Katrina vanden Heuvel Tells Bill Kristol To Join Iraq Army

Katrina vanden Heuvel call Bill Kristol out on being constantly wrong on Iraq. Vanden Heuvel tells Kristol that if he feels so strongly about sending troops to Iraq then he should join the Iraqi Army. Kristol did not take kindly to being called out on his chickenhawk ways. Imagine that.

Friday Cat Blogging

A young female kitten tries to go all ninja on a doberman. The dog is not impressed.

Soul Asylum - Sometime To Return (Demo Version)

Soul Asylum has recorded their fair share of crap. That said, Sometime To Return is still a great song. There is something about this song that makes me happy every time I hear it. The demo version is interesting for its lo fi charm.

Neil Cavuto Vs. Michele Bachmann

Is says something when even Neil Cavuto can't buy Michele Bachmann's bullshit.

Indigo Girls - Blood And Fire

Some woman must have really broken Amy Ray's heart. Ray's vocal performance gives me goose bumps.

Conservative Talk Radio Wants Cochran To Lose

Sean Hannity would rather lose a Republican Senate seat than have Thad Cochran get re-elected. Conservative talk radio continues its self-destructive tendencies.

“If I was in Mississippi I would not and could not in good conscience vote for Thad Cochran after the way this campaign was run,” he said. “And I know many of you are gonna say, ‘but Hannity, that means we put the seat at risk for a Democrat.’”

“Well what is Thad Cochran?” he asked. “He ran as a Democrat. He ran as somebody who hates the Tea Party. He ran as somebody who hates conservatives.”

Hannity went on to claim that the Cochran campaign used "despicable" tactics in courting black Democratic voters. What Hannity conveniently forgets to tell his audience is that it was an open primary. Cochran could not go to the Right of tea party darling Chris McDaniel. Cochran is not the bleeding heat liberal Hannity described in his radio segment. Cochran needed to expand his voting base. Cochran campaigned in black neighborhoods and bought ads in black newspapers. Cochran's goal was to make black people scared of Chris McDaniel. Mission Accomplished.

A side effect of the McDaniel loss is that the tea party crowd is really pissed off. These people are professional sore losers. Rush Limbaugh called black Democratic voters "Uncle Toms For Thad." Limbaugh loves to use offensive racist code words. What is funny is Limbaugh admits that Cochran has never done anything for black voters in Mississippi. News flash to Rush: black people of Mississippi are aware of that. Black voters viewed the primary as the best chance to keep Chris McDaniel out of the Senate.

In his anger, Glenn Beck told the truth about Cochran's previous lack of interest in his black constituents.

BECK: I have a question for every black Democrat in Mississippi: What the hell has this 90-year-old fart -- a white Republican, the same white Republican that for years the Democrats have been telling you are nothing but old racists -- you tell me exactly what Thad Cochran did for you.

For the curious: here are some civil rights votes by Cochran.

Voted YES on ending special funding for minority & women-owned business.

Voted NO on setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities & women.

Voted NO on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation.

Rated 0% by the ACLU, indicating an anti-civil rights voting record.

Cochran may have not even seen a black voter until the last two week. McDaniel is still scarier to black voters. McDaniel retweeted a post by a white supremacist. McDaniel gave a speech to the Sons of Confederate Veteran. The group is a Neo-Confederate and pro-secessionist movement. These crazy people want to split from the United States. This isn't a mystery why black voters turned out for Cochran.

Quote of the Day

"I continue to oppose a third party. I’m just not sure what the Republican Party really stands for any more other than telling Obama no and telling our own corporate interests yes. That’s not much of a platform."

Erick Erickson, writing about the current state of Republican policy making.

Erickson was disappointed by the loss of Chris McDaniel’s loss. Erickson believes the GOP establishment's loyalty to lobbyists with shrink the Republican voting base. This is true. What Erickson will never understand is the tea party's racism and homophobia will drive young voters away. The Republican Party isn't going to change its most self-destructive tendencies until they lose more elections.

SICU Endorses Amendment 2

The Service Employees International Union of Florida has endorsed Amendment 2. If approved the amendment would make prescribed medical marijuana legal in Florida.

“Amendment 2 is about compassion for patients suffering from debilitating conditions, and that is something our members are proud to stand behind,” said Baker. “Seriously ill patients should not have to expose themselves to prosecution for seeking to obtain the medicine they need to relieve their symptoms, and no physician should have to put their freedom or their license at risk for recommending the use of that medicine.”

Denise Glass, RN, a nurse in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami with a career spanning 23 years, also believes the decision to endorse Amendment 2 represents a major step forward for patients’ rights in Florida.

“Expanding the medical options available to patients will positively affect their lives,” said Glass. “Too many people are suffering needlessly because they don’t have legal access to a substance that can alleviate their severe symptoms and offer them a better quality of life. Voting “yes” on Amendment 2 is the right thing to do.”

A recent poll by Cherry Communications found that 58 percent of respondents supported the legalization of medical marijuana.

Public Policy Polling found 66 percent support for Amendment 2. 60 percent of the vote is needed for the amendment to become law.

Write A Caption: Justin Bieber Fan

Shakespeare couldn't find the words to properly describe this level of stupidity. A sincerely hope this person doesn't add to the collective gene pool by having children.

Marco Rubio Vs Reality

Rubio won't backtrack on his anti-science position until he feels political consequences.

LeBron James Opts Out of Contract

In LeBron's defense, he was only going to make $42.6 million if he stayed in his current contract. How is he suppose to put food on the table for his family. This is why we need to raise the minimum wage.

Shocking News: Paul Wolfowitz Misleads On Current Iraq Situation

Andrew Sullivan accused Paul Wolfowitz of lying about ISIS.

We should say al Qaeda. ISIS sounds like some obscure thing; it’s even more obscure when you say Shia and Sunni … It means nothing to Americans whereas al Qaeda means everything to Americans … My point is that these are the same people, they are affiliated with the same people, who attacked the United States on 9/11 and still have an intention of attacking the United States and attacking Europe …

The problem with Wolfowitz's remarks is the al-Qaeda’s General Command released a statement disavowing ties with the ISIS.

ISIS “is not a branch of the al-Qaeda group . . . does not have an organizational relationship with it and [al-Qaeda] is not the group responsible for their actions,” al-Qaeda’s General Command said in a statement, marking the first time the leadership has formally repudiated an affiliate.

The bombing attacks by ISIS angered the Syrian civilian population. The ISIS has tortured women, killed journalist and killed government employees. The ISIS is so brutal that both the United States and Iran view the organization as a security threat. ISIS was generating bad PR al-Qaeda on the Arab Street. The deal-breaking was ISIS defying al-Qaeda orders.

The notion of the U.S. seeking help from Iran came from Secretary of State Kerry, who said he “would not rule out anything” to end the “existential threat” ISIS poses to Iraq. “We’re open to discussions if there is something constructive that can be contributed by Iran, if Iran is prepared to do something that is going to respect the integrity and sovereignty of Iraq,” Kerry told Yahoo News.

ISIS is extremely dangerous. What ISIS isn't is part of al-Qaeda. The goal of ISIS is to take control of Syria and Iraq by force. ISIS is currently more a regional threat. Wolfowitz's statement has no basis in fact.

Who Is Writing Not Getting Squeezed

This looks like a blog that has started in reaction to Florida Squeeze. Not Getting Squeezed has a very positive outlook towards the Florida Democratic Party.

we are a blog that supports democrats and stops the lies coming from other blogs that are claiming to be democrats we will support our party leadership on country state and national levels we will work hard to ensure the democratic message gets out we will be positive and praise the party never criticize like others we will expose bad democrats who are bloggers activists candidates and legislators soon we will launch.

This blog lays the bullshit on thick by describing Charlie Crist as a progressive. Really?

As a top Obama. We have Charlie Crist a real progressive. He was forced out of the republican party of florida for standing on principle. Our State House and State Senate campaigns are strong. We had a problem in the House. That was solved last year. We made a change. The change was putting the outstanding Mark Pafford as the leader.

This is a shot taken by the anonymous blogger against Florida Squeeze and Saint Petersblog.

If you look around the other blogs including the Florida Squeeze and the Saint Petersblog, you would think the democrats were losing everything. Obama won Florida in 12 and 08 and Sink would have won in 10 but national trends got in the way. Rick Scott is a tea partier. Now that people in Florida know that this he will be beat by Charlie Crist.

Peter Schorsch is a registered Republican. I think it is rather silly to expect Schorsch to show love to the Florida Democratic Party. Florida Squeeze has been critical of the state Democratic establishment. In the end it doesn't matter. No Florida political blogger has the same audience as Talking Points Memo or The Huffington Post.

This is a lot of inside baseball stuff. The political establishment doesn't love bloggers and bloggers don't love the political establishment. I have heard stories about activists making bogus Twitter accounts to troll other activists they disagree with. Don't these people have lives? It doesn't seem like a productive use of one's time.

Ed Klein Gets Debunked by Al Franken & Joe Conason

Ed Klein is pushing his new book "Blood Feud: The Clintons vs. the Obamas." People on the left and the right pointed out the factual inaccuracies in Klein's 2005 book "The Truth About Hillary." Conservative columnist John Podhoretz wrote a brutal review.

ON page 202 of his new tome – just out yesterday – Ed Klein writes, “Greed seemed to be the only explanation for the outlandish book deal.” Klein is referring to the $8 million advance Hillary Clinton received for her autobiography.

These are curious words to be publishing in 2005, when Klein and the world know that her book “Living History” was a phenomenal success and has earned its author more than the $8 million in royalty payments advanced to her.

Curious and revealing. Because if any book in recent memory reads as though it has been written out of greed – a greedy hunger to separate millions of conservative book buyers from their hard-earned 25 bucks – it is Ed Klein’s “The Truth About Hillary.”

This is one of the most sordid volumes I’ve ever waded through. Thirty pages into it, I wanted to take a shower. Sixty pages into it, I wanted to be decontaminated. And 200 pages into it, I wanted someone to drive stakes through my eyes so I wouldn’t have to suffer through another word.

Ouch.

Below is an interview with Klein on The Al Franken Show from 2005. Franken and Joe Conason pressed Klein about his sources and his misrepresentation of quotes. Klein wasn't able to back up the claims he made in his book. The Klein interview is a demonstration of why fact-challenged conservative only go on Fox News and conservative talk radio.

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Bobby Jindal Urges War Against the Federal Government

Gov. Bobby Jindal is a highly irresponsible elected official. Jindal spoke openly about violence against the federal government.

"I can sense right now a rebellion brewing amongst these United States," Jindal said, "where people are ready for a hostile takeover of Washington, D.C., to preserve the American Dream for our children and grandchildren."

Jindal went on about how the Left isn't tolerant to Christian conservatives.

"I am tired of the left. They say they're for tolerance, they say they respect diversity. The reality is this: They respect everybody unless you happen to disagree with them," he said. "The left is trying to silence us and I'm tired of it, I won't take it anymore."

You know what is not tolerant? Jindal openly urging violence against the federal government. We live in a democracy. Jindal is saying that if Christian Right doesn't get what they want then they will wage war against the government. This is shockingly offensive rhetoric from someone contemplating running for President. Would Bobby Jindal approve of citizens taking up arms against Bobby Jindal's government? I think he would likely be hiding underneath his desk.

Jindal is the negotiator urging the kidnapper to shoot the hostage. Statements like this should disqualify Jindal from serving in public office. There is a word for people whoadvocate war against the United States government. Terrorist.

Friday Cat Blogging

The Philadelphia Zoo has introduced black-footed kittens Drogon, Rhaegal and Viserion to their exhibit. You can see them exploring their new habitat for the first time. Cuteness ensues.

Write A Caption: Joe Biden Edition

Guys, who wants to race me to the showers?

News Station Turns Down Rick Scott Interview

A sure sign a candidate is in trouble is when he or she is scared of the media. Scott Maxwell reports that Rick Scott is placing demands on how the media conducts interviews. These are the kind of demands that Hollywood stars place on the entertainment media. Short answer: Scott will only do fluff piece interviews.

Thanks, but no thanks. Gov. Rick Scott is well known for dodging tough questions. So he has apparently adopted a new media strategy: demand that journalists not ask them. News 13 anchor Ybeth Bruzual recently told viewers that her station had refused to do an interview with Scott after the governor's campaign demanded to choose the interviewer — and the interview topic. Specifically, Bruzual said the governor was only willing to talk about his "Hispanic outreach" efforts. Everything else — from Scott's record-setting budget to scandal among his appointees at the expressway authority — was off-limits. Hmm. I can see why News 13 declined. The kind of airtime Scott wanted isn't called an interview. It's called an ad.

The Florida Democratic establishment can drag Scott polls numbers down if they mount a good attack. Scott isn't suddenly become Bill Clinton and turn his poll numbers around.

Grady Judd Misinforms Floridians on Amendment 2

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has made a career of going after the porn industry. Judd has spent his career using his office to be a conservative culture warrior. It is no surprise that that Judd told WFSU that he is against Amendment 2.

“Amendment Two is about legalization of marijuana,” Judd says. “This is not about the medical use of marijuana, it’s about legalization of marijuana. And this amendment is in fact is a wolf in sheeps’ clothing.”

Wrong. There is nothing in the language of Amendment that would make the sale of recreational marijuana legal. The ballot language of Amendment 2.

Allows the medical use of marijuana for individuals with debilitating diseases as determined by a licensed Florida physician. Allows caregivers to assist patients’ medical use of marijuana. The Department of Health shall register and regulate centers that produce and distribute marijuana for medical purposes and shall issue identification cards to patients and caregivers. Applies only to Florida law. Does not authorize violations of federal law or any non-medical use, possession or production of marijuana.

Attorney John Morgan has been the major backer of Amendment 2. At a debate, Morgan pointed out the lack of logic in the fear mongering of medical marijuana.

“The word slippery slope is a scare tactic," Morgan said. "If we were about slippery slopes and kids getting their hands on them, we’d have to outlaw booze, guns and cars."

You can bet Judd isn't about to advocate for guns to be illegal.

I have no doubt that there are people who back Amendment that whom would love to see recreational marijuana legal in Florida. However, that is not the purpose of Amendment 2. Oxycontin is highly addictive and has had overdose deaths. A report from the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition found more people have died from prescribed opioids than from heroin or cocaine.

The McGill team reviewed existing research, and found that the spike in opioid-related deaths cannot be attributed to one single cause. In fact, there are at least 17 different contributing factors, they say, in particular the increase in prescriptions and sales of opioids, the increased use of strong, long-lasting drugs such as OxyContin and methadone, and the mixing of opioids with other drugs or alcohol.

The team found “little evidence” that online drug sales, or errors by patients or doctors, are significant contributors to the spike in opioid deaths.

Researchers must develop strategies to bring down overdose death rates, not just in North America, the study notes, but for future use as prescription medications become more prevalent in developing countries.

The amount of overdoses from medical marijuana is zero.

Worst Idea Ever: Osama bin Laden Action Figure

The Washington Post reports that the CIA had the horrible and pointless idea of making an Osama bin Laden action figure. The CIA recruited Donald Levine, the late CEO of Hasbro to make the doll.

“It appealed to [Levine] because it had nothing to do with actually hurting someone,” said a person familiar with his decision to get involved. “It was the softer side of the CIA.”

The agency approved the production of the gift items, which were put in backpacks for distribution — blue for boys and pink for girls.

There is nothing a kid wants more than a Satanic looking Osama bin Laden doll.

The stupidity of giving this action figure to children amazes me. Although, it is not certain if any children ever received the action figure. According to CIA spokesman Ryan Trapani, only three dolls were made. One is still housed at the CIA.

Raver Loses Finger and Parties On

A 16 year-old named Josh lost his pinky finger at a rave. Josh went to a rave in the London Borough of Croydon. Josh made the bad choice of trying to rip off a building fire alarm.

Well, at about 1AM we were up in the house room, but I don’t really like house so I was waiting for the drum 'n' bass to kick in. As soon as I heard it, me and my mate went down there. Five minutes in, the fire alarm starting going off and everyone was like, "Rip it off! Rip it off!" So I thought I’d give it a go. I was completely sober at the time. I jumped up, grabbed it and my little finger got caught in the case because it was all broken, and as I came to rip it back down, my little finger got ripped off completely.

A missing pinky doesn't stop Josh. Not when the bass is hard and the girls are hot.

Well, what can you do? There are fit girls around you, the bass is hard, the music is popping. I didn’t want to be the sore thumb sticking out – or the sore pinkie – so I was like, "Fuck it, let's skank on and enjoy it."

Josh didn't have time to go to the hospital. He did have time to post a picture of his injured hand on Instagram. You can't go to the hospital when you got to skank.

Quote of the Day

"You’re either really dumb or you’re secretly worried that dicks are delicious."

Joe Rogan, gay activist, on the two reasons why people oppose gay marriage.

I have been looking on foodie blogs but haven't found any good recipes for dick.

Quote of the Day: Bernie Sanders Edition

Jon Stewart Vs the Neoconservatives

The Daily Show
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Jon Stewart plays clips of how wrong the neoconservatives were about the Iraq war. Stewart saves his best jokes for John McCain. However, Stewart's Lindsey Graham's impression is the best moment in the video.

Terry Bradshaw: National Security Expert

Fox News brought out their leading national security expect to discuss Benghazi. Yes, I'm talking about NFL Hall of Fame member Terry Bradshaw.

Bradshaw said this when asked if he trusts Hillary Clinton's version of the events after the Benghazi attack.

“Not really,” he grimaced. “Don’t particularly like her, never have. The best thing to do here because she’s selling a book — the only reason she’s on Fox is because she’s promoting books.”

“I always say this, if you tell the truth, you don’t have to worry about covering up some other story,” he continued. “The truth sets you free. Just tell the truth. And now you can hang it — you’ll never forget it, and it becomes your foundation.”

Political views aside, I have always liked Bradshaw. That doesn't mean Fox News should Bradshaw on to talk about Benghazi. Fox News could bring conservative political science professor Dan Drezner on the show. The problem is Drezner is too reasonable for Fox News. Fox News does not do reasonable.

Harry Reid Vs the Neoconservatives

Harry Reid takes to the Senate floor to point out how neoconservatives have been wrong on Iraq.

Money quote:

Reid: Being on the wrong side of Dick Cheney is being on the right side of history.

Amen.

Another Day, Another Senseless Gun Shooting

Panama City - Justin Ayers and his wife was bringing his newborn son home from the hospital. Unfortunately, the young newborn child will never know his father. Ayers was shot by a stray bullet fired from his Charles Edward Shisler's house.

The bullet came from the house next door, where 62-year-old Charles Edward Shisler picked up a .9 mm pistol by the trigger, causing it to discharge. When sheriff’s deputies arrived, they found Shisler standing on his porch, although he initially was “belligerent” and uncooperative.

“The damn gun doesn’t usually shoot,” said Shisler, according to his arrest report. “You have to squeeze the hell out of the trigger to shoot it.”

This the mug shot of the liberty loving Shisler.

Police found that Shisler's blood alcohol level was .079. Shisler's behavior with law enforcement officers gives good reason to believe he was intoxicated.

Another side note: Shisler quote reveals an extremely stupid man. Shisler had no business ever owning a gun. You do not pick up a gun by the trigger. Obviously, if Shisler knew anything about guns he would have heard of the term hair trigger.

A trigger that allows the firing mechanism of a firearm to be operated by very slight pressure.

A child will never have a conversation or hug his father because of Charles Shisler.

What If Fox News Covered the Marvel Universe

Oliver Willis created an amusing website page on how the less than fair and balanced coverage of Fox News would apply to the Marvel Universe.

Dick Cheney's Iraq Greatest Hits

Will the media please stop asking Duck Cheney about his views on the current crisis in Iraq. Cheney has zero credibility on foreign policy.

Quote of the Day

"God has told me. I’m chosen to cut taxes and stop killing babies."

Scott Walker

Walker's friend Glen Barry told The New Republic that Walker felt as though God sent him on a conservative path.

Radiohead - Let Down

Radiohead doing a live version of one of their greatest songs.

Amanda Carpenter's Hysterical Tweet

We're likely keeping Benghazi terrorist on a ship instead of GTMO, a secure facility that's made for this http://t.co/WRzD2CaXYR

— Amanda Carpenter (@amandacarpenter) June 17, 2014

Via Talking Points Memo: Ted Cruz speechwriter, Amanda Carpenter, somehow believes that Ahmed Abu Khatallah is going to overtake an entire Navy crew unarmed and swim to shore. Carpenter has been watching Under Siege one too many times.

Why Equality Florida Endorsed Charlie Crist

Florida Squeeze columnist Kartik Krishnaiyer is disappointed by Equality Florida endorsing Charlie Crist over Nan Rich.

Let me make it clear that I believe firmly that the rush to back Crist among many on the left will undermine their credibility when it comes to advocacy on policy in the next legislative session and quite possibly in the 2016 election and beyond. Sure Crist is likely going to win the primary with ease, but credibility long term for some of these activists should trump short term gain.

There is a double standard there. Equality Florida doesn't want to be on the outside if Crist does become governor. Crist is also going out of his way to make Equality Florida happy.

Crist developed a relationship with Equality Florida when he ran for the U.S. Senate as an independent in 2010. Crist worked with Equality Florida to develop a policy paper on LGBT rights. Part of Nan Rich's problem is Crist continues to outflank her. Rich is more progressive. Crist is better at developing relations with political groups.

Governor Charlie Crist LGBT Position Paper by Equality Florida

Paul Krugman Once Heart Tim Geithner

Paul Krugman wrote this email to Greg Levine in December of 2008. Krugman's view of Geithner has grown harsher. Krugman savaged Geithner's book "Stress Test" in a colulm titled Springtime For Bankers. The title is a play on the song Springtime For Hitler from The Producers.

Krugman's review of Stress Test.

One reason for sluggish recovery is that U.S. policy “pivoted,” far too early, from a focus on jobs to a focus on budget deficits. Mr. Geithner denies that he bears any responsibility for this pivot, declaring “I was not an austerian.” In his version, the administration got all it could in the face of Republican opposition. That doesn’t match independent reporting, which portrays Mr. Geithner ridiculing fiscal stimulus as “sugar” that would yield no long-term benefit.

It is fascinating how Krugman has soured on Geithner. Krugman was correct that President Barack Obama was never an economic progressive.

Paul Krugman praises Tim Geithner for not cashing out. In December 2008. cc: @Matthewstoller pic.twitter.com/vMro3UyeKp

— Zaid Jilani (@ZaidJilani) June 17, 2014

Robert De Niro Talks About His Gay Artist Father

This is very sad. Robert De Niro's father, was a painter. He separated from De Niro's mother when he was 2 years-old. Rober De Niro Sr. could not find happiness in his lifetime because of the stigma against homosexuality during his lifetime. The younger De Niro reads from his father's journal. The journal entries show the elder De Niro to be very lonely and feeling as though he will never find love. From a journal entry by De Niro Sr.

Being a painter is an affection like being a homosexual. One had to have the strength to continue working without the thought of recognition even before or after death, just as one had to have the strength to accept life alone without the thought of a romantic attachment.

The documentary Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro, Sr. will air on HBO. De Niro explained to Out why he made this documentary about his father.

Q: I think people may be curious because, in a way, you are coming out for your father. He may not have been hiding his lifestyle or who he was, but it’s not something that is common knowledge. I felt I had to. I felt obligated. It was my responsibility to make a documentary about him. I was always planning on doing it, but never did. Then Jane Rosenthal, my partner at Tribeca [Enterprises], said, “We should start doing that now.” It was not intended to be on HBO. It was just something I wanted to do.

De Niro: I had footage from a guy who used to follow my father around in the ’70s. We started with that. I bought it from him and gave the footage to Thelma Schoonmaker, who was Marty Scorsese’s editor. I asked her what she could do with it, and she assembled it and put it together — it was falling apart. Then we started the documentary [with director Perri Peltz], really working, using pieces that would make sense. My original idea was to do it for the kids, about my father — whatever it would be. I didn’t know how long it would be. The thing with HBO is, I felt they would be objective about certain things. I said, “Let’s see what we come up with.”

Conservatives say they do not discriminate against gays. If you tell gay people that God does not approve of them or that they do not have the right to marry than how do you expect gay people to feel. De Niro Sr. lived through a time when anti-gay public service announcements were made.

Update: Katie Couric interviews De Niro about his father.

Jim Greer's Book 'The Chairman'

I haven't read Peter Golenbock's book "The Chairman: The Rise and Betrayal of Jim Greer.". I did have this exchange with Golenbock on Susan Smith's Facebook wall.

Golenbock: He's not a crook. If you read the book, you will see that the real crooks conspired with the state attorney general to force Greer to accept a guilty plea. Michael, read for entertainment value. It's a fascinating inside look at politics, and when you get to the end you will understand exactly why Greer accepted a plea deal rather than gamble and end up spending ten years in jail, rather than a year and a half. Susan, I'm the author. I'm the one getting paid.

I have written about Jim Greer paying himself with Republican Party of Florida money. Greer was convicted and is serving 15 months. As chairman, Greer funneled RPOF money to himself through Victory Strategies. Greer was later convicted and sentenced to 18 months.

This is a particularly hysterical passage from the book. Greer had a very bad idea of how to promote Crist.

“One night we took over a museum and showed the movie National Treasure with Nicolas Cage and Jon Voight. We served hors d’oeuvres and wine and brought in Voight, a big Republican who was a star in the movie. He made a speech and posed for photographs. The reason I chose that movie was I wanted to promote Charlie Crist as a ‘national treasure.’

Words fail me.

Rick Scott Signs Charlotte’s Web Bill

Gov. Rick Scott really wants to get re-elected. Scott had previously been against medical marijuana. Polls have shown Floridians overwhelmingly supporting medical marijuana. Smart GOP consultants like Rick Wilson saw how the Right was losing this fight. Wilson made these remarks to the Orlando Sentinel.

“Society is changing. Republicans can let some steam out of this and take the issue away from Charlie Crist and John Morgan by proving they have a heart and are responsive to people,” GOP consultant Rick Wilson said.

“This is a no-brainer for people with a political head and compassionate heart.”

Wilson said the wing of the party still resistant to marijuana-legalization issues – evangelicals and “tough on crime” conservatives who have been anti-drug for 25 years – have largely won the fight over abortion (with public opinion shifting in their favor), lost the fight over gay marriage, and are making drug legalization “the hill they die on.”

“I do not think that’s an effective position to be in,” he said.

Wilson sent me this message on Twitter.

Q: Need an on-the-record quote on why you think GOP should drop opposition to medical marijuana. DM me.

Wilson: Because society has moved past reefer madness, witnessed the failure of the war on drugs, and the pro-freedom position is to move on.

Scott is usually politically tone deaf. However, someone must have pointed out to him that attorney John Morgan will use Amendment 2 to help bring out the vote for Charlie Crist. Morgan is a longtime Crist supporter and the main financial backer of United For Care. UFC is the main group responsible for placing Amendment 2 on the November ballot.

Ballot language for Amendment 2.

The official ballot text reads as follows:

"Allows the medical use of marijuana for individuals with debilitating diseases as determined by a licensed Florida physician. Allows caregivers to assist patients’ medical use of marijuana. The Department of Health shall register and regulate centers that produce and distribute marijuana for medical purposes and shall issue identification cards to patients and caregivers. Applies only to Florida law. Does not authorize violations of federal law or any non-medical use, possession or production of marijuana."

In order to take some momentum away from Amendment 2, Scott signed 1030. Low levels of THC medical marijuana will be allowed for patients. The patients must have medical needs that qualify for the compassionate use registry. A related bill Scott signed, SB 1700, would keep the names of the patients on the compassionate use registry confidential. The exceptions would be law enforcement investigations, department regulating and doctors filling out a prescription.

Scott statement on signing SB 1030.

“The approval of Charlotte’s Web will ensure that children in Florida who suffer from seizures and other debilitating illnesses will have the medication needed to improve their quality of life,” Scott said in a news release.

It's all about the kids for Rick Scott. It has nothing to do with the possibility that Amendment 2 might help get out the vote for Crist. Except that back in January, Scott said he would not support a state constitutional amendment to make medical marijuana legal.

"I have a great deal of empathy for people battling difficult diseases and I understand arguments in favor of this initiative," he said in a statement provided to CNN by a spokesman. "But, having seen the terrible affects (sic) of alcohol and drug abuse first-hand, I cannot endorse sending Florida down this path and I would personally vote against it."

It is not the children for Rick Scott. It is about Amendment 2.

Quote of the Day

"Felt like I had ejaculated. The cocaine was a powerful stimulant that went straight to my penis. I could see what this young woman was talking about."

Marion Barry

The Mayor is sharing way too much information with the public.

Friday Cat Blogging

A Bengal cat goes for a hike in a national park.

Write A Caption: Pat Boone

Ladies, you are welcome for me posting this Pat Boone eye candy photo.

In other Pat Boone news: the singer writes about his bad dreams on World Net Daily. Hilarity ensues.

I dreamed that a spell was cast over the whole United States, affecting almost all of its people, especially those of voting age.

A secretive cabal of Communist manipulators, trained in the malevolent disciplines and Machiavellian methods of Saul Alinsky, had taken an interest in a young black/white college student, originally schooled in Indonesia, who’d sought out Marxist professors (as he revealed later in his own autobiographical book) at Occidental College.

In this young Marxist they felt they had a potential candidate for high elective office, first at the state and then possibly on the national level. He had a good mind, was glib and articulate and, according to a fellow Marxist at Occidental, was surprisingly angry. He was ready to foment a total overthrow of what he called “the colonial oppressor of Third World countries”!

This cabal had lots of money, so they got the young man admitted to Columbia and then Harvard, where he somehow was maneuvered briefly into the president’s chair at the Harvard Law Review. He never wrote anything of record (except calling the Constitution “a flawed document”) or distinguished himself in any way, but it looked good on a future resume.

Boone goes on in his nightmarish rant about how President Barack Obama doesn't have a legitimate birth certificate. I'm sure Boone did hours of research on the internet by reading other World Net Daily articles on how President Obama is not an American ccitizens.

Rick Kriseman Comes Out In Support of Gay Marriage

Equality Florida made this statement on Facebook.

We applaud St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman for signing the Mayors for the Freedom to Marry initiative today! "By signing this pledge, we’re taking one more step towards creating a city of opportunity where the sun shines on all who come to live, work and play.” Click "like" to thank Mayor Kriseman for supporting marriage for all Floridians!

Fake Eric Cantor LinkedIn Profile

If this was real, it would be the most accurate LinedIn profile ever posted.

Father John Misty - Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings (Acoustic)

Pitchfork brings you Father John Misty doing an outstanding unplugged version of Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings. Pitchfork has the MP3 of Father John Misty's rendition of the Cat Stevens song Trouble.

Eric Cantor Didn't Campaign Enough In His Home District

Rep. Tom Rooney, (R-Okeechobee), pointed out that Eric Cantor didn't pay enough attention to his district.

“People are trying to hypothesize that it’s because of immigration or this, that or the other but I think when you boil every race down to the local level, that’s where the answer lies,” Rooney said this afternoon.

“At the very local level, if somebody’s there saying you’re out of touch and you’re not there to respond to it, it’s going to hurt you,” Rooney said. “If you are not there to respond to allegations or charges, people are going to assume that they’re true.”

Ezra Klein reports that Cantor wasn't even in his district on election day. Democratic strategist Dave “Mudcat” Saunders told Time Cantor was AWOL in his district.

“Was immigration an issue? Yes. Was it the deciding factor to the tune of 11%? Not no, hell no. It’s a fairy tale,” Virginia Democratic strategist Dave “Mudcat” Saunders said. “People talk. And they talk about Eric Cantor. ‘Where is he?’ His constituent services suck. He was never in the district. And when he was in the district and he went out, he had a [security] entourage with him. He was out gallivanting all over the country being a big deal and this is a lesson.”

The big lesson is Cantor simply did not campaign in his district. Cantor deserved his primary defeat.

Update: a poll by Public Policy Polling, released on the day of the primary, found aCantor with 30 percent approval rating with voters in his district. Immigration wasn't as major an issue as nationalo pundits made it out to be. 40 percent of respondants said they strongly support the Senate immigration reform bill. Only 9 percent opposed.

The fact is Cantor wasn't liked by his constituents. His lack of campaign in the district only made matters worse.

Quote of the Day

"It says something about America in 214 that my last status update, in which I supported a child's right not to be shot at school, attracted a significant number of opposing comments."

Andy Borowitz, on Facebook.

This Is Not The Onion

BRING OUR MARINE BACK FROM BENGHAZI! #marine #Benghazi #bringbackourmarine #tcot #ccot #nra #FoxNews #2A

— Second AmendSoldier (@2ndAmendSolder) June 10, 2014

I think this tea partier is confusing Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl with the Benghazi consulate that was attacked. I'm just guessing. I cannot find anything on Google about a Marine prisoner of war who was stationed at Benghazi.

Quote of the Day

"Hate to say this, and it's kinda obvious, but I predict this isn't going to be the last right wing anti-government terrorist attack."

Charles Johnson, on Twitter.

Jerad and Amanda Miller were white supremacists and conspiracy theorists.

Jerad was a fan of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and anti-government rancher Cliven Bundy.

The Millers killed two Las Vegas police officers and a civilian.

Ben Shapiro: Political Hack of the Day

Via Joe. My. God. Ben Shapiro has come out with a book making the case to arrest President Barack Obama. Shapiro has a rather dubious journalistic history. Shapiro wrote an article on Breitbart.com claiming a terrorist group called "Friends of Hamas" gave campaign contributions to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

On Thursday, Senate sources told Breitbart News exclusively that they have been informed that one of the reasons that President Barack Obama’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel, has not turned over requested documents on his sources of foreign funding is that one of the names listed is a group purportedly called “Friends of Hamas.”

The problem with Shapiro's story is "Friends of Hamas" does not exist. David Weigel looked into "Friends of Hamas" and could find no proof of its existence.

Here's the problem: There's no proof that "Friends of Hamas" actually exists. At best, it's an organization so secret that nobody in government has thought to mention its existence. At worst, it's as fake as Manti Te'o's girlfriend. The Treasury Department, which designates sponsors of terror, has done so to many charities tied to Hamas. "Friends of Hamas" is not among them. The State Department doesn't designate it, either. And a bit less holistically, a Lexis search for the group reveals absolutely nothing.

Weigel contacted Shapiro. Pressed on his sources, Shapiro ducked the question.

But the "Friends" accusation goes further than that. It supposes that a pro-terror group exists, and further supposes that the non-existent group would back Hagel somehow. This morning I wrote Shapiro to clear up the accusation. "Have you found any more proof that this group exists?" I asked. "Is it just shorthand for some people who might support Hagel, or a real group?"

"The original story is the entirety of the information I have," he said.

Shapiro went on Thom Hartmann's show to accuse Sesame Street of spieling anti-liberal propaganda. Hilarity ensues.

David Rivera in More Trouble

Judge W. David Watkins ruled that former Florida House Rep. David Rivera improperly billed the state of Florida for travel expenses.

"Respondent (Rivera) personally authorized the travel expenses which were charged to his credit cards,'' Watkins wrote. "He also personally signed and submitted the travel reimbursement requests to the state of Florida. Finally, Respondent also personally signed the campaign account checks used to pay off his credit card balances. Respondent individually, and without the participation of anyone else, personally orchestrated this sequence of events. Thus, Respondent knowingly and intentionally received travel reimbursements from the state of Florida to which he was not entitled."

Translation: Rivera used state money to pay off his personal credit card bills. Rivera paid off travel expenses with his campaign account. Rivera then billed the state of Florida for the same travel and used that money for his personal use.

The FBI is currently investigating Rivera for unreported campaign contributions to Justin Lamar Sternad. Rivera used Ana Alliegro to hand deliver money to Sternad. This is known because Sternad has testified to a grand jury. Sternad was quoted in an FEC filing.

“The contribution was given to me, in cash, by a third party from Ana Alliegro. I later discovered that Ana Alliegro was working with David Rivera,” Sternad wrote in an amended report that the FEC posted Jan. 30.

Ana Alliegro fled to for Nicaragua. Alliegro is currently in a United States jail and has lost her passport. She has pleaded not guilty to making a false statement, conspiring and making illegal campaign contributions. Bond has been refused.

Judge Watkins has sent his ruling to the Florida's ethics commission for review. The ethics commission will likely not favor Rivera.

Quote of the Day: Bruce Bartlett Edition

I am Facebook friends and a Twitter follower of economist Bruce Bartlett. I am not a bit surprised by Bartlett's contempt for the tea party. Bartlett is viewed as a conservative. However, Bartlett has been blasting the GOP establishment and the tea party for years.

Bartlett is a wonk who cares about policy. The current conservative movement denies basic scientific facts and proposes economic policies that neither stimulate job creation or create a fiscal surplus. Bartlett is even defending Paul Krugman from conservatives.

Bartleet's quote came from an appearance on MSNBC.

Quote of the Day: Rand Paul Edition

"Mr. President, let's set up a new trade. Instead of 5 Taliban, let's trade 5 Democrats!"

Sen. Rand Paul, speaking at the Republican Party of Texas Convention.

I am not offended by this joke. Judging by the tone Paul was actually feeding red meat to the conservative masses. My question is if Paul became President would he actually round John Kerry, Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi, in order to appease his supporters. Could Paul actually look into the eyes of the families of these Democrats and say, "I'm sorry but I have to give these Democrats to the Taliban. This is what the tea party wants me to do." If Paul becomes President his tea party supporters will expect him to trade prominent Democrats to the Taliban and abolish the Civil Rights Act. Paul can't keep making these promises without delivering.

Paul is either a political poser or more radical than Joseph McCarthy. Take your pick.

Friday Cat Blogging

Just say no to catnip.

Quote of the Day

"If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing."

Malcolm X

WTF?!? Mitch McConnell Once Supported Campaign Finance Reform

Rep. Ted Deutch posted this image on his Facebook page. Deutch (or one of his staffers) wrote this.

Its #TBT. In honor of the hearings on amending the Constitution that took place this week, let's throwback to 1987, when Senator Mitch McConnell introduced his own amendment to #getmoneyout of our elections.

I wonder what the Mitch McConnell of 1987 would think about the Mitch McConnel of 2014.

Lana Del Rey - Ultraviolence

I love this new single by Lana Del Rey. The lyrics not so much. The song is generating controversy for lyrics that some feels condone domestic violence.

I can hear sirens, sirens

He hit me and it felt like a kiss

I can hear violins, violins

Give me all of that ultraviolence

The song references the Crystals’ controversial 1962 song He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss). The Crystals song was also accused of condoning domestic violence. Del Rey is generating controversy on purpose. She markets in disturbing imagery in her lyrics and video. It is what makes her music simultaneously fascinating and frustrating.

Litbrit Discusses Edward Snowden on the BBC

Deborah Newell Tornello (aka Litbrit) recently spoke on the BBC show World Have Your Say about Edward Snowden. The subject was is Snowden an American hero. Litbrit staunchly believes Snowden is a hero.

Joel Award: John McCain

It is time to give out the Joel Award. The award goes any celebrity, pundit, blogger or politician that purposely contradicts himself or herself.

Sen. John McCain is a classic flip-flopper. Steve Benen made a list on McCain waffling on the issues. The latest flip flop is McCain's change of heart on the exchange of prisoners with the Taliban. February 18, McCain told Anderson Cooper that he would support the exchange of American soldiers in exchange for Taliban fighters, depending on the details. McCain even stressed he may even support the release of "hard-core" Taliban fighters.

Well, at that time the proposal was that they would release -- Taliban, some of them really hard-core, particularly five really hard-core Taliban leaders, as a confidence- building measure. Now this idea is for an exchange of prisoners for our American fighting man. I would be inclined to support such a thing depending on a lot of the details.

McCain changed his tune after the Pentagon negotiated the release of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. Conservatives started bashing President Barack Obama for the prisoner exchange. McCain immediately ran for cover. McCain said this on CNN on June 3.

MCCAIN: Well, we were never told there would be an exchange here of Sergeant Bergdahl for five Taliban. We told they were considering, and we steadfastly, both Republican and Democrats, rejected the notion that they were going to release some of these Taliban in exchange for, "confidence building measures" so that negotiations could continue. What we were briefed on was an entirely different scenario from the one that took place. Look, I'm not one who believes that Congress should bind the hands of the president particularly as commander-in-chief. That's not my problem. My problem is, what we did in exchange, which could put the lives of American servicemen and women in grave danger in the future, unless you believe that this conflict is over and that the Taliban and Al Qaeda have stop wanting to destroy America and repeat of 9/11, then, fine. But they've not, and they're not, and they are growing, despite what the administration says.

Back in February McCain was "inclined to support" the release of "hard-core" Taliban fighters. That was before Fox News went on a rampage over the prisoner swap for Sgt. Bergdahl. You can see the Fox News attacks here and here. Shepard Smith was one voice of reason.

When Fox News roars John McCain trembles.

Rick Scott Cancels the Jim Batmasian Fundraiser

Jim Batmasian was a Boca Raton real estate real estate developer. In 2008, Batmasian pleaded guilty to failing to pay $253,513 in federal payroll taxes. Batmasian did eight months at a South Carolina federal prison. One would think politician would want to steer clear of someone with Batmasian's criminal history. One would be wrong.

In 2012, Batsmasian attended a fundraiser for Mitt Romney's presidential campaign. David Corn reported that this was the same fundraiser where Romney made his infamous "47 percent" remarks. Corn broke the story on the "47 percent" comments that haunted Romney throughout the rest of the presidential campaign. Romney having a convicted tax evader like Batmasian at the fundraiser did not help matters.

Apparent Gov. Rick Scott did not learn from Romney's mistake. Scott allowed Batmasian to host a fundraiser on his behave. Below is the invitation.

Scott cancelled the fundraiser after repeated attacks from the Florida Democratic Party.

“Two famous Florida fraudsters will link arms to collect campaign cash,” said Democratic Party spokesman Joshua Karp, adding that Batmasian, “unlike Rick Scott, couldn’t dodge a felony and served time federal prison.”

I continue to be amazed by how politically tone deaf Scott is. Did he really think no one was going to notice Batmasian hosting a fundraiser for him? Scott is incredibly out of touch with how other people think.