Is Barack Obama Going Tony Soprano? [Update 2]
By Larry Doyle on May 3, 2009 at 12:40 AM in Current Affairs, Sense on Cents (Larry Doyle blog)
(bumped up from Saturday afternoon)
“One of my clients was directly threatened by the White House.”
That’s a quote, folks, from a lawyer representing firms which lent Chrysler money on behalf of their clients, including pension funds, teachers, labor unions, college endowments, et al.
Threatening creditors may be common practice in the underworld. In the world of business and politics, commonly accepted rules of law, business practices and ethics are widely accepted and adjudicated by the courts to prevent abuse. Did the White House just cross those lines in the process of engaging Chrysler’s non-TARP creditors? Tom Lauria, an attorney with White & Case representing a few non-TARP Chrysler creditors, believes the White House did exactly that.
The 10 minute interview (link provided at end of story) that Lauria gave yesterday morning to Detroit radio station WJR’s Frank Beckmann is a MUST LISTEN. (UPDATE 2: We now have a YouTube audio of the Frank Beckmann-Tom Lauria radio interview. THANK YOU Paul V!!)
Lauria offers, “I represent one less investor today than I represented yesterday. One of my clients was directly threatened by the White House and in essence compelled to withdraw its opposition to the deal under the threat that the full force of the White House press corps would destroy its reputation.”
Wow!!! Is the press corps so in bed with the White House that it will do its dirty work? Will other creditors fall in line under the pressure of this threat? Is Lauria’s analysis credible?
I believe the answer to all of these questions is yes!!
In my April 2009 Market Review: Brave New World I wrote:
Companies, consumers, and investors will be forced to adapt to a regular presence of Uncle Sam. He is not a good business partner.
Our economic landscape just entered a whole new realm. I strongly recommend that you listen to the audio recording of Frank Beckmann’s interview with Tom Lauria (special thanks to Daisyjane for the link).
UPDATE 2: Here’s the YouTube audio so you don’t have to leave this site. Thank you, again, to Paul.
LD
See also: “White House uses strong arm tactics to extort concessions from lenders,” via Memeorandum.com.
UPDATE by Susan: Our friends at Flopping Aces picked up LD’s story and ran with it. Be sure to check out “UPDATED: Obama admin uses Chicago strong arm tactics on Chrysler holdouts.”
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Obama threatened Fox News, telling Fox’s Major Garrett that he would not be asked a question if the Fox Network refused to air Obama’s latest publicity stunt.
They kept their word.
Obama and Chavez have much in common. Must be why anti-American terrorist Billy Ayers likes them both so much.
I have felt that Obama is a cross between Hugo Chavez and Princess Diana. Good luck, America.
You mean he’s half dead? And if so, which half? Maybe he’s dead from the naval up, that would explain much.
He’s half bulimic.
Half Narcissist personality dissorder (NPD), half Borderline personality dissorder (BPD)?
BINGO!!
Cite or link, please.
Major Garrett: I was told Obama might not call on me if Fox didn’t carry his presser
http://hotair.com/archives/2009/05/01/major-garrett-i-was-told-obama-might-not-call-on-me-if-fox-didnt-carry-his-presser/
http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/fnc/garrett_question_snub_retribution_for_fox_network_declining_to_carry_newser_115502.asp?c=rss
This link has the audio of Major Garrett himself, in a radio interview, discussing the issue.
This is another good piece of radio, firlight. Thanks for the link. Of course, I’m somewhat amused that Major Garrett and other news outlets are just beginning to ponder whether they’re merely “megaphones for Barack Obama” or actual news gathering organizations.
I think it’s safe to say that many people saw this conflict of interest months ago.
The flaw in your statement, Peggy Sue, is that Fox News is not an “actual news gathering organization”… it’s a partisan political entity.
Oh, I see. And MSNBC, CNN, and all the other press and TV entities/outlets are fair and balanced?
Not by a long shot. Fool me once. Never again.
MSNBC appears to have made a business decision to become as ridiculously partisan as Fox News. A pox on their house too.
At least MSNBC has “Morning Joe”… the best political talk show on all of cable news.
As one of those Democrats that held ‘OutFoxed’ parties, I must eat my shoe and say that Fox has been more fair and balanced. During the primaries it was just about the only network that didn’t go into Hillary Bashing, with the exception of Dick Morris (who is still upset with the Clintons post ‘Toe Sucking Gate’ which was all his doing and his responsibility).
I agree, UBM. Morning Joe is the only MSNBC segment I can even stomach. They do a pretty good job in offering up a rounded look.
The flaw in your statement “Undercover Black Man” is that most Americans recognize Foxnews as the only legitimate fair news source – look at their audience numbers – they don’t lie.
Also ask Hillary Clinton what she thinks of Fox News versus NBC, CBS and ABC.
In all honesty, termo? I don’t trust any of these outlets 100%. In fact, I’m at about a 50% range if that.
TV ratings mean nothing in terms of credible news gathering. I flip between FOX and others, I listen to radio and keep up on the print and internet feeds. But we need to use our own critical thinking skills in trying to ferret out what’s really going on, and even then it’s like walking through a smoky room. FOX has as many blowhards on its schedule as the others.
I take it all with a grain of salt.
Yes, but the difference is that even on Hannity he now has opposing viewpoints – same with O’Reilly – same with nearly all their shows.
You don’t see that with Olbermann and most NBC/MSNBC shows.
olbermann and mathews NEVER have anyone on who has an opinion that differs from theirs. they can NEVER claim that their coverage is fair. thats why they have lost so many viewers to fox. (including myself)
“Most” Americans? Fox’s top news show has maybe 3 million viewers.
They may be tops in cable news viewing, but the truth is that 99% of America doesn’t even know they exist.
The problem with being political geeks is that we forget that all cable news outlets combined don’t mean shit to a tree in terms of viewership.
We drastically overstate the impact of Fox, CNN, MSNBC, etc. In the grand scheme of public opinion, they barely register.
IBM– your credibility is zero on this issue.
CNN and MSNBC/NBC long gave up their proper journalistic credentials. ABC and CBS aren’t far off from that either. You have got to be joking. This is the wrong place to dish this kind of nonsense. We see evidence of their egregious bias and abject refusal to cover both sides of a story 9particulary CNN and MSNBC/NBC).
Honestly, you’re a smart guy. Why would you even waste your time writing something like that. Drivel.
UBM.
Yes it is defiantly UBM not IBM he does not fit in that category Ani LOL
duh — The press conferences are a farce.
More media SHOULD peel away as it appears the WH chicago thugs will continue to strong-arm and threaten people. I want these folks’ stories covered. It’s time the media challenged the WH and stopped feeding at its trough.
As the tea party protests grow, these “people” challenges could amount to more than the media can cover, a gold mine, in other words.
I’m ready to protest.
I cant believe what obama is saying to Fox News as a president. They have not committed any crimes and Obama is not campaigning any more.
“and Obama is not campaigning any more.”
…he always has been and always will be.
Quite unlike any other president who has ever held office… right?
Cite you examples of other president’s campaigning for office little more than 100 days into their first term.
Heck, he was talking about his re-election the first week he was in office.
Even if every president campaigned for eternity…does it make it right?
How does this help my chil’rens?
It’s pretty pathetic when your arguments have been reduced to: “Bush did it, too, so it’s ok.”
LOLOLOLOL!!!!
I forgot to add: “hope, CHANGE!”
Wrong! Most presidents give the campaigning a relative rest for a year or two after the election. 0bama’s Love me, Adore me, Worship me tour just keeps on rolling along (or flying along, as in the Scareforce One Fright Flight over N.Y. city). 0bama’s rabid and mindless support will drop off quickly if he doesn’t keep up the campaign, because that support is based entirely on a superficial, hyper-inflated imagery, created by a campaign and media, of a man that has zero accomplishments, and no apparent skills beyond an ability to read a teleprompter.
Narcissists like 0bama are trapped in an always escalating campaign to keep their glossy image fresh, because if they stop, the veneer will peal off of their image and reveal the rather pathetic clod beneath.
Well said,could not agree more !
I notice you are not refuting the evidence of this post, but instead, saying: “They all do it.” But doesn’t Obama claim to be the “new politics,” above and beyond the others? That’s the hypocrisy. He’s been using these same strong-arm tactics since he started his career. Just ask Alice Palmer. He is a liar and a hypocrite–worse than the others, because he presents a completely false image of being superior and pure. At least Cheney made no bones about being an unethical thug.
Jake Tapper’s blog update on this
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/05/bankruptcy-atto.html
Interesting at the end of the article
The Miami area-based attorney describes himself as an independent, and says after waiting in line for six hours last November he ended up not voting in the presidential election. He donated $10,000 to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in 2008 and $1,000 to then-Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, in 2006.
I just don’t understand how there isn’t somebody who will bring this all to the public spotlight. Hello? is anybody out there? Are there so few people with scruples who just watch the White House do this and cower in fear?
How on earth did this happen? What has happened to my country?
I was watching something on tv this morning, I don’t recall what, but I know it had to do with attacking those who don’t kiss this administrations a$$. All i could think was, at what point do conservatives get mad enough to do something? I was a democrat who did not approve of Obama anything so I don’t understand why Republicans didn’t trun out in huge numbers to stop this debacle. This is the strangest thing I have ever witnessed in my life. Even election night went so quickly for BHO and he was declared so early that I still to this day feel like it was a staged production. The results were known long ago.
The MSM are owned by giant corporations and Wall Street and the banksters. Obama is owned by giant corporations and Wall Street and the banksters. Obama and the MSM therefore have nearly identical agendas. This produces a classic echo chamber. The great majority of American voters simply read a few headlines and maybe the first graph of any given story. Or they half listen to MSM teevee bloviators who thrive on style, not substance. Verifiable facts are viewed as annoying inconveniences when it comes to MSM political agendas. Any more questions as to why Obama is getting away with murder?
“The great majority of American voters simply read a few headlines…”. I think you give the majority of Americans too much credit.
Yes. I, too , have felt that Republican voters barely put up a fight and that the GOP
leadership threw the election for Obama.
HaHaHa! They’re all one big gang of thugs ready to take down dissent! This would be hilarious, if only it were a movie and we weren’t stuck in the middle of it.
So, in fact, taxing the bonuses to AIG employees was just the beginning of the end of the private right to contract in this country.
In lay terms, what Attorney Lauria alleges in this interview, is that one of his 3 clients, an investment fund that acts as fiduciary to investors like teacher credit unions, invested in Chrysler, with the knowledge that, under the law, should the company declare bankruptcy, these clients would be the first to receive back the initial amount of their investment, at a rate of 100 cents on the dollar. But, when the government took over Chrysler, BO said to these 3 “1st tier” investors, ‘You will take less than that or, nothing. We will pay off lower tier investors, first. And, in addition, if you refuse to meet our terms, we will engage the White House press corps to ruin your reputation.’ (Evidently, the 3 investment funds agreed to reduce their lawful rate of return but, not to a level low enough to mollify the White House.) Attorney Lauria initiated a court suit, on behalf of his 3 clients, to stop this forced taking – one of his clients acquiesced to the pressure from BO, leaving 2 clients – arguing what he called Constitutional issues. 1) His clients had the right to privately contract, the terms of which contract must be judicially enforced; and 2) the court – the judicial branch of government – has the right to oversee bankruptcy cases, without forced intervention from the President – the executive branch of government.
Having just begun to look into this issue, I am not certain yet whether Attorney Lauria is also arguing that, by extorting private contractors to give up property in this way, the government is effecting a taking without due process, in violation of the Constitution. I am also unclear on whether he intends to report this threat involving the White House press corps, to the DA.
Great stuff jbjd. Unfortunately, anything more complicated than knowing who was the latest reject from American Idol, is beyond the grasp of the contented, grass munching, flock of American sheeple. When I’ve attempted to explain issues like this to other people, especially 0bama supporters, the response is more often than not, “huh?”, the human version of “Bahhh”.
andrew 191, being able to explain complicated concepts in lay terms is critical to stopping BO and so, whenever I (think I) understand an issue, I summarize in lay terms and post for feedback. Judging from comments like yours, my efforts have been pretty successful. Please, feel free to copy any explanations I provide, which might help you in your endeavor to educate others. Above all, do not despair of dispensing the facts; education is our most effective weapon in defiance of ignorance.
I’ve been a teacher, I know how to communicate in layman terms. My main point is “You can lead a sheep to water, but you can’t make it drink.”
Thanks, jbjd. Seeking out details of the story, keeping a level head, and never giving up out of exasperation will chip away at any injustices being perpetrated. (Thanks for the permission to copy explanations, too–it will be very helpful.) I think the majority of people can well understand, it’s just that they either don’t have time to find the facts for themselves or don’t yet grasp how (or care unless) it relates to them personally.
It will be interesting to see how this story plays out. Do you think the Justice Dept, from the lower courts on up, is fair and apolitical? I have been wondering ‘where’ they have been on many of these issues.
Your description here of this episode seems especially disturbing to me. Supposedly, one alternative to giving billions of dollars to various financial entities to cover their derivatives losses was to negotiate deals where parties would accept less than a 100 cents on the dollar for their derivatives. Instead the government handed out billions of dollars to cover these wheeler dealers with no accountability. One news release even claimed that the Bernake-Paulson people strong-armed Wells Fargo to accept bailout money when they didn’t want it. Now we have Obama people strong arming teacher unions to accept losses they are not legally bound to accept.
What a stinking cesspool. Not being a banker or a lawyer, that’s all I can say. Except I would like to see a name attached to the person at the “White House” issuing these threats; I would like to see that person fired or impeachment proceedings begun. This is not the country my school teachers taught me about when I was growing up.
I would like to see ‘em frogged marched right behind Karl Rove.
I recall the union member in from Maytag? During the primaries saying he was very vocal about BO’s betrayal.
It was posted here on NQ. Now if this story gets legs and BO doesn’t stick this where the sun doesn’t shine, it will be another log for the fire.
Whoa, this is brilliant! What you are describing here rises to the level of an equal protection claim! That is, why does the government allow one type of creditor a full return on investments but not the other? (I will write a note to Attorney Lauria; hopefully, his firm has some Constitutional experts on staff.)
CORRECTION: I should have written “the creditors from one type of industry,” meaning, the financial services sector versus the auto industry.
Because the others didn’t have a contract with Chrysler stating that they would get a full return. What Obummer is doing is negating a legal contract. So he is using the power of his office to say that if you have a contract that says you get 100% return it doesn’t count because he says so. That is illegal. He does not have the power to negate a legal contract.
And yet, how many of you social liberal types (not directed at you mercedes) are clamering for a complete take over and restructuring of a business that represents one eighth of the GDP, by 0bama and his bunch of Fascists? I strongly recomend that people start demanding that health care reform be put off until we have an administration that actually puts the best interests of this country first.
I look forward to your posts, jbjd. You always make me think, and generally have concrete evidence to back up your assertions. I see a logical mind at work. Thanks!
OK, I will play Devils Advocate here and ask one question that seems to be missing. What about all those companies/businesses that have made the concessions and are willing to bite the bullet and cooperate and will even have to cooperate some more, during these hard times. How is it fair to them, if they don’t have access to big law firms, like the big companies. So, how does it become fair if the top 5-10 percent get what they are asking for while the others have to go along like good little soldiers?
Just asking…as I noticed while listening to the radio feed that the lawyer’s clients were all HUGH companies.
BTW: I don’t support strong arming anyone.
What is important to know is that the supposed hold-out companies actually did agree to take 50 cents on the dollar. In other words, they were willing to take a loss of 1/2 of the amount owed to them.
My understanding is that is why the “deal” was hyped on Tuesday as being accomplished (no bankruptcy).
But then the administration came back and said that the entitities represented by Lauria had to take 30 cents on the dollar or the government would not ok the deal and would send Chrysler into bankruptcy.
Obama made it sound like Lauria’s clients would make no concessions (I will not stand with them says Obama) when the truth is they did make concessions (to 50 cents on the dollar) and thought an agreement had been reached until the rules of the game were changed on them.
All of the secured creditors stand to do better in bankruptcy, especially if the Judge, who also handled the Enron case I believe, does not accept the deal Obama has cooked up.
My fantasy is that the bankruptcy Judge will say that it is unconstitutional for the government to be arranging such things and throw the whole deal out. But that is about as likely to happen as that I will wake up tomorrow looking like Sophia Loren at 47 LOL!
This thing just stinks all around and I hope Jake Tapper stays on it rather than letting it slip though the cracks (I’m sure he’s been threatened by now that he won’t get any more chances at questions for the Pres. either).
The interesting thing about this is that the announcement that Chrysler was going to declare bankruptcy came initially from the White House, not Chrysler. It was announced the day before Chrysler said anything, by a White
The interesting thing about this is that the announcement that Chrysler was going to declare bankruptcy came initially from the White House, not Chrysler. It was announced the day before Chrysler said anything, by a White House official. That got me wondering what the hell was going on.
If this decided against plaintiff, you can beat the days of corporations being considered “people” are numbered.
We will no longer be able to say “We are a nation of laws”, which is the foundation of this country.
Watch as Socialism seeks to “cut in line”.
yes, that would be 0bamas private army that he wants to be “as well armed and as well funded as the military”. doesnt anyone wonder why he wants this? and exactly what role they will play and how much power they will have?. sounds too much like hitlers brownshirts to me and this should scare the crap out of most americans.yet no one in the msm has asked him a single word about this. O’reilly, hannity..are you listening?
Oh, yeah, I would love to see that! [Reporting this threat to the DA] Of course, you’d have to find a DA willing to challenge the Justice Dept. Hmm…not a very good career move.
It’s a nice fantasy, though. And, that is all America is, anymore–a fantasy.
P.S.in regard to my above post. just who is paying for this thug army of his.? us no doubt.
Yes, us. It was all just funded through the Edward M. Kennedy SERVE Act that just passed Congress and Obama signed a few days ago.
More massive spending that has sped right by most of the American electorate as we were distracted by Swine Flu and passing the Budget.
Hate Crimes has passed the House too so for anyone that doesn’t think we need more laws but need to enforce those on the books (or who values their right to free speech, expiring soon at an Obamamart near you), write your Senator.
Oh yes, that’s Obama. His Thug like policits. Remember, he was even instructing folks how do it, who didn’t get to take his training in Chicago, at rallies-”Get in their face, argue with them. Say anything to get them on your side”
Thank you Larry for spreading the news. We always knew that Chicago style politics would rear its ugly head. Keep the pressure on. Every American should know what is happening in their country.
That’s blackmail. Blackmail is illegal. I think that Lauria should sue the He can do that, you know, thanks to the Republicans and the Supreme Court who ruled that Bill Clinton could be sued while in office. So let’s sue the son-of-a-bitch, the sooner the better!!
Sorry, meant to say, “sue the President”.
Your first version had more rhythm and was more expressive of the torches-and-pitchforks feeling of the folks in the village . . .
…except that, calling a man a S.O.B. denigrates his mother…
jbjd, the term “son-of-a-bitch” is in very common use, and has been for a very long time, and it basically means “unscrupulous jerk,” but stronger. It is NEVER used as a denigration of a person’s mother.
one must admit that the phrase “son of a bitch” certainly must have started as an intended denigration of someone’s mother, though.
because it’s been around a long time and the meaning may have shifted somewhat (I don’t agree that there is no disrespect intended towards the mothers of those to whom the word is applied) is hardly a reason to carry on with it.
http://www.cs.virginia.edu/~evans/cs655/readings/purity.html
Well Nom, I certainly would not go to battle to defend the term “son-of-a-bitch,” though I don’t think the phrase is in any danger of falling out of favor. One thing to note is the satisfying spitting hissing sneer it leaves on your face after pronouncing the last syllable . . . Ah well. Two other terms would have to be considered in the same context: “bastard,” which through long use no longer mainly expresses an insult to the parents of the insultee, and the ultimate epithet: mf’er, which I will not try to defend at all. Anyway, that was a very amusing link you provided.
lol, I remember the first time I read it how shocking I found it: that was the article that converted me to the point of view that sexist language actually mattered and wasn’t sort of a trival afterthought to feminism. I switched from SOB to POS.
I just call him “the little F**ker” Out of respect for Stanley Ann of course. No reason to defame her just cause her son is a lying sack of manuer.
That’s very sensitive of you, kgirl.
She raised him, didn’t she? Isn’t he the product of her parenting? Isn’t she the one who instilled these values in him? Isn’t she the one who introduced him to all those socialist mentors? Yes, she is. So, as far as I am concerned, she is responsible for his being who he is. I am sure she would be proud to have raised a son who will say anything to get elected and then use the power of his office to bully and browbeat people. Someone should tell Ann Dunham’s son that we don’t do that in America. If he wants to behave that way, he should go back to Indonesia.
Who had the pitchfork sale going on?
Anyone ‘doing business’ with the Administration and his minions needs to start getting this stuff on tape. There would probably be a huge payoff for Fox and talk radio to get the word out that White House is threatening investment firms.
The creditors need to fight to the death. They have nothing to lose.
Any doubt now as to why the banks want to give the TARP money back?
Thank you for this post, Larry! As alarming as it is, we need to know.
O’s administration is pandering to the younger generation, who I think are so totally uneducated as far as history goes to worry about such things as the Constitution.
It’s obvious that O cares very, very little about people who are retired. We should all just lie down and die to make him happy. Then he will have only to deal with controlling the younger masses, and then it will take years of subjugation to the Party before they wake up and protest anything.
I am frightened about the judicial branch at this point. I don’t just want a woman appointed. I want a woman who also stands for the Constitution. I am afraid we’ll get a woman, but she may be a secret Socialist friend of O. I have lost hope that people will wake up and stand up to the Messiah.
It used to be that loan sharks would threaten to break knees for non payment. Now, 0bama is threatening to break the knees of the loan sharks. These are interesting times we live in.
Pardon the hint of hyperbole, I’m just trying to be consistent with the Tony Soprano theme.
Wow, Larry! Phenomenal piece of radio. This should make the hair on the back of everyone’s neck stand straight up. This is an absolute abuse of executive power. As I mentioned yesterday, my sister is one of these “so-called” vultures. She’s heavily invested in GM and Chrysler bonds. It’s all she has, all she’ll ever have, the hard earned dividends my brother-in-law managed to scape together before his death.
Twenty-nine cents on the dollar when junior creditors are being tossed 10-20 billion?
And now strong-arm tactics to boot. Incredible.
Btw, I saw a very disturbing tickerline while watching Greta Van S. last night. Apparently, Rahm Emmanuel is spending a lot of time at Treasury these days. The current mantra is: whatever Rahm wants, Rahm gets.
This feels bad, very bad!
Thanks for the info, Larry. You’re doing a real public service.
That was an amazing piece of radio.
Sadly, Diana L.C, you are right. 0, relay his success on a young generation, who are, the majority (unfortunately) totally unprepared to decide the future of this Country. They lack the knowledge of history of this country, the components of the juduciary system,Government. The only thing they care,have a credit card,spend,have fun,and ” I don’t care”. I’m afraid of this liberal thinking socialists(communists) who will destroy this beautiful Country, who once was the envy of the world. They will just accept, like in old communist countries, if you work or not,the day goes by and in the end of the week, the paycheck will come. Respect the rules, say what I say, and you will be OK.
Hmmm………….the slow breakdown of america. never knew that it might come true. all of you better create a second base in another country just incase it becomes worse. yes, I sound like a conspiracy nut-job, but better safe than sorry, is what my momma taught me.
Bon voyagee, Benny!
hehehehe. already have another pad. wait till bon voyage hits you in the face. won’t matter till it affects you personally. lol
Gee, UBM, how did you get stuck with the weekend shift? Don’t you bots ever get a day off?
Be nice UCBM and Barry are still on their honeymoon.
Watching Obama castigate investment firms who backed Chrysler as essentially unAmerican made me sick. Obama does not understand free enterprise or respect capitalism at all.
This bankruptcy of Chrysler was supposed to be “surgical” because Obama intended on screwing private investors and helping the labor unions.
He and his henchman may be able to run Chrysler and GM but they will not be able to make a profit based on their unethical practices and the forcing of environmental policies prematurely. In the end the American people will never see a dime of the bailout money back as long as Obama is President.
He demands things done his way and on his terms and with no questions. Sounds a lot like Stalin.
Chicago politics, alive and kicking in the WH.
[...] H/T to our friends at No Quarter, and Curt for the heads up [...]
Yep. Little by little, while people are cooing over the dog, he’s chipping away at our rights, and most people can’t even see it happening.
Rahmbo has been hanging out at Treasury because he’s in charge of the census now. Guess which demographics will change to benefit the Dems?
benny, I had a paranoid moment while reading some of the posts today. Thinking about how people seem zombified, I had a sudden flashback to the recent news about all the pharmaceuticals in our water supply. Wouldn’t it be soooo easy to lace the water systems with tranquilizers to enable better control of the populace?
Have to post something positive, as I share most of the despair above. EXCEPT: on today’s Rasmussen Reports, where they run a daily presidential tracking poll, the positive approval rating is now +1. That is, 1% more Americans “strongly approve” than “stongly disapprove”.
This poll has been tracking slowly but steadily in our direction since the Inauguration. Maybe the American sheeple are not quite as asleep as the MSM wants to convince us. The MSM, by the way, continues to publicize only those polls which come out w/ pro-Obama results. But Rasmussen has consistently been among the most accurate pollsters when it comes to elections.
I don’t know how to do links on this site, but check it out at http://www.rasmussenreports.com. I check it every day. It helps me stay sane. This, plus the tea parties, are the real news that the MSM deliberately represses.
Love you guys.
That is good news!! I can’t wait for the day when those numbers are reversed so his “disapprove” is the larger number.
From +30 on 1-22-09 to +1 today! That is the best news I have heard all day!
I’ve been watching this number steadily decrease since election day and I must say I have been watching with glee. :p
I had heard netroots rumblings from folks that were going to turn on The Fox Network (Lie to Me) during his speech even if they didn’t normally watch it. Just a protest viewing. When I actually see that the show beat Obama’s speech in ratings, I wonder how much of the ratings share was actually made up of those protesters? I can only hope. LOL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKzQB1g0W2g
Why not. it seem to fit
HE’S FROM C-H-I-C-A-G-O!! DUH???
I am expecting to see the increasingly bold use of FORCE and INTIMIDATION by the O Administration. I don’t think he/they have the distinction of a free man. They assume YOU & I are theirs to do with as they want. I don’t see the difference between these actions and those of any other despot.
If you want to create a society such that people can get along, you have to have clear principles and any rules applying in particular situations must follow from those principles. I see the opposite with Obama. He said yesterday that he doesn’t want a new Justice beholden to absolutes. Since reality is the only absolute, I assume he means that he doesn’t want a Justice beholden to reality. What is the alternative? Feelings? May the best sob story win!
I hope you all like knee pads. I’m expecting them to come in different styles and colors. All very fashionable.
If he’s going after hedge funds Tony Soprano style, I’ll offer him a cigar when he’s finished.
No bigger collection of scum and villainy than hedge funds.
Far as I’m concerned, he can Janet Reno them and I’ll cheer the tanks.
Sherm, that’s Thug talk.
If the hedge funds perpetrated a crime by defrauding people, then they should be charged and convicted. If they didn’t, then they are within their rights.
Nope, screw ‘em.
Hedge funds right the rules and rule the street.
I couldn’t care less what happens to those bastards.
After this does O thinks he can get a public/private partnership for anything now. I highly doubt O will get any private investment to do anything.
“UPDATE” Excellent! This story needs to be carried…..WIDELY.
http://ericademane.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/mussolini-jpg.jpg
http://www.whosdatedwho.com/news/pictures/8L/92/10892_large.jpg
I must say this is a great article i enjoyed reading it keep the good work
Well said Great information, keep up the great work!
While working Chicago Politics Axelrod would tell the Tribune that if it ran negative stories on his candidates he would not advertise on WGN. If they trashed his opponent he would give them millions. The media coverage and covering for Obama is all based around advertising revenue.
I think it would be a good exercise to see how much money the federal government is spending on public service advertising, military recruitment ads and the sort and where they are spending it. One might find a relationship between payments and coverage bias.
Before anyone jumps on the first paragraph above, think of this. If you have ever spent more than a paycheck at the underground Billy Goat, you understand that there are no secrets in the Chicago media circles.
Do you do blogroll exchanging? If you want to exchange links let me know.
Email me back if you’re interested.
Hi there,
I looked over your blog and it looks really good. Do you ever do link exchanges on your blog roll? If you do, I’d like to exchange links with you.
Let me know if you’re interested.
Thanks..
OT – has anyone else noticed the demographic shift at HillBuzz? That’s the blog run by gay male Hillary supporters out of Chicago. It used to be a place, like here, where dems, independentss, and republicans all gathered. Now most of the posts are pro-republican, and in the comments, people who support gay rights and/or Hillary are considered trolls. It seems most of the dems and independent commenters have left, and it’s 98% republican focus in the comments (complete with commenters telling Hillary dems to get lost last week, and now using the word troll). It’s like the Taylor Marsh switchover all over again, but this time switching to republican instead of to Obama. I don’t see how they can still have their blog name be about Hillary, when they allow commenters to chase Hillary supporters away.
I disagree. There are many many hillary dems there. I saw your exchange with the others. Its when you keep on arguing over one subject that name-calling occurs. Agreeing to disagree would have been better.
There are very few dems or independents left there. I haven’t had any arguments – I’ve stood up for regular posters who are being slammed for being pro-Hillary or pro-gay rights – after all, it’s what the blog was founded on. And I have most definitely not called any names – I have objected to the nastiness, and to the cheekiness of newly arrived republicans calling long-term (non-republican) posters “trolls” – however, a couple of the new, republican posters were saying obscene things to long time commenters.
The blog is primarily populated now by republicans, new to the blog, who have never been Hillary supporters. Several of them are rather nasty and try to stifle dissent. Their actions are leading to an echo chamber. That place used to be full of dems and independents, and discourse was always civil. The bottom line is, the blog owners are allowing it to happen, so that speaks volumes. The last 5 or so of us non-republicans will fade away, too. And one day HillBuzz will realize they made their bed with people who think their lifestyle is immoral and who don’t love Hillary as they do. But, of course, that’s their choice.
I’ve noticed it, too, Lorac. Between the ubiquitous Obamabots and the retread bushbots, the centrists and HRC suporters can barely get a word in edgewise.
Not a big deal, but many commenters above seem to think that Fox News didn’t air Obama’s latest celebration of himself. But it did. It was Fox’s broadcast network that declined to air it, and showed “Lie to Me” instead (to better ratings.)
If Obama is on 10 channels, how does it serve the public for Fox to agree to show him an 11th? And why should Rupert Murdock stiff his own shareholders in the process?
I believe I read that show swept the hours ratings…….bwahahahahaha
Larry,
Link to the secured creditors, directly from the bankruptcy papers.
http://zerohedge.blogspot.com/2009/05/chrysler-ultimatum-and-full-list-of.html
And yes, it does appear to include many pensioners.
Not sure if this has been linked or not, but ABC’s
Jake Tapper appears to be the only MSM reporter covering this:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/05/bankruptcy-atto.html
It doesn’t look like the strong-arm tactics worked very well. The creditors sat in their richly-appointed offices, subsidized by American taxpayers and happily let Chrysler slide into bankruptcy.
Filthy con men, every last one of them.
Creeper….how do you happen to know all of these creditors personally?
Please enlighten.
They’re hedge funds – “filthy con men” has a 99 in 100 chance of being accurate.
I can’t stand Obama, but in a battle between Obama and hedge funds, even I’ll take Obama.
I doubt there’s anyone else on the planet I’d side with him against.
[...] tactics since he started his career. Just ask Alice Palmer. He is a liar and a hypocrite–worse [...] Instapundit » Blog Archive » MARK STEYN on Obama so far…. MARK STEYN on Obama so far. Posted [...]
In my driveway are a GMC SUV, Chev PU and Chev small car. I have always tried to buy domestic, as an example, in my adult life, I have purchased 10 vehicles from domestic car dealers and 2 vehicles (Renault and Honda). After the US government, strongarms retirees and stockholders out of their legitimate claims basically handing GM and Chrysler ownership over to the UAW you will never see another new GM product in my driveway.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1E-V0QHets&feature=channel_page
100 Days & Throwing People Under the Bus. Campaign promises, family members, and cabinet-level nominees have all been thrown under the bus. Celebrate Obama’s first 100 days on a bumpy ride
[...] Real Estate Articles Directory added an interesting post on Is Barack Obama Going Tony Soprano? [Update]Here’s a small excerptLD. See also: “White House uses strong arm tactics to extort concessions from lenders,” via Memeorandum.com. [...]
[...] tactics since he started his career. Just ask Alice Palmer. He is a liar and a hypocrite–worse [...]Instapundit » Blog Archive » MARK STEYN on Obama so far…. MARK STEYN on Obama so far. Posted at [...]
Threatening the media and those who oppose him has been standard operating procedure for Obama since he was a candidate for Illinois State Senate.
Some things really don’t change.
Sounds like someone has been talking….
*warning…language*
http://www.finemrespice.com/node/56
[...] http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/2009/05/03/is-barack-obama-going-tony-soprano/Of course, I’m somewhat amused that Major Garrett and other news outlets are just beginning to ponder whether they’re merely “megaphones for Barack Obama” or actual news gathering organizations. I think it’s safe to say that many people … [...]
I’d like to know why retirement funds and/or unions “lend” their members’ money to companies like Chrysler in the first place.
Why? They’re not banks. Why are they makinging these shaky investments with peopes’ retirement funds?
After Enron, the handwriting was on the wall. Big corps cook their books. Period. The estimated value and solvency of many huge corporations is a shaky house of cards. Hedge funds by their nature are a gamble. And the value of most stocks is over-inflated.
Why aren’t we discussing the strange fact that a teacher’s union would lend money to Chrysler in the first place?
Susan,
The unions allocate their money to different investment managers who invest it on their behalf.
In so doing the investment managers have a fiduciary obligation to protect investors interests.
Just got this in my email …
it names who the person who threatened was…
from ABC Trapper..
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/05/bankruptcy-atto.html
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/05/bankruptcy-atto.html
White House Denies Charge By Attorney that Administration Threatened to Destroy Investment Firm’s Reputation*
May 02, 2009 3:17 PM
A leading bankruptcy attorney representing hedge funds and money managers told ABC News Saturday that Steve Rattner, the leader of the Obama administration’s Auto Industry Task Force, threatened one of the firms, an investment bank, that if it continued to oppose the administration’s Chrysler bankruptcy plan, the White House would use the White House press corps to destroy its reputation.
The White House and a spokesperson for the investment bank in question challenged the accuracy of the story.
“The charge is completely untrue,” said White House deputy press secretary Bill Burton, “and there’s obviously no evidence to suggest that this happened in any way.”
Thomas Lauria, Global Practice Head of the Financial Restructuring and Insolvency Group at White & Case, told ABC News that Rattner suggested to an official of the boutique investment bank Perella Weinberg Partners that officials of the Obama White House would embarrass the firm for opposing the Obama administration plan, which President Obama announced Thursday, and which requires creditors to accept roughly 29 cents on the dollar for an estimated $6.8 billion owed by Chrysler.
Lauria first told the story, without naming Rattner, to Frank Beckmann on Detroit’s WJR-AM radio.
[...] two days ago, No Quarter, a handful of blogs and a thimbleful of major media caught on to the Chrysler holdout firms’ [...]
[...] H/T to our friends at No Quarter, and Curt for the heads up [...]
[...] three days ago, No Quarter, a handful of blogs and a thimbleful of major media caught on to the Chrysler holdout firms’ [...]
[...] from FloppingAces (there are plenty more links in the posting at the link): Just two days ago, No Quarter, a handful of blogs and a thimbleful of major media caught on to the Chrysler holdout firms’ [...]
[...] tactics since he started his career. Just ask Alice Palmer. He is a liar and a hypocrite–worse [...]Instapundit » Blog Archive » MARK STEYN on Obama so far…. MARK STEYN on Obama so far. Posted at [...]