Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

Thinkingabout

(30,058 posts)
1. It is interesting the allowing of refugees was oked by Bush in 2002 and he signed
Sun Jul 13, 2014, 06:16 PM
Jul 2014

Into law a bill allowing those from countries other than border countries to have their day in court but who gets the blame, of course Obama has caused all of this.

IrishAyes

(6,151 posts)
3. I have it on 'good' (well, actually suspect!) authority that he caused Mt. St. Helens
Sun Jul 13, 2014, 10:32 PM
Jul 2014

to erupt, too. Powerful man to rule nature that way.

SleeplessinSoCal

(9,669 posts)
6. Truth is Bush and Rove hoped to gain traction in the Spanish speaking communities
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 01:30 AM
Jul 2014

"Compassionate Conservatism" was a politically motivated effort to court Hispanics since they knew the writing was on the wall. It all went away with the flood waters of Katrina. I recall an episode of "Frontline" (I think) that showed outsourced jobs by contractors going to Colombian workers who were brought to Louisiana and were crammed into small trailers for living facilities while doing their jobs. Can't find it now. If someone does, please post. Meanwhile there are these:

Part of the aftermath:


Excerpt from Jeremy Scahill's book "Blackwater, the Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army"

"In 2005 after Hurricane Katrina its forces deployed in New Orleans, where it billed the federal government $950 per man, per day—at one point raking in more than $240,000 a day. At its peak the company had about 600 contractors deployed from Texas to Mississippi. Since Katrina, it has aggressively pursued domestic contracting, opening a new domestic operations division. Blackwater is marketing its products and services to the Department of Homeland Security, and its representatives have met with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The company has applied for operating licenses in all US coastal states. Blackwater is also expanding its physical presence inside US borders, opening facilities in Illinois and California."


Disaster Profiteering: The Flood of Crony Contracting Following Hurricane Katrina

http://multinationalmonitor.org/mm2005/092005/cray.html

Remember, the most important thing is "making a buck off the government any and every way you can". That's what the Bush years taught us.

IrishAyes

(6,151 posts)
7. I'd wager either Joaquin or Julian Castro could whip all the Ted Cruz's in the world
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 10:36 AM
Jul 2014

with one hand tied behind his back. One or both of them WILL be president someday - everyone watch and see. Not that I'm the only one who sees it now! Both those guys are Oval Office material. And Joaquin - I just wanna pinch his cheeks every time I look at him. (I'm old enough to say that w/o anyone pearl-clutching on me.) Every parent should be proud to have such sons.

When we're only talking winning and not debating issues, should Hillary run and get nominated this time, she could do worse than tagging Joaquin as a running mate already. You know she'd pull in NY and he'd do the same for Texas with all its electoral college votes. In terms of strategy alone, I'd go for that even though I have other reasons as well.

And I give us all credit for knowing that President Obama will be the kingmaker in '16. I fully trust his decision will be made in the least personal and most effective manner humanly possible.

SleeplessinSoCal

(9,669 posts)
8. Look forward to hearing more from them.
Mon Jul 14, 2014, 02:56 PM
Jul 2014

They seem mostly under the radar. Probably a wise plan by comparison to Cruz and Rubio (whose Cuban retro-credentials don't hold the same sway) out in front of the cameras and chomping at the bit.

Kath1

(4,309 posts)
5. That says it all.
Sun Jul 13, 2014, 11:35 PM
Jul 2014

"Compassionate Conservatism" always was complete and utter bullshit.

Reagan, Bush1, Bush2, Republicans in Congress now - anything but compassionate!

Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»Barack Obama»Thought for the day