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God Bless America, because where else could an immigrant body builder from Austria become governor of California and then use a Saturday Night Live phrase inspired by him in a speech at the Republican National Convention? And was the Hans and Franz skit written by Al Franken, because that would be sweet sweet irony. Arnold Schwarzenegger wowed delegates with his tan skin, blindingly white teeth, and nattily tailored suits. And his speechwriters deserve a round of applause, because it was chock full of soundbites perfect for a movie trailer:
-Speaking of acting, one of my movies was called "True Lies." It's what the Democrats should have called their convention.Like it or not, agree or disagree, it was pretty classic convention tub thumping. Read the whole speech here. Laura Bush also spoke fondly of her W, after being introduced by her daughters. Yeah, we can't remember anything from it either, except that Laura and W had a whirlwind three-month courtship.
- And maybe, just maybe, you don't agree with this party on every single issue. I say to you tonight I believe that's not only okay, that's what's great about this country. Here we can respectfully disagree and still be patriotic, still be American and still be good Republicans.
- Now they say India and China are overtaking us. Don't you believe it! We may hit a few bumps -- but America always moves ahead! That's what Americans do!
- To those critics who are so pessimistic about our economy, I say: "Don't be economic girlie men!"
Tonight is the keynote address by Democratic Governor Zell Miller and Dick Cheney accepting the Vice-Presidential nomination. Here's the schedule. And in a move to spite critics who noted that he would only be in town for barely a night, the President will be watching Uncle Dick and the crew from a fire station in Queens tonight; our heart goes out to all the commuters in Elmhurst.
Check out coverage from NY magazine's Convention Daily, the NY Times convention section, Daily News, and Newsday.
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And only in America can that little boy from Austria, who was also the son of a Nazi Storm Trooper, grow up to call the democratic half of America liars.
He'll be at Italian Charities of America?? That's just Great, as if the Traffic there (It's Right down from Queens center Mall) could possibly be any worse...
Ping's Resturant (And Harbor too) is right to be concerned: They'll probably close Queens Blvd *AND* Grand down. Hope the Press stops there for Dinner.
BTW Both Ping's and Harbor are good places for Banquets.
Gothamist... Way to stay objective! The campaign period has changed some fun and entertaining NY websites into political hate-machines, steeped in "You're stupid" type reporting/commentary.
"My Bush Smells Like Shit" might be a representation of our constitutionally protected right to free-speech, but it's still mean-spirited and a reflection of a hostile culture.
BTW- I'm a democrat, but still refer to W. as the President (rather than fuckface or stupid).
Keep up the good work!
Watching all those people-- laughing, smiling and peeing themselves with approval at Ahnuld's speech made me feel like a Martian.
we're a net job loss for four years, jobs overseas, new jobs created here making $9000 on average than the jobs that left, more than 4 million more people in poverty.
because I'm worried about that I'm an economic girlie man? so be it.
Slate had a great article on why Schwarzenegger republicans shouldn't vote for Bush. Anyone who saw the speech should give it a look.
Zell Miller is a senator, not a governor.
I *think* Zel Miller was a Governor Of Georgia prior to Entering the Senate.
"Respectfully disagree"? I feel a proposed constitutional amendment targeting a specific group of people they don't like moves beyond the boundaries of "respectful disagreement."
And the Dixie Chicks? Linda Ronstadt? That was "respectful disagreement"?
I'll be pleased when the week is over. Hell, I'll be pleased with November 2 is over.
Where's the centrist party? It's ridiculous that middle-of-the-road gay people like me have to go with the Democrats by default.
People at the convention have no interest in facing reality--all they want is sound bites from cardboard characters. The Republicans are ruining this country. This country can't hide behind cheap sound bites forever.
I especially loved the "Don't be economic girlie men" line... Right after I near died laughing I rewound my tivo to hear it a few more times because I just couldn't believe he actually said that in a campaign convention speech!
It's amazing how Republicans can overlook Bush's four years of bigger government and fiscal irresponsibility as long as a movie actor quotes a 15 year old Saturday Night Live skit. If only Barack Obama had said "Isn't that special?" then maybe they'd all be voting Democrat.
I promise that I'm not a big right-winger, rather someone who likes to call people out on big, multisyllabic words...
Can anyone (Tim) give a few bullet point examples of bigger government and fiscal irresponsibility?
The state of the US is what it is... If you don't like it, blame "The Republicans"? In the last four years, I finished an advanced degree, got a better job, and bought a house (that has already appreciated a lot). Does that mean I have to vote for Bush now?? Was it "The Republicans" that made it so that I can have what I have??
chris,
I think the bush administration has been so irresponsible on so many different levels, I'm not sure where to begin. here are a few of my thoughts in response to your request for bullet point examples re: government and fiscal irresponsibility:
1. the bush administration's tax cuts: benefits wealthy americans at the expense of everyone else. the tax cuts have trashed the budget. the new yorker has an interesting article ("tax code") about the bush administration's tax agenda. below is an excerpt along with a link to the original: According to the White House, in fiscal 2004 the three Bush tax cuts will cost the United States Treasury about $241 billion in revenues, which is about two per cent of the gross domestic product. (The Congressional Budget Office, which is nonpartisan, puts the 2004 cost of the tax cuts at closer to three hundred billion dollars.) The lost revenue has wreaked havoc with the budget. In 1999, the federal government had a surplus of $125.6 billion; this year, according to the latest official forecast, it will have a deficit of about $450 billion. The 2001 recession and the jump in spending on defense and homeland security since 9/11 are responsible for some of this reversal, but even the Bush Administration concedes that tax cuts caused about a third of it.
http://newyorker.com/fact/content/?040906fa_fact
2. iraq and afghanistan: the administration is being devious about the long terms costs of occupying both countries. plus they tried to do the wars "on the cheap" and left out a lot of pertinent information when creating future budgets. (I remember reading a new yorker article about this and it was horrifying. I'm apologize for not being able to remember the exact details.) regardless, I would say that america is going to be in debt for generations to come.
3. the administration says they will provide better education, healthcare and jobs for americans. based on what I've seen in headlines over the past few months I would say they are failing miserably on all three counts. perhaps fox news, the new york post and the new york daily news have different statistics?
4. the environment: the current administration has flouted the kyoto treaty, is trying to drill for oil in alaska's last virgin territory and wants to turn over a national forest to the logging industry. the EPA, instead of protecting the environment, has found new ways of sidestepping the endangered species act and is approving new pesticides without consulting the fish and wildlife service or the national marine fisheries service. (the part from the EPA is from the washington post.)
5. civil liberties and the constitution: they are trying to take away the former and change the latter to suit their neo con purposes.
6. the war on terrorism: the administration lied about iraq and weapons of mass destruction and the connection between saddam hussein and al qaeda. iraq is about oil, profit and personal profit under the guise of democracy and freedom. iraq is strengthening anti american sentiment in the arab world. meanwhile, afghanistan is neglected. it is reverting back to warlords and the opium industry is flourishing. the opium profits are sure to fund future terrorist training and activity.
as for your statements:
1. "The state of the US is what it is... If you don't like it, blame "The Republicans"?": if people feel the US is headed in the wrong direction, shouldn't they be able to speak up and try to cause change? sure, there are lots of people who just complain without taking action but there are people who do make an effort. at any rate, I feel the state of the US has taken a sharp turn for worse and on many issues, the bush administration is clearly to blame.
2. "...Was it "The Republicans" that made it so that I can have what I have?": congratulations on completing an advanced degree, finding a better job and purchasing a house that has since appreciated in value. I think it's great you have been able to maximize your situation and opportunities in life. it must have taken a lot of hard work and perseverance. on the other hand, what about everyone else who is in a less advantageous situation? should they be left behind? I believe in personal responsibility and the government shouldn't be a babysitter but I also believe in compassion for less advantageous people.
a. as for voting for bush...if you are a super wealthy american who doesn't care about the other 99% of the american population, the environment, the international community, women's rights and the original constitution, then I would say that bush is truly the right candidate for you! (I do mean this in a sincere way. I hope it doesn't sound sarcastic.)
thanks for reading such a long post. I look forward to your reply!
ann
chris,
speaking of irresponsibility, a friend of mine just forwarded me an article re: "bush tried to install crony at florida election board." it is from www.misleader.org but i believe i saw a similar headline via the LA times.
also, i know a number of republicans are disenchanted with bush and his policies. charly reese, a columnist at the orlando sentinel, published a pro kerry op ed piece. reese is considered to be "very conservative." i can post it here if you are interested in reading it.
ann
chris,
speaking of irresponsibility, a friend of mine just forwarded me an article re: "bush tried to install crony at florida election board." it is from www.misleader.org but i believe i saw a similar headline via the LA times.
also, i know a number of republicans are disenchanted with bush and his policies. charly reese, a columnist at the orlando sentinel, published a pro kerry op ed piece. reese is considered to be "very conservative." i can post it here if you are interested in reading it.
ann