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253 Responses to “Thursday Open Comments Thread”
  1. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 12:11 am

    First

  2. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 12:12 am

    First

  3. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 12:12 am

    First

  4. sunny on February 8th, 2007 at 12:13 am

    Where am I, part of that equation? I’m definitely not on the ‘toot’, nor in front of the water cooler…as I don’t have one of those in my cabin. However, I am often found drinking water…so thereafter on the ‘toot’…glad I don’t have a security camera installed in here! You will, however, find me often in front of my pc!

    Oh! Yes! I forgot…first! One of the many benefits of living Down Under!

  5. Matt 'Zilla' Bramanti, CPO™ on February 8th, 2007 at 12:16 am

    Hey Eric, you know what I say when I see an NFL player doing some ridiculous touchdown dance? “Act like you’ve been there before.”

    Just joshin’ with ya…

  6. sunny on February 8th, 2007 at 12:18 am

    Well…it was a matter of the stroke…but I am generous enough to say I was ‘fourth’…go for it, Eric!

  7. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 12:24 am

    look I only pressed the Key once or did I?

    Ramos and Compean confessed Compean wrote statements live here on the wicked DHS

    the big report 77 pages

    http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/OIG_foia_RamosCompean.pdf

    Why did congressmen lie to Edd? why did they lie to the general public?

    Why did they lie to their fellow congressmen?

    Missed the part where DHS confessed to setting these two up

    Cause it wasn’t there

    Where’s the outrage, where’s the FLOOD of apologies

    I’ll be here waiting…………..

    Please if you don’t read the report I cannot respond to accusations of me lying without you reading the report.

    Lets play fair the new LST rules for Debate

    those that disagree must post facts figures, sources, reports, transcripts, time stamps, government internal documents, investigations, and they must be corraborated by at least two individuals who have attended the last three BHH.s

    those that agree are already cleared of these “misleading and half truths” standards theirs is the true word and so it shall be done

    :)

    Note smilie face

  8. Matt 'Zilla' Bramanti, CPO™ on February 8th, 2007 at 12:46 am

    Well…it was a matter of the stroke…

    Story of my life, right Shakey?

  9. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 1:14 am

    Matt

    go to bed, it was Sunny be safe take care.

  10. sunny on February 8th, 2007 at 1:31 am

    #8…I enjoy stroking, Matt!

  11. nz-texas on February 8th, 2007 at 2:30 am

    Eric, you are the energizer bunny.
    whew! Sunny.
    Matt, you’re engaged.

  12. sunny on February 8th, 2007 at 3:45 am

    Please note there was a comma in my No.10!

  13. left-2-right on February 8th, 2007 at 5:10 am

    This FIRST stuff is taking on a life of its own. Now just claiming it once isn’t enough. At least be creative and use Roman Numerals…I II III IV V…etc…

  14. flygal on February 8th, 2007 at 6:03 am

    for the pic above:
    need to add a back massager built into the toilet bowl, so your back will not kill you after sitting so long
    a refrigerator/microwave built into the laptop stand (not sure if the stand is one or not)
    That would be a pic of my ideal desk at the office, since I only get 1 5-min break per my 12-hr shift, so not having to take that shift would really increase my workload

  15. flygal on February 8th, 2007 at 6:03 am

    sorry; I meant not having to take the break would increase my productivity, not shift

  16. sunny on February 8th, 2007 at 6:11 am

    Wow! left-ll-right…is that correct?

  17. sunny on February 8th, 2007 at 6:12 am

    Or should I have said #X11…left-ll-right, first.

  18. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 6:50 am

    Accuracy Score Ramos and Compean

    WND: 0.0%

    Congressmen who have ruined their careers meddling in the DHS and the Justice department: 3 and counting

    Trial transcript has always been available from…..

    William G. Stewart Acting Assistant Director 202.616.6757 202.616.6478

    Executive Office United States Attorney General.

    How many employees did Culberston, McCaul, Poe and Tancredo have for legal research including Transcripts? over 250 including committees

    http://www.legistorm.com/office/Judiciary_Committee/1536/9.html

    How many times did they claim they could not get transcripts or information? every time they were in front of a camera and Microphone

    how many months did they claim to be stonewalled: since the beginning over a year

    How many LST bloggers did it take to get transcripts: 1

    how long?: 2 weeks or so

    How much?: maybe a saw buck

    Hey, but I always pay young staffers on their first job 80 thousand a year right Congressman Culberson?

    http://www.legistorm.com/person/Gahun_Jamie_Harper_/11901.html

    Or maybe a couple? (are they?) working in the office a cool quarter million? Are they related - did you clear them with the CHA?

    http://www.legistorm.com/person/Essalih_Hassan_A_/11899.html

    http://www.legistorm.com/person/Essalin_Eleonore_Bullard_/11900.html

    Or maybe you can offer David, Matt, Squawk and BigJolly Jobs they seem much more efficient and well accurate than your staff?

    I’ll bet they can do it cheaper as well.

  19. Katfish on February 8th, 2007 at 7:05 am

    Lordy Lordy yall are nasty for so derned early in the mawnin - whatever happened to just ‘g’mornin yall’??

    SHEESH!

  20. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 7:07 am

    WND Accuracy Ramos and Compean: 0.0%

    LST Bloggers vs the 3 stampedos (Culberson, Poe, and McCaul)

    How many staffers does it take the 3 stampedos to fail to get a transcript?

    over 250 including committee and subcommittee staff?

    How many LST Bloggers does it take to get a transcript? 1

    How many months did the three stampedos claim to be stonewalled? forever

    How many months did it take the LST part time unpaid unskilled :) blogger to get a transcript? 2 weeks or so

    were transcripts available from other sources than the secret society of Court reporters? Yes

    William G. Stewart Acting Assistant Director 202.616.6757 202.616.6478

    Executive Office United States Attorney Generals.

    Check out Culbersons staff and your hometown Stampedos stampeding to doom at a microphone or TV camera near you:

    http://www.legistorm.com/member/Hon_John_Culberson/190/9.html

  21. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 7:08 am

    WND Accuracy Ramos and Compean: 0.0%

    LST Bloggers vs the 3 stampedos (Culberson, Poe, and McCaul)

    How many staffers does it take the 3 stampedos to fail to get a transcript?

    over 250 including committee and subcommittee staff?

    How many LST Bloggers does it take to get a transcript? 1

    How many months did the three stampedos claim to be stonewalled? forever

    How many months did it take the LST part time unpaid unskilled :) blogger to get a transcript? 2 weeks or so

    were transcripts available from other sources than the secret society of Court reporters? Yes

    William G. Stewart Acting Assistant Director 202.616.6757 202.616.6478

    Executive Office United States Attorney Generals.

    Check out Culbersons staff and your hometown Stampedos stampeding to doom at a microphone or TV camera near you:

    http://www.legistorm.com

  22. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 7:11 am

    Word Association the LST way

    Ramos and Compean

    stampedos

    Culberson

    Jump the Shark

    Ethics Complaint

    Felons

  23. emmekelley on February 8th, 2007 at 7:14 am

    #16

    Katfish

    I agree with you. It must be the “you need to go get some!!” illness. To make people so cranky in the mornin. I will go with you katfish. Everyone have a wonderful, safe and blessed day.

  24. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 7:15 am

    Well

    So the mystery ends - but some still trying to salvage whats left of their political careers.

    What part did Culberson not understand “I tried to Kill Him” or youre a horses A$$ from the spokesperson from DHS did he not understand?

    Maybe he will understand this

    Ethics Complaint

    Removal from office for cause

    Obstruction of Justice

    Or maybe even Treason

    Coming soon to a committee near you.

  25. hamous on February 8th, 2007 at 7:16 am

    You’re speaking in tongues today, Eric.

  26. The Dude on February 8th, 2007 at 7:16 am

    I haven’t seen a Top Ten list in a while from Robert, so I’ll do one:

    Dude’s Top Ten Guesses as to the Real Identity of Eeepy Jay

    1. The real slim shady
    2. Joe Nixon
    3. Corbin Van Arsdale
    4. Jim Morrison
    5. Elvis
    6. Johnny Sutton
    7. Senor Jorge Boosh
    8. Gunga Din

    OK… OK… that last one was a stretch. Even Gunga Din couldn’t carry water like Eepy Jay.

    Oh, and that wasn’t 10? Well I have a highly placed source who has informed me that 8 is actually 10. I’ll try to get you a link later…

  27. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 7:24 am

    hamous

    did you read this?

    http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/OIG_foia_RamosCompean.pdf

    Dude,

    I just really resent people trying to manipulate Edd, thats my territory! :)

  28. hamous on February 8th, 2007 at 7:26 am

    9. Cliff Claven
    10. Tommy Flanagan

  29. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 7:30 am

    Dude

    Was it you that posted here I was wore than a liar for posting 1/2 truths?

    And does this report prove that I was correct in every facet of the case?

    http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/OIG_foia_RamosCompean.pdf

    Well, it was just pure dumb luck I’m sure on my part! :)

    I’ll be waiting for your retraction and groveling apology……..

  30. The Dude on February 8th, 2007 at 7:31 am

    Cliffie! How could I have forgotten that one? Thank you Hamous for the additions. Actually, everyone should feel free to add their guesses to the list. It’s easy and fun for kids of all ages to participate.

  31. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 7:32 am

    Oh man and how about all those inside the investigation reports from the insiders at FOB, WND, EIEIO, they are all being ensconced in the Dan Rather Hall of Fame for creative journalism!

    More word Association

    Crash!

    Tancredo

  32. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 7:34 am

    Dude

    you always were a poor loser man up and comment on the report! Call me anything you want - Houston we have a problem!

    Thousands of petards have been hoisted!

    and 77 pages later………

    http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/OIG_foia_RamosCompean.pdf

  33. hamous on February 8th, 2007 at 7:36 am

    Eric, I have perused it and will take a more thorough look as time warrants.

    I’ve always taken the position that the best thing is to let justice take its course. I have confidence in our judicial system in general and the appeals process in particular. I don’t believe their is any conspiracy by GWB and Chertoff to get these guys. I also believe that Bush will pardon them because its the right thing to do.

    Here’s what a truly independent investigation by John Walsh concluded, and is pretty much how I feel about it:

    Did Ramos and Compean make mistakes? Yes: no one can disagree on that. Should they have been punished and reprimanded for their transgressions? Again, everyone agrees that they should. But the 11- and 12-year sentences are forcing Border Patrol agents and law enforcement in general to question everything they do, at the detriment of our safety.

    But I stand by my “speaking in tongues” comment ;-)

  34. The Dude on February 8th, 2007 at 7:37 am

    Was it you that posted here I was wore than a liar for posting 1/2 truths?

    Yes.

    I’ll be waiting for your retraction and groveling apology

    I know you’re a busy guy with all the legal procedings and oil and steel production, but maybe you can pencil me in for… ummm… let’s say never! Hasn’t Bigjolly already posted a link to the transcript?

  35. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 7:38 am

    Look Houston

    I didn’t ask for this - they did - I calmly and serenely tried to give them newspaper reports that these 2 were up to no good

    Oh no anything for the border yikes and away!

    This doesn’t change the border, doesn’t change the now REALITY THAT A FENCE NEEDS to be built - if there was a fence none of this would have happened. It doesn’t change that we need english as mandatory and it doesnt change the need to end all entitlements

    But back to the leaking egos of shark jumping politicians…….

    Hopefully….

  36. The Dude on February 8th, 2007 at 7:40 am

    Eepy Jay,

    you always were a poor loser

    Considering that you’ve never seen me lose, I’m not sure how you feel qualified to say that. But enough of these shenanigans… I’m playing chess with a monkey again.

  37. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 7:40 am

    Dude

    Look you don’t have to apologize - you are a good guy - I shouldn’t include you as you wisely stayed out of it for the most part.

    Made my comments weeks before Jolly - who BTW is more efficient than 250 congressional staffers - got the scripts

    Sorry If I offended you - I got to go now no more lurking for me

  38. fasternu426 on February 8th, 2007 at 7:51 am

    32 Dude
    Did you say monkey playing chess?
    http://www.pennypostcards.com/linguica/pc12.jpg

  39. Katfish on February 8th, 2007 at 7:51 am

    *shakes head*

    (oooops wrong blog? - HEH)

  40. duhmoose on February 8th, 2007 at 7:52 am

    Eric, I have read through most of the report you linked and it still looks like the Agents reported the incident verbally, as required, to an unkown BP agent. Could have been a supervisor, but don’t know because the identity is blanked. The testimonies of the shooting come down to Compean and Ramos vs Aldrete. The shell casing count is different than reported by Sutton. So, I see most of what you have stated is refuted by your own document. Would you like some A1 with that crow?

  41. rj on February 8th, 2007 at 7:54 am

    he’s not speaking in tongues, I’d call it being delirious.
    rj

  42. duhmoose on February 8th, 2007 at 8:03 am

    bigjolly, which thread did you link the transcripts in? I would like to peruse them.

  43. JRB on February 8th, 2007 at 8:04 am

    What’s the deal here? I thought the IG of DHS admitted to his staffers telling untruth to the four Texas congressmen in their previous meeting. Did I miss something”

  44. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 8:08 am

    35

    nope

    page number and paragraph

    and no

    there were 5 BP’s on the scene

    What part of Compeans statement “I tried to Kill Him” did we NOT understand

  45. duhmoose on February 8th, 2007 at 8:09 am

    Eric, How can I give you a page number and paragraph for something that I say is not in there? Could you provide a page number and paragraph to refute?

  46. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 8:10 am

    In fact he was asked repeatedly that was he assaulted did he have anything else to report

    Nope was his reply

    Look the GUY CONFESSED he just didn’t realize he faced jail time THAT WAS A MISTAKE OF HIS LEGAL COUNSEL

    Could be grounds for a retrial butman with a confession like that and now Ramos finally talking they actually could get the attempted murder charges reinstated

    These are my opinions based upon bay watch reruns

  47. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 8:13 am

    Duhmoose

    if its not in the report then its not there

    Page 14 of the 33 Report of Investigation the supervisor arrived on the scene and asked questions they did not tell him they discharged their weapons

  48. Wino on February 8th, 2007 at 8:15 am

    If I’m shooting at someone, I’m trying to kill him, too. Only Dudley Dooright (and Eepy Jay, apparently) think one should shoot guns out of bad guys hands, rather than shooting for center body mass.

  49. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 8:15 am

    Duhmoose

    youra good and decent uman being for trying to defend these two but now you hae the evidence and have to make that same but very difficult decision to decide on the side of the law and society or those who protect society

    NOT A PRETTY CHOICE

  50. Rastus on February 8th, 2007 at 8:17 am

    Does anyone keep up with the Piranha Club and Osama’s efforts to get over the Mexican fence into the US?

  51. duhmoose on February 8th, 2007 at 8:19 am

    Eric, the OIG report is not very good since they removed all the names, instead of replcing them with psuedonyms to provide clear reading. In the report almost everyone involved changed their story. However, we do not know who changed what, since the names are removed.

  52. trl3 on February 8th, 2007 at 8:25 am

    EricPJohnson

    Are you misinformed or just lying?

    BTW: it was the director of DHS that admitted, in SWORN tesimony, the deputy director, chief investigator, and congressional liason LIED to to the congressmen.

    This will be clear in the near future and we would be expecting your apology. Mean while it appears that 2 Border Patrol Agents were rail roaded by a federal prosecutor who has lied about the facts of the case.

    FYI: The transcripts are still not available even though it has been 11 months since the trial ended.

  53. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 8:27 am

    Please Moose

    Well then look at their training - look at Ramos arrested three times - if this were other states he would automatically be charged - come on Compean confessed in his own handwritting.

    Confessed no pardon - no commutation of sentence - “I tried to Kill Him”

    Be happy it was only 12

    Lets move on to building a fence - if there was a fence there would have been no van and these two would be spending the weekend with their families not with the Familia

  54. hamous on February 8th, 2007 at 8:27 am

    duhmoose, it would’ve been cool to assign cartoon names to all the characters. Deputy Dog, Speedy Gonzales, Wile E. Coyote, Underdog, Mr. Magoo, Boris Badenov and Natasha Fatale. You could have fun with that.

  55. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 8:29 am

    Trl3

    Please note that I appreciate you to the end defending these two and its people like you that make this country great: however

    http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/OIG_foia_RamosCompean.pdf

    read the report

    It will address your transcript questions and all questions that you may have

  56. fasternu426 on February 8th, 2007 at 8:37 am
  57. hamous on February 8th, 2007 at 8:40 am

    Hillary’s first night as President

    Hillary Clinton was sworn in today as President.
    She has disposed of Bill and is spending her first night alone in the White House. She has waited several years for this.

    FIRST NIGHT - Suddenly, the ghost of George Washington appears to her, and Hillary says, “How can I best serve my country?”

    Washington says, “Never tell a lie.”

    “Ouch!” Says Hillary, “I don’t know about that.”

    SECOND NIGHT - The next night, the ghost of Thomas Jefferson appears… Hillary says, “How can I best serve my country?”

    Jefferson says, “Listen to the people.”

    “Ohhh! I really don’t want to do that.”

    THIRD NIGHT - On the third night, the ghost of Abe Lincoln appears… Hillary says, “How can I best serve my country?”

    Lincoln says, “Go to the theater.”

  58. hamous on February 8th, 2007 at 8:41 am

    bold tag - 1
    hamous - 0

  59. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 8:41 am

    43

    Wino,

    http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/OIG_foia_RamosCompean.pdf

    He knew he did wrong……

  60. fasternu426 on February 8th, 2007 at 8:42 am

    32 Dude:

    Here you go. Your move…
    http://www.pennypostcards.com/linguica/pc12.jpg

  61. SC on February 8th, 2007 at 8:44 am

    That report means nothing. It just regurgitates the prosecutors lame assertions.

  62. hamous on February 8th, 2007 at 8:45 am

    I think we got the link Eric. This is beginning to turn into another “Texas Fact Book” discussion.

  63. fasternu426 on February 8th, 2007 at 9:11 am

    Just took an online Rorschach test. Man, the voices are right!
    http://www.stupidstuff.org/main/rorschach.htm

    Results:
    Diagnostic Overview:

    Your responses indicate that you secretly wish for the Apocalypse. You need treatment for this, like not watching so much CNN. It also appears that you’re very mistrustful of red cars, toilet paper, and the sky. If untreated, you will end up being one of those people who keep 100 cats in their house.

    Long-Term Prognosis:

    Because you have no regard for human life, fair play, or mercy, your only career choice is to be a lawyer. Although debilitating, this kind of emotional disorder is treatable with a strict regimen of drug therapy and shock sessions. You may never be completely normal, but this mental illness will not be passed on to your offspring.

  64. DanielJames on February 8th, 2007 at 9:14 am

    When a cop fires his weapon while on the job is he;

    a) shooting to wound.

    b) Shooting to kill.

    c) Having fun fring his weapon into the air.

  65. fasternu426 on February 8th, 2007 at 9:16 am

    54 DJ

    I’l say c) and not from any kind of personal experience or anything. :)

  66. fasternu426 on February 8th, 2007 at 9:19 am

    Dang, I’m pretty!

  67. Smacktle on February 8th, 2007 at 9:20 am

    EricPJohnson Says:
    February 8th, 2007 at 8:10 am

    These are my opinions based upon bay watch reruns

    The truth finally comes out.

    You are about to enter another blogging dimension a dimension not only of words and typing, but of mind. A journey into a wonderous land of imagination. Next stop The EPJ Zone.

  68. DanielJames on February 8th, 2007 at 9:36 am

    faster

    Correct.

    Shooting to wound may harm the perp.

    Shooting to kill may cause the perp to die.

    Firing into the air typically harms no one and is lots-o-fun. That training really pays off.

  69. strongbow on February 8th, 2007 at 9:36 am

    The report is an interesting read, but it is hard to understand most of it due to the redacted sections, especially the sections that spell out the rules that warrant the discharge of a firearm by a BPA.

    The most I see right now is failure to report the full incident to a supervisor.

    However, it is unclear to me if the redactings were done solely for security reasons (and to protect the ‘innocent’) or if there was also intent here by DHS to cover their own hides. Especially after the OIG’s own admission yesterday that his people misled Congressional inquiries on the matter last year.

    Impossible to make that determination until the full Trial Transcripts are available. Right now the whole thing stinks to high heaven.

    Maybe these border agents did commit crimes that warrant prison time, however I have a major problem with the fact that the smuggler himself is not also wearing striped pajamas with them and has skated on this whole deal after admitting (in the redacted report) that he was indeed smuggling drugs into the US.

  70. DanielJames on February 8th, 2007 at 9:45 am

    Now go try to give out free Bibles in Florida.

    http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=54150

    You will be dealt with accordingly.

  71. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 9:50 am
  72. hamous on February 8th, 2007 at 9:57 am

    #63

    Diagnostic Overview:

    Your responses indicate that you’re seriously demented, and a definite danger to yourself and others. You ought to be in lockup, in solitary confinement because of your sick ideas and mental problems. One of your biggest problems is that you don’t think there’s anything wrong with you. People who answer as you did have intense perverted sexual fantasies so twisted that your co-workers would *freak* out.

    Long-Term Prognosis:

    You will need intensive psychological care for the rest of your life because of the factors described above. Stay away from other people if at all possible; just use the internet. Don’t go outdoors or you’re doomed. You are deeply scared of anything dangerous, violent, or threatening, which actually makes perfect sense, now that we think about it.

  73. fasternu426 on February 8th, 2007 at 9:58 am

    70
    DJ
    Maybe they should’ve also gave a condom or a koran.

    Constitution=Freedom of religion, not from it….

  74. Smacktle on February 8th, 2007 at 10:04 am

    I found another “fact” place. I hope this helps.

    http://www.fact.org/

  75. malcolm on February 8th, 2007 at 10:06 am

    Wasn’t TT married to Hanoi Jane? What’s his relevance to “climate change”?

    http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/biz/4535625.html

  76. hamous on February 8th, 2007 at 10:06 am

    Like Grand Pappy always said, “The day is wasted if you don’t learn something new.” I’ve always wondered who, exactly, the Gideons were. Another question - who was Herman and why does he have so many sons?

  77. malcolm on February 8th, 2007 at 10:07 am
  78. DanielJames on February 8th, 2007 at 10:08 am

    Smacks and Hammy

    Man up will ya.

  79. hamous on February 8th, 2007 at 10:09 am

    All of your questions can be answered in the Texas Fact Book:

    http://www.lbb.state.tx.us/Fact_Book/Texas_Fact_Book_2006_0106.pdf

  80. hamous on February 8th, 2007 at 10:10 am

    #78 DJ - huh?

  81. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 10:15 am

    I’m so proud

    *sniff*

  82. DanielJames on February 8th, 2007 at 10:20 am

    BigJolly

    I never heard back from Troy.

    Not even a basic form email letter. Nuttin.

    Its time to rattle his cage again.

  83. malcolm on February 8th, 2007 at 10:40 am

    On Getting Older:

    Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked, “How old was your husband?” “98,” She replied. “Two years older than me.” “So you’re 96,” the undertaker commented. She responded, “Hardly worth going home, isn’t it?”

    Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman: “And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?” the reporter asked. She simply replied, “No peer pressure.”

    The nice thing about being senile is you can hide your own Easter eggs.

    I’ve sure gotten old! I’ve had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees, fought prostate cancer and diabetes. I’m half blind, can’t hear anything quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts. Have bouts with dementia. Have poor circulation; hardly feel my hands and feet anymore. Can’t remember if I’m 85 or 92. Have lost all my friends.
    But, thank God, I still have my driver’s license.

    I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my doctor’s permission to join a fitness club and start exercising. I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors.
    I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But, by the time I got my leotards on, the class was over.

    An elderly woman decided to prepare her will and told her preacher she had two final requests. First, she wanted to be cremated, and second, she wanted her ashes scattered over Wal-Mart. “Wal-Mart?” the preacher exclaimed. “Why Wal-Mart?” “Then I’ll be sure my daughters visit me twice a week ”

    My memory’s not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory’s not as sharp as it used to be.

    Know how to prevent sagging? Just eat till the wrinkles fill out .

    It’s scary when you start making the same noises as your coffeemaker.

    These days about half the stuff in my shopping cart says, “For fast relief.”

    Remember: You don’t stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughing.

    — THE SENILITY PRAYER : Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.

    Now, I think you’re supposed to share this with 5 or 6, maybe 10 others. Oh heck, give it to a bunch of your friends if you can remember who they are!

  84. Neocon on February 8th, 2007 at 11:03 am

    BREWHAHA™ THIS FRIDAY (TOMORROW)

    Southerntragedy has managed to get a free party for us at Fox & Hound this Friday. F & H is supplying the food (hot wings, chips & salsa and pizza). Or order from the menu. Just ask for the LST group.

    It’s at Fox & Hound Pub
    19189 I-45 South (Research Forest Drive Exit)
    Shenandoah, TX
    832-813-0105
    6:30ish p.m.

    Matt said he would do a BrewHaHa™ thread, but he has been slacking! It’s not like he has a real job, doncha know? ;)

  85. Katfish on February 8th, 2007 at 11:05 am

    #67 - hahahahahahahahaha

    “we control the vertical - we control the horizontal - we are in control baby so crank it UP and rip off ze knobs!”

    p.s. for no one in partikkalar

    If I ‘SWEAR’ testimonially that I’m Sam Elliot and have hundreds of available lady friends is it true?

  86. DanielJames on February 8th, 2007 at 11:07 am

    The smack down is front and center.

    http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=/Nation/archive/200702/NAT20070207d.html

    Speaking after the Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed that agent Ignacio Ramos was assaulted by inmates in his Mississippi prison over the weekend, California Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher had a warning for the White House.

    “I tell you, Mr. President, if these men — especially after this assault — are murdered in prison, if one of them lose their lives, there’s going to be some sort of impeachment talk in Capitol Hill,” he told a press conference in Washington D.C.(Listen to Audio)

  87. hamous on February 8th, 2007 at 11:08 am

    If I ‘SWEAR’ testimonially that I’m Sam Elliot and have hundreds of available lady friends is it true?

    That depends on what the meaning of ‘is’ is.

  88. Katfish on February 8th, 2007 at 11:09 am

    #87 - PERZACTAMUNDO!!!!!!!!!

  89. Smacktle on February 8th, 2007 at 11:16 am

    I can vouch for the FACT that Katfish is not Sam Elliot and has only one lady friend.

  90. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 11:24 am

    DJ,

    do youhave conformation cause all I get is his relatives SAYING he was assaulted. But nothing I can find on the federal Bureau of Prisons website

  91. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 11:28 am

    Never mind DJ

    He apparently was not beaten 1/2 to death - kicked and stomped with steel toed boots

    [snip]
    In the one-paragraph statement, bureau spokesman Charles Smith said that Ramos reported to prison officials at 10:15 p.m. Saturday, that he had been assaulted and that an evaluation by the facility’s medical staff determined that he sustained “some bruises and abrasions.”
    “The injuries sustained were minor in nature,” Mr. Smith said. “Inmate Ramos was subsequently placed in the special housing unit, pending a thorough investigation of the incident. He will remain in the special housing unit until the conclusion of this investigation. No further information is available at this time.”
    Spokeswoman Traci Billingsley said in Washington that the bureau has “a long history of safely housing sentenced law-enforcement officers in general population,” adding that the assault occurred immediately after the airing of a television show that described Ramos’ case.
    [snip]

  92. willsin on February 8th, 2007 at 11:34 am

    Some interesting things here:

    Page 11 of 33:

    [Excerpted] stated that Compean told [excerpted] that he had tried to hit Aldrete-Davila with the butt of his shotgun and the he and Ramos fired their weapons at Aldrete-Davila. . . . [Excerpted] admitted that [excerpted] had violated BP firearms policy by not reporting the shooting incident.

    So, the shooting had been reported to somebody, who appears to be in a supervisory position, and they failed to file a required report. If what the El Paso reporter states is true–that the supervisors are responsible to file reports for shootings, how did they charge Compean and Ramos with this?

    I also found a misleading characterization on page 12 of 33:

    Compean stated that his intent was to “kill” Aldrete-Davila because he thought he had a gun, even though Compean later recanted his original statement by stating he “was never really certain” that Aldrete-Davila had a gun.

    First, if a law enforcement agent draws his/her firearm, such officer better have an intent to kill with it if the firearm is used. That is the way law enforcement officers are trained. So, to quote “kill” just hyperbolizes and sensationalizes the Compeans statement unnecessarily.

    Second, the fact that Compean thought Aldrete-Davila had a gun, and later stating he was never certain Aldrete-Davila had a gun is not even inconsistent. It certainly comes nowhere close to being a recanted statement as stated in this report. A law enforcement officer is justified in drawing and using his/her firearm where he/she thinks the suspect has a gun. To have to be certain that the suspect has a gun before the law enforcement officer fires his/her gun, is an invitation to harm and death for the law enforcement officer and his/her colleagues at the scene.

    Page 15 of 33: I do not see the relevance of Ramos and Compean’a s failure to file Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim for Continuation of Pay/Compensation in relation to the shooting incident. Ramos clearly was not hurt, and Compean had dirt thrown in his face. Again, it looks like the OIG was grasping for straws.

    Pages 17 and 18 of 33: They will not release the Border Patrol pursuit policy. Probably, because it’s turn the other way, run and hide until the bad guys are gone, or something to that extent.

    A lot of the rest, does not look too good for the agents, in my humble opinion.

    Will analyze more when get chance to read further.

  93. hamous on February 8th, 2007 at 11:34 am

    Or so the Germans would have us believe…

  94. Peter on February 8th, 2007 at 11:35 am

    Holy crap Batman.

    Talk about cherry picking.

    Eric,

    Here is exactly what he wrote in his “confession” (page 64):

    “When we were in the drainage ditch the alien was coming straight at me. I heard someone say hit him but, I don’t know who that was. My intent was to kill the alien because I thought he had a gun, but I never really saw for certain that he had a gun.”

    Why was he not “certain that he had a gun”?

    Because, as he reported (page 62):

    “We tumbled and wrestled for a bit. I got some dirt in my eyes and he got up and started running south towards Mexico. When he was running south he was pointing something shiny with his left hand. It looked like a gun. This is when I started shooting.”

    So, let’s review his sworn testimony.

    The illegal alien who was acting like so many other drug runners that they have observed ran from them. During the pursuit, the illegal alien began approaching the officer in an intimidating way. The officer attempted to use non-deadly force via the butt of his shotgun. The officer slipped and the illegal alien attacked him. While the illegal alien was fleeing and with dirt in his eyes, the officer believe he saw a weapon being pointed back at him and began firing for fear of his own life. Following his training, he was firing to kill.

    Eric, other than not following protocol after the incident, what did the officer do wrong? (Accroding to his own testimoney which you claim is the damning evidence against him)

    Did you read what you posted?

  95. RickG on February 8th, 2007 at 11:39 am

    86. Daniel

    I’ve always thought Rohrbacher was a pretty solid spokesman for the conservative cause. But that remark is one of the stupidest I’ve heard. Impeachment for failing to pardon somebody convicted of a crime? Where does that fall into the “high crimes and misdemeanors” category. Perhaps Rohrbacher should read the Constitution.

    Of course, some politicians will say anything in a speech to please their audiences.

  96. Katfish on February 8th, 2007 at 11:40 am

    =#89 - gee THNX fer screwin up a great wet dream before I could even fire up the projector!

    (I was already feeling like getting into a bar fight with my pal Patrick Swayze too…..HEH)

  97. willsin on February 8th, 2007 at 11:51 am

    #94. Peter, you are right on. But don’t let the facts get in the way of Eric’s argumentativeness.

  98. texpat on February 8th, 2007 at 11:51 am

    #95 RickG

    I’ll second that motion. Rohrbacher, a normally level-headed guy, just made himself look like an idiot with that comment.

  99. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 12:14 pm

    Peter

    wrong

    again….

  100. texpat on February 8th, 2007 at 12:19 pm

    I have been skeptical of all claims in this BP agent affair. From the beginning, I have tried to discover what was and was not factual in the incident. The families and supporters of the agents have been given to hyperbole while the Justice Dept. and Homeland Security have not acquitted themselves well at all. These two agencies have continued to feed a public fire by being evasive and condescending. They have cultivated the appearance of concealing facts even if they did not. The supporters have made accusations which could not be proven or disproven because of the lack of recorded evidence withheld by these agencies willfully or by incompetence.

    While I do not believe these two men belong in jail, I also do not believe they acted professionally throughout this episode. On the other hand, the prosecutor and OIG of Homeland Security have stretched the patience and tainted their credibility. I will defer to the recently retired Assistant Attorney General from Houston to explain my jaundiced view of the Justice Dept. In a private conversation about 14 years ago, he told me (I paraphrase): Do not ever expect the AAG’s office to be timid or reasonable. They do not know nuance or subtlety. They do not fight to maim - they fight to kill. They don’t just prosecute a crime; they want to destroy you.

  101. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 12:21 pm

    Peter

    Three other border patrolmen said he was unarmed

    The Jury and the Grand Jury didn’t believe it either

    Its an old cliche the ole shiny object in the hand

    except for the couple of times he raised his hands

    Nice try though

  102. Narly on February 8th, 2007 at 12:25 pm

    Is it Friday yet?

  103. EricPJohnson on February 8th, 2007 at 12:29 pm

    Texpat

    The prosecutor just did his job

    The DHS and the congressmen got into a pissing match and IMO the congresmen obstructed justice (which they did and ethics charges are being considered right now) by trying to circumvent the sentencing phase.

    And as far as I can tell McCaul is making the claim he was promised all this information and he couldn’t have it and was told that the two were being investigated for allegedly plotting this in advance which was an error by a junior staffer not the entire
    department.

    the rhectoric of the congressmen reached volcanic porportions that now Ted Poe has issued one of the most ignorant statements demanding their immediate release and given medals and orders to hunt drug dealers - what a tool.

    The three Stampedos (Culberson, McCaul and Poe) has reaped the whirlwind and all but insured that these two may very well serve the entire time or be killed in prison as these things happen.

    As if they really cared in the first place, really

  104. hamous on February 8th, 2007 at 12:38 pm

    As usual, texpat makes the most level-headed comment on the subject in #100.

    And I’d have to say Peter is pretty darned accurate in his description of Eric cherry-picking text.

  105. duhmoose on February 8th, 2007 at 12:39 pm

    Eric, do you have a link to the information about ethics charges? Or is this another one of your “inside” contacts?

  106. Robert Headford on February 8th, 2007 at 12:42 pm

    Are we in “Dead Horse” territory yet?

  107. texpat on February 8th, 2007 at 12:42 pm

    Most of this could have been avoided if the AAG and OIG offices had not acted like jacka$$es, Eric. I think for the congressmen to make reasonable inquiries and requests was and is acceptable. Making unfounded accusations and assertions is not acceptable. I’ve observed the Marshal Dillon antics of more than one asinine federal prosecutor and so I don’t view them all as Boy Scouts just doing their duty.

  108. malcolm on February 8th, 2007 at 12:55 pm

    #106 RH - That happened a long time ago as far as many of us are concerned.

  109. hamous on February 8th, 2007 at 1:00 pm

    Only if you say it is so, Robert BigHeadford ;-)

  110. Robert Headford on February 8th, 2007 at 1:01 pm

    #109 HamGroin

    Are you going tomorrow night?

  111. hamous on February 8th, 2007 at 1:07 pm

    #110 - I don’t think I can make it. That’s way outside my “circle of trust”.

  112. Peter on February 8th, 2007 at 1:08 pm

    Eric, put down the crack pipe and slowly step back.

    Wrong? What could I possibly even be wrong about when I posted direct quotes from a document from a link that you provided?

    Show me where I was “wrong”?

    Are those not the exact words that I quoted?

    Was my summary of what he wrote incorrect?

    The only thing that seems to be wrong here is you contention that “Ramos and Compean confessed” and that you are apparently in such a desperate panic to save face that you don’t even believe the document that you posted.

    Crack kills.

  113. DanielJames on February 8th, 2007 at 1:12 pm

    texpat

    All I said was the smack down is front and center.

    I see emotions starting to run very high at all levels and its due to the border problem.

  114. SC on February 8th, 2007 at 1:14 pm

    I’ll second the “dead horse”.

  115. DanielJames on February 8th, 2007 at 1:14 pm

    Clambake isnt coming. He doesnt want to duel. He doesnt want to get punked.

  116. DanielJames on February 8th, 2007 at 1:16 pm

    SC

    Is the issue the dead horse or the arguments?

  117. jimb on February 8th, 2007 at 1:18 pm

    I’ll have to wait for the next BHH. Besides, I don’t want to go anywhere outside of Hamous’ “circle of trust”…

    :)

  118. SC on February 8th, 2007 at 1:20 pm

    There is no point arguing when one side cannot convince the other. EPJ will never let up. I’m content with what I believe from the information i have heard. I DO NOT trust the government to provide the truth.

  119. SC on February 8th, 2007 at 1:23 pm

    OOO, Culberson was smokin

  120. texpat on February 8th, 2007 at 1:24 pm

    #113

    DJ, I agree wholeheartedly.

    I’m outta here. Carry on, mi amigos.

  121. Robert Headford on February 8th, 2007 at 1:35 pm

    Well if HamGroin and JimBeam aren’t going, count me out. I can’t handle SmackTool without some relief! :)

  122. hamous on February 8th, 2007 at 1:38 pm

    Even if I were to go I wouldn’t be handling Smack’s tool.

  123. Squawkbox Noise on February 8th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
  124. twocute64001 on February 8th, 2007 at 1:40 pm

    Ok I tried it:

    Diagnostic Overview:

    Your responses indicate that you like to set aside a special time to humiliate yourself in public. Someday, you’ll look back on this, laugh nervously and change the subject, but for now just pretend you got the joke and laugh when everyone else does, okay? People who answer as you did are always fascinated with sheep. The less said about that, the better.

    Long-Term Prognosis:

    With luck, you could exist in a vegetative state, doing phone sales or selling insurance. Just don’t push it; too much brain work will make your butt ache. You don’t hate your mother and father, but you hate total strangers and anyone wearing blue. Lithium is prescribed in your case, lots and lots of lithium.

  125. Mr. Ed on February 8th, 2007 at 1:42 pm

    My bones are dust at this point.

  126. SC on February 8th, 2007 at 1:43 pm

    #124 twocute, there are anly a few diagnosis, If you pushreevaluate a few time you can see the others. I really do not think any of the inputs matter.

  127. SC on February 8th, 2007 at 1:45 pm

    #123 Squawk, I think I see where that was aimed.