July 15, 2007
Spiro, Our Nation Turns Its Lonely Eyes To You....
Where is Spiro T. Agnew when you really need him? A little corruption aside, what this country needs right now is a plain talking, bomb throwing conservative who calls ‘em as he sees ‘em.
If he were alive today and in the fray, this is what he would say about the press, Iraq, our liberal friends, and the media…..
On the press:
"Some newspapers are fit only to line the bottom of bird cages.”
Eagle's Comment:
A day before the release of the Iraq progress report, here is the headline that the Associated Press released that went all over the world within minutes, not to mention appearing on every jihadist's website:
"Report says Iraq government hasn’t met any of its benchmarks
By ANNE FLAHERTY and ANNE GEARAN Associated Press Writers
07/09/2007"
Now, math might have been one of my weak spots in grammar school, but 8 out of 16 isn't "any" as far as I know. Yet, this is an example of reporting by the main stream media that has poisoned the well so often that America's bid to bring security to Iraq is almost hopeless no matter what happens there. The Associated Press, The New York Times, Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times have run countless stories the last three years that have turned public opinion against the War On Terror. On second thought, placing newspapers at the bottom of a birdcage might constitute cruelty to animals.
On war opponents, (and in this case, the entire Democratic Party with the exception of Joe Lieberman):
" In the United States today, we have more than our share of the nattering nabobs of negativism"
Eagle's Comment:
As Simon and Garfunkel said ""Where have you gone, Mr. Agnew, the nation turns its lonely eyes to you..."
Seriously, what has been publicly said these last three years by Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, John Edwards, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, and a crew of Hollywood Celebrities (?) has been so venomous and partisan that sometimes I wonder if some in that crew wish we lose in Iraq solely for political gain. Think for a second: What would happen if by October Iraq has improved on say, 13 of those benchmarks ? Who does that help more in '08...the Republican Party, who can then point to Iraq, North Korea, Libya as examples of hardball fighting against terrorists and bullies, or the Democrats?
On both the media and liberals:
"They have formed their own 4-H club - the hopeless, hysterical hypochondriacs of history. "
Eagle's Comment:
Looks like he said this for the benefit of BOTH the media and the liberals. What a guy. With these words of wisdom, I think he was entitled to dip into the public trough a little just on general principals, don't you? Think those words the next time you see Harry Reid tell the whole world that America has lost Iraq.
On arm chair talking heads:
"An intellectual is a man who doesn't know how to park a bike."
Eagle's comment:
This one cuts both ways. While there are many dip-shit liberal commentators (Read: Frankel) who have polluted the airwaves with their idiocy, there are also a few conservative commentators our there who shift what they say depending on the outcome of the latest opinion poll. Most "talking head" experts have an axe to grind or a book to sell nowadays, and make money throwing ideological bombs no matter what. Truth or accuracy is the exception and not the rule.
On fools, oceans, and women:
"Three things have been difficult to tame: the oceans, fools and women. We may soon be able to tame the oceans; fools and women will take a little longer. "
Eagle's Comment:Some comments are so eloquent that they require little explanation. Although a little dated now ( this was said over 3 decades ago, and if my wife saw this quote she would brain me for sure), the part about fools is dead on. Fools have the podium right now...so wrapped up in their utter hatred of the president, that they will advocate against anything that he supports just for the sake of opposition. Here is what I know about that "report card" in Iraq: Progress is being made along a bunch of fronts. As time passes, those eight deficiencies will be reduced. Some will not. Religious differences, ideological differences, tribal differences and political differences are huge differences to overcome...some will take decades to fix, if at all....but the alternative (withdrawal and failure) will serve only to directly threaten our way of life within a short period of time. These aren't the Nazis or Communist we are fighting. Those guys wore uniforms, didn't cut off heads, and there wasn't an endless supply of virgins back there.
No, we need another Spiro T to appear right now...a warrior type who can place an artful verbal bomb that will catch a sound bite or two....oh Spiro....where have you gone?
Posted by Sicilian Eagle at July 15, 2007 07:29 AM
I can think of a few Spiro Agnew types in the GOP: Don Rumsfeld, Dick Cheney, Ann Coulter…
What they have in common is that everyone who isn’t a right-wing kook eventually despises them.
Posted by: Woody Mena at July 15, 2007 08:02 AMI think your party has plenty Of kooks and crooks just like Spiro T.
Posted by: Jeff at July 15, 2007 08:22 AMWoody
It’s the message, Woody….the message….
Posted by: sicilianeagle at July 15, 2007 08:23 AMJeff - I’m not the one pining for more…
Posted by: Woody Mena at July 15, 2007 08:35 AMNattering Nabobs of Negativity, eh?
Vietnam as an image problem, a result of the media showing America something it couldn’t handle.
I’ll let you in on a little secret: Americans can take an awful lot more than people think, given the right conditions.
What are the right conditions?
1) You cannot lie to them. Operational details aside, Americans do not like to be deceived. A lot is asked of people at war, and if their leaders take advantage of that to misrepresent the whys and wherefores of the war to get that, then people will not trust the motives of their leaders
2) You must make progress. Americans are willing to wait to see good results, but testing their patience on a perpetual basis will lead them to the conclusion that your policy is a waste.
3) You must respect their opinions, especially their concerns. I know many Republicans look down on this, and it’s no wonder they’ve lost the support of the American people.
Often enough, these people are way ahead of the politicians, who rely on old information about what’s politically acceptable. The reality is, what’s politically acceptable to people is a problem solving approach to government. Unfortunately for the Republicans, they take a rather dim view of the Government solving problems.
Unfortunately for them, that’s a lot of what Americans want nowadays; not every problems solved, but when one is particularly vexing to them, they don’t want to be told to scram when they call for intervention.
Right now the President is telling most of the people in this country that they are wrong. His insistence is not translating into people changing their minds
Ultimately, this is not his war, but ours, and we do mind that he’s not heeding our opinion on this matter.
Posted by: Stephen Daugherty at July 15, 2007 09:21 AMYep,
SE you sure nailed it.
What this country truly needs right now is another brown eyed, “glass navel” bomb thrower to deflect reality away from this administration.
Posted by: Rocky at July 15, 2007 11:40 AMHogwash! We already have a president who throws the bombs and orders others to fight and die for the consequences of that action. Spiro Agnew is alive and well in GW Bush and Dick Cheney.
I heard some Republican yesterday say about Republicans they sought power to end corruption in America, they got power and were corrupted by it.
More Hogwash! Republicans sought power to legalize the corruption they brought with them to office. Cheney pisses on the Constitution by trying as any good dictator would, use Executive Privilege and deny Executive Privilege as suits his needs to prevent anyone from overseeing his authoritarian actions. GW Bush and AG Gonzalez have exercised the same kind of corruption.
A great many Republicans in our government never believed in a democratic Republic, they entered office and Immediately began working on changing America to the greatest oligarchic plutocracy the history has ever seen (government by a few representing the interests of the wealthiest). And their desire for a world controlled by such a government is everywhere evident in Republican’s foreign policies.
The Republican voters, regular working Americans, were duped and lied to and deceived at every turn as Republican politicians spent 100’s of millions of dollars to PR firms and advertising designers to craft the messages the voters wanted to hear, for the express purpose of disguising their oligarchic plutocratic designs on a new world order controlled and managed by them.
Posted by: David R. Remer at July 15, 2007 12:16 PMYes, another politician lowering the level of discouse is EXACTLY what this country needs.
Posted by: Gerrold at July 15, 2007 12:57 PM“Fools have the podium right now”
Yeah there’s, W, Tony Snow………….
Posted by: KansasDem at July 15, 2007 01:25 PMJeez, David that is the most succint, profound, truthful and accurate post I have ever seen. To bad that doesnt fit on a bumper sticker or in a sound bite because it would wake people up to the reality of politics today.
Posted by: j2t2 at July 15, 2007 01:30 PMSE you forget the quote that truely makes him fit for this administration.
-“I apologize for lying to you. I promise I won’t deceive you except in matters of this sort.”
Posted by: 037 at July 15, 2007 01:31 PMAh, the eagle flies over, drops something, and flys off into the sunset yet again. OMIGOD!! You mean there’s a Mrs. Eagle????
Posted by: womanmarine at July 15, 2007 02:27 PM“In the United States today, we have more than our share of the nattering nabobs of negativism”
Actually this quote was originally in reference to the media. Not the Democratic party
sounds kinda like this quote:
when asked about why the recall of toxic Chinese goods has become an issue if its not a problem a Comunist official (Qin Gang) replied:
“Why don’t you tell me? If the media made less sensational news, the situation might not be so bad…Chinese exports are just as safe as American if not beter than them.”
I think the chicoms have the same problems with the media that the Repubs have…damn media…
Posted by: 037 at July 15, 2007 04:56 PMDavid R.
The Republican voters, regular working Americans, were duped and lied to and deceived at every turn as Republican politicians spent 100’s of millions of dollars to PR firms and advertising designers to craft the messages the voters wanted to hear, for the express purpose of disguising their oligarchic plutocratic designs on a new world order controlled and managed by them.
Perhaps a bit too harsh for some. But as far as I am concerned more true, accurate and precise words with regards to the republican agenda have not before been read by myself. Extremely well said. What really worries me is that so many people can be so easily manipulated. And to think that SE is advocating for more of the same. I guess for some blind loyalty is more important than what is best for the rest.
Posted by: Ildem at July 15, 2007 05:31 PMSE,
If you think this a funny joke - I’m afraid you blew it. I realize you might think you are pulling everyone’s leg, but sometimes a bad joke is just a bad joke. I’m afraid this one just lays there.
j2t2 and Ildem, thanks, but, don’t think I don’t have a few choice words in the mill for Democrats now in office, Amnesty trigger set on 137 miles of border security? How stupid do Democrats in Congress think the American people are? Apparently a lot more stupid than they actually are, since, the people’s phone calls, emails, telegrams, and talk show feedback stopped the Democrats Amnesty bill dead in its tracks.
If Democrats were smart (debatable) they would never presume to try to pull the wool over voter’s eyes like that again. Independent voters now outnumber Democratic voters. That should be A HUGE hint to the Democratic Dummy Leadership. One unfortunately they were to dumb to attend pay attention to.
Posted by: David R. Remer at July 15, 2007 06:42 PMDavid R.
I am well aware of your views towards the current dem congress. I read most of your posts and have to say that I agree in general with the direction of most. I can not admit to being enamored with the abilities of our current congress. I am and have been a staunch advocate of ethics, and campaign reform. Until government has been effectively cleaned we americans can not expect an honest and open legislature. Unfortunately it seems the powers of wealth still carry more influence than the power of the vote. For the last twelve years it has been the republicans who have so lovingly pandered to that wealth. I am not excusing the dems as I am not so sure they are much better in this regard. However I do believe that the failures of the last congress must not be forgotten in order that we can make any consistent headway in tackling the corruptive forces of wealth. It is imperative that the people demand a new direction in government. If we grow complacent then old trends will continue and at some point perhaps revolt will be in order so that we may once again return to government of the people and for the people.
Posted by: ILdem at July 15, 2007 08:55 PMCouldn’t agree with you more, ILdem. I especially liked the poignancy of your comment: “Unfortunately it seems the powers of wealth still carry more influence than the power of the vote.”
That is as concise a way of putting it as I have ever read, and directly to the point.
Posted by: David R. Remer at July 15, 2007 09:42 PMDavid Remer,
I also kiss the hem of your keyboard. Very well said.
And yeah, we all know the DLC Dems are letting us down. Big Time. But whaddaya expect from them? Populism?
Nope, it’s like I was saying to you the other day in Paul’s ‘Administration Job Requirement’ thread, those who are currently pulling all the strings aren’t really Democrats. They’re actually the same sort of slimy oligarchic plutocrats you’ve so perfectly described here, they’re just functioning under our name.
What’s really funny about the Sic Eagles article is that Spiro Agnew hated and wanted to silence the press, and liberalism, and gag any criticism on his administration, or the way they were waging war. Just like Bushco.
He had to resign the vice presidency in complete disgrace, and had to plead no contest to tax evasion, accepting bribes, and money laundering.
And this is a man who Sic Eagle admires so much that he wishes we had another one like him.
“Three things have been difficult to tame: the oceans, fools and women.”
Five, actually. Agnew was such a fool, he couldn’t tame his greed, or the enemies he made, either.
“We may soon be able to tame the oceans; fools and women will take a little longer.”
Did you know that an anagram of Spiro Agnew is Grow A Penis? Pretty apropos, don’t you think?
Posted by: Adrienne at July 16, 2007 02:44 AM1lt
Brilliant post. Except the last sentence, which I do not agree. I actually agree with Adrienne (gasp) too. There is little difference between the two, and to a degree, with David. Geez…maybe we are birds of a feather….
Womarmarine
Ya, there is a Mrs. Eagle….she is supporting Obama….she thinks me cute though…..
On Spiro T:
He was absolutely corrupt. I set the bait for a corruption debate today, but alas, no takers. Still, while doing a little research on the guy, I discovered that Nixon selected him because of all the potential vp candidates, he would hurt him the least. Let’s see…Rockefeller…then Ford..then the pardon…Spiro, had he been around, conceivable could have been the president….yikes….
Still, I loved his quotes…they were as inflammatory then as they were today…..
Posted by: sicilianeagle at July 16, 2007 07:31 AM“The Associated Press, The New York Times, Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times have run countless stories the last three years that have turned public opinion against the War On Terror.”
Good. That should help to counteract Fox News’ ludicrously partisan message, straight from the mouth of Tony Snow. A message which reaches countless millions more than the four newspapers you cite.
Posted by: Jon Rice at July 16, 2007 11:08 AMAdrienne, if the DLC continues the agenda you ascribe to them, and they continue to control the Democratic Party agenda, Democrats are going to continue to lose voters to Independent voter status just as Republicans have been.
I see that as a very healthy trend for America. But, not for the Democratic Party and their tarnished and dented image as ‘the people’s party’. Thanks for the comment, and I think we agree, the people are awakening to the dire future the oligarchic plutocrats of both parties are hell bent on creating, and the voter registration and ballot choices are reflecting this in greater numbers for each election. I find hope in that recognition.
Posted by: David R. Remer at July 16, 2007 01:18 PMSE
“An intellectual is a man who doesn’t know how to park a bike.”“
i love this one. makes me laugh out loud every time i hear it.
Posted by: dbs at July 16, 2007 04:41 PMSorry, Einstein rode many bikes and parked them just fine. Nonsense can often be funny, like “honest politician” is a hilarious mixing of words as Will Rogers and Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) were fond of using.
Posted by: David R. Remer at July 16, 2007 08:37 PMSE,
To the extent that you influence ANYBODY, I am deeply concerned for our country!
Further, you are a LAWYER!
The idea, even humorously intended, of bringing back a key player in the last horribly corrupt American regime to be caught with their pants down (also notably, a republican one) is nothing but offensive to me.
That is made more disturbing by the disturbing realization that you are a LAWYER!
“Why don’t you tell me? If the media made less sensational news, the situation might not be so badâ€Chinese exports are just as safe as American if not beter than them.‎
I think the chicoms have the same problems with the media that the Repubs haveâ€damn mediaâ€
Posted by: 037 at July 15, 2007 04:56 PM
Now, if the media could just find such fervor in casting a little dirt on the terrorists instead of shining their boots and rooting for them!
JD
Posted by: JD at July 20, 2007 10:54 PMJD,
This will shock you, BUT:
Our media is conservatively biased. Don’t believe me?
Compare to other sources. Compare to NGO’s reporting human rights issues around the globe.
What will stand out is the issues played down or ignored. You will also be stunned to see how much information is left out of mainstream American newscasts.
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