January 11, 2006

For Now, Anyway

January 11, 2006January 11, 2006 Trish

In April 2004, while discussing the Patriot Act, Bush remarked that the administration does not conduct wiretaps on Americans without court approval. When that “fibbing” was exposed, Bush complained about the “shameful” leak to the Times, adding that “the fact that we’re discussing this program is helping the enemy.” Actually, the fact that we’re discussing it means we live in a democracy.

– The Week, Jan. 11, 2006

Bush: Questioning Me Is ‘Irresponsible’

January 11, 2006 Jon Ponder

“The American people know the difference between responsible and irresponsible debate when they see it…. And they know the difference between a loyal opposition that points out what is wrong, and defeatists who refuse to see that anything is right.”

Israel to Robertson: Go to Hell, Pat

January 11, 2006 Buck Banks

Lord, please tell him to just shut up: Pat Robertson’s callous assertion that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s massive cerebral hemorrhage was retribution from God because Sharon was “dividing God’s land” probably wrecked a deal to put a Christian theme park on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Avi Hartuv, spokesman for Tourism Minister Avraham Hirschson, said Israeli officials were furious with Robertson:”We can’t accept this kind of statement,” Hartuv said.

Robertson’s comments seem to lend credence to the fears of Israeli Jews who see the proposed $50 million Christian Heritage Center as a kind of beach-head from which rabid evangelicals would mount a crusade to convert or destroy all Jews to prep Israel for the Rapture. The Bible-thumpers believe that God will only return to earth when Israel is whole and free of Jews.

The Israelis have not totally put the kibosh on the project and say they would consider working with another Jesus freak, just not Robertson.

Day: January 11, 2006

For Now, Anyway

Bush: Questioning Me Is ‘Irresponsible’

“The American people know the difference between responsible and irresponsible debate when they see it…. And they know the difference between a loyal opposition that points out what is wrong, and defeatists who refuse to see that anything is right.”

President George W. Bush

Israel to Robertson: Go to Hell, Pat

Poetic Justice

Verbatim

“The man is afraid of the voice of the people and that the people understand and know what he’s doing. He’s trying to stifle the ability of journalists to let the people of America know what’s really going on with their government.”

— “Kamala Harris called President Donald Trump’s ban of CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House ‘absolutely abhorrent,’” The Wrap reports.

“Not one of them is trained in technical skills. Not one research PhD, as opposed to China, where half the cabinet is science and technology PhDs. We’re led by grifters and fools.”

— Columbia professor Jeffrey Sachs, on X, on President Trump’s 35-person cabinet.

“Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far… The same Hispanics who helped you get to the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today.”

— Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), breaking with President Trump in a direct-to-camera video.

Numerati

1,000

10%

“The unprecedented spate of mid-decade redistricting for the U.S. House has changed the congressional districts for one-tenth of Americans and significantly altered the makeup of at least one-fifth of districts, according to a new study,” the Associated Press reports.

71%

A new Fox News Poll finds 71% of voters think the Trump administration lacks a clear strategy for ending the Iran War, including 95% of Democrats, 83% of independents, and 43% of Republicans. Sixty percent say U.S. military action against Iran was the wrong decision, while just 37% say it was right.

$9.5 billion

“The Trump administration last year spent $9.5 billion on paid administrative leave for federal workers as part of its plan to shrink the government and save taxpayers money, according to a new estimate by a congressional watchdog,” CNN reports.

470

Reuters has documented at least 470 targets of retribution under Trump’s leadership – from federal employees and prosecutors to universities and media outlets. The list illuminates the sweeping effort by the president and his administration to punish dissent and reshape the government.