http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/usefulidiot/ en-us Mon, 6 Oct 2008 20:56:56 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2098955/posts Aaron Katz, who for more than 50 years relentlessly and publicly sought the exoneration of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, the central figures in the nation’s most controversial spying case, died on Sept. 28 in Venice, Fla. He was 92 and lived in North Port, Fla. The death was confirmed by his wife, Cynthia. Mr. Katz was director of the National Committee to Reopen the Rosenberg Case for 42 years, repeatedly leading demonstrations outside the federal courthouse on Foley Square in Manhattan on the anniversary of the couple’s execution in Sing Sing’s electric chair on June 19, 1953. They had been... NYT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2098955/posts#comment Mon, 6 Oct 2008 20:56:56 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2090028/posts The father of John Walker Lindh, who has spent nearly seven years in federal prison for serving in an Afghan army, told a room full of law students at University of San Francisco on Wednesday his son has been used as a scapegoat for the faults of the U.S. government. Frank Lindh of Marin County spoke for the fourth consecutive year about how he believes U.S. troops in northern Afghanistan in 2001 illegitimately captured his son, known as an "American Taliban," for fighting as a Taliban soldier just after the Sept. 11 attacks. Frank Lindh said he believes his son... CBS5 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2090028/posts#comment Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:34:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2085309/posts Mordecai Specktor says his 19-year-old son, Max, "has never been in a fight" and is "not a violent person." "He's an anarchist," said Specktor, the publisher and editor of Minnesota's Jewish newspaper, the American Jewish World. He's also "a University of Minnesota student, Jewishly educated." His son, he said, is "a wonderful guy." Max Specktor is also now branded a terrorist after his arrest earlier this month, along with seven others, on charges of planning to disrupt the Republican National Convention in St. Paul. He's been charged with conspiring to riot "in furtherance of terrorism" and could face up to... Jewish Exponent http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2085309/posts#comment Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:36:23 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2082613/posts Paul Reiser used to make a million dollars an episode, now he’s writing for free at Huffpo and probably refreshing the comments every 8-seconds to take the pulse of his self-worth. Four times now, Barack Obama Who’s Not A Muslim has accused McCain of racism with his “I don’t look like…” race baiting, but Reiser calls foul on McCain: "So everyone’s talking about the nasty spike of nastiness in the presidential race — a spike brilliantly orchestrated by the Republican machinery — and Republican John McCain takes a moment to point out that even this is Barack Obama’s fault. Y’see,... Dirty Harry's Place http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2082613/posts#comment Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:56:42 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2083601/posts LIMA, Peru (AP) -- New York native Lori Berenson, who is serving a 20-year sentence in Peru for collaborating with leftist guerrillas in the 1990s, is four weeks pregnant, her father says. "It's a euphoric feeling for us," Mark Berenson, a former college professor, told the AP on Tuesday. Lori Berenson, 38, is married to Anibal Apari, a paroled member of the Cuban-inspired Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement, whom she met in jail. Her father said the prison allows conjugal visits, but he has not had the chance to speak with Apari since news of the pregnancy. A former Massachussets Institute... AP via SFGate http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2083601/posts#comment Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:36:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2078690/posts WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Singer-actress Barbra Streisand, who performs for Barack Obama at a Hollywood fundraiser next week, will herself be feted in the U.S. capital later this year for her contributions to American culture and the arts. Streisand joins actor Morgan Freeman, dancer-choreographer Twyla Tharp, country music singer George Jones and rockers Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of the Who as the 2008 recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors, organizers said on Tuesday. honourees for the 31st annual awards will be saluted on December 7 during a gala at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington,... http://uk.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUKN0934159920080910 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2078690/posts#comment Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:55:47 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2079137/posts The latest celebrity to join in the group slamming of Sarah Palin is none other than Matt Damon as you can see in this Associated Press video which reeks of condescension. Damon, who has yet to attain public office condescendingly mocks Palin's credentials (emphasis mine): I think there is a really good chance that Sarah Palin could president. And I think that's a really scary thing because I don't know anything about her. I don't think in eight weeks I'm going to know anything about her. I know that she was a mayor of a really, really small town. And... NewsBusters http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2079137/posts#comment Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:36:43 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2078547/posts FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- Sen. Barack Obama delivered an impassioned defense of the Constitution and the rights of terrorism suspects tonight, striking back at one of the biggest applause lines in Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin's speech to the GOP convention. It was in St. Paul last week that Palin drew raucous cheers when she delivered this put-down of Obama: "Al-Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America and he's worried that someone won't read them their rights." Obama had a few problems with that. "First of all, you don't even get to read them their rights... Washington Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2078547/posts#comment Tue, 9 Sep 2008 23:07:32 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2078316/posts John McCain announced that he was running for president to confront the "transcendent challenge" of the 21st century, "radical Islamic extremism," contrasting it with "stability, tolerance and democracy." But the values of his handpicked running mate, Sarah Palin, more resemble those of Muslim fundamentalists than they do those of the Founding Fathers. On censorship, the teaching of creationism in schools, reproductive rights, attributing government policy to God's will and climate change, Palin agrees with Hamas and Saudi Arabia rather than supporting tolerance and democratic precepts. What is the difference between Palin and a Muslim fundamentalist? Lipstick. [READ MORE BELOW] Solon.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2078316/posts#comment Tue, 9 Sep 2008 18:56:28 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2074825/posts The troop surge in Iraq has been more successful than anyone could have imagined, Barack Obama conceded Thursday in his first-ever interview on FOX News’ “The O’Reilly Factor.” As recently as July, the Democratic presidential candidate declined to rate the surge a success, but said it had helped reduce violence in the country. On Thursday, Obama acknowledged the 2007 increase in U.S. troops has benefited the Iraqi people. “I think that the surge has succeeded in ways that nobody anticipated,” Obama said while refusing to retract his initial opposition to the surge. “I’ve already said it’s succeeded beyond our wildest... FoxNews http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2074825/posts#comment Thu, 4 Sep 2008 21:01:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2073169/posts "White House reporter Helen Thomas (L) poses with documentary film maker Rory Kennedy at the White House in Washington, D.C. in this undated publicity photograph released to Reuters August 14, 2008. Next week on cable network HBO, Thomas, 88, makes a rare appearance as an interview subject in a documentary "Thank You, Mr. President: Helen Thomas at the White House," produced and directed by Kennedy, whose uncle "Jack" was the first Oval Office occupant Thomas followed as a reporter." Yahoo! News Photos http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2073169/posts#comment Tue, 2 Sep 2008 18:30:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2066325/posts (CNN) – Eager VP-watchers waiting for the text message announcement of Barack Obama’s choice of running mate have gotten their answer: It’s Hillary Clinton. And Tim Kaine. And Kathleen Sebelius. Since declaring the Democratic vice presidential pick would first be announced over e-mail and text message, several hoax announcements of the Illinois senator's choice have circulated, purporting to be from the Obama campaign. The latest came in e-mail Friday morning that hit the inboxes of many White House reporters, carrying the subject, "My Vice President." CNN Political Ticker http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2066325/posts#comment Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:15:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2064541/posts An American lawyer has offered to represent Iran in an international lawsuit against Israel and his own government in an effort to stop Washington and Tel Aviv from initiating further sanctions against Tehran. Francis A. Boyle says following Washington's latest ultimatum to Tehran to freeze uranium enrichment within two weeks or face further isolation, Iran needs to act quickly. At weekend talks in Geneva, the United States delivered what it describes as a "clear and simple message" that Iran must choose between cooperation and confrontation. In an e-mail interview with Press TV, Boyle urged Iran to begin drafting lawsuits for... Worldpress http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2064541/posts#comment Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:35:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2060887/posts I wonder if the CPUSA gets a little tingle running up their legs, too. They’re endorsing the Obamamessiah for President — shocker — even though he isn’t quite the perfect little Communist: Barack Obama is not a left candidate. This fact has seemingly surprised a number of progressive people who are bemoaning ObamaÂ’s “shift to the center.” (Right-wingers are happy to join them, suggesting Obama is a “flip-flopper.”) ItÂ’s sad that some who seek progressive change are missing the forest for the trees. But they will not dampen the wide and deep enthusiasm for blocking a third Bush term represented... stoptheaclu.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2060887/posts#comment Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:13:18 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2060228/posts BEIJING – On his way out of the game, Yao Ming thrust his fist through the air, and soon made that long, wobbly walk to the Chinese bench. The end of a brilliant and historic night for basketball, the end of responsibility for Yao. His work is done. Let him rest. “The game was a treasure,” Yao said, “and it will be a treasure for the rest of my life.” Here was a surreal sight on Sunday night in these Olympic Games. Here was the embodiment of Yao Ming’s legacy: His heart, his determination, his immensity. He made possible a... yahoo http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2060228/posts#comment Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:13:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2045038/posts "...During a question-and-answer session following the mostly lighthearted talk, he added that reaching out to other religions is the best way to combat violent religious extremism. "Sometimes in the West, [there is] some impression that Islam is something militant. Totally wrong," he said. "Since [the] Sept. 11 event, I try to reach out to Muslim brothers and sisters. ...They are wonderful -- Islamic people. Very warm-hearted. Very sensible," he said, adding that some Christians, Buddhists and Hindus are also extremists. "These few mischievous people cannot represent whole traditions," said the Dalai Lama, who will continue lecturing at Lehigh through Tuesday... The Morning Call http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2045038/posts#comment Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:39:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038416/posts WASHINGTON (AFP) - Retired US General Wesley Clark on Sunday said Republican White House hopeful John McCain lacked executive experience to be president, in rare criticism of the Vietnam veteran's military service. Clark told CBS television that McCain was a hero for enduring years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam "but he hasn't held executive responsibility. "That large squadron in the Navy that he commanded -- that wasn't a wartime squadron. He hasn't been there and ordered the bombs to fall." Clark, former NATO supreme allied commander, said McCain's combat experience as a fighter pilot did not make him... AFP http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038416/posts#comment Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:26:53 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038387/posts Olympia, Washington: Dee Williams wanted a simpler, greener life -- so she built her dream house, an 84-square-foot cottage on wheels, which is currently parked in a friend's backyard. Not only did she save money using salvaged materials (the front door came from a dumpster, for instance), but the entire house is small enough to fit into a standard parking spot. Says Williams, 'Right now, there's nowhere else I want to be.' Williams’ trailer cottage is surprisingly roomy inside, largely thanks to its clever use of height. For example, Williams’ bed is in a loft above her kitchen. Williams is... Yahoo News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038387/posts#comment Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:15:32 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2037789/posts “While the natural instincts of democracy lead the people to banish distinguished men from power,” Tocqueville wrote in Democracy in America, “an instinct no less powerful leads distinguished men to shun careers in politics, in which it is so very difficult to remain entirely true to oneself or to advance without self-abasement.” Some 170 years and 36 presidents later, the choice presented to the American people at this year’s presidential election does not merely confirm the correctness of the Frenchman’s assessment; it amplifies his verdict in an absurd, almost surreal manner. Among America’s presidents—many of them impressive and some great,... Chronicles Magazine http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2037789/posts#comment Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:12:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2033917/posts The idea came up on a thread today that perhaps it would be a good idea to write to the various conservative websites/publications that currently pay/publish Patrick Buchanan, and let them know that we would like them to stop publishing him. The thought is that PJB is basically a useful idiot for the left, allowing them to paint conservatives as racists, and tying the right wing to Nazism. He makes us look like irrational haters when we really aren't. He is used by MSNBC and others to make fools of us. It's not an effort to silence him. He can... self http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2033917/posts#comment Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:02:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2027946/posts Controversial actor Rupert Everett has accused British soldiers risking their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan of being "whining wimps", it emerged today. --snip-- And comparing troops from now and then he said: “In Burton's day they were itching to get into the fray. “Now it is the opposite. They are always whining about the dangers of being killed. Oh my God, they are such wimps now! "The whole point of being in the Army is wanting to get killed, wanting to test yourself to the limits. Now you have to fly 15,000ft above the war zone to avoid getting hit.... Daily Mail http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2027946/posts#comment Sun, 8 Jun 2008 17:51:56 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2027459/posts Supporting Barack Obama: “I don’t feel there’s any lip service with [Obama]. I don’t feel like he’s one of those jaded politicos who say one thing and are talking out of both sides of their mouth. I also feel we’ve done such damage to our reputation – and as someone who lives outside America for half the year, I overhear things that I wish I didn’t overhear. A lot of people in the West think that we’re not very sensitive to the rest of the world, and I think that having a president called Barack Hussein Obama in 2008 says... US Magazine http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2027459/posts#comment Sat, 7 Jun 2008 03:17:19 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2025937/posts What is it with photographers these days? Are they really all terrorists, or does everyone just think they are? Since 9/11, there has been an increasing war on photography. Photographers have been harrassed, questioned, detained, arrested or worse, and declared to be unwelcome. We've been repeatedly told to watch out for photographers, especially suspicious ones. Clearly any terrorist is going to first photograph his target, so vigilance is required. Except that it's nonsense. The 9/11 terrorists didn't photograph anything. Nor did the London transport bombers, the Madrid subway bombers, or the liquid bombers arrested in 2006. Timothy McVeigh didn't photograph... Guardian UK http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2025937/posts#comment Wed, 4 Jun 2008 17:43:48 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2024667/posts NEW YORK Sgt. Jason Dene, the nephew of actress and activist Mia Farrow, died in Iraq last week and his uncle blames George W. Bush for the loss. , "To date all the family has heard from the Army is that Jason variously died 'in his sleep' ...' in other words, natural causes." Whatever the cause, Patrick Farrow feels he knows what really killed his nephew: "Because of the arrogant, corrupt lies of George W. Bush and his neo-con handlers my nephew is dead, and I am mad as hell...Jason Dene was not killed by enemy fire nor friendly fire... Editor and Publisher http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2024667/posts#comment Mon, 2 Jun 2008 09:14:32 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2024752/posts Picasaweb http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2024752/posts#comment Mon, 2 Jun 2008 13:10:44 GMT