regarding comment #20971;
“make a point, get a laugh”, really? call me humorless but i’m not sure how the chronicle of the rise of fascism can be, uh, punched up. more footage of the goose-stepping, the grosser mercedes, the schwastikas? splice in more sorrow and pity (always big laugh-getters)? too much of television makes the human an idiot and, i contend, facilitates the subversion of government while it’s citizens channel surf in search of a gag. har har.

At this juncture in history, any parties defending the policies of this Administation are either vested interests profiteering from Mr. Bush’s “pre-emptive war” that has brought fear to the American people, destroyed thousands of innocent lives, and produced a near McCarthy-esque tenor to our bodypolitick, or are simply in denial that all the above has occurred during this president’s watch.

Vote the Rascals Out in ‘06 and ‘08!  -Kevo

Brilliant article. But now it needs to be told in simple words that Rummy can understand - maybe a coloring book format would be useful.

There are many wonderful articles written, but they are read by those already convinced - how do we get the non-believers to read or understand them? Even more important, how do we get the folks in congress to read them - I don’t meam the staffers, I mean the congress persons themselves.

Olbermann’s commentary reminds one of Edward R. Murrows’ shaming of McCarthy. Getting a lesson in history from Rumsfeld is akin to getting instruction in manners from Ann Coulter. Mr. Olbermann is asking all Americans to rise to the task in publicly denouncing the small-minded bigots who rule with disregard for the clear majority. Their blindness will not be cured internally. The collective ire of all of us who desire democracy to return must be louder than their nationalistic rantings. Like Keith Olbermann, we must be willing to put our jobs and our personal comfort on the line.

Wow, something we all need reminding of; history, critical thinking, passion, pursuit of truth and justice. Thank you Mr. Oberman.

Comment #20851 by Jim

Obviously your are one of the morons in the; “36% of USA who stil love bush and his war” catagory.
Yes, terrorism is a real threat, but it has been since the dawn of time and will be long after you and I are gone.  It is not a thing or a country(nazi germany) it is an idealogy.  Islam has nothing to do with it. All islam soes is give them a “reason” to rally.  Just like American military say they do their job for “god and country”  God is always the rally point for aggression no mater which god or religion.

Sheeze, what part of this don’t you get.  The only comparison I can make is this.  Bush wants to fight and “win” the war on terrorists or terrorism.  That is like saying you want to fight a war on crime or murder in America.  It is is impossible to win.  Can you imagine the good old USA with “0” crime or not one murder.  While a lofty goal it is impossible.  But, what this loft goal allows bush to do is keep Americans afraid, give him an excuse for every decision he makes, and criticize his political oponents as “soft on terror” if they do not agree with “any” of his decisions.

Like Crime in the US Terrorism is not something you can “win a war” and solve.  As long as there are people who feel slighted in the world and who do not posess the highly technical wepons that the US has spent billions of dollars to develop, they will use “any” and I mean “any” means to win or inflict pain. 

The US does it and has done it.  Historically, wars were faught with two rows of soldiers facing off standing and shooting.  This was no not only dignified and nobel, it was the way war ws fought in a civilized world. In our American revolution, we did not have the manpower nor the skill or wepons to compete, so we started hiding behind trees, digging foxholes, we developed the sniper and found a way to compete and ultimately win.  The british thought we were absolutely crazy, we were heathens, cowards and terrorists for hiding and shooting in such a way. 

In Modern day, we use our financial and political muscle to squeese countries around the world to comply with what we want.  Our foreign policy by some is viewed as unfair and by some as even a form of terrorism.  Our support of Isreal is viewed as terrorism.  when Isreal drops US made bombs on Lebanon, sure they blame Isreal, but they also blame the US for the tools to wage war.??

Dont’t get me wrong, I am not a democrat or Republican, and just because “wiping” out terrorism is impossible, does not mean we should sit on our hands.  There must be action.
There is alot I mean a-lot we can do to curtail, control, be prepared for, intrrupt bankrupt and even predict these horribley acts.

But, that would take an organized, intelligent well thought out long term plan involving human intelligence and cooperation of our allies around the world.  Heck, war is easier for bush.  bush and his corrupt admin. took the easies route after sept. 11th, Since there was no one or no country to hold responsible we had to “kick someones/anyones ass” so people will know what happens when you mess with the USA.  So, bush picked Iraq. It could have been any country, as many many countries harbor terrorists.

As long as there are humans there will be good and bad, saftey and danger, rich and poor, good luck and bad luck…......

bush is doing this for pure political gain. War is very profitable.  War is the American way.  After every major war in america, look at our economy, it soars.  Defense contractors, Haliburtan, oil companies all get rich in times of war.  bush and cheney are tied closely to these industries and guess what, they are getting rich.  Not jsut rich, but rich beyond belief.  All the while us soldiers are dying and the US citizen is going broke. The poor class is getting bigger, the middle class is getting smaller but the upper upper class is staying the same size.

War is big and profitable business.

finally! a dissentient in the flock.
peace-in

Thank you, Keith. Clearly the Republican Party plans on calling its opponents Nazis and fascists. This nonsense must be put down now, not after the election has been lost once again to these lunatics.

Brilliant. I cannot imagine it being said more eloquently. If he can stay on the air, I hope he can help to free my country. Unlike the “decider”, I actually reported for duty when I enlisted, and I long for that country, because what I see today is NOT what I raised my hand and took an oath for.

The Gospels report that at the time of the birth of Jesus Caesar Augustus planned to enroll “the whole world.” Seems to have been a stretch! Then Hitler’s Third Reich was to last 1,000 years. Not much better! A while back our clueless leader announced that this was to be The American Century.

Adolf Hitler believed his Third Reich would rule the world for a thousand years but It lasted only a dozen.  How long will George Bush’s New World Order last?  Until New Year’s Day, maybe, provided we the people do our job and impeach him.

Huh?

That was the most convoluted OP ED piece I’ve ever heard.

Rumsfeld=Neville Chamberlain?

That’s why I love Jon Stewart. He can brilliantly cut down the inane rhetoric of this administration in a few words. Make a point. And get a laugh.

The Bushites are trying to get sanctions against Iran.  I suspect they are trying to get a navel blockade as we have sanctions already. This will be an act of war which Iran would legitimately retaliate against if they could. Every where Bushites go people should throw eggs at them.

There is a necessary fight against fascism as represented by Rummy and other Bushites. Unfortunately the left is divided and ineffective as usual. However, I recently got an email from the World Can’t Wait and they are hoping to organize a super political action on October 5th. They are also asking for donations. Hopefully we can really do something to change history. They can be found at the

http://www.worldcantwait.org

Besides kudos for Keith shouted as loudly as I possibly can ... I remind myself that reason is not a popularity contest ... and has in the past been unpopular when first explored in contrast to the conventional wisdom or fear-mongering that gives little men (mostly) huge power. So whether KO’s ratings rise or fall, he is still putting our country’s interest over his own job security interests.

As long as Rumsfeld is teaching us history, let us remember that anyone who questions authority vested by relgious or political dogma has usually (if not always) been seen as a heretic (unpatriotic?) by that authority. (I mean we are a CHRIST-ian nation according to the Bushies, are we not? Shouldn’t icons stand for SOMETHING?)

And closer to now, when we examine—as Rummy has asked us to—WWII, our great military leaders such as General George Marshall come to mind, and the overall effort our nation (including the Truman Commission to ferret ourt fraud—under the Democratic Roosevelt Administration). Rumsfeld is—in comparison—a blemish on our backside.

Let’s be very clear, we are not at war with Islamic facist, Islamic extremists or whatever.  We, the people of the US, have created our own war out of our own aggression over the last fifty years.  Our policies and support for autocrats the world over have killed 100 times the people than the people we lost on 9/11.  Suicide bombers are not Islamic extremist, in fact most suicide bombers tend to be moderately religious at best.  Suicide bombers come from areas where the government suppress the citizens as to take away all hope of a better life. SInce 1980, there have been 316 suicide bombers.  The region with the most suicide bombers:  Palestine.  Wrong!  Iraq.  Wrong!  Sri Lanka has the highest number over the last 25 years, with 76 out of the 316.  So, if you want to create more suicide bomber, then our Iraq war was the best.  In fact, we should support Isreal so Palestinians can catch up to Sri Lanka.  Pre-emptive war is about making money, not making us safe.

Dear Truthdig….
    Keith O spoke for everyone of us who care about our democracy.  Watch it.  Share it.  Write to MSNBÇ and tell them thanks!!!!  (as the other side is surely trying to get KO off the air!)

  Whitney

Yes, it is welcoming to come across articulate commentary, even disassembly, of some of the audacious and insulting hyperbole coming out of this administration, but in keeping with these rabid, cynical, bombastic times, be prepared for the Navy to commission a USS Rumsfeld sometime in the future, a grossly over budget, hi-tech frigate that won’t work and will have no plausible enemy to confront but will have cost the taxpayer billions to honor someone “who gave this country so much service.” After all, BushI got an aircraft carrier named after him for no discernible reason other than getting shot down in World War II followed by an astoundingly mediocre political career afterwards, why not commemorate Rumsfeld with a “weapons system” for his contemptuous gall?

Olbermann and Plunger both hit it right on the nailhead.

Jim, Those who allow fear mongering, lies, hate and name calling to dictate their lives and decision making are the ostriches. Religious fundamentalist zealotry, be it Islamic or Christian is but one enemy we face. Those who use fear to amass power is another. It’s not black & white. What in life is?

Do you feel safer now that N. Korea has the bomb and is testing missiles unhindered, Iran is working on nukes as well and backing Hesbollah while we are pinned down and impotent in a quagmire that had nothng to do with 911? Your great Iraqi democracy is backing Hesbollah too, and Iran has more control of the situation in Iraq than we do. Osama is still free and terrorist acts are still planned along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border 5 years after 911.

The world is sliding further in the direction of chaos and your neocon leaders couldn’t be happier. More fear is more power for them. Is that the world you want for your children?

Americns like Jim who let fear replace critical thought, let fear override their Constitutional rights and let fear rule their lives should be ashamed of themselves. When did the land of the free and the home of the brave become the country of cowards?

That was refreshing, brave and all round great….Thanks

I am glad that at least one show in the corporate media that is challenging the hogwash coming out of the Bush administration.

Thank you Keith!  We need to pay close attention to what you said.

Masterful retort?  Not!  Ostrich-like retort is more like it.  Perhaps he doesn’t want to think about Islamic Extremism/Fundamentalism/Fascism. Whatever you name it, it is a very real threat.  Hasn’t Olbermann ever heard of places like Bali, Beslan, Israel, London, Madrid, Munich, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, or dare I say it, New York City and Washington, DC?

Majority of the americans and the world populace disagree with the waring policy. In all honesty, it is us, the majority, are morally and intellectually insulted by this lunatic.

.

Keith:

I know that in this environment, there is personal risk associated with
truth telling on the GE airwaves. When speaking the truth becomes an act
of bravery, it only goes to demonstrate just how far we have fallen.

Thank you for putting our country above your own personal welfare
and daring to tell the truth, the entire ugly truth…that the REAL terrorists
(those who seek to control their citizens for political purposes through fear)
are in the White House.

Call them what they are, every day. Fascists. Dare others in your industry
to do the same. As your ratings rise, and Fox’s fall, America will in fact
be seen to be voting for the truth, with its feet.

Next up, the very real threat that the Rumsfeld/Cheney cabal will launch yet
another false flag attack here domestically in order to justify cancellation of
elections. With their backs to the wall and the certainty of investigations
if they lose, these “wild-cornered-animals” are desperate to cling to power,
not for patriotic reasons, but to save their own skins.

Keep pulling the 9/11 thread. There is no Bin Laden. Only by revealing the
truth of 9/11 can the entire citizenry be compelled to stop the imperialist
nightmare that these lunatics have foisted upon us.

You know firsthand the power of the medium of television and the influence
it has over the American people. For too long the medium has been complicit
in the crime. The more truth you speak on air, the more will be drawn to you.
Remind your viewers what the term “NEWS” really means, and teach them to
demand more of it. The citizens will then teach the news executives by their
actions. No force is more powerful than the truth, and no cause more noble than to expose it.

.