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Real Name: Skyler Visconti Address: www.ki6amd.com Murray, UT 84117 Gender: male Member Since: May 21, 2006 Last Signed In: July 12, 2009 Profile Views: 6785 Blog Views: 11464 DTV transition... California Science? Prop 8 non-sense... A complete change... UTAH as I see it. Road Warrior Ultimate Setup I should've moved earlier Leaving Bakersfield... The Windows curse!!! GNU/Linux: Growing still... The Google Phone (aka "Android") July 06 August 06 September 06 October 06 November 06 December 06 January 07 February 07 March 07 April 07 May 07 June 07 July 07 August 07 September 07 October 07 November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 October 08 November 08 December 08 January 09 February 09 March 09 April 09 May 09 June 09 July 09 August 09 September 09 October 09 November 09 
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Tell the troops how you really feel Kerry! And how about the rest of your party, how do they feel?
So we've all heard Kerry's rant. "You know, education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework, you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq." But what many progressives will say to defend Kerry was that he was talking about President Bush and trying to insult him, not the troops.
The problem with that argument is that (1) Bush isn't in Iraq, (2) Bush did go to college, and (3) He did make the most of it... He's the president of the United States! At least there is a REALIST among the group behind Kerry. Although a republican McCain has stood behind Kerry in many political fronts. This time however McCain too, has called for an apology from Kerry. My biggest complaint is that Kerry REFUSED to apologize. He saw the audience he was speaking to gasp when he said it, and all he could do is smirk. He knew what he said, and he knew it could've been misconstrued by people. He did NOTHING to correct himself or clarify what he meant until the next day. Even then he didn't say sorry to the troops for the misunderstanding, instead he used it against the president. I wouldn't be surprised if he said it, knowing it could be misunderstood, just so he could be attacked. (Sound like a far fetched idea? Most progressives use that same way of thinking about what Bush does.) And to think he could've been our 44th president. Happy Halloween! :) 89 comments from 14 users
posted by
TomW
on Nov 1, 2006 at 01:01 AM
What a joke. It's clear that he was talking about Bush. It's also clear that the audience laughed. If you want to stand by these silly claims, post the speech or even better, a link to the video or audio of the speech. I agree with Kerry; if anyone owes the troops an apology, it's the President. But hey, if you wanna talk about the war for the next 7days, don't let me stop you. I want the House and the Senate. Bring it on. Mainstream America knows the Republicans don't have the skill or the interest or the ability to win this thing or get our kids home. I'm not going to be lectured by a stuffed suit White House mouthpiece standing behind a podium, or doughy Rush Limbaugh, who no doubt today will take a break from belittling Michael J. Fox's Parkinson's disease to start lying about me just as they have lied about Iraq . It disgusts me that these Republican hacks, who have never worn the uniform of our country lie and distort so blatantly and carelessly about those who have. The people who owe our troops an apology are George W. Bush and Dick Cheney who misled America into war and have given us a Katrina foreign policy that has betrayed our ideals, killed and maimed our soldiers, and widened the terrorist threat instead of defeating it. These Republicans are afraid to debate veterans who live and breathe the concerns of our troops, not the empty slogans of an Administration that sent our brave troops to war without body armor. Bottom line, these Republicans want to debate straw men because they're afraid to debate real men. And this time it won't work because we're going to stay in their face with the truth and deny them even a sliver of light for their distortions. No Democrat will be bullied by an administration that has a cut and run policy in Afghanistan and a stand still and lose strategy in Iraq ."
posted by
ki6amd
on Nov 1, 2006 at 02:49 AM
TomW - I still haven't been able to get the video, but it will come. I just have to ask you though... If it was an obvious joke why did McCain ask Kerry to give an apology? Or is he just another "Republican hack"? I know, I've heard the speech in it's entirety. I understand that it was a joke, but when he first told it, it wasn't obvious. After listening again, it was clearer, but you could still question it. I question Kerry's supporting the troops, I'd don't question yours (among a few others), although I question TK's. A sample of Kerry's affection for the troops. (I realize it's a very biased video, but certain pictures and things he says make my point. You may not agree with me, but you hopefully can understand where I'm comming from on this.) ------------------------------ TK - If you want to say something to me send me a message, don't post, your comments usually go off topic to quickly. If you do have a comment that relates to Kerry's comment, Bush's reply, or McCain's comments, please post. If you mention anything other than that your comment will be deleted. This blog post is about what Kerry said, not the war in Iraq (yes, there is a difference). posted by
NancyII
on Nov 1, 2006 at 06:35 AM
For other clever little Kerry jokes see my new post titled :"HEARD THE ONE ABOUT KERRY'S SENSE OF HUMOR?" posted by
Hardliner4freedom
on Nov 1, 2006 at 07:27 AM
KI6AMD, you wrote, "My biggest complaint is that Kerry REFUSED to apologize. He saw the audience he was speaking to gasp when he said it, and all he could do is smirk. He knew what he said, and he knew it could've been misconstrued by people. He did NOTHING to correct himself or clarify what he meant until the next day. Even then he didn't say sorry to the troops for the misunderstanding, instead he used it against the president". Thank you, that's the point I'm trying to make. . I think Kerry is entirely in the right to go on the warpath against the far-right hate machine. It's about time Dems display a little I'm-fed-up-and-ain't-gonna-cave-in-to-you-aholes- anymore. . However, a decent person apologizes for the miscommunication. . Kerry should do the right thing, then go on his well-justified rampage against the hate machine with a clear record. . [BTW, I finally figured out a way to cut and paste on this goofy blog. It isn't easy, and it isn't intuitive, but it does work.] posted by
NancyII
on Nov 1, 2006 at 07:34 AM
AND a clear message.[would you care to share how to copy?] posted by
tkozy
on Nov 1, 2006 at 07:36 AM
The incompetent Bush regime leadership. Bogged down in Iraq. And the Bush regime State department bows to Maliki and abandons our troops.. Who dares to compare Kerry’s statement. Merely words purposely misinterpreted for political gain. To the actual abandonment of our troops. Military leaders should be screaming mad. This troopers life is in their hands.. posted by
Hardliner4freedom
on Nov 1, 2006 at 07:36 AM
Unlikely. The DNC, after all, hasn't hired me yet.
posted by
randomfactor
on Nov 1, 2006 at 07:37 AM
Yes, Ki6, McCain is the very definition of a "Republican hack.". He will say or do anything to be elected President. He has kissed up to the Rove machine which defeated him in part with a whispering campaign insinuating that his adopted daughter was the result of an interracial affair--thereby stirring up the Klan vote against him. Where once he decried those his party privately refers to as the "religious wackos," he now courts their votes and kisses whichever anatomy they choose to expose. . John McCain is a political whore. He is the *ONE* Vietnam veteran I would actually consider spitting on. posted by
Hardliner4freedom
on Nov 1, 2006 at 07:39 AM
Instructions in copying:. Single-click on the first word that you want to copy. Hold [shift] down, then click on the last word that you want to copy. That should highlight everything from the first word to the last. Then select "copy." . Works for me. posted by
tkozy
on Nov 1, 2006 at 07:40 AM
Rove and Bush had convinced me that McCain was a whack job.. I almost got over that. After I realized that Rove was a lying scum bag.. But the last year of McCain. Has shown him to be a hack at the least. Whack job still a possibility.. posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Nov 1, 2006 at 10:16 AM
How about how the First Lady, Laura (3 pack a day) Bush insulted Michael J. Fox, and everyone that has Alsheimers and everyone that knows someone that has it by saying this."It’s always easy to manipulate people’s feelings, especially when you are talking about diseases that are so difficult." How utterly insensitive to say such a thing when people are suffering. Families are suffering. They are trying to further the cause of Stem Cell Research, and she tells them they're being manipulative. She's a real sweetheart ain't she? I guess she does know a thing or two about being manipulative. She and her husband are really good at it. posted by
Hardliner4freedom
on Nov 1, 2006 at 07:43 AM
Random, "Where once he decried those his party privately refers to as the "religious wackos," he now courts their votes and kisses whichever anatomy they choose to expose.". He kisses their noses? [grin] posted by
tkozy
on Nov 1, 2006 at 07:44 AM
H4F, You are a cleaver man. Or you got geek friends. Or you got lots of time on your hands.. GRIN I have dropped a schilling in the post for you. Spend it wisely.. posted by
Hardliner4freedom
on Nov 1, 2006 at 07:46 AM
I'm just a reformed geek myself.
posted by
randomfactor
on Nov 1, 2006 at 07:47 AM
Where is McCain's "outrage" that a captured American soldier is being abandoned in Sadr City so the Iraqi government can look good to the militias? Guess he doesn't think those captured by the enemy are anything special. Or he'd insist that the Geneva Convention rules should apply to *EVERY* war.. But *THAT* would take principles, and McCain has sold his, along with his daughter's honor--and, I hope, his Presidential chances. posted by
steveeswenson
on Nov 1, 2006 at 07:53 AM
I was going to post a blog on this topic but since ki6 already did, I'll say what I want to say here.My wife and I, who are of different party persuasions (me being in the good one and she in the other one) listened to Kerry's alleged joke on the news last night. We both winced. For a man who ran for president, we both couldn't believe how stupid his remark was. If he was talking about Bush, it sure wasn't clear to us. It sounded like stupid kids are fighting the war in Iraq. His apology attacking Republicans is way off track. If he doesn't realize his remarks could be and were miscontrued as an attack on the troops — for which he should immediately apologize — then he needs to get a refresher course in the School of Real Life. Sometimes you just have to own up to your screw ups. posted by
randomfactor
on Nov 1, 2006 at 07:58 AM
Not if you're a Republican president, Steve. Different rules for Democrats, I guess?
posted by
tkozy
on Nov 1, 2006 at 08:03 AM
Kerry most certainly will never advance to the position of, ‘The Decider”. What I am wondering. If it really was Bush who decided to abandon our trooper in Sadr City. Was his point to demonstrate that he has already decided that his new direction in, ’Stay the Course’. Is to ’Cut and Run’. Do you think Bush could blame Kerry for this? Clinton? TK and his anti Iraq postings? posted by
steveeswenson
on Nov 1, 2006 at 08:15 AM
Rules apply to everybody. The other guy is a jerk too isn't a valid excuse.
posted by
mattloch
on Nov 1, 2006 at 08:30 AM
Anybody who took offense of his comment(s), could you answer me this: was he referring to the "backdoor" draft through extended tours of duty, the relaxation of recruiting standards so that less qualified (including those without high school diplomas or GEDs) can join, or the targeting of poor and minority schools and neighborhoods by military recruiters? Or perhaps that those "educated" individuals (Bush, Cheney, Rove, Hannity, Limbaugh, etc., etc.) found ways out of serving in Vietnam? And which of those are you in support of?By the way Tony, you can't insult Kerry for being Ivy League educated, and in the same breath say that he was calling those in the military uneducated. He served after graduating from Yale, remember? "That is a thing you want to remember if you work in either journalism or politics - or both like I do - and there is no way to duck it. You will be flogged for being right and flogged for being wrong, and it hurts both ways - but it doesn't hurt as much when you're right." --Hunter S. Thompson, Generation of Swine posted by
Hardliner4freedom
on Nov 1, 2006 at 08:31 AM
Here's the thing.. Kerry is used to interpreting everything in terms of attack by the far-right hate machine. Considering the vile slanders made against him in 2004 --shamefully still trumpeted by some on this blog -- he has every justification to see every attack against him as politically motivated. . However, to the ears of people outside the political junkie's world, all they heard was a comment (misspoken or otherwise) implying that soldiers are academic failures. They're not interested in what's going on in the political grudge match and hearing that as an excuse. . The outrage among lay people is not politically motivated. Heck, I cringed when I heard it -- and I have no love at all for Kerry-haters. Therefore, my own cringe could not possibly have been politically motivated. . Sometimes, the offense is justified. In this case, it is. posted by
randomfactor
on Nov 1, 2006 at 08:34 AM
Steve, you know as well as I do the rules *DON'T* apply to everyone. When did Bush apologize for his "WMD" joke? On what moral basis does a military deserter demand an apology of a decorated combat veteran on behalf of troops?. And is Bush *REALLY* so dumb he doesn't know the joke was about how dumb he is? posted by
randomfactor
on Nov 1, 2006 at 08:37 AM
Hardliner, except for the far-right hate machine, it all boils down to "a politician told a bad joke, badly." As a wise man observed, "Woah! Stop the presses!" If Kerry is smart, his apology every time it's demanded will be "Bush screwed up the war and good men and women died for nothing."
posted by
steveeswenson
on Nov 1, 2006 at 08:41 AM
The rules apply to everyone. Just not everyone abides.
posted by
randomfactor
on Nov 1, 2006 at 08:47 AM
If you can flout the rules with impunity, Steve, the rules Do. Not. Apply. . posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Nov 1, 2006 at 08:49 AM
Isn't this great. We're sitting here, a week from the elections, talking about a senator on the east coast, and he's not even running! I refuse to let this distract me from the real issues we face today. Poor healthcare Unstable economy Security Da War Massive corruption in congress Bad air/water quality Voting machine insecurity Incompetent leadership in most areas of the federal govt. posted by
Hardliner4freedom
on Nov 1, 2006 at 08:52 AM
Don't forget the most important issue of all: the federal courts and their role in the continued preservation of our most basic liberties.posted by
randomfactor
on Nov 1, 2006 at 08:55 AM
Hardliner, that was my #1 disappointment in the 2004 race. The country may literally never recover from its loss in November 2004.
posted by
dgrealish
on Nov 1, 2006 at 09:09 AM
Come on guys, even the Democratic hopefuls are distancing themselves from Kerry right now. Two of his campaign appearances for today were canceled as of last night. The man needs to stop acting like a spoiled child and apologize for the hurtful things he said. At least for the sake of damage control. That being said, he probably won't and so much the better for Republicans.
posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Nov 1, 2006 at 09:18 AM
What difference does it make dgrealish? Kerry gets the same treatment no matter what. What he said wasn't hurtful, it was how what he said was taken. Republicans these days sure are acting overly sensitive. One little thing will set them off on this whiny rant about how horrible the democrats are. Perhaps Kerry is just acting like some of his republican senator counterparts.
posted by
dgrealish
on Nov 1, 2006 at 09:31 AM
The point of my statement is many Democrats feel the same as Republicans regarding Kerry's statement.. You see Pete, often times, we say something hurtful, whether we mean to or not (not that I think that's what Kerry did) and we're big enough to apologize for the hurt feelings.
posted by
NancyII
on Nov 1, 2006 at 09:40 AM
H4F..Genius..thanks.Apologies to ki6 for hi-jacking this page. Staying on topic..Kerry also has foot in mouth disease (along with many other politicians) but the right thing to do is apologize for ANY possible misunderstanding. That would clear him without admitting wrongdoing. Good, bad, or indifferent, it was still a stupid remark. Not the first, and surely not the last. Anyone have any RECORDED feedback from the students? You know..to see how THEY took it? posted by
anonymous
on Nov 1, 2006 at 10:11 AM
You have foot in mouth disease sweetheart, Kerry said what everyone already knows, the elite start the wars and the dog faces fight the wars, so if you don't stay you are destined to end up a dog face in the Bush era of constant war.
If anyone really gives a damn about these kids in the military, work to bring them home! No one really gives a damn about those in uniform and only want to use them to win elections, Bush is the one who should apologize for getting so many of killed to soothe his ego and make himself look "macho". 105 in October, these kids owe Kerry gratitude for giving them sound advice, it is stupid to walk the line of fire unnecessarily just to fulfil a republikan fantasy. posted by
NancyII
on Nov 1, 2006 at 10:26 AM
Pete..that's out of context so I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm lost here...how did that get into this topic? Who are you replying to?
posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Nov 1, 2006 at 10:31 AM
She was on FoxNews being interviewed. The interviewer asked her about the events of the week and she decided to say that MJ Fox was manipulating people. I brought it up because we're talking about politicians insulting people. If we're going to hold one to the fire, let's hold em all. posted by
randomfactor
on Nov 1, 2006 at 10:37 AM
Nancy, given the right-wing media in this country, Kerry has two options:. 1. Continue to put the focus of Bush, which leads to stories saying "Kerry is unapologetic over having slammed the troops, and here are 37 Republican pundits agreeing that George W. Bush is a genius for having gotten us mired in Iraq," or . 2. Apologise, which leads to stories saying "Kerry says he apologizes for having slammed the troops, but these 37 Republican pundits are here to say that it's not good enough and that George W. Bush is a genius for having gotten us mired in Iraq." . At lease under #1 they occasionally air footage of Kerry saying the problem isn't bad jokes, it's unconscionable political maneuvering by Bush and his cronies. posted by
NancyII
on Nov 1, 2006 at 10:49 AM
Yup Pete..I agree that ALL public figures need to have their feet held to the fire. ALL of them.
RF..it would behoove all politicians to pay attention to what they say..Bush and this administration didn't put the words in Kerrys mouth so how can you say it's their political maneuvering? posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Nov 1, 2006 at 10:50 AM
Speaking of out of context, aren't we taking Kerry's comments out of context. All I've seen is the one sentence of his speech. From what I've heard, he never made any mention of the troops in that speech. He was talking about Bush. Maybe Bush (and certainly Tony Snow) is too stupid to understand that that's what he was talking about. Bush had a lack of interest in foreign affairs and probably still does. This is not some huge revalation. He didn't even know that Iraq had 2 major religious Muslum groops. Why do you think everything got so screwed up? Because he was smart about his plan to transform Iraq? Sure doesn't look like it to anyone outside of the administration. He didn't do his homework and study hard before the big test, and now we're stuck in Iraq.
posted by
dgrealish
on Nov 1, 2006 at 10:53 AM
Random, a recent study showed that 77% of stories done about Democrats on Network Television are positive, while 12% of stories done about Republicans on Network Television are positive. It demonstrates the media's bias toward liberals.
posted by
randomfactor
on Nov 1, 2006 at 10:55 AM
And no one is more "stuck" in Iraq than Bush. Even those troopers unlucky enough to leave Iraq in body bags will still go home as heroes. Bush will forever be known as the US President who started a war in Iraq and lost it, along with his country's standing in the world. Far from outperforming his dad, he proves the old adage about talent skipping a generation.. Which may be a good thing. President Jenna Bush might just have to get us out of Iraq. posted by
mattloch
on Nov 1, 2006 at 10:55 AM
Or perhaps the "liberal" bias of reality.
posted by
robbwillis
on Nov 1, 2006 at 10:57 AM
Anybody see the picture of the GIs in Iraq holding up the banner that says, "Help Us Jon Kerry, Were Stuk Over Hear in Irak"? Bwahahahahahaha!!!! posted by
Hardliner4freedom
on Nov 1, 2006 at 10:59 AM
What recent study?. If there is this "media bias toward liberals," then why do the ones here all sign off with the words "Keith Olbermann is on, gotta go?" . Olbermann is their only voice -- and until fairly recently, they didn't even have that. posted by
dgrealish
on Nov 1, 2006 at 11:03 AM
Here we go. It was done by the Center for Media and Public Affairs, a Non-Biased group. http://www.cmpa.com/documen... posted by
mattloch
on Nov 1, 2006 at 11:04 AM
What if Kerry came out now and said "I'm sorry you think I was insulting the troops. I'm sorry if you think I was calling the troops stupid. I was trying to say the president was stupid for getting us into the war. I was trying to say that the president was stupid for ignoring history, intelligence reports, and the advise of generals in the military. I was trying to say that this is a stupid war, and that our brave and noble soldiers are paying for the president's stupidity with their lives. I'm sorry I gave the right-wing Republicans another chance to change the subject from the futility of this occupation to a stupid gaffe I made. I'm sorry that I gave the media the chance to put these chickenhawk blowhards on the air and pollute the public airwaves with their mock outrage and bile-filled rants. I'm sorry I'm wasting the public's time with this apology. I'm sorry that I was not crystal clear in my belief that this occupation was conceived of, and called for, by stupid people. I can only hope for the forgiveness of the public, and of those serving in the military."Would that make you happy then? posted by
randomfactor
on Nov 1, 2006 at 11:05 AM
Dg, I'd be fascinated to see who did that survey, as it's contradicted by many, many other studies. It is limited to the past few months, and yes, I might have to agree that the ongoing coverage of how the Republicans covered up for a sexual predator, pled guilty to accepting bribes, beat their mistresses and did away with Habeas Corpus might be seen as a tad negative for them. . Now, if you want to say that 77 percent of the positive politicians are Democratic, I could *SEE* that... Is it our fault that there's a distinct lack of illegal behavior on the part of Democrats to report on? . These two stories may be skewing the curve as well: http://timesunion.com/AspSt... . http://www.forbes.com/busin... . Now tell me what Kerry did that was wrong? Oh, yeah, he told a joke badly. posted by
Hardliner4freedom
on Nov 1, 2006 at 11:07 AM
Thanks, DG.. I don't see that as a sign of any bias -- just a major run of bad news and bad moves by Republicans during the time period from Sept. 5 and Oct 22. . Can't expect many favorable reports when most of the news is unfavorable. ;-) . I imagine that the ratio will change a bit, now that Kerry is having a run of bad news. (Copiously publicized by the national networks.) posted by
mattloch
on Nov 1, 2006 at 11:09 AM
Funny, these people and these people would say otherwise. FAIR is a non-partisan and non-biased group, if you're really interested in media analysis.....
posted by
tkozy
on Nov 1, 2006 at 11:13 AM
RobbDo you think. That maybe this is a back door scheme to get their message out.. It is really a cry for help. And not understood by a incompetent leadership? posted by
dgrealish
on Nov 1, 2006 at 11:14 AM
Why wouldn't a non-biased, non partisan group be more reliable? They have nothing to gain from the results. The results are only as good as the study. People looking for particular results tend to find them.  Loading Stories
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