So, I've read the Seymour Hersh article. And my first impression is that there is nothing in there that is either terribly surprising or that hasn't already been out there for public consumption in one way or another for the past few months. Hersh has just done a pretty good job coalescing a lot of what most people already assumed was happening.
When I read stuff like this, I am very leery of a couple of issues. First, as we all know, the media and the government work hand in hand. They need each other. One feeds the other. In this case, the question is always: who is feeding Hersh his information and what is their agenda. It's simply a question. I am not stating an answer or my personal opinion. One can see where the "bias" in this article lies. Second is the issue of the "trial balloon." Is the administration using the media in this case to "float" the idea of using nuclear weapons in order to get a preliminary read of the extent of public reaction? And finally, in terms of agenda, is the administration's "feeding" of this information to Hersh about Team Bush's willingness (and desire) to go nuclear with Iran using this article (among another methods) as explicit warning?
Overall though, the article is very scary. It reminds us of Bush's "messianic" mentality. And that he believes that "saving Iran is going to be his legacy." (Excuse me, but I thought we were saving Iraq.)
31 comments:
So, I've read the Seymour Hersh article. And my first impression is that there is nothing in there that is either terribly surprising or that hasn't already been out there for public consumption in one way or another for the past few months. Hersh has just done a pretty good job coalescing a lot of what most people already assumed was happening.
When I read stuff like this, I am very leery of a couple of issues. First, as we all know, the media and the government work hand in hand. They need each other. One feeds the other. In this case, the question is always: who is feeding Hersh his information and what is their agenda. It's simply a question. I am not stating an answer or my personal opinion. One can see where the "bias" in this article lies. Second is the issue of the "trial balloon." Is the administration using the media in this case to "float" the idea of using nuclear weapons in order to get a preliminary read of the extent of public reaction? And finally, in terms of agenda, is the administration's "feeding" of this information to Hersh about Team Bush's willingness (and desire
Messianic- like, he won't clean up his shit?
Anita, i didn't read the article, but i must take issue with a few things.
"It reminds us of Bush's "messianic" mentality.
So you ARE stating your opinion. That is not my opinion, and that is not fact so it is conjecture. In fact the whole thing is pure canard.
You put in quotes "saving Iran is going to be his legacy" but who said that? Bush? i don't think so, it must have been hersh. Again, just plain bullshit from another member of the media who hates the president.
Trial Balloon? haven't we learned that this president doesn't do things based on popularity? Based on polls? That is not his style.
Finally, you say team Bush's willingness (and desire) to go nuclear with Iran.
Says who? Hersh? Do you know that Bush is willing and in fact (desires) to go nuclear? Does Hersh?
This is all conjecture, so you should qualify that. You shouldn't say it is not your opinion, because it is, and it is based on nothing but your own bias and hersh's bullshit.
Here is a quote from the article:
Speaking of President Bush, the House member said, "the most worrisome thing is that this guy has a messianic vision."
I don't have time to debate you at the moment Rhino, but I do suggest you read the article before you start attacking me.
And, just for the record, this post was my initial impression upon reading the article.
And, regarding polls, maybe it is time for this President to start considering what the American people think about what he's doing. Particular given his own poll numbers.
His disregard for "the polls" is verging on the insulting to the average American who is clearly dissatisfied with his performance.
Anita, i am not attacking you, i am stating my opinion.
The house member? Who? a democrat maybe? that's the point, it is some unnamed persons biased opinion. I am responding with my opinion that it is bullshit.
And regarding the polls, i also disagree with you.
The polls don't mean shit. I don't want a president who will change his mind on things depending on which way the wind happens to be blowing that day, i want someone who will do what he thinks is right for the country no matter what the NYtimes/zogby say.
who should he listen to on Iraq? the generals on the ground? or the people who vote in polls and get their info from the newspapers?
I saw one poll that said the majority of those polled believed that Iraq was descending into civil war...... and they know this because???????? Oh yeah, that's right dan rather told them.
Let me guess, conjecture is the word of the day?
what about the "saving iran is going to be his legacy" crap? who said that? Again was it hersh? was it anita? was it another unnamed source in the house or "close to the administration"?
Ben "messianic mentality" implies that Bush thinks he IS the messiah. I don't think that is the case. Do you?
Rhino, I know you're not attacking me, you are stating your opinion. And I also recall that in my original post, I mentioned my own level of skepticism with regard to the article's "agenda." So I'm with you on that.
I know that in the aftermath of the Judith Miller affair that "unnamed sources" are extremely suspect. But that is the essence of journalism. Hersh does cite sources for all of his statements. Who they are, I don't know. He is, if I understand correctly, not required to name name them.
Conjecture is NOT the the word for the day. An open-eyed reading of a particular article in a magazine is the ASSIGNMENT for the day.
No one is without bias. But from the chaff, it is often possible to find some wheat.
(cool !!! ... wheat from chaff ... wish I thought of that myself !!)
;)
Anita, as far as i'm concerned, the "unnamed sources" have always been suspect. The Judith Miller thing only comes to mind because the media made a big deal out of it. (and then turned on her when she wouldn't implicate the admin.)
But anyway, i just don't think we should "Be Afraid part I" just because hersh did a story on contingency plans to bomb iran. In fact, with the rhetoric we have coming from the iranian president, i would be more afraid if we DIDNT have a plan.
who should he listen to on Iraq? the generals on the ground? or the people who vote in polls and get their info from the newspapers?
Are you suggesting a military junta?
yes. i like military junta's. JUNTA is much more fun to say than poll numbers. I think in fact that JUNTA is underutilized in America.
If we get a new candidate for president that runs on a JUNTA platform, he's got my vote!
Junta is a great album...I especially like Fluffhead as it reminds me of my favorite person - ME.
Kind of odd that any of us are talking about anyone's "messianic mentality" during Easter week...anyone except JC who was, is and always will be the Man. I don't think anyone wants to use nuclear weapons except the Iranians and that specific fact is the reason we need multiple strategies.
One of you guys should put back up the Iranian Conference Schedule of Events for discussing the Holocaust. It wasn't factual but it is a good reminder of just how crazy they are...
David Bowie or UB40 is the question.
Young Americans over Red Red Wine any day of the week...
I wonder if he has less self doubt, or if he just doesn't let it show?
I would think that with all the criticism, he would have plenty of self doubt, but he probably feels that showing any weakness would be detrimental to what he's trying to accomplish.
This is just my opinion of course, i could be wrong. Of course i'm probably not wrong since i rarely am. Seriously, i'm never wrong, just ask me.
Anita, are you having fun yet sister?
I think divine rule just sounds hokey, it was hokey for the Romans, hokey for Egyptians,hokey at Versailles and its still hokey today.
Why can't god tell the fucktard to pronounce nuclear correctly?
PS Gadfly: UB40 sucked but I have to admit I owned it and liked it back in the day. The difference is I STILL like Bowie. Then again, I have the Black Eyed Peas on so what do I know?
And sorry for the typo's- I am MAD busy today. Too much goofing around, not enough working.
racecar is like anitatina
I don't really like David Bowie personally. Just an example of his ego since it is being discussed. During the year 2000 Rolling Stone had all different artists pick their top ten albums of the year. Bowie was the only one to select himself. Not once but twice as he had an album out and a greatest hits album out at the time...
All Christians believe and should that God listens to them and guides their course w/righteousness through faith. Bush doesn't have an exclusive on that one...
I think both Bowie and UB40 suck. I was just referencing a Phish song from the Junta album.
Im an old man so I can be that guy that says:
"Way back yonder I remember them when they used to play dive bars in Buffalo"
I was at a party where that ugly bastard Mike Gordon cock blocked, so I punched him in his throat.
Family Guy just did a thing where Peter and Lois were jamming and thought they sounded awesome bcuz they were so lit up, but in actuality they sucked.
I've been there, I can actually relate to Peter and Lois.
Donkey, when you say "way back yonder" do you REALLY mean "back in the day" ... ???
lily,
what is the relationship between 'racecar' and 'anitatina' ... i was going to say they were both drinks, but then i realized that there is a drink called was a "sidecar" not a "racecar" ...
Back in the day
There was this girl around the way
She liked by home-piece M.C.A.
He said he would not give her play
I asked him, "Please?" - he said, "You may."
Her pants were tight and that's ok
If she would dance - I would D.J.
We took a walk down to the bay
I hope she'll say, "Hey me and you should hit the hay!"
I asked her out - she said, "No way!"
I should have probably guessed her gay
So I broke North with no delay
I heard she moved real far away
That was two years ago this May
I seen her just the other day
Jockin' Mike D. to my dismay
So sad. I'm crying. But, hopefully you've learned an important lesson.
1) PHISH sucks
2) EMINEM is perfect
3) I'm so old I saw TALKING HEADS at Max's
4) ANITA's original post is pretty fucking good...and raises the horrible possibility that Sy Hersh himself is a Bush corporate-media familiar
5) LILY what's bugging you? And why don't you come around The Nuts any more?
6) Let's Go Mets
7) For the 3rd time today, if you want to play the nut-draw aggressively, get all your chips in pre-flop or on the flop if your 4-flush hits. DO NOT TRY TO REPRESENT THIS HAND -- SLOWLY -- TO THE RIVER. AND NEVER DO IT AGAINST A RANKED PLAYER! GOD, KELSO IS STUPID SOMETIMES.
Dont be sad Anita. Maybe Mike D is me, or maybe I am Mike D. Or maybe its just a song.
Hmmm. I see. The Elusive Donkey.
The M stands for money but the D is for diamonds...hope that helped.
Post a Comment