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  1. Fox News is killing journalism, no big media outlet is necessarily good, all owned by corporations who have their own backdoor agendas etc but i actually think MSNBC overall, does a fairly good job, i guess i consider them the lesser of the evils. I actually think Chris Matthews is a viable pundit, and that clip doesn't show anything bad about msnbc, i think Chris was asking valid questions and it's the senators fault for not being prepared. but really, Fox News is a disgrace, watch the documentary OutFoxed
  2. Originally posted by Martywasn't Blair a good prime minister ?

    (sorry, Canadian asking )

    Well I don't think he was a disaster, like I say I think he was always genuine BUT the way he went about things certainly didn't help, e.g. the Iraq War.

    I can't think there's anyone who'd disagree that Saddam Hussein shouldn't have been brought to justice for the crimes he committed against his own people (although I'm not going to get into a big discussion at the moment over the fact that the West supported Iraq when Iran was the major enemy in the '70s...) - dictators are dictators, and as a rule I think it's fair to say that Saddam was a bad egg even amongst that crop (on a par with people like Stalin and Hitler in that respect), and thus I'm not going to complain about his being removed from power. HOWEVER, on that theme, Blair and Bush should not have come up with the Nuclear Weapons argument, it's just sheer hypocrisy considering both nations are nuclear nations themselves, and whose to say that (at the time) either nation was more responsible than the other? If they'd simply come out and said that "we can't let Saddam get away with these atrocities, something's got to be done about it", which I think would have been a sound reason. The problem then would have been accusations of double standards, when you look elsewhere around the world at people like Mugabe in Zimbabwe etc., and the fact that the West doesn't take military action against him despite the fact that you could argue he's got just as bad a human rights record as Saddam had. Considering they didn't use that line for fear of hypocrisy (although I can't decide which is worse; being accused of a liar or being accused of hypocrisy), the conclusion must be that it probably does all boil down to oil, and who has control over it. In that respect, I think it seems quite pathetic that world powers are willing to put innocent peoples' lives on the line for a natural resource...

    I don't quite know what I was trying to prove in that respect, but I still think Blair was a decent prime minister and a decent guy - ok, he got decisions wrong, but show me a political leader who hasn't? The problem is that issues get magnified when you're in charge, but when you consider that the guy was in power for 10 years, he must have done something right to get the votes in - probably down to his charisma as much as anything...I'm no staunch Labour supporter, to be honest I'm a bit of a political agnostic (although my views are more left than right), but I will stand by my opinion that Blair was a good prime minister any day of the week - like I say, not perfect, but no one is.
  3. Originally posted by haytrainI really don't have the energy to get into a huge political discussion, but let me just try and clarify a little bit what I was trying to say in my original post:

    I was trying to say that Obama was one of the few senators who stood up against the invasion in Iraq from the very beginning It's pretty popular now to come out against the war, but check the record, he was against it from the beginning. I wish more people would have done the same, since it has turned out that the American people were misled by the current administration as to what we were doing there, what was allegedly there, etc.

    I think the clips you posted from FoxNews are even more appalling than the MSNBC ones because the hijacking of the questioning and the way the interviewer all but dismisses any response given as to Sen. Obama's accomplishments. You can't expect random voters during primary exit polls to be completely familiar with the voting histories and parliamentary positions of each candidate. These are the primaries. People are voting with their gut. As the candidates get chiseled out on the campaign trail, you inform yourself and make the best decision with what's available.

    To each his own....



    Courrse he opposed it, its a fairely well kept secreat his step dad is Iraqi. That doesen't make him a bad person. Just gives him motive to not want to bomb it. My problemn is how the media kissed his ass since day one, and demonized Hillary. Never before have I seen one candidate get fucked over by the media, as well as her own party so much. I'm a die hard democrat, and I'm voteing Mccain.
  4. Originally posted by wtshnnfb01[..]


    Courrse he opposed it, its a fairely well kept secreat his step dad is Iraqi. That doesen't make him a bad person. Just gives him motive to not want to bomb it. My problemn is how the media kissed his ass since day one, and demonized Hillary. Never before have I seen one candidate get fucked over by the media, as well as her own party so much. I'm a die hard democrat, and I'm voteing Mccain.



    Agreed. Indeed, I was until recently an ardent liberal. During the '04 election, nobody was more of a Bush-hater than me. I realized, "If we couldn't get him out now, something is not right." My alliance with the GOP is more because I feel the Democrats are so disillusioned.

    McCain also isn't super conservative the way Bush is. In fact, there's been contention between the two since Bush took office in '01. I view McCain more as the lesser of two unimpressive candidates. If Barack came back in 8 or 12 years having accomplished some impressive stuff (AND he didn't want to significantly cut down on defense spending), I'd be much more inclined to vote for him.

  5. I'm severly dissulusioned with the democrats for fucking over Hillary. The media chose Barack along time back, decided to take every oppurtuniety to run her down.
  6. Originally posted by wtshnnfb01I'm severly dissulusioned with the democrats for fucking over Hillary. The media chose Barack along time back, decided to take every oppurtuniety to run her down.

    So before the so-called fucking over, were you more democrat than republican? Or were you undecided and had your mind made up after Clinton got it in the back as you suggest?
  7. Well, talking about Blair, he succeded to margaret Thatchet who really did alot of sacrifes to put the United Kingdoms back on the map. And blair was prime minister for a long time and I think that despit his tight attachement with president Bush he took social manners that were necessary but well caluculated and judge do to Englands bad economy. He worked on the alot of priveta\gouverment partenerships, espacially in the health area where he made a PPP model that my province (Québec) is taking as a model today.

    ANd like all british gouverment he was really active on the international scene but without thw poumpous and arrigant way British used to have. But him following Bush was a mistake. A big one.

    BUT I think that he really defined England's strong economy and society that whe see today.

    but, im only a 15 year old canadien and I didn't even follow politics when he ruled,
  8. Originally posted by MartyWell, talking about Blair, he succeded to margaret Thatchet who really did alot of sacrifes to put the United Kingdoms back on the map. And blair was prime minister for a long time and I think that despit his tight attachement with president Bush he took social manners that were necessary but well caluculated and judge do to Englands bad economy. He worked on the alot of priveta\gouverment partenerships, espacially in the health area where he made a PPP model that my province (Québec) is taking as a model today.

    ANd like all british gouverment he was really active on the international scene but without thw poumpous and arrigant way British used to have. But him following Bush was a mistake. A big one.

    BUT I think that he really defined England's strong economy and society that whe see today.

    but, im only a 15 year old canadien and I didn't even follow politics when he ruled,

    Yep, and Brown & Co. are doing their very best to fuck it all up!

    To be honest, I don't think the Conservative party would do any better so it's pretty much everyone trying to make the best of a bad situation, and in all likelihood I'm probably being a bit harsh. I don't know the ins and outs of politics, but I reckon that Brown isn't doing as badly a job as he's being made out to be. The problem is that he doesn't have the charisma of Blair and the media don't like it, so he gets it in the neck big time and everything gets scrutinised to excessive levels. No, the current administration aren't wonderful, but I'd rather have this government that the one we had under Thatcher (which I luckily didn't live under, but was born into the fallout, as it were) - my only major query at the moment is, if Brown is making such an arse up of the economical situation as is apparently the case, who was truly running it when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer, i.e. head of the economy?

    (And by the by, Blair succeeded John Major who was in turn preceded by Thatcher, just so you know - I wouldn't expect you to be an authority on British politics lol, because half the people I know don't know who the Prime Minister is )
  9. "So.... Barack Obama is the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.... John McCain is the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, and Hilary Clinton will "keep on truckin'" to the White House."

    -Jon Stewart

    You gotta love the guy for his politcal humor.

    Personally, I'm glad Obama will be the nominee. He can relate to the middle class. Some say he says what people want to hear, or sounds like a preacher. I don't think so. Especially after all the controversey he's faced. John McCain is a good nominee, but I think he's too old to be president. Just recently he let the press see his medical history. 1200 pages. And that's just from 2000 to 2008. I want a president, not a patient at Washington Hospital Center. Someone who will be able to make decisions. Clever how he made climate change a matter of national security. Very good move senator. But about the economy. It was recently learned that McCain's advisor was a lobbyist who "supposedly" caused the mortgage crisis. Not exactly true, because there are other factors involved. This brings me to this post's Inside Out:
    The mortgage crisis is a huge problem in America, and a very hot button issue (Not as hot as the American Melting Pot, which apparently has been left on the burner again)
    One thing is how banks have low rates for the first few years, then skyrocket after those years (we'll let you pay good rates, then strangle you a couple of years later)
    Another thing is how Americans are spending their money. Credit cards are one reason why people can't afford to pay their mortgage, because they're paying their credit card bills and the interest rates included as well (And people paying off their credit cards with other credit cards, etc.)
    Lastly, soaring gas prices are causing more people to put more money in their gas tank. America has gone from the SUVs and Hummers to the soda can. (Coke or Pepsi?)
    This is certainly getting people to buy more fuel efficient cars, and more people are caring for the enviroment. But how much will gas prices be? Some say gas prices will be as high as $6 a gallon by Labor Day (and $15 by Christmas, which means little Johnny won't be getting that yacht you promised you would get him for his 3rd birthday).

    At least Obama has something of an economic plan. Good run Hilary, good run. Not at good as Obama, but still worth some mention.

    Here's your moment of fun:
    "Mitt Romney suspends presidential campaign .... Romney then added,. "now if you'll pardon me, I must return to my former career as a ..."
  10. Originally posted by stj0691"So.... Barack Obama is the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.... John McCain is the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, and Hilary Clinton will "keep on truckin'" to the White House."

    -Jon Stewart

    You gotta love the guy for his politcal humor.

    Personally, I'm glad Obama will be the nominee. He can relate to the middle class. Some say he says what people want to hear, or sounds like a preacher. I don't think so. Especially after all the controversey he's faced. John McCain is a good nominee, but I think he's too old to be president. Just recently he let the press see his medical history. 1200 pages. And that's just from 2000 to 2008. I want a president, not a patient at Washington Hospital Center. Someone who will be able to make decisions. Clever how he made climate change a matter of national security. Very good move senator. But about the economy. It was recently learned that McCain's advisor was a lobbyist who "supposedly" caused the mortgage crisis. Not exactly true, because there are other factors involved. This brings me to this post's Inside Out:
    The mortgage crisis is a huge problem in America, and a very hot button issue (Not as hot as the American Melting Pot, which apparently has been left on the burner again)
    One thing is how banks have low rates for the first few years, then skyrocket after those years (we'll let you pay good rates, then strangle you a couple of years later)
    Another thing is how Americans are spending their money. Credit cards are one reason why people can't afford to pay their mortgage, because they're paying their credit card bills and the interest rates included as well (And people paying off their credit cards with other credit cards, etc.)
    Lastly, soaring gas prices are causing more people to put more money in their gas tank. America has gone from the SUVs and Hummers to the soda can. (Coke or Pepsi?)
    This is certainly getting people to buy more fuel efficient cars, and more people are caring for the enviroment. But how much will gas prices be? Some say gas prices will be as high as $6 a gallon by Labor Day (and $15 by Christmas, which means little Johnny won't be getting that yacht you promised you would get him for his 3rd birthday).

    At least Obama has something of an economic plan. Good run Hilary, good run. Not at good as Obama, but still worth some mention.

    Here's your moment of fun:
    "Mitt Romney suspends presidential campaign .... Romney then added,. "now if you'll pardon me, I must return to my former career as a ..."


    About gas prices, its important to note that Europeans and the Japanese have had gas at $7 a gallon for the last quarter of a century, I don't hear them pissing and whining about it. I honestly hope gas goes higher and higher. People don't realize how wasteful they are. SUVS, Hummers and the like are absolutely atrocious. And I'm not just talking about pollution and carbon emissions-- as so-called intellectual and intelligent human beings, we should strive to be as efficient as possible (kudos to Japan ).

    I'm not at all concerned about McCain's age. Some people were concerned, and I think he tried to pacify them by publicizing his medical records. He's in excellent shape--AND he doesn't smoke (unlike Obama).

    As for the housing/real estate crisis, there needs to be some system of control. Like I said, people need to take care when it comes to credit and such. True, banks should have at least CONSISTENT interest rates. But people should also be cognizant of what they're getting into, and not bite off more than they can chew.

    Some might blame all this on the capitalist free-enterprise system. While we might not have this problem were it not for that system, responsibility ultimately lies with individuals.
  11. Originally posted by AAV711[..]

    About gas prices, its important to note that Europeans and the Japanese have had gas at $7 a gallon for the last quarter of a century, I don't hear them pissing and whining about it. I honestly hope gas goes higher and higher. People don't realize how wasteful they are. SUVS, Hummers and the like are absolutely atrocious. And I'm not just talking about pollution and carbon emissions-- as so-called intellectual and intelligent human beings, we should strive to be as efficient as possible (kudos to Japan ).

    I'm not at all concerned about McCain's age. Some people were concerned, and I think he tried to pacify them by publicizing his medical records. He's in excellent shape--AND he doesn't smoke (unlike Obama).

    As for the housing/real estate crisis, there needs to be some system of control. Like I said, people need to take care when it comes to credit and such. True, banks should have at least CONSISTENT interest rates. But people should also be cognizant of what they're getting into, and not bite off more than they can chew.

    Some might blame all this on the capitalist free-enterprise system. While we might not have this problem were it not for that system, responsibility ultimately lies with individuals.


    I love political satire.... anyway, back to what I was going to say. I know England and Japan have had $7 gas prices, it's that I enjoy seeing my friends squirm as they fill their tank. Earlier this year I convinced my parents to get a hybrid, and now they're thanking me.

    Obama has a smoking addiction. Oh well. It's a shame he does. Funny how he's in perfect health (probably because he's only 45 and smoking hasnt taken a toll on him, but it will). As for McCain, let's take a bet, what will he get next? I'm kidding here, but c'mon, you got to hand it to him. 73 years old and running for president. A real go-getter. Perhaps that's what this country needs. Perhaps the war in Iraq has been handled wrong. In McCain's words, "We need a president and leaders with military experience." Hmm, several people have now come to mind, primarily George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, the list goes on.

    Americans love anything BIG. We all know it's true. Heck, I'll even go with a U2 reference. PopMart was satire of commercialism. 40 foot lemon, giant screen, huge arch to represent McDonalds. Basically a parody of what America was, and still is. Combine the media satire of Zoo TV and commercialism satire of PopMart you essentially have what America was in the 90s, and in a sense, still is. If only there was a tour this year, and Bono prank called the White House again. "Hello? May I speak to George Jr.?" I'd get a kick out of that, as would most of the country (and this site).

    Of course, the joke is on us. If Americans opened their eyes and looked at where there money went, our economy would not be so shitty right now. Gas prices go up, so we go to chain stores like Wal Mart. We buy cheap products made in other countries. The money goes to business CEOs and whoever. They then go on out of the country vacations and spend thousands, and the money goes to those countries. And the euro goes up compared to the US dollar, so it costs those CEOs more. So they think, "maybe I'll give myself a raise". That affects the little guy, who they have no care for whatsoever. If they actually did care, prices wouldnt be so ridiculous. If I ever have a CEO or high management position, I would rather live simply than crazily. I would spend my money on home grown products, and keep the economy going. But greedy CEOs don't have this view. They only care about how much they can get. One example are oil execs. The US Senate questioned six reps and execs of big oil companies of America. The way they spoke got me sick. They basically said they only care for themselves, and hoped they could have concern for others. Hope to have concern? Does this mean that they are cold hearted? If anything there execs could learn a thing or two from good ol' Bono, who set up the ONE campaign. I know we're sick of hearing about it, but it does support a good cause. These execs could help other parts of the US that need help, like New Orleans and surrounding areas from the Katrina disaster. But then again, they can say, what about help from the government? Well, here's what I have to say. You execs out there make more money than what some people could see in 3 or 4 lifetimes. Stop being greedy. That's why people don't like you. That's why you execs are being hated. Do YOU really need a million dollar raise? Do YOU really need another house somewhere? I really wonder what YOU think of yourself. Take a good look in the mirror and see what monsters you execs have become.

    EDIT: sorry about that, I really needed to get that off my chest.
  12. Originally posted by stj0691[..]

    ...Earlier this year I convinced my parents to get a hybrid, and now they're thanking me.

    ...


    Of course, the joke is on us...



    That's very perceptive of you, and fitting that you could apply ZOO TV and POPMART to this. I often wonder when people will wake up and understand that we as a people are ripe for parody, and try to change that.

    I as well convinced my dad he should go hybrid...unfortunately, the local Toyota dealer was out of Priuses, so we will probably settle on the Corolla (supposedly near 37 mpg max! )

    Reagan was roughly McCain's age when he took office. While campaigning, he asked Americans "Are you better off now than you were four years ago?" Maybe McCain should be asking the same question -- he hasn't been afraid to oppose GWB in the past. Reagan was extremely successful. He stopped inflation, helped the economy prosper and ended communism. When running for re-election, he asked the same question, and this time the answer was an unequivocal "yes." Imagine if McCain could fix the housing crisis, help the environment and do a lot to end terrorism (as in Iraq). As I've said before, if Obama had more experience he'd appeal more to me -- and he needs to cut this "let's cut down on military spending" crap.
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Contribute to the U2 community with uploading photos or by telling us which shows you have visited.
Contribute to the U2 community with uploading photos or by telling us which shows you have visited.