President Barack H. Orchid

[Nevrmore]

http://deceiver.com/2009/01/29/president-barack-h-orchid/



reminds me of Al Snore and his hugeass house.

"Do as I say and not as I do" seems to reign supreme for all politicians. :rolleyes:

[SunshineDrummer]

But is he "serial?" :huh:

:lol: Gotta love politicians.

[reba]

here is a story that says the exact opposite. (with pictures!)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/28/obama-braves-the-cold-wit_n_161695.html

and video

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/28/obama-weather-jokes-in-ch_n_161634.html

[Joker]

here is a story that says the exact opposite. (with pictures!)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/28/obama-braves-the-cold-wit_n_161695.html

and video

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/28/obama-weather-jokes-in-ch_n_161634.htmlI think you're missing the point.

He's saying how we can't go around leaving the thermostat on 72 while not caring about it and then expect the rest of the world to conserve resources because we say they should.

It's the old do as I say and not as I do hypocritical bullshit. No change here :ranting:

[reba]

I'm not missing the point. It's not that complex.


What temp do you think is appropriate for the oval office? What temp does Obama have it set to? What temp did Bush like it at?
I bet McCain would have it set for 50! I hear those folks from AZ like their office chilly.

[Nevrmore]

and the deceiver piece says the exact opposite of the huffington piece.

and here is a piece in the NY Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/us/politics/29whitehouse.html?_r=2


he's like Al Gore, apparently. Everyone has to cut back but him. It's easy to sit back and mock other people and belittle schools for closing due to hazardous weather, when you are snug as a bug in an office you could "grow orchids in"

[reba]

What temp do you think is appropriate for the oval office?
I read the NYT article in your first post.

Wouldn't it be nice if the solar panels that Carter put in where still there?

[Nevrmore]

honestly, I don't know. But I'm going to go with not hot enough to grow orchids if everyone was required to keep their coats on. They'd sweat to death. All I'm pointing out is the fact that so much has been made about him callign the people in DC pretty much wimps about the snow, while he sits around in a warm house with no jacket. Lead by example. Cut the heat down to about 64F and wear a jacket. Then, I'd be impressed.


Disclaimer: I don't like Bush either. Hypocrisy just burns my buns.

[reba]

what if it's just the office that is set to orchid growing, and the rest of the place is set to 65?
I could be ... :lol: (I know, not likely)

[Phishfolk]

It doesn't matter what Bush or McCain would have it set at. Obama is the one who said that we can't leave our thermostats at 72.

[Blendix 007]

It doesn't matter what Bush or McCain would have it set at. Obama is the one who said that we can't leave our thermostats at 72.
Hear, hear

[Joker]

I'm not missing the point. It's not that complex.


What temp do you think is appropriate for the oval office? What temp does Obama have it set to? What temp did Bush like it at?
I bet McCain would have it set for 50! I hear those folks from AZ like their office chilly.You're correct, it isn't complex.

He said we should do one thing and apparently he's doing the opposite.

As has been stated, it doesn't matter what anyone else would do.

[reba]

It doesn't matter what Bush or McCain would have it set at. Obama is the one who said that we can't leave our thermostats at 72.

I was being sarcastic. :joker:

I did find out that Bush liked it at a chilly 65.

[Nevrmore]

NO SARCASM!!

http://images.google.com/url?source=imgres&ct=tbn&q=http://www.blogdelossimpson.com.ar/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/jasper2.gif&usg=AFQjCNGbZR8g4TAv-2O5F1eJocRVC-n8hw

:funny1:

:D

[Phishfolk]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v668/auciker/internet_serious_business3.jpg

[staggerlee024]

i was there that day portland

awesome speech

it was his largest up to that point

[PeaceFrog]

Wow!

This lack of gratitude astounds me.

He's doing his best to clean up the mess left by the biggest failure of a President America has ever seen, and all you have to complain about is that he turned up the heat in the Oval Office?

I can't believe what a pompous asshole George Bush is to require that everyone wears a jacket and tie.

Clinton didn't even wear pants.

[mario]

It's the stupid things like this that detract from the real issues.

[SunshineDrummer]

It's the stupid things like this that detract from the real issues.

I thought energy conservation and changing/reducing our impact on the environment was a real issue.

It may seem trivial to you, but there's a larger issue at hand. We voted in a new President who made it clear that environmental issues and energy were priorities for his administration. And like Al Gore, he's already gone on record making statements and suggesting certain steps the average American should be taking to reduce energy consumption & carbon footprints, one of which is keeping your thermostat at a lower temperature. Yet, it would seem that he considers himself an exception.

Is this one instance a huge deal? Maybe not. But I certainly have more respect for someone who leads by example than by words alone. Definitely makes you more credible.

[PeaceFrog]

He's working on building a new infrastructure including an electrical grid that won't fail during a snowstorm, and the ability to utilize alternative sources of energy such as solar and wind power.

I think if he wants to turn the heat up, he's entitled to.

When you come up with a plan for America's energy independence, then you can criticize him (and/or turn up your thermostat) without sounding stupid.

This is the most nit-pickiest thing I've ever heard of, and their insistence on focusing on such trifling matters is the reason why Republicans can't get anything worthwhile done in Washington.

[Joker]

When our president says we should do one thing and then he does another he should be called on it.

It's hardly nit-picking to expect our leader to lead by example and to back up his talk with the walk. :wink:

[PeaceFrog]

First of all, listen more carefully to President Obama's words. He said that we can't expect the rest of the world to conserve energy when we don't do it ourselves. I didn't hear him tell me not to use heat.

Secondly, you don't know what the exact temperature was set at in the Oval office, so this entire thread is pure speculation regarding that single fact. Maybe it was set at 71.99.

And third, this is just your classic "gotcha" game that school children play. Isn't your mind capable of looking at the bigger picture such as energy independence instead of crying because Malia left the light on in the Whitehouse bathroom?

You need to grow up and start thinking like an adult.

[deadheadskier]

Just be grateful Gore didn't seek election this time around. Then us tax payers would be on the hook for a $30,000 utility bill for the White House :lol:

[Joker]

First of all, listen more carefully to President Obama's words. He said that we can't expect the rest of the world to conserve energy when we don't do it ourselves. I didn't hear him tell me not to use heat.And nobody here is accusing him of saying we shouldn't use heat

Secondly, you don't know what the exact temperature was set at in the Oval office, so this entire thread is pure speculation regarding that single fact. Maybe it was set at 71.99.Nobody here said they knew what the exact temperature was set at. What we do know is what his senior adviser stated.

The capital flew into a bit of a tizzy when, on his first full day in the White House, President Obama was photographed in the Oval Office without his suit jacket. There was, however, a logical explanation: Mr. Obama, who hates the cold, had cranked up the thermostat.
“He’s from Hawaii, O.K.?” said Mr. Obama’s senior adviser, David Axelrod, who occupies the small but strategically located office next door to his boss. “He likes it warm. You could grow orchids in there.”


And third, this is just your classic "gotcha" game that school children play. Isn't your mind capable of looking at the bigger picture such as energy independence instead of crying because Malia left the light on in the Whitehouse bathroom?

You need to grow up and start thinking like an adult. This is no "gotcha game"

Again, it's about our president saying one thing while running for office and doing another once he got elected into office.

It's not about sticking your head in the sand and ignoring when your man decides to act like most politicians. This doesn't seem to be the "CHANGE" we were promised, only more of the same Washington bullshit.

Feel free to continue to make excuses for him if you choose. However, if you're going to "grow up and start thinking like an adult" you'll have to face the reality that he said a lot of things to a lot of people to get elected and he'll be called out when he doesn't back up his word.

[PeaceFrog]

OK, well orchids can survive at 70 degrees. That is 2 degrees less than 72.

Any more petty complaints?

(p.s. why don't you look up the definition of hyperbole)

[mule64]

its just the typical do as I say, not as I do political speak. The Dems are great at it. How can they complain about corporate spending (I am not referring to those who got money from TARP) while they can not reign in govt spending, they complain about corporate jets while people like the bitch Pelosi flys in one, they are working to confirm the second tax cheat to the cabinet, but you better pay yours.

[PeaceFrog]

its just the typical do as I say, not as I do political speak. The Dems are great at it. How can they complain about corporate spending (I am not referring to those who got money from TARP) while they can not reign in govt spending, they complain about corporate jets while people like the bitch Pelosi flys in one, they are working to confirm the second tax cheat to the cabinet, but you better pay yours.

You don't think it's possible for someone to make an honest mistake on their tax return?

They can complain about corporate jets for the automobile manufacturers when they go asking for money because that's what they were elected to do.

Are you saying that corporate welfare is a good thing? I disagree.

[mule64]

Geitner did not make an honest mistake, he was sent notices he had taxes due, he was told he had to pay taxes on that money and he did not, so his is not an honest mistake
Daschel got a free ride for years and never thought that it was wrong? or that he should declare it? come on.
Geitner had nanny issues also. I remember 4 republicans who were up for cabinet positions that had to withdraw due to nanny issues etc, Democrats went nuts and would not confirm them, but these folks "just made a mistake". F-in hypocrits with double standards.

[PeaceFrog]

Geitner did not make an honest mistake, he was sent notices he had taxes due, he was told he had to pay taxes on that money and he did not, so his is not an honest mistake
Daschel got a free ride for years and never thought that it was wrong? or that he should declare it? come on.
Geitner had nanny issues also. I remember 4 republicans who were up for cabinet positions that had to withdraw due to nanny issues etc, Democrats went nuts and would not confirm them, but these folks "just made a mistake". F-in hypocrits with double standards.

Too bad. So sad. Your party lost.

[mule64]

at least we have some class Peacefrog. We would never say something like that. Pelosi, Obama and you obviously have no class with that statement.

[PeaceFrog]

at least we have some class Peacefrog. We would never say something like that. Pelosi, Obama and you obviously have no class with that statement.

:rotf:

Oh yeah Rush Limbaugh is the classiest of all.

Go have a wet dream about Sarah Palin.

[mule64]

:rotf:

[Nevrmore]

Daschel got a free ride for years and never thought that it was wrong? or that he should declare it? come on.



“Make no mistake, tax cheaters cheat us all, and the IRS should enforce our laws to the letter.”
–Sen. Tom Daschle, Congressional Record, May 7, 1998, p. S4507.

[PeaceFrog]

“Make no mistake, tax cheaters cheat us all, and the IRS should enforce our laws to the letter.”
–Sen. Tom Daschle, Congressional Record, May 7, 1998, p. S4507.

You forgive George Bush for making a mistake and starting a war in Iraq based on "faulty intelligence," but you can't give a guy a break for making a mistake on his taxes -- as if that isn't a double standard.

[mule64]

“Make no mistake, tax cheaters cheat us all, and the IRS should enforce our laws to the letter.”
–Sen. Tom Daschle, Congressional Record, May 7, 1998, p. S4507.

maybe turbotax messed up his returns too:rotf:

[Nevrmore]

maybe turbotax messed up his returns too:rotf:

IDK, I asked my accountant last night if we could just skip paying taxes for four years, and then write a letter of apology and just get away with it. When he finshed laughing, he said "yeah, NO!" :funny1:

[PeaceFrog]

Who is "just getting away" with anything? He'll pay the money back, just as anyone else in the same situation would have to.

But, if you skipped paying your taxes for 4 years, I doubt it would be newsworthy. Become a Senator or something and then maybe you can "just get away with it."

George Bush tortured people. I don't think making a mistake on your taxes can compare with that.

[Joker]

Who is "just getting away" with anything? He'll pay the money back, just as anyone else in the same situation would have to.

But, if you skipped paying your taxes for 4 years, I doubt it would be newsworthy. Become a Senator or something and then maybe you can "just get away with it."

George Bush tortured people. I don't think making a mistake on your taxes can compare with that.

If there's evidence Bush did anything illegal he should be brought up on charges.

If there's evidence Bush did anything illegal and he isn't brought up on charges this administration will be just as guilty

[PeaceFrog]

I agree.

And if you don't sign this petition: http://www.democrats.com/special-prosecutor-for-bush-war-crimes

then you are guilty, too.

[Phishfolk]

Too bad. So sad. Your party lost.

You cried the loudest and longest when "your party" lost :wink::devil:

[PeaceFrog]

You cried the loudest and longest when "your party" lost :wink::devil:

I cried? I don't remember crying, but it isn't as if the Bush Administration didn't give anyone anything to cry about.

Furthermore, George Bush never won the election in the first place. He was appointed by the Supreme Court (Therefore Democrats never lost the election -- fairly, anyway). His entire "Presidency" was a sham. The second election was won through fear and warmongering -- another sleazy tactic worthy of shame.

In conclusion. That was then and this is now. I thank George Bush for one thing -- fracturing the Republican party. Kudos to him for doing that (albeit unintentionally, of course, but he still deserves the credit).

P.S. I am neither registered Democrat, nor did I vote Democrat this past election. I voted Working Families (Obama). However, I do feel that Democrats represent more of my (and the majority of Americans') personal interests than do Republicans.

[Joker]

I cried? I don't remember crying,

George Bush never won the election in the first place. He was appointed by the Supreme Court (Therefore Democrats never lost the election -- fairly, anyway) His entire "Presidency" was a sham. The second election was won through fear and warmongering. Another sleazy tactic worthy of shame.



:wink:

[PeaceFrog]

Ahh, I see.

When you criticize Democrats, it's "calling it like it is."

But, when I point out that George Bush is a common criminal, I'm crying.

[Arglebargle]

Hate to say I did have high hopes for Obama, but his recent appointments of a bunch of Monsanto goons is leading me to believe it's all a good cop bad cop dog and pony show, as usual.

That said, with all of the mounds of damning evidence against Bush and co, I find the fact that a sizable percentage of people here actually support the guy to be truly pathetic.

[Joker]

Ahh, I see.

When you criticize Democrats, it's "calling it like it is."

But, when I point out that George Bush is a common criminal, I'm crying.

1. The thread is about Obama saying one thing and doing another

2. Bush hasn't been found guilty of any of these "crimes" you're accusing him of has he?. I didn't think so, so yes, you're crying about it.

3. If Bush and company are guilty of any crimes they should be prosecuted for them. But it's not very likely it's going to happen to any large degree because deep down they're all politicians and they'll look after themselves before they'll look after us.

[PeaceFrog]

1. The thread is about Obama saying one thing and doing another

2. Bush hasn't been found guilty of any of these "crimes" you're accusing him of has he?. I didn't think so, so yes, you're crying about it.

3. If Bush and company are guilty of any crimes they should be prosecuted for them. But it's not very likely it's going to happen to any large degree because deep down they're all politicians and they'll look after themselves before they'll look after us.

Deep down they're all PEOPLE, and they'll look after themselves before they'll look after anyone else.

It's as though you are seeking a messiah rather than a President. I hate to break it to you, but your search is in vain.

[Joker]

What I was looking for was real change from the usual Washington bullshit, certainly doesn't look like we got that, despite the promises. :sad:

[PeaceFrog]

The real change is that we now have a President who will listen to other people's ideas with an open mind and create opportunities for the poor and the middle class to prosper as well as the rich.

The real change is that we now have a President who believes we should talk to other nations and at least get the approval of the UN before we go to war with them.

We now have an administration that does not approve of torture.

We now have a plan for energy independence, and it doesn't consist of "drill baby drill."

If that isn't enough change for you, then I don't think any human will ever be capable of satisfying the standards you set forth for holding office.

[Joker]

The real change is that we now have a President who will listen to other people's ideas with an open mind and create opportunities for the poor and the middle class to prosper as well as the rich.

The real change is that we now have a President who believes we should talk to other nations and at least get the approval of the UN before we go to war with them.

We now have an administration that does not approve of torture.

We now have a plan for energy independence, and it doesn't consist of "drill baby drill."

If that isn't enough change for you, then I don't think any human will ever be capable of satisfying the standards you set forth for holding office.No, see, right now all we have is a president who has SAID these things. Much like he SAID there was no room for lobbyists in his administration and much like he SAID we should turn down the thermostats.

So far we haven't actually seen any real change, what we've seen is more of the same bullshit.

The only change is that now you like the smell of it

[DifferentDrummer]

how many lobbyists did bush have in his administration?
and how many does obama have?

[Joker]

how many lobbyists did bush have in his administration?
and how many does obama have?
What difference does it make how many Bush had if Obama said there'd be room for none in his?

Bush could have had hundreds and it wouldn't change the fact Obama said there'd be none in his while he was trying to get votes.

[PeaceFrog]

No, see, right now all we have is a president who has SAID these things. Much like he SAID there was no room for lobbyists in his administration and much like he SAID we should turn down the thermostats.

So far we haven't actually seen any real change, what we've seen is more of the same bullshit.

The only change is that now you like the smell of it

The American people voted in November to take this country in a new direction, and that's what we're doing -- with or without you. History has been made. I don't know how you sleep at night knowing you voted against it.

With a mind as rigid and inflexible as yours, you'll never be satisfied.

:joker:

[mule64]

how many lobbyists did bush have in his administration?
and how many does obama have?

that does not matter in this debate at all. Yes Bush had lobbyists, Obama promised none, and then broke that promise.

The Bush administration is over, we live in a new day. Yet, people have to keep whining about the past to deflect what is going on NOW.

[SunshineDrummer]

how many lobbyists did bush have in his administration?
and how many does obama have?

Bush never said he wouldn't have lobbyists in his cabinet so for purposes of this discussion it doesn't matter if he had 1 or 100. Its irrelevant.

Obama made a point of saying that there would be no lobbyists in his cabinet and there are.

And before you accuse me of defending Bush in any way, I'm not. Just pointing out the facts. If Obama is going to claim he's the anti-Bush and that he's the one to bring about the change we need after the past 8 years, he's not off to a very good start.

[Joker]

The American people voted in November to take this country in a new direction, and that's what we're doing -- with or without you. History has been made. I don't know how you sleep at night knowing you voted against it.

With a mind as rigid and inflexible as yours, you'll never be satisfied.

:joker:

Yes, the American people did vote to take this country in a new direction.

No, so far much of it is the same old saying one thing doing another, breaking promises bullshit that we've grown accustomed to in the past.

I still HOPE things will CHANGE but you're probably right, with a mind as rigid and inflexible as mine, when it comes to expecting honesty and integrity in our elected officials I probably won't ever be satisfied.

Unlike yourself who seems to be lapping up whatever gets put in front of you without question...Mmmmmm bullshit :dinner1::bull:

[Phishfolk]

how many lobbyists did bush have in his administration?
and how many does obama have?

One has nothing to do with the other.

Obama said he was going to change the way things were done not get a pass because things were done this way in the past.

[Uncle Coulro]

Obama said he was going to change the way things were done not get a pass because things were done this way in the past.
I applaud Obama for facing the reality that he was going to need people who know how Washington works and some of them might just have been lobbyists. It was great in theory for him to say, "No lobbyists," but it simply doesn't work in practice.
-- David Wenhold, president of the American League of Lobbyists and co-founder of Miller/Wenhold Capitol Strategies, National Journal Magazine, Jan. 24, 2009

[syd_25]

I applaud Obama for facing the reality that he was going to need people who know how Washington works and some of them might just have been lobbyists. It was great in theory for him to say, "No lobbyists," but it simply doesn't work in practice.
-- David Wenhold, president of the American League of Lobbyists and co-founder of Miller/Wenhold Capitol Strategies, National Journal Magazine, Jan. 24, 2009

Sounds like someone looking for job security :lmao:

[Arglebargle]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/majornews/4513620/US-accused-of-threatening-Britain-over-terrorism-torture-evidence.html

some excerpts from the article:

"The US Government has threatened to halt intelligence co-operation with Britain in a row over the alleged torture of a 'terrorism' detainee at Guantanamo Bay being made public"

"The Muslim convert was initially questioned by MI5 before being passed to the Americans. He was then held “incommunicado, initially in Pakistan and then at secret and undisclosed locations until May 2004”. He claims he was subjected to “extraordinary rendition to Morocco where torture continued in a severe form”"

"The judgement reveals that the High Court was minded to release the information – provided by both the American and British Governments – describing his treatment since being captured.

But, the judges said that in the opinion of the Foreign Secretary there is a real risk that, if the redacted paragraphs were restored, then "the US Government, by its review of the shared intelligence arrangements, could inflict on the citizens of the United Kingdom a very considerable increase in the dangers they face at a time when a serious terrorist threat still pertains". "

"It was also revealed that Mr Miliband had recently checked and that Barack Obama’s administration was standing by the threat. "

So now Obama is trying to cover up accounts of torture that took place under Bush. Nice.

[Uncle Coulro]

So now Obama is trying to cover up accounts of torture that took place under Bush. Nice.
They both report to the same interests.

[PeaceFrog]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/majornews/4513620/US-accused-of-threatening-Britain-over-terrorism-torture-evidence.html

some excerpts from the article:

"The US Government has threatened to halt intelligence co-operation with Britain in a row over the alleged torture of a 'terrorism' detainee at Guantanamo Bay being made public"

"The Muslim convert was initially questioned by MI5 before being passed to the Americans. He was then held “incommunicado, initially in Pakistan and then at secret and undisclosed locations until May 2004”. He claims he was subjected to “extraordinary rendition to Morocco where torture continued in a severe form”"

"The judgement reveals that the High Court was minded to release the information – provided by both the American and British Governments – describing his treatment since being captured.

But, the judges said that in the opinion of the Foreign Secretary there is a real risk that, if the redacted paragraphs were restored, then "the US Government, by its review of the shared intelligence arrangements, could inflict on the citizens of the United Kingdom a very considerable increase in the dangers they face at a time when a serious terrorist threat still pertains". "

"It was also revealed that Mr Miliband had recently checked and that Barack Obama’s administration was standing by the threat. "

So now Obama is trying to cover up accounts of torture that took place under Bush. Nice.

I'm sure this thrills Republicans. They love torture.