Cranky Bastard

Bloomberg Printer-Friendly Page: "U.S. employers probably added 175,000 workers to payrolls in October, the most in five months, while the unemployment rate held at a three-year low of 5.4 percent, the median forecast in a Bloomberg News survey of economists shows. "

2004 Endorsements: "Kerry Campaign Caught Telemarketing From Canada
The John Kerry campaign unleashed a barrage of telemarketing calls against the good citizens of Milwaukee before the Wisconsin primary. Unfortunately for him, the good folks from America's Dairyland have Caller ID, and noticed the calls were coming from Ontario, Canada. Remember this the next time Kerry talks about keeping jobs in America."

DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2004�: "Former CBSNEWS anchorman Walter Cronkite believes Bush adviser Karl Rove is possibly behind the new Bin Laden tape."
But Republicans are crazy to think that there could be liberal bias in news...

New York Post Online Edition: gossip: "'We didn't start out with negative ads calling George Bush a cokehead,' he said, before adding, 'I'll do it now.' "
Chris, addictions are never fodder for teasing. It is like teasing a person in a wheelchair. Shame!

Jerusalem Post | Breaking News from Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish World: "With Afghanistan and Iraq, George Bush has liberated more Arabs and Muslims than any other man in human history. In Saddam he also removed from power the man who murdered more Arabs than any other, a figure numbering, according to The New York Times, at least 800,000 Arabs (not to mention 300,000 Kurds). "
Insightful and interesting piece!

Politicizing the bin Laden Tape: "Senator Kerry has said repeatedly that we should've closed the door on bin Laden in the Tora Bora mountains on the Afghan/Pakistan border in December '01 and January 2002. And had we done so--had we not subcontracted the war against al Qaeda to the warlords in the area"
This argument rings so hollow. Holbrooke, as much as anyone, should know that getting people who know how to maneuver in that culture and in that terrain would be solidly more effective than the American military who do not know the culture well, and could not even begin to maneuver the terrain as well as the warlords. The best argument the Democrats have is whether we had their allegiance, but in order to make that argument effectively, they would be wise to concede the other points. Currently, they sound so partisan as to be easily ignored.

Donald H. Rumsfeld on Draft on National Review Online: "I have recently heard a great deal of misinformed talk about a so-called 'secret plan' to bring back the draft. This plot is so secret that it doesn't exist. "
Rummy speaks plainly abut the draft story.

Reelect Bush, Faults And All (washingtonpost.com): "Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, said those women were warned that Taliban remnants would attack polling places during the Oct. 9 elections. So the women performed the ritual bathing and said the prayers of those facing death. Then, rising at 3 a.m., they trekked an hour to wait in line for the polls to open at 7 a.m. In the province of Kunar an explosion 100 meters from a long line of waiting voters did not cause anyone to leave the line. "
CB found this emotional, because there is almost nothing I can think of that I would knowingly risk my life for, voting included. We can be relatively safe in assuming that those brave women support Bush, because he gave them a freedom they never would have had without him.

Why 'This Is About Bush': "The culmination of this hedgehog presidency is a campaign that has become a crusade, both for Bush's supporters and his opponents."

The Cedar Valley Daily Times: Harkin campaigns for Kerry, Pettengill, says Kerry's rise in polls is what God wants: "Harkin campaigns for Kerry, Pettengill, says Kerry's rise in polls is what God wants"
So it's only okay to use religion when it benefits your party?

Los Angeles Times - latimes.com: "Palestinian's trip to receive aid may signal the end of his hold on power."
Charles Krauthammer interestingly noted yesterday on Brit Hume that Arafat is unlikely to name a successor, because then he would have to defend his leadership position. He went on to say that it could lead to a very ugly succession battle upon Arafat's death. The other point of note brought by CK was that Arafat has requested burial at a Jewish Holy Place, somewhere in Israel. The Israeli's are unlikely to allow it without bloodletting, so his death will, according to CK, be a catalyst for more violence in that part of the world.

Times Online - World: "Senator Joseph Biden of Delaware has been asked by Mr Kerry to become Secretary of State in a Democratic administration, according to Kerry campaign aides. "
CB is amazed! After all of the complaining on the left that the Bush Administration's picks for this that or the other were "too politically biased", Kerry is going to appoint Joe Biden to SOS. Pardon me, but has Kerry ever talked to Biden? He is a total idealogue! Ne'er a word leaves his lips that aren't word-for-word off of the party line of the day. Not to mention that the man has absolutely no poker face. That face turns bright red every time he hears anyone say anything he does not like. If I were going to go buy a car, would I rather take Powell or Biden? Powell, and the SOS job is just slightly more important.
Click on the link to read the rest of what would be Scary's cabinet.

CB saw a posting on a listserv tonight decrying that President Bush flipped the bird years ago, except that this event was captured on tape. Can I ever imagine changing my vote over the candidate’s use of “The Finger”? The very people who are trying to use this ever benign moment against the President are the same people that say that President Clinton’s affair was a personal matter, not him taking advantage of a young intern. If I am to choose between a party who thinks it is appropriate for a married man to take advantage of his underlings and another who has given the bird, as CB is prone to also, then I chose the crass bird every time.

WSJ.com - Five Questions to Ask . . .: "Who's Around Him?
In tough times in particular, a leader needs to surround himself with people who are smarter than he is, and they must have the grit to disagree with him and each other.
Every time we had a crisis at GE, I would quickly assemble a group of the smartest, gutsiest people I could find at any level from within the company and sometimes without, and lean on them heavily for their knowledge and advice. I would make sure everyone in the room came at the problem from a different angle, and then I would have us all wallow in the information as we worked to solve the crisis. These sessions were almost always contentious, and the opinions that came at me strong and varied. And yet, my best decisions arose from what I learned in these debates. Disagreement surfaced meaningful questions and forced us to challenge assumptions. Everyone came out of the experience more informed and better prepared to take on the next crisis.
A great leader has the courage to put together a team of people who sometimes make him look like the dumbest person in the room! I know that sounds counterintuitive. You want your leader to be the smartest person in the room -- but if he acts like that, he won't get half the pushback he must get to make the best decisions."

This is why Jack Welch is one of the most respected business leaders in history. In this article in today's WSJ, Welch proposes five questions voters should ask themselves before voting next Tuesday. This particular question struck me, because CB knows a little something about building brilliant teams. That is one of the things about this administration that amazed CB. This President had the confidence to sit among people that may make him feel stupid. If you have no faith in him, you must have faith in those who counsel him, Condi, Colin, Rummy, etc.

DRUDGE REPORT 2004�: "
BOSTON WINS WORLD SERIES AFTER 86 YEARS!...

The last time they won the World Series... the first World War was about to end... Lucky Lindy was a teenager dreaming of flying across the ocean... John Kennedy was an infant... penicillin didn't exist...TV didn't exist... radio was just starting... "

DRUDGE REPORT 2004�: "GERTZ // THURSDAY // WASH TIMES: Russian special forces troops moved many of Saddam Hussein's weapons and related goods out of Iraq and into Syria in the weeks before the March 2003 U.S. military operation, The Washington Times has learned. John A. Shaw, the deputy undersecretary of defense for international technology security, said in an interview that he believes the Russian troops, working with Iraqi intelligence, �almost certainly� removed the high-explosive material that went missing from the Al-Qaqaa facility, south of Baghdad. "

At a recent party, CB talked to a woman who lamented that the President was just trying to scare the public and ignoring domestic issues. While CB shares her desire to have healthy discussion on social security, welfare, education and all of the other domestic buzz issues, it is CB’s contention that there will be no domestic issues to discuss or money to fight for if we don’t stop our enemies. See, if they are capable of hitting us 9/11-style even two more times, social security will not make headlines, and lack of jobs will be a given across the country. It seems practical and wise for this President to not only remind us that there is a threat, but also to make it a prime issue in his re-election bid. Wouldn’t you?

The Cradle of Uncivilization: "'[Who said] 'Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile-delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members. Is it (a) Hillary Clinton; is it (b) Dick Cheney, or is it (c) George W. Bush?'' (If you said, (a) Hillary Clinton, you're correct.)"
This article and the film it reviews are grim reminders that, no matter your feelings on the war, you can be proud that the United States has sacrificed to close that chapter of history.

Kerry's phantom meeting - The Washington Times: Editorials/OP-ED - October 26, 2004: "'this president hasn't listened ... I went to meet with the members of the Security Council in the week before we voted. I went to New York. I talked to all of them.'
But that turns out not to be true. "
When a two-term sitting President lied about a personal relationship, his fans said that the lie was unimportant. Seems like this is important. If he starts out his relationship with the American people by lying, or at the very least exaggerating, shouldn't we expect that this kind of behavior will continue?

Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) just called the missing weapons story "the latest blunder" on CNN (Wolf Blitzer). This story has been brought back out and dusted off. She was talking about what terrorists could do with them. I am surprised that anyone could comfortably get behind it given that it is such an old story. CBS wanting to run the story should tell us that it is probably shoddy. This kind of thing is something CB can see Tad Devine getting behind. And clearly, Mary Beth Cahill will move forward with any story under the "fair game" mantle. It appears that these people have questionable intellectual levels, and clearly no ethics. CB urges voters to take stories this late in the campaign season with a grain of salt.

DRUDGE REPORT 2004�: "60 MINS PLANNED BUSH MISSING EXPLOSIVES STORY FOR ELECTION EVE"

Are we still supposed to believe they don't have a political agenda?

The Club For Growth - ClubforGrowth.Net

One has to appreciate Steve Moore for his enthusiasm, and his knack for self promotion :). In fact, I quite adore him (once I get over his anti-yuppie/anti-Kerry ad from the primaries. As someone who is desirous of yuppiness, that commercial did not appeal to me.) This commercial is charming and attention-getting. We wish Club for Growth luck, and encourage donations to that cause.

Torture: Infliction of severe physical pain as a means of punishment or coercion.

Grown men reduced to tears and screams, fear of death. While at war, enemies are expected to behave in a depraved manner, yet we never expect that an American would encourage that behavior. As told by those that endured six or more years of torture and imprisonment (not journalists), Stolen Honor reminds us of true heroism. It also reintroduces common sense into the lore of the Vietnam generation. Being anti-war, no matter how in fashion then or now, was in fact endangering POW’s in Vietnam. While he not only had the right to testify, but also, clearly the deep desire, it would have seemed reasonable for him to apologize for what he clearly did to those men and their families. I don’t mean he should have apologized days before he announced his run, but rather years ago when it became ever clearer that he had done damage. While we may be more apt to overlook youthful ego, we would be flippant and unwise to overlook a lack of remorse.

DRUDGE REPORT 2004�: "NBCNEWS: HUGE CACHE OF EXPLOSIVES VANISHED FROM SITE IN IRAQ -- AT LEAST 18 MONTHS AGO -- BEFORE TROOPS ARRIVED "

So it hasn't been crazy of us to believe that weapons could have been transported out of Iraq to Syria, etc. after all?

God Bless America! 

USATODAY.com - Poll: Bush holds lead over Kerry: "Bush, a Republican, holds a 51%-46% advantage over Kerry, a Democrat, among likely in the latest poll, which was conducted Friday-Sunday. One percent of voters backed Ralph Nader and 2% had no opinion."

Polls are incredibly interesting, and generally give some insight to the views of the public. I love reading about them, listening to the pundits manipulate them and talking about them myself, but this time they hold less sway than maybe ever before. In fact, I believe that next Sunday and Monday's polls will be considerably more decisive and accurate than anything this week. That is because we have not yet experienced the "Thursday-Before-The-Election-Drop" that the Democrats so enjoy. The 2000 DUI drop made a difference. The Democrats were rewarded for dirty politics, therefore we can expect that they will behave similarly this year.

Pollsters are worried. Given the amount of young people without landlines, exclusively using cell phones, there is a possibility of skewed poll results. It has become rather big news as of late. CB heard a Democratic pollster (both sides are complaining) say that something must be done or we risk skewed results. Given that it is illegal to call cell phones because it costs the cell user, what would our fine pollsters suggest? CB thinks that pollsters are taking themselves far too seriously on this one. While I love seeing and discussing the polls, not everyone cares. Changing the law or imposing a charge just to have what you think may be a truer poll is taking the issue too far.

After having read two or three of his books, watching his MSNBC show every day, watching his NBC show every Sunday, and loving Saturday Night Live’s imitation, I have lost one of my intellectual heroes. Chris Matthews used to look at each guest as a friendly opponent. He was, as he said, “going to make them think out loud on camera.” While it was always obvious that he was a dedicated Democrat, he seemed to be thoughtful and less a follower. As we crossed from summer to fall, approaching the conventions, all thoughtfulness left the show. Interestingly as this transformation evolved, Chris’ ratings grew. Before I saw the climb, I thought I may get him back after the election, but he has been rewarded for playing on a team.

Welcome. Cranky Bastard Blog (CBB) is a haven for those who aren’t just party line parrots, but rather those who enjoy thinking through politics. We will also be covering current events unrelated to politics, but a week before election 2004, it is hard to think of anything else. It’s hard for the random guest to know where Cranky Bastard is coming from without a run down of stands on buzz issues. Likely, some of these will change over the years, but it will give some insight into posts on CBB.

United Nations: Corrupt, but necessary. Those who urge pull-out also face irrelevancy.
Partisans: Both sides of the political spectrum have its partisans, and they are necessary. These people tend to be the voices that bring to the fore issues that otherwise would be overlooked. It is only when the partisan’s volume rises that the complacent middle starts to pay attention to what eventually becomes a buzz issue. These people tend to get the nickname nutcases, but CB sees them as necessary nutcases.
“Damn libruls” (said with a southern drawl)-said respectfully and partially in jest. CB has almost exclusively damn librul friends and family, so the phrase is not actually meant to damn you to hell.
Abortion: not sure, lean to the right
Death penalty: not sure, lean to the right
Race relations: Bill Cosby seems to really get it. Now can he go to the redneck neighborhoods?
War in Afghanistan: in favor
War in Iraq: in favor
Tort reform: in favor, but want to make sure that those truly wronged can get compensated
Oil prices: Sports cars will soon be in again.
Taxes: low-Please do not respond with “we have to be able to pave roads and buy school books”. I am not anti-tax, merely pro-government audits.
Ashcroft: Dead wood
Colin Powell: Brilliant
Condi: For President ‘08
Rudy: For President ‘08
Arnold: Too many Gray days necessitated change.
Favorite California Congressman: Radanovich
Bunning: He has been an incredible voice for the State of Kentucky. Mongiardo should be ashamed of the ugliness he has allowed to spew from his campaign.
Teresa Heinz-Kerry: If we do not think of the First Lady as a diplomat, then she would be fine, except…
Harold Ford (D-TN): CB loves him. He is a dogged, yet thoughtful liberal.
Economy: Adam Smith
Government Size: Club-For-Growth small
Education: To fix the current system is going to take a radical step toward the past where kids are expected by the teachers and their parents to perform and behave. The government can only encourage that behavior, but cannot legislate it. Neither candidate for President is going to be brave enough to effectively tackle this issue.
Energy: If the majority of Alaskans want the economic benefits of drilling ala ANWR, then let the drilling begin.
Recycling: yes
Air and water cleanliness and conservation: in favor of incenting good behavior
Foreign policy: Neither shame nor ego for who we are.
Marriage: Allow for civil unions, and don’t fight for the word marriage.
Mary-Kay LaTourneau-Damage already done. Sick? Yes, but let them try to scrape whatever sense of normalcy around them that they can for the sake of those children and get over it already.
Guns: Pro-hunter, anti-gang
Healthcare: Another topic in need of radical solutions and brave leadership. Similarly, neither candidate for President is going to be brave enough to effectively tackle it.
Immigration: The issue is so big and has such incredible implications that it is difficult to have a steady opinion.
Religion: Sleep in on Sunday, pray occasionally, christened Methodist
Social Security: Current donations go to the elderly, but are unlikely to be there for the Gen-X’ers.
Lawyers: We only seem to like them when we need them. CB salutes lawyers, but opposes those seeing corporations as piggy banks.
Trade: Trade is about give and take. We cannot reasonably expect India, China, Russia and others to buy our products, but to get nothing in return. While outsourcing hurts CB’s business in the short-run, the overall benefit is recognized in spades.
Basketball: University of Kentucky and the Lakers
Football: Cincinnati Bengals, the Bucs, the Falcons, Favre, Seahawks, Delhomme, Mariucci
Baseball: Red Sox over the Cards in ’04 World Series (Don’t tell CB’s grandfather.)
Hockey: No thank you
TV: News Junkie (MSNBC, Fox, CNN, and C-SPAN), Cold Case, Nip/Tuck, Rescue Me, Kudlow and Cramer, ER, HGTV
Museums: San Francisco MOMA, Cincinnati Art Museum