IF they win a death penalty. If he is tried in civilian court, Obummer doesn't have to sign.
#63. To: Badeye (#51)
(Edited)
Ahhh, I see, your a truther kook too! (laughing)
#64. To: borntoweardiamonds (#60)
Last week, as Republicans ratcheted up their critism of the administration's counterterrorism framework, a jury in the Southern District of New York quietly convicted a woman named Aafia Siddiqui on charges related to the attempted murder of U.S. soldiers and FBI agents in Afghanistan. She faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
What makes Siddiqui's conviction relevant for the current debate is that she was captured, on a recognized battlefield -- Afghanistan -- and tried to kill FBI agents and American soldiers who had come to question her. Siddiqui, 40, could easily have been designated as an enemy combatant. But the Bush administration determined instead that she be tried in federal court. She was read her Miranda rights, and given access to a lawyer.
#65. To: war (#63)
You do seem to be the uncurious type. Keep believing the report that Dem Jamie Gorelick gave you as pablum. It's the gospel truth, you betcha... and you and war finally have an area of agreement!!!
#66. To: borntoweardiamonds (#60)
And why would Obummer and Co. do that..insist on his being tried in civilian court? Simple. If Abdulmutallab is tried in Military Court, Obummer has to sign the death warrant IF they win a death penalty. If he is tried in civilian court, Obummer doesn't have to sign.
#67. To: A K A Stone (#13)
Take the guy on the christmas day bombing attempt. He isn't an American but he commited a crime on our soil, or airspace. We should prosecute him.
#68. To: go65 (#58)
#69. To: mininggold (#65)
#70. To: mininggold (#63)
You do seem to be the uncurious type.
#71. To: war (#69)
I stood [then ducked] underneath one of the planes as it went in. I know too many fireman who were on the site. And Gorelick didn't head anything...
#72. To: Badeye (#70)
You do seem to be the uncurious type.
#73. To: lucysmom (#2)
#74. To: mininggold (#71)
#75. To: war (#74)
f you want to go after how intelligence was handled prior to the attack, I'm all for it. IMHO, that is where the inquiry fell short and anyone with half a brain knows that Condi Rice lied her ass off to the committee.
#76. To: mininggold (#71)
They had 18 months and that was it. Bush refused to extend the investigation and literally it was his call.
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