Careful with that link, it’s quite disturbing to look at.

Besides, there’s a possibility that the photo was faked anyhow.

Others: The Sundries Shack

Ronald Frank Asheton

July 17, 1948 – January 1, 2009

Via Spinner:

Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton was found dead at his Ann Arbor, Mich. home Tuesday morning. The official cause of death is not yet known, but it is believed the Asheton suffered a heart attack. Police discovered Asheton’s body on a couch after his personal assistant had been unable to reach him for several days. He was 60.

"I am in shock," Stooges frontman Iggy Pop said in a statement. "He was my best friend."

Asheton, along with his brother Scott on drums, Pop and original bassist Dave Alexander, formed the Stooges in Detroit in 1967. They released two albums, ‘The Stooges’ and ‘Fun House,’ before Ron Asheton took over bass duties. As a guitarist, he created a bevy of iconic riffs, including those for ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’ and ‘TV Eye.’

After the Stooges’ initial split, Asheton played in several other bands, including the Wylde Ratttz, featuring Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore, Mudhoney’s Mark Arm, Dinosaur Jr.’s J. Mascis and Mike Watt. Watt joined Asheton once more when the Stooges reunited in 2003, and Asheton returned to his original place as Stooges guitarist on 2007’s ‘The Weirdness.’

"We are shocked and shaken by the news of Ron’s death," a combined statement released by Pop, Asheton’s brother Scott, saxophonist Steve Mackay, Watt and the Stooges’ management read. He was a great friend, brother, musician, trooper. Irreplaceable. He will be missed. For all that knew him behind the facade of Mr Cool & Quirky, he was a kind-hearted, genuine, warm person who always believed that people meant well even if they did not. As a musician Ron was ‘The Guitar God’, idol to follow and inspire others. That is how he will be remembered by people who had a great pleasure to work with him, learn from him and share good and bad times with him."

It’s times like these when you really realize just how long ago the damn 1960’s were. All the great one’s, musically speaking, are simply dying on us. Such a tragic ending to a life with such talent. May he rest in peace. I don’t think that it would be out of place to say a little prayer for the family of this man tonight.

…and for what it’s worth, I don’t know the politics of Iggy Pop or the rest of the guys, nor do I give two shits. This is not about that man. This is about the passing of a local Detroit area icon.

Some Videos in the Memory of Ron and the rest of those rowdy bastards.

I believe this video is from the Goose Lake Pop Festival of 1970.

And lastly, one of my favorite songs, “No Fun”. (Content Warning)

That’s what those guys were about, just having fun. It’s a sad loss for the Detroit Rock Music scene of the 1960’s and early 1970’s.

Watch these two videos and you will completely understand:

I say anyone that has the stones to basically make a Liberal gas bag like Michael Moore look like an idiot, has my respect, and I hope like hell that Obama will pick this guy. Gupta made Moore look like a tool and basically discredited his movie “Sicko”. I think this was a brilliant move. I might not agree with Obama’s Politics, but this was an excellent move!

Others: Washington Monthly, The Swamp, Michelle Malkin, CBS News, The New Republic, The Hill’s Blog Briefing Room, Michael Calderone’s Blogs, NewsBusters.org, Paul Krugman, Outside The Beltway, Hot Air, TVNewser, The Washington Independent and Spin Cycle

(Via Memeorandum)

I’ll go a step further, that we should outlaw the practice of the islamic religion in this country and deport those who choose not to do so.

It is the only way we will ever be to ensure that radical muslims will not gain entry to this country.

Don’t believe me???  Then go to my bookstore and buy some books on this subject of islam.

Via the New York Times:

TOKYO — Toyota Motor will idle its plants in Japan for 11 days in February and March to reduce output in the face of steeply declining global vehicle sales, the company said Tuesday.

The Japanese auto giant said the suspension would affect production at all 12 of its directly operated domestic plants, which include four vehicle assembly plants and also factories that make transmissions, engines and other parts. The closings are in addition to a three-day shutdown this month at these plants that Toyota had already announced.

The move is unusual for a company that just a few months ago seemed unable to keep up with voracious global demand for its fuel-efficient vehicles. But even strong players like Toyota have failed to escape the drastic slowdown in the global auto industry.

The company said it would idle the plants to reduce stocks of unsold vehicles amid a relentless slide in sales, particularly in the United States, its biggest market. Last month, Toyota’s sales there dropped 37 percent, a larger decline than at its struggling American rivals General Motors and Ford.

Plunging sales and a stronger Japanese yen, which reduces the yen value of overseas profits, forced Toyota to forecast last month its first annual loss in 70 years at its vehicle-making operations.

Toyota did not say how many vehicles would be affected by the suspension announced Tuesday. The company said its four domestic assembly plants produced 1.5 million vehicles in 2007, the most recent year for which the company has figures. Toyota-brand cars are also made by other companies in the Toyota group.

The company had already announced that it would shut down truck production at two United States plants for three months

Its American rivals — General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler — have also idled plants across North America in response to the slowdown.

For once, I am in agreement with a Liberal, and yes, it is the same knuckle-headed liberal that insulted Conservatives. Hey, I am one that praises when it’s due and bitches when it’s due too; At least I’m fair.

Matthew Yglesias Weighs in:

This is the conceptual problem with efforts to “save” the car industry through bailouts or union busting or whatever you like. One assumes demand for cars will get higher than it is right now, but the industry has a whole just has more capacity to build cars than there is demand for new cars. Which is fine. When you look across the developed world and try to take stock of the medium- and long-run problems facing the OECD nations there’s just no way you’re going to reach the conclusion that an automobile shortage is a big concern. But obviously it’s not fine for the companies that make cars. There’s going to be a need for some shrinkage.

Yeah, I know, most likely some of the Conservatives who are basically scraping my blog for content are going to try and deride me as a fake conservative, because I stick up for the middle class and because I happen to be the son of retired General Motors Worker and U.A.W. member. Well, I got two words; screw you and the rest of the asshole Madison Ave. Conservatives.

Anyhow, I happen to agree with Matthew here, I live here in the Detroit Area. If the auto industry dies, so does this area. That will cause my parents to suffer, they need the health insurance, as they are both diabetic and the amount of medications that they take is staggering.  Anyhow, this article above disproves and basically strikes down the “Meme” that was going around in the Conservative Blogosphere that the issues with the auto industry was the fault of the automakers. Which I totally dismissed as abject bullshit of the highest order. It was the fault of President Clinton for putting pressure on the loan companies to give those toxic subprime loans to those who were considered high risk. That is what started this whole thing. Of course, equal blame can be given to the Republican Congress of 2003 for not changing the laws, after all, they were warned by the Bush White House to do something; and they did nothing at all.

Best thing they could do, was have a hearing, of which the CEO of Freddie Mac pulled the race card, and congress backed off. So, all the blaming of the Auto Companies was nothing more than a feeble attempt by the Republicans at scapegoating the wrong damned people.

Here’s hoping that Japan’s auto industry totally collapses and people, both American and otherwise, have to buy American products, for a change!

The Story via Chicago Tribune’s “The Swamp”:

Roland Burris of Illinois, rejected in his attempt to take a new seat in the Senate this morning, averted any public showdown by quietly accepting the refusal of his credentials inside the Secretary of the Senate’s office on the third floor of the Capitol.

"My name is Roland Burris, the junior Senator from the State of Illinois," Burris told reporters later as he stood in the rain in a park outside the Capitol. "I was advised that my credentials were not in order."

The former attorney general of Illinois said he would take legal action, challenging the Senate’s refusal, but averted any showdown at the door of the Senate chambers. "I am not seeking to have any kind of confrontation," Burris added.

Off the Capitol grounds where his entry to the Senate had been refused, Burris was left to his own – the Capitol police who had escorted him away from the Capitol leaving him to a press conference in the park.

A podium was set up in a park across the street from the Capitol outside the Russell Office Building.

Timothy W. Wright, a lawyer for Burris, said: "We have presented our credentials to the Secretary of the Senate… Our credentials were rejected by the secretary… We were not allowed to proceed to the floor… ” He, too, vowed to fight the case.

Burris got into a silver minivan with Massachusetts plates at 11:03 am EST and drove away. It was an Odyssey.

Man, where’s Al Sharpton when you need him? Oh, wait, it’s winter, he might be available come summer time.  

Can’t a brutha get no respect on the hill?  

Anyhow, enough of attempting to make Liberal and Weak Kneed Conservatives knees jerk. This should be a very interesting story to follow, what will most likely happen is, that Burris will got to court and they will tell the Senate that you have to seat him. Although, seeing his paperwork was missing a signature, he might not have no standing. So, it’s a draw.

It does, however, make for some very cool blogging.

Others: AmSpecBlog,  American Power, American Spectator, WebNewser, Gothamist, QandO, Chicago Sun Times, Michelle Malkin, Hot Air, Gateway Pundit, and PoliPundit.com (Via Memeorandum)

Exit Question: Obama’s fault?

——

With 2008 just concluded, today’s column will be my analysis of the best and worst of the year just spent. First, the best: my wife, Connie, and our family. As the Constitution Party candidate for President, I logged more than 30,000 miles and visited more than 30 states. I traveled most of those miles alone–as costs prohibited my wife from traveling with me–and most flights were flown in the coach cabin. In fact, my wife and I were apart more last year than the previous 34 years of married life combined. Needless to say, I am not cut out to be a traveling salesman. The time away from home was extremely difficult.

I am grateful to God for giving me the outstanding family I have. Connie is amazing! And our three grown children (Sarah, Chris, and Tim) and their spouses (Allan, Jana, and Jennifer) are absolutely the greatest. Each one of them is a champion-patriot in his or her own right. They love God; they love freedom; they love their parents and each other; they are independent thinkers and courageous Christians. We are as close a family as one will ever find. They are my best and closest friends.

Those faithful members of Crossroad Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida who prayed for me, stood by me, and supported me during a grueling campaign certainly make it to my “best” list for 2008. When I first announced the invitation and opportunity that had been afforded me to become an Independent candidate for President to my church family, several families walked out the back door. Some of these folks were “friends” for many years. Fortunately, however, the vast majority of my church family remained steadfast and unmovable. Try to imagine a church anywhere else in America that would stand by and support a pastor, as he takes a “sabbatical” to run for President. Most churches today will not even tolerate a pastor who dares to take a stand for anything controversial. The faithful stalwarts at Crossroad Church make my “best” list.

Actually, there were many highlights of 2008. The many friends and supporters I met around the country have to make my “best” list, for sure. The many LDS folks who supported me in Utah and surrounding states were a real highlight. People such as Frank Fluckiger, Scott Bradley and Matt Moody, to name a few.

The great folks who hosted Connie and I in Spokane, Washington, (yes, Connie was able to make this trip with me) make it to my “best” list. I am talking about Bob Peck and his entire team. They were terrific.

The guys out in California, who helped provide the VIP tour of America’s busiest immigration port near San Diego for me, also make my “best” list for 2008. In addition to the legal border crossing at San Ysidro, they also took me out into the California desert in 110-degree heat to take a firsthand look at the real border. However bad you may think our illegal immigration problem is, it is ten times worse than that. I was able to meet with Border Patrol agents and Border Patrol Auxiliary personnel, as well. It was a real education. Thanks are especially due to retired Air Force Master Sergeant (and retired Deputy Sheriff) Larry Breazeale.

Perhaps the most fascinating man I got to know last year was retired Air Force Brigadier General Charles Jones. What an amazing man! We have become fast friends. Getting to know the general was one of the “best” events of 2008, for sure.

From an organizational perspective, Thom Holmes, out there in Okalahoma, was probably the most indispensable and valuable asset to my campaign last year. He kept my travel and hotel itinerary intact for me. He was on top of every detail. I could not have done it without him. Of course, Darrell Castle was a terrific running mate and a first class gentleman. Joe Sanger in Michigan, and Lowell and Bethany Patterson in New Jersey were also able and indispensable associates.

Lou Dobbs makes my “best” list for 2008, as well. He was the one major television talk show host who was willing to have me as a guest on his program. It is not surprising that Lou Dobbs was about the only notable television talk show host during 2008 who was willing to confront the truth regarding a host of issues: from the North American Union, to illegal immigration, to Ramos and Compean, to the criminal international bankers. Thanks, Lou.

Close to the top of my “best” list is Congressman Ron Paul. What a terrific champion for freedom and constitutional government he is! I was able to get to know Ron quite well during the campaign, and was both humbled and honored when he publicly endorsed my candidacy. Thank you, Ron. You are the best man we have on Capitol Hill.

South Carolina senatorial candidate, Bob Conley, also makes my “best” list of 2008. Here was a guy who was willing to take on the neocon senator, Lindsey Graham. Had he had the support of the so-called conservative Christians, he would have won. But most conservative Christians are so myopic and uninformed today that they cannot think outside the box. And because Bob ran as a Democrat, they would not support him. What a shame! Bob was as solid a constitutionalist patriot as one will ever find. You did us all proud, Bob.

In the print media, Bob Dill, who publishes the Times Examiner in Greenville, South Carolina, makes it to my “best” list, as well. Bob represents the shrinking number of courageous publishers who know what’s going on and are not afraid to print the truth.

Speaking of South Carolina, Dorchester County Sheriff Ray Nash also makes it to my “best” list for 2008. I first met Ray on the campaign trail in the Palmetto State and then invited him to be our guest speaker for our God and Country Day on Election Sunday, November 4. He brought a magnificent address. I was so impressed with his presentation that we made copies and sent them to every elected official in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida. You can view Sheriff Nash’s video presentation.

The opportunity I had to speak at the 50th Anniversary of the John Birch Society in Appleton, Wisconsin also makes my “best” list for 2008. John McManus and Art Thompson were gracious hosts and have become good friends. The Birch Society is one of the bright spots in America today. No organization has been more unduly criticized as the John Birch Society. And yet, their commitment to liberty and constitutional government has never waned. My hat is off to them.

The New American magazine is still the finest news publication in America. Year in and year out, TNA is the best.

Speaking at the Indianapolis Baptist Temple (IBT) in Indianapolis, Indiana also needs to be included in my “best” list of 2008. It was a pleasure to be with Dr. Greg Dixon, his son, Pastor Greg Dixon, and Dr. Don Boys again. The IBT has gone through more tribulation than most churches can possibly imagine (at least those in America), and they are still going strong. What a great congregation of dedicated and determined believers! They remind me of courageous Christians from yesteryear. I was honored to speak before them.

Internet publishers such as Paul Walter make my “best” list, too. Paul publishes News With Views. He and people such as Jim Rudd at Covenant News have carried my columns for years. These are men who also know what’s going on and are not afraid to print the truth. Thanks, guys.

Other web sites that were especially beneficial to patriots in 2008 were World Net Daily, VDARE, Freedom’s Phoenix, Renew America, and Gary Shumway’s Red Pills. In Pensacola, my friend, Mike West, at Gulf1, was the man who first got me thinking about publishing a column such as this. Thanks for the idea, Mike.

Without these (and other) great Internet news sites, the American people, for the most part, would not have convenient access to the truth. Most of the major media and major “conservative” radio talk shows today are little more than lackeys for New World Order Republicans, and are therefore worthless to the cause of liberty.

In addition to the mainstream media, and worthless talk show hosts such as Sean Hannity, I must include the majority of so-called leaders within the Religious Right as making my “worst” list for 2008. I include James Dobson, Pat Robertson, and Tony Perkins on this list.

For all intents and purposes, the Religious Right has become nothing more than a gaggle of glorified hacks for the Republican Party. They have sacrificed virtually every principle worth defending. For the sake of sitting at the king’s table, or not losing financial support from brain-dead contributors, these men have sold the cause of freedom and constitutional government down the river. Their mindless support for John McCain was inexcusable and embarrassing! In so doing, they have lost all credibility.

Also making my “worst” list in 2008 are the many pastors and church members around the country who continued to support one of the worst Presidents in American history: George W. Bush. This man has taken America to the precipice of financial ruin; he has created the foundation for a police state; he has trampled the Constitution and Bill of Rights like no President since Abraham Lincoln; he has used our bravest and best for his sinister plans of interventionist adventurism; he has set the wheels of global government and national socialism in motion, as has no other President (I’m sure Barack Obama will do more than his share to augment socialism in the United States, but remember, it is George W. Bush that has laid the foundation for the acceptance of national socialism). I’m not sure that America will ever truly recover from his Presidency. Yet, a majority of conservative pastors and church members continue to idolize George Bush. What an embarrassment!

Both the Democrat and Republican Parties make my “worst” list for 2008. In one year, both major parties nominated two men, neither of whom was constitutionally qualified to be President of the United States. Now, that’s quite a feat!

The Council on Foreign Relations, international bankers, and other global elitists also make my “worst” list for 2008. When will the people of America awaken to the reality that our worst enemies are not “liberals” and “leftists,” as much as they are the global elitists who control the Federal Reserve and other internationalist entities that are committed to dismantling America’s independence and sovereignty?

Notable deaths that contributed to the down side of 2008 include veteran radio broadcaster George Putnam. I wrote a column eulogizing George shortly after his death in September.

Other folks I hated to see leave us were Bob Jeter, cornerback from the championship teams of the 1960s Green Bay Packers; Ivan Dixon, from the old Hogan’s Heroes TV sitcom; famed actor and NRA president Charlton Heston; Eddy Arnold, the great country-western singer; Dick Martin, from the old Rowan and Martin TV comedy show; the hilarious Harvey Korman; the great freedom fighter, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn; the never-equaled voice of “In a world” announcer, Don LaFontaine; “Cool Hand Luke” Paul Newman; and actor Van Johnson, who starred in over 100 movies, and I don’t think I ever saw a bad one.

Finally, my beloved Green Bay Packers make my “worst” list for 2008 for shoving Brett Favre out the door for what was certainly his last NFL season. As a result, the Pack went from a 13-3 playoff team to a 6-10 stay-home-and-watch team. Favre should have finished his hall of fame career in Green Bay. That he didn’t is a shame.

There you have it: my best and worst of 2008. I trust that all of us will truly have a Happy New Year!

Two Words:

BIG DEAL!

The only thing remotely funny, witty, snarking or whatever the hell else you wanna call it, that I have ever read about her is this nice little gem from 2005.

….also, Here is a fact check on her latest Neo-Con screed book.

Via the NYT’s “The Caucus”:

President-elect Barack Obama has selected Leon E. Panetta, the former congressman and White House chief of staff, to take over the Central Intelligence Agency, an organization that Mr. Obama criticized during the campaign for using interrogation methods he decried as torture, Democratic officials said Monday.

Yet the choice encountered early opposition on Capitol Hill, with some senior Democrats questioning why the president-elect would pick a C.I.A. chief without a deep reservoir of intelligence or counterterrorism experience.

The chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat also; is not amused:

“My position has consistently been that I believe the agency is best-served by having an intelligence professional in charge at this time,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein who, as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, would be in charge of Mr. Panetta’s confirmation.

Senator Feinstein said that she had not been notified by Mr. Obama’s transition team about the selection.

Uhm…. Smooth move there Bambi. Good way to start out. Put some inexperienced toad as the leader, to piss off your follow commies. Good one!

Malkin is equally unimpressed, as is Allahpundit.

Glenn Greenwald is wetting his pants with Glee, as usual.

It’s going to be a very interesting four years.

(Via Memeorandum)