Democratic Congresswoman Among 12 Shot in Arizona

I think she got into politics for the right reasons, but she's over her head and she needs much better advisors.

I think her experience with some of McCain's advisors -- who betrayed her trust to some degree -- has made her very distrustful of advisors and their motives.

But, as much as we say we want authentic politicians who aren't surrounded by an army of pollsters, speechwriters, and other assorted staff, you can't over estimate the value of good staff.

They help you avoid problems, keep you on message, etc.

It's also why second terms of Presidents (and Governors and Mayors) are usually not as protective.

The higher these guys (and gals) get, the fewer people they trust. They tend to turn to people who have been with them for a long time. As those people leave for other opportunities, they rely on fewer and fewer folks, and they promote back benchers (who are often unqualified) to high level positions because they trust them.

I saw it happen first hand during Giuliani's administration. (One of his top advisors at the end of his Mayoralty -- and the guy who supposedly came up with his "Florida" plan in the general election -- was so unbelievably unqualified for the role it's not even funny. But he had been with Rudy since his first (losing campaign) for Mayor and had out lasted everyone else. Rudy liked & trusted him. (They drank together & Rudy trusted him to keep his mouth shut about certain indiscretions.)

Bloomberg is dealing with the same problem right now. His staff was incredibly loyal (and because of campaign bonuses, extremely well paid). Most stayed with him for eight years. But now, many of them have left.

If Sarah wants to have a positive influence, she really needs o find some good help that she can trust.

 

Alan Dershowitz on Palin using the term "blood libel":

"The term “blood libel” has taken on a broad metaphorical meaning in public discourse. Although its historical origins were in theologically based false accusations against the Jews and the Jewish People,its current usage is far broader. I myself have used it to describe false accusations against the State of Israel by the Goldstone Report. There is nothing improper and certainly nothing anti-Semitic in Sarah Palin using the term to characterize what she reasonably believes are false accusations that her words or images may have caused a mentally disturbed individual to kill and maim. The fact that two of the victims are Jewish is utterly irrelevant to the propriety of using this widely used term."

 

Yeah, but she was telling the story first hand, with details, and with emotion.

And I didn't know of the strong friendship between their family. (Apparently, they've vacationed together.)

It was moving to this hard core, conservative, Republican.

And, it was authentic. That's what's so rare in politicians -- including, and maybe especially in my eyes, Wasserman Schultz.

 

So, we're supposed to be toning down the rhetoric and all that jazz, right?

And, the media is banging the drum loudest for this, and presumably is prepared to lead the way, right?

So, why then do they try repeatedly to get Gibbs to comment on Palin's "blood libel" comment?

Gibbs wisely declined -- multiple times.

But, let's face it. The media would rather create and report on controversy and back and forth bickering than delve into real issues.

We all know this, but couldn't they pretend to be different for even a couple of days?

 

This guy is Fester's son

 

I am reminded of the bible passage of Mark when The Messiah spit on his hands, rubbed Keith Richards eyes and his blindness was healed.

 

Arizona lawmakers can carry in the House and Senate chambers. With Giffords' shooting, they don't want to change the rule.

http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/azelections/articles/2011/01/13/20110113arizona-lawmakers-to-carry-guns.html

I'd be more worried about fellow lawmakers blowing their brains out in his/her office, like what happened when I was a kid.

 

In 2003, a New York City Councilman was murdered in the Council chamber.

He had unknowingly escorted his armed assassin past the metal detectors and into City Hall.

The killer was himself killed by a cop assigned to protect the Council Speaker.

http://www.ny1.com/?ArID=31935&SecID=1000

 

Shut up.

 

You heard her, she had to take a couple days to seek guidance through prayer. God forbid she's in the White House and the phone rings at 3 a.m. and a quick decision is required

 

Pardon me?

What's the deal? Why would you tell me to shut up?

If you think I'm wrong, say so, and say why.

 

I guess we can at least be thankful for this: