If someone is "principled," he or she adheres to certain foundational values, which guide him or her in making decisions. Hence, Obama can in no way be called principled; he is like a candle in the wind, bending to the will of the power broker of the moment. Take a look at Mark Fiore's latest to see just a few of the instances where Obama has said one thing and then turned around and done another, even after having called himself a "passionate defender" or "fierce advocate" of particular rights. So, no, in general--and despite the fact that Obama has made the right choice (Iran) on occasion--outside of inflated political discourse or a defending counsel's argument, Obama cannot accurately be described as principled.

I think the one justifying Pinochet's brutal rule takes the prize both for what is stated and what is notably left out.

For some he was the epitome of an evil dictator. That was partly because he helped to overthrow, with U.S. support, an elected president considered saintly by the international left: socialist Salvador Allende . . .

Here we have what passes for a reasonable argument. All the writer has to do is say the word "socialist," and all the Pavlov's dogs nod in agreement with him: oh, yes, that is a very bad thing.

But I notice you leave out the CIA's filthy involvement with that coup, writer.

Nor do you mention anything about the suffering families of the desaparecidos, you bastard.

[Obama]'s supposed to tell the world about our values, which apparently means, he's supposed to tell the world what we should be doing in hopes no one notices what we are doing.

Exactly. It seems to be working with his followers, because when Bill Maher criticized Obama during New Rules last week, his phone kept ringing and his email box filled up with complaints. And Bill's criticism had something to do with what you are saying: Bill said he was tired of seeing Obama on the TV selling himself to the U.S.; he wanted him to take some bold action, none of which he has seen so far.

at sig.

Thanks, and I hope I haven't made some faux pas--I have no idea what a tramp stamp is. I don't get out much.

I can't even figure out what cheetos, which seem to have been popping up here recently, are supposed to signify.

It is unbelievable. I especially like the opening, where he writes, "Call me thick...." OK, I will!

And then he says that leftism has everything in common with the terr'ists except for the woman thing and the gay thing. OMG. WTF.

LondonLad, here is a pic for you at sig heh heh.

Why doesn't this jackass just go join Frank Luntz to write bullshit talking points?

These words make it sound like nothing. But conservative radio host and shock jock Erich "Mancow" Muller had himself waterboarded to see if it was really torture. He did it under the best of circumstances: he hadn't been sleep-deprived, he wasn't hungry or in pain from beatings, he hadn't been isolated for weeks or months or years, and he knew that the people waterboarding him would not kill him. But, as anyone saw the tape on Countdown knows, he ended it after just a few seconds--he could not bear it. I don't know what would have happened to the guy if he were forced to endure it for 40 seconds.

a member of the mainstream press has been emboldened by the bloggers who recognized these truths a long time ago.

plus a few others just for fun.

I think the Krauthammer one would be good for fundraising.

At sig.

He-Man Klavan and the Troglodytes.

Pic at sig.