For weeks, Republicans have questioned the wisdom of closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. President Barack Obama plans to transfer the approximately 230 remaining detainees to other countries or to prisons in the United States. Responding to the Republicans, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told reporters on June 16, 2009, that it’s important to consider Obama’s plans in context with the overall number of releases in the past seven years.
“Some 500 detainees were released from Guantanamo during the Bush administration,” Hoyer said. We wondered if he was correct.
Indeed, government documents indicate more than 500 detainees were released or transferred from Guantanamo while George W. Bush was president. A White House executive order issued on the second day of Obama’s presidency said, ” The federal government has moved more than 500 such detainees from Guantánamo, either by returning them to their home country or by releasing or transferring them to a third country. “That’s backed up by a fact sheet from the military task force that runs the detention camp, which says 520 detainees had been released or transferred by March 2009……
Thanks MTM! At a bar watching the Spurs/Thunder game. I’m not used to surfing the web/twitter/TOD from smartphones…I may have put down a few too many brews already….
JERUSALEM — Israel and Hamas announced an agreement on Tuesday to exchange more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for an Israeli soldier held captive in Gaza for five years, a deal brokered by Egypt that seemed likely to shake up Middle East politics at a time when the region is immersed in turmoil. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel told his nation in a live address on television that the soldier, Staff Sgt. Gilad Shalit, who was captured in June 2006 at the age of 19, could be home “within days,” ending what has been widely seen in Israel as a national trauma.
I know 😳 Most of the reports were kind enough to the ankle-breaker, but jeeeeeeeeez, you do NOT make a challenge like that in a pre-World Cup friendly. The poor Italian fella, horrendous.
Oh how I love the internet, especially TOD, don’t need no Mitchells or Mathews or WH Press Corp. So many more smart and investigative people right here, thank you TODers.
I just comment at the bottom of the last post and Chips has a new one. Sure can’t keep up with Chips or this President. They are both awesome.
Wow, just wow. I have been gone all day, come home to this. What wonderful news!!!!! We have the most caring President ever. He really looks at the big picture while everyone else only looks at what they want to see.
Obama White House.gov
The Obama Diary 
It is when you have your son come home at last!
Can’t imagine the joy – but it shows in the parent’s faces
,,, and when you’re first on TOD! Congrats! 🙂
From bottom of last thread:
More than 500 Guantanamo detainees were released or transferred under Bush
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2009/jun/18/steny-hoyer/hoyer-correct-500-guantanamo-detainees-were-releas/
For weeks, Republicans have questioned the wisdom of closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. President Barack Obama plans to transfer the approximately 230 remaining detainees to other countries or to prisons in the United States. Responding to the Republicans, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told reporters on June 16, 2009, that it’s important to consider Obama’s plans in context with the overall number of releases in the past seven years.
“Some 500 detainees were released from Guantanamo during the Bush administration,” Hoyer said. We wondered if he was correct.
Indeed, government documents indicate more than 500 detainees were released or transferred from Guantanamo while George W. Bush was president. A White House executive order issued on the second day of Obama’s presidency said, ” The federal government has moved more than 500 such detainees from Guantánamo, either by returning them to their home country or by releasing or transferring them to a third country. “That’s backed up by a fact sheet from the military task force that runs the detention camp, which says 520 detainees had been released or transferred by March 2009……
I tweeted both of the articles you posted. Also sent them to Andrea Mitchell.
Thanks MTM! At a bar watching the Spurs/Thunder game. I’m not used to surfing the web/twitter/TOD from smartphones…I may have put down a few too many brews already….
Again, ahem:
Eek.
Indeed!
It’s been a very good day, Andrea Mitchell, et Al, not with-standing.
Love this photo SO much.
Also Andrea Mitchell……where were you on this? 1,000 prisoners to Hamas for 1 Israeli solider:
Israel and Hamas Agree to Swap Prisoners for Soldier: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/12/world/middleeast/possible-deal-near-to-free-captive-israeli-soldier.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
JERUSALEM — Israel and Hamas announced an agreement on Tuesday to exchange more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for an Israeli soldier held captive in Gaza for five years, a deal brokered by Egypt that seemed likely to shake up Middle East politics at a time when the region is immersed in turmoil. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel told his nation in a live address on television that the soldier, Staff Sgt. Gilad Shalit, who was captured in June 2006 at the age of 19, could be home “within days,” ending what has been widely seen in Israel as a national trauma.
I also tweeted this. Great info.
The Chips, the Chips, the Chips is on fire!
🙂 How ya doin’ Mister?
It’s a fucking good day, that’s how I’m doing.
🙂 It’s pretty friggin’ good alright!
And Ireland broke an Italian’s ankle!
I know 😳 Most of the reports were kind enough to the ankle-breaker, but jeeeeeeeeez, you do NOT make a challenge like that in a pre-World Cup friendly. The poor Italian fella, horrendous.
H/T to LP
Ah, so true! And I always hate those ‘trades’, it’s like one Israeli life = 1000 Palestinians. This world is screwed.
You could look at it another way: Palestinians drive a hard bargain.
Yeah, maybe, but it always always always peeves me! It’s like the sum of 1,000 Palestinian lives = one Israeli. Ugh.
Heck No.
It is Smart. It Diplomacy 101. It is Peace.
Strength with Supreme Ingenuity.
Oh how I love the internet, especially TOD, don’t need no Mitchells or Mathews or WH Press Corp. So many more smart and investigative people right here, thank you TODers.
🍸
🍸
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Oh I love this one, Meta
Also the tweet on the last thread sympathizing with Obamahaters low ROI.
Love it.
Wonderful news today! Thanks Meta for capturing it with this great tweet!
Hi nath. So good to see you. That is a great one by meta. I think I go down and get a glass in celebration as well. HZ
Oh, Meta, that is great!!! Thanks
Very Cool, Meta.. Mahalo!
Excellent choice! 🙂
OH, YEAH!!
Oh HELL YEAH!
Another GQ
That is striking a Pose.
Another great tweet, Meta! You are definitely on fire tonight
nathakatun7!! Great to see you in real time!!
It’s been a long week. So much has happened – travel, science fair, interviews, resignations, death of great poet, prisoner release
Priceless!
Booyah!!!! 🙂
OH, Meta, you are on a roll. Keep them coming.
AlinaJo @ItsAlinaJo 8m
@mitchellreports PBO should have traded him for your f…ing husband!!!
——————————————————————————————–
My sensibilities had to do a minor edit
And:
Oh SNAP!!! ROTFLMAO!! 🙂
we think alike – I just posted that in reply to amk above 🙂
wow, so many threads. whatdidjado, steal and eat danny’s stix?
You sleep. We toil.
indian maharajahs. comes with the ‘territory’.
I soooooo need to go to the loo, but Danny’s asleep on top of me. Just thought I’d share that. Move on.
Question: why do voice over artists on Irish commercials not have very Irish accents? Been watching Setanta Ireland all day and that struck me.
Hmmm, not sure! Could be
(a) Ads are bought in from Britain
or
(b) That befuddling habit of Irish folk in ads feeling the need to sound British or American, like possessing a golden Irish accent is a bad thing.
🙄
Well duh-uh, move *him*. 🙄
But it’s just not that easy VC (busy crossing legs), he’s all comfy and cozy and cute. He’s undisturbable.
🙄 Just so you know, I have sometimes thought you are certifiable.
TMI alert
danny still eating my replies. FEED HIM, bt.
He must be completely digesting them, they’re not showing up in spam. Tasty?
wiw (I’ll let you ponder on that one) is that only I can’t see mine but others can. #conspiracy. #IblameObama
Wine Industry Workshop?
Wally’s Iron Works?
Wantonly Insatiable Wench?
what is wrong (with you) ?
Ah, I was certain it was ‘Wantonly Insatiable Wench’ – which I very much liked.
what is weird is ….
/smh /smh /smh
How can he be eating your posts while sleeping on top of Chips? How is that caninely possible?
mebbe bt is stealing them from him and then makes us blame the poor boy.
Ah…..
A damn fine question Hopefruit! My fella is capable of all sorts, but not post-eating when he’s snoring!
Fun fact: Tycho Brahe kept an elk who got drunk, fell down the stairs, and died.
O…….kay. Thank you LL. I feel enriched.
I won’t mention the dwarf…
I hope you’re not referring to the Irish President who had his bits sniffed by a dog almost as tall as him when he visited Britain?
To quote Spike from “Angel”: He’s a wee puppet man!
😆 You do be cruel.
Dog,
You have expressive eyes!
I just comment at the bottom of the last post and Chips has a new one. Sure can’t keep up with Chips or this President. They are both awesome.
Wow, just wow. I have been gone all day, come home to this. What wonderful news!!!!! We have the most caring President ever. He really looks at the big picture while everyone else only looks at what they want to see.
Now I can go and read all the posts of today.
I’m in the same boat, MTM.
Every time I think I can catch up, something significant seems to happen.
Love how PBO is tying up all the loose ends that GWB/Cheney walked away from.
And this will be a whirlwind, historic week.
Thank God for PBO’s wisdom, strength and stamina.
We are so fortunate to be alive in the Obama age.
Didn’t want to give her the satisfaction, but finally had to respond. Probably the most attention she’s gotten in years.
Barbs and Andrea had Alan Greenspan in common. Barbs ditched him and Andrea got him and dated him for about 10 yrs before they finally married.
Yes. AMitchell should retire. She stumbles, fumbles, and all she does is fake it and Comcast and NBC pay her Millions.
I forgot about the Alan connection. To which I continue to add: Eek.
That man….President Obama is one bad motha – shut yo mouth!
So happy for Sgt Bergdahl and his parents.
Ok, found out it’s the ffff. Sorry danny. #commenteating.
iz allwayz akusd in rong jus mi lif soc gos misin itz me!! tnx 4 ur sory akm woz reel mad coz didunt eet ur comints
egg.sack.lee, danny. eff the socks. She never had any socks to begin with.
New post! http://theobamadiary.com/2014/05/31/night-owl-chat-time-to-relax/