Random Notes from a Crank

As you would probably figure if you know me or if you have been reading this blog for any length of time, I didn't watch the GOP debate this week. The first reason is because I dislike clowns. The second reason is that I wouldn't vote for any of those people. 

I did partake in the not-so-shocking factcheck reports. If you're interested, here you go:

• "Factchecking the CNN Republican Debate" by FactCheck.org
• "We Fact-Checked What the Republicans Said about Climate Change During the Debate" by Mother Jones/Climate Desk

I'm glad Rubio set me straight on understanding that America is not a planet. 

I'm interested to see how the Democratic candidates fare with the fact-checkers when they debate. But when are they going to debate? Seriously. 

Ah, not till October...

While I'm not Catholic, I like this new Pope, and I'm interested in what he has to say when he addresses Congress. 

I really enjoy this meme.

I'd like to get an old card catalog and have it in my house or in my office. That would be sweet. 

What is "The Love Ballad of Turd Ferguson"? 

Papers Please

FactCheck.org has a solid article up on its site that examines the recent Arizona law that's causing a rhetorical ruckus.

As usual, the folks at Annenberg do an excellent job of examining the bill, comparing it to federal law, ferreting out shaky claims, and exposing bullshit.

Click HERE if you're interested.

A Harbinger of What's to Come

As much as I'm aggravated by the Democratic on Democratic rhetorical violence that has gone in Congress that has derailed health care legislation, it was just a matter of time before a politician's ad attacks a Democratic incumbent with, as FactCheck.org describes it, a "fact-free" broadside.

If you're interested, click HERE to watch a video of the commercial by Lowden and FactCheck's analysis of her specious claims.

FactCheck on William Ayers

Click HERE for FactCheck.org's article on Obama's organizational meetings with Ayers. They attended board meetings together.

Big whoop. 

Addendum to Same Old Politics

This commentator strikes the nail on the head too.

Link: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/the-clintons-and-history/index.html?hp

Although this is a bit conspiracy theorist of me, I believe someone in the Clinton campaign provided/leaked/offered the "Madrassa" story to Insight Magazine back in January 2007.

Link: http://factcheck.org/articles/articleview.php?id=433

What do you all think? Would the Clintons have the most to gain from that smear job? Hillary came out publicly and called it a right wing hit job or something like that, but I'm having my doubts. She protested a bit too loudly.

So It's On to South Carolina

where the slime runs deep in Southern politics.

Check out this article by FactCheck.org about the "sliming of Obama" that's already started, or I guess has been restarted. Link: http://factcheck.org/articles/articleview.php?id=433

As Mark Twain said, "South Carolina: Too small to be its own republic, too large to be an insane asylum."