Re: Explanation For The Phone Company Denials

1

I bet the SEC would fast-track a proposal for one of the cooperating companies to buy out Qwest.

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2

What about the conveniently-timed (issued May 5, effective May 12) presidential memo that says companies can lie without penalty (under securities law) if authorized by a federal department director (such as Negroponte) about matters relating to "national security"? On Friday they get permission to lie without penalty, and suddenly there are denials the following Monday.

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3

Also possible.

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4

Speaking of the SEC, Mr. B. has a theory that what's behind eBay having acquired Skype is someone's desire to have an American "handle" on Skype communications.

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5

Speaking of gagging me with a spoon:

"When it comes to 'speaking truth to power,' I will lead CIA analysts by example,'' Hayden, deputy director of national intelligence, said in opening remarks. "I will—as I expect every analyst will—always give our nation's leaders our best analytic judgment.''

Makes me want to speak fist to nose.

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6

I was trying to decide between fatuous and unctuous, and then I thought, why not both?

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7

Funktuous!

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8

"Funktuous" sounds too much like praise. "Fanctuous", maybe.

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9

Funktuous!

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10

Umm, terrorists only make long distance calls?

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11

Stanktuous?

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12

Only terrorists make long distance calls?

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13

I think this might just be it. Kinda like Charles Manson didn't actually kill anybody.

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14

If that's it, Bell South can bite me.

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