I had a crush the size of Jupiter on Harry Belafonte when I was three years old. My mother had a cow. I HAVE A CRUSH ON HARRY BELEFONTE THE SIZE OF THE MILKY WAY NOW THAT I'M ALMOST FIFTY-THREE YEARS OLD!

Wow. Go, Harry! Wolf keeps getting schooled by people he thinks he is going to embarrass on national television. First Howard Dean, now Harry Belafonte. The only cable TV I watch these days is either at Crooks and Liars or at the BradBlog. It's all the news you need!

sikind: I'd like to agree, but he was a little too vociferous in his attack, too quick to suggest Belafonte was blaming Jews for the Holocaust, for your take to work.... Blitzer's vehemence and repeated attempts to cut off Belefonte, AND that screen where *'s sqare stayed large while Belefonte's stayed small... no. Blitzer tried to embarrass a righteous American and lost.

How incredibly refreshing to hear someone speak the truth and not back down. Blitzer was really straining to get Harry to look bad and it just wouldn't work...because Mr. Belafonte would not be intimidated. Thank you so much, sir, for coming out like this. Now if others with your influence would do the same...the likes of Tucker Carlson (who called Belafonte a disgrace to our nation on his show tonight) would have to rethink their position.

Wow. The inability on the part of Woofie to grasp the very simple concept of drawing analogous connections for the purpose of facilitating mutual understanding of simple, individual concepts is, among other things, quite revealing of his propensity to simply NOT NOTICE points that would be contrary to his own, naive processes (thus saving him the bother of having to grapple with or try and debunk them...but more importantly, also saved is his safe, ostrich-defense-strategy of a world view, having been spared both by his vigilant subconscious' "suggestions", and by his unknowing refusal to contradict them.)

You cannot reason with these people. Children begin to recognize analogs and distinguish between an object and a model or representation of the object by around age 3-4 years, at latest. And poor Blitzer couldn't be given a simple illustrative example, without thinking suddenly that it had become the topic of discussion. I mean, he complains about his side of the river, says he wants more than anything to come across for a visit, so you expend extensive time, effort, and resources to build him a bridge. And what does the imbecile do? He sets up camp on the bridge, since it's the perfect central location to stage his ever-growing, extravegant rallies in protest of the fact that there's no way to cross the river. Typical. Same old Multi-Arboreal Ocular Input Deficiency Disorder caused, as always, by Acute Singular Arboreal Fixation Syndrome.

Harry handled it much better than I know I would have. I'd have been forced to stop my discussion and explanation to ask Blitzer when he expected to be reading and comprehending on a 2nd grade level, then give him a patronizingly slow, condescending lesson in basic rhetoric, probably using any writing utensils and paper to draw pictures for him. That is, I'd begin doing these things and would continue so far as able before being cut off, banned from CNN, fined, and possibly deported. All of which are, of course, such small prices to pay though, in my [possibly jaded] opinion.

LOL! I have a friend who just told me he thinks Wolfie's primping to get Scotty's job. The picture this put up in my head just keeps making me laugh. Helen Thomas smacking him down, making him sigh and deflate every single time he steps up to the mic. Picture it.

Day-Fucking-O!! Yes, Wolf had his ass summarily handed to him. I need to play this for my Republican mother who happens to love Harry. Looks like she might have to choose between him and George. Jump-in-de-line, mom, dis de movement now boss.

Wolf was so fucking dishonest in that interview it was exactly like he'd been cribbing from Scotty or fucking Ken Mehlman. Uh, so you're saying that Jews were responsible for Nazi Germany. Holy Shit, I can't even believe he let that one fly out of his mouth. That's just unforgivably ignorant and stupid.

Go Harry. Which reminds me, if you haven't heard his recording from Carnegie Hall 1964, get a copy of that one.

OT
Did anyone see (Scarborough?) talking about the Mexican border police breeching the U.S. border at least 213 times to help the drug dealers smuggle in their drugs? Two of our agents were shot in July 2005 by the Mexican border police during their drug smuggling.

Unfortunately, for the moderates and repubs who do not yet know Bush lied us into Iraq, this was not a convincing interview. Wolf did a good job of looking all flabergasted and confused that someone would actually say these things about Bush.

It's part of the recent campaign by the powers that be: "Bin Laden Loves Liberals, and Liberals Love Bin Laden".

The CNN segment only serves to ratchet up the level of fear for OUR side, who are tying to inform people that the only reason 2200 of our troops are dead is that Bush lied about the whole Iraq policy. And all we have to show for it is a Iran-style radical islamic republic in Iraq, in the midst of civil war, and a pending $1+ Trillion tab.

Mr. Belafonte was great. He stood his ground, and was so clear about what he believed in. Werewolf Blitzer was a disgrace. He deliberately tried to put the wrong spin into Mr. B's words, like "are you saying that the jews were to be blamed for what happened to them" nonsense. We all could see exactly what Mr. Belafonte was trying to convey.

Mr. Belafonte was great. He stood his ground, and was so clear about what he believed in. Werewolf Blitzer was a disgrace. He deliberately tried to put the wrong spin into Mr. B's words, like "are you saying that the jews were to be blamed for what happened to them" nonsense. We all could see exactly what Mr. Belafonte was trying to convey.

The media give people like Harry Belafonte a few minutes on air for the sole purpose of creating one more "liberal monster" to use for target practice. Next we can expect Howard Dean, John Kerry, and even John Murtha to be asked, "Do you agree with Harry Belafonte's anti-American statements?"

Create an ogre to be afraid of, then tear him or her down, using guilt-by-association to discredit honorable critics with like sentiments. They've done the same thing over the years using Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Michael Moore, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Barbra Streisand, Jane Fonda, Teddy Kennedy, Dan Rather, Jimmy Carter, Joe Wilson, Daniel Ellsberg, Alger Hiss...the list is endless.

Fortunately, those employing the tactic are becoming less and less credible every day: Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, Scottie McLellan, Wolf Blitzer, Chris Matthews, Tom DeLay, Tim Russert, Ken Mehlman, Ann Coulter, Joe Scarborough, Tom Feeney, Rush Limbaugh, even old Paul Harvey. That's the turning point, folks; when Howard Dean and Harry Belafonte can make Wolf Blitzer look like an idiot, even though Blitzer is running the interview, you know the worm has finally turned.

Ricky, kindly explain how the victims of 9-11 have been ignored by Democrats? The Republicans are the ones who tried to take 9-11 compensation money ($125 million for medical expenses) away from the first responders in NYC who were injured in the aftermath of 9-11. Clinton and the rest of the Democrats in the NY delagation had to embarass the Republicans before they were forced to reinstate the money. On top of that, the Republicans still haven't given NY all of the money promised after 9-11. Surprised? I'm not. Republicans never keep their word, but always race to wave the flag to divert attention away from their incompetence and mean-spiritedness.

Oh, and Canada, you show your ignorance of Canadian politics. They have a parlimentary system and a majority voted for left of center Candidates and the 'Conservatives' got about 37% of the vote, meaning that they must form a coalition government with the lefties.

The only thing about the 37% number that is relevant to the USA is that is about the percentage of the vote you Republicans will get in this year's Congressional elections --- and that's with you and your fellow wingnuts playing fluffer for the Republican party this election cycle.

Good for Harry Belafonte!
I can't believe the network allowed Harry to be on TV because it promotes his views by allowing them to be heard. We know the networks are in the business of hiding the truth.
I know the network idea may have been for Wolf to make a fool of Harry. Wolf did take that shot re whether or not Harry said the Jews were at fault for the holocaust.
However I, too, got the definite impression that if Wolf had wanted to, he could have gone for the jugular. Instead he soft-balled Harry, while APPEARING to be trying to negate what Harry said.
I can think of some things Wolf could have said to make Harry look foolish myself, & I'm not a professional.
I think Wolf wants to keep his job, but, like a 'double agent', personally wants to help get the word out.
You know, the media have to do what they are told or get fired, & some of them may be trying to do what they can on the sly, like underground fighters in a war. It's subtle, but noticeable.

Harry Belafonte just made my "Dayoooo" with his smackdown of that bearded werewolf, Blitzer. I'm sure Wolfie got his ass reamed by CNN executives for giving Belafonte so much time to tell the truth about this corrupt administration. I agreed with every point that Harry made. You have to admit that it took balls to take that kind of stand. Don't be too suprised if Belafonte has an unfortunate "accident" or suddenly "dies!"

Ummm...who was he hugging, Bobby? Chavez? Where do you get that Chavez is a tyrant. Last I heard he was democratically elected, and there weren't any instances of election fraud - unlike our own elections - unless you count the fascist Bush-supporting opposition party who were using coercive tactics on the Venezuelan people. Funny thing, though, the Venezuelan people recognized it, and stood up to it.

#34 it makes me sad how every country that gets screwed in elections has the people respond to the streets except the great USA. We've been pussies and must hit the streets and air waves. Like a child that grabs the parents face to make them pay attention, that's what we must do. You'll take hits, but your word gets out!

Ricky, did you know that "antiAmerican" Hugo Chavez gave the state of Massachusetts a 40% discount on winter heating fuel? You know how OUR government did NOT? Mass. bypassed our federal government who's too busy giving tax breaks to the rich and cutting LIHEAP, and directly made a deal with Hugo "antiAmerican" Chavez. And Delaware is now following suit.

So, Ricky, I guess the people of Massachusetts who are freezing to death are "unAmerican", right?

DAY-O!!! Daylight come, and I wanna go home!

You're "antiAmerican" shit doesn't work anymore.

Bush is antiAmerican, for not financing LIHEAP!!! YOU are unAmerican for backing him.

Finally there is intelligent debate over the bush administration...put the pressure...Canadians are not anti-american....just anti-bush...he sent your poor soldiers to war for a war that is unjust (iraq) to meet his own personal agenda and fill the pockets of Haliburton and other "friend's" companies offering tendered government contract before a war broke....your country is moving so far to the right that Adolph Hitler would be proud!!!! You are moving toward a society that is being controlled...remember the famous book written in 1948 by George Orwell..."1984"...what a parellel to what is happening in the Unitied States today...BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU!!! STAND UP FOR AMERICA (the one i knew and loved as a child in Canada) TAKE BACK YOUR FREEDOM!! GET THOSE CLOWNS OUT OF OFFICE...IMPEACH THEM ALL!!!!!

#39,We are trying but when in the minority nobody listens.What kills me is our blue senators represent more actual people then the Repubs.Yet they always get their way.Yes I also believe that we need to take to the streets,But that also doesn't get any coverage in the corporate media(sept.24'2005).So tell us how ordinary people can IMPEACH this criminal cabal! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

All the Dems need, all the opposition needs: people with brains and heart and determination to speak the truth to the best of their ability. The Pubs are increasingly reduced to simply pushing thier nearly barefaced lies and distortions harder and harder and more and more shamelessly. They are in a very weak position and they know it. I suppose their only hopes now lie with the media and the DLC.

Chavez' situation is almost exactly parallel to Allende. Allende kicked out the multinational copper mining companies and nationalized Chile's copper industry - their very own resource mind you - and pissed off the "big dogs" on the NYSE. So Henry Kissinger had him whacked. I hope Chavez is well-protected. I get nervous for him every time I see him in public. He has everything that Bush lacks: brains, compassion, vision, popular support (real popular support, not just hyped "I'm going to stand in front of a group of supporters while 9-yr old kids ask me how they can help in the war on terror" support), and for him, very importantly, balls. And the Bush administration will attempt to kill him for it. If he ever is assassinated, we all know who is behind it - some hired hand posing as a disgruntled Venezuelan national. The conspiracy is already written, they'e just waiting for the opportunity to implement it. Just like 9-11. Just like the war in Iraq.

A singer, a singer is standing up to the powers that be and telling the truth. He has balls. He spoke clearly and rationally. Yep, Blitzer is a shill, even worse, a "News Entertainment Personality."

The truth is an foreign to the media as sunlight is to the dark side of the moon. Yep, the "Insinuation Room" is trying to field another target of hate to keep people's minds off of the truth. If the admin is wasting money on making Quakers and pacifists targets what else are they doing? That money could be better spent looking for Osama (Remember him). Are we wasting money targeting citizens of the US? It looks like it.

"No people ever recognize their dictator in advance. He never stands for election on the platform of dictatorship. He always represents himself as the instrument [of] the Incorporated National Will. ... When our dictator turns up you can depend on it that he will be one of the boys, and he will stand for everything traditionally American. And nobody will ever say 'Heil' to him, nor will they call him 'Fuhrer' or 'Duce.' But they will greet him with one great big, universal, democratic, sheeplike bleat of 'O.K., Chief! Fix it like you wanna, Chief! Oh Kaaaay!'" --- Dorothy Thompson, 1935

If we collectively had the balls Harry Belafonte has we wouldn't have a problem. But what if it's already too late Harry? What if we've already missed the point of intervention? Have our collective balls already been exchanged for entertainment value?

FACT: Republicans stole (bought) votes. They are not in the majority. They created a vacuum. Nature abhors a vacuum. Even if these madmen acheive all their nefarious goals they'll turn on each other starting from the bottom (you, dear supporters) up. The people you count on most will screw you the hardest.
FACT: a majority of Democratic *leaders* are willing accomplices.
FACT: The goverment was auctioned off to the highest bidders and the sellers have made an 8% commission. It has been placed in someone's living room and is a great conversation starter. "Oh that, it's a quaint little reminder of a bygone era."

They cannot sustain their efforts without breaking the law, because the law does not support it. They must break more laws in order to cover up past activity propelling them further into scandal. They are trying to make laws that counter existing laws. If they don't have the time, they break them and claim it's legal. "Unitary Executive" wow! that's a new one.

Is Harry Belafonte the second greatest threat to the US since Osama? He may be by the next press cycle.

Points to ponder:

1. A INSERT_HERE by any other name is still a INSERT_HERE.
2. The greatest WMD in history is a Diebold Voting machine.
3. Nuclear weapons, takes a brilliant team to harness it and one fool to use it.
4. The US Constituition took a brilliant team of men to devise it and a fool to discard it.

"The illusion of freedom will continue as long as it's profitable to continue the illusion. At the point where the illusion becomes too expensive to maintain, they will just take down the scenery, pull back the curtains, and you will see the brick wall at the back of the theater."
-- Frank Zappa

I can tell that Wolf has been staying up late studying Sean Hannity tapes, trying to learn his style. Wolf needs to get some sleep and quit watching TV, it's rotting his brain, turning him into another Republican follower. So much for the myth of "liberal media bias".
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It's only been a month since Conyers and the judiciary committee dems published their report "The Constitution in Crisis". It's hundreds of pages and 1,000 references on how Bush lied to get us into Iraq, and other abuses of power related to iraq policy.

Instead of an entertainer, how about getting an elected official who has published reports on Bush's lies? And not just any elected official, but one of the longest serving members of Congress and the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee.

...because John Conyers would say things like Belafonte...except Conyers is in our government. That's why he's blacked out. Just like there's a blackout on electronic vote machine fraud in the MSM. I believe Bev Harris even said that.

Big Dan - Thanks so much for digging those articles up. They are great. Chavez and Morales go to bat for their people, which is more than Bush will ever do. This is the way of the future. It is absolutely inspirational that Chavez bailed out the Argentines who were in dire financial crisis due to IMF policies - policies which have cause wanton financial destruction around the globe. It would be great to see African nations pull together like this. Africa is a highly exploited continent with vast untapped resources, and if they were able to do what Chavez has been doing, they could easily be a self-sufficient continent. As it is, they are suffering under imposed ignorance, corrupt leaders (many of whom are US-backed despots), and unscrupulous multinationals (are there any other kind???)

How can you insult "THE WOLF" Blitzer? He was just doing his job. If you watch his program daily- The Situation Room- then you would know , that he is no dum dum. Harry Belafonte would have never made it that far on Faux. Go Wolf , GO Harry!

Blitzer has always been and will always be an idiot. Despite the pseudo-intellectual facial hair, he is verbally challenged and incapable of a dialogue that goes beyond the ritual exchange of sound bites.

The blinkered obedience of people like Ricky is precisely what will allow fascism to thrive in this country. With the end of the Cold War, it is now a world of competing fascist visions: religious fundamentalist fascism (Gaza and West Bank settlers, end-times Christians, jihadis, etc.) on the one hand and corrupt oligarchic capitalist fascism on the other.

In asking Belafonte if he knows what the Gestapo did to the Jews, Herr Blitzer is confusing the Gestapo with the SS, which actually ran the camps.

The Gestapo's job was to infiltrate and conduct surveillance on political opposition groups and to torture and imprison those considered to be --- or denounced as --- threats to the Reich. I think Harry's analogy is certainly apt.

Jacki, Wolf Blitzer has now blown two in a row. He tried to sell Howard Dean on the idea that Abramoff sent money to Democrats as well as Republicans, when in fact it didn't happen. Now he says to Harry Belafonte, "So you think what Hitler did was all right?" which was the opposite of what Belafonte was saying.

Blitzer's problem is that he's just not that sharp. It's not his fault that the job of a TV anchor has come down to reading blurbs off a teleprompter. That's the technology era for you. When Blitzer has to use his brain, he doesn't have much to fall back on. Sort of like Bush...give him a teleprompter or a a secret microphone in his ear, and he's O.K. Ask him to think on his feet, he gets confused.

Today on Lou Dobbs, Lou flashed pictures of Cindy Sheehan & Harry Belafonte, and said something to the effect that they were really bad because they like Chavez. The MSM keeps telling us to hate Chavez and the people who like him, but they don't say why! They now want us to hate Cindy Sheehan and Belafonte, because they like Hugo Chavez.

The MSM is railing on how China had a "suppress Google", that suppresses news articles from coming up. BUT...they aren't railing on themselves for suppressing vote fraud via electronic voting machines. The American MSM is great at pointing out news suppression in other countries or vote fraud in the Ukraine, but reports on neither in the United States.

"There is hereby created and established a permanent police force, to be known as the 'United States Secret Service Uniformed Division'."

`(B) make arrests without warrant for any offense against the United States committed in their presence, or for any felony cognizable under the laws of the United States if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the person to be arrested has committed or is committing such felony; and
`(c) Members of the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division shall be furnished with uniforms and other necessary equipment.