Ken Lay Dead?

Kenny Boy is no more, at least according to reports. Reuter’s reports he died of a heart attack at his vacation home in Colorado where he was awaiting sentencing for what promised to be a lengthy prison term. Details are sketchy at this point.

Now pardon me if I am skeptical, but unless I see the body, I won’t believe this. It’s just too damn convenient. Dies before sentencing at his home in Colorado. No witnesses, remote location, and next thing you know Sheik Kenny show up in Dubai living in the tallest condo in the world. Keep an eye on this story and if Jeffery Skilling suddenly "dies" we’ll know it’s all spin to cover their well lined pockets.

Prediction: Condi Rice As VP Before 2008

During the 2004 elections I was telling my friends that Dick Cheney was just holding the place until the GOP could seat a successor to Bush. That successor seems to be either Condi Rice or John McCain. Rice has been spun before the press in recent months in a variety of high profile stories showing her tact and capabilities internationally. At least that is the spin. What will happen now is that Dick Cheney will step down because of "health reasons" and Rice will be placed as Vice President by Bush. This sets things up nicely for 2008, with a viable incumbent VP and McCain in the wings.

McCain’s recent love-fest with Bush shows he has accepted their backroom deal and he will either be the Presidential or Vice Presidential nominee. This also lets the GOP deflect the blame for the scandal over Valerie Plame off on Cheney while leaving Bush and Rice relatively clean. At least that is the GOP spin-doctors view.

For me, it’s just business as usual for the GOP and the neo-cons. They will not let go of power unless forced to do so. They are intent on having a one party country and modeling us on the system that ruled Mexico for so long. One party, with ordained successors instead of real candidates. A defacto dictator instead of a President. That is utopia to the GOP. Don’t believe me, read the project for a New American Century website and mull it over.

These guys are beyond scary, and if they are not deposed in November, we can kiss democracy goodbye.

CIA Scraps Hunt For Bin Laden

Happy 4th of July! Time to celebrate our freedom, and time to celebrate that the hunt for Bin Laden is over! The CIA has closed their unit that was searching for Osama Bib Laden. The unit, called Alec Station, was disbanded last year and the agents working in it reassigned. The unit was formed prior to 9/11.

Apparently all that bluster about getting Osama back after 9/11 was more spin. Today, the CIA feels that focusing on Osama and Al Qaeda is not necessary, since they are simply part of a bigger picture.

What this reflects to me is that the CIA either figures Osama is no longer the power he once was, or they have moved on to more pressing and politically motivated issues. The CIA is fast becoming a politicized and that is not a good thing for the safety of Americans.

Bush Instructed Cheney To Leak CIA Operative Name

According to an article in the National Journal today, "Bush told prosecutors he directed Cheney to disclose classified information that would not only defend his administration but also discredit Wilson."

This would put Bush directly in the hot seat for outing a CIA agent as a retaliatory tactic. If true, Congress will have no excuse not to begin impeachment hearings to remove Bush from office for treason.

It's time congress did their job and looked into this serious charge. If they don't I would hope that the American people will call for their heads in November.

McCain Sells Out Completely - Bonds WIth Bush

How John McCain went from being a voice for moderation in the Republican Party to a Bush lapdog is a story of power and politics. Obviously he has sold out in exchange for a coronation as the new despot. Replacing Bush will take someone with no morals or conscience and complete intellectual ennui, and apparently McCain has decided he can become that man.

He has met with the White House three times in recent weeks and is being groomed for the candidacy in 2008, no doubt with Condi Rice as his running mate. Now this is just my opinion, but why else would he go from moderate to neo-con in a matter of months.

Ford Abandons Hybrid Vehicle Market - Breaks Promise

Ford Motor Company breaks it's promise to produce 250,000 hybrid vehicles by 2010 and turns back to alternative fuels. In other words, they will sacrifice fuel efficiency and low pollution for a promise of some "new technologies" that may be down the road.

This confirms my belief that the American car makers are firmly in the pocket of the oil companies and have no intention of making efficient vehicles. They will go the way of the dinosaur because of it, too. The public is fast tiring of the gas guzzling behemoths that Ford and GM spew and are ready for efficient and less polluting transportation. Too bad Ford is a "one trick pony" in their designs. The new model year will feature more big cars and SUV's just like last year, and the year before, etc.

It's no wonder GM is laying off 1/4 of their work force. They have no direction or vision for the future and seem content to ride the wave of SUVs until they end up shuttering for good. By that time all the corporate execs will have their golden parachutes and won't care.

The bright hope on the horizon is Toyota which intends to build yet another US plant and produce even more of their cars here. Toyota is already a winner with their Hybrid Prius and will continue to lead innovation and eventually dominate the US market. That's just my opinion. I don't own any Toyota stock, but I am thinking about buying some. As for Ford, they will go the way of their most infamous car, the Edsel.

400 British Companies Compete In Carbon Emission Clean-Up Challenge

Companies in the UK get it! 400 British companies are taking part in a 100 day carbon clean-up challenge. They are actively making and attempt to clean up greenhouse emissions and increase recycling efforts.

Wouldn’t it be nice if some US companies took this challenge. With the kind of competitive macho spirit that US companies have, this could stop global warming in it’s tracks. Guess someone just has to make the dare.

The companies in this country are sometimes like kids on a playground, who won’t do anything unless their manliness is challenged. Well here’s a challenge, which big corporations have the cajones to dare other companies to compete in a USA carbon clean-up. Between the nationalist pride thing and the who has the bigger balls, we should be able to do it too.

Sweden To End Oil Dependency

Sweden has taken the lead in the global battle against fossil fuels. Sweden's government has revealed an ambitious plan to break the country's dependency on oil by 2020. Prime Minister Goran Persson may have raised a few eyebrows, but he seems sincere in his pledge, "We will not be rid of oil by 2020. However, we will not be dependent on oil in any sector, in the sense that there will not be alternatives."

Looks like at least someone in the world is taking Global Warming seriously.

Orin Hatch Believes Flag Burning Most Pressing Issue Before Congress

Glad to know the Senate has it’s priorities together. We have an illegal war going on, unemployment is skyrocketing, millions without health care, a President who is breaking law after law, illegal wiretapping, billions of dollars missing in Iraq, a Gulf coast that is still vulnerable and far from recovered after Katrina.

I could go on ad-infinitum, but I would be sorely mistaken in Senator Orin Hatch’s opinion. He actually said there was nothing the Senate could be doing that was more important than banning flag burning.

Does anyone but me see what’s going on? The Republicans are trying to tie the Senate up in useless debate that only panders to their base until the election. Their hope is that it will whip the religious fundamentalists into a frenzy and they will turn out en-mass to re-elect their Senators.

I think they have, in the words of W, miss-underestimated the intelligence of their base. They figure the average bumpkin from Kansas will see pictures of flags burning and rush to the polls. Well I drove through Kansas recently with a "Impeach W" sticker on my bumper. I was stopped numerous times, not by outraged locals, but by locals who gave me the thumbs-up or personally told me they agreed.

Let’s hope that translates to a Democratic Congress in November.

Oklahoma Judge Uses Sex Toys Behind Bench In Murder Trial

An Oklahoma District Judge has been accused of using a penis pump during a trial behind the bench. The Court reported testified she heard suction noises from behind the bench during a trial and when she looked closer she saw the Judge using the device. Additionally she said he had shaved his scrotum and masturbated during hearings including at least one murder trial.

Good to know that though Justice is blind, it still has a libido. All of this is coming from a state obsessed with people’s sexuality and personal lives. Time to start examining just who is sitting in judgement of the citizens of Oklahoma.

Bipartisan Criticism For Bush Signing Statements

Comparing Bush's use of signing statements to cherry pick which laws he will obey was compared to "crossing his fingers behind his back" by Patrick Leahy. The unprecedented use of "signing statements" as a form of line-item veto has fallen under intense scrutiny and has many in Congress on both sides of the aisle, doubting it's legality. Bush has used this tactic more than 750 times, more than any other President in history.

"I've never seen anything like it," said Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (Vt.), the
committee's ranking Democrat, calling the practice "a grave threat to our
constitutional system of checks and balances."

And So Begins The Hype For Rice Nomination

Chris Mathews must have read the daily talking points memo from the GOP before doing a puff piece on the sterling qualities of Condi Rice. Calling her leadership the kind that appeals to the middle, he positively gushed over her, forgetting the numerous lies told by her regarding the Iraq WMD spoof.

This is obviously a beginning of a campaign to make her look presidential or at least vice-presidential. In reality Rice is a tool of the party who goes along with whatever lies she is instructed to spout. She is little more than a lackey for the administration who will not question authority. Perfect stuff for a GOP president.

Former Bush Aide Says Pre-War Intelligence On Iraq Was "Crap"

A former Assistant Secretary of State for the Bush administration warns Congress to "not accept the crap we give you". He is referring to intelligence reports that preceded the Iraq war. His admonition was in reference to Congress blindly taking whatever the Administration dishes out without question, a policy that led to numerous missteps including approving the invasion of Iraq.

It is a sign that the rubber stamp congress is powerless and impotent. Their job is only to approve anything Bush rules. We are under a defacto dictatorship and nobody is protesting. That is a really bad sign. One party rule leads to massive corruption. If you want proof look at Mexico before the PAN broke the PRI’s grip on the country for 75 years. A one party system is what the Soviet Union was built on and look what happened to it.

Funny, when I was in school, they taught about the checks and balances of our system of government. The three independent branches that assure than no despot can rule us. Guess the founding fathers never came across Karl Rove and the Neo-Cons? They have steamrollered over our democracy and the press has remained silent, cowardly regurgitating anything they get in the form of a press release from the White House.

It is sad to see our once great democracy end this way. In the hands of incompetent criminals, bent on lining their pockets before they retire to Dubai or wherever rich crooks retire. I am glad I have no children to inherit this mess. I only hope I can do something to forward the cause of democracy and encourage people to vote like their lives depended on it. They do.

Bush Believes There Is A Debate On Global Warming, And Other Myths

In a stunning display of ignorance the President claimed there was still a "real debate" over global warming. On other topics he of course believe "intelligent design" is a viable alternative to evolution. This administrations intense hatred of science is dumfounding. How can our country move into the 21st century with a population that is home schooled, taught creation myths as fact and falls prey to every industrial press release. We are raising a nation of uncritical thinkers with little curiosity and even less common sense.

Next Bush will be asking the "Flat Earth" crap be included in our science curriculums. Enough is enough! It’s time to put science back in the classrooms and religion back in our churches and this poor excuse for a president in jail. Democrats really need to capitalize on the criminal acts and downright stupid things Bush and his rubber stamp congress have been doing or there is no hope.

Warren Buffet The Philanthropist - Really!

Warren Buffet, mastermind behind Berkshire Hathaway has decided to really enjoy his wealth, by giving it away. He announced he is going to divest himself of about 85% of his fortune and pledged it to several charities, including a large chunk to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

In the past I found Mr. Buffet a shrewd and successful businessman, his politics seemed fairly middle of the road. Today, he becomes on of the leading humanitarians in the world. Wouldn't it be nice if his actions and those of Bill and Melinda Gates inspired other people of untold wealth to use their riches to benefit mankind? What an amazing difference that would make in the world.

As a Christian, I am humbled by his actions. Whether intended or not his gifts will touch the lives of millions in ways that Jesus would have found delightful. Mr. Buffet is doing God's work even if he doesn't realize it. He is making his life a blessing and that is worth more than any stock portfolio.

Times Spouts - Cheney Pouts

The New York Times printed the story about the Government data-mining bank records of international transactions because it felt it was newsworthy to the American people. Dick Cheney was offended. No surprise, since there are many legal questions about the data vacuum he and the NSA have set up to suck up every bit of personal data on everyone.

For nearly five years the Government has been covertly scanning all transactions using the huge financial data base called Swift in Belgium. This matter has gotten world attention for it's brash and questionable practice, but Cheney claims it "plays into the enemies hands". One has to begin to wonder who the enemy is.

This administration has exhibited an unprecedented level of secrecy and uses tactics that are arguably illegal by both domestic and international laws. Any wonder the press has finally woken up and started to take notice?

Government Plans To Draft Medical Personnel

According to information posted on the Selective Service website, there is a plan in place to draft medical personnel between the ages of 20 and 45. Here is a quote from the plan:

No portion of the plan is designed for implementation in peacetime. If
implemented, HCPDS would:

Provide a fair and equitable draft of doctors, nurses, medical
technicians and those with certain other health care skills if, in some future
emergency, the military’s existing medical capability proved insufficient and
there is a shortage of volunteers.

Since we are constantly being told we are "at war" I think this should be taken very seriously.

Tony Snow Calls Helen Thomas A Heckler

Amazingly when repeatedly asked to give the legal justification for the latest Government snooping of financial records, Tony Snow, White House Press Secretary told Helen Thomas to "stop heckling".

For those who may not know, Helen Thomas is the Senior White House Correspondent and perhaps one of the most respected journalists and columnists in the country. Snow, a former anchor at Fox News, failed to give an answer to Helen's question, using the old right-wing trick of slinging accusations at people who ask tough questions.

His response is typical of the White House these days, with their "you are either with us or against us" attitude. Embarrassing questions will continue as more Bush shenanigans are revealed, so Snow had better get used to being "heckled".

Santorum Dresses Up For Gay Pride

From his wardrobe, one would think Rick Santorum was trying out for a spot on Queer Eye for the Straight Senator. The bright pink tie and pastel coat really do look festive, but only "old school" gays would wear colors that are so déclassé. Perhaps it was his tribute to Gay Pride Month?

Well I for one say bravo missy! You go girl and dress as loud and tacky as you want.

Ann Coulter Makes Death Threat Against John Murtha

Ann Coulter in a moment of outstanding poor judgement threatened the life of John Murtha. Making the following statement in one of her recent columns, "I dedicate this column to John Murtha, the reason soldiers invented fragging." Fragging is the practice of assassinating a military superior via a grenade or other weapon that ostensibly should appear as an accident.

Threats against government officials should be taken seriously and I would suggest the FBI and Homeland Security to detain Ms. Coulter until an investigation can be made into her threats.

Time For Acton On Health Care - 14% have No Insurance

According to the latest report almost one in every 7 people lack health insurance in this country. Slightly more than 14% which is only a little lower than in 2004. Additionally, almost 9% of children in the US have no health insurance. These figures are from the National Center for Health Statistics.

These statistics are part of the picture of a nation where a greater and greater amount of wealth is moving to the top 1% of the income bracket. It is a picture of an ailing country where only those with money can enjoy good health. This more the kind of thing I would expect to see in a country like Mexico, except that there they have a National Health Care plan. In fact the United States is the only major industrialized country in the world without public health care.

Some disturbing facts about US health care:

• The World Health Organization’s latest survey ranks the quality of U.S. health care 37th in the world.
  
• US infant mortality rate is higher than 42 countries, including tiny countries like Cuba, Andorra and Slovenia.
  
• Americans spend 16% of their income on health care, more than Canada (10%) or Switzerland (8%)

It’s time to take the message to Washington, and we have to be loud, because the health care lobby and drug lobby will try to drown out our voices with dollars. Let your representative know that Health Care is important and you are watching their votes on this issue. Encourage them to come up with a Single Payer Plan of National Health Insurance.

No WMD In Iraq? Make Some Up

Rick Santorum took the mic in the senate today to make the announcement that we had found the WMD's in Iraq!

Oh? He clarified his statement saying that they had found over 500 weapons with degraded mustard or sarin gas. If that sounds a little fishy, it is. Here is what the Bush Administrations own inspectors said:

"While a small number of old, abandoned chemical munitions have been
discovered, ISG judges that Iraq unilaterally destroyed its undeclared chemical
weapons stockpile in 1991. There are no credible indications that Baghdad
resumed production of chemical munitions thereafter, a policy ISG attributes to
Baghdad's desire to see sanctions lifted, or rendered ineffectual, or its fear
of force against it should WMD be discovered."

In other words, we found nothing new, we are just reframing it and lying to get some play on FOX news.

The GOP has shown a disturbing willingness to make stuff up when they need a boost in the polls, and here is a prime example. Santorum is sagging at home so he spouts a BIG LIE and hopes it plays well in King of Prussia, PA.

George Bush Defaces Flag

While in Vienna, Austria, President Bush took time to autograph small American flags, and in doing so defaced the flag of the United States of America. Good thing congress is trying to pass an amendment to prevent this kind of desecration. Here's the current law regarding the flag.

More on AmericaBlog.com.

ATT Will Track Your Viewing Habits And Share That Info

According to stories on Raw Story and SFGate.com, ATT has rewritten it's privacy policy to allow for tracking of everything from call records to TV viewing habits. The later is prohibited for cable and satellite television providers, but I guess for the new "improved" Ma Bell it's OK.

Here's the kicker, if you don't agree to the changes, no soup for you! Consumers must agree to the policy for service. Another big business blackmail against American consumers. The move will give ATT easier excuses to share info with the government and anyone else it deems "to protect its legitimate business interests, safeguard others, or respond to legal process."

So about that soft core movie you watched last Saturday night? For a price we can keep it "secret".

Taliban Makes Full Recovery - Evil Doers May Be Winning

Freedom is on the March? Well not exactly! In Afghanistan, the Taliban, (remember those "evil doers") have made a full comeback and are filling the vacuum left by the teetering Afghani government. According to ABC news, "The United States military is quietly carrying out the largest military offensive in Afghanistan since U.S. troops invaded the country in 2001."

This of course is not being heralded by the Bush Administration since it would make them look weak, and for Bush, appearance is everything. Speaking of the Taliban, wonder what ever happened to Mullah Omar or more importantly Osama Ben Ladin? Guess those "evil doers" are off the Bush radar for now.

Pentagon Seeks To Maim More Children - New Land Mines In Development

What used to be a great country has become a rogue nation. My case is supported by the Bush Administrations latest flaunting of international norms. The Pentagon is pursuing a new generation of landmines. Ten years ago our President, Bill Clinton made the pledge to, "aggressively pursue an international agreement to ban the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines."

To date we have moved no closer and in fact are expanding these immoral weapons. Enough is enough; someone will bring this rogue Administration to justice. I expect war crimes trials if they ever leave office.

Rumsfeld Believes He Is Above The Law

As he was sworn in for hearings in the biggest defense procurement boondoggle in quiet a while, Don Rumsfeld remarked, "I find it strange…this law applies to me." The Washington Post has more on the hearings about the government squandering $30 Billion to rent tankers it didn’t need.

True to form for people in the Bush Administration, Rummy claimed he didn’t remember, was poorly informed, etc. All the usual excuses for someone trying to eschew blame for a crime. His statement about not knowing that the law applied to him is what I consider his attempt at a "signing statement", the kind Bush uses to circumvent the laws he signs.

GOP Loves Family Values - Like Underage Drinking

The Republican who won the contest for Duke Cunningham's seat, Brian Bilbray must really love family values. Of course his kids don't. Their MySpace sites contain pictures of them drinking and carousing with college friends. The problem? They are underage!

Yep, real family values on parade. Of Course if you are a Republican, you can pretty much do what you want as long as you are rich. Money trumps honesty any day. Guess Brian has been so busy he hasn't been able to impart any of those family values to his kids. Unless they include which brand of beer to get wasted on. From the photos, his daughter apparently prefers Miller High Life.

Dubai Still Running US Ports

Remember the big stink about Dubai World Ports running our port system? Remember Congress pledging action to stop it from happening? Remember Bush and Republicans quietly killing the legislation that would block the sale?

Well I remember 2 out of 3. That last one I don't remember. Why? Because it was snuck through the Republican controlled congress quietly so we wouldn't notice. Once again I have to stand up, open my window and yell, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it any more!"

Watch the movie Network if you haven't seen it in a while. It is truer today than ever. And while you are yelling, remember to go to the polls in November and vote these bastards out of office. The GOP must be defeated this fall or America will fall further under the heels of the theocracy that is creating a neo-fascist state in place of our democracy.

Another Freedom Gone - Now US Spying On Your Credit Card Bills

In a stunningly un-heralded maneuver the NSA is continuing to build the program Congress slapped down, Total Information Awareness. Talk about Big Brother! According to the National Review the program is back and bigger and more comprehensive than ever.

The program will track credit card purchases, car rental receipts and travel records. The new difference? All these records are open to the entire intelligence community with no abuse safeguards! Welcome to the Soviet Union circa 1960!

Another Dangerous Heterosexual - Homeland Security Press Aide

According to a story on Raw Story today, Homeland Security press aide Brian Doyle, and admitted heterosexual, carried on a conversation online with who he believed was an underage girl. It was really a police officer.

But that is really old new, what's more interesting is what he said. While chatting up his young prey Doyle stated that he had met President Bush and, "nice guy but not a good president ... he is not very bright and it is evident ... Bush is a liar ... There were NO weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Total lie to go to war."

So why don't these guys just come out and tell the public this, instead of hiding in their straight-pedophile closet and letting the rest of the country go down the toilet?

Need More Proof Of A Growing Theocracy In The US?

For those skeptics who dismiss the evidence of a growing theocracy in the United States, I offer this little bit. Congressman Lynn Westmoreland is co-sponsor of FOUR resolutions, each dealing with adding the Ten Commandments either to the Constitution or having them displayed in the Congress. Not surprisingly when asked to name them on the Colbert Report, he couldn't.

It's a very sad day when a comedy news show exposes the hypocrisy that is rampant in Washington and the "real" news sources continue to just spit out whatever is fed to them in press releases. Democracy is in big trouble, and a free press, more importantly a working press is our last, best defense.

Now Police Don't Even Have To Knock. What Is Happening To Our Country?

Not to be alarmist, but HEY! THESE GUYS ARE MAKING US INTO A TOTALITARIAN STATE!

Don't believe me? Check out the latest ruling by the Bush-stacked Supreme Court.

Police no longer have to announce their arrival, they can just break in and gather evidence with a warrant. Seems like a small thing when considering an unsympathetic scenario of a suspect drug dealer, but what about when they decide to seize property and evidence of political dissent. Already the Justice Department has started threatening journalists and it won't be long before they come calling on anyone who dissents against the Bush agenda.

November may be our last chance to take back our country. Vote for anyone other than a Republican! They must not continue to have absolute control over our government.

Now US Can Detain People On Basis Of Their Religion

What's next? Camps? I suspect that's the next step that the Bush administration and it's toadies in the judiciary will take to "protect America". A federal judge in Brooklyn yesterday ruled that detaining non-citizens based on their religion, race or national origin is OK.

The ruling comes from a lawsuit filed on behalf of hundreds of Muslim immigrants swept up in the weeks after the 2001 attacks. They were held for months, cleared of any terrorism charges but deported anyway.

"This decision is a green light to racial profiling and prolonged detention of noncitizens at the whim of the president," said Rachel Meeropol, a lawyer for the Center for Constitutional Rights.

What the F*%#?

Where did America go? Have we become Germany in the 1930's? Time to stop this administration from turning the United States into the US Reich. Vote these criminals out of office in November or you may not have a vote again. Think I am over-reacting? Check out this comparison of Nazi Germany to the present Administration.

BDSM As A Sport?

OK, this is the most lame brained idea I have ever heard. Check out the Denver Sanctuary's latest promotional idea. Having a contest to determine who has the most "extreme scene" at a dungeon party is not only foolish, it's a recipe for disaster. BDSM is not a competition sport, it is a manner of sexual expression. Trying to "out-do" others in the scene creates a false impression that more extreme is better.

In reality, better is subjective and extreme is in the eye of the beholder. Trying to look or be more extreme makes what I consider a deeply personal and spiritual experience a stunt. BDSM is not a stunt and if that's why you are into it, perhaps you'd be better served in dirt bike competitions or skateboarding.

From a strictly safety standpoint it could lead to unsafe play and really bad choices. The Denver Sanctuary should be ashamed. They are going to exploit the inexperience of novices who want to "make a name" for themselves at the risk of life and limb. Moreover, they cheapen what is not just a "lifestyle" but a life to many of us. They promise "bragging rights" for a year after the competition. I suspect those who will brag, will use assumed names or scene names for their bragging, making the title not only hollow, but hypocritical. Enough already!

When you have been in the scene long enough, everyone has had a scene that someone else considers extreme. Fine, that's a subjective opinion but it's not a tribute. The real measure of a BDSM practitioner is the response of their partners. If it's good for both parties, then it was a good scene. Otherwise it's just a sideshow or plain exploitation.

Now I'll get down off my soapbox and get back to having a good time, with people I trust in a safe, sane and consensual manner.

Congress Votes Itself Another Pay Raise

While millions of American's struggle with the higher gas prices and ominous consumer debt, our Congress voted itself a Cost of Living raise of 2%. That's a $3,300 hike in their salaries to a $168,500 annual total. This little item was buried in a back page of the Washington Post and not even reported in many news sources.

An attempt to block the raise was made by Rep. Jim Matheson (D-Utah) but was voted down largely along party lines by a 249 to 167 vote.

This comes on the heels of debate about raising the minimum wage. The current minimum wage is $5.15 per hour. Working a 40-hour week a wage earner would only make $10, 712 a year, well below the poverty level for a family of four ($20,000). With this kind of sub poverty wages, it is inconceivable that the GOP can speak of family values and traditional families. The mythical "traditional family" of yesteryear, where the mom stayed home and dad worked is impossible under the current wage guidelines.

A proposal that may or may not get to the floor for a vote was tacked on to an appropriations bill and would raise the minimum wage to $7.25 per hour. That still puts a head of household of a family four at $15,080, still below the poverty level. This amendment will likely be sacked before the bill is finalized, but at least someone is trying.

Our Congress needs to be held to the same standards they would hold us to. Though $168,000 is not a princely sum, it’s far more than the average American makes and should give us all pause. Remember these are the same congresspersons who regularly accept questionable contributions and perks like golf trips.

I would propose we put a brake on this elite group and peg their salary to the National Debt. The higher the debt, the lower their wages. We’d see a balanced budget and cuts in military spending in minutes.

Coffee Drinkers Have Less Liver Disease

Great news for Friends of Bill W! A recent study by Kaiser Permanente shows a correlation between coffee drinking and lower levels of cirrhosis. Apparently, according to the study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, drinking a cup of coffee per day makes you 22% less likely to develop liver disease, and the good news continues. For each cup over one per day the same benefits apply. Tea drinkers had no such results so it is apparently not the caffeine.

My suggestion, buy stock in Starbucks now.

Mary Cheney's Book Becomes Big Flop

Looks like nobody is interested in Mary Cheney's story. Her book sales are almost at 6000 copies and declining sales each week make it look like a real loss leader for Simon & Schuster Publishing. Considering she got a cool Million as an advance, the publishing house will likely loose money on the deal.

It is my sincere wish that Ann Coulter's latest rant will have a similar fate. Guess conservatives don't read?

Bill Kristol Proposes Bush Dictatorship

Yes, Fox News managed to get the most outrageous talking head yet. Syndicated Columnist and Reich Wing pundit Bill Kristol made this unique proposal on last Sunday's talk fest.

"Maybe we should have Supreme Leader Bush. I kind of like the sound of that."

Finally a neo-con who is getting honest with the American people. They really want a theocracy ruled by an all powerful dictator. Looks like we are already on the way there, with one party rule, hand picked political operatives as judges and an ever more intrusive secret police. Can goose-stepping be far behind?

Violent Crime Up = Bush Cuts Federal Funds

Americablog.com reports today that the FBI is reporting the first rise in violent crime in 5 years. Murder rose 4.8% the largest rise in 15 years. Not surprisingly this comes at a time when the Bush Administration has been cutting federal funds for programs to put more officers on the streets and aid local law enforcement.

So "tough on crime" is another fabrication. Talk tough, spend less. Great program!

Zarquai Death = More War

President Bush in an unprecedented moment of honesty actually said that violence in Iraq may escalate in the near future. Amazing! I am not sure if he figured it out himself or had coaching from Karl Rove, but it's the truth.

Zarquai may have been a problem, but he was only a named problem. There are thousands of anonymous fighters who will carry on with much the same effect as Zarquai. The difference is that they will not be framed as the "boogie man" that Zarquai was. That is the problem with trying to pin down the source of the insurgency as one person. It's not one person, it's a prevailing attitude. There is discontent with the ruling faction in Iraq and until that is settled there will be violence. The same is true in the middle east in general. There is discontent in the foreign policies of the west as it pertains to the middle east and until that changes there will be terrorists.

Sex With Animals OK In Alabama - Cruelty To Animals, Not So OK

Amazingly a man caught having sex with a 6 week-old pony in Linden, Alabama was not charged with beastiality. Sex with animals is not illegal in Alabama. (That explains a lot.) However since the pony died a few days later he was charged with cruelty to animals.

52 year-old Henry Lewis was spotted having sex with the young horse by four women. He refused to stop when confronted, and had fled by the time they came back with another man.

So why is this interesting? Well, Alabama is one of those states which just passed a ban on same sex marriage. Funny that screwing horses IS legal there, when many point to beastiality as the next step after homosexual marriage is legalized. Alabama seems to be ahead of the curve, as are 15 other states.

National Park Photo Op = Pay Up Please!

From the people who brought you the Iraq war, privatized security forces and privatized social security comes the latest. Want you wedding photo in a national park? Fee please!

Raw Story found an AP report that many National Parks and Monuments are charging a licensing fee, for photographers to snap pictures with the monuments as background.

Under a new policy that began May 15, the Park Service is requiring a payment of $50 to $250 from groups that hire commercial photographers to snap pictures at some of the 390 monuments, parks and historic sites it oversees.

All part of the new policy that National Parks have to pay their own upkeep. Of course if they were oil companies the government would be giving them barrels of bucks to "help them out" of a tight spot. Teddy Roosevelt is spinning in his grave!

Blogger Is Acting Up - No Posts Today

Blogger is giving me trouble. I will post tomorrow if it clears up, Sorry.

NBC Interviews Ann Coulter On 6/6/6 - Coincidence?

So I turn on the TV and there is Ann Coulter bitching about 9/11 widows and Godless liberals. What a great way to start the day on 06/06/06.

To quote who I can only assume is the Devils spokesperson:

"These broads are millionaires, lionized on TV and in articles about them, reveling in their status as celebrities and stalked by grief-arazzies. I have never seen people enjoying their husbands’ death so much."

Read more and watch the clip on ThinkProgress.org. And Happy 666!

Army Removes Torture Language From Field Manual - Torture OK Now?

Bush has moved from being the Decider to being the Deceiver. A story in the LA Times states that the new Army Field Manual will omit the specific parts of the Geneva Convention detailing the ban on "humiliating and degrading treatment". To their credit the State Department fiercely opposes this omission.

The story goes on to say:

"President Bush's critics and supporters have debated whether it is possible to prove a direct link between administration declarations that it will not be bound by Geneva and events such as the abuses at Abu Ghraib or the killings of Iraqi civilians last year in Haditha, allegedly by Marines."

I think it’s pretty clear what the motives are behind this omission. The Administration wants to sanction any behavior it feels is appropriate regardless of world norms. By doing this kind of thing, we lower ourselves to the level of any outlaw nation or terrorist group. It is little wonder the Bush cadre wanted nothing to do with the International Court, since it was planning to break so many international laws. That lessens the chance that someday they cannot be brought to justice and put on trial for war crimes.

American Bar Association Investigates Bush

The board of governors of the American Bar Association has voted to investigate the constitutionality of the more than 750 "signing statements" Bush & Company tacked onto laws when he signed them. These statements claim that the President has the right to ignore these laws when he sees fit.

Among the laws Bush has challenged are the ban on torturing detainees,
oversight provisions in the USA Patriot Act, and "whistle-blower" protections
for federal employees.

No other president has used this trick so often. This is part of the "Unitary Executive" hokum that the neo-cons are pushing. As for my opinion, it's a sham. What they are trying to foist on us is a defacto dictatorship. Caveat Emptor. The 2006 elections are critical!

Bush & Rice, An Item? Laura Moves Out!

Well maybe, just maybe the scandal that will sink this administration has struck. Seems Laura spent at least on night in a hotel last week. Additionally, seems like George and Condi might have a "thing" going on.

If it turns out to be true, I suspect the fundamentalist Christianists will drop King George like a hot potato. Not only would he be fooling around on his wife, but with a black woman! Gad, doesn't that just stir the old racist pot!

According to a New York Magazine article, Rice was reportedly overheard saying, "As I was telling my husb..." and then stopping herself abruptly, before saying, "As I was telling President Bush." That jaw dropping line may be the first leak in the biggest scandal of the Bush White House.

Kind of sad isn't it? Bush lies and sends American soldiers off to die in a war based on deception, he spies illegally on Americans, usurps the powers of the Congress, uses secrecunprecedentedented ways, and it's the silly sex scandal that will probably get him impeached. Such is Washington.

Let's Play "Find The Sinners!" The Fun Family Values Game

Americablog.com, one of my favorite lefty sites has invented a great new game. Since the Gay Bashing Amendment is being supported along party lines, and it is aimed at upholding "Family Values" it's time to take a roll call of the sinners who hypocritically support it.

In an effort to call them out, the blog is asking readers to send in sourced information on these supporters of Family Values to expose the sham. So far the list is growing quickly and the first winner is Henry Hyde, R-IL who was caught in a scandal involving a woman other than his wife.

Gee, it's fun to play. Log on and help out, but only if you are sin-free!

Ain't Theocracy grand!

Bush Blames Activist Judges - The Same Kind That Put Him In Office?

In an unfortunately not so rare occurrence Bush exposed his own hypocrisy in his speech supporting a Gay Discrimination Amendment to the Constitution. The Amendment which is largely a tactic to pander to the fundamentalist Christianists has little chance of seeing the light of day, so it is strange that Bush would waste time in his radio address to drum up support for it.
CNN's Jack Cafferty states it well.

He blamed the need for an amendment to ban gays and lesbians from marriage on those pesky activist judges. Activist judges seem to be the boogie man this week, and after all any speech by Bush has to have a boogie man. This president deals only in misinformation and fear. If he can't scare you, he can't control you. So today it's activist judges and those scary homosexuals.

If memory serves, it was those pesky activist judges on the Supreme Court that decided the election in 2000 which put Bush in office. Perhaps we need an amendment to protect the Presidency from judicial meddling? To quote from his address today:

"This national question requires a national solution, and on an issue of
such profound importance, that solution should come from the people, not the
courts."

Canadians Really Fighting Terrorists - Stop Bomb Plot

Canadian authorities arrested 12 men in connection with a possible terrorist plot. They seized 3 tons of ammonium Nitrate, commonly used to make explosives and said the group was inspired by al-Qaeda.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police conducted the raids, and as far as I can tell, the fact that Canada allows gay marriage did not hinder their successful operation.

New Orleans Sinking Faster Than Previously Thought

The Big Easy is slowly sinking into the Mississippi mud, a fact that scientists have been aware of for many years. The twist is that it seems to be sinking faster now than before, especially around the vulnerable levees that failed during Katrina.

Aljazeera reports that an article in the journal Nature shows satellite data confirming these facts. The result? Well, those levees that were being rebuilt to pre-Katrina levels will be even less effective than thought. Why do we have to find this out reading Aljazeera? Why is the government so cavalier with the fate of one of America's greatest cities?

Because we are a nation of sheep being led to the slaughter. Our alleged leaders posture and shout and do nothing. Bush signs some fake defense of marriage amendment Monday to try to write discrimination into the Constitution while New Orleans is more vulnerable than ever. Fake news shows will spend Sunday debating this and other non-issues to disguise the fact that our government is run by greedy, self-centered, millionaires who have nothing but disdain for the citizens of the country. To them the populace is nothing but rabble, to be tolerated and ignored.

Nero is playing his fiddle loud and clear. Hear that? It's got a slightly folksy twang, but the melody is clear. This empire is falling into ruin while it's rulers play us like cheap fiddles. Time to change the tune before we all have to pay the piper.

Another Heterosexual Attack On Marriage!

Candidate Jim Galley, a Republican, is running on a platform of "traditional family values". This seemingly benign heterosexual man has actually broken those "traditional values" by wedding 2 women at the same time. Bigamy appears nowhere in the pro-family agenda unless you are following the now out of fashion Mormon tradition of polygamy.

Galley claims his double marriage was a mistake, he thought he and his first wife had already been divorced. Divorce, another problem for someone touting "traditional values".

OK. Irony aside, why is it Republicans think the Gay and Lesbian communities are doing anything to harm marriage by asknig for the same rights as heterosexuals? It looks like the "straight"community has already done a bang up job of destroying the American family without us.

We Want AOL & Google Records - For...?

First Alberto Gonzales said he needed the Google records to protect against child exploitation and kiddy porn, now he says he needs the ISP records to fight terrorism. Which is it?

The real story is that the administration wants our records to instill terror in us. If we feel we are being watched, we will be less likely to speak out against their criminal activities. People who are paranoid of being trapped by an intrusive government are more pliable and less likely to resist government action. If you need proof, look at the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Phone taps, surveillance and monitoring our web browsing has the effect of putting he cabash on dissention. The first and fourth amendment and the entire Constitution is under serious attack today. If you don't believe it check out the last few statements by the FBI.

Another Predatory Heterosexual! When Will It End?

Yet another case of predatory Heterosexuals molesting our children! When will people learn that "straight" people can't be trusted to be in charge of our vulnerable children?

Concord police arrested and charged a former Cannon School history teacher Tuesday, saying she had sex a second time with a 16-year-old male student.

A repeat offender, and she was teaching school!

Homeland Security? Bush Cuts Funds To Many Major Cities

For a presidency that has pounded the drum of "security" so long and so loudly it really comes as a surprise that funds are being cut to the two major cities that have actually been hit by terrorists. Both New York City and Washington DC had their Homeland Security budgets cut by millions.

Cities like Orlando, which had no money previously did get a few million, but overall the picture doesn't look very secure. I understand that money alone can't keep us secure, but it helps pay for things and personnel that do.

The real agenda of Bush and Company is profit. Money that can be channeled into big contracts for cronies and their companies is expanded and money that would actually go to pay first responders is cut. It's simple, people are not profitable, buying machines and technology is profitable. For a marginal Trek fan like me it would seem that the Faringi had taken over our government.

Sign Of The End Times? Kansas Republican Party Head Switches Parties.

According to the Washington Post, Mark Parkinson, the state GOP chairman from 1999 to 2003 officially registered as a Democrat Tuesday in Johnson County, Kansas. Rumor is that he will become the running mate with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. Her Lt. Gov. John Moore (another former Republican) is retiring at the end of his term in 2007.

This move should send shivers down the backs of Republicans across the country. Considering that Rick Santorum of PA is currently running about 23% behind in the polls to his Democratic challenger, the situation in the Congress could change drastically in November. I certainly hope this is the beginning of a tidal wave of Democratic victories in the House and Senate.

Gore Calls Bush An Extremist, And That's News?

Finally, someone has the balls to call the Bush administration what it is: "a dangerous band of right wing extremists’. And who is it that dares to state the truth? Al Gore in a recent appearance in England. Why does it take Al Gore to stand up and speak the truth? Because the Democrats in Congress are either too impotent or cowed by blackmail threats to stand up and do the same.

Enough already! It’s time that American’s stopped lying to ourselves and saw these Bush and Company guys for what they are. They are as close to fascists as our country has ever come and unless they are stopped, now, we will become a failed state and vanish. The November elections are critical. Voting is not a choice it is an imperative. Say what you will about the Democrats, but they are the only hope right now. Third parties won’t cut it in the short term and if the Congress stays in the hands of the Neo-cons, there might not be another chance to change things.

And for those who find the above satirical artwork offensive, good. Maybe it will make you consider the potential threat an unchecked dictator poses to the world.

Just Which Way Are We Turning In Iraq?

Earlier in May President Bush hailed the formation of the new Iraqi government as a "turning point". My question is just which way are we turning?

According to the latest report by the Pentagon, insurgent attacks in Iraq are at the highest level in 2 years. If that figure is any indication we have turned down a really dark alley, and I fear the end will be full civil war. Meanwhile, our troops are over stressed and understaffed which leads to the kind of tragedy that occurred at Haditha. Even worse it leads to shabby cover-ups that become public relations nightmares for our country.

In the aftermath of the massacre, the son of one of the victims is seen in video footage crying to Allah for revenge. Another future terrorist is born. I pray that he will find peace in his heart someday and that his desire for vengeance will be tempered with peace and clarity.

May Allah bless us with clarity in these trying and testing times.

Dixie Chicks Back On Top

Their album, "Taking the Long Way" was number 1 on the Billboard top 200 chart this week. Just goes to show that speaking truth to power can be done and you can still have a hit song. The Dixie Chicks single, "Not Ready To Make Nice" is a direct slap at the radio stations that dropped their music after Natalie Maines commented in a London appearance that she was ashamed to be a Texan, referring to President Bush's Texas roots.

The album is full of fight and hard driving countrified rock sounds that will satisfy the Rock and Country markets. I bought my copy at Starbucks of all places, and apparently American's are ready to forgive and forget any comments made by the group, or more likely they have come around to the same point of view.

For me, I hope this album, along with the other politically themed songs coming out lately help turn the tide against the Bush administration. America is waking up to the fact that these criminals are trying to steal our freedoms and our country. I hope the new wave of protest music is the soundtrack to a new revolution. A revolution that manifests itself at the ballot box in November and takes back the House and Senate so we can take back our country.

Free Speech? Not When It Criticizes The Government!

As we move closer and closer to the Orwellian world of 1984, the recent decision by the Supreme Court reflects the desire by the Bush administration to have uncheck and absolute power. Government whistleblowers no longer are protected by the 1st Amendment and can suffer retaliation by their employers. In other words the government can fire anyone who disagrees with whatever shenanigans they choose to do.

Of course in the world of "doublespeak" Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote for the majority that citizens would fare better taking their complaints to the public rather than up the chain of command. In other words, you have to step outside your role as a government employee and take your message directly to the public. Then your employer would be free to officially kick you out into the public for spilling the beans.

The whole ruling makes things very confusing for potential whistle blowers and the courts. That is exactly what the Bush administration wants. Confusion will lead to inaction and less oversight of dirty dealings and improprieties.

This is another step toward what the neo-cons so dearly want, a unitary executive. A President with unlimited power that no one can stop. In my dictionary, that is a dictator, and that is precisely what the framers of the Constitution wanted to avoid by separating the powers and providing checks and balances in the government. Another big step toward dictatorship happened last week with the unprecedented invasion by the FBI of a Congressman's office.

Get ready, because there will undoubtedly be more of these chips by the administration at the Constitution. Their goal is to undermine any constitutional challenge to the powers of the Presidency, and with it to undermine the whole principal upon which our country is founded.

I urge you to write your Congressperson and encourage them to retain their powers as your elected officials. They must investigate this administration and it's abuse of the constitution before it is too late and they relinquish their power to do so.

"Killers For Jesus" The Christian Jihad Game

So the purpose of the Purpose Driven Church is to sell violent video games. At least that is what it appears in the first product released by Left Behind Games, "Left Behind: Eternal Forces".

The company has at least one officer who serves on the board of Rick Warren's megachurch. Warren, author of "The Purpose Driven Life" is a proponent of Dominionism a doctrine that promotes a theocratic government among other ideas. Author Tim LaHay is also involved in the game company.

This is a less than stealthy tactic to train young people in intolerance and hatred. I somehow fail to see where Jesus ever taught these ideas, and feel sure that if presented with this game he would puke. Jesus never advocates "blowing away" non-believers, nor does he endorse violence.

It seems to me that the makers of this new game are far closer to the dark side than anything to do with the "Prince of Peace".

Ken Lay And Jeff Skilling – Good Bye And Thanks For All The Campaign Contributions

This week when "Kenny Boy" Lay and Jeffery Skilling were convicted my friends expressed surprise. They expected the Washington political machine to somehow delay the trial for so long it would be irrelevant or that Bush would pull the right strings and let them walk. Though I am still not convinced that Bush in his final days might not pardon both of them, I was not surprised by the guilty verdicts. Their appeal chances look slim as well.

Lay and Skilling are damaged goods to the GOP. They are no longer powerful, and they are tainted with the stench of scandal. The GOP and more specifically Bush has dropped them like hot potatoes. That was evident when the Enron scandal first broke. Bush, who had been so chummy with Lay as to give him the moniker Kenny Boy, acted as if he had only met him at a cocktail party.

Why the cold-shoulder? Because Bush and Company are opportunists and power brokers. You are only as useful as your money and votes. If you no longer serve their purposes, you are persona non-gratis. They are in it for the money and power and there to make more money for their backers. Those backers, Halliburton, Carlyle Group, Boeing, Mobil/ Exxon and the other companies should take note. Make one big mistake and you are gone. Thanks for the money and help, now swim for yourself.

Jack Abramoff was a regular visitor at the White House, but the scandal makes him suddenly a nobody. His leverage is that he has rolled over and is spilling the beans on the whole gang. Had Ken Lay disclosed what really went on in those energy policy meetings at the White House, he might have leverage too. Blackmail, money and power all speak in the Bush and company world. I suspect that all these wiretaps and phone record probes will eventually reveal that the administration has been using them to blackmail lawmakers and keep them in line.

The more I look at the situation in Washington, the more I think Bush and Company has modeled their administration on the family of Don Corleone. And now, they kiss Lay and Skilling, whispering in their ear, "you will keep our secrets or you sleep with the fishes."

Give Me That Old Time Religion And Phone Sex

Pillsbury Baptist Bible College may sound like the place the doughboy gets religion, but it is a small school in Owatonna, Minnesota. Seems one of their students broke a few commandments recently by stealing his roommates debit card and then proceeding to run up a $2300 bill on a phone sex line.

The student made the calls from March 23 to May 13. That's a lot of phone sex even for a Bible College student. The strange thing is he said he made he calls from public pay phones. That's hardly the kind of privacy I'd want for phone sex!

Washington Post Features Republican Softcore?

When was the last time you read this in the Washington Post?

"Frist smiled and spoke unremarkably from the lectern, reeking of silverback testosterone."

It's part of an incredible puff piece on Bill Frist titled "A Doctor At Heart". It comes as close to romance novel journalism as I have ever seen. With descriptions of Frist in his " jungle-pattern surgical scrubs and a pair of hairy, toned biceps" and purple prose about "The stink of ape sweat and gorilla testosterone soaked his hair and clothes."

OK, this is a description of Frist volunteering at the zoo to help the vets with a silverback gorilla, but puh-l-eeze!

Nancy Pelosi Has Brass Balls - Thank God!

Looks like the Democrats have finally awakened, at least House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has, and she has asked William Jefferson (D-LA) to resign from the Ways and Means Committee.

Jefferson was the Congressman with the freezer full of marked bills that the FBI allegedly slipped him in a bribery sting. Now I understand many on both sides of the aisle are upset with the FBI for raiding the Congressman's private offices under what lawmakers of both parties said were unconstitutional circumstances. But I think the Democrats should hold themselves to a higher standard, and when one of their own is embroiled in this kind of corruption, they should seek his resignation until his case is cleared to avoid the least appearance of impropriety.

Call me old fashioned, but I think what is good for the goose is gravy for the gander. Time for our elected officials to play by the rules.

Pat Robertson - Snake Oil Salesman

From calling for assassinations to wacko interpretations of the Bible, Pat Robertson has reached a new low. He is selling snake oil, or at least recipes for it. His "Pat Robertson's Age-Defying Shake" is touted as giving him the strength to leg press 2000 pounds! ThinkProgress.org has the stats on how impossible that is, but besides that his own web site states that his recipe and it's benefits are a lie. The disclaimer at the bottom of the page states:

Disclaimer: Consult with your physician before starting this or any new
health regimen or supplement program, especially if you have allergies to any of
the listed or related products, or are under the care of a physician or other
medical professional, or have any other health problems. No specific health
benefit is implied or promised from this recipe. (Highlight is mine.)

I guess there is a fine line between a tent show revival and a medicine show, and the web has become the latest venue for it.

Help Block The Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment

Our Constitution was written to protect our freedoms not to institutionalize discrimination. The Senate has approved an amendment designed to discriminate against a large group of Americans. The so-called "Marriage Protection Amendment" is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to pander to the radical religious right.

More than 100 groups actively oppose this amendment and you can join the fight by signing a petition at Clergyforfairness.org. Help stop the institutionalized hatred of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Americans.

Pakistan May Hang Innocent Man - Great Allies, Eh?

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Crucifixion, Madonna and Leathersex

I love Madonna. I have to applaud Madonna for continuing to popularize fetishwear and as a Leatherman, I am gratified to see fetish clothing going more mainstream. But the singer always tries to push the envelope a little in each of her many reincarnation. The latest tour is no exception.

Madonna opens a worldwide tour with a mammoth production worthy of any Las Vegas showroom and the only thing that leads the headlines is "Madonna Hangs From Cross At Gig". I can hear the gnashing of teeth and rending of garments from the fundamentalists now.

They will scream Satanist; blasphemer and other lovely invectives and they will totally miss the point of the act. She donned a crown of thorns and was suspended on a stylized mirrored cross for the song "Live to Tell". The message, splashed across huge video screens of world poverty and hunger will be missed by many who only see any image of Jesus as that of a redeemer and personal savior. The same folks who will complain the loudest will likely be the ones who feel that being a good Christian involves only "accepting Christ" and spreading the Good News. For many Christians that Good News only involves the dispensation granted to us by ChristÂ’s death. Many will miss almost all the words that were uttered by Jesus in respect to the moral way to live.

Some themes rings loud and clear in Jesus teachings: make peace, feed the hungry, heal the sick, advocate for the prisoner, treat every human being as you would like to be treated, carry this message to others that they may know the good news.

Her point was clear, we cannot claim to be a godly people when we ignore poverty and oppression. The World Food Summit proposed in 1996 that world undernutrition be reduced 50 percent by 2015. The total cost would be $60 billion over 15 years, or $4 billion per year in increased spending. Only $4 billion! That is less than the record profits made by Mobil/Exxon last quarter. It is the cost of only a couple of B2 bombers or the cost of a few more bridges to nowhere in Alaska.

Wake up people! Artists and humanitarians use symbols like the cross to get our attention and to dramatize truths that need to be heard. Why should it take a pop star to shake the affluent countries of the world into action? After all, we had the Son of God give us this information over 2000 years ago and apparently that hasn't worked either.

Another Heterosexual Predator Teacher

A female heterosexual high school teacher from Virginia who is accused of having sex with two of her students, both boys in special education classes, was caught inside the home of her students. The boys mother found the teacher in a darkened bedroom with two boys ages 14 and 15, and though they were fully clothed, her conduct violates school policy.

The teacher, 35 year old Bonnie Davis now faces far more serious allegations: six counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor; two counts of sodomy and one charge of having sex with a 14-year-old.

This case again shows the danger of having heterosexuals teach our children. In a similar case a coach in Weatherford, Texas is accused of having sex with a female student. Though the student was 18 at the time this still is a violation of school policy. When will we stop putting these inherent predatory heterosexuals in charge of innocent children.

(Note for the benefit of the Religious Right, Republicans and others who lack critical thinking skills:

This article uses irony. It is a literary device used in this case to emphasize the fallacious arguments used by the radical right to paint homosexual men as child molesters. In both cases it is an un fair generalization, however in the case of heterosexuals, they far outnumber gays in cases of child abuse and exploitation. )

Bush's Brilliant Idea To Raise Money - Tax Teenagers Too Young To Vote

As part of his tax cut bill, Bush slipped a secret little provision that would shift more tax burden from the rich to not only the poor but to those too young to vote. A win-win for the GOP!

Contrary to what he pledged in 1999, he has managed to find a way to weasel money from teenagers who might have savings or investments in college savings funds. According to a story in the New York Times:

"Under the new law, teenagers age 14 to 17 with investment income will now be
taxed at the same rate as their parents, not at their own rates. Long-term
capital gains and dividends that had been taxed at 5 percent will now be taxed
at 15 percent. Interest that had been taxed at 10 percent will now be taxed at
as much as 35 percent."

Good to know that Bush still finds ways to stick it to a portion of the American public that can't fight back at the ballot box. So much for higher education, Exxon and Halliburton need that money more than they do.

Mounties Marry! RCMP Has First Married Same-Sex Couple

Dressed in their scarlet uniforms, Jason Tree and Const. David Connors will become the first married same-sex couple in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. I wish I could attend. I have always found the RCMP uniforms sexy as all get-out, and the idea of a couple of these brave canucks getting hitched really gives me goosebumps.

From the story in the Chronicle-Herald: "Provincial RCMP spokesman Sgt. Frank Skidmore said the force was happy to hear about the union, adding that theyÂ’re proud RCMP officers reflect all aspects of the community."

Now that's the kind of diversity this country could use! As with any married couple in the RCMP, neither partner can serve in a position of power over the other in the same detachment. At home, well that's a different matter.

Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment Hearing Locked Behind Closed Doors - Feingold Walks Out

Russ Feingold (D-WI) has a heated exchange with Arlen Specter (R-PA), chairman of the panel holding hearings on a proposed Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment. As the meeting was moved into a secret session he walked out in protest.

Seems the Republicans want to do their dirty-work in secret. As with most things the Republicans do these days, secrecy is the new "black".

As Big Oil Trys To Diss Global Warming - Time For Social Responsibility Amendment

As the film by Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth is set to premier in a few days the big oil companies have begun their campaign of dissinformation and rebuttal. No surprise, since these are the companies that have the most to loose if Americans wake up and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. They ignore the disappearance of glaciers worldwide and the rising sea temperatures and state that there are reliable scientists who claim that it's not happening.

That lie, and it is a big one, is wrapped in the message that carbon dioxide is our friend. The campaign is one of the most outrageous misrepresentations of science ever. "Carbon dioxide, they call it pollution, we call it life." That may be the most insidious tag line since some of the old cigarette ads that had doctors as spokesmen. In 1943, Philip Morris placed an ad in the National Medical Journal which reads: "'Don't smoke' is advice hard for patients to swallow. May we suggest instead 'Smoking Philip Morris?' Tests showed three out of every four cases of smokers' cough cleared on changing to Philip Morris. Why not observe the results for yourself?"

It's time corporations took responsibility for living on the same planet and in the same country as the rest of us. A novel idea is put forth by the author of "Left Hand of God", Rabbi Michael Lerner. His proposal for a "Social Responsibility Amendment" to the Constitution would treat corporate charters much like the FCC treats broadcast licenses. Corporations would have to renew their charters every 20 years and be reviewed as to their performance regarding the public good.

Every corporation doing business within the US (whether located here or abroad) with annual income of over $20 million must receive a new corporate charter every twenty years, and these new charters will only be granted to corporations who can prove a history of social responsibility as measured by an Ethical Impact Report. which will measure the company's sensitivity to the needs of the environment, the community, and its employees. The Ethical Impact Report will be compiled by 3 different constituencies: the corporation itself, the workers (under conditions of confidentiality), and relevant community organizations around the world who wish to present their case about the social responsibility of the corporation.

There are details to be worked out, but it is an idea well worth considering. Of course if the oil companies and others who pollute our planet could find a way to make a profit from clean air, then that would go a long way toward solving the problem. After all, the current American version of capitalism thrives on unbridled greed, profit = good. Apparently a few companies have found a way to make clean air pay. During a recent trip to West Texas I saw fields dotted with wind turbans, drawing power from the prevailing Texas winds. Not a bad start.

Until more folks can get involved in this renewable resource, I suspect we will be choked with more ads telling us to make as much Carbon Dioxide as we want... after all it's what makes plants grow! Oh yea, and it's also poison if taken in sufficient quantities, and it's helping to melt the ice caps.

Why No Indictments Of Karl Rove Yet? Just Wait.

Truthout.org posted an update on the story about the indictment of Karl Rove that was posted last week by Jason Leopold. They stand by their story and offer further evidence that they now have confirmation from other sources.

I am content to wait. I know Mr. Rove is pulling every string he can to avoid this but in the end he will be brought before a court. Keep watching the skies!

US Plans To Bomb Iran

According to a story in the Herald the US has updated contingency plans to bomb Iran if international diplomacy fails. The plan identifies over 400 key targets, many related to Iran's nuclear program.

So anyone taking bets on when we start dropping bombs? My money is on late October, right about the time it looks like the Republicans are going to loose both houses of Congress. Not surprisingly, I can't seem to get anybody to give me odds on that bet.

Bush Must Step Down

Bush must step down. Strong words, but not unprecedented. Nixon was persuaded to resign after the Watergate scandal blew up to epic proportions. The Republicans in Congress confronted the President and persuaded him to leave office for the good of the country and the party. Where are those kind of Republicans now?

With his approval ratings in free-fall and scandal after scandal popping up almost daily, I have to wonder if Bush reads or even cares about what the American people think. Bush has broken the law numerous times, the latest example being his domestic spying without warrants. He uses the unprecedented and highly questionable tactic of "signing statements" when he signs bills he doesn't want to follow as law, and he lies almost pathologically to the public. When will he be held accountable for any of this?

Democrats have thrown in the towel, opting to wait until the Republicans suffer a complete melt down. With the exception of Russ Fiengold, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi, they won't even use the power they have to block politicized nominees to the court. Though the 2006 election may give us a Democratic House and possibly Senate, what good will it do if they sit on their collective ass and do nothing?

Come on Democrats, stand up and call it like it is. Tell the Bush machine that its time is up. They have broken the country financially and militarily and it's time to reverse course. Why does it take John Stewart and Stephen Colbert to speak the truth? Isn't that why we elected you in the first place?

This fall, I will vote a straight Democratic ticket, not because I firmly support every candidate, but because I abhor what the Republicans are doing to my rights and my country. I want not only my country back; I want politicians who actually do something again. What a quaint thought.

Shades Of Nixon - NSA Collecting Info On Leaks To Media, Not Terrorists

So am I the only one not surprised by this news. The Bush administration is using the telephone records collected by the NSA to track down White House leaks, not Osama. According to Raw Story:

ABC's Brian Ross and Richard Esposito Report:
A senior federal law enforcement official tells ABC News the government is tracking the phone numbers we call in an effort to root out confidential sources.

And so all the talk about protecting Americans is a total lie, they are protecting their butts and using taxpayer money to do it. This administration will go down it history as the most corrupt ever!

Cheney's Hand Written Notes About Joe Wilson Turned Over To Fitzgerald

Dick Cheney made hand written notes in the margins of the New York Times Op-Ed column by Joseph Wilson according to a story today in Newsweek.

The notes, Fitzgerald said in his filing, show that Cheney and Libby were "acutely focused" on the Wilson column and on rebutting his criticisms of the White House's handling of pre-Iraq war intelligence.

This coming on the heels of news that Karl Rove has been indicted for perjury according to sources referenced by Jason Leopold of Truthout.org.

Watch the Sunday talk shows for hyper-spin!

Karl Rove Tells White House He Will Be Indicted

According to Jason Leopold of Truthout.org, Karl Rove told Bush and the rest of the higher ups at the White House that he will be indicted. He intends to resign when that happens.

Not much of a surprise to me. When Rove's position was changed at the White House last week, it was evident that they were already starting to position for damage control. Now he will be dropped like a hot potato. My hope is that he plea-bargains and fingers the rest of this criminal mob.

Let The Law Suits Begin! Time For Americans To Fight Back!

Verizon is the first company to be the brunt of public outrage over the revelation that the NSA sought and was given without a court order, phone records of all customers. Two New Jersey public interest lawyers are suing according to a story from the AP. The damages asked: $50 billion.

Bruce Afran and Carl Mayer, attorneys, filed the lawsuit Friday afternoon in Manhattan federal district court. On Verizon's part, the company declined to say whether or not it turned over any records because that information was "Classified". Sounds like the same defense used to stop the Justice Department from investigating the wiretaps. "ITS SECRET!"

Well that is not good enough. Claiming we can't tell you cause it's secret is not only lame, but since this surveillance clearly violates several laws it's a lie. Just because the President wants something, we are a nation of laws and he can't just get anything he wants and break the law, only later to declare it a secret. If he were a kid in grade school I could understand the petulance, but for an allegedly grown adult this is a poor kind of argument.

As for Verizon, their privacy policy on their web site clearly states:

"Personal information you voluntarily supply when obtaining information, purchasing products, or interacting with our advertising on verizon.com is not shared for non-Verizon purposes. This information is Verizon proprietary data and is not available for use to any outside company in this personalized form. Should any changes be made in the way we use personally identifiable information, Verizon will contact you via e-mail notifying you of this change and give you the opportunity to choose to opt out of such use."

I guess all bets are off if it's for secret stuff?

UPDATE:

Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a San Francisco watchdog group that has sued AT&T for its role in turning customer data over to the government. Let's hope it's the beginning of a flood.

Invade Iran - An October Surprise?

As the Bush approval numbers drop steadily (now 29%) and members of Congress on the Republican side begin squirming in their seats, I have to wonder if there might not be something really big coming. After all, when backed into a corner, unscrupulous people do unscrupulous things.

An administration that regularly breaks existing laws and claims that it "doesn't interpret it's actions as being illegal" could justify anything. Thus the fear of the October Surprise. Remember it worked for Reagan, and so these folks in power now, since many of them are really Reagan appointees might try it again.

Iran has long been the boogie man of our middle eastern foreign policy. Bush includes them in the Axis of Evil, and since he rarely changes his mind, he will go after them. Even conservative columnist Pat Buchanan suspects there may be some unexpected political play.

There is a pool going on amongst my friends as to what day we will officially start a war with Iran. My heart is on "never" but my money is on the third week in October.

OKC Tribal Fire Conference Notes

Sunday night I got back from Oklahoma City and a very enjoyable event called Tribal Fire. The three day conference put on by National Leather Association - Oklahoma City, featured a vendors market and three days of workshops for kinky folk in all areas of BDSM. As a presenter, I was treated like royalty by the organization and I am very grateful to them for all their hospitality.

All these conferences are great places to learn new information and to catch up with old friends from around the country. Since many of the presenters come from other states, the leather conferences are much like family reunions.

What I found interesting was that this year there were no protestors outside the hotel. I remember the first Tribal Fire event, when the Concerned Women of America showed up to demonstrate their moral outrage at the event. Strange that most of those protestors, were men not women. I made an effort to speak with them and before the event was over a couple of them and I had real conversations about spiritual matters and BDSM. They had no idea what it was really about, they just knew that the images of leathersex were dark and foreboding and that was enough. Surely, they thought ths must be evil.

As a practicing Christian and a progressive, I managed to speak to them in their own language, and let them know that our activities were not only consensual, but in my opinion, spiritual in nature. I spoke about how people involved in the scene communicated and connected at a very deep level. To me, that connection is a sacred act. Another human being allowing you to interact with them on such a deeply physical level requires trust. It is trust from the receiver as well as the giver, both working together to assure that the scene will be fulfilling and ultimately safe.

In a way I kind of miss the protestors at this years event, I always like witnessing to people. Sharing with those who have no idea what BDSM is the joys and benefits it can bring. On the other hand, I suspect that some day, a few of those concerned "women" will eventually find their way into the leather scene and they will be healed of their self doubt and loathing. God bless them all.

NSA & Bush Are Out Of Control!

For a long time I thought it was just me who thought the Bush administration was trying to consolidate power and become a de-facto dictatorship. After a few friends called me "crazy" I let it go. But now I have company. CNN's Jack Cafferty made the best argument today on TV. Crooks & Liars has the clip.

Watch it. Watch it again and then write Cafferty and thank him for having the guts to say what is really going on. With a goose stepping congress controlled by Neo-cons and a judiciary that is fast becoming a rubber stamp, it doesn't take much to envision an executive branch that can pretty much do and say whatever it wants. That's the "unitary executive" concept. That translates into "dictatorship" and it's time it is brought back into balance as our nation's founders intended.

Obergruppenfuhrer Delay To Resign June 9

Heir Delay will be stepping down not only as House Leader but resigning from his seat as well. Raw Story obtained a copy of the letter of resignation. Looks like Democratic opponent Nick Lampson will have a good shot at getting to Washington.

Delay, who is deeply involved in his own defense on money laundering charges has no doubt seen the last act of Götterdämmerung, Wagner's famous mythic opera where the Gods all march off to Valhalla as the curtain falls. Could it be that Delay wants to get there first so he will have a good seat to watch the rest of his criminal buddies as they arrive?

I love a good opera, and I think I hear a Fat Lady warming up for the finale!

Hey Laaaaaydeee!

Ooops! Wrong Jerry Lewis. This one is California Rep. Jerry Lewis, Republican chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Talking Points Memo reported that the L.A. Times story fingers not the actor but the Congressman from Redlands, CA. Looks like he was involved in the Duke Cunningham scandal as well. The government is looking into a possible connection between Lewis and his longtime friend Bill Lowery. Lowery, no surprise, was a lobbyist whose clients were awarded earmarked contracts by Lewis' committee.

Doesn't look like this Jerry Lewis will be nearly as funny as the actor, unless you are a Democrat watching on the sidelines as he gets to do the perp-walk.

Time To Start Laughing At Bush

As noted in a recent by AmericaBlog, Chicago Sun-Times commentary, the recent White House Press correspondents dinner was the first time Bush actually heard real people talking about his policies and his illegal behavior. Stephen Colbert not only was drop dead funny, he was honest. Now it's time for the rest of America to get honest.

When Bush speaks at public gatherings and makes one of his infamous "Bushisms" we need to laugh, laud and long and right in his face. He needs to know how bad a leader we feel he is and what an object of derision he has made the Presidency.

When Bush says,"We cannot allow our enemies to hold us hostile..." We should guffaw. When he remarks that , "thousands of OB-GYNs across this country cannot practice their love of women." We need to laugh so hard it hurts. Maybe humor can do what all the posturing and politics cannot. End this joke of an administration as soon as possible. The 2006 election will be critical. Let's hope we are all laughing afterward, and a little dancing in the street as well!

Bush CIA Pick Described as "Dishonorable And Without Integrity"

Russ Tice, whistle-blower and former intelligence analyst for the NSA, describes Bush's latest pick to head the CIA as "a lapdog" for the Bush administration. His harsh remarks come in an interview with Defensetech.org.

Tice went on to say that Hayden has lied about the scope of the illegal domestic spying program that Bush has undertaken and was picked strictly because of his loyalty. Tice attributes the demise of porter Goss to his occasional spats with the administration and sees Hayden as a completely complicit "enemy of the Constitution of the United States".

Another CIA Bailout! Can Tales Of Hookers Be Far Behind?

The CIA’s number three guy, Kyle 'Dusty' Foggo has resigned according to Raw Story. Speculation is running high that he might be implicated in the ongoing investigation of Randy "Duke" Cunningham. Foggo as well as "nine-fingers" Brant Bassett, who worked for Porter Goss at the CIA.

The 1999 party was attended by Foggo, Cunningham and a nine-fingered former CIA officer named Brant Bassett, who worked for Goss when the outgoing CIA chief was House Intelligence Committee chair. The scandal revolves around the poker party thrown by defense contractors Brent Wilkes and Mitchell Wade who provided suites at the Westin and Watergate Hotels complete with prostitutes.

Bush Approval Slides Again!

If it weren't enough that Porter Goss will probably be implicated in the unfolding prostitution scandal, Bush hit a new record, 31% approval rating according to USA Today. Even among the strongest supporters of the President , Republicans, his approval rate has hit an all time low. It seems that many republicans in Congress are wondering whether to distance themselves from Bush in hopes of not falling into the "black hole" of his unpopularity.

As gas prices continue to rise, the public feels less optimistic that they might escape any economic hardships, and indeed many are already feeling the pinch. In many states the price of regular is above $3.00 per gallon yet auto-makers continue to churn out SUVs and gas guzzling cars. Why? According to auto industry expert Erich Merkle, "the price would have to top $4.00 per gallon in the next 6 to 9 months to affect SUV sales".

We'll see. Gas prices will no doubt affect cost of delivery for goods to stores and that cost will be passed on to consumers. The end result is that the middles class and the poor will be squeezed again, and that spells trouble for the Republicans in the fall.