COLLECTIVE MADNESS


“Soft despotism is a term coined by Alexis de Tocqueville describing the state into which a country overrun by "a network of small complicated rules" might degrade. Soft despotism is different from despotism (also called 'hard despotism') in the sense that it is not obvious to the people."

Saturday, November 23, 2013

“This deal means that we agree with the need to recognize Iran’s right for peaceful nuclear energy, including the right for enrichment, with an understanding that those questions about the [Iranian nuclear program] that still remain, and the program itself, will be placed under a strictest IAEA control,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists.



P5+1 and Iran agree landmark nuclear deal at Geneva talks
Published time: November 24, 2013 02:00 
Edited time: November 24, 2013 03:58

The P5+1 world powers and Iran have struck a historic deal on Tehran’s nuclear program at talks in Geneva on Sunday. Ministers overcame the last remaining hurdles to reach agreement, despite strong pressure from Israel and lobby groups.
“This deal means that we agree with the need to recognize Irans right for peaceful nuclear energy, including the right for enrichment, with an understanding that those questions about the [Iranian nuclear program] that still remain, and the program itself, will be placed under a strictest IAEA control,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists.
  
Under the agreement, Iran will freeze its nuclear program for six months. It will not build new centrifuges or in some other way expand its nuclear facilities. The nation has also agreed to halt construction of a reactor in Arak for the next 6 months.

Moscow is convinced that the international community and Iran will benefit from the agreement reached in Geneva.

“The totality of factors in general is a plus. Nobody lost. All turned out to be winners. Hopefully, this agreement will be beneficial for the efforts to resolve the Syrian problem in engaging Iran in constructive work to hold the Geneva 2 conference,” Lavrov said.

Lavrov also expressed hope that the step taken by the P5+1 group and Iran to create the prerequisites for the convening a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction conference.

The interim deal will provide the time and space to try to reach a “comprehensive solution” to the nuclear standoff between Tehran and the West, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said.
  
US President Barack Obama said that temporary nuclear deal is an important first step toward a comprehensive solution to Iran’s nuclear program. 
According to reports by Fars news agency, under the deal Iran has agreed to halt enriching uranium up to 20 percent for 6 months, while enrichment under 5 percent will be continued. 
Under the agreement Iran will get access to $4.2 billion in exchange for halting its nuclear program, a Western diplomat told Reuters.
US President Obama is expected to deliver a speech on the historic resolution within the next hour.

The P5+1 and Iran arrived at the historic deal over Iran’s nuclear program at approximately 3:00 AM local time in Geneva. 

277 comments:

  1. The Russians have kept us out of a war with Syria and have started a process of normalization with Iran.

    Obama in his own way needs to get some credit for standing up to the Conga Line.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Looks like you forgot about all those scandals and ObamaCare?. You probably fell for the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (or was that (treason). I see and Rufus are preemptively attacking anticipated flak. I like how you argue: fools, idiots, skunks - cute, though obvious.

      Delete
    2. Never in my life have I been more ashamed and embarrassed than I am now to call my self an American.

      Obama has done exactly as I predicted 6 years ago.

      I hope America understands the cuckholding Obama has done to us.

      Delete

  2. This is the first agreement signed by the US and Iran since diplomatic relations were severed 34 years ago.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great, now you can have diplomatic relations with worst enemy on the planet whose goal is your destruction.

      Thanks Neville Chamberland for peace in our time.

      Delete
  3. Obama said his administration would consult closely with Congress, but “now is not the time to move forward on new sanctions.”

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sounds like a reasonable deal so far, eh?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Replies
    1. No Israel was thrown under the bus. Obama doesn't really care if a nuke goes off in Israel, intact? I think he'd rather like it.

      Delete
  6. A gutsy move by Hassan Rouhani. I hope he has good body guards.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No more than Salman Rushdie, I would think.

      Delete
    2. Hassan has played chess, Obama has played us.

      Delete
  7. It is more than can be expected for an opening round.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Iran gets to keep everything and get billions, America? gets to get down on it's knees and beg for more.

      Delete
  8. The skunks at the party will be the Saudis.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Boredom breaks out on cable news.

      Delete
    2. The Syrians are destroying their Chemicals, and Iran is freezing its nukes.

      Without a shot being fired.

      Worst muzzie-loving president ever.

      Delete
    3. Not a single chemical weapon has yet been destroyed. Syria has provided an inventory.

      Delete
    4. Iran aint freezing jack shit.

      Do we even KNOW all of the locations?

      What happens when we discover they have been LYING to us (again)?

      Nothing? Slap on the wrist?

      Delete
  9. Let’s hope someone puts a sock in Netanyahu’s big mouth.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It don't matter. If Obama and Rouhani want a deal, they'll have a deal.

      Delete
    2. ...worthy of a Bowery Boys script...

      Delete
    3. Let's hope when Israel saves your ass (again) you will say thanks...

      Delete
  10. Replies
    1. You're right. I've never liked that sorry sonofabitch, but, first Syria, and now this. Hell of a show.

      Delete
    2. There's no business like show-business.

      Delete
  11. There are many bad actors out there that will try and reverse this, especially the morons in Congress.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The morons in Congress that represent the will of the people..

      Yeah let's ignore them...

      all hail Ceasar

      Delete
  12. Replies
    1. Yeah, a chance for Peace in the Persian Gulf. Farce. Jeeze.

      Delete

    2. We cannot banish dangers, but we can banish fears.
      We must not demean life by standing in awe of death.

      Delete
    3. Peace? What peace?

      Iran calls israel a tumor and has spent billions on arming hezbollah and hamas,

      There is no peace you moron.

      Delete
  13. Iran will get access to $4.2 billion of their own money as part of the agreement.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Iran will promptly spend that money on increased purchases of weapons aimed at Israel, i bet you are thrilled.

      Delete
  14. Only a fool would call this a farce.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Add me to the fool's list, please, Mr. Einstein.

      Delete
    2. Added; I don’t normally equate feigning superiority through condescension with buffoonery but I’ll defer to your wish.

      Delete
    3. Deuce you are either naive or stupid.

      Pick one..

      Delete
    4. Calling others "fools," a priori, is buffoonery; hence, the eponymous association.

      Kerry said that Iran has no RIGHT to continue enrichment.
      Iran says it does have the RIGHT to continue enrichment.
      Which of the apparent diametric opposites is true of the agreement? And I would appreciate your answer.

      Well, I doubt you know. Heralding the marvels of an agreement upon which the principles disagree is buffoonery - all because of hateful irrationality based upon some warped since of disgust with a religion, or ethnicity, or culture or whatever - I doubt you know.

      Delete


  15. “Luck?" .

    "Perhaps. But more often, I dare to say, luck is simply the advantage a true warrior gains in executing the correct course of action.”

    ReplyDelete
  16. After what we have been through in the last twelve years, some anon is bemoaning that we will not be in another war. There really are some extraordinarily stupid people.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...so true...glad you weren't running things during that dreary, endless Cold War...like your pitch, criticism of the deal makes one a warmonger...not too clever, really or unanticipated...

      Delete
    2. Talking about the last twelve years and your brand new hero at the DoS:

      Karzai to advise delaying U.S.-Afghan pact in closing speech: spokesman
      http://news.yahoo.com/afghanistan-rejects-u-call-quick-security-deal-000918208.html

      After twelve years, less than 20% of the country is inaccessible to Westerners. What an accomplishment.

      Delete
    3. Well actually, I was running some things during the Cold War and was damn good at what I did. I learned the value of nuclear deterrence and not to trust any politician and especially the US Congress.

      Delete
  17. Who knows, maybe the website will stay "glitchy" a while longer.

    ReplyDelete

  18. The Associated Press

    JERUSALEM -- A senior Israeli Cabinet minister is criticizing the international deal over Iran's nuclear program.

    Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz, who is responsible for monitoring Iran's nuclear program, says there is no reason for the world to be celebrating. He says the deal, reached in Geneva early Sunday, is based on "Iranian deception and self-delusion."

    It was the first Israeli reaction to the deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to discuss the matter with his Cabinet later Sunday.

    Israel believes Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapon.

    In recent weeks, Israel had warned the emerging deal would give Iran too much relief from economic sanctions without halting Iran's march toward a nuclear bomb.

    http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/24/3775671/israel-minister-iran-deal-based.html#storylink=cpy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. http://www.americanthinker.com/2013/11/dangerous_times_a_looming_strategic_disaster_in_the_middle_east.html

      Delete
    2. If Iran only wanted nuclear power, it could have had it long ago. It is working toward nuclear arms and it will succeed.

      Delete
    3. Mr. Netanyahu has been double flanked. That ocean of red ink from all his red lines may drown him yet.

      Delete
    4. End the OccupationSun Nov 24, 09:38:00 AM EST

      If the Iranians really wanted a nuclear weapon, they would have bought one when the Soviet Union collapsed.

      They were available.

      Delete
    5. who is to say they don't already own one?

      Delete
  19. Maybe they can make it work out. Only a crazy man would be against the effort.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. WASHINGTON (AP) — The Associated Press has learned that the United States and Iran secretly engaged in high-level, face-to-face talks at least three times over the past year.

      The high-stakes diplomatic gamble by the Obama administration paved the way for the historic deal sealed early Sunday in Geneva aimed at slowing Tehran's nuclear program.

      The discussions were kept hidden even from America's closest friends, including its negotiating partners and Israel, until two months ago.

      Senior Obama administration officials confirmed to the AP details of the extensive outreach. The officials spoke only on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss by name the highly sensitive diplomatic effort

      Delete
    2. The effort has been made for years and years.

      No one has been against the effort.

      It hasn't worked.

      This won't either.

      It's a farce, a tragic farce.

      I will call you all fools, preemptively.

      Bob

      out for the night

      Delete
  20. >>The deal would also add at least several weeks, and perhaps more than a month, to the time Iran would need to produce weapons-grade uranium for a nuclear device, according to estimates by nuclear experts. American officials argued that it would preclude Iran from shortening the time it would need to produce enough bomb-grade uranium for a nuclear device even further, and would provide additional warning if Iran sought to “break out” of its commitment to pursue only a peaceful nuclear program.<<

    Such a deal.

    Such a farce.

    We've caved.

    A month......non sense.

    It really provides zero.

    http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/24/world/middleeast/talks-with-iran-on-nuclear-deal-hang-in-balance.html?hp&_r=1&

    Had to get up and take piss, now

    out for night

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What happened to all that covert Jew Power we are always reading about here? I hope this brings a bit of proportionality and rationality to the usual Jew Brew, but I doubt it.

      Delete
    2. End the OccupationSun Nov 24, 09:33:00 AM EST

      It just proves how far off base you and Bibi are, allen.

      If it is good for Lester Crown, it is good for Israel

      Delete
    3. Farmer Fudd is having some prostate problems..

      Those night time pisses are a 'sign'.

      Delete
    4. If you understood what you just wrote as End and Fudd, I might attempt a thematic reply; but you don't, so I can't.

      Delete
  21. With the IAEA heading up compliance, what could go wrong?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why, nothing at all. Nothing at all can go really wrong when you do nothing, can it?

      Can it??

      Delete
    2. If a bureaucrat falls in a forest and no one is there, will there be a sound? Why, of course there will be; it's a bureaucrat we're talking about, not a tree.

      Delete
    3. Falls, in the Forest of the Mind!
      The Rat will gnaw your nose!

      Delete
    4. I just hope when Iran does something really stupid you will admit that you were wrong (again), but I doubt it.

      Delete
    5. WiO,

      Hate is not susceptible to change through evidence or reason. Hate is not about facts, it is about undifferentiated feelings.

      Delete
  22. "The only wonders are that there are still those who maintain that this socialist monstrosity can still work and that so many Americans have been willing to give up their precious personal freedom and turn their lives over to arrogant, pretentious, and deeply confused bureaucrats and politicians in Washington."

    Re: Hayek, Nobel Prize

    The 'fatal conceit' of President Obama and Kathleen Sebelius
    http://washingtonexaminer.com/the-fatal-conceit-of-president-obama-and-kathleen-sebelius/article/2539661

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Socialism has worked every time it's been tried.

      Knot

      K is short for Kibbutz.

      Socialism is short for Nazi, when it's national.

      Like Affordable Care for the 57 States.

      Affordable Care is Obamacare.

      Burma Shave

      Delete
    2. “To me the Zionists, who want to go back to the Jewish state of A.D. 70 (destruction of Jerusalem by Titus) are just as offensive as the Nazis.

      With their nosing after blood, their ancient "cultural roots," ...
      their partly canting, partly obtuse winding back of the world they are altogether a match for the National Socialists.


      That is the fantastic thing about the National Socialists,...
      that they simultaneously share in a community of ideas with Soviet Russia and with Zion.”


      ― Victor Klemperer, I Will Bear Witness: A Diary of the Nazi Years, 1933-1941

      Delete
  23. It's good too when we realize Catherine Ashton is in the mix. This is a confidence builder.

    "The interim deal will provide the time and space to try to reach a “comprehensive solution” to the nuclear standoff between Tehran and the West, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said."



    Critics say she is likely to be out of her depth, never having been elected to any office. For example, on her appointment, the associate editor of The Spectator, and former editor of BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Rod Liddle, wrote: "Never elected by anyone, anywhere, totally unqualified for almost every job she has done, she has risen to her current position presumably through a combination of down-the-line Stalinist political correctness and the fact that she has the charisma of a caravan site on the Isle of Sheppey."[35] According to The Guardian, an anonymous Whitehall source remarked: "Cathy just got lucky...The appointment of her and Herman Van Rompuy [as European Council president] was a complete disgrace. They are no more than garden gnomes."

    wiki

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a terrible terrible thing to be nothing but a garden gnome. Almost as bad as being a rat.

      Delete


    2. In fact, we should all drink rat poison and then wait for the rat to die.

      Delete
  24. All I can say is that no wonder Rufus lost his ass at Doyle's every time he played poker there.

    "I'm no poker player" saith Rufus

    "Chess?"

    "What's chess?" saith Rufus.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fudd Busters InternationalSun Nov 24, 09:43:00 AM EST


      A game trumped by 5,116 nuclear warheads, and the means to deliver them.

      Delete
  25. Let us stipulate for the sake of argument that the IAEA does a bang up job and Iran seriously, honestly, forthrightly, I Swear To Allah On The Holy Koran reveals all its sites and the workings of the entire program to the IAEA -

    What is to stop Iran from continuing enriching in North Korea, and with the help of North Korea?

    They be good buds, you know.

    What say ye Rufus and Deuce?

    North Korea could use some cash, too. They always seem broke.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I say that with the continuous military threats and economic piracy, the scurrilous “every is on the table”, the murdering of young scientist by Israel, etc, etc etc, Iran needs a nuclear deterrent more than France, the UK, Israel and the US. That they have the political guts to consider not having them is amazing to me.

      Ghaddafi foolishly believed that he could trust Washington, as did Mubarak and the majority of American voters. None of the right-wing Chtristian Bible thumpers trusts Washington with anything, but the same heard of braying jackasses want them to destroy an ancient nation of men, woman and children with a nuclear attack. I guess because they love Jesus.

      Delete
    2. In the Gulf War, when Saddam was trying to break up the coalition arrayed against him by attacking Israel with scuds, Israel said they would refrain from hitting Saddam back (thus causing the Muslim nations in the coalition to withdraw, and perhaps even ally with Iraq) for the low, low, price of only $13 billion dollars!

      Delete
    3. Iran murders civilians every day. SO now that sanctions are going to be ended and they will have nukes maybe Israel should do what Iran has done for decades?

      Arm it's enemies with hundreds of thousands of missiles and rockets.

      Train terrorists to target Iranians pizza shops and bus stations.

      Murder Iranian civilians in 40 different nations.

      Target Iranian diplomats on the streets of london, DC?

      Yep this is a game changer.

      Learn from the new rules. Behave like Iran.

      Maybe Israel should provide nikes to the Kurds, the arabs of Iran, to other "groups" and give them the green light to destroy Iran from the inside....

      Yep thats the ticket.

      To those that think the deal with Iran means peace? you are insane.

      Iran now will continue to step up it's efforts to destroy the sunni, the jews, the arab and the west.

      gullible fools you are..

      Delete
  26. Here's a good site -

    http://www.clarionproject.org/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is part of the Collective - like me
      I am Anonymous



      I am the Collective


      :):):):):)

      Delete
  27. In one of the most stark disconnects of the evening, administration officials claimed “we do not recognize a right for Iran to enrich uranium” while Iranian officials said that is part of the agreement — and a cornerstone of the deal without which they would not have agreed.

    A senior White House official said the administration would “explore … whether there can be an agreed upon comprehensive solution that assures us Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful.”

    We say, "Yes, they did." The Iranians say, "No, we did not." Who ya gonna believe? Hmm...

    http://pjmedia.com/blog/iran-nuke-deal-struck-u-s-says-theres-no-right-enrich-iran-says-there-is/?singlepage=true
    The ‘Freeze’ That Wasn’t: U.S. Says There’s No Right to Enrich, Iran Says There Is
    Lawmakers say "cosmetic concessions" are useless without halting centrifuges, while Kerry claims "it will make our ally, Israel, safer."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I take it that no one has bothered to how this most material difference voids the agreement.

      The US says that the agreement does not give Iran the right to enrich uranium.
      Iran says that the agreement does give Iran the right to enrich uranium.

      Like ObamaCare?, this may be one of those things that has to be read with the advice of linguists.

      Delete
    2. Classic compromise - don't mention it so both sides can spin it for domestic consumption.

      Delete
  28. Why is Iran only "accountable" for six months?

    Will the Obama/Kerry/Hagel team have lowered sea levels by then, and we can proclaim:

    Alls well that ends well?

    ReplyDelete
  29. Kerry/Hagel:

    Sadsacks.

    Obama:

    Word Police Omission.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Teabaggers on Tumblr are calling it "Treason" and claiming that we're giving away money to Iran.

      Delete
    2. I pointed out that any money belongs to Iran, that we're releasing some of their frozen assets in exchange for concessions, how the teabaggers can complain when the Republicans have been in bed with Iran since the 1980s (Iran/Contra, anyone?) is beyond me.

      Delete
    3. That is a terrible, awful word to use for Tea Party members, Miss T.

      It's like calling you a slant eyed slut.

      Delete
    4. Nothing personal.

      I like Tea Party folk.

      Only group in the country that picks up its own trash after a demo.

      Delete
    5. What is it that you do not like about sucking balls?

      And Flips don't have slant eyes.

      Nor are they all sluts.

      Delete
    6. They don't? And they aren't?

      I'll have to think of something else then.

      Just pick two or three you like -


      Slur Represents Reason & Origins
      Buk-Buk Filipinos Insult originates in Hawaii. A slur on how their language sounds to non-Filipinos. Sounds like "book-book."
      Fili Cheese Steak Filipinos Refers to what it looks like when a Filipino woman is in a gangbang
      Filthy Pino Filipinos Poor Filipinos, Filipinos who act black.
      Fligga Filipinos Flip + nigga. Filipino's attempting to act black.
      Fligger Filipinos Filipinos that think they are black.
      Flip Filipinos Shortened and rearranged term, easier to say. Could also stand for "Funny (or Fucking) Little Island People".
      Huk Filipinos HUKbong Bayang Laban sa Hapon (Citizens' Forces Against the Japanese). Guerilla group that fought against the Japanese in World War II. Continued armed resistance while Americans were waiting for MacArthur to return.
      LBFM Filipinos Female Filipinos, or Asians in general. From 70's military slang, stands for "Little Brown Fucking Machine"
      Little Brown Buddy Filipinos FDR referred to them as this.
      Mail-order Bride Filipinos The Philippines is one of the biggest sources of mail-order brides.
      Pineapple Filipinos Pineapples grow there and they kinda look like pineapples. Short, Fat, with weird hair.
      Rag Filipinos Filipinos (especialy women) tend to have raggy looking course hair
      Seagull Filipinos Possibly from how Filipinos often travel overseas to work like migratory birds (although the seagull is not migratory...). Heard in Japan, used by non-Japanese.
      Tailless Monkeys Filipinos Americans who came to the Philippines at the end of the 19th century called Filipinos tailless monkeys because they were small, brown, and said to live in trees.
      TNT

      http://www.rsdb.org/race/filipinos

      (racial slur database)

      Delete
    7. This isn't bad -

      Fili Cheese Steak Filipinos Refers to what it looks like when a Filipino woman is in a gangbang

      Delete
    8. I'll leave Bobbo's racism on display right there.

      Delete
    9. Little brown fucking machine might be on target though.

      Delete
    10. Once a Tea Bagger, always a Tea Bagger

      Delete
    11. Teresita RedingerSun Nov 24, 07:29:00 AM EST
      The Teabaggers on Tumblr are calling it "Treason" and claiming that we're giving away money to Iran.

      Ms T, it is you that shows disgusting verbiage.

      I'll leave your hate filled words up ..

      ANd but the way, Teresita Redinger stated that if we saw her name up on this site it was me.

      That is nonsense I would NEVER attach myself to such an lying sack of shit as that...

      Ms T? You are one filthy piece of shit... (again)

      Delete
  30. Iran's nuke sites are deep under concrete bunkers, Israel can't touch them with F16s carrying 500 lb smart bombs without the US also sending B2's with massive bunker-busters, which is why Israel hasn't taken care of it ala Syria 2007, so they want to start some shit, with the assumption we'd have to finish it, but we don't. Knock yourself out, Bibi, with your new pals the Wahabbis.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tactical nukes.

      Delete
    2. Tactical nukes? Got to love these right-wing “Christians”.

      Delete
    3. Who's a Christian?

      It does seem to me that is the logic of abandoning Israel. What else are they to use?

      You wanted to use tactical nukes at Tora Bora.

      Delete
    4. Tactical nukes aren't for caves, they're for tank columns and massed troops. Nobody wages war like that anymore. And since they're "tactical" they're usually artillery rounds.

      Delete
    5. Fudd Busters InternationalSun Nov 24, 10:30:00 AM EST

      There were people in at Tora Bora that HAD attacked the United States.

      No one in Iran fits that description.

      Delete
    6. Thanks for telling us how Israel cannot hurt Iran.

      I guess you never thought that those bunkers way under the mountain need tunnels in and out?

      I hope they enjoy living under the mountain with no air, power or egress..

      Delete
  31. The new GOP chairman in Washington state is a woman. She's being paid $20,000 less ($95,000 vs $75,000) than the previous
    chairman. Anybody care to guess the gender of that previous chairman?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe it doesn't matter the gender of the previous, maybe it's a matter of experience, years on the job?

      Delete
    2. Maybe she's a dumb F...... C... that thinks she can run as Pub in Washington.

      aka California, Norte.

      Delete
    3. Maybe she's given free Seattle Seahawks tickets.

      Delete
    4. Good luck, that.

      Oh, for the days of Montana and Rice.

      Delete
    5. Maybe it doesn't matter the gender of the previous, maybe it's a matter of experience, years on the job?

      Maybe if the GOP in Washington is hiring n00bs for the job, and expecting them to learn as they go, they deserve to get the shit end of the stick in a permanently blue state.

      Delete
    6. So says the Sarah Palin fan?

      If only that Washington state woman was humping Glen Rice, Fudd would get in line.

      But since she is not ...

      The Fudd doesn't think he stands a chance at tasting the sweetness.
      He'll never get to eat at the 'Y'

      The YWCA

      Delete
    7. What do you get when you cross an elephant with a hooker? A two-ton pick-up.

      Delete
  32. Maybe, it's just nuts for a Professional Woman to be a Republican.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Deuce wrote:

    "I say that with the continuous military threats and economic piracy, the scurrilous “every is on the table”, the murdering of young scientist by Israel, etc, etc etc, Iran needs a nuclear deterrent more than France, the UK, Israel and the US. That they have the political guts to consider not having them is amazing to me. "

    I think the "political guts" stem from the real politik of sanctions. The sanctions hurt and there is a restless population tired of hardship. That same population takes great pride in their scientific achievements with one being deriving power from nuclear.

    The basic logic, the 'right' for a nation to develop and use nuclear power, is a very difficult argument to deny. Israel is trying but its' blatant hypocrisy on the issue will forever thwart it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. kind of like allen arguing that he has a right to carry a concealed weapon but not Rat.

      Delete
    2. If the weapon is concealed, it does not provide any deterrence.

      It is only Open Carry that provides for a deterrence factor.

      Concealed Carry is for criminals and those that are ashamed that they are carrying a weapon.
      Or they are hoping for a confrontation, so they spread some lead, legal like.
      Zimmerman wannabes.


      Delete
    3. In fact, one can argue, 'conceal carry' is a greater deterrent because one never knows who is packing and who isn't making suggesting that they probably are packing. With open carry you can see who has it and where it is making them easier prey.

      Delete
    4. That is the argument the Zimmerman wannabes make, Ash.

      The US Army , on patrol in foreign lands, does not make it.
      The National Guard, on patrol in Katrina savaged New Orleans did not make it

      It is not an argument made by any proponent of MAD, the nuclear deterrent that has worked so well for over fifty years.

      Delete
    5. Ash Sun Nov 24, 10:12:00 AM EST
      kind of like allen arguing that he has a right to carry a concealed weapon but not Rat.

      Are you saying that I have ever taken such a position?

      In Georgia a permit allows me to pack openly or concealed. The choice is mine. Generally, I prefer a concealed weapon, because folk get nervous in the presence of firearms and I respect their concerns, since they don't me from Adam.

      Delete
  34. The U.S. Supreme Court turned away a challenge to the Obama administration's spying practices, leaving intact an order that required Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) to turn over records of its customers' domestic phone calls.

    The justices today said they won’t hear arguments from the Electronic Privacy Information Center, which argued that a national-security court exceeded its authority by ordering Verizon to provide the call data.

    The case represented the Supreme Court’s first opportunity to review the surveillance program since former government contractor Edward Snowden began releasing information about the extent of data and communications swept up by the National Security Agency.

    EPIC, as the Washington-based privacy group is known, faced a high hurdle in its bid for Supreme Court review because it took the unusual step of filing its complaint directly with the high court. In urging the justices not to intervene, the Obama administration pointed to similar suits that have been filed at federal trial courts.

    EPIC, a Verizon customer, challenged an April 2013 order issued by a judge on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. The order centered on “metadata” — call logs showing phone numbers, time and duration.

    http://mashable.com/2013/11/18/nsa-telephone-surveillance-challenge/

    ReplyDelete
  35. .

    It's amusing that one of those worried about nukes in the ME is the only one suggesting using them there.

    Also, wrt the talk about the Iranians being disingenuous, lying for those in Idaho, the entire ME is bullshit. EVERYONE there lies. I wouldn't trust anything any one of them says. Name me a country where it's not true, fluffy.

    .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Whoa there, cotton ball.

      It is amusing to me that you suggest I suggested using nukes.

      When I was clearly replying to Miss T;s suggestion the Israelis have no options, being abandoned by the USA.

      And you call yourself a "critical thinker"

      Here is what the LBFM (her suggested term) said:

      Teresita RedingerSun Nov 24, 07:28:00 AM EST
      Iran's nuke sites are deep under concrete bunkers, Israel can't touch them with F16s carrying 500 lb smart bombs without the US also sending B2's with massive bunker-busters, which is why Israel hasn't taken care of it ala Syria 2007, so they want to start some shit, with the assumption we'd have to finish it, but we don't. Knock yourself out, Bibi, with your new pals the Wahabbis.

      Here is what I said

      AnonymousSun Nov 24, 08:09:00 AM EST
      Tactical nukes.


      DeuceSun Nov 24, 08:32:00 AM EST
      Tactical nukes? Got to love these right-wing “Christians”.


      AnonymousSun Nov 24, 08:39:00 AM EST
      Who's a Christian?

      It does seem to me that is the logic of abandoning Israel. What else are they to use?

      You wanted to use tactical nukes at Tora Bora.

      with Deuce chiming in, piling on, misreading as well.

      You could not follow directions on how to open a soup can, Mr Cotton Candy Brain.

      The answer to your question/demand is the mountainous country of Idaho.

      I know everyone lies in the flatland country of Detroit and environs. You tried to make a career out of it, even lying to the Court a thousand times, poodle puppy.



      Delete
    2. I note also if everyone in the mid-east is always lying, the Iranians must be doing so now.

      But you seem this morning TFD to have thought of that.

      Which is unlike you, being devious as you are, which leads me to conclude: you are the Russian vodka again.

      Delete
    3. You have drunk so much, and have become 120 proof yourself.

      Delete
    4. William ShakespeareSun Nov 24, 10:48:00 AM EST



      “You speak an infinite deal of nothing.”

      Delete
    5. Why the fuck would an anon us the word "I"? Learn the basics of commenting on blogs by getting a name so that "I" has some semblance of meaning!

      Delete
    6. It's just Farmer Fudd, Ash.

      Assign it any name from the Anonymous Collective you wish.

      Since boobie died ...
      Anonymous just has not been the same

      Delete
    7. .

      Gee, fluffy I merely assumed that you misunderstood the typical use of tactical nukes (as explained by T) and not their yield sizes.

      The yield of tactical nuclear weapons is generally lower than that of strategic nuclear weapons, but larger ones are still very powerful, and some variable-yield warheads serve in both roles. Modern tactical nuclear warheads have yields up to the tens of kilotons, or potentially hundreds, several times that of the weapons used in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Wiki

      I said

      It's amusing that one of those worried about nukes in the ME is the only one suggesting using them there.

      As for

      You wanted to use tactical nukes at Tora Bora.

      I wasn't even on this blog at the time of Tora Bora and I don't recall making any comments about it here.

      The rest of your comment is gibberish, general. Go back and re-write it and attempt some clarity.

      .

      Delete
    8. .

      Any country that actually uses a strategic nuclear bomb will become a pariah to the world and tactical nukes have been recognized as having only limited capability by most countries.

      As for the concern about Iran actually developing and using the bomb, we can disagree on that, but one thing is certain, any country of 80,000,000 people with the technical and financial resources that Iran has that wants the bomb, will get the bomb. The only way you could stop them is occupying the country and that won't happen for practical and political reasons in the absence of some overt action on their part. It certainly won't happen on the basis that the Iranians are 'assumed' to be lying. If Obama can get a deal that allows Iran to achieve nuclear capability but not build a bomb, I would consider it likely the best we can expect.

      And if Iran were to attack either of its two suggested targets, the counter attack would leave the country in rubble.

      The question really comes down to are those in Iran who would have the power to push the button really motivated to die. I personally doubt that.

      IMO, Iran, even with a bomb would still be less of a threat to us than Israel's new BFF, Saudi Arabia, for any number of reasons.

      .

      Delete
    9. You really can't read. Tora Bora - obviously I was referring to Deuce.

      He was in for nuking Tora Bora.

      Delete
  36. Chidanand RajghattaSun Nov 24, 10:58:00 AM EST

    Times of India

    US-Iran clinch interim nuclear deal: Blow to Israel and Saudi Arabia; relief for India


    http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/US-Iran-clinch-interim-nuclear-deal-Blow-to-Israel-and-Saudi-Arabia-relief-for-India/articleshow/26322475.cms

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chidanand RajghattaSun Nov 24, 10:59:00 AM EST

      Under the first phase of the agreement, clinched in a 3 am signing ceremony in Geneva, Iran will stop enriching uranium beyond five per cent, effectively giving up the higher levels of enrichment needed to produce fissile material for nuclear weapons. It will also divert or convert its stockpile of 20 per cent enriched uranium into an oxide form so it cannot be used for military purposes.

      Iran will also not install any new centrifuges nor start up any that are not already in operation or build new enrichment facility, while submitting to daily international inspections that will make it almost impossible for it to work towards making nuclear weapons.

      In return, Iran will get to keep its existing centrifuges, be able to enrich uranium below five per cent for civilian nuclear uses, and receive relief from crippling U.S-led sanctions (including getting some revenues seized by past sanctions) for the next six months, during which a more detailed, longer term agreement will be negotiated.

      Delete
    2. Chidanand RajghattaSun Nov 24, 11:02:00 AM EST

      It will also come as a big relief for India, which has had to do juggle and balance four aspects -- its growing strategic partnership with the U.S., its strong military relationship with Israel, its economic and social investments in Afghanistan, and its civilizational ties with the Persian power. An Indian-built road from the Afghan border town of Zaranj to the Iranian port of Charbahar suddenly comes into play. Eventually, India may also be able to resume normal trade relations with Iran, which the US-led sanctions had put a crimp on.

      Delete
    3. ... a big relief for India

      I didn't think of that
      It could be a good thing,

      But not for Israel, but India is more important than Israel.

      Now I am confused, I will have to study this some more
      Think on it.
      It is all so complicated

      Delete
    4. .

      If that is the actual deal and can be verified it is better than I thought they would get. And if the actions can be verified, there is no justification within the NPT for not doing it.

      .

      Delete
    5. Do Scandinavian synagogues in Wisconsin and Minnesota serve lutefisk gefilte fish?

      Delete
    6. Anon, you're an idiot. It's Not whether the deal is good for Israel, or India.

      It's whether the deal is good for Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Hawaii, and Idaho.

      Delete
    7. I must think of my niece.

      Delete
    8. .

      I just saw on the news that this particular deal is only for six months. It's very possible that Iran is just buying time looking for a breather. That would be unfortunate. However, if the other factors are in place, the inspections, etc. it still buys six months and allows us to gather much info about the Iranian program.

      The blustering about "we are not part of any agreement" by some is, IMO, merely howling at the moon. There is no political will in the world right now to attack Iran. So through lack of capability or just plain politics it's not possible right now.

      .

      Delete
    9. Fudd Busters InternationalSun Nov 24, 02:10:00 PM EST

      Your 'niece' is a dumbfuck?

      Could send him to school, Hadji is a bright boy, a tad 'brutish' perhaps, but really a nice boy.
      I know you have a policy about educating your slaves ...

      It really is up to you, Fudd, whether or not your 'niece' is a dumbfuck or a smart screw.

      Delete
  37. U.S. Republicans

    Some U.S. Republicans suggested that the deal was orchestrated by the White House to divert attention from the ongoing debacle over HealthCare.gov, the Obamacare exchange site whose disastrous rollout has tanked the president's approval ratings.

    Congressional Republicans slam deal

    "Amazing what WH (the White House) will do to distract attention from O-care (Obamacare)," tweeted Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.

    Other critics, like Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, said the arrangement could be detrimental.

    "This agreement shows other rogue states that wish to go nuclear that you can obfuscate, cheat, and lie for a decade, and eventually the United States will tire and drop key demands," Rubio said. "Iran will likely use this agreement -- and any that follows that does not require any real concessions -- to obtain a nuclear weapons capability."

    http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/24/world/iran-deal-reaction/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. "Amazing what WH (the White House) will do to distract attention from O-care (Obamacare)," tweeted Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.

      Delete
    2. For years, Phil Bretthauer was one of the most expensive patients at Unity Point Health in Fort Dodge, a small town in western Iowa. The 70-year-old was frequently in and out of the hospital with heart attacks, COPD and prostate cancer.

      “I always keep thinking, there’s something else coming,” says Bretthauer. “If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen to me.”

      His primary care physician, Dr. Lincoln Wallace, was worried about the same thing.

      “It’s a demoralizing position to be in to watch a guy like Phil go out the door and to anticipate that he’ll have some event that will likely either threaten his life or end up in the end of his life, and you have little or no way to stop it from coming,” says Wallace.

      But this year, Unity Point – which includes multiple hospitals and doctor practices in Iowa -- decided to do something to stop the expensive cycle of illness and readmission for patients like Bretthauer. The hospital signed on to become an accountable care organization, a Medicare program created by the Affordable Care Act that economists say could be a pathway to the holy grail of health care—providing better care at a lower cost.

      Delete
    3. Here’s how it works: a group of doctors and hospitals get together to form a network responsible for taking care of a group of Medicare patients—in this case, about 9,000 Iowans. If the network can prove it’s keeping those patients healthier and spending less money to do so, it gets to keep some of the savings. The ACO can then use that money to do things Medicare doesn’t usually cover—like reaching out more to patients at home. But if the ACO does not succeed, it may face a financial penalty.

      ACOs have become one of the most talked about new ideas in Obamacare, touted as a way to help fix an inefficient payment system that rewards more, not better, care. About 4 million Medicare beneficiaries are now in an ACO, and more than 428 hospitals have signed up for either the Medicare program or a private ACO. An estimated 14 percent of the U.S. population is now being served by an ACO.

      ‘Now, I Have Some Way To Get Care To Them’

      Delete
    4. Wallace, who is not only Bretthauer’s physician but is also medical director of Unity Point’s ACO, in charge of managing other doctors in the program, believes the ACO has dramatically changed some patients’ care.

      “Now, if I have someone with multi-organ system stuff or I know that they’re alone, I have some way to get care to them. And we can only do that because our system is able to figure out a way to make it work financially,” he says.

      One of the most important aspects is coordinating care for patients among primary care doctors, specialists and other providers.

      Wallace started by identifying the patients, like Bretthauer, who were sickest and costing the most. At the time, Bretthauer had recently spent three weeks in the hospital after a heart attack, followed by another two weeks in a rehab facility. When he finally got home to his apartment, he was sick, alone, and depressed.

      Delete
    5. .

      Nonsense.

      If the deal distracts from Obamacare right now, Obama would be happy as a clam but that is not the reason for the deal. Obama, to his credit, just isn't inclined to get involved in foreign entanglements. He didn't really want to get involved in Libya but was forced into it by the bitch crew of Clinton-Powers-Rice. He learned his lesson there and, despite sticking his foot in his mouth with ill-advised musings over red lines, he jumped at the chance to stay out that he was handed it by Putin. He does not want to get militarily entangled with Iran.

      .

      Delete
    6. “I was just so down. I didn’t have anything to do. I’d get up in the morning and sit in this chair for eight hours,” Bretthauer recalls.

      Wallace formed a team to care for Bretthauer, made up of doctors, nurses and home health workers.

      At the center is home health nurse Tammy Bennett, who visits Bretthauer at his apartment every week or so to check in on him and go over all 17 of his medications.

      “He needs to know why he’s taking it, what he’s taking, and we need to make sure we’re all on the same page. And if there are any changes, I notify the doctor,” explains Bennett. During a recent visit, Bennett discovered that Bretthauer was accidentally double-dosing on one of his medications.

      When Bennett can’t be there, a telemonitor at Bretthauer’s apartment collects and transmits his vital signs. This allows Unity Point to know exactly what’s going on at any given moment and make changes, possibly averting an emergency room visit.

      And Bretthauer says he is much more engaged in his health now. “I feel protected. If something goes wrong, I call them, they get involved. It makes me feel safe,” he says.

      Team Work Throughout The System

      Delete
    7. Unity Point’s expanded focus on monitoring and data collection extends beyond the home and into the hospital. With the help of an electronic medical record system, the hospital now collects data on each of their physicians to monitor how they’re doing compared to their peers.

      “We know what each guys per member per month costs are. I can even drill it down in terms of age, diagnoses, how many people are doing well with their cholesterol control, their diabetes control, their immunization rates,” says Dr. Wallace.

      And if a doctor isn’t doing so well, Wallace approaches them with the facts and some potential solutions. Usually they adjust, he says.

      But there are some things that can’t be quantified. Earlier this year, Phil was hospitalized for major depression. When he got out, he was worried he’d be back to sitting in that chair, eight hours a day. Nurse Bennett knew she had to do something to keep him from slipping back into a depression.

      “Tammy asked me what do you like to do? And I said well I’ve announced at a NASCAR track, and I was involved in baseball,” says Bretthauer. So Bennett helped him get a gig announcing at the Little League games six nights a week.

      And when baseball season ended, she helped him volunteer at the rehab facility where he’d been a patient just a year before. Bretthauer visits the facility few times a week now—spending time with residents and his favorite: calling the Bingo games.

      Bretthauer says being part of Unity Point’s new efforts has been a lifesaver. And as for the hospital, its care really has gotten better. Patients, including Bretthauer, are healthier and aren’t coming to the hospital as often.

      And while the hospital system has not saved enough money to get a bonus just from Medicare yet, they’re hopeful for next year.

      Delete

  38. Of course presidents lie

    (CNN) -- "I cannot tell a lie."

    That's the signature line from a classic American story. When the nation's first president was asked as a boy if he had chopped down his father's cherry tree, he didn't say "I can neither confirm nor deny those reports," or "it depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is."

    George Washington told the truth even if it got him in trouble. The moral of the story -- Washington was a great leader because he would not lie, and all presidents should be as honest as our founding father.

    Well, guess what? That story about Washington and the cherry tree is a lie. Never happened. And the notion that a good president doesn't lie to the American people -- that's an illusion as well. Historians say many of our greatest presidents were the biggest liars -- and duplicity was part of their greatness.

    "Every president has not only lied at some time, but needs to lie to be effective," says Ed Uravic, a former Washington lobbyist, congressional chief of staff and author of "Lying Cheating Scum."

    Presidential lying is a hot topic because of a promise made by President Obama. While promoting Obamacare, Obama told Americans that they could keep their health insurance if they wanted to. That turned out to not be true for some, and Obama has been accused of lying.

    Some political pundits warn that Obama's "lie" will undo his second term. They say Americans won't forgive a president who violates their trust. It's a good sound-bite, but it's bad history. A great leader must "be a great pretender and dissembler," Machiavelli said in "The Prince." And so should a president, some historians say.

    You might say lying is the verbal lubricant that keeps the Oval Office engine running. Some of our most popular presidents told the biggest whoppers, say historians, including Benjamin Ginsberg, author of "The American Lie: Government by the People and other Political Fables."

    While preparing the country for World War II, Franklin Roosevelt told Americans in 1940 that "your boys are not going to be sent into any foreign wars."

    President John F. Kennedy declared in 1961 that "I have previously stated, and I repeat now, that the United Sates plans no military intervention in Cuba." All the while, he was planning an invasion of Cuba.

    Ronald Reagan told Americans in 1986, "We did not, I repeat, did not trade weapons or anything else [to Iran] for hostages, nor will we," four months before admitting that the U.S. had actually done what he had denied.

    Even "Honest Abe," whose majestic "Gettysburg Address" the nation commemorated this week, was a skillful liar, says Meg Mott, a professor of political theory at Marlboro College in Vermont.

    Lincoln lied about whether he was negotiating with the South to end the war. That deception was given extended treatment in "Steven Spielberg" recent film "Lincoln." He also lied about where he stood on slavery. He told the American public and political allies that he didn't believe in political equality for slaves because he didn't want to get too far ahead of public opinion, Mott says.

    "He had to be devious with the electorate," Mott says. "He played slave-holders against abolitionists. He had to lie to get people to follow him. Lincoln is a great Machiavellian."

    www.cnn.com/2013/11/24/politics/presidents-lie/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. .

      Bullshit.

      All the examples prove is that the presidents involved were just so stupid that they thought they were never be caught in their lies.

      .

      Delete
  39. Maybe Israel should nuke a few dozen Iranian sites.

    It would solve the problem for a decent amount of time.

    After all israel doesn't have to wait to get hit 1st.

    Now it's going to get interesting.

    What would be the top 16 sites for Israel to nuke?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. .

      Add two to the list of those worried about nukes in the ME who are also the same ones to first suggest using them.

      .

      Delete
    2. End the OccupationSun Nov 24, 12:34:00 PM EST

      Jeruseluem
      Tel Aviv
      Haifa
      Be'er Sheva
      Ashkelon
      Ashdod
      Talbe
      Rosh Haayin
      Netanya
      Hadera
      Gedera
      Beit Shemesh
      Geva Carmel
      Rehovot
      Holon
      Jerusalem, again

      Delete
    3. Nuke the black rock, nuke Iran, WiO always had nothing but beer muscles.

      Delete
    4. End the OccupationSun Nov 24, 12:57:00 PM EST

      MeMber of the Block Watch

      Another Zimmerman wannabe.

      Just doesn't have the cajones ...
      Neither does his demigod, Bibi

      Delete
    5. End the OccupationSun Nov 24, 01:01:00 PM EST



      Which is why they always want someone else to carry their water.

      But then give no appreciation to Gunga Din

      Delete
    6. Gunga Din

      YOU may talk o' gin an' beer
       
      When you're quartered safe out 'ere,
       
      An' you're sent to penny-fights an' Aldershot it;

      But if it comes to slaughter
       
      You will do your work on water,
               
      An' you'll lick the bloomin' boots of 'im that's got it.
       
      Now in Injia's sunny clime,
       
      Where I used to spend my time
       
      A-servin' of 'Er Majesty the Queen,
       
      Of all them black-faced crew
        
      The finest man I knew
       
      Was our regimental bhisti, Gunga Din.

      ....

      'E lifted up my 'ead,
       
      An' 'e plugged me where I bled,
       
      An' 'e guv me 'arf-a-pint o' water—green;
        
      It was crawlin' an' it stunk,
       
      But of all the drinks I've drunk,
       
      I'm gratefullest to one from Gunga Din.

       
          It was "Din! Din! Din!
       
          'Ere's a beggar with a bullet through 'is spleen;
        
          'E's chawin' up the ground an' 'e's kickin' all around:
       
          For Gawd's sake, git the water, Gunga Din!"

       
      'E carried me away
       
      To where a dooli lay,
       
      An' a bullet come an' drilled the beggar clean.
        
      'E put me safe inside,
       
      An' just before 'e died:
       
      "I 'ope you liked your drink," sez Gunga Din.
       
      So I'll meet 'im later on
       
      In the place where 'e is gone—
        
      Where it's always double drill and no canteen;
       
      'E'll be squattin' on the coals
       
      Givin' drink to pore damned souls,
       
      An' I'll get a swig in Hell from Gunga Din!

       
          Din! Din! Din!
        
          You Lazarushian-leather Gunga Din!
       
          Tho' I've belted you an' flayed you,
       
          By the livin' Gawd that made you,
       
          You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din!


      Rudyard Kipling



      Delete
  40. The nuclear deal signed on Sunday will not allow any more Iranian oil into the market, or let western energy investors into the country, but it does freeze U.S. plans for deeper cuts to Iranian crude exports, Washington says.

    Iran and six world powers reached a breakthrough deal early on Sunday to curb Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for limited sanctions relief.

    But U.S. and EU sanctions on Iran's energy sector, which have prevented western energy companies from dealing with Tehran, and slashed its oil exports from 2.5 million barrels per day (bpd) to around 1 million bpd, will remain in place.

    "In the next six months, Iran's crude oil sales cannot increase," a fact sheet posted by the White House on the U.S. State Department's website on Sunday said.

    "Under this first step, the EU crude oil ban will remain in effect and Iran will be held to approximately 1 million bpd in sales, resulting in continuing lost sales worth an additional $4 billion per month, every month, going forward."

    (Read more from NBC News: Iran deal first step towards comprehensive solution, Obama says)

    Western pressure on Iran's mainly Asian oil customers to find other suppliers has supported global oil prices over the last two years. Rising U.S. and Saudi production has helped dampen the impact of around 1.5 million barrels per day of Iranian oil being shut out.

    U.S. lawmakers had planned further cuts in Iran's oil exports but Washington has pledged not to impose new nuclear-related sanctions over the next six months, so long as Iran sticks to its side of the deal.

    Less crude from Iran would increase pressure on regional rival Saudi Arabia to squeeze more out of oilfields that have already been pumping at record levels this year.

    Benchmark Brent crude hit a six-week high of $111.40 on Friday on early uncertainty over whether an agreement over Iran's nuclear program would be reached.

    Brent eased late on Friday on renewed hopes that the long-awaited deal would be struck, closing the week on $111.05 a barrel. Oil markets are closed on Sunday.

    Little relief

    The White House estimates that Iran has lost more than $80 billion since the beginning of 2012 because of lost oil sales. It also estimates Tehran's earnings over the next six months will be $30 billion down compared with a six-month period of 2011, before sanctions were imposed.

    U.S. sanctions effectively bar Iran from repatriating earnings from oil exports, forcing customers to pay into a bank in their country.

    Washington estimates that Iran has around $100 billion in foreign exchange earnings trapped in such accounts.

    Under the terms of the deal, Iran will be allowed access to $4.2 billion of oil export revenues. But nearly $15 billion will still flow into accounts overseas over the next six months, according to the U.S. government.

    "We expect the balance of Iran's money in restricted accounts overseas will actually increase, not decrease, under the terms of this deal," the White House fact sheet said.

    http://www.cnbc.com/id/101223697

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Iran and six world powers reached a breakthrough deal early on Sunday to curb Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for limited sanctions relief.

      Jeez, we are almost back to the salad days when Iran was pro-Western, in the sense of being run by a CIA imposed dictator. Before that they had an emerging secular democracy, which had the temerity to put the interests of the Iranians above those of Western oil.

      Delete
    2. And before that the British dominated the internal politics of the country.

      Used it as a staging area for the "White Russian" during their fight against Lenin, in the Soviet Union

      Delete
  41. Larry Summers just said the most amazing thing. There are fewer people employed in Manufacturing in China than there were 20 years ago.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Productivity gains, Rufus, they are everywhere.

      That is why the cost of labor is such a significant part of the formula.

      The factory built in China is just as automated as it would be, built in Ohio or Tennessee.
      There is no US technological advantage in manufacturing, the factories are automating, everywhere..

      Delete
    2. The US advantage in manufacturing is we don't have to import our energy, and the end customer is here.

      Delete
    3. Just as US manufacturing has increased, with fewer employees, so it goes in China.

      Japan, everywhere.

      There is an excess of global manufacturing capacity
      Prices are stagnant, historically speaking.
      Money has not been cheaper to rent in all my life.





      Delete
  42. .

    Do women really have it better in Sweden?

    I don't really give a shit about the answer (although it is probably no), but I did find this interesting

    The country is zealously tearing down the barriers that hold women back. Preschools go to extraordinary lengths to encourage non-gendered play. One school is experimenting with a gender-neutral pronoun, “hen,” so that kids will think of one another not as boys or girls but as “buddies.” Gender-neutral toy catalogues show boys playing with dolls and girls playing with water guns. Some Swedish movie theatres have introduced a gender rating for films, called the Bechdel test. (To pass, a movie needs to have at least two female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man.)

    Sweden and the other Nordic nations always seem to lead the rankings of the world’s best countries for women. (Canada is lucky to crack the top 20.) So they’re an ideal laboratory for finding out what women really want. What choices will women make when the playing field is as level as social policy can make it?

    I’m afraid the answers will disappoint a lot of people. That includes Sheryl Sandberg, the famous author of Lean In, who wrote, “A truly equal world would be one where women ran half our countries and companies, and men ran half our homes.”

    The trouble is that the world’s most liberated women aren’t leaning in – in fact, many are leaning back. They work fewer hours and make less money than men, just as Canadian women do. In fact, Swedish women are much more likely to have part-time jobs and far less likely to hold top managerial positions or be CEOs. On top of that, Scandinavian labour markets are the most gender-segregated in the developed world.

    Women do make up 25 per cent of Swedish corporate boards, but only because of quotas. The greatest concentration of senior managers, CEOs and other highly paid power women isn’t in Scandinavia. It’s here in North America, where working women’s lives are much tougher.


    Most probably know my views on PC pricks and countries.

    .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies


    1. “Another lesson to file away about Sweden: insulting other people in a childish manner was the national pastime.”

      Delete
  43. QuirkSun Nov 24, 12:19:00 PM EST
    .

    I just saw on the news that this particular deal is only for six months. It's very possible that Iran is just buying time looking for a breather. \\*********//


    Howl, howl, howl, howl, howl, bwabwabwabwabwahahahahhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

    I care deeply for Quirk and his preternatural bravery, but JESUS CHRIST ON A CRUTCH.

    Here Quirk has been PASSING GAS like Whackopath this morning and now he tells us HE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS IN THE AGREEMENT.

    BwaBwaHaHaHa

    Quirk-o didn't even know what was in the 'agreement'.

    Ho,ho,ho

    He was carrying on his own private Whackathon this morning, and

    DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS IN THE F'ING AGREEMENT.

    Hardeharharhar

    Since there are so many other anons this day I wish to sign this

    bob

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There must be some kind of lesson in this for you Quirk-O, like reading the fine print or something.

      Except, you invented fine print as a means to swindle people.

      Way, way too much Russian Vodka this morning, Quirk-O.

      I am calling Umatilla Jack to set up a sweat lodge for you, Quirk-O - sweat those brain destroying, thought inhibiting toxins out of your system.

      bob

      wife is calling......out

      Delete
    2. You are Anonymous - part of the Collective

      There is no bob - there is only the Anonymous Collective.

      Delete
  44. "The officials said the U.S. passed strong messages to Israel and the Saudis that the Americans control radar capabilities over the skies near Iran and that no strike should be launched without permission from the Obama administration."



    http://kleinonline.wnd.com/2013/11/24/officals-israelis-in-secret-trip-to-inspect-saudi-bases-could-be-used-as-staging-ground-for-strikes-against-iran/
    Officals: Israelis in secret trip to inspect Saudi bases. Could be used as staging ground for strikes against Iran


    Looks like the US is now the de facto ally of Iran. That does put a different spin on things.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Yep those F22s are "Game Changers" ...

      Not so much if you are flying an F4 ...
      But if you are strapped into an F16, it sure does.

      Delete
    2. Israel has not lost a war. I'll bet they've thought about that.

      In one respect I take your point: Israel made a huge strategic blunder when it discontinued its 5th generation work.

      But, Ed, the game has just begun.

      Delete
    3. Israel understands war. Persians and Chess.

      I doubt seriously we will see a straightforward WW2 type attack.

      I'll bet something to weaken assad and syria should be coming again soon.

      Delete
    4. By the way, Ed, like anything built by man, the F-22 has its flaws and vulnerabilities. These have not been overlooked. For instance neither the fighter or the tanker benefit from stealth while refueling. And, yes, they will always refuel in pairs, so that one is running cover off the radar. BUT there is a small interval of time during which both planes are sitting ducks.

      But I doubt the Won would have the guts to engage Israel and Saudi Arabia et al. The Congress and the public would never agree. Consequently, he will try to cut a deal ala Syria and Iran. All the good guys have to do is take the firs step.

      Delete
  45. Nations have Interests.

    And, it is in the interest of the United States that Iran is free to peacefully sell its oil onto the world market.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's not what this is about and you know it. But the game just started and Iran's neighbors have interests also. When they exercise them, I know you will take it in stride.

      Delete
    2. The only country the US REALLY relies upon, in the region ...

      United Arab Emirates

      The UAE Cabinet welcomed the preliminary agreement and expressed hope that it will "represent a step forward to a permanent agreement that would preserve the stability of the region and protect it from tension and the danger of nuclear proliferation," state news agency WAM reported.


      http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/24/world/iran-deal-reaction/

      Delete
    3. Panama Ed Sun Nov 24, 02:53:00 PM EST
      The only country the US REALLY relies upon, in the region ...

      You've got to be kidding, REALLY.

      It won't take long for the consequences of this agreement to be felt. Yesterday, Jordan joined the Saudis and Israelis. The only wild card now is Qatar.

      Delete
  46. " Iran retains its full capacity to enrich uranium, thus abandoning a decade of Western insistence and Security Council resolutions that Iran stop all uranium-enrichment activities.'

    " Iran achieved three critical breakthroughs. First, it bought time to continue all aspects of its nuclear-weapons program the agreement does not cover (centrifuge manufacturing and testing; weaponization research and fabrication; and its entire ballistic missile program). Indeed, given that the interim agreement contemplates periodic renewals, Iran may have gained all of the time it needs to achieve weaponization not of simply a handful of nuclear weapons, but of dozens or more."

    http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/abject-surrender-united-states_768140.html?nopager=1
    Abject Surrender by the United States

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. End the OccupationSun Nov 24, 02:46:00 PM EST



      The US acknowledges the NPT as the "Law", in regards issues of nuclear development.



      Delete
    2. With this agreement the US, UN, and IAEA have thrown "Law" to the wind. Iran has spent decades doing what it promised not to do, taking its cues from North Korea, no doubt.

      This problem has never been about "Law"; it has been about the enforcement of "Law". Iran is a scofflaw. Period.

      Delete
  47. It takes Paul Krugman levels of stupidity to think that a record spending level of $3.6 trillion, with a trillion dollar spending deficit, and more people being at least partially supported by checks from the feds than there are in the work force, is "Republican austerity."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Governments employ more than one-fifth of all workers in nine states and the District of Columbia.

      It comes as no surprise that D.C. is the overall leader. The district's workforce included 247,000 government positions as of March, accounting for 33.4 percent of its total complement of 738,600 jobs.

      Alaska is the runner-up, with 25.8 percent of its workers being employed by the federal, state or local governments. Rounding out the top five are Wyoming (25.5 percent), New Mexico (24.3 percent) and Mississippi (22.7 percent).

      Five other states have crossed the 20 percent threshold: Oklahoma, Hawaii, West Virginia, Montana and Alabama.

      On Numbers analyzed seasonally adjusted data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, calculating the percentage of all nonfarm jobs within each state that are part of the government sector.

      Federal, state and local governments employ 22.2 million workers nationwide, equaling 16.7 percent of the U.S. workforce of 132.7 million. A recent On Numbers report indicated that government employment levels are rising in 37 states.

      http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/on-numbers/scott-thomas/2012/05/governments-employ-20-percent-of.html

      Delete
    2. Then factor the employees f General Dynamic, McDonald Douglas , etc ... that are civilians, privately employed on government financed projects ...

      Highway construction amongst others outside of the Defense Industry realm.

      Delete
  48. It take tea party (teresita party?) levels of stupidity to hit "publish" on the set of numbers you just typed.

    ReplyDelete
  49. "This agreement rewards Iran for a decade of lying to the IAEA and hiding its nuclear program, because it essentially accepts Iran’s enrichment program. The years of Iranian deceit of the IAEA and defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions have paid off...

    Line two of the agreement, “Iran reaffirms that under no circumstances will Iran ever seek or develop any nuclear weapon,” is after all false. We know they have sought to build a warhead, and this agreement does not force them to come clean or answer all the questions the IAEA has put. Even David Sanger in the New York Times says this: “Iran did not agree to all of the intrusive inspection regime that the IAEA had said was needed to ensure that the Iranian program is peaceful.”.

    Lying Pays Off for Iran
    http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/364716/lying-pays-iran-elliott-abrams

    ReplyDelete
  50. Lest we forget in our joy at Mr. Netanyahu getting a black eye, this agreement is brought to us by John "Killer" Kerry.

    ReplyDelete
  51. WiO: I hope they enjoy living under the mountain with no air, power or egress.

    I remember reading one time how David entered Jerusalem by way of the water shaft. Are you sure the IDF can plug all the holes?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your knowledge of David and Israel is minimal.

      As is your understanding of what a bunker buster can do to entrances and exits of Iranian mike site.

      Might I suggest you spend less time licking and sucking anonymous mens testicles and more time reading? You may learn something you old tea bagging babe...

      Delete
  52. "How can Israel, after the entire international community sat with Iran, shook hands with Iran and signed an agreement, operate independently?" he said. "It will be seen as someone who sabotages 10 years of trying to get Iran to the table and trying to get a deal."

    ISRAELI LEADER CALLS IRAN DEAL 'HISTORIC MISTAKE'
    http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_IRAN_NUCLEAR_TALKS_ISRAEL?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2013-11-24-04-16-14

    Israel will have to get the job done by other means. Additionally, it needs to immediately stop talking to people who are not even remotely allies. For example, the next time Mr. Kerry wants to visit, deny him.

    Israel may need to turn its attention during this six month breathing space to the Sunni - Shia war. Lebanon may offer such exploitable opportunities.

    For the moment, Israel needs to regain its composure and get to work on out of the box plans that will advance its strategic goals. And, for all that is holy, DO NOT take a single dime from the US. For revenue, start selling all that technology for which the Indians and
    Chinese a begging.

    As to Saudi Arabia and its friends, slow down the pumps, especially to the Germans and French. Slow down sales to China. In six months, I think these "friends" might come around to a different point of view. And since the Chinese have now declared sovereignty over disputed air space claimed by the Japanese, see it the Saudis might be willing to fund additional submarines to Taiwan.

    Everyone just needs to remain calm and serenely think of payback that will send an unforgettable message.

    ReplyDelete