Here we go again... Share your thoughts and opinions along with me in our comments section. I just got an embed code so the debate is streaming after the jump.
Here it is.
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Bemused commented
2012-10-18 05:41:11 -0400
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@M M: My gut feeling is that there may have been a mole within the Embassy/Consultate who tipped off the assassins. If that’s the case, too much said too soon would spook him or her.
In fact, Stevens was not your usual diplomat nor had he been parachuted into a country he did not know much about. He had lived several months in Benghazi, as advisor to the rebel groups; he spoke street and classical Arabic and he liked to walk around on his own, stopping to chat with people he didn’t know, partake of their food in their own manner, etc. The undisputed (but studiously ignored) fact that tens of thousands of Libyans marched in protest against his assassination (taking down two of the militias) is, for me, strong evidence that he was not perceived as an enemy locally. A totally different situation prevails in Tripoli, where the militias who had fought for – not against – Ghadaffi are still armed and nowhere near as content with how things ended. In fact, it seems that the request for additional security was for Tripoli not Benghazi.
Anyway, there are so many “why-s” that need answering before throwing that first stone: a) why was Stevens there with such a small escort? b) why did the security men leave him alone at the Consulate (he must have felt safe)? c) why did the compound burn so furiously (diplomatic seats are usually fire-proofed to prevent that sort of blaze)? d) was the consulate even open (it may have been closed for refurbishments)? etc. etc. etc.
Were I prone to finding plots everywhere, I’d even ask myself who benefits within the USA: the dems or the reps? In any case, it’s deplorable (dispicable?) that the reps decided to make political hay of something that went wrong …. wilfully forgetting that things went far worse on September 9th, 2001 when almost 3,000 persons died in the USA, itself, not at almost 10 hours flight-time from New York.
In fact, Stevens was not your usual diplomat nor had he been parachuted into a country he did not know much about. He had lived several months in Benghazi, as advisor to the rebel groups; he spoke street and classical Arabic and he liked to walk around on his own, stopping to chat with people he didn’t know, partake of their food in their own manner, etc. The undisputed (but studiously ignored) fact that tens of thousands of Libyans marched in protest against his assassination (taking down two of the militias) is, for me, strong evidence that he was not perceived as an enemy locally. A totally different situation prevails in Tripoli, where the militias who had fought for – not against – Ghadaffi are still armed and nowhere near as content with how things ended. In fact, it seems that the request for additional security was for Tripoli not Benghazi.
Anyway, there are so many “why-s” that need answering before throwing that first stone: a) why was Stevens there with such a small escort? b) why did the security men leave him alone at the Consulate (he must have felt safe)? c) why did the compound burn so furiously (diplomatic seats are usually fire-proofed to prevent that sort of blaze)? d) was the consulate even open (it may have been closed for refurbishments)? etc. etc. etc.
Were I prone to finding plots everywhere, I’d even ask myself who benefits within the USA: the dems or the reps? In any case, it’s deplorable (dispicable?) that the reps decided to make political hay of something that went wrong …. wilfully forgetting that things went far worse on September 9th, 2001 when almost 3,000 persons died in the USA, itself, not at almost 10 hours flight-time from New York.
Bemused commented
2012-10-17 03:10:34 -0400
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Forgot: want to have some fun? Go to Ellen’s post regarding Peter Johnson on C&L. A masterpiece of subliminal endorsement masquerading as fair and balanced discourse.
Bemused commented
2012-10-17 03:08:46 -0400
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M M wrote: "Obama won hands-down! But he did dodge the Libya question and he shouldnât have.
As there’s an on-going investigation, too much said too soon might jeopardise the chances of catching the culprits. I, for one, am glad that the administration is treating this as simple murder until evidence to the contrary is in hand.
While I’m on the subject of cover-ups, how long did it take for the Bush administration to divulge even part of the truth about those WMDs in Iraq, the yellow cake in Niger (leading to the “outing” of Valerie Plame), the warning signals ignored that made it possible for 9/11 to happen … the list is endless. And the very same perpetrators of those cover-ups (if not actually planting evidence on Colin Powell) are whining that today’s State Department wanted to wait at least until the dust had settled. Give me a break!
IMO, President Obama was awesome and Governor Romney almost cracked as suggested by his body language (bent over, head down and fumbling for words).
As there’s an on-going investigation, too much said too soon might jeopardise the chances of catching the culprits. I, for one, am glad that the administration is treating this as simple murder until evidence to the contrary is in hand.
While I’m on the subject of cover-ups, how long did it take for the Bush administration to divulge even part of the truth about those WMDs in Iraq, the yellow cake in Niger (leading to the “outing” of Valerie Plame), the warning signals ignored that made it possible for 9/11 to happen … the list is endless. And the very same perpetrators of those cover-ups (if not actually planting evidence on Colin Powell) are whining that today’s State Department wanted to wait at least until the dust had settled. Give me a break!
IMO, President Obama was awesome and Governor Romney almost cracked as suggested by his body language (bent over, head down and fumbling for words).
Ellen commented
2012-10-16 23:09:16 -0400
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Kelstar, I’m not good at predicting but I think Obama did himself much good at looking presidential. While Romney looked like a 2d rate wannabe.
Kent Brockman commented
2012-10-16 22:51:14 -0400
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Once the lies are called out Mitt has the sinking feeling there will be nothing to Harvest from this debate. The handler/backroom boys will help him spin it soon enough.
Kent Brockman commented
2012-10-16 22:49:01 -0400
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rMoney went from a commanding ‘boardroom’ voice to his more notable testy/controlling voice pretty fast.
Kent Brockman commented
2012-10-16 22:43:45 -0400
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- kathy from WA just gave us a preview … -
LOL!!! And even worse I’m sure.
LOL!!! And even worse I’m sure.
Kent Brockman commented
2012-10-16 22:42:38 -0400
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Anyone count the rMoney lies? About 3 per question …
doors17 commented
2012-10-16 22:41:14 -0400
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Standing ovation to our President!!! and to all of you here at News Hounds.
Ellen commented
2012-10-16 22:40:08 -0400
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Obama looked happy and relaxed at end. Romney not so much.
Kent Brockman commented
2012-10-16 22:39:22 -0400
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- Dick Morris tweeted that Romney won the debate. I kid you not. -
PreDICKtable
PreDICKtable
Kent Brockman commented
2012-10-16 22:37:07 -0400
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I want 100% of the people … to vote for me, & my God (who’ll give me a planet or star – it’s not clear) will let me get the 47% off the voter lists. TRUST ME!!! I’ll Fix It All!!!
Ellen commented
2012-10-16 22:37:04 -0400
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Dick Morris tweeted that Romney won the debate. I kid you not.
http://twitter.com/DickMorrisTweet/status/258395404259979265
http://twitter.com/DickMorrisTweet/status/258395404259979265
Kent Brockman commented
2012-10-16 22:30:57 -0400
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rMoney – I’ll make it more attractive to come to America by making China recalibrate their currency – just watch me! I’ll put in tariffs so you can’t buy their Walmart goods. PS I’ll drop taxes again on buziness to match China ….. Are you getting this people? Good!
Ellen commented
2012-10-16 22:29:06 -0400
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Romney: On day one, I will label China a currency maniuplator.
How many votes will that get?
How many votes will that get?