Any questions?
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Requests Thread
19 Jun 2008 02:47 pm
Comments (80)
If Bush had declared the Gitmo terror suspects POWs, would the country be in this position vis-a-vis having to debate habeus?
Matt: on the Obama veepstakes question, how important is it that his running mate had opposed the war in Iraq from the start? It would be strange, I think, for Obama to have campaigned against Clinton in large part on his judgment in opposing the war from the start, and then picking, say a joe Biden, who voted for the war (and is a long-time Washington politician). This doesn't seem to jive with his message. Granted, Biden is still a crucial foreign policy voice, but wouldn't it looked better if he picked someone like Webb, who opposed and warned against the war from the start? What are your thoughts.
What should U.S. post-withdrawal relations with Iraq look like?
How about a post on presidential candidates promising to take public funds in a presidential campaign, challenging their opponent to do the same and then forgoing those funds when more money is available without them?
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aNi.G0PhWnFw&refer=home
Make like href="http://www.prospect.org/csnc/blogs/ezraklein_archive?month=06&year=2008&base_name=life_is_full_of_disappointment">Klein and talk about how good Arrested Development was!
Under what circumstances would you support offshore oil drilling or drilling in ANWR? Is there a compromise position -- oil companies promise to follow certain environmental restrictions/expanded funding for public transportation/windfall taxes -- where you feel that giving oil companies access to explore and drill in these areas would be worth it?
Does shaving pubic hair effect perception of manhood size?
Which Atlantic intern exactly will be taking over for Marc Ambinder after he's fired for being a hack?
And has Ambinder taking putative measures against any interns thinking they might be the one about to take his job?
Take Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, Denver, Sacramento, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. The first four are generally seen as having/implementing great mass transit systems. The latter three are not. What's going on here? The cities all are about the same size, and they all have similar demographic makeups.
How about a post about foreign policy paradoxes. In the 80s, Hezbollah kidnapped Americans to put pressure on Kurwait to release the Da'wa thirty, who were in prison for attempting to blow up the American embassy. Now, Americans are defending the "Da'wa thirty" Maliki and his government - with their lives, while the Bush administration pretends that Iran can't be negotiated with because it supports terrorism - i.e., Hezbollah. Which has always openly been twinned with Dawa.
I'd like to know why the Democrats have a hard time even talking about these things. Or asking how moral our foreign policy can be if we are allied with the Saudis. Because without redrawing the lines, the Dems will simply lose the foreign policy debate once again. Are they so afraid of taking on the establishment that they are willing, once again, to let the Republicans rule in the foreign policy sphere?
How about something on Zimbabwe, namely whether or not the west can do anything or if it is better for everyone if we just stay out of it.
I've got a question. Why does Ambinder still call himself a journalist?
Why does Ambinder keep turning his comments on then off then on then off again?
There has been a very unusual amount of negotiations going between Israel and its adversaries. Israel/Syria, Israel/Hamas, Israel/Hezbollah, Israel/Lebanon. Is Olmert just trying to divert attention away from his legal troubles, or is something real going on?
Whether you believe in choice or not, why shouldn't a pregnant woman found consuming large quantities of liquor and smoking cigarettes be arrested and charged with child endangerment?
FISA, telco amnest, Strange Bedfellows, etc...
What do you think?
Matt, McCain recently unveiled part of his plan for solving America's energy crisis.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/06/18/mccain-calls-for-ample-nuclear-reactor-construction/
He calls for 45 new Nuclear power plants to be built in 21 years. He also says we should allocate 2 billion dollars to clean coal research. I've heard a lot of criticisms against both (Clean coal is apparently not viable yet; Not sure if this is commercially or technologically), but Nuclear has had a more ambiguous viability when debating it. It is mostly NIMBY (Not in my backyard!) and issues with storage, I'm sympathetic to Nuclear and Obama is a "Nuclear agnostic", so I am wondering what the pros and cons are of Nuclear that would make it not viable for use? Also can you clarify about clean coal as well because information seems to be conflicting fro everywhere I look. Thanks.
Talk about Joe Klein's idea for Obama to keep Gates as his SecDefense.
Why are you ignoring the fact that the brave Democrats in congress are about to make it legal for the President to tell people to break the law? We are about to officially enter the age of legalized warrantless surveillance in the US. You know, the same thing China has.
Yeah, why does Ambinder keep turning his comments on and off again?
Is it that he can't take criticism, or that the criticism has gotten so rough that he figures he'd better nip it now or his boss might find out and Ambers will lose his job?
Why so credulous as to "Apple good, Microsoft evil" claims? I think people have read more about Microsoft so they know a thing or two about Microsoft's anti-trust history or whatever, but have no idea at all about Apple's corporate integrity. It certainly seems that the things Apple has been doing-- starting a record label, moving into TV, talking about taking out Nintendo as the number one in mobile gaming, releasing a phone-- if Microsoft did this sort of thing, people would be screaming about how they were trying to "take over the world." I boggles the mind how people continue to represent Apple as some sort of underdog.
Western Sahara: what's Obama going to do about it?
Could you discuss the Ambinder hatred? Is it the story selection, lack of comments, or just general disdain for someone who tends to report closer to the center? Is a lack of leftward polarization actually hurting Marc with the Atlantic audience?
Let's hear something about FISA!
Why we do not do %&(@ about the Saudi royal family.
Will the FISA compromise not only allow telecoms off the hook but also anyone involved in torturing prisoners? The wording identifying actors seems very broad and as long as they are involved in intelligence gathering it seems they only have to say the president stated it was ok to be let off.
Not sure if you ever talked about it, but what did you think of the Buzz Bissinger/Bob Costas ambush of sports blogging on Costas' show?
here's a link http://ballhype.com/video/will_leitch_buzz_bissinger_and_braylon_edwards_on/
if you've talked about it before, nevermind
Matt, what do you think about AFRICOM? What do you think US policy towards Africa should be? Active intervention in failing states? More free trade everything, especially agricultural goods? Should the US intervene in places that the UN security council wont act on?
What do you think are the continents short-term and long-term prospects for growth?
Who should Chicago pick: Beasly or Rose?
Matt, McCain recently unveiled part of his plan for solving America's energy crisis.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/06/18/mccain-calls-for-ample-nuclear-reactor-construction/
He calls for 45 new Nuclear power plants to be built in 21 years. He also says we should allocate 2 billion dollars to clean coal research. I've heard a lot of criticisms against both (Clean coal is apparently not viable yet; Not sure if this is commercially or technologically), but Nuclear has had a more ambiguous viability when debating it. It is mostly NIMBY (Not in my backyard!) and issues with storage, I'm sympathetic to Nuclear and Obama is a "Nuclear agnostic", so I am wondering what the pros and cons are of Nuclear that would make it not viable for use? Also can you clarify about clean coal as well because information seems to be conflicting from everywhere I look. And if you can compare McCain and Obama's stances that would be fantastic, this is one area i am not as well versed as I would like to be and find the information out there inconclusive. Thanks.
Don't know re: Ambinder hate, but lack of comments sucks.
Tim K asked... Does shaving pubic hair effect perception of manhood size?
Tim, I gotta' ask, did you come up with that from the Phillip's Body Groom ad? The term "extra optical inch" was truly hilarious.
If you haven't seen it, go to shaveeverywhere.com and click on "Body". The intro is great but you can click "Main Menu" for even more.
Something about how Obama broke his promise to accept public financing for the election (or, at the very least, to "aggressively pursue" a deal to do so).
Oh, right, Matthew is an extension of the Obama campaign, so isn't permitted to write about something that would cast a bad light on Obama. Never mind.
Let's hear something about FISA!
Obama and telecom immunity
Also, in the Afghanistan thread, you wrote "I'd be happy to send more troops to Afghanistan..."
My question is, when do you report for duty?
You acknowledge that, to perform the current mission, we need 400,000 troops, which we don't have (and wouldn't have even if all the troops came back from Iraq immediately). And you acknowledge that Afghanistan is important to our national security.
So, why are you not signing up, Matthew? You've accused Iraq war supporters of being chickenhawks. Are you yourself a chickenhawk, or have you signed up for the Army yet?
Matt, McCain recently unveiled part of his plan for solving America's energy crisis. He calls for 45 new Nuclear power plants to be built in 21 years.
Obama should ask if he plans to put the radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain.
Let's hear something about FISA!
My request: give up the "requests" gag, blog less, and start a new book with an eye to moving away from blogging completely.
Is Ambidner really as disgustingly fat and pasty as he comes off in Bloggingheads?
Plus, is it true that Ambinder has a tiny wee wee, or is it just that dude is so fat he can't see it when he looks down?
What do you make of Coldplay's new album?
Let's hear something about FISA!
Do you think the government had Biggie and Tupac killed? And do you think when Obama is elected he'll make things right and let us know why these guys had to be killed?
Did I leave the iron on?
Do you think it's possible that Paul Krugman wrote all of those irrational anti-Obama columns during the primary because a certain someone is a hardcore Hillary supporter? Just a theory, I have no proof.
Has the "terrorist fist-jab" gained acceptance in the wider culture? Does this mean that FOX News is - once again - behind the times?
Al, is McCain taking public money? Just askin' because I know what a funny joke it would be on the sponsor of the McCain-Feingold Act to not take public money.
MattY:
1. I might have missed it, but did you explain away BHO's latest NAFTA flap yet?
2. Rivalries! Here's a chance to condemn NewHaven's support for illegal activity.
Please, please say something about FISA. The sell-out is going on right now.
If you were a Senator and could write an energy, transportation, and climate comprehensive bill, what would your goals/projects be in such a bill? What are the "winners" would you pick?
At the same time in the same post list the concessions that you will be willing to do if and only if your proposals are granted, as well as some basic criteria/requirements that will mitigate some of the harms of your concessions.
---
Such as this example
I believe there should be a greater investment in mass transit, an increased tax credit for plugged in hybrids (we already have a tax credit for some forms of hybrids), greater research in renewable energy such as solar, wind, wave etc. X dollars spent on Y investment projects which will make the US and the World a better place to live.
No new carbon power plants unless they produce only X carbon output.
I will concede drilling in ANWR, if certain environmental regulations are created to protect the environment/the wildlife, that 1/2 of all profit belongs to the government to be put in research for renewable, and if any environmental catastrophe happens due to ANWR the companies involved will have double the normal punitive damages (as a preventive insurance forcing the companies to do everything by the book).
I will concede nuclear, only if X, Y, and Z occur.
---
In other words "the art of the deal"
FISA! FISA! FISA!
I'd like some info on how the US might replace Halliburton/KBR for logistical support. Surely someone else could do the work for a reasonable sum.
FISA! FISA! FISA!
Matt, McCain recently unveiled part of his plan for solving America's energy crisis.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/06/18/mccain-calls-for-ample-nuclear-reactor-construction/
He calls for 45 new Nuclear power plants to be built in 21 years. He also says we should allocate 2 billion dollars to clean coal research. I've heard a lot of criticisms against both (Clean coal is apparently not viable yet; Not sure if this is commercially or technologically), but Nuclear has had a more ambiguous viability when debating it. It is mostly NIMBY (Not in my backyard!) and issues with storage, I'm sympathetic to Nuclear and Obama is a "Nuclear agnostic", so I am wondering what the pros and cons are of Nuclear that would make it not viable for use? Also can you clarify about clean coal as well because information seems to be conflicting from everywhere I look. And if you can compare McCain and Obama's stances that would be fantastic, this is one area i am not as well versed as I would like to be and find the information out there inconclusive. Thanks.
I'd like some info on how the US might replace Halliburton/KBR for logistical support. Surely someone else could do the work for a reasonable sum.
Say something about FISA and the precedent it sets. If the President tells someone something is legal, they can't be held liable. Sounds like we no longer need Congress.
Bush made his first presidential signing statement in 2008 yesterday, I believe.
What's changed here? I think it's significant, evidence of the underlying shifts in the currents of power.
Your take, please.
Matt, McCain recently unveiled part of his plan for solving America's energy crisis.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/06/18/mccain-calls-for-ample-nuclear-reactor-construction/
He calls for 45 new Nuclear power plants to be built in 21 years. He also says we should allocate 2 billion dollars to clean coal research. I've heard a lot of criticisms against both (Clean coal is apparently not viable yet; Not sure if this is commercially or technologically), but Nuclear has had a more ambiguous viability when debating it. It is mostly NIMBY (Not in my backyard!) and issues with storage, I'm sympathetic to Nuclear and Obama is a "Nuclear agnostic", so I am wondering what the pros and cons are of Nuclear that would make it not viable for use? Also can you clarify about clean coal as well because information seems to be conflicting from everywhere I look. And if you can compare McCain and Obama's stances that would be fantastic, this is one area i am not as well versed as I would like to be and find the information out there inconclusive. Thanks.
I'm with blah:
What should U.S. post-withdrawal relations with Iraq look like?
Posted by blah | June 19, 2008 3:07 PM
Fascinating question. And people hating on Ambers should bugger off and get a life.
How about that FISA compromise?
Confirm or deny: Are you personally responsible for any of the 17 students at Gloucester High School (MA) who now find themselves in a family way (a fourfold increase over the past year for that school)?
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1815845,00.html
What the heck is the deal with Ambinder and him turning on and off his comments? What a big F-U to his readers. At least be consistent like Sullivan.
Can it be that Ambinder can't handle a little bit of criticism? Or maybe he knows that as a McCain supporter he hasn't made many friends in the blogosphere?
Have you ever been to Canada/are you doing a book tour up here? Billionaire book chain owner Heather Reisman would host you I bet.
Ok... I will bite...
Who do you think would win a fight between B.A. Baracus and Aquaman, assuming that said fight occurs neither in the sea or on an airplane?
Why doesn't Aidan Gillen run the country?
If we got together and took up a collection to send our boy Matt to a speech therapist (and other kinds of therapists?) any chance we can hope that in interviews he will learn to dispense with the excruciatingly irksome habit of every other phrase a "ya know?"
thereby communicating near desperate supplicatory diffidence?
For a Harvard educated high IQ kid sounds like a jock (Obermann
laughed at jocks for the affliction in his sportscaster days). I mean the high pitched soprano voice suitable for castro roles is hard enough to take but compounded with constant "ya knows?" stretches one's coronary cockles! Ya know!!
I would love a post on why there are no national guard deployed to flood areas in Iowa and Missouri. Is it because they're deployed in Iraq?
(requested in a previous request thread)
I think I'll join in the the "why the fuck did Ambinder turn off his comments" chorus.
What's the marginal cost of production for a barrel of oil? I ask because that's what the price is supposed to be in a competitive market. Now based on its track record, the theory that says so is highly suspect.
Still, I don't think the oil industry is very competitive and I'm curious to find out just how out of whack things are.
Kirchick called out this daily thread in a rather whiny post on The Plank today. Are you going to defend our honor as commentors by breakdance/blog fighting back at him?
Until you do, YOU GOT SERVED.
Now that I've pinned you down on Iran, and you've also made a reasonable, if clueless, substantive post on Afghanistan, how about doing one on Pakistan?
What would YOU do - or not do - about Al Qaeda in Pakistan and US relations with Pakistan?
How do taxi cabs fit into your transportation equation? While they provide for point A to point B transportation needs, they seem to spend a lot of time driving around with no one in them. Couldn't large cities easily reduce both congestion and pollution by reducing the number of cabs? I would think that reducing the number of cabs would create an increase in the use of mass transportation as well. What sort of taxes are imposed on cab rides? Could an increase in rates be used to both reduce demand and fund mass transportation options? I'd appreciate your thoughts.
I found this interesting. The Hindu newspaper has a "this day that age" feature printing an excerpt of articles printed 40 years ago. Today's article is Ike reacting to the Russian murder of the Hungarian PM Nagy:
President Eisenhower declared on June 18 that the feeling of revulsion throughout the non-Communist world over the execution of former Hungarian Premier Imre Nagy was going to be a very great obstacle to negotiations with the Soviet Union. The President told his press conference that the execution of Mr. Nagy and his associates in the 1956 Hungarian revolution was clear evidence that the Soviet Union intended to pursue a policy of terror and intimidation. The President commented that anything of this kind that shocked the whole free world so much was detrimental to fruitful negotiations. He was asked if, in view of the executions, there was any value in continuing his correspondence with Mr. Nikita Khrushchev, the Soviet Prime Minister, on a possible Summit conference. The President said he could not answer categorically and would want to talk with his advisers. But, he added, the whole thing had been a very big setback to his hopes.
I wonder if you had any thoughts how something like the execution of Nagy would be handled today, and how it should be handled.
I love that high gas prices are boosting infill development, but I worry the situation will reverse when cheapening solar power and pluggable hybrids intersect. Do you agree that energy prices will peak and recede in the intermediate term? If so, how do we prevent resurgent sprawl?
Looks like David Brooks blew a gasket. Whee!
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/20/opinion/20brooks.html
Agribusiness. Doesn't seem like the candidates have any real positions on the food business, or at least any recognizable differences. It would be nice to see an end to farm subsidies.
Here's a question I've been pondering: what would Bush's presidency have been like had 9/11 not happened?
John McCain finished 5th from the bottom of his class at the Naval Academy. It'd be interesting to read a piece profiling his peers at the bottom of the class.
The bottom 10 of McCain's class. We know we have 1 candidate for President, what are the other 9 up to?
John McCain finished 5th from the bottom of his class at the Naval Academy. It'd be interesting to read a piece profiling his peers at the bottom of the class.
The bottom 10 of McCain's class. We know we have 1 candidate for President, what are the other 9 up to?
I'll bet you dollars to donuts none of the others are running for national office.
Is this thread still being checked?
If so, I'd love something addressing the at-least-initially massively regressive character of carbon taxes. I'd be pretty much on board with taxing emissions (and not just, say, congestion) if there were a way to get around the fact that the burden will be borne most heavily by those with the least money, and also with the least availability of public transportation alternatives to get around driving (I wrote about this here, by the way). And it doesn't seem reasonable to say that we'll just refund the money to poorer folks at the end of the year - the cost will hit them day by day, and they're not going to be able to wait for a check. Perhaps more has been written about this problem than I've seen, but I've been looking and haven't turned much up.
Comments closed July 03, 2008.
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Heads in the Sand
we need a thread about Kevin Garnett's post-game interview after the celtics won the title.
Posted by Ajay | June 19, 2008 3:05 PM