Which Way’s Up?

Pointing out inaccuracies with inaccuracies since 2000

When someone refers to soccer as “metric football,” despite the fact that the standard measure in soccer is the yard, then you have to figure there will be some gaps in said person’s ability to reason.

That’s why it’s no surprise that James Taranto was giddy when he thought he perceived a subtle Obama gaffe.  In actuality the “writer” had simply stopped thinking once the predetermined link had been made:

There weren’t a lot of surprises in President Obama’s Afghanistan speech last night, but here’s one: The president quietly repudiated the myth that Iraq has nothing to do with al Qaeda.

He went on to quote Obama’s speech:

Since 9/11, al Qaeda’s safe havens have been the source of attacks against London and Amman and Bali.

The attack in Amman having later been claimed by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the Jordanian-born leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq — Jimmy T saw his gotcha moment and whipped up every last ounce of his rhetorical skill to piece together this argument:

Little wonder Obama also said in his speech that “the wrenching debate over the Iraq war is well-known and need not be repeated here.” That’s easier than admitting that he has changed his mind and now regards Iraq as having been an al Qaeda safe haven and source of international terrorism.

What seems to be a colossal lapse in memory for someone who is paid to follow the news is that Obama never asserted that there was no al Qaeda in Iraq.  In fact, during the Democratic nomination battle he was caught in a war of words with McCain over this very topic, asserting:

Well first of all, I do know that al Qaeda is in Iraq. That’s why I’ve said we should continue to strike al Qaeda targets. But I have some news for John McCain, and that is that there was no such thing as al Qaeda in Iraq until George Bush and John McCain decided to invade Iraq.

The attacks in Amman happened in 2005, as Jimmy T states in his post.  My dear James that’s 2 years after Bush invaded Iraq.  Little wonder that Jimmy T pokes holes in other’s opposition to the Iraq War.  That’s easier than admitting that you were duped by man who chokes on pretzels.

Which Way's Up? Obama, Out of Context, Politics

“The Great Depression, like most other periods of severe unemployment, was produced by government mismanagement rather than by any inherent instability of the private economy.”

Milton Friedman quote

Which Way's Up? Out of Context, Politics marijuana, Milton Friedman, Republicans

Just when you thought the grand ole US of A had the market cornered on crazy, comes this report from our neighbors to the north.  Take that you smug French-Canadians.  Yes, this means you Celine Dion.

Weird Al Interviews Celine Dion - Funny home videos are a click away

Which Way's Up? Music, Out of Context, Politics Canada, creationists, Politics, ridiculous

Grassley elaborated:

“Listen, what I meant was these people are the scum of the earth.  If they show their faces, I will take it upon myself to murder them in the most brutal fashion.  I have this book in my house about the Spanish Inquisition - I plan to throw it at them very hard . . . It’s a really big book.  Then whatever page it opens to - I will read it to them start to finish.  This of course will result in their not being able to stay awake.  Which is my opportunity to find the nearest National Science Foundation porn addict.  He will have his way with these dishonorable people.  Really, I’m saying the only merciful way out for these AIG executives is to kill themselves.  Otherwise, I am getting my pitchfork and torch and we will have old fashioned mob rule.  That’ll take me back.  DIE!  DIE!  DIE!”

Now excuse me, I have to get to my real job as a public access TV host:

Which Way's Up? Out of Context, Politics Corruption, Economic Meltdown, fresh faces of the GOP, Grassley, POLITICO, Politics, Republicans, Stupid

Getting the wake n' bake in before morning services

At least that’s what I gathered from his remarks at CPAC today:

If you have a law so dumb that we are teaching 13 year-olds to break it, you probably oughtta change the law.

If we’re taking cues from 13 year-olds then the drinking and smoking age need to be repealed and this kid gets to be ambassador to Great Britain and the sentimental favorite ambassador.  

Also, these were too fun so I did a couple:

Newt letting his fans know that Arnold is Numero Uno

Relaxing with a toke during Congressional committee meetings

whichwayisup Out of Context marijuana, newt gingrich, Politics, Republicans, ridiculous