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Erasure

It’s not just an infuriatingly monotonous eighties angst band anymore.

Physics question: just how deep can one dig the memory hole before burrowing through the entirety of the earth and resurfacing in China? And once there, how will China’s own memory hole react to the sudden appearance of its western equal — mini black hole? Or the sudden, spontaneous erection of Disneyland Beijing, built from nothing but magma and the bones of peasants and dead baby girls?

****
update: The Washington Post on the Washington Post: “Don’t trust the Washington Post” [suggested subtitle: “the Liar’s Paradox”]

(h/t sears poncho)

85 Replies to “Erasure”

  1. Jeffersonian says:

    We do not know Franklin Delano Raines. We have never known Franklin Delano Raines. Franklin Delano Raines doubleplus unknown.

  2. McGehee says:

    Oceania has always been at war with Fannie Mae.

  3. dre says:

    When it Raines it poors

  4. Hoodlumman says:

    Heh. You said “erection.”

  5. What time is the Two Minute Hate today?

  6. sears poncho says:

    Oh, you’re going to love the follow up. Instapundit links to the Washington Post, which orignally reported that Raines as advising Obama.

    According to the Washington Post the evidence — which comes from three items in the Washington Post — is “pretty flimsy.”

  7. Jeffersonian says:

    According to the Washington Post the evidence — which comes from three items in the Washington Post — is “pretty flimsy.”

    Half the lies our enemies tell about us aren’t true!!

  8. Roland THTG says:

    This is not the Franklin Raines you are looking for.

  9. Jeff G. says:

    Got a link, sears poncho?

  10. sears poncho says:

    http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/09/obamas_fannie_mae_connection.html

    There you go, Jeff.

    Guess the Washington Post just denounced itself.

  11. Silver Whistle says:

    Erasure
    It’s not just an infuriatingly monotonous eighties angst band anymore.

     And also a little light in the loafers. And crap.

     

  12. sears poncho says:

    Oh, here’s the Hot Air stuff with the links to two WP pieces:

    http://hotair.com/archives/2008/09/19/kurtz-dont-trust-washington-post-reporting/

  13. Sdferr says:

    That looks like a sure-fire strategy right there: “Don’t trust anything we said before, cause we could jerk it back from you any second now. See, we were only kidding when we said that, though we insist you ought to believe this new thing we’re claiming to be the case right now cause we’re standing right here telling you to your face it’s true. Get it?”

  14. cranky-d says:

    I don’t know why they bother removing evidence that the MSM is never going to acknowledge in the first place.

  15. cranky-d says:

    Removing, denying, whichever. It really doesn’t matter. A denial is as good as a removal. War is Peace.

  16. Dash Rendar says:

    The OODA loop strikes again! McCain gets the press to admit the press can’t be trusted, whilst Obamanot spins furiously.

  17. Benedick says:

    The Schrodinger Post: Each story is both true and false.

  18. Sdferr says:

    “[…] The latest McCain attack is particularly dubious. […] The McCain video attempts to link Obama to Franklin Raines, the former CEO of the bankrupt mortgage giant, Fannie Mae, who also happens to be African American. It then shows a photograph of an elderly white woman taxpayer who has supposedly been “stuck with the bill” as a result of the “extensive financial fraud” at Fannie Mae. […] The McCain campaign is clearly exaggerating wildly in attempting to depict Franklin Raines as a close adviser to Obama on “housing and mortgage policy.” […]”

    Michael Dobbs, The Fact Checker, WaPo, Posted on September 19, 2008 at 10:24 AM ET

    In the course of his “fact check” Mr Dobbs inserts 1)an echo of Karen Tumulty’s race thesis, 2) a charge of “wildly exaggerating” based on an unknowable falsehood claimed by the Post itself ex post facto, and 3) an assertion that the McCain campaign claimed Raines was a “close” advisor to Obama, when the McCain campaign did nothing of the sort.

    Beaver away Mr. Dobbs, your new job will be waiting for you on the other side of Nov. 5th.

  19. Aldo says:

    I don’t know why they bother removing evidence that the MSM is never going to acknowledge in the first place.

    That’s exactly what I intended to type. My first thought exactly. The LAT has a hissy fit about any instances of political puffery by McCain, or any of his claims that could somehow be construed to be untrue, but outright lies by Obama pass without comment.

  20. dre says:

    “But it is certainly so today. And standing against all this hypnotic power — the power of the mythmakers in Hollywood, the power of the information peddlers in the media, the corrosive power of America-hating professors on every campus in America… against all that we find an old warrior — a paladin if ever there was one — an old, beat-up warhorse standing up in defense of his city one last time. And beside him: a wonder. A common person… just a regular mom who goes to work, does a difficult job with intelligence and energy and grace and every-day competence and then puts it away to go home and have dinner with the family.

    Against all of that stand these two.”

    http://article.nationalreview.com/print/?q=OGVlY2RhOGM0MWE5MjNmMGM2ZjY0NzcxMjMzMTc5NWI

  21. Warren Bonesteel says:

    “The power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them . . . . To tell deliberate lies while genuinely believing in them, to forget any fact that has become inconvenient, and then, when it becomes necessary again, to draw it back from oblivion for just so long as it is needed, to deny the existence of objective reality and all the while to take account of the reality which one denies — all this is indispensably necessary. Even in using the word doublethink it is necessary to exercise doublethink. For by using the word one admits that one is tampering with reality; by a fresh act of doublethink one erases this knowledge; and so on indefinitely, with the lie always one leap ahead of the truth.” – from “1984” by George Orwell, pub. 1949

    Book is available online. A short novel. It’s worth a read.

    Oh…welcome to Newspeak.

  22. Techie says:

    Raines had better ask Emmanuel Goldstein for help.

  23. Jeffersonian says:

    That’s a super piece by Bill Whittle, dre. Thanks for the link.

  24. psycho... says:

    The OODA loop strikes again!

    It would be the first time.

    Not to pick on this comment, but the OODA meme is the dumbest of this season — dumber even than the “ooh scary black penis chasing the white wimmins” shit. The latter at least recognizes what field of battle it’s on.

    At the strategic level, combat is rational. Electoral politics isn’t; that’s where it goes through the looking glass. Dragging military-strategic conceptualizations through with it is like using fencing rules to score a cockfight.

    McCain gets the press to admit the press can’t be trusted,

    You’d think. And yes. But look what that does.

    People who already knew the press is full of shit know it again, and gain nothing. People who need to pretend it’s not so continue pretending, and they hate you (and McCain) a little more for making them pretend harder.

    Win: not yours.

    whilst Obamanot spins furiously.

    And it works — precisely as it’s meant to.

    People who already knew he’s full of shit know it some more, and people who need to pretend he’s not full of shit have to pretend harder, and they hate you (and McCain) — not Obama — for making them do it. His spin comforts them; they were flustered without it. You made them flustered. He fixed it.

    Win: his.

  25. Carin says:

    Mitch Albom just told me that the Raines thing isn’t news. There is other MUCH MORE important stuff going on. Like, that damn BUSH and what he’s done to our economy.

  26. happyfeet says:

    The media is even gayer than Erasure I think. Way more.

  27. So the WaPo just threw itself under the bus?

    Surreal.

  28. sears poncho says:

    I think psycho has the right of it. I just find it amusing that one of the bastions of the old media would throw away what little credibility they had left for Obama.

  29. McGehee says:

    So the WaPo just threw itself under the bus?

    Surreal.

    While they were driving it. Which, that’s limber.

  30. Topsecretk9 says:

    WAPO takes one for the team!

  31. Topsecretk9 says:

    Chutzpah alert:

    NEW YORK (CBS) ― Already under fire for his tax troubles, Manhattan Congressman Charles Rangel really put his foot in his mouth on Friday.

    In a CBS 2 HD exclusive interview Rep. Rangel called Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin “disabled.”

    The question was simple: Why are the Democrats so afraid of Palin and her popularity?

    The answer was astonishing.

    “You got to be kind to the disabled,” Rangel said.

    That’s right. The chairman of the powerful House Ways & Means Committee called Palin disabled — even when CBS 2 HD called him on it.

    http://wcbstv.com/campaign08/congressman.charles.rangel.2.821541.html

  32. Is this your secret way of telling me that you want to bind me in chains of love? Oh, l’amour!

    Heheheh.

    I crack me up.

  33. Carin says:

    I made the mistake of watching CNN again today. That channel has pretty much given up all but the pretense of being unbiased.

  34. Carin says:

    I always thought Erasure sounded just like that chick from “Upstairs in the Attic with Eric.”

    That was a band, right? I’m getting college flashbacks.

  35. Carin says:

    Where is everyone. I finally get back online, and no one is around.

    The satellite was broken. Not my dish. Oye.

  36. BobM. says:

    “Don’t trust the Washington Post”

    Rove, you brilliant bastard!

  37. happyfeet says:

    You’re thinking of Yaz.

  38. happyfeet says:

    Alison Moyet.

  39. Carin says:

    YES. That’s it . I think I was remembering the title of their album?

  40. happyfeet says:

    I think that may have been back when they were called Yazoo. brb.

  41. Sdferr says:

    A proposed neologism: Enrasure, i.e., backfilling the hole.

  42. happyfeet says:

    *They* were

  43. And I’m pretty sure it was “Upstairs at Eric’s.”

    Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go listen to “Winter Kills.”

  44. Carin says:

    Well, I was remembering it through the drunken haze of college. You’re prolly right.

    I wasn’t really a fan. I was more of a Smiths fan.

  45. happyfeet says:

    I liked them both. Aztec Camera was melancholy too. I need to rip all these cds still.

  46. dre says:

    I once saw guacamole open for greasey union workers. Loved their cd

  47. Carin says:

    Isn’t the guacamole another thread? Try to stay on topic, dre.

  48. dre says:

    “You got to be cruel to be kind…”
    “The question was simple: Why are the Democrats so afraid of Palin and her popularity?

    The answer was astonishing.

    “You got to be kind to the disabled,” Rangel said.

    That’s right. The chairman of the powerful House Ways & Means Committee called Palin disabled — even when CBS 2 HD called him on it.

    CBS 2 HD: “You got to be kind to the disabled?”

    Rangel: “Yes.”

    CBS 2 HD: “She’s disabled?” ”
    http://wcbstv.com/campaign08/congressman.charles.rangel.2.821541.html

  49. happyfeet says:

    It’s really not my fault they haven’t cultivated a very good reputation, these union worker people. Maybe they should spend more on public relations than on socialisty command economy thingers. Then maybe people might say things like how charming those union workers are and we should have them over for dinner soon don’t you think.

  50. Rob Crawford says:

    The question was simple: Why are the Democrats so afraid of Palin and her popularity?

    The answer was astonishing.

    “You got to be kind to the disabled,” Rangel said.

    That’s right. The chairman of the powerful House Ways & Means Committee called Palin disabled — even when CBS 2 HD called him on it.

    Did he mean Palin’s disabled or the American public?

    Rangel really deserves prison time for his corruption, but I doubt he’ll even lose his office.

  51. Carin says:

    Well, when you’re a guy totally w/o taint, like Rangel, I guess you can say anything.

    He’s really a shining example of fine demmocrats, isn’t he?

  52. Carin says:

    Well, when you’re a guy totally w/o taint, like Rangel, I guess you can say anything.

  53. dre says:

    #Comment by happyfeet on 9/19 @ 5:25 pm

    I like the term greasey union workers. Sums up the plumber I had to hire thanks to the building code people.

  54. Carin says:

    WHat?? You mean Rangel’s “mistake”? That’s what CNN called it. You mean Republicans. I read the NYT today, and they’ve got a plan for the whole “mistake.”

    And, (although I don’t need to explain myself to you) – I only bought the NTY because I was at Starbucks and it was there.

  55. happyfeet says:

    This Rangel person doesn’t have any class. He’s a trashy person I think what thinks he’s all pimp but really he’s sort of not very respectable. I think he probably represents his constituents very well.

  56. Rob Crawford says:

    Well, when you’re a guy totally w/o taint, like Rangel

    Good Lord, what happened?! A war wound?!

  57. Carin says:

    Sure, Rob. Go for the easy joke;)

  58. Carin says:

    He’s gonna “ride it out.” There’s a few Rethugs with legal troubles (Lewis of California and Young of Alaska) who are in ethical trouble and haven’t stepped down, so if anything is hurled at Rangel, they’re gonna shoot back with those two.

    What was it Nancy said about running the most ethical congress eva?!

  59. Rob Crawford says:

    When someone sets one up like that, I have to take it.

  60. happyfeet says:

    Starbucks is teh suck with their leftist propaganda distribution I think. I’ve really cut back a lot going there. Only when I have to meet people that don’t drink I think is mostly when I go, and I don’t get their food anymore when I’m there except maybe at Christmas cause I like the Christmas mint brownie ones. But they are officially not a cool brand with me. They are just one of those unfortunate places you have to do business with sometimes. Like Panda Express or Target.

  61. Good Lord, what happened?! A war wound?!

    Damnit, you beat me to that low-hanging fruit.

    So to speak.

  62. dre says:

    From Insty:

    UPDATE: Reader Bob Poynor writes: “If Biden says it’s patriotic to pay taxes, and Rangel didn’t pay his, can we now question Rangel’s patriotism?”

  63. Carin says:

    Well, I was in desperate need of a pick-up. I needed espresso and I needed it FAST. I live in a really small town, so my options are limited.

    My town is rather conservative though, so they tone down the leftist stuff. Lots of military. Bible, gun-clingers everywhere.

  64. Carin says:

    I’m cool about the Panda. I’ve never been to one. Target is too far to tempt me.

  65. Carin says:

    dre, I think questioning his patriotism would be racist.

    No. I’m sure of it.

  66. dre says:

    “I hear the two women in front of me talking about how “trashy” Sarah Palin is, how she comes from a “little backwater burb,” wears a “bun” and, being a “religious zealot,” is, predictably enough, “saddled with” a “gaggle of hick kids.”At which point I helpfully spoke up, pointing out to these two fine ladies that they were in the process of purchasing their bed linen and lampshades, along with a bag of sour cream and onion Ruffles and some vitamin water, at a fucking SuperTarget.”
    https://proteinwisdom.com/?p=13265

  67. dre says:

    “Comment by Carin on 9/19 @ 5:50 pm #

    dre, I think questioning his patriotism would be racist. ”

    Can I question his RACISM??????

  68. happyfeet says:

    I wouldn’t hate Target so much if I had an actual choice between Target and Wal-Mart and could choose to go to Target. But that’s not how things work in Los Angeles. Or Chicago, for that matter.

  69. Carin says:

    Happy, I’ve only got Wal-Mart and Meijer. Target is at least twenty miles from me.

  70. We’ve got Target, Meijer, and Walmart here. Plus one of the surviving KMarts.

  71. SteveG says:

    Huh.

    First I find out Raines is black and now this.

    I mean, obviously if the Obama campaign were to allegedly perhaps kinda talk to Raines on things economic they’d never discuss anything to do with housing. Because it is not as if, per se, ummmm, that Raines’ expertise such as… ummmm… is current in well, much else. “FIFTH AMENDMENT….”

  72. happyfeet says:

    I’ve never even heard of Meijer. oh.

  73. JimK says:

    I like to stock up on the cheap ammo at Walmart.

  74. Jonathan says:

    I pretty sure that band alone caused The Gay AIDS aurally.

  75. Patrick says:

    If I were the Washington Post, I’d denounce myself.

    In fact, I denounce myself for not being the Washington Post. Print it!

  76. geoffb (JARAIP) says:

    Meijer is the best. They have been into the superstore thing for over 30 maybe 40 years. Open 24/7. I’m prejudiced but working 2nd shift it’s nice to have a place open that carries darn near everything. Upper-midwest only however.

    Can someone tell me what the greasy part of “greasy union worker” is/means. I’ve never been union but my job gets me covered in grease (mixed with dirt to make it black)at times. Does it mean like an “oily” personality I hope.

  77. geoffb (JARAIP) says:

    “We’ve got Target, Meijer, and Walmart here. Plus one of the surviving KMarts.”

    My town too.

  78. I need to rip all these cds still.

    you should, um, mail them to me and I’ll rip them. or there are companies that will do it. but they expect payment. I’d just be happy with all the free music because I doubt our tastes overlap much. (except for maybe the A-Teens cd I found for two dollars a few weeks ago.)

  79. MAJ (P) John says:

    I have one not-very-good AAFES PX here…I’d kill for a Target or A Meijer.

  80. Rusty says:

    #77
    Plus! Just walking around one qualifies as a mile hike! Meijers are good. Yep.

  81. Blitz says:

    Target? LOL!!! Funny story…as some of you are aware, I’m just a lowly mechanic (who happens to own 2 shops, but I digress). About 5 years ago, a Target opened here in Framingham, and was having a sale on just about everything, so I went with my 2 girls.

    Now, I had long hair back then, down beyond the shoulder blades. And, as I was just getting out of work, hadn’t had time to shower. I forget what it was we did that day, but yeah, I was pretty scummy…

    So anyhow, we walked in, and the girls wanted a new video game, so we went there first. Some puke in an ugly suit (looked like a bad tapestry) came up and asked what games HIS kids might like, so I pointed out a few, not thinking anything at the time…Until he followed us to housewares…

    Now I’m thinking this guy is a pervert…He’s following 2 young girls and me. So I pick up my trash barrel and dish pan, and attempt to leave quickly. While checking out, this guy follows us!

    Suffice it to say? Security was there ‘en masse’ (is that right?) Turns out the pervert was a manager that just KNEW I was there to shoplift. The turned me and my girls inside out in a back office but never once called the cops. For some odd reason, I’ve never gone back…

  82. happyfeet says:

    oh. You should have written a letter. I hope you wrote a letter.

  83. Blitz says:

    Nah Happy, I’m not into writing. I just called the cops when we got out of there. If I’m remembering correctly, they said “We’ll look into it and get back to you” Never did, never will.

Comments are closed.