* So we’re leaving Iraq now for good. I’m not sure if we won or if we just got tired of it (maybe that’s the same thing). I guess that’s good. Or bad. Or something. I have no idea anymore.
The thing is, though, there will still be thousands of armed Americans in Iraq — it’s just that they’ll be “contractors”. I guess that’s the new way to fudge things, because they’ll run around shooting people and getting shot but no one ever counts them as American troops. I wonder if we’ll see more contractor deployments in the future as a way to pretend we don’t have a military presence in places.
“Yes, we have no military presence in that country — just 10,000 contractors.”
“Doing what?”
“Well… contract stuff. You know, renovating kitchens, building indoor swimming pools, murdering dictators…”
* Obama’s approval rating has a hit a new low in Gallup. The only president who had a lower 11th quarter average in approval than Obama was Carter, so he’s still the low watermark. All Obama has to do now is aim to be better than Carter and hopefully lose the presidency in a somewhat competitive election instead of a huge landslide.
* Bobby Jindal won reelection to Governor of Louisiana in a landslide Saturday, getting 66% of the vote against nine other opponents. The DNC didn’t even bother supporting anyone against him. Jindal just needs to be careful to keep hiding the fact that he’s a minority, as people are very racist in the South… especially Republicans.
* Joe Biden said he hasn’t ruled out a 2016 run for president, which makes him the only one left in America who hasn’t ruled that out.
Then again, if we don’t support him for president, he may rape and murder us.
* In hippie news, Occupy Wall Street protesters in England (kind of far from Wall Street) have shut down St. Paul’s Cathedral. It’s the first time since the Blitz the cathedral was shut down. So, SMELLY HIPPIES ARE AS BAD AS BEING BOMBED BY NAZIS!!!
Also, since Occupy Wall Street protesters are just like us, they spend most of their time talking and debating about drums. Are they really so clueless that they think “drumming circle” means anything to anyone else other than “dumb hippies”?
* Fareed Zakaria, that really weird guy with that freaky Cheshire Cat grin, says there should be a 50% inheritance tax, because, I guess, the government really owns everything and we should just basically just surrender this idea of private property to it. What we really need is some sort of restraining order we can issue to certain people to keep them away from government, because I really want to make sure thinking like that never even comes within a hundred yards of actual policy. Man, it’s so much easier when people with views like these are in an enemy nation so you just shoot them; it’s confusing on what to do when they’re citizens of your own country.
* Wisdom of the Day: “Our son’s teacher emailed us to be ‘vigilante’ about head lice. Time to go turn in my badge. But not my gun.” –Scott Simpson
* 22 more days until Obama: The Greatest President in the History of Everything
I’ve also got the first seven chapters of my SF novel ready for people to give a critique of (and will have the rest ready soon). Tell me if you’re interested in giving it a look. I’m not at this point as interested in edits as I am high-level critiques like whether the story is at all engaging and what you think of the characters. I would just post the chapters here on the blog, but I’m worried about that causing problems with publishers later on.
I’m an ardent sci-fi fan, and I think I know what to look for in a good novel. Does that qualify me?
Heard a news report this morning about the inter-OWS fighting over the drums, and I started to pray that this would turn into a tremendous bout of fisticuffs. Then we could just fence them in and sell tickets. It would be like Achewood’s Great Outdoor Fight, only smellier.
In Albany, Gov. Cuomo, the evil Republican, wanted to shut down the local chapter of OWS–hey, wait! He’s a Democrat!?!?–anywhoo, the local county DA has promised not to prosecute anyone who is arrested. None of ’em. I understand there’s leeway and all, but what is with these Dems refusing to uphold the law at all? Is that, like, legal? Has Albany become a Sanctuary City for the Flea Party?
I propose that elected officials who refuse to uphold the laws they have sworn to uphold be forced to live with drum circles following them around all the time.
I’m good on Sci Fi, too, so if you want a laymans OP, shoot’em my way
Someone should inform Fareed Zakaria that we do have an inheritance/death tax, and if the rate goes back to pre-Bush era tax cuts, it will be around 50% (either 45% or 55%, IIRC).
Someone should also punch him in the face for being a retarded moron.
Oh, and you can add me to the list of science fiction nerds who would be happy to check out your novel.
The 50% inheritance tax should require the signature of the deceased.
“…high-level critiques like whether the story is at all engaging…”
Is it about tuna?
I may not be a hardened critic of literature, but as a casual reader of all things written, I would be very interested in beta testing your words!
“Occupy Wall Street protesters in England (kind of far from Wall Street) have shut down St. Paul’s Cathedral.”
Time to go Old Testament on their asses – somebody call The Bishop!
Minor nitpick re: Obama: The Greatest President in the History of Everything:
The incandescent lightbulb ban was actually part of the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act (i.e. part of the “pre-2008”), signed into law by Bush. It was one of his many unfortunate concessions to the left. It starts this January with the 100 W bulb.
So if the Iraqis act up Obama will take a contract out on them? Or remodel thier kitchen?
What type of drums do the ows hippies use? BONGos, of course.
I guess the Rev Giles Fraser now knows why the phrase ‘no good deed goes unpunished’ was coined. Also I tried my best to get through the video of the Community Board meeting but it was worse than getting through an Obama speech. I had to shut it off at the twelfth ‘humm’ or was it the twelfth ‘ah’ I can’t remember, it was too mind numbing.
Crusty, do you really think Democrats incapable of getting the dead on their side?
If the Bishop isn’t available try these guy’s….they’re never expected…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tym0MObFpTI&feature=fvwp&NR=1
I read a lot of science fiction and would be more then willing to
tell you whether your novel sucksgive you a high level critique if you would like.@DamnCat (#8): That’s the win, as far as I’m concerned.
We might also put fear, surprise and ruthless efficiency on our side.
“Joe Biden said he hasn’t ruled out a 2016 run for president…”
I think he should consider a 2012 run from the president.
I’d be interested in the SciFi book as well. I’d love to give an opinion on it.
Neither have Lyndon LoRouche nor David Duke.
I’m one of those Racist Republicans in the southern USofA and I’d thoroughly enjoy reading (and giving you a critique of) your SciFi book.
I pre ordred your book and a new Kendle fire to read it on. I also just finished “Old man’s War” (Thanks mentioning it, I was looking for something new.) and “Ghost Brigades” I would like to Critique your work. I still think Super Ego would make a great movie. Kind of like Blade Runner for a new generation.
Joe Biden…
Drudge said Big O got a post “Qdaffy Lynching” bounce in the polls. Sorry about that whole due process and rule of law thing Mommar. I’ll bet you and Satan laughed for hours about that.
“So we’re leaving Iraq now for good. I’m not sure if we won or if we just got tired of it”
Since when is Obama “we”?
My only problem with a Joe Biden run in 2016 is that I’m really hoping the Funniest End of Civilization Ever will be over by then so I just don’t see a need for a Biden run at that time.
Well, unless we’re in the Funniest Barbarian Age Ever, then I could see him running for snake king.
So what you’re saying is your books are two for the price of one? I don’t know, you get what you pay for and $1.99 isn’t much for a book much less two.
But what the heck, I’ve been reading sci-fi for longer than you’ve been alive so I’d like to check out your new book, especially as neither Ringo nor Kratman have put out anything new lately so I’m stuck re-reading some old stuff. I might even have to reread Future History Stories that I first read in 1973.
‘m not pre-ordering your Obama book though, I don’t like people knowing what I’m going to do and I don’t want you taking me for granted.
Hey, I’m a Contractor!!! I’m currently an IT Contractor, but for like $1,000 per hour I will quickly switch to a Mooslim shooting contractor!!! That would be like $2,000,000 per year. Two years and I’m out! Muwhahahahah!!! I hope I don’t get me wiener shot off or something…that would like suck!!!
I’m interested.
I’m always reading sci-fi (Think Baen) and have a keen interest in plotlines and characters being good.
Ooh, ooh, I am an editor! Well, okay, mostly I just edit college application letters, scholarship application letters, and high school essays (I do have an undefeated record for acceptances, scholarships and A grades). Ever since I got my Kindle (TM) with its “sample” feature, however, I have become really, really ruthless at judging a book’s potential within the first few chapters. I would be pleased and honored to give your sci-fi book the same “Is this worth my $6.99 or not?” treatment. Ego-damaging, soul-crushing criticism will be provided at no extra charge. High praise! only if warranted.
I know I am late but would love to review your first edition…
I have not ruled out running for the Presidency in 2016 either.
I am saving up every penny I find lying on the ground “head’s” side up. So far I have eight cents. Is there tax on your book? How much do I really need?
I’ll take a look at the first seven chapters.
I’ll read your chapters.
Don’t forget – Frnak J. will be eligible to run for Preznit in 2016. The Fleming vs. Biden campaign will be epic. Tales will be told, songs will be sung, celestial objects will be nuked. Comedians will speak of it for generations.
If you’re not sure about Iraq, here’s the official U.S.A. website:
http://www.usf-iraq.com/
I’ve been following it since around 2003 as it was way better than the commercial news. It still is pretty good.
John Galt, from Robbing America Chronicle.
I will be happy to critique or not critique.
I’m in between books right now and would like to read your stuff(sorry was hunting and am trying to catch up)