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usc
politics
Obama Taps "American Taliban" Defense Lawyer
President Obama, who as a candidate was accused of "pallin' around with" former domestic terrorist William Ayers and other controversial figures, has selected the "American Taliban" John Walker Lindh's defense attorney for a key Justice Department post.
Tony West, a San Francisco-based lawyer who worked in the Clinton Administration's Justice Department, has been nominated for an assistant attorney general position overseeing Justice's Civil Division. He also, conveniently enough, helped raise $65 million for Obama in California as a state finance co-chair during the campaign.
Not a bad down payment.
West is undoubtedly a talented attorney, negotiating a guilty plea for Lindh on reduced charges and helping the ex-Taliban fighter avoid the death penalty or a lifetime jail sentence (Hurray!). And, like Ayers, West doesn't regret his past -- even "said it was the kind of work he believed in," Bob Egelko writes in the San Francisco Chronicle.
But his nomination could brew another fight on Capitol Hill, should Senate Republicans locate their cajones.
President Obama and his supporters have been trying to characterize Obama's more controversial appointments as a demonstration of his commitment to pragmatism despite political risks:
Raytheon lobbyist for deputy defense secretary? "He obviously needed and wanted this man," Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) says.
Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State, shady donations and all? It's a Lincoln-esque "Team of Rivals."
Rahm "Rahmbo" Emanuel for chief of staff, a man known for his aggressive partisan tendencies? Obama calls him "'the whole package' of political acumen, policy chops and pragmatism," according to the New York Times.
Political spin aside, surely Obama could have found a less toxic choice than a Taliban fighter's lawyer; maybe someone who defended the other guy?
Tony West, a San Francisco-based lawyer who worked in the Clinton Administration's Justice Department, has been nominated for an assistant attorney general position overseeing Justice's Civil Division. He also, conveniently enough, helped raise $65 million for Obama in California as a state finance co-chair during the campaign.Not a bad down payment.
West is undoubtedly a talented attorney, negotiating a guilty plea for Lindh on reduced charges and helping the ex-Taliban fighter avoid the death penalty or a lifetime jail sentence (Hurray!). And, like Ayers, West doesn't regret his past -- even "said it was the kind of work he believed in," Bob Egelko writes in the San Francisco Chronicle.
But his nomination could brew another fight on Capitol Hill, should Senate Republicans locate their cajones.
President Obama and his supporters have been trying to characterize Obama's more controversial appointments as a demonstration of his commitment to pragmatism despite political risks:
Raytheon lobbyist for deputy defense secretary? "He obviously needed and wanted this man," Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) says.
Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State, shady donations and all? It's a Lincoln-esque "Team of Rivals."
Rahm "Rahmbo" Emanuel for chief of staff, a man known for his aggressive partisan tendencies? Obama calls him "'the whole package' of political acumen, policy chops and pragmatism," according to the New York Times.
Political spin aside, surely Obama could have found a less toxic choice than a Taliban fighter's lawyer; maybe someone who defended the other guy?
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Dennis
7:22AM 7:22AM Jan 26th 2009
Should he be selecting "attorneys" from a non accredited law school such as Liberty University? Where was your outrage then? Obviously, you don't like any of his picks, but gave bush an 8 year pass.
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Deborah
9:16AM 9:16AM Jan 26th 2009
What does Bush have to do with Obama's selection? Two wrongs don't make a right, very scary this cabinet.
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JMA
11:06AM 11:06AM Jan 26th 2009
OK All you Obama-ites...Are you starting to get a clear picture now!?!?!.....You "Messiah" is a Pro-Muslim, anti-American, Racist, Lying, Cheating Crook who is out to destroy America...
Just look at his Cabinet picks...Just about ALL of them are either Chicago Crooks, Re-Cycled Clintonists...including Big Momma Hillary who would sell her mother for a political boost...or multi-term DC insiders who have no interest in any sort of positive "change" in America...
Already he's weakening the Military...Already he's putting Racist hiring patterns into play (his "new" construction jobs are to go to Blacks and/or women...White males need not apply) and banks are being pushed to grant loans firstly to Blacks and Minorities...not Whites...regardless of ability to handle and pay-back the loans (Isn't that what started the downfall of Fanny and Freddy!!!)...
And, now, THIS Character...Another corrupt Lawyer who would rather defend Muslim Terrorists that stand-up for America....
THIS is the scum YOU have voted into the Presidency, and who will do more to damage America than any Foreign Power ever could....
NOW DO YOU SEE WHAT A DUPLICITOUS PIECE-OF-TRASH CON-ARTIST YOU HAVE PUT INTO THE WHITE HOUSE...You have sentenced America and Democracy to a slow death...
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laura
8:16PM 8:16PM Jan 26th 2009
For positions in government where an individual is privy to confidental United States Information, republicans and democrats alike should be held to higher standards. Anyone who defends someone who has committed crimes against America or Americans should not be a consideration for ANY PUBLIC POSITION REGARDLESS OF PARTY. Anyone who defends this choice is UnAmerican. It is not a matter of liking Obama or voting for Obama, this is a BAD Choice for our country. I am disappointed at several of the questionable choices Obama has made in the past two weeks. Anyone with criminal or other charges (even if not yet proven) should be avoided like the plague for high ranking government positions. Perhaps we should hire Osama bin Laden a special Mid East Liason to the terrorists?????
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BJB
9:55PM 9:55PM Jan 26th 2009
OBAMA HAS A PLAN THAT MOST AMERICANS ARE NOT AWARE OF. ONLY THOSE WHO CAN SEE THROUGH HIS BULL KNOW THE TRUTH:
"HERE IS WISDOM. LET HE WHO HATH KNOWLEDGE KNOW THE NAME OF THE BEAST. FOR IT IS THE NUMBER OF A MAN AND HIS NUMBER IS SIX HUNDRED THREE SCORE AND SIX".
HE IS NOT A CHRISTIAN PEOPLE! NO PERSON COULD BE A CHRISTIAN AND ATTEND THE CHURCH HE ATTENDED FOR 20 YEARS. HE HAS HIS OWN PRIVATE AGENDA, AND UNFORTUNATELY, SINCE HE CAN PASS ANYTHING HE WANTS THROUGH CONGRESS DUE TO A DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY WHO WORSHIPS HIM LIKE A GOD, HE CAN DO WHAT EVER HE WANTS. YOU WILL ALL BEGIN TO SLOWLY SEE A LOT OF SURPRISING "CHANGES". UNFORTUNATELY, THOSE OF YOU WHO WERE FOOLED INTO VOTING FOR HIM FORGOT TO ASK HIM FOR DETAILS AS FAR AS WHAT EXACT "CHANGES" HE ALWAYS REFERS TO. WE ARE NOW LEFT TO ACCEPT THE CONSEQUENCES OF BEING FOOLED. "LET HE WHO HATH KNOWLEDGE", WELL, TOO BAD THAT NOT ENOUGH OF US HAD THE KNOWLEDGE. NOW, I FEAR IT IS TOO LATE. MOST AMERICANS WHO EVER HEARD OF "THE BOOK OF REVELATIONS" ALWAYS THOUGHT OF THIS ANTI-CHRIST AS AN EVIL DICTATOR FROM SOME THIRD WORLD COUNTRY, BUT GUESS WHAT, TO THOSE PROPHETS WHO WROTE IT, (WE) AMERICANS ARE THE ONES FROM A FOREIGN COUNTRY. BETTER FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS FOLKS, IT'S GONNA BE A BUMPY RIDE!!
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Mersal
7:03PM 7:03PM Jan 27th 2009
Wow. I love to see all of you right wing wackos so upset. There is a new dawn and a new day and all of your rhetoric won't change a thing. Get over it or leave. Ahh it's so nice to say that. You are hat mongers and i would be willing to bet that you are angry and lonely people. If you do have a significant other then i am sure they can't stand you. lol. Go President Obama. I love it. Stop crying!
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LC6624
8:30AM 8:30AM Jan 26th 2009
Bush was given an eight year pass????? by who???? what cabbage patch were you born in ????
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Magic 8
10:32AM 10:32AM Jan 26th 2009
Maybe Barry Carter actually has a plan for the Guantanamo detainees too?
Junior-level Obama administration jobs?
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JMA
10:36AM 10:36AM Jan 26th 2009
OK All you Obama-ites...Are you starting to get a clear picture now!?!?!.....You "Messiah" is a Pro-Muslim, anti-American, Racist, Lying, Cheating Crook who is out to destroy America...
Just look at his Cabinet picks...Just about ALL of them are either Chicago Crooks, Re-Cycled Clintonists...including Big Momma Hillary who would sell her mother for a political boost...or multi-term DC insiders who have no interest in any sort of positive "change" in America...
Already he's weakening the Military...Already he's putting Racist hiring patterns into play (his "new" construction jobs are to go to Blacks and/or women...White males need not apply) and banks are being pushed to grant loans firstly to Blacks and Minorities...not Whites...regardless of ability to handle and pay-back the loans (Isn't that what started the downfall of Fanny and Freddy!!!)...
And, now, THIS Character...Another corrupt Lawyer who would rather defend Muslim Terrorists that stand-up for America....
THIS is the scum YOU have voted into the Presidency, and who will do more to damage America than any Foreign Power ever could....
NOW DO YOU SEE WHAT A DUPLICITOUS PIECE-OF-TRASH CON-ARTIST YOU HAVE PUT INTO THE WHITE HOUSE...You have sentenced America and Democracy to a slow death...
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JMA
11:10AM 11:10AM Jan 26th 2009
OK All you Obama-ites...Are you starting to get a clear picture now!?!?!.....You "Messiah" is a Pro-Muslim, anti-American, Racist, Lying, Cheating Crook who is out to destroy America...
Just look at his Cabinet picks...Just about ALL of them are either Chicago Crooks, Re-Cycled Clintonists...including Big Momma Hillary who would sell her mother for a political boost...or multi-term DC insiders who have no interest in any sort of positive "change" in America...
Already he's weakening the Military...Already he's putting Racist hiring patterns into play (his "new" construction jobs are to go to Blacks and/or women...White males need not apply) and banks are being pushed to grant loans firstly to Blacks and Minorities...not Whites...regardless of ability to handle and pay-back the loans (Isn't that what started the downfall of Fanny and Freddy!!!)...
And, now, THIS Character...Another corrupt Lawyer who would rather defend Muslim Terrorists that stand-up for America....
THIS is the scum YOU have voted into the Presidency, and who will do more to damage America than any Foreign Power ever could....
NOW DO YOU SEE WHAT A DUPLICITOUS PIECE-OF-TRASH CON-ARTIST YOU HAVE PUT INTO THE WHITE HOUSE...You have sentenced America and Democracy to a slow death...
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JMA
11:00AM 11:00AM Jan 26th 2009
OK All you Obama-ites...Are you starting to get a clear picture now!?!?!.....You "Messiah" is a Pro-Muslim, anti-American, Racist, Lying, Cheating Crook who is out to destroy America...
Just look at his Cabinet picks...Just about ALL of them are either Chicago Crooks, Re-Cycled Clintonists...including Big Momma Hillary who would sell her mother for a political boost...or multi-term DC insiders who have no interest in any sort of positive "change" in America...
Already he's weakening the Military...Already he's putting Racist hiring patterns into play (his "new" construction jobs are to go to Blacks and/or women...White males need not apply) and banks are being pushed to grant loans firstly to Blacks and Minorities...not Whites...regardless of ability to handle and pay-back the loans (Isn't that what started the downfall of Fanny and Freddy!!!)...
And, now, THIS Character...Another corrupt Lawyer who would rather defend Muslim Terrorists that stand-up for America....
THIS is the scum YOU have voted into the Presidency, and who will do more to damage America than any Foreign Power ever could....
NOW DO YOU SEE WHAT A DUPLICITOUS PIECE-OF-TRASH CON-ARTIST YOU HAVE PUT INTO THE WHITE HOUSE...You have sentenced America and Democracy to a slow death...
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JMA
11:04AM 11:04AM Jan 26th 2009
Yo...
AOL...
Where the heck is my Post...You keep on telling me "congratulations" when I submit something but you never Post what I wrote...
What's the matter...Doesn't AOL like posts that don't kiss Obama's butt...!!!....
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Dennis
12:37PM 12:37PM Jan 26th 2009
And Ollie North would all suit you just fine, how about G Gordon Liddy??
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Dennis
12:39PM 12:39PM Jan 26th 2009
JMA, all that angst and you can't figure out a web site.
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SassyFrassy
1:12PM 1:12PM Jan 26th 2009
SOC SEC CAN BE SAVED
America is about to get a heavy dose of "reality" when the "change" comes about that Bush's 2 tax laws lapse and Captiol wage taxes INCREASE and DEATH tax INCREASES.
HR 219 THIS WILL SAVE SOCIAL SECURITY---but guess why PUBLIC hasn't heard about it?? Because DEMS don't want anyone to know that this bill will for DECADES to come SECURE SOCIAL SECURITY for the PUBLIC how?
1. Creates enough SURPLUS to pay all SOC SEC benefits for decades to come
2.Keeps politicians from cutting PRESENTSOC SEC benefits
3. keeps politicians from raising taxes.The lobby groups put out the info yesterday and that DEMS don't want anyone to know because then politicians would have to stop using the SOC SEC for pork projects. go see for yourselves at the Christian Seniors Assoc -site
Meanwhile....
HR 219 --will save SOC SEC for all time. It's no surprise the DEMS want to do away with the lobby groups working for PUBLIC to be protected. What they have used SOC SEC for
1. 50 million for 'indoor" rainforest
2. they used 223 million for ALASKAS bridge to nowhere
3. 800,000 for an OUTHOUSE.
that's just a few there's tons more. It won't pass unless there is an OUTPOURING of PUBLIC pressure on CONGRESS.
Politicians would rather scare everyone with tax cuts and service cuts rather than keep their hands out of the SOC SEC "till" --to keep on using SOC SEC as a "petty cash fund" for pork projects instead which will further aid in bankrupting this Nation. They would rather scare everyone by claiming it's needful to raise taxes or make cuts or their Socialist rhetoric of---how "selfish" everyone" is for not wanting to pay higher taxes; Rather than refrain from 'raiding" SOC SEC for their pet pork projects.
Here, the DEMS want to irresponsibly bailout the business, which will bankrupt US unless we apply brakes and ceilings, and caps and make businesses pay money back in timely fashion.
However, when it comes to doing something GOOD to BAILOUT the PUBLIC the DEMS don't want it--which incidentally is why this is probably the first time you are reading or hearing about it.
Word on the WASH DC newsvine is UNLESS the public makes an effort with a loud voice, they don't want to pass it.
What the PUBLIC needs to do is make it clear to WASH DC that any and all legislators whom refuse to pass HR 219 will need to go by way of Blagovich
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SassyFrassy
1:15PM 1:15PM Jan 26th 2009
SOC SEC AND MEDICARE CAN BE SAVED--HERE'S WHY YOU HAVEN'T HEARD ABOUT IT
HERE is LOCKBOX LAW and the fix our SENIOR COLA law which will ensure that our MEDICARE gets saved without loss of services and without raising of premiums. But the PUBLIC must be active to the lobby for it to pass. This keeps POLITICIANS from "raiding" the TRUST. This puts Congress on notice that PUBLIC WILL NOT tolerate the abuse of SOC SEC. They are also working to protect medicare. at site-Campaign to Save Social Security and Medicare site project of National Assoc for Uniformed Services. You DON'T have to be a SENIOR to help.
The DEMS would rather claim that taxes need to be raised, and that services need to be cut, and their Socialist rhetoric that American's are so "selfish" for not wanting to pay higher taxes, rather than keep from using the funds for pet pork projects and to pay off those whom helped them get elected.
Here's the point in 2010 or 2012 the new baby boomers are about to start retiring, people, and if this HR 219 IS NOT IN PLACE NOW to provide the surplus we need----it will be bankrupt in 2010 or 2012. They want to do an irresponsible bailout which will bankrupt us as well, but they want to BAILOUT BUSINESSES but when it comes to doing something "good' for WE THE PEOPLE they don't want to do anything.
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bill o
3:05PM 3:05PM Jan 26th 2009
Nobama lied now AMERICA will will DIE he will give our country to the muslims and enemy He is all ready cutting military benefits active and retired.
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Dennis
6:40PM 6:40PM Jan 26th 2009
reference please or is this just rush limbaugh blather?
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tynetyne38
1:00PM 1:00PM Feb 5th 2009
No Dennis, report of Obama is not Rush Limbaugh blather. He is cutting the military by 11%.I really do hope that the terrorists gets him instead of innocent American citizens.
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tbk420
3:30PM 3:30PM Jan 26th 2009
Boy, the intelligence is just oozing out of these responses.
No wonder Bush got two terms.
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